The Edge of Sports

Milwaukee Wave-Local investor signs letter of intent

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Kurozawa) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:47:00 +0000

This press release came directly from Matt Schroeder of the Milwaukee Wave on Friday afternoon, on the future of the Milwaukee Wave

LOCAL INVESTOR SIGNS LETTER OF INTENT TO BUY WAVE
Staff returns to work Monday to continue ‘Save the Wave’ ticket drive

MILWAUKEE (July 24, 2009) – Milwaukee Wave owner/investor Charles Krause has reached conditional terms for the sale of the longest-running soccer franchise in North America to a local investor.

Krause announced July 6 he would relinquish ownership of the Wave after seven seasons. Front office employees were released July 15, but will come back to work Monday in an effort to meet conditions of the sale.

“Based on that expectation, I am calling the staff back to work starting Monday to work on increasing new season ticket sales to 1,000 as the immediate goal, against the ultimate goal of 2,000,” Krause said. “I have every expectation that the community, both individuals and corporations, will step forward and support the Milwaukee Wave during this critical period.”

A letter of intent was signed Friday and Krause said he expects to close the sale in about one week, provided the conditions are met.

A “Save the Wave” drive, launched July 6, has collected nearly 600 total season ticket pledges. Tickets are $200 each for the full regular season plus three School Day Games.

The Wave celebrated their Silver Anniversary last season, playing their 1,000th game on Feb. 1 against Chicago. For the 2009-10 season they are candidates to play in the National Indoor Soccer League (NISL), featuring longtime rivals Baltimore and Philadelphia.

“We are very excited about the possibility of the Milwaukee Wave joining the NISL,” said Dave Grimaldi, commissioner of the NISL. “Considered one of the premier soccer franchises in North America, and the longest continuously operating professional franchise in indoor soccer history, the Wave would be a great addition to the NISL. The Wave organization will have to pass the due diligence process set forth by the Management Committee, as well as hit certain new season ticket benchmarks set forth in the letter of intent; however, I am quite confident that both objectives will be successful”.

To participate in the “Save the Wave” drive, fans can e-mail a season ticket pledge to save@milwaukeewave.com, or call the office beginning Monday at 414-224-9283. No deposit is required. Fans will be contacted in the order of their pledges to secure a full commitment.

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Judas Favre??

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Kurozawa) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 23:25:00 +0000

Ok this will be the only time I really chime in on that guy from Kiln that is supposed to sign with the dreaded Purple and Gold on Minnie Sota.
One of my Twitter friends posted this link and I had to share

Milwaukee Wave future in jeopardy, Tozer startes Save the Wave campaign

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Kurozawa) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:24:00 +0000

Last week word started going around that the Milwaukee Wave and their Xtreme Soccer League were folding, then the team was taking a hiatus for the 2009-2010 season. On Monday the questions were answered in a press conference at the US Cellular Arena, but more arose.
Wave owner and principal investor Charles Krause, VP of Soccer Operations and Head Coach Keith Tozer and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett addresses the media and shed some light on the precarious situation.
Krause acknowledged that he is stepping away as the principal investor of the Wave after 7 years of involvement, a decision that has been in the works for well over a year. During Krause'e tenture as owner, the Wave's involvement in the community has dramatically increased through their Making Waves and Wave of Kindness programs.
Mayor Barrett offered his support for the Wave touting not only their on the field accomplishments, but what they have meant to the community.
Keith Tozer offered the most candid comments of the press conference, sharing the dire nature of the situation, but offering hope for not only the team but their fans.
Tozer, the winningest coach in soccer history, discussed the history of the Wave, going from a team that couldn't win a playoff game, to winning three consecutive titles and being called a dynasty, to once again losing in the finals three straight years, finally winning their fourth championship in 2005.
Tozer reassured that Wave soccer camps will continue as scheduled for the remainder of the summer, but that is a new owner is not in place quickly that front office staff would be laid off as of July 15th and the coaching staff and players on August 31st.
The call went out to the business community and Wave fans to help with their "Save the Wave" campaign, asking for pledges for season tickets to show a potential new owner that the fan base in in please. The pledge consists of $200 which would cover a 13 game home season, plus 3 school day games. The idea for the campaign came about in an emergency meeting called by Tozer, when he explained to the team what was happening. The goal in a two week period of to secure 2,000 season ticket pledges, along with a new ownership group.
Tozer shared that each of his players committed to staying with the team, through the remainder of summer camps and into the immediate future. Many of the players have started families in the Milwaukee area, including long time Wave veterans Troy Dusosky, Marcelo Fontana, and Giuliano Oliviero.
What a new owner will get in the Wave is a successful franchise,a team with huge community involvement and a winning team of quality coaching and players, but also a team that will have no debt. Tozer said a new owner would start with "zero bank debt and a clean slate". Krause stated that we would "entertain and reasonable offer for the team", offers that had serious financial backing.
Businesses and fans interested in making pledges for "Save the Wave" can get more information on the teams website www.milwaukeewave.com or by calling the Wave office before July 15th at 414-224-9283
To read more about this story, please see Charles Gardner and Don Walker's article on JSOnline here
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On a personal note, I am saddened to see what is happening to the Milwaukee Wave, but in this recession not totally surprised. We see the Milwaukee Mile threatened with being shut down, the US Bank Championship losing its primary sponsor after this year and rumors of the Bucks, Iron and Bonecrusher futures in question.
My family has enjoyed going to Wave games for the past 6 years, with my son becoming not only a huge fan, but a friend of a number of players during that time.
If the Wave is unable to find a new ownership group, this community would lose not only a hugely successful team on the field, but one of the most community involved teams in all of sports. Camps, school programs, school day games, hospital visits and more would all vanish from the landscape.
I am encouraging any Wave fans that read this, including business owners and leaders...make the pledge to Save the Wave. No upfront money if needed, you only need to pledge your support.
Also their must be someone or a group of someones that can step forward to purchase the Wave. We're not talking New York Yankees or Chicago Cubs type money. A minimal investment (in the grand scheme of things) could buy someone a great franchise and a great community partner.

One season begins as another one ends

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Kurozawa) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 17:33:00 +0000

This week marked an early transition, at least in my life as a sports fan, from one sport to another.

Saturday was the opening of the Milwaukee Wave Indoor Soccer season. The off season was interesting for the Wave, as they left the MISL, helped form a new league (The XSL) and saw four players go down with injuries.

All of that did not stop Coach Keith Tozer's squad from recording a season opening victory over the Detroit Ignition. Led by newcomer Jack Przednowek, who scored a hat trick, the Wave notched an 11-4 victory at the US Cellular Arena.

On to the flip side, the downslide of the economy and the stock market may have been surpassed by the second half floundering of the Green Bay Packers, who lost their 4th consecutive game and 6th out of 7 in a 20-16 loss to the Jacksonville jaguars.

Four short weeks ago the Pack was tied with the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings for 1st place in the NFC North at 5-5. Minnesota is 4-0 and Chicago 3-1 in that stretch, while the Packers are 0-4 and looking at a losing season, after going 13-3 and going o the NFC championship last year. With two division games left (Monday night vs the Bears and the final Sunday against the 0-14 Detroit Lions), could this slide hit 6 in a row and the season end 5-11?

On the positive side of football, UW Whitewater will make it's 4th consecutive appearance in the Stagg Bowl, D-3 football's championship game against Mount Union. The Warhawks lost the first two title meetings between these two powerhouses, before finally bringing the Trophy home last season, led by the running of RB Justin Beaver.

Watch for a new Edge of Sports podcast coming your way Wednesday December 17th.

Milwaukee Wave Season kicks off this weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Kurozawa) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:31:00 +0000

The Milwaukee Wave return to indoor soccer action this coming Saturday (12/13)at the opening of the Xtreme Soccer League (XSL) season. The Wave will play host to the Detroit Ignition to kick off the 20 game season.

The Wave will have a new look with returning veterans and lots of talented newcomers.
Some of the veterans donning the wave uniform again will be Troy Dusosky, Nick Vorberg, Marcelo Fontaa, Lovelace Ackah, Joe Hammes, Guiliano Oliviero, Brett Wiesner and Marcel Feenstra.
One name missing with be star forward Marcio Liete, who suffered a season ending knee injury during the first Wave practice.

The Edge of Sports has an exclusive interview with Wave goalkeeper Nick Vorberg on our podcast page http://theedgeofsports.mypodcast.com/2008/12/Edge_of_Sports_121108-166490.html

Rough football weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Kurozawa) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 22:32:00 +0000

Talk about two similar football games this weekend...meaning Wisconsin Lutheran vs Benedictine and Packers/Vikings. Conference foes, same record, similar styles.

Both WLC and Green Bay looked decent early on, faltered as the game wore on, couldn't stop the running attack of their opponent and in the end could not squeak out a victory.
Both quarterbacks were running for their lives from a strong defensive line that chased like a lion after a helpless animal.
Both defenses battled mightily to keep their team in the game...but in the end were unsuccessful.
In the end both WLC and The Packers has games that they should have one slip away. They now both are on the back end of a .500 record, something that could have been prevented with a couple different bounces of the ball over a series of 2 or 3 games.

Thankfully football is just a game and none of us let our lives get turned upside down over it...oh wait!

Wave announce 7 more player signings

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Kurozawa) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 18:46:00 +0000

FIVE ADDITIONAL VETERANS JOIN WAVE ROSTER
Trio had played in FIFA Futsal World Cup in Brazil; 2 rookies also added

MILWAUKEE (Oct. 22, 2008) — Five more veterans from the Milwaukee Wave’s 22-8 club of last year have signed Xtreme Soccer League contracts for 2008-09 and were assigned to the team. At least nine of the 15 roster spots will be filled with players who donned Wave jerseys last season.

“With those returning players, I think we have a great core of guys not only to ring in the 25th year of the Milwaukee Wave, but the first year of the XSL,” said Keith Tozer, Wave head coach and vice president of soccer operations.

Goalkeeper Nick Vorberg, defender Joe Hammes and midfielder Brett Wiesner all just returned from representing the United States at the FIFA Futsal World Cup. Vorberg posted a 17-8 record last season and played at least 1,400 minutes for the fourth consecutive season. He is 74-45 in five seasons with the Wave. Hammes, a Cedarburg native, recorded 20 points and 26 blocks in 24 games a year ago. Wiesner, from Brookfield, broke out in his third season with the Wave, playing all 30 games and tallying 37 points.

Brazilian Jonathan Santos shined after his mid-season move from midfield to the back. He had 23 points and 19 blocks in 23 games and recorded one of the season’s best goals against New Jersey on March 16, faking Ironmen keeper Tony Meola off his feet and flicking the ball over his outstretched arms.

Also back is midfielder Chico. From Chapeco, Brazil, Chico played in 16 games as a rookie and recorded two assists.

In addition to the veterans, Tozer has inked a pair of rookies. Marco Terminesi is a forward who played four years at the University of Louisville. As a senior, he led the team in goals (eight) and points (19) as the Cardinals advanced to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament. Travis McKenzie was a college draft choice of the Wave last spring after finishing a decorated career at Duquesne University. A midfielder, McKenzie was first-team All-Atlantic 10 as a sophomore and junior, and second-team as a senior. He finished his career third on the Dukes’ all-time scoring list.

“I’m excited to add two young players in Marco and Travis who have a lot of talent, goal-scoring ability, toughness and coachability, which has been a trademark of the Wave throughout the years,” Tozer said.

These seven players join Marcelo Fontana, Giuliano Oliviero, Marcio Leite and Marcel Feenstra, who signed last month. Additional negotiations continue, and Tozer will conduct an open tryout on Nov. 21 as he continues to fill out both the Wave and Wave Armada rosters.

The Milwaukee Wave open their Silver Anniversary season at 6 p.m. Dec. 13 with a home game against the Detroit Ignition. The inaugural season of the Xtreme Soccer League features Milwaukee, Detroit, the Chicago Storm and New Jersey Ironmen playing a 20-game schedule from mid-December through April.

Milwaukee Wave signs 3 veterans

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Kurozawa) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 19:23:00 +0000

From the Milwaukee Wave
Communications Department
FONTANA, OLIVIERO, FEENSTRA RE-SIGN
First XSL season begins at U.S. Cellular Arena as Detroit visits

MILWAUKEE (Oct. 3, 2008) Two popular veterans with more than 500 career goals combined have been signed by the Xtreme Soccer League and assigned to the Milwaukee Wave, the XSL announced today.

Midfielder Marcelo Fontana and forward/midfielder Giuliano Oliviero both were members of the 2005 league championship team in Milwaukee and are coaches with the Wave Summer Soccer Camp program and in area youth clubs. Also back with the Wave next season will be second-year goalkeeper Marcel Feenstra.

Fontana, 35, tallied 15 2-point goals and 14 assists last season, and then added a memorable 3-point, end-to-end dash in the playoffs against the Baltimore Blast. Fontana has at least 12 goals in each of his seven seasons with the Wave and 163 total goals in an 11-year indoor career.

Oliviero, 34, eclipsed the 900-point career mark last season and finished with 46 points (1 3PG, 15 2PG, 13A). Like Fontana he’s tremendously consistent, with at least 10 goals and 10 assists in each of his 13 indoor seasons, seven in Milwaukee (1995-97, 2001-08).

Feenstra, 27, is a native of Den Helder, Holland. As a rookie last year, he would have led the league in points allowed average (6.65) and save percentage (.814) had he played enough minutes to qualify. The 6-foot-4 Feenstra won all five of his starts in helping the Wave to a 22-8 regular-season record.

"We are very happy to be able to sign two of our veterans who have been very instrumental with our success both on the field and off," said Wave Head Coach Keith Tozer. "Marcel had a very good rookie year and we look forward to him improving in his second year."

These three players join Marcio Leite, the first signing of the XSL, on the Wave roster. Additional players will be signed and announced in the coming weeks.

The Milwaukee Wave open their Silver Anniversary season at 6 p.m. Dec. 13 with a home game against the Detroit Ignition. The inaugural season of the Xtreme Soccer League features Milwaukee, Detroit, the Chicago Storm and New Jersey Ironmen playing a 20-game schedule from mid-December through April.

Wave-XSL/Milwaukee Bonecrushers/Edge of Sports news

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Kurozawa) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:48:00 +0000

Lost in the shuffle of the Brewers playoff run, the successful debut of Aaron Rodgers and the 2008 Green Bay Packers and a myriad of other sports related items...the Milwaukee Bonecrushers indoor football team is well underway for 2009 planning.

Some of you may say "they're coming back?" The answer is YES!
Despite a rocky inaugural season, 2009 will be a new year with a new vision for the CIFL franchise.
The greatest challenge will be the reported arrival of an AF2 team, named the Milwaukee Iron (details on this team have been sketchy at best.)
According to A'Ron Williams III (one of 3 Bonecrushers owners) the team will be announcing player signings, 2009 tryouts, ticket plans, schedule and more details in the coming weeks.
The Edge of Sports will keep you posted on all things Bonecrushers related as they are announced.
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Speaking of season questions...The Milwaukee Wave announced 2 weeks ago the formation of the new XSL (Xtreme Soccer League) with former MISL teams Chicago Storm, Detroit Ignition and New Jersey Ironmen.

Tuesday 9/16 the Wave and XSL will hold a press conference to officially unveil the XSL, commissioner, schedule and all things XSL related.

The Edge of Sports will have all the details for you on the Milwaukee Wave and the new XSL.
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Speaking of news (like this isn't enough)...along with my regular endeavors and side projects...I will also be branching out into sports marketing very soon.
Cannot provide too many details, but I will be working with at least one local team with public relations (to those that work with me...I am not leaving my job...just expanding my off hours opportunities...lol)

New podcast coming soon...as well as some fresh columns in days.

The beginning of an Aaron-Era

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Kurozawa) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:31:00 +0000

Well we are just days away from a new era in Green bay Packer football...one that many people dreaded, feared and hope against for many a moon. No I am not talking about Aaron Rodgers as QB for our beloved Packers, but a season with out #4 at the helm.

Let me say...as a Packer fan for over 30 years (I remember watching Lynn Dickey and David Whitehurst when I was 7 years old)...I have enjoyed the last 16 years...but it's time to move on.

It's not easy when a future Hall of Famer, arguably the greatest quarterback of our generation leaves...but it's not the first time to happen in the NFL or in Green Bay.

I think back to the great QBs of the 1980's....Joe Montana, John Elway, Dan Marino, Jim Kelly...and going further back...Bart Starr. Yes there were bumps in the road for each team (OK Miami has stunk to high heaven..and San Fran had Steve Young waiting in the wings), but you know what folks...life will go on.

Many of you live your lives, hanging on the hopes and dreams of another Super Bowl run, kinda like Jimmy Fallon in "Fever Pitch", when he got together with his buddies around the freshly printed Red Sox season tickets and proclaimed "It's a new season, this is the year"

Yes I want to see the Packers succeed...and of course a Super Bowl run would be great, but if they stumble, my whole life will not be shattered. There is more to life than just football.

Maybe I am getting old(er) and looking at life a little differently with a new baby at home, but I get amazed when I listen to sports radio, watch the TV and read the sports blogs how up in arms people get when a QB throws an interception, the running back fumbles at a crucial time, or a team loses two in a row to a division rival.

How about we all show that same passion about gas prices, poverty, the lack of educational support in MPS, the Presidential election (which will shape the future of our country, though the President does not have the ultimate power) and CHURCH!!
This is where the African American community, primarily in baptist churches get it right...talk about passion, excitement and out and out exuberance.

Yes I will be watching Aaron Rodgers first start at QB Monday night when the Pack plays the Vikings...yes I will be upset if he makes a mistake or they lose, but I will go to bed knowing...hey it's just a game

Milwaukee Wave and a new soccer experience

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Kurozawa) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:06:00 +0000

After a summer filled with questions and uncertainty, the Milwaukee Wave have announced plans to play in a new indoor soccer league this fall, with a couple of familiar teams.

The Xtreme Soccer League (XSL) and the Xtreme Soccer experience (XSX) is scheduled to debut on September 16th, according to a press release from the Milwaukee Wave.
The XSX is decscribed as " an energetic and innovative 12-month experience built around skilled soccer professionals, entertainment and fan participation-both live and online."

³It took us only a short time to fully appreciate the impact this lifestyle brand has, and we are elated to be at the forefront of the Xtreme Soccer platform,² said Jeffrey Vanderbeek, co-owner with Michael Gilfillan of the New Jersey Ironmen.

³We are thrilled to enter our Silver Anniversary season in the new and exciting format of Xtreme Soccer,² said Charles Krause, owner of the Milwaukee Wave.

³Being part of a group that is committed to long-term success and understands the value of such an amazing product is truly special,² said John Hantz, owner of the Detroit Ignition.

³Soccer played a major role in my life, and those of my partners,² said Viktor Jakovljevic, co-owner of the Chicago Storm. ³To be a part of this lifestyle brand is a dream come true.²

It is fair to say that Milwaukee, Chicago, Detroit and New Jersey are all franchises from the old MISL that will participate. No additional information is available at this time on other teams or schedule format. The Milwaukee Wave will be celebrating their 25th season in 2008-09 and have been participants in the MISL (which disolved at the end of May), the AISA and the NPSL.

Stay tuned to the Edge of Sports for more details on this exciting new venture for the Milwaukee Wave and the XSL.

Inspiration from the gridiron

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Kurozawa) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 20:12:00 +0000

Thanks to my boss...I was reminded of this great scene from the movie "Facing the Giants" We must place our trust in God and give everything we can in everything we do, no matter how hard it may be.

The next scene, also from "Facing the Giants" reminds us that with God nothing is impossible, but we must praise Him in the good times and the bad!

Something stupid to start your weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Kurozawa) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 20:13:00 +0000

OK if my daughter Mia saw that I wrote "stupid" she'd yell at me.
After weeks of the haggling, arguing and everything else related to the guy that is now playing QB for a team in New jersey...something a little more fun, yet disturbing

Credit John Jagler at WTMJ for posting this on this blog (maybe he should be slapped for it.)

Forgiveness

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Kurozawa) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:09:00 +0000

Now this could potentially come off a blasphemous....but I was inspired.

Reading one of the email devotionals I receive everyday, I came across the following verse: "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."~ Luke 6:37, NLT

It got me to thinking about the whole Green Bay Packers/Brett Favre saga...and a comment my lovely wife made this morning "Mia (my 9 year old daughter) is sounding like you with the whole Brett Favre thing and it doesn't sound cute"

Here is my final take on this situation (as it stands)

Brett, I forgive you for not being able to decide what you want to do. I know it's hard when you make millions of dollars a year and people treat you like a hero. You love the game, love the accolades, love the spotlight and it's hard to walk away from it all. I will not condemn you for retiring, then 2 weeks later un-retiring, then going back and forth two more times. I will not judge you for putting you priorities before the organization that gave you the opportunity to become a superstar (remember, when Ron Wolf got you, you were a 3rd string QB for Atlanta that was not going to see any playing time)

Ted (Thompson), I forgive you for making some of the decisions you have made concerning Brett Favre. You are in a tough spot, having to watch out for the future of the organization while trying to make the millions of Green & Gold faithful happy.
Ted...I will not condemn you for dedicating so much time turning the whole QB situation into a circus, while letting Ryan Grant sit with no contract (thankfully that is done)

Mike McCarthy...I forgive you for not making a definitive decision in this matter and for towing the company line. I will not condemn you for announcing Aaron Rodgers as your #1 quarterback, then being open to the idea of Favre competing for his old job.

Mark Murphy...I forgive you for letting this situation get to the point that it has. I will not condemn you for offering Favre a $20 million "personal service" contract while your #1 RB sat without a contract until a few days ago. I will not judge you for allowing the team that you are President for turn into the laughing stock of not just the NFL but professional sports in general.

To Packer fans (whether pro or con-Favre)...I forgive you for putting the Brett vs Packers story above all else in your lives, starting websites, having rallies with 3 dozen people. I will not condemn you for being more vocal about an aging QB and a football team than you are about gas prices, crime and the Presidential election. I will not judge you for being blind sheep, letting one guy from Kiln, Mississippi control your lives and thinking.

God...forgive me for wasting 5 minutes of my life that I could have spent praying, reading your Word, helping others or just loving on my family...but instead writing this.
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Ok in all seriousness...I am ready for this to be done....but something tells me the story is just beginning.

With the Olympics just a couple of days away...my focus turning to Beijing China and if the USA can bring home boat loads of gold.

more on last week

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Kurozawa) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 17:15:00 +0000

Maybe it should read Mor-On last week, oh the best laid plans, etc
After the lengthy recap of day 1 of Noah's excursion to Milwaukee Wave Soccer Camp, I feel compelled to offer brief "father's Eye" view of the remainder of the week, as I have been stewing on a few other topics to write about.

Needless to say with the temperatures in the 80's all week, Noah's sweat level was high from hours of running around the soccer field. For those of you that may say "Soccer is not interesting to watch", I encourage you to take in some viewing of 75 6-15 year olds running around the fields; kicking, passing and trying to score goals.

Each day of last week started between 8:40-9:00am with the kids arriving and immediately dropping their red Puma soccer balls onto the still dewy grass of Hawthorne Park...and it was off to the races as boy and girls of all skill levels dribbled, kicked, shot and juggled balls across the field.
The whistle sounds and everyone stops what they are doing and assembles under the one large shady spot in the park, under a large tree, for their initial instructions for the morning from Camp Director Michael King.

Fast forward to the middle part of the afternoon...parent begin to arrive as each age group is dispersed around the park, working on a variety of skills or in the middle of a scrimmage, or a game of "World Cup". After a full day of soccer action, many of the young, World Cup wannabes are winded, tired and ready for a break, while a handful of others are still running like the Olympic gold medal was in the balance.

Once again the whistle sounds, and each of the budding soccer stars scrambles to collect soccer balls, water bottles, cones, nets and anything else strewn across the park. Just as in the morning, the kids assemble under the cooling shade of that one tree for a recap of the day that was and instructions for the next day. The red faces shows the level of exercise these children faced throughout the day.

Back to Noah...each day we would retreat to the comfort of the air conditioning of our Dodge Grand Caravan..and Noah will release a full recap of what happened that day. More often than not, the stories would be filled with quips about Deco and Chico, the two Brazilian players that were coaches for the week's training. After a couple of minutes, Noah's head would begin to slump to one side, as the adrenaline of the day wore off and his body finally succumbed to the rest that was needed.

Friday was the one day I was not able to witness the ending of the camp day, as I was 2 hours to the north. Friday was a shorter day, ending at 1pm, with the campers getting to enjoy "graduation" from camp, but also a special Water day. Dozens of different types of water gun paraphernalia arrived the morning from many of the campers, in anticipation of the after-lunch activity of chasing coaches and other kids with the Super Soakers.

Needless to say...Noah will cherish his time at Milwaukee Wave camp, the friends he made, the time spent with Wave players and the new skills he learned. If you have a son or daughter between the ages of 5-15, I encourage you to look into the Wave Summer Camps...it is well worth the minimal investment.
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I will post later on some of the things that have been on my mid, including the Brewers/Cubs series that kicks off tonight, the upcoming Olympics (huge news...Paul Hamm is out [see story here], and more)
Also...expect a podcast/story about an upcoming event involving Soccer Tennis!

Noah's week at Wave Soccer Camp

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Kurozawa) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 22:25:00 +0000

Well I had hoped to send out daily reports (from a father's point of view) on my son Noah's experience at Milwaukee Wave Summer Soccer Camp. But of course it was one of those weeks where one thing led to another and before I knew it....it's Thursday.

Day 1 (Monday)-Noah's excitement level was high, because he knew he would be spending an entire week playing soccer, but better yet, taught by Wave players. The only thing was, Noah did not know which players would be there (but his Dad did).
8:40am: We arrive for registration...Noah is practically bouncing in his seat. We arrive at Hawthorne park in Wauwatosa and Noah bounds out of our Dodge Minivan (OK I guess you can call me a Soccer Dad). He immediately starts to scan the area to see what is out there and if he recognizes any players. His eyes light up as he catches a glimpse of Michael King, the now retired captain of the Milwaukee Wave (not a Favre-esque retirement either)
A little background, Michael King made a special appearance for Noah's 1st grade class in June when he was "Star of the Week", much to the delight of his classmates and his teacher.
Later, as the kids assembled for the first group introduction, they all found out that two more Wave players were there...Deco and Chico (both from Brazil).
Fast forward to 2:30pm...I arrive a little early for pick-up to watch some of the afternoon action. The well-oiled machine of the Wave Soccer Camps had the 70 plus kids divided up into a variety of age groups. Noah's group of a dozen or so 7 year olds was on the field playing "World Cup", basically a scrimmage game. before I even noticed where they were, I could hear Noah's voice booming above all yelling "let's go USA, let's go". I immediately thought "Oh great Noah is going to embarrass himself". Well just a few seconds later I hear Noah's coach (Gabe) yell out "Hey at least one player is cheering for their team!"
Typically Noah will be charging after the ball and running the field, but on this afternoon he was doing his best Nick Vorberg (goal keeper for the Wave)imitation...covering the net, making blocks and clearing the ball away from the goal area.
2:55pm hits and the loud whistle sounds...as Michael King and the coaching staff assemble the mass of kids for one last talk. Much like a combination drill sergeant and coach, Michael commands the attention of all and he provides the last words of wisdom for the day and instructions for the following morning.
Noah loads into the van, covered in grass and sweat and tired from a full day of soccer...ready to share his stories from the day, clutching his new, red soccer ball.

More to come later....

My take on Brett Favre and Days of our Packers

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Kurozawa) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:23:00 +0000

OK...I am jumping in late, after just about every other media outlet, blogger and fan website has beaten this topic to death.

"Should Brett Favre retire, return or be traded"

One sentence and four words will answer the question..."I DO NOT CARE!!!"
In this time when gas prices have hit an all time high, prices at the grocery stores are skyrocketing, the economy is more than slumping and companies are laying off hundreds, if not thousand of employees...here we spend so much desire and energy on a football player??!!??

Yes Brett Favre was the "messiah" for Green bay Packer football, leading the team to the "promised land" in 1996-1997, and spurning hope every late July that "this could be another Super Bowl year.

Folks let me remind you...football is a sport, a game played by men. It is an escape every Sunday from September though January, where we can forget the cares of the world and don the colors of our beloved team and cheer them on, jeer them on Monday mornings when they lose, and hope the Bears still Suck.

I have been a Green Bay Packers fan going back to the mid 1970's, when Bart Starr was the coach, Lynn Dickey, David Whitehurst, Paul Coffmann, Terdell Middleton, James Lofton and others wore the Green and Gold, mostly in losing efforts. I lived though dismal season after dismal season under Starr, Forrest Gregg, Lindy Infante and others.

I was thrilled to death like many other Cheeseheads in the mid 90's when the team was beginning to look like a contender...I was jumping and screaming when Favre and Desmond Howard brought home the beloved Lombardi trophy. I reveled in the Superman-like effort Favre put out on Monday Night Football against the Oakland Raiders the day after his father passed away...and I cried the day this past March when Brett Favre announced his retirement to the world.

Ladies and gentlemen...as much as many in this great state and around the country tend to forget...football (along with other professional sports) are just a game. It should not take over our lives.

The passion that is being shown by the Pewaukee brothers that are organizing the Bring Favre Back Rallies...if that was redirected towards something more beneficial to all...imagine the impact it would make.

Our culture has become so passive when it comes to moral and ethical issues, but when it comes to sports, everyone is ready to shout their opinions from the rooftops. Yes I will admit I am guilty of this as well.

THIS IS YOUR WAKE-UP CALL!! Get off your Green and Gold soapbox, take off the Fire Ned Yost T-Shirt...and get involved in something bigger.

I am tired of spending over $4.00 a gallon in gas, spending hundreds of dollar more a month on groceries and not getting anything extra, watching businesses downsize and close because the economy is killing them.

Instead of trying to hold the Ted Thompson's, Ned Yost's and Brett Favre's of the world accountable for something that happens on the athletic fields, how about we work, (individually and as a community) to send a wake up call to the Jim Doyle's, Tom Barrett's, Russ Feingold's and Herb Kohl's of the world (no I am not taking shots at the Democrats) and let them know we are sick and tired and are not going to stand for it.

We vote these men and women in to represent US....let's let them know we are here 24/7/365, not just at Election time.

And as far as Brett Favre...be a man, keep your word, RETIRE and enjoy the time with your wife and daughters. how many of us wish we could retire at 39 and have the money to be financially sound for the rest of our lives???

The next generation Gym???

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Kurozawa) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 16:48:00 +0000

Thanks to Drew Olsen of OnMilwaukee.com and ESPN 540 in Milwaukee for this funny video.

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Kurozawa) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 18:53:00 +0000

Boys of summer...being boys

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Kurozawa) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 19:34:00 +0000

Great to see that some Major league athletes can still have fun like little kids.
Here is video of some Texas Rangers players having a "Bull Durham" moment at Shea Stadium.

Credit John Jagler of 620WTMJ for posting this on his blog!

New Podcast with Erik Darnell

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Kurozawa) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 01:18:00 +0000

We have a new podcast posted, featuring a press conference and interview with Erik Darnell of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Erik, driver of the #99 Northern Tool & Equipment Ford for Roush-Fenway Racing, appeared at Sprecher Brewery in Milwaukee, WI to promote the upcoming NASCAR Weekend at the historic Milwaukee Mile.

Podcast is available here

You can also check out video from the event, provided by our good friends at SportsBubbler.com

Stay tuned for more updates and podcasts as the weekend approaches!

Testimony of Stephen Baldwin

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Kurozawa) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 22:09:00 +0000

Found this great video on GodTube.com of actor Stephen Baldwin sharing his testimony.

Aim Lower, Think Smaller, Give Up and Go have a Cup of Coffee

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Kurozawa) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 18:11:00 +0000

US Futsal earn spot in CONCACAF semifinals

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Kurozawa) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 15:42:00 +0000

Thursday was a huge day for the U.S. Futsal National Team, setting the stage for an appearance in the semifinals of the CONCACAF Championships.

Chicago Storm goalkeeper Jeff Richey made a amazing 32 saves and former Wave midfielder Matthew Stewart scored a goal and assisted another as the U.S. upended Costa Rica, 6-2, to win Group B in Guatemala City, Guatemala. The U.S. will face the home team Guatemala Saturday in the semifinals. Guatemala ties 3-3 with Cuba on Thursday in Group A play.

A stellar effort by Richey, which included stopping Costa Rica's fifth attacker set with less than 9:00 remaining, came one day after containing Team Panama to a single goal.

"I thought Jeff played an unbelievable game in goal, and we needed that," U.S. head coach Keith Tozer said.

Stewart tallied the fifth goal for the U.S. against Costa Rica, while also forcing a turnover and getting the assist on Jamar Beasley's goal that gave the U.S. an early 1-0 lead.

"Matt brings so much heart and desire to the games that he plays in," Tozer said. "Matt came back today and played a superb game."

The U.S. defense held Costa Rica scoreless in the second half. while on the offensive side, six different players scored a goal in Team USA's victory. Former Wave player Pat Morris, Sandre Naumoski, Dan DeGeer and MISL Finals MVP Denison Cabral had the other scores for the U.S. as they continue their trek to defend their CONCACAF crown.

"It was a tremendous moment for U.S. futsal," Tozer said. "Our job is not done. We really want to qualify for the World Championships, which will be our first goal in our first match on Saturday. And with a victory there, then we'll go for the gold on Sunday."

U.S. CONCACAF Championships Schedule:

Tuesday, June 3: U.S. 5, Haiti 3

Wednesday, June 4: U.S. 1, Panama 1

Thursday, June 5: U.S. 6, Costa Rica 2

Saturday, June 7: Semifinals, US v. Guatemala/ Panama v. Cuba 3 p.m./5 p.m. (CST)

Sunday, June 8: Championship, 3 p.m./5 p.m.* (CST) * if necessary

The U.S. Futsal National Team is coached by Milwaukee wave coach Keith Tozer and includes Wave Goalkeeper Nick Vorberg
Source outsportscentral.com

Here is 2nd half action from the game

US FUTSAL team gets 1-1 draw against Panama

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Kurozawa) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 17:29:00 +0000

Story Courtesy of the Chicago Storm

Chicago Storm goalkeeper Jeff Richey made 17 saves as the U.S. Futsal National Team played to a 1-1 draw Wednesday in the CONCACAF Futsal Championships in Group B play at Domo Polideportivo in Guatemala City, Guatemala.

The U.S. heads into a critical match at 1 p.m. (CST) on Thursday against Costa Rica. Team USA and Costa Rica are tied atop Group B with four points apiece. The winner is guaranteed a spot in Saturday’s semifinals. Costa Rica routed Haiti, 12-0, on Wednesday.

“Right now we have to beat Costa Rica to move on,” U.S. head coach Keith Tozer said. “We’ve played Costa Rica in this same scenario before and we’ve done it.”

The U.S. is 3-0 against Costa Rica all-time, including a 2004 victory in the CONCACAF Championships and a 2007 win in the Pan American Games. Costa Rica won the 2000 CONCACAF with a 2-0 victory against Cuba, which eliminated the U.S. in the semifinals.
Courtesy of the Chicago Storm
On Wednesday, the U.S. and Panama went into halftime without a goal. But early in the second half, Alquis Alvarado gave Panama a 1-0 lead in the 27th minute. The U.S. responded with Sandre Naumoski’s goal in the 31st minute for a 1-1 tie.

U.S. CONCACAF Championships Schedule:
Tuesday, June 3: U.S. 5, Haiti 3
Wednesday, June 4: U.S. 1, Panama 1
Thursday, June 5: vs. Costa Rica, 1 p.m. (CST)
Saturday, June 7: Semifinals, 3 p.m./5 p.m. (CST)
Sunday, June 8: Championship, 3 p.m./5 p.m.* (CST) * if necessary

Futsal features four field players and a goalkeeper on each team. Unlike the MISL, Futsal has no walls, the ball is smaller and has less bounce than traditional soccer balls, and the goals are much smaller. The game was invented in Brazil, and it is sanctioned by FIFA as the only form of international indoor soccer.