Austin Sports and Other Rants

Almost forgot to mention in this month's issue we have a feature story on A.J. Godbolt of the Austin Aztex. He is the son of Bucky Godbolt on AM1300-The Zone. The younger Godbolt has an interesting story, but the team he plays for is quickly becoming a very interesting story of its own on the Austin sports scene.

I have to admit, months ago when I first learned of the new Austin Aztex, I was skeptical. I've seen other "professional" soccer teams come and go in this town. In fact, we've covered a couple of them in our pages. I figured the Aztex wouldn't be any different.

I can happily admit, I was dead wrong.

The Aztex are averaging around 1,500 fans per game this season and this past Sunday they pulled in an impressive 4,700-plus crowd against one of the top Mexican team's, UANL Tigres. I know two other professional franchises in town that can only dream of pulling in those kinds of numbers.

Just after the team was announced earlier this year owner Phil Rawlins told me three things: 1) Austin was a hotbed for soccer talent, 2) Austin was a great soccer market and 3) they would do well in the Capital City. Thus far, he's been exactly right on all counts.

Talentwise, the team, which is comprised of amateur players 23 years old and under, has played exceptionally well losing on penalty kicks to the Atlanta Silverbacks (a USL division 1 squad) several weeks back, and losing a close one on Sunday night to the Tigres, 2-1. That's very impressive for a first-year squad and an organization that had mere months to get ready for the season. Currently, the Aztex sit atop the standings in their division and are almost a lock for the playoffs.

Imagine what the future holds for next season as a full USL Division 1 squad.

I'm a believer.

After months of trying to put together a sports bar issue, we've finally done it. As of today, the July 2008 issue of Capital City Sports Report is hitting the streets all around Austin with sports bars as the focus. Check out several stories on the subject as well other interesting features including a first-person account from editor Kyle Dalton on his trip paragliding over the farmland east of Austin.

Ever gone to a sports bar? Know of a good sports bar? Work for a sports bar? Own one? We need you. Our July issue will focus on Austin sports bars. We're going to pick a top 10 sports bars in the Austin area with featurettes on each one selected. If you have knowledge of the Austin sports bar scene and think you can help contribute to the July issue, send us an e-mail: editor@capcitysportsreport.com

Yesterday, I had one of those interviews that you never forget. It was with the wife of former Round Rock Express player Mike Coolbaugh. His wife, Mandy, was very forthright in discussing how life has been since Mike tragically died last year. Understandably, it has been very difficult, and recently, it has become even moreso. To see the full details of the interview, as well as a story on the new rule requiring all first- and third-base coaches to wear helmets as a result of that accident, check out the June issue of the magazine in a couple of weeks.

For you Round Rock Express fans, today we interviewed new manager Dave Clark. Clark is on the fast track in the world of managing as he's called the shots for less than eight years now. What's more interesting than that is how Clark's career all started as a 13-year-old growing up in Mississippi. Clark's story is even more intriguing when you learn what other sport he was participating in back in the late 1970s and preparing to compete in for the 1980 Olympics, which were eventually boycotted.

Plus, we got several interviews today for our story on how coaches, including the Express, are now required to wear helmets in the coaching boxes following the tragic death of former Express player Mike Coolbaugh last year.

Read both stories in the June issue.

In case you haven't heard, Nike is sponsoring a worldwide running event--the Nike Human Race--which consists of a 10k or 6.2 mile run, that is designed to unite athletes across nations and continents, for one day of competition and camaraderie. The scheduled date is August 31.

Why is this important locally? Because there were just 25 cities around the globe selected as "official" sites, with only four of those located in the United States. They are: New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Austin.

That's right - Austin. The Capital City, which is already known for its running community including those that regularly traverse the local hike and bike trails, will play host to this huge global event that is scheduled to start at 7:30pm.

Austin's own Lance Armstrong, who has traded in the bike for a pair of running shoes lately, has already signed on to participate in the run. Governor Rick Perry has already endorsed the event coming to town. In addition to the running portion of the event, Armstrong and others participating can expect to be treated to an exclusive concert by a "top artist" after the run.

The event is still in the early stages, so check back often and we'll keep you up to date with information as it becomes available including the name of the "top artist." We're also working on landing potential interviews with Armstrong, Perry, and others affiliated with this worldwide event.

See, I told you we'd post more often.

For those of you Time Warner Cable subscribers out there, check out Channel 408, the Non-Stop Sports channel this weekend (5/3-5/4). I sat down this afternoon with Jeff Power and discussed a variety of topics including how the magazine got started, some of the hot topics we've covered in recent months, as well as this month's current issue. Hope it comes off well.