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No Comments [ Add Comment ]It's all downhill for Deer Valley ski celebs
While there isn't much snow in Utah yet, Deer Valley Resort is hoping to start its season with its traditional Deer Valley Celebrity Skifest on Dec. 6 and 7.
The event pairs former Olympic ski legends with television and film celebrities for a weekend of skiing, live music and fundraising for the environmental group Waterkeeper Alliance, which supports organizations to protect communities, ecosystems and water quality.
The competition -- held on Deer Valley's Birdseye run -- will be televised by CBS on Dec. 21 at 3 p.m. The public is invited to watch the ski racing portion of the event adjacent to the Birdseye ski run at 1 p.m. on Saturday and at noon on Sunday.
Scheduled competitors include Steve Mahre, Phil Mahre, Tommy Moe and Heidi Voelker. Celebrities scheduled to attend include Larry David, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Matthew Modine, Scott Wolf, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Ian Ziering, Rob Morrow, Patrick Warburton and Neil Patrick Harris.
For information, visit deervalley.com.
AK's dream life
This week's Sports Illustrated article on Andrei Kirilenko will perhaps offer AK's version of the past few years with the Jazz.
Writer Chris Mannix details his income, the feelings he had carrying the Russian flag in the Beijing Olympics opening ceremonies, and life with wife Masha.
Kirilenko talks about the tough times too. But in his own words, playing the sixth man has given him hope for the future with the Jazz.
Though he has the dubious distinction of being the NBA's highest-paid reserve, Kirilenko claims to be content in Utah.
Janek's power play
Utah Blaze defensive lineman Chris Janek would love to compete in powerlifting on the national and international stage.
Unfortunately, those big meets conflict with the Arena Football League season, so Janek will settle for competing in the Southern Powerlifting Federation Record Breakers event today at Chattanooga, Tenn.
Janek -- who has been lifting serious for two years -- will compete in the 308-pound division. Earlier this week, he squatted 1,005 pounds, benched 740 pounds, and dead-lifted 735 pounds. He sees the value for his day job.
"Playing nose guard with the Blaze I think it's all about strength," Janek said. "You have to have that push up the middle and pressure from the ends to break down the pocket."
Tidbits
Congratulations to Arnie Ferrin -- a Central Junior High and Ogden High alum -- on his induction into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame last Sunday. The former U of U star was honored along with Charles Barkley, Danny Manning, Nolan Richardson and Jim Phelan. Announcers Dick Vitale and Billy Packer were honored as contributors. ...
Two-time Olympian Luke Bodensteiner has been named to the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association's key athletics leadership role. As vice president for athletics, the former Utah Ute will oversee the integration of the USSA's six sports under a unified strategic plan. ...
The Salt Lake City Saints, Utah's latest ABA entry, has named Lossie Mitchell as its head coach, with David Turcotte and ex-Utah Ute Carley Marshall as assistants. The Saints open training camp next week. The Saints' season opener begins Dec. 7 at Modesto, Calif. ...
The Utah Jazz, U.S. Marine Corps and American Family Insurance will host Toys for Tots Night next Wednesday and Friday in home games at EnergySolutions Arena. Fans are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys or cash donations. ...
Lumberjack alert! Replay of the 2008 Stihl Timbersports Professional Series Wild Outdoors Festival at Thanksgiving Point will be at 1 and 3 p.m. on ESPN2's outdoors show.
Chris J. Miller is sports editor for the Standard-Examiner. He can be reached at 625-4261 or cmiller@standard.net.
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