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Category: Feature Writing

John Harbaugh’s Ultimate Mission: Dynasty

Why Can’t That Be Us?

John Harbaugh sat across the table from Ravens’ team executives and laid out a vision for the organization.

Harbaugh, then a little-known position coach and former special teams coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, talked about culture, and respect, and family and tradition. He discussed the values he wanted in his team, and shared the process it would take to get there.

In the meeting, he delivered a message that resonated with those in charge of the franchise. He talked directly and openly about winning championships. Multiple championships. Then he leaned forward and smiled.

“Why can’t we be a championship team?” Harbaugh asked during his interview in 2008.

July 19, 2013 | Baltimore Ravens, Feature Writing, Football, News, NFL

DeAngelo Tyson Overcomes Hardship To Reach NFL

DeAngelo Tyson will never forget his seventh-grade Christmas.

He wanted a CD player and a pair of black Air Force One tennis shoes.

Tyson put those two items on his Christmas list and handed it to Kim Lamb, his school teacher who gave him support while he was living in a boys group home.

“She got me what I wanted,” he said.

The shoes and CD player weren’t all he got. Kim and her husband Chris eventually welcomed Tyson into their home.

What started as a Christmas gift has turned into a new family.

June 15, 2012 | Baltimore Ravens, Feature Writing, Football, NFL

Ohio has a top-notch point guard

John Groce knew the kid had talent.

He had the raw skills — shooting, ball handling, quickness — but his understanding of the game caught the attention of Ohio’s basketball coach. It took only a couple of quarters, but as Groce watched from the high-school bleachers of an Illinois gym, he saw something special in the smooth point guard from Seton Academy.

February 18, 2010 | Athens News, Basketball, Feature Writing

OU junior steps up as big bat for Bobcats

The sparse crowd chats during a Thursday afternoon ballgame at Ohio University’s Bob Wren Stadium. Late-afternoon sunshine and comfortable temperatures make it a great day to sit outside, and the fans put more interest into their side conversations than the actual game.

Baseball is just the backdrop.

Then, the conversations abruptly quiet and the crowd’s focus shifts toward home plate.

May 21, 2009 | Athens News, Baseball, Feature Writing

Ohio coach eats, sleeps, breathes baseball

Nothing on Joe Carbone’s desk seems out of order. Everything has a place. The desk mirrors Carbone.

It is as tidy as he is.

Carbone relaxes in his chair with his shirt tucked tight into his pants. With his well-groomed appearance, Carbone reflects the same clean-cut image he demands of his players on the Ohio University baseball team.

May 4, 2009 | Athens News, Baseball, Feature Writing

Career sports bettors battle the betting line

Joe D’Amico was already counting his winnings.

It was the fourth quarter of a football game a few years ago, and D’Amico, a professional sports gambler, appeared to have picked another winner.

March 30, 2009 | Feature Writing, Las Vegas Sun