September Newsletter

Sports Reach — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 03:55:44 +0000

“I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.”
~~~ 1 Corinthians 9:22

Robby’s Thoughts: The Bridge

This past Sunday at Campbellsville Baptist, we had the opportunity to hear from one of our Southern Baptist Missionaries, Bill Egbert. He is a missionary in Costa Rica and our church has been in a partnership with him in sending mission teams to help. For most of the people that go, there is the challenge of “the bridge.” It is a rickety old swinging bridge over a deep rushing river. Many fears are dealt with as they decide to trust the bridge or not. The problem is it is the only way to get to the people that need to be reached; you have to cross the bridge.

As he shared, as did others, the signifiance physically and spiritually of the bridge, I began to have my mind wander. What did the idea of a bridge mean to me and several things came to mind.

During the auction, an old friend named Dave Meece dropped by. He had heard there was something going on and he came by to see what it was. I did not get a chance to see him, but my wife was able to visit for a bit. So what is important about Dave? You see, Dave was an important bridge in my life. He is the one that put together and invited me to go on my first sports mission trip. After my freshmen year of college in 1975, Dave led 7 of us to the Dominican Republic to play basketball and share the Gospel. None of us had ever done anything like this before, so it was a learning experience for all of us. As I thought about the bridge, I realized that someone had to see the need to build the bridge. I am sure that the person or persons that built that bridge in Costa Rica built it first of all because they needed to get to the other side. Yes I am confident that they knew there was a need for others, but I can guarantee you that they wanted to get over in an easier way than they had been using. By building the bridge, they made a way of many others to cross over. The builders had no idea of who would follow but knew there would be future benefits to the area. Dave was obedient to God. He knew that God wanted him to do the trip. I am positive that he never dreamed that God would call a soon-to-be college sophomore to help develop this ministry, Sports Reach. Thousands have come to know Jesus and many lives have been changed and it all began with a bridge that Dave began to build.

Secondly, the bridge is a means to getting to another place. In order to move from one side to the other, the bridge must be crossed. They are crossing in order to do something else on the other side, but it must be crossed. Having just finished the auction, I began to see all of the people that have financially helped support this ministry as a bridge. People give in many ways. They give large amounts and small ones; they give one a year, some give monthly; some give because they love the ministry, others for the tax break. But, they give and it helps others get to where they can’t go otherwise. So many people do not like hear about the need for financial help, but it is needed to help us get to the other side. We are in the process of trying to raise $50,000. We are half way across the bridge! Keep us in your prayers and be praying how you an help us cross that bridge!

Finally, as I looked at the picture of the bridge, I thought how simple the construction. There is nothing fancy about the bridge, ropes and wood tied together. It would not cost a lot to build it, but has been a great blessing to the people in the area. So many times in our lives, we are really stuck on having the fanciest and most expensive items. But sometimes, a simple little bridge is just as effective in certain situations. God is looking to use you. You may not feel that you can speak eloquently in front of thousands. It may scare you to death to think that might have to travel around the world on a mission trip. You may even feel that you don’t have any talents. As it has been said for a long time, “God is more concerned about our availability than our ability.”

He just wants us to trust Him and know that He can use us in the simple ways to reach others. Trust Him and see how He wants to do that.

Robby

Prison Gets First Softball Visit!

God opens doors in His timing! A couple of months ago, I was approached by Jon Allen from Indiana. Jon had heard of Sports Reach and God had begun working in his life about how to use sports in his church to reach people. After a few phone calls and a visit in Indiana, our weekend to New Castle Correction for August 14 & 15 was set. I will be honest in saying that this was not the best time for me. In less than a week, we were having our auction. I still had many things that I was trying to get done, knowing that this was going to be an important event financially for us. However, I knew that God had opened this door and I was making sure that we kept our focus on the main thing, reaching people for Jesus.

Eight players from our Sports Reach team in Kentucky along with Jon and Eric Bennett, another player from Indiana, set out on what would become an amazing weekend. Our guys drove up to Indianapolis on Friday since we were going to have to be at the prison by 7:15 am. At 8 am, we were starting what would be two long days of softball. This prison, housing 2500 inmates, had never had a softball team come since it opened in 2001. The inmates were excited though they and the leadership really were not sure exactly what would happen. There were 15 teams that we were going to play over the next two days. 14 of them were put together through the dorms and one was an all-star team. We were going to play each of the dorm teams a 3 inning game and the all-star team would play a 5 inning game. We would be playing 3 90 minute session on Saturday and repeating the time set up on Sunday.

Saturday was a great day with us winning 11 games and getting share the Gospel at the end of each session. Sunday, we came back and won 12 games and again sharing the Good News with each dorm.

These days became long ones with the heat and the fact we only had 10 players. On Sunday, we picked up an inmate since one player had to go to work. Despite the long days, the guys did a great job of visiting with the inmates and setting the table for them to hear a clear presentation of the Gospel. During our visit, we had a chance to play 70 innings of softball and going 23-0 on the field. However, the real victories came in that we saw 87 men indicate a decision to accept Jesus Christ in their hearts.

There were hundreds that were shared with and the responses, verbally, from the men touched each of us that went on the trip. This was such a new event for the inmates and they kept asking when we were coming back. That meant a lot to me, but what was just as exciting was to see Jon and Eric begin to talk and think of how they could bring a team back. God was showing them a new avenue of ministry. It is such a blessing to see when others really begin to see how God can use them in a unique way.

Each of the inmates have been sent enrollment forms for a Bible study with Crossroad Bible Institute, a prison ministry that does correspondence studies for them. Please keep them in your prayers as well as Jon and Eric as they see what the Lord has in store for them.

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FIFTH ANNUAL SPORTS REACH AUCTION

A crowd of over 275 people filled the fellowship hall of Christ Church United Methodist for the 5th Annual Sports Reach Auction. The evening was one of great food, fellowship, inspiration, fun, and opportunity to help raise money for the ministry.

The evening began with a silent auction of over 60 items. People were using their strategy in seeing how to get a great deal, but still get the things that they wanted. The crowd was slow in coming in due to traffic problems, but soon the place was packed. Following the meal, the folks settled in for the evening program and auction.

Mike Pratt, Kentucky basketball radio announcer, was the MC for the night. Larry Pursiful, former UK basketball star and co-founder of Sports Reach, gave a welcome and shared some insights to the past years of ministry. Jason Caudill, the director of Tennessee Sports Reach, shared a testimony of how one of his players came to know Christ on the softball field. Following the testimony, Robby Speer shared the plan of salvation with the group and Doug Flynn was then introduced as our feature speaker.

During the evening, the people were encouraged to see where they were spiritually, see how God would use them to share with others, and to see how they can financially help this ministry.

Finally, the auction began with all the excitement that is involved. Frankie Hansford and Mark Speer provided the auctioning the event was on. Items ranging from trips, to sports tickets, autograph items, and special guest items were auctioned. The auction raised almost $21,000 in auction items and donations have pushed it up to $25,000. This was the largest amount ever raised by auction items by almost $8,000. Our goal is trying to raise $50,000 and we are half way there. We know that God has some special things in store.

Texas Sports Reach Trip Report

August 21, 2010

Ray Cash here and I would love to bless you with this trip report from FCI Fort Worth (Federal Prison).

On Saturday, August 21, 2010, Texas Sports Reach took 17 men into FCI to tell and show the inmates that being saved and having a personal relationship with JESUS, is the only way to live. That’s right, the only way to live. These men in prison have gone too far to ever be able to get out and try to live a normal life without JESUS being the focus of their freedom. For the 4 hrs we were there, we not only had a great time, but were able to see the little boy coming out of these prisoners. They were gentlemen and good sports the entire day. They were eager to play softball and even more eager to have fellowship and hear the word of God. We played two 7 inning games and TSR won both games. The games were very close and exciting. Every player, every spectator, and every staff member made this a great day.

Bobby L. shared his testimony and did an awesome job. His story touched the hearts of many. I had 4 teeth pulled a couple days earlier and almost did not make the trip. God gave me the strength to be there. God allowed me to use my tooth story as a ministry tool. A lot of drug addicts have bad teeth because dope rots your teeth. Many of the inmates could relate to this which provided another connection. God is good all the time!!

During the invitation at least 50 men raised their hand to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior. 29 men signed up for bible study and another 19 recommitted their lives to Jesus. What a privilege it is to serve our JESUS.

We want to thank the staff at FCI for the job they did Saturday and for what they are doing at that facility every day. You can see how much they care for these inmates. Please say a prayer for Mr. Sinclair and Paul Rhomer that God blesses their work and families. Please pray for those men who made decisions to let Christ be their strength.

Texas Sports Reach wants to thank you for your support and prayers. May God get the glory.

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Auction Update!

Sports Reach — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 19:29:00 +0000

2010 SPORTS REACH 5TH ANNUAL AUCTION “CELEBRATING THE BEGINNING OF 25 YEARS OF MINISTRY”

AUGUST 19, 2010,
CHRIST CHURCH UNITED METHODIST, 4614 BROWNSBORO RD., LOUISVILLE, KY
Click Here For Directions and Info

EMCEE- MIKE PRATT, FORMER UK BASKETBALL PLAYER AND CURRENT UK RADIO BROADCAST ANNOUNCER;
GUEST SPEAKER- DOUG FLYNN, FORMER MAJOR LEAGUE PLAYER AND MEMBER OF BIG RED MACHINE IN CINCINNATI

SILENT AUCTION BEGINS AT 4:30 PM EDT,
DINNER AT 6 PM EDT, PROGRAM AT 7 PM EDT, AUCTION 8 PM EDT- DONE BY 9:30

(Auction listing as of August 11, 2010)

AUTOGRAPH ITEMS

1. Carson Palmer, Cincinnati Bengals, autograph football

2. Hines Ward, Pittsburg Steelers, autograph picture

3. Anthony Munoz, Cincinnati Bengals Hall of Famer, autograph framed jersey

4. Ronnie Brown, Miami Dolphins, autograph picture

5. Pee Wee Reese, Dodger Hall of Famer, autograph framed jersey

6. University of Kentucky ’98 autograph basketball

7. Rex Chapman, former UK and NBA star, autograph basketball

8. Anthony Grant, Alabama Men’s BB coach, autograph basketball

9. ESPN “The Swab” autograph mini basketball

10. Michael Bush, Oakland Raiders, autograph ball

11. Michael Bush, Oakland Raiders, autograph picture as Louisville Cardinal

12. Jay Hass, PGA Golfer, autograph Sports Reach flag

13. Kenny Perry, PGA Golfer, autograph cap

14. Kenny Perry, PGA Golfer, autograph shirt

15. Dick Vitale, ESPN Announcer, autograph basketball

16. Dick Vitale’s book, “Fabulous 50 Players and Moments in College Basketball” autographed

17. Team USA Men’s slow pitch autograph jersey

18. Junior Bridgeman, U of L and NBA star, autograph basketball

19. Wah Wah Jones, UK star, autograph basketball

20. Cotton Nash, UK star, autograph basketball

21. Rajon Rondo, UK and Boston Celtic star, autograph basketball

22. Coach Strong, UL Head Football Coach, autograph football

23. Coach McDonald, UL Head Baseball Coach, autograph baseball

24. Rick Pitino, UL Head Basketball Coach, autograph basketball

25. Frank Kimmel, all time ARCA wins leader, autograph tire

26. Sam Bass print “One Tough Customer” signed by Dale Sr., #102 of 300 prints:
The Blue and Yellow #3 Wrangler Chevy

27. Sam Bass print “Top Gun” signed by Dale Sr., #70 of 500; #3 Wrangler Chevy with ’87 Cup Trophy

28. Sam Bass print “The Future is Now” signed by Dale Sr. and Jr.; #89 of 1000; Black #3 and Red #8

29. Andre Frazier, Pittsburgh Steelers, autograph hat

30. Owusu Ansha, Dallas Cowboys, autograph hat

31. John Conner, UK star and New York Jet, autograph hat

32. Texas Ranger framed jersey signed by 2010 MLB American All Stars-Josh Hamilton, Cliff Lee, Neftali Filez, Ian Kinsler, Elvis Andrus, Vlad Guerrero

33. Randy Travis, Country Music Star, autograph picture

34. Randy Travis, Country Music Star, autograph t-shirt

35. Randy Travis, Country Music Star, autograph tennis shoes

36. Sawyer Brown, Country Music Stars, autograph t-shirt and CD package

37. Pat Day, Horse Racing Hall of Famer, framed autograph poster

38. Pat Day, Horse Racing Hall of Famer, framed autograph picture

39. Dot Richardson, Olympic Softball star, autograph bat

40. John L. Smith, former UL Football coach, and Chris Redman, UL and Atlanta Falcons, autograph football

41. Derrick Anderson, UK and NBA star, and Cameron Mills, UK star, autograph basketball

42. Tayshaun Prince, UK and NBA star, framed autograph Jersey

43. Tom Eades, NCAA Official, called 2010 NCAA Men’s Championship Game, autographed picture and officials shirt

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EVENTS

1. Weekend at Lake Tahoe

2. Birthday Phone Call from Tubby Smith

3. Minnesota Weekend: Dec. 4-5; 2 night stay at Marriott Hotel (across from Mall of America), 2 tickets to Univ. of Minnesota Men’s Basketball game Dec. 4 vs. Cornell; attend team shoot around and pre-game meal, meet Tubby Smith, Sunday 2 tickets to Minnesota Vikings vs. Buffalo Bills Football Game (age restrictions)

4. 2 Tickets to University of Tennessee Men’s Basketball Game and dinner after the game with UT Assistant Coach Steve Forbes (age restrictions)

5. 2 Tickets to Indiana Pacer NBA game and one nights lodging

6. 2 Floor Seats across from visitor bench at UK game

7. UK Weekend: 2 lower level tickets to UK Basketball game vs. Dillard on Friday, one night lodging, 2 tickets to UK vs. Charleston Southern Football game

8. 2 season tickets to Bellarmine’s Men’s Basketball

9. 2 tickets to a Western Kentucky Men’s Basketball Game and dinner after the game with WKU assistant coach Ray Harper (age restrictions)

10. 2 tickets to Tennessee Titans NFL Football game and Titan warmup top

11. 2 tickets to Cleveland Cavs NBA game vs. Washington Wizards, 2/13/11 Sunday at 6 pm featuring John Wall

12. Florida sports vacation

13. Campbellsville University All Sports Pass

14. 2 Season tickets to Georgetown College Men’s Basketball

15. Campbellsville University Super Saturday Sept 18: 2 -30 minute massages, breakfast for two at Café Bonin, 2 tickets to CU football game vs. Wisconsin-Whitewater in the president box at 1 pm

16. Atlanta Dream Weekend: Oct.3-4; 2 tickets to Philadelphia Phillies vs. Atlanta Braves at 7 pm, 2 tickets to San Francisco 49ers vs. Atlanta Falcons at 1 pm with autograph hat by Corey Peters, former UK star

17. 2 Tickets to Sept 30, Thurs., Georgetown College Football game vs. Kentucky Christian at 7 pm and rounds of golf for 2 at Cherry Blossom Golf course ( 8am tee time)

18. 2 Tickets to Indiana U. Men’s Basketball Game behind visitor bench (must be IU fan)

19. 2 Tickets to Louisville Men’s Exhibition game vs. Kentucky Wesleyan and dinner after game with Bob Valvano

20. Bocci Ball Night- 6 people will be introduced to Bocci ball along with dinner. Bob Valvano will be host and instructor

21. Round of golf for two with UL Radio Basketball Team of Paul Rodgers and Bob Valvano

22. Charter Fishing Boat in Michigan City, IN, 1 8hr. salmon fishing

23. ESPN Day: 2 tickets to game agreed upon that Bob Valvano is announcing. Attend pregame production meeting, team shoot arounds, and game

24. Round of golf for four at Crooked Creek in London

25. Round of golf for four at Lincoln Homestead, Springfield

26. Round of golf for four at London CC

27. Tour of Sony Publishing with CEO Troy Tomlinson in Nashville, TN

28. 2 tickets to a Vanderbilt Men’s Basketball game in Nashville,TN

29. 2 Tickets to the Trinity vs. St. X football game and book about the rivalry

30. Backside Tour- Tour Churchill Downs with Pat Day, Horse Racing Hall of Fame, on agreed date (not during Derby or Breeder Cup Weeks)

31. Round of golf for 2 and 30 minute lessons at PGA National in West Palm Beach, FL

32. 2 Tickets to UK Men’s Basketball game vs. Boston University, Nov. 30 and coffee with UK announcer Mike Pratt before the game,Lower arena

33. 2 tickets to UK Men’s Basketball vs. Mississippi Valley St., Dec. 18, Lower Arena

34. 2 tickets to UK men’s Exhibition game vs. Pikeville, Nov. 1, Lower Arena and dinner with Tony Delk

35. 2 Tickets to UK Men’s Basketball game vs. Winthrop, Dec. 22, Lower Arena

36. 2 Tickets to Eastern KY vs. Murray St. Men’s Basketball Game and autograph basketball from Coach Neibauer

37. Round of golf for 4 at Campbellsville CC

38. Cabin for two nights at Gatlinburg, Mountain Perch

39. Tour of UK athletic facilities with AD Mitch Barnhart

40. Round of golf for 4 in LaGrange, KY

41. 2 tix to U of Florida football game at the Swamp with autograph football from national championship team including Tim Tebow

42. Gene Walter, former MLB pitcher, 1 hr pitching lesson

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ITEMS

1. Air compressor

2. Teeth Whitening

3. Lou Brock replica jersey

4. Willie McCovey Replica jersey

5. Franco Harris Replica jersey

6. Pearls

18U USFA CHAMPIONS

Sports Reach — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 05:22:42 +0000

Panama City Beach, Florida; July 24^th — It was nearly 3 A.M when the 18U Sports Reach Fastpitch team had finished their 2010 summer campaign with a decisive 10-4 victory over a resilient Oklahoma Rage team to capture the United States Fastpitch Association championship. The team was tested early in bracket play when they faced the St. Louis Nemesis and showed their own resiliency with a hard fought extra-inning win. They again to call on their will to “finish with a win” to hold off a tough Alabama Fear Factor team in another extra-inning game and to advance to the Winner’s Bracket Final.

Sports Reach finished with an overall record of 8-1 in the event, with the lone loss coming at the hands of the same Oklahoma Rage team in the first game of the championship “Diamond Bracket” finals. Sports Reach held the advantage after their initial victory in the winner’s bracket finale had sent the team from Oklahoma into the lower bracket forcing them to play their way back into contention before ultimately giving way to a Sports Reach team that featured outstanding pitching, defensive and offensive performances throughout the tourney in what was a total team effort throughout the tournament.

For all those involved and for all those that watched, it was truly a blessing to see it all come together at the end for God’s Glory!

The team will now finish out the 2010 campaign with late-summer/fall tournaments and exposure events with some new faces as some of the current roster will soon begin and continue their college student-athlete careers.

More at SportsReachFastpitch.com

July Newsletter

Sports Reach — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 21:35:12 +0000

5TH ANNUAL SPORTS REACH
AUCTION AND DINNER

“Beginning our Celebration of 25 Years of Ministry”

The 2010 Sports Reach 5th Annual Auction “Celebrating the Beginning of 25 years of Ministry” will be August 19, 2010 at Christ Church United Methodist, 4614 Brownsboro Rd., Louisville, KY.

Program Schedule:
Silent Auction begins at 4:30;
Dinner at 6;
Program at 7;
Auction at 8:15.

The following are items we have as of June 28 (more to be added everyday; we will update as finalized; we will have over 100 items!)

1. Carson Palmer, Cincinnati Bengals, autograph ball

2. Hines Ward, Pittsburg Steeler, autograph framed picture

3. “2000 Win” a Kentucky framed memory

4. Anthony Munoz autograph jersey

5. Ronnie Brown, Miami Dolphins, autograph picture

6. Pee Wee Reese, Dodger Hall of Famer, autograph framed picture

7. Kentucky ’98 autograph ball

8. Rex Chapman, autograph ball

9. Anthony Grant, Alabama head Basketball Coach, autograph ball

10. ESPN “The Swab” autograph ball

11. Michael Bush, Oakland Raiders, autograph ball

12. Michael Bush, autograph picture as Louisville Cardinal

13. Jay Haus, PGA golfer, autograph Sports Reach flag

14. Kenny Perry, PGA golfer, autograph cap

15. Dick Vitale autograph ball

16. Autographed Dick Vitale book “Fabulous 50 Players and Moments in College Basketball”

17. Weekend at Lake Tahoe

18. Minnesota Weekend includes visit with Tubby Smith

19. Team USA Men’s slowpitch autographed jersey

20. 2 tickets to Tennessee basketball game and dinner with Asst. Coach Steve Forbes after the game

21. 2 tickets to Indiana Pacers and night lodging

22. Tyshaun Prince autograph jersey

MORE TICKETS:

Kentucky basketball and football tickets

Louisville basketball and football tickets

and other tickets to sporting events at various local colleges and pro teams,

“Rounds of Golf” Celebrities that have committed to be there as of June 28:

Bob Valvano, ESPN and Louisville Cardinal Announcer

Brett Campbell-College Basketball coach

Matt Jones-Kentucky Sports Radio

Matt Layow-Former NY Giant and Kentucky football player

Jim Andrews-Former Kentucky basketball player

Jack Givens-Former Kentucky basketball player and NBA Player

Rick Robey-Former NBA and Kentucky basketball player

Happy Osborne-Georgetown College Head Basketball coach

Keith Adkins-Campbellsville University head Basketball

Coach Gene Walter-Former MLB baseball player

Larry Pursiful-Former Kentucky basketball player
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HOW IMPORTANT ARE YOU?

Thoughts from Robby and upcoming events

Every athlete dreams of being on the ESPN highlights. It may be the long homerun, the acrobatic slam dunk, or the bone crushing tackle, but being seen by millions at the end of the day is a sign that they have arrived. Though I love to watch the highlights as much as anyone, it is interesting to me that there is a definite signal being sent. If you are going to be important, you have to do something spectacular so that the world can see just how special you are. But that attitude doesn’t end there, it also carries over into other parts of our lives. While reading John Maxwell’s book “Think On These Things,” I was confronted (again) about this subject.

On Sunday, the devotional thought was concerning the story in Mark 2:1-12 about the four men that lowered the physically handicapped man through the roof of a house so that he could be healed by Jesus. Now this is a story that I have heard taught in many settings and even shared a thought on it myself.

On Monday, however, there was an absolute twist that I had never heard or thought of before. The title blew me away, “Who Patched the Roof?” Amazing, I had heard the story and knew that Jesus had miraculously healed this man. I knew that his friends went to great extremes to get him to Jesus. Never once did I think about the roof! Maxwell talks about who probably did not fix it; the crowd, the scribes, the amazed, the puzzled, and maybe not the men who brought him. But who might have fixed it? Here is what Maxwell shares: “The person who patched up the roof was someone who served Jesus because of who He was rather than what He did. This type of person appreciates the message more than the miracles, the life more than the loaves, the truth more than the thrills.

You occasionally find this type of individual in the church today. He or she is always a blessing. Faithfulness, loyalty, and dependability are trademarks of this individual life. When the shouting has subsided and the excitement has died down, he or she is ready to pick up the pieces and do the dirty work. The person who patched up the roof was someone who followed Jesus, knowing that the cross comes before the crown. The person counted the cost. He or she has embraced and accepted the principle: “Whoever loses his life for me will find it” (Matt. 16:25). Finally, the person who patched up the roof after the crowd left certainly loved Jesus enough to think that no job was insignificant. Unquestionably, God’s kingdom is being advanced by people of little talent doing little jobs for a big God. It is exciting to know that God needs every roof-patcher He can find.

The individual who is disciplined enough to do the unexciting and devoted enough to do the uninteresting will certainly find patching up roofs rewarding in God’s work.” When we watch those ESPN highlights we rarely notice the hard pick that got the dunker open for the lob; or the guy who, with a runner at second, hit the ball to right side moving the runner to third that allowed the hitter to free swing for the homer; nor do we see the player who takes out the lead blocker to allow a clean shot at the ball carrier. These are guys who do the dirty work and coaches love them. They are players you have to have if you are going to win. You may not be a person who can stand in front of a crowd and preach like a Billy Graham. You might not be one that can flow smoothly in a witnessing situation. As important as these jobs are, it takes everyone to proclaim the Gospel.

Never feel that the task that God has given you is not big deal or important. Whatever He calls us to do is important, so do it the best that you can and know that you are being obedient to the Lord. For this, you will be blessed. I don’t know who really did fix the roof for the guy, but I am sure of one thing. Somebody did and I know that he was glad!

ANOTHER NOTE: Last week, Stan Curry and I were able to finally get the shoes that had been collected to Pikeville, KY. Weather issues and scheduling problems held us back. We took off early because we had to stop by an shoe wholeseller. We had ordered 144 shoes to be paid with from the money people donated during our collection process. It was around $550. When we dropped by to get them, they shared that there were shoes that had been designated for another trip that had not been picked up. They gave those to us, about 300 of them and 100 leather belts. Then to top it all off, we were told that they would not accept our money! Wow!

The Lord really hit us with a good one then. We were able to deliever somewhere around 1400 shoes. God is good!

JULY SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS

16- Prison Homerun Derby and NFL Players sharing, LaGrange, KY
19-22 Children’s Basketball Camp in Elizabethtown, KY
20- Men’s Basketball to Northpoint Correctional

For more info about Sports Reach activities around the country go to:

www.sportsreach.org

www.sportsrreachfastpitch.org

www.texassportsreach.com

www.alabamasportsreach.com

www.sportsreachtn.com

NEWS AND NOTES

Men’s Softball Prison Trip (Louisiana & Texas Group)

Mission Trip Report – June 15-19, 2010

Men’s Louisiana and Texas Everyone arrived in Natchez, Mississippi on June 15, 2010 and settled in the home of Randy and Helen Smith called “Texada” built in 1792. It is an antebellum home built by Manual Garcia Texada and was where everyone stayed during the mission trip. After taking a tour of the home, we took a walk to the Mississippi bluffs and saw the mighty Mississippi River and visited Roth Hill where I challenged everyone to run up the hill. Since we had no takers, we walked on to the Cock of the Walk Restaurant and had an excellent catfish dinner. After a good night’s sleep, we had a bible study given to us at Randy’s First Presbyterian Church by Noelle Read, the pastor.

The message out of Mark 2:1-11 was very appropriate for us as we began the week. It was about lowering the paralytic through the roof to see Jesus so his sins could be forgiven and be healed.

This lesson made us think about how we were going to lower ourselves through the roof of the prisons to help them get Jesus’ forgiveness and healing.

After a short rest, we visited the Boys and Girls Club and shot basketball with the kids. We hosted a 3 point shoot-out contest, then had a testimony and call to them. We had just helped them install some new air conditioners for their meeting rooms. After that, we went to have a practice game with some Natchez folks that were friends with our leader at the Boys and Girls Club. We played the game and got to pray with the players

The next day, we got up early and drove to Winn Correctional Center in Winnfield, LA. It was our first time that our particular group visited this prison. We were met at the door by the Warden and his very friendly staff. They followed us out to the field and had three teams waiting to play us. The field, dugouts, and tents were absolutely fantastic. It was very hot & humid, but we came together as a team and played really well. After our first game we shared a testimony and presented the Gospel.

Lots of men came forward and made decisions. All of the inmates we played against and saw us were very enthusiastic and positive about us being there. The Warden and his staff watched the games and gave everyone support. It was the first time that we ever saw the Warden stay with us for a few games. After two games, we went into the gym and played 3 point shoot-out, had pigs in a blanket meal, and snow cones!! What a treat. We went back refreshed and got to play the undefeated team and managed a good win. We were walked out of the prison by the Warden as he was thrilled for us being there all day. What a blessed day we had

The next day, we slept in and then traveled to Oakdale FCI in Oakdale, LA. We checked in at around 4 p.m. and got to play two games. There were hundreds of inmates out there watching us play. We played a tough team in the first game and lost by 2 runs. After our first game we shared a testimony and presented the Gospel. Again, God moved and lots of men came forward and made decisions to change their lives. We played another game and ended up winning by 1 run. We had not been in this facility for over three years and it was great to go back. The staff was very supportive and helpful during our visit there.

On this mission trip we were excited to have 5 new men from Jackson, MS come with us for their first ever prison ministry visit.

Below is the report for our Saturday trip.
The Mississippi Report….is as follows:

On Friday, June 18, we departed from Jackson, MS, to Natchez, MS, to join forces with Louisiana and Texas Sports Reach. Andy Prosser, Mark Rich, Brandon Jolly, Jim Moss, and Scott Marshall left Jackson around 5:45 p.m. and arrived in Natchez around 7:45 p.m. After dinner we met with Randy Smith and Anthony Leblanc to get a briefing on what to expect at Pollock FCI the next day. This prison softball ministry trip was a first for all Mississippi guys. We departed from Natchez at 7 a.m. Saturday and headed to the Low Camp at Pollock FCI in Pollock, LA. We arrived at 9 a.m. and were greeted by a very cordial staff. Mario, Recreation Department Leader at Pollock, was very pleased to see all of us. He said several times that the inmates were very excited that we were coming and had been on their best behavior to make sure the softball games would occur. Floyd Gardner and Scott Schafer set up the music equipment to bless everyone with worship music as we played the games. One inmate joined Scott in singing praises throughout the games. As we started to warm-up for the games, I was encouraged to see how many of the inmates remembered the guys from Sports Reach from previous years. The inmates were genuinely excited to see them again. The ministry of presence is an amazing outreach tool.

The games kicked-off around 9:45 p.m. During the game, we tried to be intentional in interacting with the inmates watching the game. Our purpose was simply to be interested in their stories and connect with them in some way. Two inmates (one from Colorado and one from California) approached our bench to learn more about us. They were very well-mannered and appreciative of us being there. They said that we were the only group that comes to play softball with them. We said our goodbyes after the second game (and two victories) and headed to lunch.

The next stop was the Pollock FCI medium facility. We arrived around 12:30 p.m. For the Mississippi guys, this facility was a little more intimidating given the level of security and the larger number of inmates. However, once the games began, we were brothers in Christ not separated by barbed-wire fences. Coach Kirby Jones gave the opening speech and challenged everyone to not think about this game as “us versus them,” but think about all of us as family. The inmates were receptive to this idea, and this speech set the tone for the game. The fan gallery here was much larger and louder than the Low Camp. It was obvious they were ready to play ball. Sports Reach won the first game. After that game, several men from Sports Reach shared their stories and gave them the opportunity to invite Jesus Christ into their lives or re-dedicate their lives to Christ. The response was very encouraging. Many inmates signed up for Bible Studies. God was mightily at work. Men from Sports Reach were intentional in visiting with the inmates during and after the games. Again, anyone could see how much they appreciated us being with them. Many seeds were planted this day.

We will commit to praying for these men and praying for an opportunity to visit them again soon. God worked on all of our hearts during this time to expand our vision for His Kingdom.

For the trip we were 7-1 in softball games but more importantly God moved in lots of men’s lives. After 3 great days, the decisions made for our 2010 Mission Trip:
New decisions for Jesus Christ = 27
Rededications to Jesus Christ = 88
Bible Studies/Follow-up discipleship = 153
On behalf of the men who were able to make this trip, we would like to thank all of you who have been praying for God’s work in this ministry.

Finally, we want to thank God for all things. He is our Lord, our Savior, our Master, our Kind, and our Friend.

18 & Under Girls Fast Pitch Mission Trip

In June, the Sports Reach Fastpitch team recently completed their second annual mission trip with activities in Knoxville and Nashville Tennessee and surrounding areas.

The team shared a time of fellowship with several local travel teams including the Knoxville Thunder, who they played in an exhibition at Bearden High School in Knoxville as well as competing in the Tennessee USFA State Tournament in Gallatin to close out the trip.

While in Knoxville, the team was graciously hosted on Wednesday by Pastor Rob Hammond and the youth ministry department of Grace Baptist Church. The girls played volleyball, basketball and was treated to an after-activity meal from McAllister’s.

During the trip the team was able to reach out to other youth with fellowship, encouragement and God’s Word at the “My Village” United Way Center in Knoxville and the
Youth Encouragement Services Center in Nashville.

The team would again like to thank all those that prayed for the team and trip and helped to make it possible for the team to be able to touch so many lives and for many decisions to be made by new and old friends alike for the second straight year.

The mission trip followed an ASA Qualifier Tournament that was both hosted and won by the Sports Reach team. This was the second straight year that the team hosted the qualifying tournament to help fund the mission trip. 14 teams from Kentucky and Indiana participated in the 3-day event.

You can follow Sports Reach Fastpitch at www.sportsreachfastpitch.com.
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9th & Final Game

Sports Reach — Thu, 27 May 2010 17:54:48 +0000

Reach USA 70 Russia Peak All Stars 69

Jingmen, China— Trailing by one with 3.4 seconds to go, Peyton Siva went coast-to-coast for a twisting game-winning layup over the 7 ft. 4 Russian and Reach USA pulled out a thrilling 70-69 win over the Russia Peak All Stars.

In a game that was sloppy from the outset, the Russian team controlled the tempo with their size and ability to get to the offensive glass. An upset was in the making as the Reach team could not hit anything from the field and was in foul trouble much of the game.

With 5:45 to go the Russians led by 5 but the US team battled back to take a one point lead. Carlton Fay then hit 1 of 2 free throws to give Reach a two point edge. With 5 seconds on the clock a last ditch shot stuck between the rim and backboard and Peak took possession.

On the inbounds play, a lob to the 7’ 4” big man found the bottom of the net and Reach fouled. After a made free throw and with 3.4 seconds left the stage was set for Siva’s fantastic finish. Driving through two defenders, he used his bottom to shield the big Russian and kissed it off the glass for the winner.
Siva led the winners with 15 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 assists. Josh Harrellson was the only other Reach member in double figures with 11.

The win brought this tour of Reach USA to their final record of 6 wins with 3 losses. Stats for Game 9 along the final overall stats are listed below.

Robby

NAME	TP	FG-FGA	3P-3PA	FT-FTA	O + D=TRB	A	TO	S	BS	PF
McBee	0	0-5	0-4	0-0	0 + 1=1	0	0	2	0	2
Barnes	4	1-3	1-2	1-2	1 + 1=2	0	2	1	0	1
Silas	7	3-7	0-1	1-1	1 + 2=3	1	0	0	1	1
Williams	8	3-7	0-1	2-2	1 + 4=5	1	0	2	0	3
Kowal	8	4-8	0-0	0-0	5 + 1=6	1	0	0	1	2
Siva	15	5-13	0-3	5-6	0 + 14=14	4	1	1	0	1
Hood	4	2-5	0-1	0-0	1 + 1=2	0	1	0	0	0
Harrellson	11	4-8	2-5	1-2	0 + 3=3	2	1	3	3	4
Fay	4	1-3	1-2	1-2	0 + 0=0	0	2	0	0	5
Pettigrew	7	3-7	1-1	0-0	1 + 1=2	3	1	2	0	1
Story	2	1-8	0-1	0-0	1 + 3=4	3	3	1	0	4
REACH Totals	70	27-74	5-21	11-15	11 +31= 42	15	11	12	5	24

Russia	69	19-65	7-26	23-34	15 + 25= 40	13	12	3	2	15

Final Overall Stats (9 Games)

NAME	FG-FGA	FG%	3P-3PA	3P%	FT-FTA	FT%	ORB +DRB=TRB	AVG
BARNES	15-42	35.7	2-11	18.2	6-10	60.0	13 +16=29	3.2
FAY	25-47	53.2	10-20	50.0	10-17	58.8	9 + 31=40	4.4
HARRELLSON	54-92	58.7	5-13	38.5	5-15	33.3	38 + 45=83	9.2
HOOD	21-65	32.3	3-21	14.3	3-3	100.0	11 + 28=39	4.3
KOWAL	18-34	52.9	1-3	33.3	4-7	57.1	15 + 17=32	3.6
MCBEE	25-59	42.4	19-39	48.7	4-6	66.7	2 + 15=17	1.9
PETTIGREW	35-60	58.3	2-3	66.7	11-16	68.8	15 + 5=20	2.2
SILAS	25-60	41.7	1-15	06.7	10-15	66.7	8 +17=25	2.8
SIVA	26-74	35.1	4-31	12.9	12-22	54.5	2 + 30= 32	3.6
STORY	30-83	36.1	11-27	40.7	9-11	81.8	8 + 27=35	3.9
WILLIAMS	31-65	47.7	4-13	30.7	6-8	75.0	16 + 30-46	5.1

NAME	A	AVG	TO	AVG	S	AVG	BS	AVG	PF	TP	AVG
BARNES	7	0.8	10	1.1	7	0.8	1	0.1	10	38	4.2
FAY	5	0.6	6	0.7	8	0.9	0	0.0	29	70	7.8
HARRELLSON	6	0.7	4	0.4	12	1.3	12	1.3	28	118	13.1
HOOD	26	2.9	12	1.3	12	1.3	0	0.0	17	48	5.3
KOWAL	7	0.8	4	0.4	3	0.3	0	0.3	17	41	4.6
MCBEE	23	2.6	14	1.6	9	1.0	0	0.0	22	73	8.1
PETTIGREW	10	1.1	9	1.0	4	0.4	2	0.2	18	83	9.2
SILAS	15	1.7	10	1.1	7	0.8	3	0.3	17	61	6.8
SIVA	49	5.4	20	2.2	14	1.6	4	0.4	11	68	7.6
STORY	25	2.8	21	2.3	11	1.2	0	0.0	21	80	8.9
WILLIAMS	14	1.6	10	1.1	21	2.3	6	0.7	17	72	8.0

NAME	TP	FG-FGA	3P-3PA	FT-FTA	O + D=TRB	A	TO	S	BS	PF
McBee	2	0-5	0-4	0-0	0 + 1=1	0	0	2	0	2
Barnes	4	1-3	1-2	1-2	1 + 1=2	0	2	1	0	1
Silas	5	3-7	0-1	1-1	1 + 2=3	1	0	0	1	1
Williams	8	3-7	0-1	2-2	1 + 4=5	1	0	2	0	3
Kowal	8	4-8	0-0	0-0	5 + 1=6	1	0	0	1	2
Siva	15	5-13	0-3	5-6	0 + 14=14	4	1	1	0	1
Hood	4	2-5	0-1	0-0	1 + 1=2	0	1	0	0	0
Harrellson	11	4-8	2-5	1-2	0 + 3=3	2	1	3	3	4
Fay	4	1-3	1-2	1-2	0 + 0=0	0	2	0	0	5
Pettigrew	7	3-7	1-1	0-0	1 + 1=2	3	1	2	0	1
Story	2	1-8	0-1	0-0	1 + 3=4	3	3	1	0	4
Totals	70	27-74	5-21	11-15	11 +31= 42	15	11	12	5	24

Russia	69	19-65	7-26	23-34	15 + 25= 40	13	12	3	2	15

Game 1 vs. Russians

Sports Reach — Wed, 26 May 2010 17:23:08 +0000

Reach US 98 – Russian Peak All Stars 78

———

Shinshou, China; In our eighth game of the tour and first against a Russian foe, we trailed early, but took the lead at the 4:16 mark and jumped on the Russian Peak All Stars and didn’t ook back to finish with a 98-78 victory. The Russian team consists of 12 all-stars from the Russian pro leagues and are currently on an 8-game tour. They were 2-0 coming into tonight’s contest.

Reach put together a complete game with 4 guys scoring in double figures, led by Carlton Fay with 21; Josh Harrellson added 13 and Peyton Siva along with Skylar McBee tossed in 12. Harrellson grabbed a team high 12 rebounds and along with Siva and his 11 assists, finished with a double- double night.

Robby

NAME	TP	FG-FGA	3P-3PA	FT-FTA	O + D=TRB	A	TO	S	BS	PF
Siva	12	5-8	1-2	1-3	0 + 4=4	11	3	0	0	0
Hood	3	1-3	1-2	0-0	1 + 5=6	5	1	1	0	3
Story	4	2-6	0-2	0-0	1 + 2=3	3	2	3	0	3
Pettigrew	5	2-7	0-0	1-2	2 + 0=2	1	0	0	0	1
Harrellson	13	6-9	1-3	0-0	1 + 11=12	1	0	0	2	2
Fay	21	8-12	3-6	2-3	3 + 3=6	0	0	2	0	3
Williams	7	3-8	1-3	0-0	2 + 3=5	4	0	1	1	1
McBee	12	4-7	4-6	0-0	0 +1=1	2	2	1	0	0
Silas	9	3-4	0-1	3-3	0 +2=2	2	2	0	0	1
Kowal	4	2-3	0-0	0-0	0 +1=1	0	0	0	0	1
Barnes	8	4-10	0-2	0-1	2 +2=4	0	1	2	0	1
REACH Totals	98	40-79	11-27	7-12	12 +34=46	29	11	10	3	16

Russia	78	30-78	8-39	10-17	12 +25=37	17	17	5	2	11

Recent Day Off

Sports Reach — Wed, 26 May 2010 00:28:48 +0000

We had a great off day yesterday and a good start to our day today as well.

We had a 5 hour bus ride yesterday that was not too bad. We had a chance to stop and take pictures at some amazing places. We arrived in what was referred to as a small country town, which has 2000 in population called Shizhou. It is an older quiet town, but as usual we have been so well received. The hotel is an older Chinese hotel, without elevator, so it is a slight change from the other ones, yet real nice. We got a opportunity to walk around and found an old favorite of ours, Diko’s. This is an American style fast food place that is a chain in China. They have fried chicken, chicken sandwiches, fries, ice cream, and home made donuts. It was a nice snack for some.

We went to eat what is known as “Hot Pot.” It is a place where you cook your own food in boiling something, i.e. water, oil, spices. Then you drop everything into the spicy side or moderate side. The spicy is HOT! We ate cow intestines, eel, beef, potatoes, squid, crab, noodles, and some things I was not sure about. The guys did great in trying some new items. Though some were different they were pretty good. We went to Diko’s afterwards for ice cream. I needed that to just get the taste back in my mouth from the heat.

This morning, we were going to a temple, but the roads up in the mountains were muddy from the rain so we just walked down by the park on the river. We got to see some monuments and headed back to the hotel. We are getting ready to go to a shoot around.

I would like to say how great we are being treated here in China. The host people are great. The hotels and food have been the best we have had to date on all of our trips. The Chinese people are, well what can I say, they are the most hospitable and friendly people you can imagine. We have made a lot of new friends and are real excited about what is to come.

Robby

Reach wins series

Sports Reach — Mon, 24 May 2010 15:48:18 +0000

Hard to believe what happens when you get to eat a little KFC before the game!

Following the first taste of some good ol’ Kentucky Fried Chicken, Reach USA came out like gangbusters taking a 20-5 lead after 3:30 minutes into the game and cruised to a 97-62 win in the 7th game to win the overall series four games to three.

Peyton Siva came out with his best early in the game, getting 8 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals and 4 assists in the first 3:30. Carlton Fay hit for 10 in the first quarter and Reach took a 37-9 lead at the end of the first. Things did not get any better for the Chinese team as the half time score was 61-24 and was stretched to a 79-41 lead by the end of the third, as Reach USA cruised to the 37 point win.

Robby

NAME	TP	FG-FGA	3P-3PA	FT-FTA	O + D= TRB	A	TO	S	BS	PF
Siva	8	3-5	1-2	1-2	0 + 4=4	5	1	3	0	1
Story	12	5-11	2-4	0-0	0 + 5=5	5	2	0	0	1
Harrellson	4	2-2	0-0	0-0	2 + 5=7	0	0	0	1	1
Williams	6	3-3	0-0	0-0	0 +2=2	2	0	2	0	1
Silas	13	5-9	0-1	3-3	1 + 5=6	1	1	2	0	3
McBee	5	2-6	1-3	0-0	1 + 1=2	3	2	0	0	3
Fay	10	4-4	2-2	0-0	0 + 2=2	1	0	0	0	1
Pettigrew	14	6-12	0-0	2-2	5 + 0=5	0	1	1	0	0
Hood	4	2-7	0-1	0-0	1 +3=4	4	3	2	0	1
Kowal	9	4-9	1-3	0-0	3 + 3=6	0	1	1	1	4
Barnes	12	5-9	1-2	1-2	3 + 5=8	3	1	1	1	0
Totals	97	41-75	8-18	7-9	16 + 35=51	24	12	12	3	16

Bayi	62	24-58	2-16	12-26	7 + 18=25	9	14	5	2	6

7th Game looms

Sports Reach — Sun, 23 May 2010 21:42:54 +0000

Yes, there is game seven drama building somewhere! While the NBA seems to be lacking in arriving to it’s own seventh game finale… Reach USA and Bayi will “get it on” in game seven of their series after an 88-81 Bayi win today in game six of the series.

Reach USA jumped out to a 9-2 lead early as a result of Carlton Fay’s hot start- hitting 7 of the first 9. They could only hold on to a 3-point lead at the end of one and Bayi fought back to tie the score at 38 at the half. Afterward, Bayi came out hot and outscored the US squad 12-1 and built up a 14 point lead to lead by 8 at the end of three. From there, Reach was able to cut the lead down to 3 with 1:30 to go but missed a three pointer that would have tied the score and could not get closer.

Hopefully our next update will be that of a deciding game seven victory!

Robby

NAME	TP	FG-FGA	3P-3PA	FT-FTA	ORB	DRB	TRB	A	TO	S	BS	PF
McBee	14	5-8	3-5	1-2	0	2	2	3	2	0	0	3
Barnes	3	0-1	0-0	3-4	2	0	2	1	2	0	0	2
Williams	6	3-10	0-1	0-0	5	5	10	0	1	0	0	2
Fay	11	4-7	2-3	1-2	0	5	5	1	1	1	0	5
Kowal	2	1-2	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0
Siva	13	5-14	0-2	3-5	2	3	5	2	2	0	1	2
Harrellson	17	7-12	0-0	3-6	10	7	17	0	0	5	0	5
Hood	6	3-11	0-3	0-0	0	0	0	3	0	2	0	4
Story	7	3-9	0-0	1-2	1	2	3	2	1	2	0	5
Pettigrew	2	1-3	0-0	0-0	1	0	1	0	1	0	0	1
Silas	0	0-2	0-1	0-0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0
TOTALS	81	32-79	5-15	12-21	21	24	45	12	11	10	2	29

BAYI	88	32-57	8-22	16-35	7	23	30	20	16	3	0	15

Yes, there is a game seven some where. While the NBA seems to be lacking in the seven game exciting series fianale , Reach USA and Bayi will get it on in game seven of their series as a result of an 88-81 Bayi win in game six.

Reach USA jumped out to a 9-2 lead early as a result of Carlton Fay’s hot start hitting 7 of the first 9. They could only hold on to a 3 point lead at the end of one and Bayi fought back to tie the score 38 at half. Bayi came out hot and outscored the US squad 12-1 and built up a 14 point lead and lead by 8 at the end of three. Reach was able to cut the lead down to 3 with 1:30 to go but missed a three to tie and could not get closer.

China Game 5, May 22

Sports Reach — Sun, 23 May 2010 01:12:46 +0000

Reach USA 78 Bayi 77

Shizhu, China-In a see-saw affair that came down to three free throws with no time on the clock, Reach USA managed to edge out the Bayi Rockets 78-77 to take a 3-2 in the series.

Both teams held leads of 8 or more in the game, but could not hold off their foe.

The Reach team had a 3-point lead at the end of the first quarter only to see the score tied at the end of the second and third stanzas. The US team had an 11 point lead with 6 minutes to go, but failure to hit free throws in the last four minutes ( going 3-8) allowed Bayi to take a 3 point lead with less than two minutes to go.

After cutting the lead to one on a Malik Story bucket, following a stop, Reach missed a jumper but Josh Harrelson muscled away a steal and scored to put Reach up by one. Again, a missed shot by the Chinese team put Reach in a position with under a minute to stretch the lead, but a missed shot set the stage for another hard fought ending for the visitors. A steal by Peyton Siva and a score put the game at 78-77. Reach tried to foul intentionally but waited too long and made the mistake of fouling on a three-point attempt at the buzzer. Fortunately, the Chinese player missed the first free throw attempt to help ensure a hard fought win for us.

Robby

NAME	TP	FG-FGA	3P-3PA	FT-FTA	O + D=TRB	A	TO	S	BS	PF
Siva	8	3-10	1-6	1-1	0 + 2=2	10	5	2	0	2
Hood	11	5-11	1-3	0-0	1 + 4=5	0	3	2	0	3
Silas	7	3-10	1-3	0-2	1 + 4=5	2	2	0	0	2
Harrellson	21	10-16	1-2	0-2	6 + 6=12	0	0	1	1	4
Kowal	2	1-2	0-0	0-0	0 + 1=1	1	0	1	0	2
McBee	3	1-3	1-2	0-0	0 + 3=3	2	0	1	0	2
Story	13	4-8	1-2	4-4	1 + 5=6	4	1	0	0	2
Pettigrew	15	5-7	0-0	5-6	2 + 0=2	3	1	0	0	4
Fay	4	1-3	0-1	2-4	0 +2=2	2	0	0	0	4
Williams	4	2-4	0-1	0-0	0 + 2=2	1	1	1	1	1
Barnes	0	0-1	0-1	0-0	0 + 2=2	0	0	0	0	0
Reach USA Totals	78	35-74	6-22	12-19	11 + 31=42	25	13	8	2	26

Bayi Rockets	77	26-72	9-27	26-38	16 + 22=38	13	11	6	0	14

Reach USA 76 Bayi 67

Sports Reach — Thu, 20 May 2010 19:48:04 +0000

May 20, Pengshui, China- “And a great day was had by all” was a phrase that was common in my hometown paper and I will use it for today as it was a great day!

For starters, the guys got to “sleep in” until 10:30 am and we only had to endure a one-hour bus ride. We are staying in a great hotel and the food is out of this world.

We played real hard in today’s game and battled through some real adversity (see game recap) and came away with a 76-67 win over Bayi to even the series at 2 games apiece.

This was a smaller arena, holding only about 2000, but there was plenty of activity all over the place and after the game we had a great time posing for pictures and giving autographs.

Robby

P.S.
We have an off day tomorrow!

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Game Recap #4

Reach USA 76 Bayi Rockets 67

In a repeat of last night, the Reach USA team jumped out to an early lead and led by as much as 11 in the first quarter and held a 9-point lead at the half. The third quarter took a turn in momentum as Bayi went 13-16 from the free throw line and cut the lead to one, but a stubborn Reach team would not be denied and finished with a 76-67 win.

NAME	TP	FG-FGA	3P-3PA	FT-FTA	O + D= TRB	A	TO	S	BS	PF
McBee	10	4-5	2-3	0-0	1 + 2=3	4	1	1	0	2
Hood	0	0-5	0-2	0-0	1 + 3=4	2	0	1	0	3
Barnes	3	1-3	0-0	1-1	2 + 2=4	1	1	1	0	0
Pettigrew	18	8-11	0-1	2-4	0 + 0= 0	2	0	0	0	3
Harrellson	10	5-9	0-0	0-3	3 + 3=6	0	1	0	1	3
Kowal	0	0-0	0-0	0-0	0 +2=2	0	0	1	0	1
Siva	5	2-3	1-2	0-0	0 + 2=2	7	2	1	0	3
Silas	4	1-3	0-1	2-4	0 + 0=0	2	0	1	0	2
Story	8	3-6	1-1	1-2	0 + 1=1	2	4	2	0	2
Fay	9	4-7	1-3	0-0	0 + 8=8	1	1	1	0	1
Williams	9	4-8	0-1	1-1	2 +1=3	2	2	1	0	1
REACH Totals	76	32-60	5-14	7-15	9 + 24=33	23	12	10	1	21

Bayi	67	20-50	4-18	23-31	8 + 18=26	6	14	2	0	10

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For those with an interest, here are a couple of links that seem to provide accurate info about the Bayi Rockets as well as the Chinese Basketball Association that they are a part of:

http://tinyurl.com/25j4y54 (translated Team site)

http://www.sportspundit.com/league/63/

http://www.sportspundit.com/team/464/

http://hoopedia.nba.com/index.php?title=Bayi_Rockets

Our Game 3 in China

Sports Reach — Thu, 20 May 2010 00:28:29 +0000

May 19, 2010 Qianjiang, China

Following a long 5 hour bus ride, we arrived in Qianjiang. We did have opportunity to have a shoot around before the game and the arena is nice.

We have been having packed houses each night and tonight was no exception- somewhere around 4,000.

The thing about a trip like this is that you play in cities where there are no pro teams so when something like this comes around it is a very big deal!

Tonight may have been the biggest “shindig” that we have had so far. They had an hour of pregame festivities with dancing, singing, and martial arts. It was a great show indeed!

The game was another tough one. We were defeated by a score of 84-80. We just could not hit anything all night and the Bayi team went 10-13 in the fourth quarter. But a lot of good things are happening and I will be looking forward to sharing them later.

Robby

Game 3 Recap:

Reach USA came out fast and built a 10-0 lead, but could not sustain the start as the Bayi Rockets edge the visitors 84-80 before a packed house. The USA team held a six point lead at the end of the first but saw that dwindle to one at the half.

Bayi turned the tables and grabbed a one point lead after three periods, but the first eight minutes of the last period was all the Chinese bunch as they built up a 13 point lead. They were 10-13 in the period and seemed to have things in had, when Reach finally began to hit some needed shots and cut the lead to only 4 with 25 seconds left, but that would be as close as they would get to Bayi before the game ended.

Name	TP	FG-FGA	3P-3PTA	FT-FTA	REB	A	TO	S	BS	PF
McBee	3	1-9	1-5	0-0	0 + 1=1	5	2	1	0	4
Barnes	0	0-3	0-1	0-0	1 + 1=2	0	1	0	0	3
Hood	7	3-8	1-3	0-0	2 + 4=6	2	1	1	0	1
Pettigrew	14	6-6	1-1	1-2	1 + 1=2	0	1	1	0	4
Harrellson	20	9-15	1-3	1-2	8 + 6=14	1	1	2	2	5
Siva	5	2-8	0-5	1-5	0 + 0-0	3	2	3	0	1
Silas	0	0-5	0-3	0-0	1 +2=3	3	1	1	1	1
Story	8	3-8	2-5	0-0	1 + 1=2	0	3	1	0	1
Fay	6	1-3	0-1	4-6	3 + 2=5	0	1	2	0	3
Williams	12	5-9	0-0	2-3	1 + 5=6	1	2	0	0	5
Kowal	5	2-2	0-0	1-2	1 + 1=2	2	0	0	0	2
REACH USA Totals	80	32-76	6-27	10-20	19 +24+43	17	15	12	3	30

Bayi	84	29-61	5-16	21-33	9 + 20+ 29	13	16	5	0	12

Latest China Update

Sports Reach — Tue, 18 May 2010 16:11:04 +0000

May 18, 2010- Tongnan, China

Long bus ride today, but tomorrow will be even longer. It will be a4-5 hour trip. which is the longest one we have, thank goodness! The guys are really meshing well. However, the day did not end quite the way we would have liked…

GAME RECAP:

Bayi Rockets 77 Reach USA 76

A banked in three-pointer by Bayi with 2 seconds on the game clock, but well after the shot clock had expired, resulted in heart breaking loss for Reach USA 77-76.

Poor clock management in the last 1:30 allowed the Bayi Rockets their opportunity for the win. Two free throws by Skylar McBee at the 1:30 mark put the US team up by four, but down the stretch ill-advised shots gave Bayi an opportunity to first hit two free throws with 35 seconds followed by a quick miss on the our offensive end allowing the home squad the chance to pull it out with the disputed three.

In the first half, Reach USA squandered several opportunities to distance themselves by making 17 turnovers, compared to just 13 the night before. Reach had a 4 point lead at half and lead late in the third by as much as 13.

Robby

NAME	TP	FG-FGA	3P-3PA	FT-FTA	O + D= TRB	A	TO	S	BS	PF
Siva	2	1-7	0-5	0-0	0 + 1=1	1	2	2	2	1
Story	14	5-14	2-6	2-2	2 + 4=6	3	4	1	0	2
Silas	12	6-10	0-0	0-0	2 + 1= 3	0	1	1	0	5
Williams	7	3-6	1-4	0-0	1 + 5=6	3	2	3	2	2
Fay	3	1-4	1-1	0-0	2 + 3=5	0	1	2	0	3
McBee	9	2-7	2-4	3-4	0 + 4=4	3	4	3	0	2
Hood	13	5-12	0-5	3-3	4 + 3= 7	5	2	2	0	2
Harrellson	10	5-9	0-0	0-0	3 + 1=4	1	0	0	3	3
Pettigrew	2	1-3	0-0	0-0	1 + 0=1	0	2	0	1	2
Kowal	2	1-2	0-0	0-0	1 + 3=4	0	0	0	0	0
Barnes	2	1-3	0-1	0-0	0 + 2=2	0	2	1	0	0
Reach Totals	76	31-77	6-26	8-9	16 +27=43	16	20	15	8	22
Bayi	77	24-52	8-24	21-28	9 + 20=29	20	15	7	0	10

Tour #2 begins

Sports Reach — Tue, 18 May 2010 03:39:19 +0000

May 17, 2010;
11:00 am- We have arrived in Chongquing from an early morning flight from Beijing. The team rolled out at 5:15 am to get to the airport for our 7:20 am flight. We don’t have a great deal of flying on this trip which is always a blessing. You are only allowed 42 lbs per person regardless of number of pieces of luggage that you check. It makes for an overage on the first flight since we have so many giveaways for the other teams and people.

Had some great friends great us at the airport. Weiming, Mr. Yang’s assistant and Sarge, in charge of the bus and travel, were friendly faces meeting us as we flew in. Mr. Yang is the guy that sets all of our stuff up. He has been in the government and part of the basketball federation but now also has a sports marketing company. He is always great to work with.

We are now on the bus, a very nice one at that, heading for Changshou. Supposed to be an hour ride but you never really know until you get there. The guys have really been great. They have jumped in and helped with luggage and really made it a point to try to talk with the locals.

4:30 pm- Finished our team time, led by Max Appel. We are excited about learning new things about ourselves. We had a good shoot around. The arena is really nice and the floor is super. That in itself is amazing in that we many times have slick floors, which I am expecting more times than not. Guys are resting a bit as we are getting ready for pregame meal. There seems to be pretty good chemistry at the moment, but you never know.

Game one is in the books with a Reach USA win 87-75. A real tough game physically but one that seemed to be in hand for most of the game. It was a close game early when Skylar McBee, now know as “Skylar McThree”, hit two threes to put the USA team up by 7 and managed to get it up to 15 in the first half. The Bayi Rockets fought back and cut the led to 7 at the half. The Chinese team got within 5 but again behind the hot shooting of McBee, 16 was the biggest second half margin.

Robby

NAME	TP	FG-FGA	3P-3PA	FT-FTA	O + D= TRB	A	TO	S	BS	PF
Siva	4	2-9	0-6	0-0	0 + 0= 0	6	2	2	1	0
Story	12	4-10	3-6	1-1	1 + 4= 5	3	1	1	0	1
Williams	13	5-10	2-2	1-2	4 + 3= 7	0	2	1	2	1
Silas	9	4-10	0-4	1-2	2 + 1 = 3	3	2	2	1	2
Fay	2	1-4	0-1	0-0	1 + 6= 7	0	0	0	0	4
Hood	0	0-3	0-1	0-0	0 + 5 +5	5	1	1	0	0
Harrellson	12	6-12	0-0	0-0	5 + 3 = 8	1	1	1	1	1
McBee	17	6-9	5-7	0-0	0 + 0 = 0	1	1	0	0	4
Pettigrew	6	3-4	0-0	0-0	2 + 3 =5	1	2	0	1	2
Kowal	6	3-6	0-0	0-0	3 + 1 = 4	1	1	0	0	3
Barnes	6	3-9	0-2	0-0	2 + 1 =3	2	0	1	0	3
Totals	87	37-86	10-29	3-5	20 + 27 = 47	23	13	9	6	21

Opp	75	22-58	6-17	22-34	10 + 21 = 31	14	14	16	3	5

May 17, 2010

11:00 am- We have arrived in Congquing from an early morning flight from Beijing. The team rolled out at 5:15 am to get to the airport for our 7:20 am flight. We don’t have a great deal of flying on this trip which is always a blessing. You are only allowed 42 lbs per person regardless of number of pieces of luggage that you check. It makes for an overage on the first flight since we have so many giveaways for the other teams and people. Had some great friends great us at the airport. Weiming, Mr. Yang’s assistant and Sarge, in charge of the bus and travel, were friendly faces meeting us as we flew in. Mr. Yang is the guy that sets all of our stuff up. He has been in the government and part of the basketball federation but now also has a sports marketing company. He is always great to work with. We are now on the bus, a very nice one at that, heading for Changshou. Supposed to be an hour ride but you never really know until you get there. The guys have really been great. They have jumped in and helped with luggage and really made it a point to try to talk with the locals.