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.

Lt. Jay Sconyers, US Air Force Band of the West

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Rick talks with Lt. Jay Sconyers, leader of the US Air Force Band of the West.

Based in San Antonio, Texas, the USAF Band of the West is a musical organization with an outstanding record of achievement. The Airmen assigned to the band are highly-trained professional musicians who have dedicated themselves to serving their country through music. Whether recording or performing for live, radio, and television audiences, band members reflect Air Force excellence to millions of people each year.

The USAF Band of the West travels more than 125,000 miles annually and provides hundreds of free performances to military and civilian audiences throughout Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Puerto Rico. The organization is made up of the multiple large and small ensembles and can blend seamlessly into a any style classical to country!

Second Lieutenant Julian “Jay” Sconyers is the flight commander and associate conductor of the United States Air Force Band of the West, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Lt Sconyers assists the Commander to lead, organize, and equip a unit of 61 Airmen in engagements throughout the Southeastern United States and abroad on behalf of the 502d Air Base Wing.

Prior to serving in the Air Force, Lt Sconyers served as Director of Bands and Assistant Director of Bands at McNeese State University. Lt Sconyers received his doctorate in musical arts in conducting from the University of South Carolina, where he studied with Dr. Scott Weiss, and his masters of music education and bachelors of music education from the University of Georgia, where he studied trumpet with Professor Fred Mills. Prior to his time in higher education, Lt Sconyers served as the Director of Bands at Elbert County Comprehensive High School in Elberton, GA.

Lt Sconyers has performed in a wide variety of instrumental and choral ensembles, performing throughout the United States, Germany, Austria, Italy, the Vatican, and China. He has served as an associate producer with the USC Wind Ensemble’s album Dynasty on the Summit Label and as a producer and conductor on the McNeese State University Marching Band’s album McNeese Saturday Nights. Lt Sconyers has been published with GIA Press in the 12th edition of the Teaching Music Through Performance in Band as well as an upcoming publication of Arvo Pärt’s Sieben Magnificat-Antiphonen for wind ensemble. Lt Sconyers has presented at a variety of conferences and clinics around the country including: The College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) Athletic Band Symposium (2021), The CBDNA Southeast Regional Conference (2018, 2020, 2022), The CBDNA National Conference (2017), Louisiana Music Educators Conference (2022), Georgia Music Educators Conference (2015), The Future Music Educators Colloquium (2017, 2019), The Marching Arts Roundtable (2018, 2019), and at many high schools, colleges, and universities.

They are coming to Georgia.

The US Air Force Band of the West will present their “Music in Our Schools” concerts in the area at the following East and Central Georgia locations:

Fri, March 22: Theatre Dublin, 7pm (Dublin, GA)
Sat, March 23: Georgia Southern University Performing Arts Center, 7pm (Statesboro, GA)
Sun, March 24: East Georgia State College, 3pm (Swainsboro, GA)
Mon, March 25: Grover C. Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre at Augusta University, 7pm (Augusta, GA)
Tues, March 26: Roswell High School, 7pm (Roswell, GA)

Admission to these performances is free and open to the public, but tickets are required. Reserve your tickets today flow.page/afband. This is a family-friendly, all-ages event.

The U.S. Air Force Band of the West will take the stage to celebrate Music in Our Schools Month. For nearly 40 years, March has been officially designated as the time to celebrate music education and it’s role in our nation. This performance will feature concert band classics, colorful storytelling as well as a debut performance of a new work by Henry Jackman (Kong: Skull Island, X-Men: First Class, Captain Phillips) The USAF Band of the West will honor those who have served and are serving, inspire the next generation of Americans and connect with audiences throughout Georgia!

Andy Wahl, Ammunition Wine + Whiskey Co-founder on Sports Sponsorships

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Rick is joined by Andy Wahl this week.

Daylight Wine & Spirits, one of Sonoma county’s fastest growing independent wineries, is going all in on its Ammunition whiskies and it’s paying off. And partnering with up and coming NASCAR star, Anthony Alfredo with his racing team.

The up-start known for its award winning Ammunition Wines, led by the versatile red blend “The Equalizer,” which has carried national success for the past several years, is blazing a new trail: Ammunition straight rye whiskey and Ammunition straight bourbon whiskey distilled with the ‘true spirit of America.’ Following a path forged by grit, grapes and now grain. Ammunition whiskies are aged, blended and finished for the modern drinker who recognizes uncompromising dedication to quality.

Daylight founder and winemaker, Andy Wahl, takes a winemaker’s approach to the whiskies, quite literally. Ammunition Straight Bourbon Whiskey is produced in small 2, 3 and 4 year-old batches and finished in French Bordeaux wine barrels, which once held Ammunition’s very own Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon. The unique marriage between bourbon finished in wine casks paired with the relentless pursuit of independence and appreciation that true mastery requires a little ammunition – enter Ammunition Wine & Whiskey and it’s incredible sales trajectory.

“Our goal has always been to make wine that helps people discover their palate on their own terms and we’re thrilled to see that same energy is translating with our whiskey,” says Wahl. “We were able to create and cultivate an expectation of excellence with our Ammunition wines and we’re setting our expectations even higher with our whiskies. Simply put, our wines took flight so our whiskies could soar. I’ll raise a glass to that.”

Adding a little more heat, Ammunition Straight Rye Whiskey, a blend of 2, 3 and 4-year-old rye whiskey finished in French Burgundy oak barrels that housed Ammunition’s Pinot Noir, scored a 95 rating from the prestigious publication The Tasting Panel. Here is what they had to say:

“…this Sonoma County rye whiskey is a voluptuous beauty with plump, candied scents of butterscotch and nougat. Round medium-bodied, chockful of flavors that include peach, walnut, cocoa, and black cherry. The clean yet spiced cedar finish is extended and warming without a rush of alcohol. The aftertaste is striking and memorable.”

Both Ammunition Wine and Whiskies can be found in select grocery stores, restaurants and online partners nationwide. For more information on Ammunition Wine & Whiskies, visit daylightwineandspirits.com and follow along on Instagram at Drink Ammunition.

Since 2013 Andy Wahl and Bill Kerr, co-founders of Daylight Wine & Spirits have focused on producing world class wines and spirits that resonate with humans who drink. The Daylight team believes that making great wine and spirits requires equal parts grit as it does quality grapes and grain. The company combines traditional farming practices with tried-and-true techniques that aim to harness the natural beauty of each vintage, each barrel and every bottle to reach its full potential when it finally hits lips. The collection includes a lineup of brands that challenge convention and were created for people, not critics. For more information on Ammunition Wine & Whiskies, Badgerhound, Trollop, Mr. Moody’s Potion, Screen Door Cellars, visit: daylightwineandspirits.com.

Brock Mosley, Bassmaster Elite Angler, Dakota Lithium

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With an impressive track record that includes 115 tournaments, 15 top 10 finishes, and a historic victory at the Sabine River during the 2023 Elite Series, Brock Mosley has firmly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the bass fishing community. Now, as Dakota Lithium’s official representative, Brock is poised to defend his title and make waves once again in the 2024 season.

Rick talks with Brock this week on “Tech of Sports.”

Great to talk bass fishing.

As the 2023 winner of the Bassmaster Elite Series, Brock is proud of his quest for back-to-back victories is fueled by his passion for the sport and the support of Dakota Lithium’s cutting-edge power solutions.

Topics:

Brock Mosley’s journey from his small-town roots in Collinsville, Mississippi, to becoming a leading figure in the competitive bass fishing world
Insights into the world of competitive bass fishing
The role that Dakota Lithium plays in powering his pursuits
Brock’s training regimen and how he prepares mentally and physically for elite-level bass fishing competitions
Brock’s involvement in the bass fishing community and his efforts to inspire and mentor aspiring anglers.

NASCAR Star Anthony Alfredo on Xfinity Series and New Sponsor

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Talking NASCAR with one of the brightest young stars of the sport.

Anthony Alfredo.

Alfredo kicks off his sixth season at the prestigious Daytona Xfinity Series, piloting the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro for Our Motorsports featuring Ammunition’s logo.

A promising driver with three top-five and 15 top-10 finishes, Alfredo had always been a fan of Ammunition’s smooth-tasting spirits and connected with its journey from outsider to award-winning wine and spirits portfolio.

Alfredo will drive the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro for Our Motorsports, with the award-winning Ammunition brand’s iconic logo displayed above the lower quarter panel of both sides of the car.

The promising young driver embarks on his sixth season as a professional NASCAR race car driver, where he will compete full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, driving the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro for Our Motorsports, and part-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, driving the No. 62 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Beard Motorsports. Alfredo has started in 85 different races in his closely-watched career and quickly gained critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase as he recorded three top-five and 15 top-10 finishes.

Alfredo connected with the sport at a young age, taking in races with his dad and driving a rented “legends” car to explore his interest in driving. After spending a lot of time operating heavy equipment and driving trucks, he quickly took to it and signed with Lee Faulk Racing’s Late Model Racing, posting 15 top tens, 7 top fives, 3 top threes, and a win in 16 starts. As Alfredo progressed in his career, he sought support from brands who embodied the same drive and all-American spirit, and working with

Ammunition was a natural fit.

“I began this partnership as a fan of Ammunition Wine & Whiskeys’ smooth-tasting spirits, and after meeting Andy and Bill and learning how they broke into the alcohol space and built a name and following for their brand, I knew this was a company I wanted to go the distance with,” said Anthony Alfredo. “I am very thankful for the support of Ammunition Wines & Whiskey, and I am excited to partner with them for this upcoming season and beyond.”

Ammunition Wines & Whiskey was established in 2021 by Co-Founders Andy Wahl and Bill Kerr to celebrate the American West and blazing new trails and traditions. The wine and spirits portfolio quickly established itself as a fan favorite and is poised to double, if not triple, its sales in 2024.

Featuring a curated selection of wine overseen by expert winemaker Bobby Donnelly and straight bourbon whiskey and straight rye whiskey produced in Kentucky, Ammunition’s offerings have gained critical acclaim with reviewers and everyday imbibers alike.

Ammunition Wine & Whiskey’s partnership with Alfredo spans nine marquee races in the NASCAR Xfinity Series across the United States.
● February 17: Daytona International Speedway in Daytona, FL
● March 23: Circuit of the Americas in Austin, TX
● Apr 13: Texas Motor Speedway in Dallas, TX
● June 8: Sonoma Raceway in Sonoma, CA
● June 22: New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, NH
● July 6: Chicago Street Race in Chicago, IL
● August 23: Daytona International Speedway in Daytona, FL
● October 5: Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, AL
● October 26: Homestead Miami Speedway in Miami, FL

“Anthony’s grit, perseverance, and commitment to his craft are what have helped him build a reputation
as one of NASCAR’s most promising drivers,” said Ammunition Co-Founder Andy Wahl. “We see many
parallels between his rapid ascent driving for NASCAR and Ammunition Wine & Whiskey’s building a
national brand and fan base, and we are grateful to be able to support Anthony through another
standout season.”

For more information, please visit https://www.daylightwineandspirits.com/pages/ammunition
and https://www.abcfws.com/.

 

 

Tony Verutti, CEO of Betterguards

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Rick talks ankles this week with Tony Verutti, CEO of Betterguards.

Founded in 2014, Betterguards is a next-generation sports technology company led by CEO Tony Verutti. As CEO, Verutti brings both extensive experience in leading international operations, business development, and global licensing, with a dedicated commitment to sustainability. He spent the first decade of his career in management consulting working with high-tech firms throughout Silicon Valley before earning his International MBA from SDA Bocconi in Milan, Italy. His vision and leadership will be instrumental in overseeing all business functions across Europe and the U.S. while establishing the Betterguards technology as an essential ingredient in sports performance and injury prevention.

How does The BetterGuard work?

Betterguards intelligent ankle brace technology protects from common ankle injuries without sacrificing freedom of movement. During normal activity, The BetterGuard offers a full range of motion. In the event of sudden twisting or rolling, the mini piston activates to stabilize the ankle, allowing your body time to react before a serious injury can occur.

When do I use The BetterGuard?

The BetterGuard ankle brace is ideally suited for those who want to protect their ankles from common and frequent ankle injuries. Those who are at high risk of ankle turning or rolling during sports, work, or other everyday activities can benefit from the responsive ankle bracing technology.

The BetterGuard ankle brace can also be used in the rehabilitation process after an ankle injury to prevent further injuring the ankle. It’s important to consult your doctor or healthcare provider during the rehabilitation process to find out if the BetterGuard is right for you.

Tony talks with Rick about all of that and more.