TCP; Roseland crowd witnesses seismic event

This article originally ran at www.theclackamasprint.com. Too see the original, click here.

David Beasley, Associate Editor
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Volume 46, Issue 22
Arts & Culture

The always dependable Full Contact Fighting Federation hosted another thrilling night of combat sport. Saturday night’s Rumble at the Roseland number 71 attracted a stampede of fight fans, emerging from all around the Portland Metro area and beyond. The venue was bursting at the seams with exuberant supporters of the Northwest mixed martial arts scene. The roar of the crowd was ever present throughout the night, a constant reminder of the scale and importance of this competition.

The fourteenth fight of the night was the 135 pound Lightweight Championship: Brent Messineo versus current champ Journey Newson.

Both fighters began with fast boxing.

“Journey, Journey!” chanted the crowd. The fighters exchanged strikes and Newson attempted a spinning kick.

“Journey, Journey!” chanted the crowd again as round 2 started. More striking exchange with Newson picking shots and Messineo being aggressive, sneaking fadeaway kicks after punches. Newson attempted another spining kick after some good punches. More fast strikes by both. Round 3 continued with the crowd chanting louder. Newson kept up the good strikes and evasion, Messineo stayed with the gameplan of good kicks with a few more this round. Newson exploded with a fast takedown right as the horn sounded the end of round 3.

“Let’s go red!” the crowd chanted at the opening of round 4. Newson landed a spin kick this time, to the head. Good exchange and more footwork by Messineo while Newson occupied the center of the cage. Newson attempted another spin kick, then takedown attempt.

Round 5 inspired more chants and continued with standing strikes. Newson came out very aggressive and landed an excellent spin back kick to Messineo’s stomach, then during a takedown attempt, picked him up and slammed him gaining top control and launching punches until the horn ended the final round. The crowd erupted with cheers, Newson climbed the cage and pointed to chanters.

“Newson, Newson, Newson!” they chanted. Defending his title for the fi rst time, Newson wins via unanimous decision.

”I gotta get back to my Jiu Jitsu game, the boxing’s good obviously,” said Newson about the match.

For the fifteenth fight the crowd was treated to a tremendous performance by exceedingly talented fighters in the Women’s 125 pound Flyweight Championship. Katie Howard 5’5” of Girls Gym versus current champ Emily Corso of Alive MMA. Round 1 opened with punches to clinch against the cage. Corso set the pace with a single leg takedown, but Howard defended with solid grappling to gain a reversal, then Corso attempted an armbar from bottom and Howard used good top control to defend the armbar.

Fans whistled and hollered from the balcony between rounds as the ring card girls signaled round 2.

Corso immediately grabbed another single leg takedown, Howard defended on the bottom with punches. As Corso postured up punching from top, Howard kicked straight up to the face, catching Corso hard, but Corso passed the guard of Howard to gain top mount position. Rolling around to Howard’s back, Corso attempted a choke and punches from back control until the end of round 2. Corso entered round 3 with a huge smile. Howard snapped out a precise trip takedown after a brief exchange, but Corso reversed the position. Howard shot another up-kick at Corso which gave her leverage for a reversal.

Corso’s cornerman loudly urged her to underhook Howard’s left arm. She gained her feet and attempted a single leg. Howard defended until the end of round 3. Round 4, Corso fought hard for a double leg takedown and got it. Corso threw punches in half guard. Grappling, Howard used good defense until the end of round 4.

Round 5 Corso shot for a single leg attempt and against the cage pulled it off landing on top. Howard reversed the position. Corso defended from bottom with an armbar and forced a reluctant tapout from Howard. Corso retained her title in one of the most exciting and technical fights of the night.

“I’m very happy about the takedowns. That’s what I wanted. She’s got some nice up-kicks though. That was seriously the best fight anyone has given me,” said Corso.

She also commented on her successful takedowns.

“I’m not a wrestler originally, so it’s getting really exciting for me. I trained wrestling, boxing, Jiu Jitsu and kickboxing. My game plan was not to keep her standing, to take her to the ground. I started doing wrestling 1 year and a half ago with Jonathan  Osborne, a very good wrestler. Corso praised her opponent.

“I have utmost respect for her, she came at me all 5 rounds, she’s smaller than me.”

Katie Howard is indeed a talented combatant; her amazing prowess will continue to draw a crowd of martial art connoisseurs whenever she fights. Her inspirational speed and technique solidify her as a top female competitor. Fight fans look forward to her next bout, as well as Corso’s next title defense.

First up to fight, Tyree “X-Man” Fortune of Alive MMA retained the Heavyweight belt against Russell Tunes of Impact Jiu Jitsu. Tunes was overwhelmed by the champion and succumbed to defeat 4 rounds into the championship fight.

The place was packed, it was a full house and the momentum of the night was building. Fight number three really put the “Rumble” in the Roseland, Super Heavyweight Steve Sigo Jr. of Team Quest verses Toalima Elisara from Pinole, CA was a barn buster from the moment the behemoths were unleashed. Bombs and haymakers were the techniques displayed by both lumbering gentleman, until the referee stepped in at 1:06 of round 1. Sigio Jr. won via technical knockout. The crowd went wild with whistles and screams.The second fight of the evening was a competitive back and forth three round split decision. Bantamweight David Magliane lost his prior two fights at the Roseland,  the first to notable Clackamas Community College wrestler Urmas Yanis. Magliane, of LA Boxing, won the split in Saturday’s battle against Jeremiah Cole.

The fourth battle of the evening was fought between 155 pound lightweights Justin True from Bend, OR and Nicholas Martin of Team Quest. With a well employed triangle choke, True appeared to choke Martin unconscious just as he tapped out.

Match five, Sean Reay versus Jordan Van Barringer, pit Kung Fu against Muay Thai. The 170 pound welterweights fought hard until one landed a hard punch knocking the other out.

Fight six was Travis Burril of Rise Above MMA versus Muay Thai fighter Jay Sluman. Lightweight Sluman won via a vicious punch knockout. Travis was out cold...and he was still out for a long time. A minute passed before Burril showed any signs of movement. The crowd applauded as he regained his equilibrium.

“Keep wrestling in the Olympics please.” said Johnson after the match.Fight seven brought Michael “Gumby” Delgado out to face Daniel Dieringer in the Welterweight division. Delgado displayed very smart grappling on his way to win via choke tapout. The eighth exhibition of the event featured Lightweight Darin Verhoest and Jadon “Gator” Johnson, an Afghanistan veteran. Johnson won via choke tapout right before the end of round one, at 2:56.

The ninth fight was a Welterweight match. The crowd was very excited as wrestler Chris “Little Sister” 

Williams stepped into the cage against a striker from Hillsboro, Hiroyuki Tetsuka. During the intense Fight ten saw Welterweight Jeramy Burford conquer Scott Baker.scuffle, Williams attacked with a head butt, which is illegal in MMA competition. The fight was stopped by the referee who took away one point for an intentional head butt. Had the fight gone to decision, the loss of a point would affect the score a great deal. However Tetsuka was victorious anyway, with an armbar tapout.

The eleventh match was for the vacant Light Heavyweight Women’s Championship 

title; Mindy Stalnaker of Octagon MMA vs BJJ and Judo expert from Impact Jiu Jitsu Hillary VanOrnum. The two imposing women grappled in standing position vying for control until VanOrnum managed a trip takedown and forced a technical knockout via strikes at 1:56 of round one. VanOrnum was awarded the belt for the championship.

“It was awesome!” said VanOrnum of the fight.

The big dudes came out for the Super Heavyweight title match in fight number twelve. Wrestler Ricky Alcaraz, the 3 and 0 champion, 321 pounds versus towering 6’ 9” 306 pound Seaside resident Casey “Big Cat” Lunzman. Alcaraz launched two takedowns beginning round one, succeeding with the second gaining top control and attacking Lunzman’s arm with a figure four key lock attempt. Lunzman defended with a reversal to gain side control. Round two started with standing clinch grappling. Alcaraz managed another takedown and fired punches at Lunzman who defended and almost reversed position with a triangle lock attempt and punches from the bottom. Alcaraz attacked with more punches from top, but Lunzman defend with an armbar attempt. Round three Alcaraz slipped and fell after a wild punch. Down, Lunzman controlled Alcaraz from the top launching strikes until the referee intervened. Lunzman won becoming the new champ.

Fight thirteen for the 185 pound championship was between Jose Rodriguez and John Simon. Simon scored some nice takedowns throughout the tough 5 round battle. Jose capitalized on a takedown of his own in round three accompanied by strikes from the top. Round 5 was an exciting exchange of strikes ending with a punch by Simon knocking Rodriguez out cold. Simon retained the Middleweight belt.

The closing fight of the night, match sixteen, was a 3 round Middleweight battle. Rod Jaques prevailed against Daniel Pihi via unanimous decision.

TCP; Saturday night fights!

This article originally ran at www.theclackamasprint.com. Too see the original, click here.

David Beasley, Associate Editor
Wednesday,May 14, 2013
Volume 46, Issue 21
Sports

Another action packed night of cage fights will take place in downtown Portland this Saturday on Burnside at The Roseland Theater as the Full Contact Fighting Federation hosts Rumble at the Roseland 71. Back in January, Katie Howard became the FCFF Women’s Junior Flyweight Champion when she defeated Kyra Batara by Unanimous Decision in the main event of Rumble at the Roseland 69.

Howard’s upcoming opponent, Emily Corso, earned the title of Women’s Flyweight Champion after defeating Emily Whitmire via armbar at Rumble 65 in August. Pitting champ against champ, the match is sure to be full of fireworks.

Howard is a very fast and dexterous fighter. She has pinpoint accuracy and solid conditioning. She will need to use her technique and quickness to her advantage against her larger, more powerful opponent. Howard will be eager to bounce back with a win after her last tough match against another larger opponent Robin Woods. Woods won the 130 pound super fight at Rumble 70 in March with a controversial power bomb slam knockout.

When Woods picked up Howard and slammed her to the mat, her head collided with Howards’ face, head butting is against the rules in mixed martial arts competitions and to win in such fashion is generally not desirable. The match between Howard and Corso should be an amazing battle as the clash of the titles erupts. Corso has an amateur record of 3-0 with all three wins by submission.

Five more title fights are in store for Saturday evening. The 185 pound division championship will be decided between current title holder John Simon and the challenger Jose Rodriguez. In other bouts; Super heavyweight Ricky Alcaraz returns against Casey Lunzman. Heavyweights Tyree Fortune and Russell Tunes will square off. The women’s 205 title will be contested by Myndi Stalnaker and Hillary VanOrnum. Current 135 pound champ Journey Newson will defend his title against Brent Messineo.

TCP; IRON MAN 3: Gives true heart to the modern day tin man

This article originally ran at www.theclackamasprint.com. Too see the original, click here.

David Beasley, Associate Editor
Wednesday, May 08, 2013
Volume 46, Issue 20
Arts & Culture

How does the title “Iron Man” make you feel? One might ask themselves this question while lounging in the local cinema’s version of a counseling room chair. Theater seats are similar enough to allow a patient to explore their feelings just as they would in a psychologist’s office. As the audience journeys with Tony Stark through his third feature film, they are presented with more than a dilemma of good and evil, or right and wrong, they witness the transformation and inner growth of the man in the can. Stark’s inner struggles and fixations are at the heart of the story. Stark must learn through tragedy that his focus determines his reality.

Distractions and misdirection can cause one to lose sight of what’s important. Audiences can easily take away a feeling of fulfillment experiencing Iron Man’s metamorphosis and apply the lessons of balance to their own lives. It is always good to have a helpful reminder of the important aspects of life.

Big industrial machine plant structures symbolized the massive scale of “Iron Man 3”. In one of the film’s most impressive scenes, Stark battles the Mandarin’s forces in a gargantuan factory. The battle was creative and refreshingly different than the average choreography formula. In 3D, the large steel girders and pipes which fly toward the screen pull the audience into the fray.

Abundance and overwhelming amounts of excess were themes addressed in prior “Iron Man” installments and continued to provide conflict in this newest adventure. Stark is obviously very wealthy, but his preoccupation with his inventions threatens to alienate him from his most valued treasure, Pepper Pots.

All Stark needed was a wake up call in the form of a much over-exaggerated villain. The Mandarin poses a ruthless threat, his random and confusing terrorist attacks overwhelm the US military and even the newly renamed Iron Patriot, formerly War Machine.

Amidst all the chaos and confusion, a little boy named Harley befriends Stark. Harley is “Iron Man’s” version of Short Round from “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom”. A quirky little kid who is teased and used as an errand boy by the main protagonist.

Harley provides much needed support to Stark at key moments and allows the metal warrior to gain a renewed perspective on life.

Watching “Iron Man 3” will not be the most life changing cinematic event for most, but not every movie can be “Avatar” or “The Matrix”. That being said, it’s well worth the cash to see the special effects exhibition in large format. If nothing else it should provide sufficient entertainment and positive expectations as Marvel gears up for the next “Avengers” movie.

3D meshes well with this movie as there are a marvelous amount of spectacles to take in. The layers of various computer generated scenery and characters were visually stunning.

The third installment of “Iron Man” did not disappoint. The mix of seriousness and humor were a fun adventure. There was a certain brevity to the main conflict, while at the same time a thoughtful story of relationship journeys was the heart of the film.

Indeed putting together the pieces, learning to adjust to chaos and change were themes present in this film. A scene with Pots wielding an Iron Man gauntlet to battle the Mandarin was among the most entertaining and symbolic.

The importance of certain aspects of Stark’s life were brought into perspective. He was able to see that things can coexist, but a balance is ideal. We can all learn from simple tales of metamorphosis such as “Iron Man 3”. Without the armor, Stark is still Iron Man, but without loved ones he is just a tin man without a heart.

TCP; Softball team sweeps doubleheader, prepares for NWAACC Championships

This article originally ran at www.theclackamasprint.com. Too see the original, click here.

David Beasley, Associate Editor
Wednesday, May 08, 2013
Volume 46, Issue 20
sports

The ladies of Clackamas Community College softball eagerly secured an early victory in the first game of a doubleheader against Lower Columbia Red Devils on Saturday at home. Showing their will for victory, Clackamas scored a run in the first inning and two in the second, laying the foundation for the 3-1 win.

The Cougars are playing good ball right now, but head coach Jessica Buel is always looking for improvement.

“It’s just about getting better every game and every at bat to prepare for NWAACCs,” said Buel. Buel has also been impressed with the multitude of players that have been stepping up lately for the Cougars.
“I don’t know if I could single one person out, actually it’s probably been someone different every day and everyone’s been contributing so that’s been huge,” said Buel.

The team confidence was evident from the moment the team cheered a rally cry of “CCC!” to begin the game. The momentum and power of the Clackamas team was comparable to the crashing gusts of wind blowing through the home field. The sun was beating down, increasing the intensity of the atmosphere. Loud booming music between plays, constant team cheers and chants set a soundtrack for the event.

The Cougars defended the first inning and no runs were scored by Red Devils. Clackamas’ first batter of the day was freshman Rachel Ray. With a running start, she hit the ball to left field low and with amazing momentum, barreled through Lower Columbia infielder Jessica McDonald at first base, then kept going to score Clackamas’ first run. The crowd cheered. “I wanna’ see that again,” said one fan.

In the second inning, Clackamas freshman Taylor Gould hit the ball on the ground to center. It was thrown to first by a Red Devil but first base missed the ball so Gould was safe. She then stole second during a bunt attempt, before scoring the Cougars second run on freshman Kiara Vasquez’ hit. Vasquez made it to third base and then home during another Ray hit. At the end of the second inning Clackamas led 3-0.

The next three innings were very defensive and some solid plays were made by both teams. In the sixth inning, Red Devils freshman Haley Hibbs hit the ball straight at Cougar pitcher Alyson Boytz, who almost caught the ball, but it hit so hard it knocked her glove off. Hibbs made it safely to first. Clackamas sophomore Lucy Baldovino replaced Boytz as pitcher. Still no runs were scored by Lower Columbia in the sixth inning.

Like two weather systems crashing together, the seventh inning was a powerful struggle. Red Devils freshman Bethany Burch hit the ball all the way to the fence and eventually scored Lower Columbia’s first run during Ashley Wells’ hit. The last batter of game one was Red Devils sophomore Mackenzie Martin who hit it high to centerfield where Clackamas’ outfielder made a nice home for it in her glove. Game one was over as the Cougars defeated the Red Devils 3-1.

The Cougars rallied in the second game, scoring four runs in the fifth and one in the seventh to pull out a 9-8 victory. Leadoff batter Ray had four hits and three runs scored to lead the Cougars. Rashaun Sells added three hits, including a home run, while driving in three runs. Kayla Stevens added three hits and Gould homered in the win. Boytz pitched the final three innings to get her second win of the day, pushing her record to 11-3 on the season.

Buel was excited to get the doubleheader sweep over Lower Columbia.
“I’m very proud of our team,” said Buel. “We had to fight back and we came back in that second game and we played our game and did what we needed to do to win the game and that’s what matters.”

Clackamas (12-4 in S. Region, 25-13 overall) is guaranteed to finish in the top three of the region standings for a 15th consecutive season and is currently in second place, trailing Mt. Hood by one-half game. Mt. Hood has won 11 straight games overall and seven in a row in league to get back into the race. The Cougars hosted the Saints in a very important doubleheader on Tuesday at 3 p.m., but results were not available at press time.

The Cougars stay home for their last games of the regular season, hosting a doubleheader against Clark CC on Saturday beginning at noon. The Cougars are eyeing the NWAACC Championships from May 17-20 at Delta Park in Portland for a season ending flourish.

TCP; CCC Technique of the Week

This article originally ran at www.theclackamasprint.com. Too see the original, click here.

David Beasley, General Associate Editor
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Volume 46, Issue 19
Sports

Each week The Clackamas Print features a step by step breakdown of techniques from different sports. Players and coaches give their experienced advice and explain the developmental process of building competitive tools.

This week head track and field coach Keoni McHone gave insight into some specific pole vault drills. Freshman pole vaulter Chase Davis provied an example of vaulting technique.

“A lot of it is swinging activities, rotating from the hands, a whole body swing like gymnastic rings or high bar. They do a lot of what’s called ‘stiff pole’ drills, when they takeoff and the pole bends.

They work with the pole straight, swing up right where legs don’t swing underneath, so they takeoff, start and stop the swing, the pole flexes to the outside and body swings straight through the hole.

A mistake would be swinging to the outside. Takeoff leg should hit the pole to stop the legs.”

McHone described another possible mistake:

“Helicopter swings around pole or swings off to the side. They are making sure they are straight on takeoff.”

McHone explained another drill that helps prevent mistakes:

“Inversion, going upside down, the whole body goes straight up and down then they land on their back, getting them use to swinging fast, they want to swing fast to keep pressure on the poles and it gets them inverted. Also helps them to be completely comfortable with being completely upside down.”

TCP; Glorify golden years with new fangled know-how

This article originally ran at www.theclackamasprint.com. Too see the original, click here.

David Beasley, General Associate Editor
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Volume 46, Issue 19
News

There’s no such thing as a person that is too young or even too old to go to school; the learning experience never has to stop. Even the most experienced of the community can benefit from continued education and social interaction. Each school term, county elders are invited to take part in an engaging variety of classes and presentations, provided by local aficionados.

Reasons people continue their education:

• Develop new skills

• Exercise their minds and bodies

• Pursue a special interest

• Make new friends

• Experience new things

• Be a part of the community and interact with it

According to the press release by public affairs specialist Janet Paulson, the Seasoned Adult Enrichment Program (SAEP) provides seniors in Clackamas County with an educational experience which is designed and administered by “seasoned adults” (seniors/retirees). SAEP’s website states that last year, the program provided nearly 40 sessions and served more than 100 people.

Instructors include SAEP members, community leaders, college faculty and guests from the community. Most of the instructors volunteer their time and actively participate in all aspects of the program: student, discussion leader, committee planner or host. All presenters have the expertise in the subjects they teach with a willingness and ability to share with others.

Classes are held at the Harmony Campus on Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. The class can be found in room 191 of the Oregon Institute of Technology building, unless otherwise indicated. A single session is $3. The cost for a 7 session term is $15 or an entire year for $30.

For those using public transportation, TriMet buses routes 28, 29, 31 and 79 stop one to two blocks from the Harmony/OIT campus. For more information about the Seasoned Adult Enrichment Program, please visit http://depts. clackamas.edu/saep/ or call 503- 594-0620.

Upcoming classes:

May 8 - “Up the Capitol Steps: A Woman’s March to the Governorship” presented by Barbara Roberts

The former Oregon Governor Barbara Roberts will talk about her most recent book, “Up the Capitol Steps: A Woman’s March to the Governorship,” a highly readable account of Roberts’ path to becoming Oregon’s first female governor.

May 15 - Field Trip to Schreiner’s Iris Gardens, Silverton.

In business since 1925, Schreiner’s is the nation’s largest retail grower of iris, with 10 acres of fabulous display gardens with 500 named Iris varieties. Travel by CCC vans to the beautiful gardens to enjoy the flowers at the peak of their season.

May 22 - “Un-Dam It” presented by Mark Gamba & Greg Baartz-Bowman

Greg and Mark hope their film “Un-Dam It!” will spur action on the long-standing project to remove Kellogg Dam and restore Kellogg Creek as a passage for salmon. Join them when they share and discuss their 30 minute documentary film.

CCC Spring Theatre Production - “Schemes of Scapino”

There will be two Sunday shows, May 23 and June 2.

In Naples, Italy, leading character, Scapino, a fast-talking, quickthinking scamp cleverly manipulates and cajoles everyone into doing what he wants. He plots to help two pairs of lovers against parental opposition that, it turns out, does not exist.

Osterman Theatre in the Neimeyer Center; 2:30 p.m. curtain. For ticket pricing and reservation information visit the Theater Department website at: www. TheatreCCC.org