Awe Lance Armstrong

I know the Lance Armstrong subject has been beaten to death, and with the recent sightings or no sightings of Manti Teo’s girlfriend hoax has come to light, Armstrong’s confession was forgotten.

Armstrong decided to come clean, because the controversy had gotten so “out of control” it started affecting his children. So you mean to tell me this didn’t affect his family for years?

He said he continued doping through all of his seven victories in the Tour de France from 1999 to 2005; mind you he is leaving out every detail since 2005, because he could face legal consequences.

Since I was 14, my father and I cycled every morning in the summer for off-season during the Tour’s. I went and purchased a ridiculously expensive racing bike that was aluminum from Trek in Albuquerque just to keep up with my father. My father respected Mr. Armstrong, because like Armstrong, my father competed in triathlons. 

We bought the Livestrong bracelets, and hopped on the bandwagon. Don’t get me wrong; when there is that much smoke, there must be fire. However, I just thought the French were ticked off at us Americans for dominating the only athletic event they owned.

Since starting my broadcast career at Double T 104-3, I backed this guy. I thought for sure if he was doping, he would have come clean by now. Well, I was a fool. I should have known when he left his family for Sheryl Crow. I love her music, her…not so much.

There are some aspects we need to take into consideration. Even with his seven Tour de France wins, all other competitors that actually gave him a cycle for his money, were also doping. So, how can we compare who was the true winner – whoever had the best dope or athleticism at the end of the competition?

He was still stripped of all seven titles he won in the Tour de France by the USADA, and has a lifetime ban from sanctioned competition.

Even though he made bank off of the Livestrong brand, let us not forget all the efforts and dinero that has gone to cancer research no matter how much he doped.

Armstrong said the most “humbling moment” was the controversy forcing him to step down from the Livestrong foundation. I hope it was “humbling.”

He said he is “deeply sorry for what he did.” I am glad most controversies end in an apology after the fact - the millions earned and the reputation of a legend that comes with success. 

Side note, at the end of the day do any of use care what Matthew McConaughey thinks about his best friend coming clean? No, I’m glad we can all agree. 

Lady Demons Survive NMMI adding to their Winning Record at 14-6

Lauren Bogle

CCSR Sports Writer

After struggling in the first half, the Lady Demons go into the locker room at the half with a five-point lead on Monday night.

“The first half was slow and ugly,” Dexter’s head coach Kim Hamill said, “but it was a Monday game with two days off, and they fought threw it. I was proud.”

Dexter put away NMMI to finish with a 60-42 victory at home.

Celina Molina dives for the loose ball. CCSR Photo Lauren Bogle

The twins held their own with Tamara Salas scoring 14 points and Tabatha Salas accounting for 10 points. Adding a spark for the Lady Demons was Alex Zambrano with eight aggressive points in the paint.

Tabatha Salas downs a long jumper. CCSR Photo Lauren Bogle

“Tabatha knocked down some really good shots when we needed them,” Hamill said, “and everyone in the second half played better.”

After a dominant game against Hagerman, Bianca Walker was shut down in the first half, but came away with 15 points.

“Walker is going to get hers. She is tough defensively and offensively,” Hamill said. “First half we didn’t do a good job, but the book looks like we did shut her down, and a lot of that has to do with Hannah Manemann matched up with her pretty well.”

Hannah Manemann drills the short jumper against Bianca Walker. CCSR Photo Lauren Bogle

Zambrano said guarding Walker was extremely difficult, but she focused on consistently boxing out.

“Dexter did a great job guarding Bianca,” Lady Colt’s head coach Marisha Olesinski said.

Olesinski said Bianca Walker and Lia Herrera is the engine for their team. Olesinski said Herrera is taking the ball down the court, and doing a great job. She said it just was not enough tonight, but they did all they could and she is proud of her team.

“Whenever Alex wants to be tough, she can be,” Hamill said. “She did a really good job at the front of the press.”

Alex Zambrano guards the front of their press. CCSR Photo Lauren Bogle

The Lady Demons pressed NMMI all four quarters forcing pressure and turnovers against the Lady Colts.

“First half I think we played pretty good,” Olesinski said. “Dexter is a tough team, and I have to give them credit today. They pressed us the whole time.”

Hamill said defense wins championships, and her team keeps repeating that motto all season. She said when their press is executed effectively; it is easy points for their team.

The Lady Demons press the NMMI Lady Colts all four quarters. CCSR Photo Lauren Bogle

“Our defense is what always helps us in the game,” Tabatha Salas said, “and we forced momentum for them to turn the ball over.”

Olesinski said her team could not finish easy layups or shots in the second half. She said they fought hard and did their best. The Lady Colts are also struggling with depth on the bench.

“We are very short at the bench, and we have to try and make a few adjustments with a small team,” Olesinski said.

Even though Dexter got off to a slow start, Hamill said a win is a win. She said their record is the best it has been in quite a few years.

“What we take away from this game is we play Eunice tomorrow, and we worked through some things today to get ready for Eunice,” Hamill said. “Eunice is always a tough one.”

Tamara Salas fast breaks for an easy layup. CCSR Photo Lauren Bogle

Hannah Manemann with a block. CCSR Photo Lauren Bogle