Category Archives: Tech of Sports

From the shoes we wear on our feet to the high definition televisions in our living room, wearable devices, the sports universe is a breeding ground for technology. Writer and Photographer Rick Limpert will examine this each week on The Tech of Sports – With guests which include athletes, inventors and journalists that cover the intersection of sports and technology.

Robbie Ames, Sea Pines Country Club General manager and COO



A fun and informative interview with Sea Pines Country Club’s Robbie Ames this week.

Robbie is the General Manager and COO of Sea Pines Country Club on Hilton Head Island.

Recently recognized as one of America’s Healthiest Clubs and one of only 179 Distinguished Clubs in America, Sea Pines Country Club provides a lifestyle that is far from the ordinary but a feeling that is just like being home. Considered the epicenter of the community and a retreat from the daily hustle, the Club’s world class amenities provide a sanctuary for members with diverse interests where creating lifelong friendships becomes the commonplace.

Robbie is doing a great job leading the charge at Sea Pines Country Club and is beloved by its members. He’s making big changes and the members are reaping the benefits.

You too can be a member at Sea Pines Country Club.

Whether you are a long-time Island resident or a new arrival making your first entry into the community, you will find a spirit of welcome and warm hospitality that brings a well-rounded fulfillment to your life on Hilton Head Island. Membership has its privileges. At Sea Pines Country Club, you will find them to be abundant and unparalleled. Planned for the entire family, our Club enjoys a reputation as Hilton Head Island’s best full service private club.

To request additional membership information and schedule your personalized tour please contact Nic Booth at (843) 671-2335 or nbooth@seapinescountryclub.com

Find yourself, find your home and come discover the healthy, the distinguished, the private side of Sea Pines.


Andra Douglas, Author, Artist and Athlete



This is a sports book, but also more than just that.

Rick is joined this week by Andra Douglas, who has a new sports book out!

Black & Blue: Love, Sports and the Art of Empowerment

A native of central Florida and a graduate of Florida State University and Prat tInstitute, Douglas has been a National Champion athlete in rugby and women’s tackle football, a Vice President/Creative Director at Time Warner, the founder of the Fins Up! Foundation for Female Athletes, a non-profit to benefit at-risk teens, (www.womensgridironfoundation.org), the owner of the New York Sharks Women’s Pro Football team for 19 years (www.nysharksfootball.com) and a known artist. She lives with her parrot, ‘Pie’ in New York City where she spends much of her time working from her rooftop studio in Greenwich Village on her mixed-media artwork. (www.andradouglasart.com)

In the Deep South, football is a religion and even as a young girl, Christine dearly loved the game. Her passion to play, not just watch, was apparent. But even by the time she reached her teens, society’s message that women are second-class citizens – and the South’s particular interpretation of that — had seeped in. She chafed at what the South told her she should be – the classic belle, demure, deferential, yielding to men — versus what she knew or dreamed she was capable of being: fearless, inquisitive, strong, accepting life’s every challenge with poise, determined to be a success. ‘Black & Blue’ is the book about what happens during her poignant, often hilarious, sometimes discouraging but ultimately successful and profound journey from her small-town beginnings to New York City, where she moves sight unseen with encouragement from her mother and aunt to attend Pratt Institute and pursue her artistic talents.

It’s a book about coming of age, and the vivid characters who touch Christine along the way, starting with her father, who never had a son and coddled her love for things Southern girls weren’t “supposed” to do, and her grandmother, who knew firsthand how the South could suffocate nonconforming girls and encouraged Christine to be herself with some quietly rebellious (and subversively funny) shows of solidarity, like taking Christine to buy her first football. This book is also a backstage insight into a world few people know much about — the wild west world of women’s pro football, where shysters abounded in the early days of the game and the array of women who play tackle football come to the sport for their own reasons, same as Christine did.In some ways this book is A League of Their Own meets Semi-Tough. When the unexpected dream opportunity to finally play tackle football comes along, Christine purchases the New York franchise in a grass-roots women’s pro league because the team is in danger of folding. The responsibility of owning a sports franchise, however, is overwhelming. Christine’s longtime partner ultimately leaves her and Christine’s family is critical of her devotion to the club. Even the team’s players second-guess her decisions and motives at one point. She is painfully reminded of childhood and retreats inward, leaving her infighting team to fend for itself as she battles some dark questions until something more devastating happens. Sarah, a close friend and popular teammate, is killed in a car accident on Christmas Day. Christine, dogged now by memories of how Sarah had so much she still intended to do, begins a voyage to re-empower herself and regain her lost passion and belief. Along with her surprised players, Christine and the Sharks embark on a rollicking quest for the national title that is ostensibly about football. But it’s a meditation, too, about how being different requires of all of them to examine themselves and choices they’ve made.

Link to book”

https://www.amazon.com/Black-Blue-Love-Sports-Empowerment/dp/1733583505/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3F98JMBAER03L&keywords=black+and+blue+andra+douglas&qid=1568464166&sprefix=black+and+blue+andra%2Cdigital-text%2C187&sr=8-1


Carlos Monroe, Jr., WBA Latin American Middleweight Champion



Carlos Monroe, Jr. is a professional boxer who currently holds the WBA Latin American Middleweight Title in the Middleweight Division.

Born July 22, 1994 in Chicago, Carlos moved to Atlanta at age three where he spent the rest of his upbringing. He practiced Tae-Kwon-Do as a child and began boxing as a teenager with Xavier Biggs at the Decatur Boxing Club.

Monroe returns to Atlanta on September 28 for a night of boxing.

On Saturday, Sept. 28, Atlanta will host the World Boxing Association (WBA) Continental Americas Middleweight Boxing title bout on with Atlanta native Carlos Monroe fighting Javier Maciel in the headline fight. Eric Moon will fight Mike Guy for the American Boxing Federation (ABF) title, followed by six other bouts.

The event is a fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. Youth from several local Boys & GIrls Clubs will attend.

Missy Dugan, CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, says: “We are so thankful to partners like this that support the nearly 3,000 kids that attend our Clubs each day and help them reach their full potential. Through sports, youth build skills that will serve them now and throughout their lives including self confidence, good sportsmanship, discipline, and an appreciation of healthy living and exercise.”

When: Saturday, September 28

7:15 p.m. – 8 p.m. – Pre-event reception with live jazz from the renowned Joe Gransden Quartet.

8:00 p.m. – Fights start

Where: Buckhead Theater, 3110 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA 30305, 404-843-2825, Link to Venue Info: http://www.thebuckheadtheatreatl.com/venueinfo.

Cost: Tickets begin at $35, VIP tables for $1,000

Tickets: https://concerts1.livenation.com/event/0E005717D5F44E95

As an amateur, his record was 90-15, winning the Golden Gloves in Georgia and Florida 11 times and earning top three placements in various PALs, Ringside, and Olympic Qualifier tournaments.

Since starting his professional career with E3 Promotions in 2017, Carlos has earned a 16-0 record with 13 wins by knock-outs.

He trains with a competitive stable of other pros in Miami under Mike Tyson’s former trainer, Stacy McKinley. Carlos is passionate about using his platform to benefit youth development, foster care support, and supporting his family.

Accolates

16 – 0, 13 KOs

9 time GA Golden Gloves champ

2 time FL Golden Gloves champ

2012 PAL National Bronze Medalist

2013 Ringside National Gold Medalist

2014 WSB Qualifier Bronze Medalist

2015 USA Boxing National Tournament Olympic Qualifier Silver Medalist

2016 Medical DQ Olympic Trials Go Pro

2017 Went Pro (E3) with Starkey through Biggs

Thanks to Carlos for joining Rick this week on “Tech of Sports.”


Guy Harvey, Guy Harvey Apparel, Artist, Scientist, Conservationist



Rick is joined by a true “Renaissance Man” this week on “Tech of Sports.”

Guy Harvey of www.GuyHarvey.com.

Rick and Guy talk about his background and what’s coming in 2020. Harvey’s iconic ocean-inspired artwork which serves as the backdrop for the Spring 2020 launch. The Spring 2020 collection focuses on Guy’s original artwork showcased on versatile and durable clothing designed to perform from the day’s first cast, to the night’s last catch. This collection of wearable works of art feature high performance fishing apparel as well as casual lifestyle pieces. It includes tees, shorts, head wear, sportswear, swim, and layering pieces. Customers will also find boating and coastal casual footwear including sandals, boat shoes and casual canvas shoes.

“We are very excited about our new sportfishing lifestyle apparel and footwear collection,” said Dr. Harvey. “Through our diverse partnerships, we have created high-quality, functional, fashionable sportfishing apparel and footwear that fit every season and is designed especially for today’s active lifestyle.”

As with all Guy Harvey apparel and merchandise, a portion of proceeds from sales support scientific research and educational initiatives through the non-profit Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation (GHOF).

The Guy Harvey story begins on Jamaica’s south coast where a young boy and his parents enjoyed many hours fishing and diving, as well as beach excursions with the entire family. Growing up in this idyllic setting, this boy knew that his life would forever be focused on the ocean and all its offerings.

Today this young boy is the man we know as Guy Harvey—the embodiment of everything having to do with the water. He is a unique blend of artist, conservationist, diver, angler, scientist and explorer, fiercely devoted to his family and his love of the ocean.

A 10th generation Jamaican of English heritage, his passion for marine life started to grow from that tranquil childhood backdrop and he began drawing pictures of the many different fish he observed. From his early inspirations, Guy’s natural gift to recreate the underwater realm has propelled him from Professor of Marine Biology to Wildlife Artist and Photographer.

See more at www.guyharvey.com.

 

 

 


Patrick Davis, Singer and Songwriter’s ‘National Championship Blues’



If you know music in the South, especially the state of South Carolina, you know Patrick Davis.

Rick catches up with Patrick this week as the college football season starts and his beloved Gamecocks are 0-1.

Davis, University of South Carolina alumnus and one of the Gamecock Nation’s favorite musical sons, is releasing The Gamecock EP just in time for kick off this weekend and right before embarking on a European Tour supporting fellow Gamecocks Hootie & the Blowfish.

The Gamecock EP includes four tracks from The Gamecock Album, which charted on Billboard in its first week when released in 2013, and a new bonus track “National Championship Blues.” The Gamecock EP will be available on Spotify, Apple Music and other streaming services this Friday, August 30th.

Davis wrote the new bonus track “National Championship Blues,” this past January after USC rival Clemson once again won the National Championship title. The song has until now only been heard as a live “day he wrote it” performance on Davis’ social media channels. It has since been listened to on Facebook and YouTube more than 185K times.

“I was watching the National Championship game with Hootie’s Darius Rucker and Mark Bryan and somewhere in the midst of the Clemson victory, I told the guys I was going to wake up first thing in the morning and write a National Championship Blues song. And that’s exactly what I did.” comments Davis.

The Gamecock EP, is a tribute to the University of South Carolina Gamecocks, who have played a large role in Davis’ life. Through the years, a number of these songs have become anthems for fans and are played throughout Williams-Brice Stadium on game day and beyond.

“I love South Carolina – the state, the people and the football,” says Davis.
“I never realized these songs would resonate with South Carolinians and Gamecock fans the way they do, but it has become a wonderful part of my life. That’s the beauty of writing songs and making music. Music truly does connect people so I feel very lucky to be part of it.”

Davis’ love of the Gamecocks began long before he attended school at the university. Having grown up in South Carolina, Gamecocks football has always held a special place in his heart.

“I grew up cheering on the Gamecocks and it was a pretty painful experience,” jokes Davis. “But honestly, all the University of South Carolina sports programs have been such a big part of my life – from game day tailgates when I was a student to today when I hear folks playing my music before games. The team and university have always brought me great joy.”

More on the 2019 season:

“I’m hopeful that we have a better record than we’ve had in the past few years. As everyone knows we have one of the toughest schedules in the country in 2019. And the SC motto has always been, ‘Just wait until next year.” Well I think maybe next year is this year,” adds Davis.

Track listing for The Gamecock EP:

Big Ole Cock
We Ain’t Far Feat. Darius Rucker & Edwin McCain
My Carolina
Wingo and His Yard Cocks
National Championship Blues

The Gamecock EP marks the start of new music slated to be released from Patrick Davis this fall.

Patrick Davis, frontman of Patrick Davis & His Midnight Choir, is a Tennessee born, South Carolina bred, Nashville-based singer, songwriter and artist who has had quite the musical run over the past decade. Davis has had nearly 70 of his songs recorded by artists including Jimmy Buffett, Lady Antebellum, Darius Rucker, Jewel and others. He is currently recording his first Patrick Davis & His Midnight Choir album with his eleven-piece band and come early 2020, the band will be on the road and bringing their musical message to the masses. Davis is also founder of Songwriters In Paradise, a uniquely crafted singer-songwriter festival designed to bring together the world’s top songwriting and performing talent in the world’s most exclusive and awe-inspiring destinations for a priceless musical experience. Additionally, he is co-founder of Whiskey Jam Whiskey with South Carolina’s world-renowned, Firefly Distillery. For more information on Patrick Davis & His Midnight Choir, visit patrickdavismusic.com.

Have a listen to Rick and Patrick Davis.


Joshua Jacobs, CEO, Founder of TGA Premier Sports



Rick is joined by one of the most innovative minds in sports, Joshua Jacobs.

Jacobs is the CEO and founder of TGA Premier Sports.

TGA Premier Sports is the leading introductory “delivery system” for kids’ in-school and community-based golf programs. They just added their eighth youth sports golf franchise in the New York/New Jersey market and the 53rd nationwide.

Founded in 2003 and driven by an innovative curriculum that combines golf skills development with STEAM education modules and life lessons, TGA has had over 750,000 youth go through its golf programs and is on-pace to enroll its ONE-MILLIONTH student in youth sports programs by 2020. In schools and communities all across the country, TGA is driving growth in golf participation in powerful and sustainable ways.

Jacobs has made tremendous inroads, founding TGA Premier Junior Golf in 2003. Joshua was named by Golf Magazine and Sports Illustrated in 2010 as one of the Top 40 most influential people in golf under 40 and in 2013 was recognized as one of golf’s “Innovators” by Golf Inc. Joshua created the first scalable business model for school based golf programs in 2003 in the Los Angeles area and franchised the youth development and business concept in 2006. In 2010, he created the TGA Sports Foundation, dedicated to Developing Youth through Athletics. In 2011, Joshua orchestrated TGA’s horizontal move into the tennis industry by franchising TGA’s school based business model and facilitating a National Partnership with the United States Tennis Association (USTA) in the same year.

In addition to TGA, Joshua co-founded a social golf network called GLinks and has been serving his community since 9th grade coaching youth sports programs in Los Angeles and Atlanta. He currently serves on the PGA Golf 2.0’s National Building Blocks Committee, TGA Sports Foundation’s Board of Directors, the Southern California PGA’s Foundation Advisory Committee and the Southern California PGA’s Growth of the Game Committee.

Joshua Graduated from Emory University with a degree in Economics and Business and a minor in History. His passion for golf began at three years old and tennis at six. From those early years, Joshua’s love and respect for sports continues to drive him to break down barriers and open doors for all students ages 3-13 to have the opportunity to learn golf and tennis.

Jacobs is never short on opinions, especially when it comes to tennis. He discusses some of them with Rick!