The Chargers rank 31st in plays ran from scrimmage, thus their inability to find a rhythmn on offense. The effects ripple beyond the offense, the defense has been forced to stay on the field for extensive stretches while the defense adjusts to the absence of shawne merriman, the result has been a unit which cannot rush the passer, nor stop the run.

Analysts the league over are claiming LT has lost half a step, as much may be true at this point, yet by seasons end he may very well be an mvp candidate. At 2-3 and facing the pats this sunday evening, the chargers find themselves in familiar territory. Now, they need only to find themselves.

The answer to Lt's bum toe and an inability to pound the ball and eat up clock may be the absence of a healthy, athletic between the tackles runner. Sproles is dynamic but undersized to wear down defenses. Devon Hester could be such a runner, if turner and co, give the former lsu player an opportunity, while LT's reps are limited. And, at least they'll give the defense an opportunity to catch their breath.

White water, goggled faces and bobbing yellow heads stand out from the pool. Beneath its surface, a flurry of kicks keep player's treading, their shoulders and legs move constantly. Attention is on the opposing team's defense, orchestrating an offense and finding lanes to exploit. A common goal to work in unison displays itself choreographically. They share the tragedy of loss and the stoke of victory- meet your Santa Cruz women's water polo team.

The UCSC women's water polo team ended their season on a high note last weekend after placing third in the nation in Division III. The Slugs season ends with an overall record of 13-18 and 10-2 in Division III.

They were seeded first going into the annual Division III Championships that took place at Connecticut College May 2-4. Placed in the role of contender and lauded as best in the nation, expectations and anxieties ran rampant.

A week before the national tournament player's begun adjusting their daily routines to mirror east coast time, doing things three hours earlier. Bundled in a red eye flight to Connecticut thoughts of a national title hung in the air. Having arrived early in the a.m., the team crammed into one hotel room for morning showers before suiting up.

Overall the team won their bracket impressively. After celebrating a victory in the quarterfinals, they struggled early in the semi-finals, falling behind 6-1. A rally would tie the game at 8-8 but a few ill timed penalty shots in the last few minutes of the game would end the Slugs hopes for a win. Chelsea Myers, a fourth year senior alluded to the early struggles of the second round game against Cal Lutheran.

"By half we came back strong and were tied 8 to 8," Myers said. "Sadly, even though we all played our hardest, there were a couple interesting calls within the last minute and a half which caused us to lose the game. But it was a great game and we all played our hearts out."

The loss eliminated Santa Cruz's hopes of a championship run but the season was by all measures a success.

"The thing that I remember is what happened next," Simonis said. "Our coaches let us take showers and afterwards, told us to remember that we had made it to the big show and knew we could win it and that that in and of itself is a major feat. It is easy to be on a team that wins everything. True team unity and character really shows when you lose something that you want desperately. So we all let out a few tears and then went out to dinner and laughed and focused on the next big feat, securing third place."

With a renewed sense of focus and determination, they would dominate their next opponent to secure third place. Co-Head Coach Alan Cima was especially proud of his team's illustration of gamesmanship in the face of adversity.

"In the always difficult bronze medal game we played fantastically and really pounded our opponent," Cima said. "What stands out to me is that although we finished third, in the season we were 2-2 against the teams that finished first and second and that we had more players on the all tournament team than the 1st and 2nd place teams. That shows what the opposing coaches thought about our players."

All around, most felt that the team and program had grown exponentially over those three days.

"Maybe we didn't get first place," Simonis said. "But thinking that we could is something new- it is only the beginning for Santa Cruz."

They are dedicated and busy- very busy. Student-athletes are renowned for balancing heavy academic workloads with lofty athletic goals. Moving seamlessly between the lab and the court, they do it without the faintest hint of difficulty.

They do so not because it's easy, but rather because of an innate appreciation for gamesmanship and competition. There exists a voice only athletes can hear. It is the voice that drives a twenty-one year old full-time student to stay late on weekdays perfecting a stroke, serve or volley.

Jessica Ruth has an unimposing and friendly presence off the court. In a match though, an audience is likely to see her brows furrowed with a tenacious intensity. Standing at 5'4, the Novato, California native isn't especially intimidating, yet her aggressive, quick play has her ranked 4th in the western region in singles.

Ruth lost only one singles match all the season- to the regions top ranked player, and leads a 2008 team ranked 19th in the nation in DIII play.

She's played the game since she was eight years old, battling between the highs of success and the lows of injury while tight-roping the academic, athletic line.

As a freshman at UC Irvine in 2005, Ruth injured her left shoulder before transferring to UC Santa Cruz the following autumn.

As a senior neuroscience major with a 3.2 G.P.A. Ruth has proven capable of finding time for both academia and athletics. Yet she has not been aided by the sympathy of the UCSC academic staff, as is often the case at Division I universities with prominent athletic programs.

"In the spring we travel a lot because of tournaments and the fact that we're the only DIII team in the region," Ruth said. "But professors don't understand the athletic program here, or the amount of time involved."

Ultimately, students are constantly striving to stay caught up in class and on the court. On the court at least Ruth has had the support of fellow teammate Megan Sweeney. For the past two years Sweeney and Ruth have been doubles partners and this year are ranked the 3rd best doubles team in the region.

As a four-year veteran of the team, Berkeley native and senior Megan Sweeney is one of three fourth-year players, including Ruth and Chayla Furlong, whose leadership proved instrumental this season. The two are now thriving in their second year as doubles partners.

"This is their second year playing together," Head Coach Erin Ness said. "They understand where to move; they read each others body language well and adjust quickly-when ones off their game the other helps reignite the fire."

Sweeney, a fourth year Sociology major and education minor plans to give back to the community as a teacher. She will look back at her last year with fond memories.

"I'll remember how much heart this team has," Sweeney said. "How much pure determination, will and heart can accomplish."

The two's individual play has also greatly improved in the past year, and has resulted in an even more venomous doubles team. Sweeney improved her range and last summer Ruth worked meticulously to improve her volleys -a shot the player hits before the ball hits the ground, usually nearer to the net.

A combination of athleticism, intensity and camaraderie has helped them to lead a young team. Outside of tennis, Ruth and Sweeney are housemates and close friends.

"They've become more aggressive, they move more to the net; take more chances and are wholly more fearless than in the past," Ness said. "They're really good friends and their personal relationship outside of tennis is really strong."

Both players are primed to graduate this spring, "This is the end of the road," Ruth said. Senior Chayla Furlong alluded to the special quality of the current team's make-up.

"I'll never forget how much we cared about each other," Furlong said. "How we came out and played for each other, it's something I don't know I'll ever be able to have again."

If there's a will there's a way, and so it goes with the Track and Field club at UCSC.

Striving to compete against Division I, II and III schools, yet lacking in any of the facilities to coordinate practices, the Track and Field Club fits its work to the lower east fields awkward angles and its inconsistently sloping or inclined track. Long jumpers can sometimes be seen gliding into volleyball courts while sprinters handoff batons at make shift checkpoints.

Yave Guzman is the Track and Field Club President, and like so many sports enthusiasts, finds more obstacles than accommodations on a UCSC campus erected in 1965. He believes UCSC could benefit from a more robust athletics program.

"I haven't heard of the school building any track field or any sort of stadium that would benefit not only track and field, but also benefit the soccer team and rugby team as well," Guzman said. "Such a stadium could provide a needed boost in school spirit to the athletes on campus that find our athletic facilities lacking."

Ryan Andrews, the Director of OPERS at UCSC, noted the financial difficulties surrounding the construction of new facilities on the second youngest UC campus. Interestingly the decision to construct new facilities has always fallen on the vote of the student body.

"When Cal and UCLA were founded, PE programs were state funded, many years ago when the state stopped funding these programs those schools already had the infrastructure in place," Andrews said. "Whereas Santa Cruz had barely been constructed, and not with the vision of a prominent athletic program on its agenda."

In 1998, the wellness center was placed on a ballot before students as the third and least costly alternative to an athletic facility. The east Field Gym was initially the universities first dining hall. In 2004, students again turned down a proposition to construct an indoors facility-complete with climbing walls, and place bleachers, restrooms and amenities around the lower east field.

Andrews is optimistic that in the near future a multi-use space will be constructed, in addition to replacing the sod of the east field with artificial turf.

What drives Guzman and Geoff Foley, the club's Head Coach, to push their program further is simply a love of sports. This past year alone Foley coached three local wrestling teams in addition to Slug Track and Field. He retired in 2001, and has never, for a moment-not coached.

"I'm rededicating my efforts to this club and sticking to it," Foley said.

As a member of the Track and Field club in 2007 Paul Tran remembers working around the lack of official track and field amenities.

"Santa Cruz obviously has a really unique team, last year it was nice having enough people to field a competitive team," Tran said. "It's just makes it more difficult not having the resources to practice with readily available on campus."

The team frequents Soquel High and other local schools to utilize tracks unavailable to them at the University.

Guzman finds enthusiasm for the program wide-ranging.

"We have gotten responses from incoming freshmen who want to do track next year," Guzman said. "And in our meets we meet community college transfer students who want to continue their track season here at UCSC."

"We love the Division III sport philosophy, we don't want special treatment, we don't want DI athletics," Andrews said. "Just facilities to accommodate the teams we have."

"There's talk of incorporating some kind of track into the plan for the refurbishing of the lower athletic field," Foley said. "Maybe just painting 400m track lanes on the synthetic field but, particularly in the present fiscal environment the school finds itself in, we're not holding our breath."

You could define a season by its triumphs or its challenges. You could listen to coaches and players riff about the heart and camaraderie of a short-handed tennis team. For them to struggle would be expected, to learn they thrive would be surprising.

The 2008 UC Santa Cruz women's tennis team has overcome the adversity of being a small team with a taxing schedule.

On Saturday April 12, the Slugs defeated visiting Chapman University 5-0. The win improved their DIII record to 7-1.

Last year, Chapman University arrived in Santa Cruz prepared to end the Slug's hopes of a national tournament bid- they almost did so by defeating UCSC. Despite the loss, Santa Cruz went on to qualify for nationals. They made it passed the first round of play, before losing in the second. The Slug's expect to build on the experience of last season.

"The goal is to become a champion," Senior Chayla Furlong said. "Off the court and on, to carry oneself in a demeanor fitting of a winner- winning is a mentality."

Collegiate women's tennis matches are formatted into three doubles matches and six singles matches with 1 point awarded to the winning players team. The first team to reach 5 points wins.

On Saturday, playing Chapman University at home with a team of six, UCSC took an early 3-0 lead.

Jessica Ruth and Megan Sweeney, the 3rd best doubles team in the region, playing against Chapman's Elizabeth Louis and Kelly Fox, ignited an early and decisive win. Ruth and Sweeney won their match 8-3.

Furlong, teaming with lone freshman Taylor Mannix won 8-4 and sophomore's Kyla Rowe and Chrissy Nicholl- completed the doubles round sweep with a dominant 8-3 victory.

At intermission, leading 3-0, the Slug's knew that two singles victories out of six would end Chapman's hopes for the afternoon.

"We have to come out fighting," head coach Erin Ness said. "We don't have the luxury of any mental vacations."

Sweeney quickly made the score 4-0 by defeating Fox in two straight sets. Furlong clinched the win a few minutes later.

The Slug's victory over Chapman University is impressive because the team is comprised of only three seniors, two sophomores and a freshman.

Championship teams are gauged by their response to adversity, as much as, if not more than success. The usual women's tennis team is made up of around ten players; many DI schools carry more players and upperclassmen.

"This is a special team," Ness said. "They play every match with heart, if we can come out and play every match with the same intensity as today, we'll make the elite 8."

Jessica Ruth, a three-year vet and the number 4 singles player in the western region, leads a team determined to exceed expectations.

"One of our struggles has been having a short-handed team," Ruth said. " [But] this is by far the strongest team we've had since I've been here."

As their regular season comes to a close, the team's attention will be narrowly focused toward post-season play.

"Such a commanding win over Chapman," Sweeney said. "Will really push us strongly toward nationals."

It takes one spike, kill and ace at a time, to climb the nation's charts. Finishing the season with an overall record of 14-10, the UC Santa Cruz men's volleyball team prepares to embark for the third time in five years toward a national championship.

Playing against visiting Holy Names University last Friday, the club exhibited the depth and endurance which propels them as a Division III heavyweight.

Trailing by four with the first game at stake, the team rallied 4-0 for the victory. Coach Jonah Carson would later point to that rally as emblematic of his team's character, work ethic and competitiveness.

The second game was decidedly less competitive as Holy Names was at a loss to UCSC's starting senior outsides All-American Bryan Shires and Art Mueller. In the third game amidst chants of "Mueller! Mueller!" from the crowd, many of which relegated to the floor, Holy Names contended early before self-imploding late.

The match capped a season unlike others as the program continues to be ranked the number one Division III men's volleyball team in the nation, a prominent ranking proudly held for nearly a month.

Jonah Carson quietly established a championship caliber program. In 2004 the team placed third in the nation, in 2006- second, in 2007 they missed the final four, but have regrouped in 2008 and are primed to make a championship run. In addition, the team was selected by a board of coaches and officials as the lone representative of the Western/Midwest region, in the Molten Division III Invitational Volleyball Championships that will take place April 11-12 in Springfield, Mass. They finish Division III play at 8-1.

"Every year is an adventure," Carson said, "last year was also a great year, as was the year before, but obviously our goal is to attend the final four annually."



Playing in his last home game, senior outside Shires admitted his final home game was an emotional one, and yet also to the belief within the program that while much has been accomplished, the program is very much at the inception of its status as a powerhouse.

As a second team All-American in 2007 and a four year veteran, Shires was witness to the program's seasonal progression. He was especially reminiscent of a one game victory the team stole in a match with Division I contender UCLA. It was the team's first ever game victory over a Division I opponent and despite losing the match, taking one game out of four from UCLA illustrates the programs potential.

"It was a great year," Shires said, "it couldn't have been better and this just may be the best team yet."



At the other end of the court stands Senior outside Art Mueller, another four year veteran and two year starter. Although the seasons end is approaching, Mueller's attention will be tightly focused on what is at stake in next week's tournament and the ramifications the last four years accomplishments will have on the nature of the next four. The UCSC volleyball program, perhaps overlooked, may soon come to be recognized as one of the nation's best, "We hope to take those final steps to establish the program as a powerhouse within the division," Mueller said. The first of those steps were taken with their win over Holy Names last Friday night, but the final ascent will be made at Nationals, where the team will seek to claim the Division III crown.

Washington Redskins Pro Bowl safety Sean Taylor passed away Tuesday, November 27, 2007. He is succeeded by his two year old daughter. According to sources Taylor's home was broken into and the player was shot in the leg, wounding an artery. Arizona Cardinal Cornerback and long-time friend Antrel Rolle has been quoted as saying Taylor was fearful whenever in Miami, Florida; he had many enemies, many of whom were past friends. Rolle suspects that the attack on Taylor's home was predetermined, citing money, status, jealousy and a recent desire on the players behalf to separate himself from his past inner circle. Many noted recent positive changes in the makeup of Taylor since the birth of his daughter. He had begun to play more crisply, already known as a punishing tackler.

This bodes well for no party. The NFL has a conundrum to face. The United States has issues to resolve. The Washington Redskins hopes of a playoff push are momentarily hushed. Taylor's family must cope with the death of the 24 year old. Recently, the NFL has faced the complications of professional players whose behavior and troubled pasts has led them to act below its standards.

Former San Diego Charger Terrence Kiel was shot in the knee in Texas, and later convicted of smuggling illegal substances within state borders, it cost him his livelihood. Similarly outside Linebacker Steve Foley was accused of driving drunk and shot by an off-duty police officer in an incident which has seemingly ended the rejuvenated player's career. At the finish of the 2006 season, Denver Bronco Darrent Williams was shot in the neck while sitting in a limousine, several players were witnesses. The Cincinnati Bengal's recent troubles, Pac Man and so on give glimpses of players who for various reasons have fallen into legal and personal difficulty.

Now out of most headlines, Former Atlanta Falcon Quarterback Michael Vick serves time. Vick ran a dog fighting business in Virginia, accused of incredible unethical behavior and mistreatment, again his inner circle was said to be largely responsible. Though he provided purse, during the indictment many who knew Vick stated a desire to rid him of his past affiliations and an inability to do so. The dilemma appears to be between individual progression and loyalty. How often loyalty to childhood friends has lead to regression, crime and imprisonment in these individuals is disheartening. Incredible talent and individual potential should not go without fruition by these means. While Commissioner Roger Goodells ship is for the most part a tightening one, he need be cautious of a reoccurring theme.

"If we are to go forward, we must go back and rediscover those precious values - that all reality hinges on moral foundations and that all reality has spiritual control."

Adrian Peterson nearly topped 300 yards against a team which prides itself on ground defense, while claiming the NFL single-game rushing record with 296 yards. Second year starter Philip Rivers, in his introduction to the professional domed arena fumbled three times and turned the ball over twice. In his 16 touches LaDainian Tomlinson lacked running space as the Vikings duo of Pat and Kevin Williams provided staunch opposition to his tries. The offensive line sprung leaks. Defenders missed tackles. Cornerback Antonio Cromartie scored his third touchdown in two games as he returned a missed field goal attempt 109 yards to claim the longest return in NFL annuls.

Another San Diego Cornerstone, Antonio Gates finished with one reception for ten yards against a defense which it was predicted he would thrive. Constant pressure from the Vikings defense unseated Rivers, who proved to be no cool Brees. Self inflicted penalties and the combination of Peterson's raw talent proving too much for a team which may have looked ahead to Indy. Turner's offensive ambitions and inclinations were showcased again against the Vikings as Rivers dropped back 42 times while L.T. carried the ball only 16.

Yet it was Peterson's devastating performance against a San Diego team which has consistently won the battle in the trenches that highlights the whole. This Sunday, the Chargers host the Indianapolis Colts, a team built to rush the passer and unbalance defensive schemes coordinated by the precision of Peyton Manning and the running of Joseph Addai. Perhaps Merriman will fair better against the more immobile Manning than he did against the rookie Peterson. In the Bolts last three wins, Rivers was largely reigned in, this past Sunday when asked to capitalize in the passing game against the Minnesota blitz- he failed. Looking forward, it is clear that the Chargers will have to establish the run against Indy and Rivers will have to respond to the rush better than he did yesterday. On both sides of the ball execution will prove imperative. The Chargers need conjure a solution.

Former number one draft pick and Florida State defensive back standout, draft gamble. Antonio Cromartie played a game, by a position, in a manner which the Chargers front office has sought for some time. If his performance in competition with the Houston Texans is any indicator of feats to come, General Manager A.J. Smith is momentarily ecstatic. John Butler had visions of a San Diego Secondary, determined to shore its edges he brought in veterans Alex Molden and Ryan McNeil the two serving roles more mentor than linchpin. Tay Cody played big in his audition but was ultimately let go. Quentin Jammer, from Texas, at the number one pick in 2002 represented a vision of the cornerback position, a defender large and agile enough to compete with the evolving parameters of elite receivers, in the models of Terrell Owens and Randy Moss. Rodney Harrison had "lost his legs" and was let go in favor of younger talent. Bwaoh Jue and Jamar Fletcher reflect a desire for veteran experience in the secondary. Most recently, in a successful acquisition the veteran Marlon McCree arrived to coordinate a talented-though young, secondary.

The Preceding retooling class saw the Chargers choose cornerbacks in the first of its three rounds. "Candy Man" Davis was taken first, before Terrence Kiel and Drayton Florence. Davis was injury littered and traded to the 49er's who were quick to sever his services, Terrence Kiel, battling gun wounds, drug charges and a lack of range developed into a middle tier strong safety before being released this past off-season. Drayton Florence appears on the verge, though he may soon give way to free agency as Antonio Cromartie assumes his responsibilities. This past draft Smith and Co. aggressively pursue Utah's Eric Weddle, whose versatility and ball-hawking skills have been a recent team emphasis. At safety, an ascending Clinton Hart mans what Weddle may in time inherit.

For a Charger's team whose secondary has repeatedly taken hits as its most vulnerable unit, Sunday's game was an exciting moment. A strong front seven on its own is venomous but a swift secondary behind it may swing momentum. The Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens and Denver Broncos of late have or employ formidable talent in the defensive backfield. Cromartie has been lauded as the team's fastest straight line runner, and he illustrated this during a recent practice. In last Sunday's game he was the first to chase down a loose ball snapped over the head of Houston's punter. He scored two touchdowns in this Sunday's game, one on the fumble and another when he intercepted one of two passes, split defenders and sprinted the sideline with a caravan of his teammates. The second year player, who has not logged much playing time in his young career showed glimpses of being potentially an elite corner. While it is too early to pronounce another Florida State cornerback elite, it is discounting the talent and determination to excel to argue that the Chargers secondary will long be the team's weakest limb.

In American Football it is said that they who command the point of attack, command the game. This said it is important to note this subtle truth in the roster's of football's most recent champions. The 2001 Baltimore Raven's devastating defense anchored by nose tackle's Tony Siragusa, Sam Adams, Ray Lewis, Peter Boulware and Jamie Sharper were consistently victorious in the trenches. That year's team, like this years Chargers team was said to lack the presence of a dominating passing game, driven by quarterback Trent Dilfer, tight end Shannon Sharpe and emerging tailback Jamal Lewis coupled with an explosive playmaking defense they rose through post-season brackets. After them, Superbowl history would enshrine the New England Patriots, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Patriots repeatedly before the Pittsburgh Steelers, and most recently the Indianapolis Colts could claim best in league. This year, the 2007 San Diego Chargers hope to hoist the trophy to a new chapter in the history of the franchise. Their only appearance in the championship game was in 1994 in what was to be a devastating loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The Bolts, aided by the play of Tomlinson and a nasty offensive-line, steady play from Philip Rivers, Parker and Gates, and perhaps the Spanos family may for the first time toast to the ultimate success in their field. While San Diego currently stands at 3-3, they rest a week before hosting Houston and the Colts and traveling to Minnesota and Jacksonville. It is possible they enter week 12 versus Baltimore at 6-4 or 7-3.

The play of their defense will be telling of the teams overall success. Jamal Williams is an essential man in the success of the San Diego Chargers run defense, an integral component in a strong front seven. To his right and left, stand Oshlansky and Castillo, respectively. Due to Williams's ability to draw more than one man, the ends often draw favorable match ups, which is rare in the 3-4 alignment. To the outside of them, prowl Phillips and Merriman, with the explosion to disrupt backfields, the power to bull-rush lineman and the agility to man the space between the hash marks and sidelines. Donnie Edwards, the former front seven signal-caller is now succeeded by former third round pick Matt Wilhelm who is asked to be the most agile backer in pass coverage. To his right is Stephen Cooper who has been graced the tutelage of the departed Randall Godfrey. With the aid of Jammer, Florence, Cromartie, Hart, Weddle and McCree the Chargers comprise a leviathan of ground defense-and the potential to be dominant in their defense of the skies. Run-defense has been their bread and butter, from Seau to Harrison, to the days when McNeil played corner- and before. Aggression, Explosion, these are not new elements to the San Diego front seven. Throughout the early and mid 90's Seau and his teammates played in a fashion befitting the contemporary version. In 1998 the Chargers boasted the leagues top defense, it has been their offense which has been lethargic, after Humphries retired in 1997 the Chargers were unable, before Doug Flutie, Drew Brees and Philip Rivers to draft or even sign an effective quarterback, Ryan Leaf comes to mind. In addition they were unable to field a 1,000 yard back. This year the Chargers command more skill and talent than at any other point in their history.

The defense is directed by new coordinator Ted Cottrell, who has promised to maintain continuity. Cottrell has plans to add a blitzing secondary to his repertoire. The unit is thought established in its ability to stop the run and rush the passer, turnovers through the secondary now being a point of emphasis. At times however, the Chargers secondary has appeared non communicative and out of position, interesting when it was only last season that the reinforced veteran leadership of safety Marlon McCree, extensive film study and communication among the group was being praised. The conference has been dominated by two teams as to this point, and it becomes increasingly realistic that the Chargers hope's for post-season success goes through the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. Teams which employ all-pro quarterbacks and receivers, the Chargers were outmatched in their last game against the Pats, unable to garner enough pressure to disturb Tom Brady. That is troubling when accounting for last season's division upset loss at home. In their last game at the RCA dome however the Chargers rush proved too much for the Colts Payton Manning. Teams change though, and San Diego has as well. It should not become a question of which defense will arrive when the Chargers take the field. These were thought established trades, they need remain so. The Bolts must command the point of attack.

The Arena of extreme sports is continually evolving. From the long board to the short-tri-fin, to stiff boards on hard wheels to specialized trucks, bearings, wheels and decks. From the backyard pool to the half pipe, from sidewalks to rails: Introducing the Unicycle. The unicycle represents an instrument of sport being used in ways unlike any other previously attempted. The contemporary street unicyclist can leap gaps, grind rails, and balance tight ledges. The skate park utilized as a comfortable habitat for dropping in and taking to the pyramid- its rails and many ledges. The latest unicycle design introduces steel petals, three piece cranks and a sturdy frame, running well over a thousand dollars. The most skilled among them move on one wheel as others have on two or four. The limitations of sport are continuously reinvented, Laird Hamilton and Tony Hawk representative of sports visionary figures, those who begin to defy convention. Extreme Unicycling is emblematic of the new and different in the field of extreme sports.

What is occurring is not unlike what occurred on bicycles, skateboards, the slopes or the waves. While many may be quick to disregard the skill of the unicyclist, dismissing the athleticism involved in such maneuvers. A closer look tells a very different tale, for the unicyclist is at once in a state of constant balance and motion. This is not a sport one picks up recreationally and masters in a matter of days or weeks but rather a skill set like most others which must be honed and consistently sharpened. Besides street riding, the unicycle encompasses the possibility to dominate mountainous terrain. A rider may leap from a set of rocks or ride a trail as his more popular cousin, the mountain bicyclist would. What one witnesses in these instances is the reinvention of an old, and once thought outdated mechanism. One is inclined to wonder at the possibilities of a sport hardly weaned from infancy. Perhaps one may yet; teach an old dog, new tricks.

Curtis Conway, David Boston and the late Keenan McCardell represent the Chargers recent failures to field a threatening presence at receiver. Eric Parker may be the latest addition to a recent Charger model-the crisp route running possession receiver, not particularly intimidating in size or stature. However, these patterns shall soon change. Young San Diego Chargers receivers Vincent Jackson and Craig Davis may soon develop to form a formidable duo for quarterback Philip Rivers. With their emergence grows the potential of the entire offense. Eric Parker shall remain the number two receiver and behind him the rookie, Davis will learn and partake limitedly. Since the David Boston experiment, San Diego has not only been reluctant to bring in help through free agency but also have they been unable to start a receiver with size, speed and hands, if Boston accounts to as much. Second round pick Vincent Jackson has the potential to be a legitimate play-making receiver in the mold of recent standouts at the position. And not only has he begun to adapt to the pace and speed of an NFL game, coming on strong at last years end but he has remained steady in assuming the number one role this year. The vertical passing game must develop past Antonio Gates for the Bolts to hoist the Lombardi.

At the other end, Eric Parker, not counting last years playoff mishap has been a consistent producer, his yardage and efficiency seemingly increasing every year. He is quicker than fast, tough over the middle and sure handed as they come. His route running continues to impress, as does his off field personality and endless work ethic. His absence from the offense at this season's start has been largely underestimated, especially his contributions on third down. In his stead has risen former LSU receiver Craig Davis. Davis provides the Chargers another weapon at the position, being the team's first round pick and Parker's apparent heir. The development of Davis, coupled with the continued improvement of Jackson shall provide space for both Antonio Gates and Tomlinson to work. It is crucial that at least these three, including Malcolm Floyd develop promptly, for their success, like the offensive lines is crucial to the teams overall offensive effectiveness. Judging alone by the early 2007 season it is obvious eight man fronts have stifled- as of late the explosiveness of the bolts backfield, if Rivers begins to stretch the field he will not only loosen up his team, but provided the much needed space required for Tomlinson to run successfully.

Brett Favre may accomplish what has eluded the careers of professional athletes for decades by ending his illustrious career on his own terms. His 2007 resurgence may be more a result of focus and determination than any other instrumental change to the team. Granted the defense has been stiffer than its previous versions, the additions of Nick Barnett, A.J. Hawk, Charles Woodson and Al Harris among others have catapulted a rapid ascent into a solid cohesive unit. However, the offense has, if anything, lost weapons. Javon Walker and Ahman Green, once integral cogs in the Packer keg have departed for Denver and Houston. Favre though marches on, repeatedly making plays and elevating the game of his younger teammates. After personal debates regarding the near future of his playing career and the disappointment of missing out on the well-known receiving abilities of Randy Moss he has entered the 2007 season sharp. Once Green Bay Packer, Darren Sharper noted the semblance of a decade ago Brett Favre. He may lead a deep post season drive, more importantly, if this is to be his last season he shall exit the NFL platform admirably.

The Packer's have opened the 2007 season 4-0, an excellent start to what appears to be a solid campaign under new Head Coach Mike McCarthy. Brett Favre, the venerable Gun-slinger has failed to press coverage and pass to covered receivers. The result has been telling of the teams overall success. He marches forward giving the whole of his concentration and energy to the success of this season. Each pass a testament to the legacy of an individual who only this past Sunday broke Dan Marino's passing touchdown record. He was gladder for a win over the Minnesota Vikings, a team which was returning home after two consecutive road games. We may very well return to this season at some point and remember it as the last march of a heralded signal-caller; it may be Elway's leap or the Bus' last big game. And if it's not to be Favre's last season in his quest toward the Lombardi. A running back in this springs draft, to propel the ground game may get him where he yearns to go, and then perhaps he may rest to see his bust enshrined.

The Chargers recent struggles may be the motivating factor to a deep post season run. A team whose values were instilled by one of the NFL's most successful regular season coaches shall not falter long. Thus the story of today's Charger's begins with a look at their previous head coach. When Marty Schottenheimer was hired in the stead of the lethargic Mike Riley it was a testament of times to come. Marty represented all that which Riley didn't, he was disciplinarian, and strong promoter of the fundamentals of the game, establishing a bruising, intimidating running game, working off the play-action and not turning the ball over. Marty raised this San Diego team on the foundation of the Blue-collar work ethic and only few have instilled its importance so passionately. The man is passionate and verbally verbose, if nothing else. He was a motivator and as his teams ability evolved, the coach evolved- a Marty renaissance was taking place in sunny San Diego, "Marty ball" was dead the headlines rang. The man had heart and his team a hearty pulse.

When reputation caught up with Marty this past spring after continued jousts and a long awaited end to the cold war relationship with G.M A.J. Smith, himself a brilliant architect, Marty was let go. Before him had gone the teams offensive and defensive coordinators to Miami and Dallas respectively and appreciatively, Schottenheimer choosing to allow his coworkers promotions rather than pigeon-hole them home. John Butler had laid the first brick with the fifth overall pick of the 2001 draft with Tomlinson yet it has been Smith to bring in the talented pool of players which represents the current Chargers roster. The decision to not sign Drew Brees to a long-term contract and the dismissal of Schottenheimer, coupled with the team's recent struggles brings the dealings of Smith to light and many have been quick to pronounce the decline of what has yet to rise in San Diego. A playoff collapse by a young team to the much underestimated wisdom and composure of the playoff tested New England Patriots led by the undaunted Tom Brady last spring ended the Chargers hopes of a Superbowl run. A playoff loss to the Jets three seasons ago, in San Diego's first return to the post season since the 95 season saw them fall to Herm Edwards Jets and Curtis Martin at home when a field goal by the since nearly perfect Nate Kaeding missed its mark. It was to be a solid foundation of postseason experience for a young team.

Now, however, Smith's worries should not lie on his hiring of Norv Turner but with his assumption that his team was through its last growing pains. A close look at the team's contemporary roster begins to show inexperience, though mass potential at several spots, including the wide-receiver and linebacker positions. The value of Eric Parker to the offense is now clear through four games of the 2007 season and the stability and veteran leadership of Donnie Edwards and Randall Godfrey may be missed on the defensive side. Norv Turner's hiring was supposed to mean the rapid development of the Chargers blue-chip quarterback, but still Rivers has been off, the game seemingly moving ahead of him. The offensive line, a team strength, has momentarily faltered but should improve. Moments during their game against the Chiefs allude to questionable play-calling and lack of execution, blame for these lies mostly with Turner. The current Chargers are an unpolished version of themselves: In the second half, Clinton Hart intercepts Damon Huard, the Chargers are down seven, someone gets loose in protection, Rivers is hit, fumbles, a K.C corner scoops the ball and runs it in for a touchdown- and a seven point deficit doubles. Next possession, from the Kansas City five yard line with four downs Turner calls four passing plays; Rivers misses on each, L.T. fails as an efficient offensive decoy resulting in a disappointing 1-3 record. It may be a long or a successful season in San Diego this year. But for a team whose motto entering its first game was Super bowl or bust, .500 is yet a climb away. Hope lies in the glimpses of success this team has flashed through various portions of four games and the fact that it is, even among these early failures, a very young 2007 season. L.T may yet-get his ring.