UDC Hires Michael Riley as Men's Basketball Head Coach

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June 11, 2013

University of the District of Columbia Hires Michael Riley as Men’s Basketball Head Coach

WASHINGTON, DC – University of the District of Columbia Interim President, Dr. James E. Lyons, Sr. and Director of Athletics, Patricia Thomas, announced today that Michael Riley has been hired to lead the University of the District of Columbia Men's Basketball program. There is a press conference scheduled for today, June 11th at 4:00 PM in the UDC Gym in the Sports Complex.

"Mike Riley is an outstanding choice to lead our Men's Basketball program," said Patricia Thomas. "He has exceptional credentials and experience as a coach and administrator. Most importantly, though, he is a person of extremely high character and values. He is a tremendous leader of men. I have no doubt that he will take the University of the District of Columbia Men's Basketball program to new heights, and our student-athletes will benefit tremendously on the court, in the classroom, and in life by having him at the helm."

Riley has a distinguished coaching resume which includes more than 20 years as an assistant coach at Georgetown University. He was also an assistant coach on the 1988 Olympic basketball team that earned the bronze medal. Riley came to the University of the District of Columbia in 2009 and has served as the Associate Director of Athletics for Internal Operations during that time. 

"I am ecstatic to be able to take over as the new Head Men's Basketball Coach at the University of the District of Columbia," said Riley. "The Firebirds have a long and rich tradition.  As the University continues to move in a positive direction, I look forward to leading this program as one piece of the successful future of the University. We will recruit young men that will work hard and intelligently in the classroom and on the basketball court. We will be positive citizens on campus and in the community.  We will represent the Firebird family well in all that we do. It is an honor and a privilege to be selected as the Men's Basketball Coach at the University of the District of Columbia."

Riley is a Washington, DC native, having graduated from Cardozo High School, where he was a standout guard on the men's basketball team. Riley earned team Defensive Player of the Year honors while at Cardozo and was also selected Most Valuable Player during his senior year. Riley was inducted into the Cardozo High School Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011.

After attending Cardozo High School, Riley served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Holland stationed in the Mediterranean. 

Riley went on to graduate from Georgetown University with a Bachelor's of Arts Degree in Sociology. While at Georgetown, Riley was a member of the Hoyas Men's Basketball Team where he was named the Defensive Player of the Year.

Riley went on to serve as an assistant basketball coach at Georgetown University from 1983 to 2004.  While at Georgetown, Riley coached the Hoyas to six Big East Conference Championships, four Big East Tournament Championships, two Final Fours, and the 1984 National Championship.  He also served as the academic coordinator during his tenure at Georgetown. 

In addition to his accomplishments at Cardozo and Georgetown, Riley also served as Athletic Director at St. Augustine Catholic School.  From 1980 to 1982, he was an Assistant Headmaster, Economics teacher, and junior varsity basketball coach at Gonzaga College High School. 

Big Train top T-Bolts

Big Train Best Bolts 5-4

The Big Train won their second straight game on Sunday night, downing the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts 5-4. Pitcher Michael Boyle (Radford) - pictured above - made his debut for the Big Train, and gave the team five solid innings. Boyle gave up just one run on two hits while striking out four. But perhaps the bigger story in the game was the day that Kevin Tatum(Cornell) had at the plate. Tatum would finish the day 2-4 with a home run, a double, and a walk, driving in the first two of the Big Train's five runs. Tatum's home run gave the Big Train a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning, and they wouldn't look back from there. After Tatum's homer in the first, the Big Train would add to their lead in the fifth, pushing across three more runs. RBIs from Harrison Bruce (San Francisco) and Johnny Cole (Coastal Carolina) would give the Big Train the 4-1 lead, before Tatum scored his second run of the day on a wild pitch. The T-Bolts would rally in the sixth inning, scoring three runs on a single play that included a few Big Tran mishaps. However, solid relief by Brock Larson(San Francisco) and Trevor Charpie (Tennessee) would close the door on any chance of a comeback. Charpie picked up his second save in as many days. The 5-4 victory pushes Bethesda's record to 2-1 on the season. The box score can be found here.

Divas win a record 10th division title

Perfect 10: Divas Clinch Division Title With 42-20 Victory 
Neal Rozendaal

Landover, MD – In a season filled with ups and downs, this game was one to remember.

Using perhaps their most balanced offensive attack this season, the DC Divas defeated the Columbus Comets, 42-20, to secure their fifth consecutive division championship. The division title is the Divas’ tenth overall in franchise history, tying them with the Sacramento Sirens for the most division championships in the history of women’s professional football.

As they have in several games this season, the Divas (5-3) got off to a slow start against Columbus. On the Comets’ first offensive possession, running back Shelley Gates carried the ball four consecutive times, going over the goal line on her final carry from two yards away. Columbus quarterback Crystal Davis then completed a pass for the two-point conversion, putting the Comets ahead, 8-0.

D’Ajah Scott helped turn things around by returning the ensuing kickoff to the Comets’ 44-yard line. The Divas then called on their top two running backs – Kenyetta Grigsby and Donna Wilkinson. Five straight runs by Grigsby and Wilkinson got the Divas on the scoreboard, with Wilkinson doing the honors by running into the end zone from two yards out. Wilkinson ended the game with 81 total yards and one touchdown, which cut the Comets’ lead to one point, 8-7.

The Comets (5-4) consumed over eight minutes of clock on their next possession, running out most of the first quarter. Although they failed to score, they pinned the Divas deep in their own territory with a punt, which led to a three and out for DC. The Comets got the ball back with great field position at the Divas’ 32-yard line.

But the Divas defense made a critical stop on Columbus’ next drive, capped by Cherre Marshall’s eight-yard sack of Crystal Davis on fourth down. Three plays later, Grigsby broke through the Comets’ resistance and raced 36 yards for a DC touchdown, giving the Divas their first lead of the game at 14-8.

Columbus put together another nice drive, advancing all the way to the Divas’ 27-yard line. But Callie Brownson swatted down a pass from Davis on fourth and eight, and the Divas regained possession. With time running out in the first half, Grigsby and Wilkinson got the call again, and both responded with huge rushing gains. Grigsby polished off the drive by plunging over the goal line from three yards out; Grigsby finished the game with 132 yards on 12 carries and two touchdowns. Her second touchdown gave the Divas a 21-8 advantage, which was the score they carried into halftime.

The Divas took to the air in the third quarter. Quarterback Allyson Hamlin hit Kasee Hilliard for a twenty-yard touchdown strike on DC’s first possession of the second half; Hilliard caught the ball at the ten-yard line, juked a Columbus defender, and raced for the end zone to stake the Divas to a 28-8 lead.

The Comets countered with their second touchdown of the game to make the score 28-14, but the Divas got those points right back. Hamlin threw her second touchdown of the contest to Juliette Baker-Brice for a ten-yard score; Hamlin finished the game with eight completions on 14 attempts for 116 yards and two touchdowns. Hamlin’s second touchdown pass of the game pushed the lead back out to 35-14 as the third quarter expired.

Nikieva Perry scored the final touchdown of the Divas’ 2013 regular season, rushing into the end zone for a nine-yard score midway through the fourth quarter to increase the lead to 42-14. Davis threw her second touchdown pass with 29 seconds remaining to make the final score 42-20.

The Divas offense spread the ball around. Arica Walker, Elise Pittman, and Stacy Bruce joined Grigsby, Wilkinson, and Perry with rushing attempts. With the Divas playing their second straight game without Ashley Whisonant, Hamlin spread the ball around to several receivers, including Baker-Brice, Hilliard, Lakia Barber, and Melissa Mitchell.

Defensively, the Divas were led by Cherre Marshall, who logged eight tackles and two sacks. Melissa Washington recorded 5.5 tackles and a sack, while D’Ajah Scott also collected 5.5 tackles. Devon Goldsmith chipped in with 3.5 tackles, and Trigger McNair and Eleni Kostis added three tackles apiece.

With the victory over the Comets, the Divas clinched their tenth division title in franchise history, tying the record now shared by the Sacramento Sirens. The DC Divas also earned a first round bye in the WFA playoffs, which start next week. The Divas will have next week off before hosting a conference quarterfinal playoff game in Landover onJune 22.

Startling new discovery about chronic pain

A Startling New Discovery about Chronic Pain: It May Often be Caused by a Microbe     Whether pain is caused by cancer or a less dangerous condition like arthritis, the main thing people want when they're dealing with it is RELIEF. Today, I want to tell you about a startling new claim about the causes of some kinds of pain, and a solution, too. It might be worth a try.     This new theory targets a variety of other causes of pain besides cancer — for example, chronic fatigue, Lyme disease and lupus. I'm not sure it will be useful for cancer pain at all. But it bears a striking resemblance to some theories about what causes cancer, and that was enough to make me sit up and pay attention.     If these folks are onto something, it could be an important medical breakthrough. Keep reading and I'll explain. . . Continued below. . . Why Most Health Foods are a Waste of Money By Lee Euler     You can take vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants by the handful and stillsuffer poor health. Now we know why. Our diets lack a vital food -- a type of nutrient that even alternative doctors don’t know about. Thanks to this supplement, a mother’s lifelong migraines disappeared, and a man with "terminal" kidney cancer was alive 15 years later. He’s just one of thousands of cancer patients who have taken this supplement and seen remarkable results.     There’s more: It’s one of the most popular pain relievers in Germany, used by that country’s Olympic team to help athletes get rid of pain and accelerate healing from sports injuries. It outperforms prescription blood clot drugs — in my opinion, patients should take this supplement instead of blood-thinning drugs like warfarin. And it even helps 9 out of 10 autistic children. The mother of a 7-year-old autistic child starting giving him this supplement after reading my Special Report The Missing Ingredient — and he started speaking after having been nonverbal his whole life!     How can ONE supplement possibly do all this? Just ask yourself: What if you were getting NO vitamins in your diet? You’d be very sick. This nutrient is just as important and you’re getting almost none. Read more here about The Missing Ingredient, and consider trying it yourself.     Most cancer doctors' answer to pain management is simple: D-R-U-G-S!     The World Health Organization's pain management plan recommends starting with acetaminophen or aspirin for mild pain.     But if pain is more severe, they encourage doctors to prescribe stronger drugs like methadone, morphine, and oxycodone.     Naturally many folks worry about the prospects of becoming addicted to prescription painkillers.     And there are also other sickening side effects such as: Breathing problems Constipation Kidney failure Nausea and vomiting Sexual dysfunction     As if that weren't scary enough, sometimes doctors will prescribe more drugs to take with the pain medication to make it more effective. Who else wants a dose of PAIN with their painkillers?     According to the National Cancer Institute, some drugs that may be added to painkiller prescriptions include antidepressants, anticonvulsants, bisphosphonates, corticosteroids, local anesthetics, and stimulants.     NCI admits that side effects often result from doubling up the prescriptions. This is not rare; it's a common occurrence. For example, using bisphosphonates may cause chills and fever.     What's more, after several days of use, patients may even experience severe and sometimes disabling pain in the bones, joints, and muscles!     Imagine that—one of the very drugs used to enhance the painkillers actually CAUSES new pains to develop.     Fortunately, drugs are not the only option for pain management. A team of health professionals thinks they may have a non-invasive pain treatment remedy that could be helpful…     It's called the Jaffe-Mellor Technique (JMT) and is named for its originators: Carolyn Jaffe, D.Ac., Dipl. NCCA is a board certified doctor of acupuncture and a doctoral candidate in Naturopathy. She holds certifications in allergy elimination, enzyme therapy, herbology and many other techniques. Judy Mellor, RN, is a doctoral candidate in nutrition and has twenty-five years of Western medicine experience as a critical care nurse. She is a certified Oriental medical herbalist with certifications in numerous other modalities as well.     Their treatment technique is designed to address chronic degenerative disorders such as Crohn's disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, lupus, Lyme disease, rheumatoid arthritis, trauma-related and post-surgical pain disorders and more.     Many of these are autoimmune disorders—those caused when your immune system turns on itself and begins to attack its own tissues.     A compromised immune system can leave you wide open to cell-damaging free radicals.     Jaffe and Mellor said doctors treat nearly all autoimmune disorders with drugs that often suppress immune system function. This is not too surprising, when you consider these problems are caused by an overactive immune system.     These drugs are commonly prescribed in a three-tier approach: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen Disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS) Experimental drugs, which can include anti-cancer drugs like Methotrexate     The originators say the Jaffe-Mellor Technique is a revolutionary way to significantly reduce pain… stop the body from attacking itself… and resolve symptoms associated with many autoimmune conditions.     If you're wondering how this could be—read on! A three-step, drug-free approach to pain management!     Jaffe and Mellor found some common factors in patients with arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.     For starters, they all had tiny bacteria in their bodies that Jaffe and Mellor called external pathogenic factors (EPFs). They also noted that these EPFs could easily invade bodies with compromised immune systems.     Finally, they noticed that the immune system launched frequent and continuous attacks on body areas where EPFs were located.     They theorized that many chronic, degenerative diseases result from EPFs' ability to hide from your immune system.     Because your immune system can't find these bacteria to eliminate them, they are always in attack mode. This causes the tissue destruction and pain that are common to chronic inflammation disorders.     JMT proposes this three-pronged approach to eliminating autoimmune diseases and chronic pain: Deactivate the pathogen. Desensitize the immune system to healthy tissue. Stimulate repair.     Jaffe and Mellor thought about the energy signature associated with these bacteria. This refers to the energy frequency or vibration that is unique to each pathogen.     Their treatment plan suggests that these energy signatures can be imprinted into vials of water. Practitioners can use different pathogen vials along with manual muscle testing techniques to identify the specific pathogen causing problems.     Once a practitioner has pinpointed the problem, treatment involves chiropractic and acupressure techniques to treat the body's negative response to that pathogen.     The JMT website says you don't need a specific chronic disease diagnosis to benefit from the technique.     Because some pathogens can reside harmlessly in your body for years before triggering immune system attacks, JMT can help destroy these bacteria before they cause chronic disease and pain.     And some anecdotal evidence suggests JMT provides a powerful pain management tool as well. For example, the JMT website reports the following positive cases: A chiropractor suffering with severe osteoarthritis received JMT treatments at a seminar in 2001. Within a week of the first of two treatments all knee pain was gone, and has not returned! A 21-year old male college basketball player with an injured knee continued to experience pain after two years of conventional medical treatments. He even tested positive for osteoarthritis and was restricted from playing basketball. After receiving JMT treatments, he noticed a remarkable decline in pain almost immediately. By his the fifth and final treatment, the young man was completely pain free and even resumed playing with his basketball team!     The JMT founders don't specifically promote the technique as a cancer treatment. But it does use some acupressure techniques that many cancer patients have embraced as an effective pain management method.     And because it can help diagnose bacteria that may be lurking in your body to cause future health problems—you might think it's worth a second look!     I find it fascinating that so many aspects of the Jaffe-Mellor technique resemble the theories and treatments of "fringe" alternative cancer therapies like Rife. The Rife theory holds that cancer is caused by a microbe that modern, mainstream science has failed to identify. By targeting and destroying the microbe, Rife advocates claim you can destroy cancer.     And likewise, the notion that you can "imprint" water with the energy signature of the bacteria that cause pain. Regular readers will see a resemblance to homeopathic medicine.     I don't want to make too much of these coincidences. We need to know far more. One day, I hope some fraction of the billions of dollars that are poured into mainstream medicine will be made available to alternative medicine so we can see what's the scientific basis for the success some patients enjoy with homeopathy and Rife.

Big Train Win Home Opener! 10 Big Train Players Selected in MLB Draft

Big Train Beat Gaithersburg 4-1 in Home Opener    One night after Mother Nature cancelled the Big Train's originally scheduled home opener, the weather cooperated  on Saturday night as Bethesda hosted the Gaithersburg Giants at Povich Field. Danny Mooney (Davidson) - pictured above - got the start for the Big Train and put together six quality innings in his season debut. Mooney would give up just three hits and two walks while striking out seven. Three innings of one-run ball from the bullpen and four runs of offense would help to get Mooney his first win of the season. The majority of the runs would come in the third inning. Four consecutive Big Train batters would reach base. Kevin Tatum (Cornell) would double home two runners and then be singled home by Tucker Tobin (George Mason) to give the Big Train a 3-0 lead heading into the fourth. Following the big inning, Big Train pitchers Mooney and Will Resnik (High Point) would combine to pitch four shutout innings and keep the game at 3-0. Tobin would later add another run on a bases-loaded sacrifice fly. The Big Train gave up one run late, but Trevor Charpie (Tennessee) came on to pick up the save. "We've got a group of guys this year that just want to win, want to play, want to get better and more importantly, just want to have fun," said manager Sal Colangelo. "Just the little things. Taking care of batting practice, getting that set up, getting the tarp set up. This is a great group of kids. Very talented, top to bottom." The 4-1 win brings the Big Train to an even 1-1 on the season, and they'll look to get over .500 tomorrow night on the road at Blair Stadium in Silver Spring against the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts. The Big Train return home to Povich Field on Monday for a doubleheader against the DC Grays, and will host fireman, policeman, and active and former service members on Hometown Heroes Night! Get your tickets to both of those games here or at the gate! 10 Big Train Players Taken in 2013 MLB Draft! Hunter Renfroe wasn't the only Big Train player drafted this week. In fact, ten former Big Train players were drafted which set a franchise record for a single draft. Here is the full list of draftees along with their Big Train highlight: Hunter Renfroe (BT '11-'12 / Mississippi State University) #13 overall in the 1st Round by the San Diego Padres One of just two Big Train players to have a jersey number retired.  Jimmy Reed (BT '10 / University of Maryland) #185 overall in the 6th Round by the St. Louis Cardinals  Had the second most appearances of any Big Train pitcher in 2010.  Brennan Middleton (BT '10-'12 / Tulane University) #316 overall in the 10th Round by the Washington Nationals Won the 2012 Big Train Hustle Award.  Ben Griset (BT '12 / St. Mary's College (CA)) #398 overall in the 13th Round  by the Tampa Bay Rays Posted a 1.77 ERA and was a CRCBL All-Star.   Daryl Norris (BT '11 / Mississippi State University) #666 overall in the 22nd Round by the Detroit Tigers Helped the 2011 National Championship team as a pitcher and hitter.  Ethan Miller (BT '12 / San Diego State University) #672 overall in the 22nd Round by the San Francisco Giants Earned a win in the 2012 CRCBL LCS in a 3-2 must-win game.  Brenden Kalfus (BT '11 / St. Mary's College (CA)) #685 overall in the 23rd Round by the Toronto Blue Jays Batted .314 in the summer of 2011.  Michael Bass (BT  '11-'12 / University of North Carolina at Wilmington) #808 overall in the 27th Round by the San Diego Padres Stole 40 bases over two seasons and was not caught in 2012.  Joe Mantiply (BT '10 / Virginia Tech) #816 overall in the 27th Round by the Detroit Tigers Earned the win in the 2010 CRCBL Championship Game.  Cole Norton (BT '12 / St. Mary's College (CA)) #1159 overall in the 39th Round by the Colorado Rockies Named to the 2012 CRCBL All-Star Game.

Home Opener / Homer's B-Day on Saturday; Renfroe Drafted 13th; Big Train Fall in Towson

Tonight's Game Postponed, Home Opener / Homer's Birthday on Saturday Night!    Tonight's scheduled Opening Night game against the Youse's Orioles has beenpostponed due to the inclement weather. The game is rescheduled forTuesday, June 11th at 5pm. The Big Train will face the Gaithersburg Giants at 7:30pm on Saturdaynight in what will be their first regular season home game. The Big Train are also happy to celebrate Homer's Birthday with a whole bunch of mascotscoming from all over to celebrate. Make sure you show up to Povich Field early as seats are sure to go fast! Not only that, but the Washington Kastles will be out to hold a pregame tennis clinic! And due to the rainout of tonight's game, the first 750 fans will receive Opening Night T-Shirts sponsored by Grossberg Company and McDonalds. Click here to get your tickets now!  Hunter Renfroe Drafted 13th Overall in MLB Draft The Bethesda Big Train would like to congratulate Hunter Renfroe (BT '11-'12 / Mississippi State) for being drafted 13th by the San Diego Padres inThursday night's Major League Baseball Draft. Renfroe, a native of Crystal Springs, Mississippi, led the Big Train to many victories over the last two seasons. His power, speed, throwing arm, and sportsmanship are everything that the Bethesda Big Train strives to be. A member of the 2011 National Championship team, Renfroe was the team's Most Outstanding Hitter and set the team record for home runs in the summer of 2011. Renfroe returned to Bethesda in 2012 and set league records for home runs, RBI, runs scored, slugging percentage, and total bases. For his efforts, the Big Train retired his #11. "Hunter is the best five-tool player I have ever coached and the greatest position player ever to play in this league," said Big Train Manager Sal Colangelo. Renfroe's selection at #13 sets the record for the highest a player has ever been drafted who played in the CRCBL the previous summer. It is also the highest a Big Train player has ever been drafted. Renfroe was named a First Team All-American by Louisville Slugger this season at Mississippi State (along with many other honors). His season continues as they face the Virginia Cavaliers in Charlottesville in a best-of-three series in the Super Regionals of the College World Series.  Big Train Drop Season Opener in Baltimore, 0-2   The Big Train got their regular season underway last night in a rematch of last year's CRCBL Championship against the Baltimore Redbirds. While the Big Train ultimately lost the season-opener 2-0 in a weather- shortened game, there were certainly some positives that could be taken from the game. Big Train veterans Tucker Tobin (George Mason) and Mike Miedzianowski(High Point) each pieced together solid season debuts, collecting two hits apiece. Tobin also drew a walk and made two assists on defense. Starting Pitcher Zach Morris (Maryland) put together a solid start, bouncing back after Saturday's exhibition loss to the Mid-Atlantic Rookies. Morris recorded four strikeouts while giving up just three hits over 5.1 innings. Kit Scheetz (Virginia Tech) then came in to pitch the final two outs of the sixth inning, giving up no runs while striking out one.  For a box score of last night's game, click here.

BREAKING: Hunter Renfroe Drafted #13th Overall by San Diego in MLB Draft

The Bethesda Big Train would like to congratulate Hunter Renfroe (BT '11-'12 / Mississippi State) for being drafted 13th by the San Diego Padres in tonight's Major League Baseball Draft. Renfroe, a native of Crystal Springs, Mississippi, led the Big Train to many victories over the last two seasons. His power, speed, throwing arm, and sportsmanship are everything that the Bethesda Big Train strives to be. A member of the 2011 National Championship team, Renfroe was the team's Most Outstanding Hitter and set the team record for home runs in the summer of 2011. Renfroe returned to Bethesda in 2012 and set league records for home runs, RBI, runs scored, slugging percentage, and total bases. For his efforts, the Big Train retired his #11. "Hunter is the best five-tool player I have ever coached and the greatest position player ever to play in this league," said Big Train Manager Sal Colangelo. Renfroe's selection at #13 sets the record for the highest a player has ever been drafted who played in the CRCBL the previous summer. It is also the highest a Big Train player has ever been drafted. Renfroe was named a First Team All-American by Louisville Slugger this season at Mississippi State (along with many other honors). His season continues as they face the Virginia Cavaliers in Charlottesville in a best-of-three series in the Super Regionals of the College World Series.