The El Paso Santos and the EP Patriots Get Ready To Open Season.

Pecos Soccer League

Great to see that El Paso will be getting another activity that we can take our family to that won't break the bank and should provide a few hours of solid entertainment.  We are not huge soccer fans but we love attending events at Cohen Stadium and look forward to seeing what this new soccer team has to offer.  We haven't taken the kids to a Patriots soccer game since we moved here but will be putting these two teams on our list of things to catch in 2012.

The Santos will be part of the newly formed Pecos soccer league.  Other teams in the league include: Roswell Aliens, Juarez Juventus, Alamogordo Stealth, and the Hatch Chile Kickers.  Soccer in the Sun City.  Just another reason why we love living on the border.

Follow the Team on Facebook at El Paso Santos 
or Follow them on Twitter at El Paso Santos on twitter

Check out the new El Paso Patriots Website by clicking Patriots Soccer

Here is the home schedule  and ticket information for the El Paso Santos:

$5 per ticket, 6 and under gets in free. Before each game both teams will be escorted onto field by local youth teams. For Tickets, Standings and Rosters visit http://www.PecosSoccer.com or call 575-680-2212

El Paso Santos 2012 Schedule:

  Feb 19 @ HAT

*Feb 25 vs ROS – 2:00

*Mar 3 vs HAT – 2:00

 Mar 10 @ ROS

*Mar 17 vs ALA – 2:00

*Mar 24 vs JUA – 2:00

*Apr 7 vs ALA – 2:00

*Indicates Home Game.

UTEP VS Oklahoma in 2012 Season Opener

I was pretty surprised this week when UTEP head football coach Mike Price announced that the Miners would be playing Oklahoma in the 2012 season opener.  I know Mike Price always talks about being confident in his team but come on we are talking about the Oklahoma "We killed Texas Texas 55-17 last year" Sooners.

I for one am glad that Utep has decided to take on the mighty Boomer Sooner Nation.  What a great game for El Paso football fans in our own backyard.  I know plenty of El Pasoans think Price has lost his mind with the tough schedule he has laid out for next year but I think it is pure genius.  He packs the Sun Bowl and can use the quality of opponents as a great recruiting carrot to dangle in front of potential players.

Maybe the Miners will catch a little bit of the Linsanity underdog bug and pull off the epic upset.  Maybe they get crushed and have to put their punter in as quarterback by the time Conference play comes around.  Either way, you got to be jumping at the chance to see if the Miners can create their own version of the David and Goliath story.

What do you think?  Is Price insane or a football genius?  Oklahoma vs UTEP in the Sun Bowl.  Another reason why we love living on the border!

Here is the complete UTEP 2012-2013 Football Schedule:

Saturday 09/01/12

Oklahoma Sooners Sun Bowl Stadium, El Paso, TX

Saturday 09/08/12

at Ole Miss Rebels Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford, MS

Saturday 09/15/12

New Mexico State Aggies Sun Bowl Stadium, El Paso, TX

Saturday 09/22/12

at Wisconsin Badgers Camp Randall Stadium, Madison,  WI

Saturday 09/29/12

at East Carolina Pirates Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, Greenville, NC

Saturday 10/06/12

SMU Mustangs Sun Bowl Stadium, El Paso, TX

Saturday 10/13/12

at Tulsa Golden Hurricane Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium, Tulsa, OK

Saturday 10/20/12

Tulane Green Wave Sun Bowl Stadium, El Paso, TX

Saturday 10/27/12

at Houston Cougars Robertson Stadium, Houston, TX

Saturday 11/03/12

---

Open Date

Saturday 11/10/12

UCF Knights Sun Bowl Stadium, El Paso, TX

Saturday 11/17/12

at Southern Miss Golden Eagles M.M. Roberts Stadium, Hattiesburg, MS

Saturday 11/24/12

Rice Owls Sun Bowl Stadium, El Paso, TX

Saturday 12/01/12

C-USA Championship Game Hosted by team with highest C-USA winning %

Girls Basketball Playoffs

Good luck to all the EL Paso girls basketball teams playing tonight in the area round of the playoffs. I think a few teams have a chance at heading to the next round if they can handle the playoff pressure. Here is the schedule of this weekends playoff schedule.

Class 4A
Friday Games

Burges vs Canyon at Odessa College

Horizon vs Frenship at Odessa College 5pm

Irvin vs Palo Duro at Odessa High 5pm

Chapin vs Plainview at Odessa College 6:30 pm.

Class 3A

Mt. View vs Shallowater at Kermit High 5pm

Saturday
Class 5A

Bel Air vs Arlington Lamar at 4 pm Midland Christian High School

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Happy VaLINtines Day. This Lin kid is for real!

Checked my twitter after one-act play rehearsal tonight and the thing was blowing up with everyone and their grandmother tweeting about the amazing Jeremy Lin and his performance in the clutch vs. the Raptors tonight.  

Linsanity has been taking over the the social media world these past few weeks but I was a little hesitant to jump on the Lin bandwagon so soon.  I had never heard of the kid and thought that the Knicks were just riding a good thing that would sooner or later run out of gas. 

Unlike Floyd Mayweather , I am man enough to admit that I was wrong.  This guy is the real deal.  I find myself rooting for him now just like I did for Tebow during football season.  Love the way he stays humble and gracious in his post game interviews.  His  story will no doubt be the stuff of NBA  legend if he is able to take the Knicks to the promised land this year.

 What do you guys think?  Will Linsanity continue to sweep the world or will his star fade much like JJ Barea after he helped the Mavericks win an NBA Title.  I'm hoping that this kid continues to light it up on the court.  Inspiring story that keeps getting better and better.

Here are the ten most ridiculous (and pretty clever) Jeremy Lin inspired sayings according to AskMen.com. 

10. Lin It To Win It!
9. The Lin Crowd
8. Linsider
7. Lint Condition
6. Ooh, Ling (Ewing)
5. Linscrafters
4. Linnin
3. Lin Time
2 . Lin Man
1. Lin

My favorite that didn't make the list:  All I Do Is Lin!

Gabriel Iglesias at the Don Haskins Tomorrow!

 

I want to thank Gabriel Iglesias for coming into the Sun City with his Stand-up Revolution Tour at the Don Haskins center this Friday.  I was struggling to think of what to get Jess for Valentines Day and he made the gift-giving so much easier with his concert.  Jess absolutely loves this guy and this concert will be the fourth  show she has caught.  I love the fact that his comedy is clean (for the most part) and his stories are fresh and full of crazy characters. Gabriel seems like a down to earth guy who generally cares about his fans.   Hope El Paso shows the "Fluffy" guy  some love and sell out his show at the Don tomorrow night. 

This has  been a great month for entertainment in El Paso.  Wicked, Gabriel Iglesias, The Harlem Globetrotters, and Dralion have made this an action packed month in the Sun City.  Hopefully the entertainment will continue to roll into town month after month.  Fluffy on a Friday Night.  Just another reason why we love living on the border.

Check out the article What's Up did with Gabriel Iglesias this week by clicking the following link: What's Up Article.

El Paso and Triple-A Baseball

 

Tucson Padres 2011 Images

Great news for El Paso baseball fans if everything falls into place. The rumor has been out there before about triple- A ball returning to the sun city but those plans never materialized. What a huge gain for the City of El Paso if everything gets worked out and El Paso is able to land the Tucson Padres team.

Keeping my fingers crossed. Click on the El Paso Times story to learn more.

Below is a video of the Reno Aces ballpark in Nevada.  How great would it be to get one of these in El Paso.

Will El Paso Be Tebowing in near future?

I was intrigued by the small article in the El Paso Times today that discussed the plans of Abundant Living  Faith Center Pastor Charles Nieman to bring Tim Tebow to his 3,600 seat auditorium in the near future.  Pastor Nieman didn't make any promises but did say his church was entertaining the though of possibly bringing the Denver Quarterback to the Sun City soon.

I was kind of shocked at all the negative comments posted on the internet regarding the plans.  People really seem to love Tebow or hate him with a passion that would make Oscar the Grouch proud.  I think Tebow is a great role model for young athletes across the Globe.  So the guy prays on the field before, after, and sometimes during the games.  It could be worse.

I think Tebow is a breath of fresh air in the sporting world and would love to get a chance to take my family to hear him speak about his faith and life experiences.  Hats off to Pastor Nieman for trying to bring something positive to our community.  Will be "Tebowing" in hopes of getting to see this great young man in  El Paso soon.  #Tim Tebow controversy.  Just another reason why I love living in the Sun City.

Wicked in El Paso

I am not ashamed to admit that I am looking forward to catching Wicked this week at the Plaza Theatre more than Cowboy fans look forward to the start of next season.  I have heard great things about the show and was lucky enough to get tickets for my wife and I for Wednesdays show.

The reviews in the El Paso Times have all been positive and the reaction from a couple of my students who went to watch the show last week has been great.  I'll post my thoughts this weekend about our Wicked experience. 

The month of February also sees the Cirque Du Soleil show Dralion fly into the Don Haskins Center from the 15th-19th.   I haven't got my hands on tickets yet but think the kids would love to check out this show.

 

Dralion Information

If you had a chance to see Wicked let me know what you thought by posting a few notes on the blog.  Great to see big time shows making their way to our city.  Let's get out and support the efforts of the promoters responsible for bringing in these quality acts.  El Paso is on the verge of making things happen for people who love and appreciate the arts.  Just another reason why we love living in the Sun City.

Riverside Beats Canutillo in Alumni Football Game.

I had the pleasure of watching two great alumni teams go at one another like two junkyard dogs going after a bone this past Saturday night.  The Riverside and Canutillo alumni football game was one for the ages. These guys fought as if their lives depended on it and almost saw the game go into overtime before a late second touchdown gave the Rangers a 20-14 victory. The Rangers were led by a great performance by running back Ryan Vidales and Quarterback Mike Stephenson. The Ranger defense was also huge in coming up with big stops in the fourth quarter.  Hats off to Head Coach David Cortinas and Coach Recorder and Levario for getting these guys ready to play.

The alumni game was organized by Alumni Football USA and was the first full contact alumni game that Riverside has participated in.  Click on the link  from the El Paso Times to check out other El Paso schools that participated in other alumi games.



I encourage everyone to get out and watch or play in next years games.  The action is non-stop and the hits are brutal.   Like Shane Falco once said, "Pain Heals. Chicks Dig Scars. Glory Lasts Forever."

Miner women keep on rolling on basketball court.

I am really impressed with the season the Lady Miners are having this year. Head coach Keitha Adams has done a remarkable job with the program and has the team the verge of a Conference USA title. The team has a great bench and can play in your face D that would make the Bear proud. If you have a chance you need to head out to the Haskins Center to catch these ladies in action. Click on the link for the EP Times article on the big win. El Paso Times Article on Keitha Adams 300th Win.

Utep Freshman Julian Washburn's Dunk vs ECU

Saw this video on the KROD webpage and had to post on my blog.  This dunk by Washburn is just filthy. The thing that keeps hope alive for fans like me is that Washburn and almost the entire Miner team are just freshmen.  The Miners are up and down this year but the future looks good for this young team.    I think they can put a few wins together and get a nice seed in the Conference USA tournament in Memphis.

Edwin McCain Website

Jess and I had a great time attending our first free concert at Speaking Rock this past Saturday.  I have to admit I had to Google Edwin McCain to find out what songs he had actually done.  When I landed on his page I immediately recognized his most famous hit "I'll Be" and was determined to catch him live.

McCain put on a great show and the intimate setting at Speaking Rock made the concert have a nice personal feel.  McCain has a great voice and even better stories as he played and joked with the audience for a good hour and a half. 

Speaking Rock has done a great job of bringing in great (free) entertainment.  If you can get past the cigarette smoke;  I highly recommend that you make one of your date nights a trip to Speaking Rock to catch a cool concert.  Check out their website or their facebook page for info on upcoming shows.  Think Jess and I will be checking out The Beatles Tribute Band on February 15th and Country Star Terri Clark on Feb. 16th.

We spent the day yesterday enjoying a great Sun Bowl game between Utah and Georgia Tech. The game had plenty of action and made Sun Bowl history by being the first game to go into overtime.

Utah showed plenty of determination in fighting back from a 14 point deficit to eventually win the game 30-27. The weather and the atmosphere was fantastic during the game. I was surprised to see so many fans in the stands being that many people were unfamiliar with the teams.

Jess hated the half-time show (BJ Thomas) but the old ladies who were sitting next to us seemed to be in heaven when he started to sing. I really was impressed with the Sun Bowl experience as a whole this year. Attending the Sun Bowl has become a great tradition for our family and is another big reason why we love living in the Sun City.

Georgia Tech running out of the tunnel.

The Utes taking the field.

Tebowing before the game.

Stevo trying to drown out BJ Thomas at half-time.

Sun Bowl Fan Fiesta 2011-2012

The Utah cheerleaders performed in the battle of the bands vs Georgia Tech at this year's SunBowl fan fiesta. The Utes and Yellowjackets play tomorrow afternoon in the Sun City. We are looking forward to a great game and hope both offenses light up the scoreboard. Attending this bowl game has become a tradition for our family and is another reason why we love living in El Paso.

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EP GRIDIRON - Greater El Paso Football Showcase All Star Game (2011)

Riverside vs El Paso High in Bi-District championship

The Riverside Rangers travel to El Paso High today to take on the Tigers at 1pm today in the bi-district championship. The Rangers are looking to air it out against the Tigers and stop the tough El Paso running game.

Del Valle lost in their bi-district game last night to the Andress Eagles 28-0. Andress size just seemed to big of an obstacle for DV to overcome. Andress will play Denton Ryan in the next round.

Horizon and Burges played a heck of a game last night in the far East. Burges was able to pull out the victory in four overtimes. Burges 34 Horizon 31. Burges will play the winner of the Lake Dallas and Canyon High game.

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Week five high school football scores in El Paso.

Chapin 64 Irvin 15
Riverside 54 SanElizario 14
Del Valle 41 Ysleta 2
Burges 14 Andress 7
Canutillo 38 Parkland 0
Montwood 62 Eastwood 19
Monahans 49 Mt. View 7
Franklin 49 Socorro 6
Cathedral 27 Fabens 7
Jefferson 14 Bowie 13
El Dorado 35 Bel Air 7

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Subrosa Union Concert at the Chamizal

Marc Martel (guitar)

Jazzy and I finally got a chance to head out to the Music Under The Stars concert series at The Chamizal tonight to catch Subrosa Union in action.  Subrosa Union has been touring for nine years and are now based out of Austin.  These guys put on a great show and had the crowd, including my Jazzy, dancing to their funky reggae/latin style. 

Jazzy enjoying the concert

The crowd at the Chamizal seemed small at first, probably a direct result of the alcohol ban, but it quickly grew as the sun went down.  I know many El Pasoans are upset about the alcohol ban but I am glad that the park decided to prohibit booze from their concerts.  The city has plenty of events where you can drink and listen to music on any given night.  If you absolutely have to throw one back you can head out to Speaking Rock and drink to your hearts delight.

 If you missed this show tonight because of the alcohol ban, you missed catching a great and energetic band playing their tails off for a supportive El paso crowd.  I encourage you to fill up your ice-chest with your favorite non-alcoholic beverage and head out to the Chamizal next Sunday.  I really don't think you'll be disappointed.

Michael Anaya (guitar and vocals)

Check out the groups website to learn more about the music of Subrosa Union. Subrosa Union Website

Delta Nove will be bringing its "World Funk Sound" to the Music Under The Stars Stage next Sunday.

Listen to Delta Nova by clicking on their link.   Delta Nove

Upcoming Summer Theatre Productions In El Paso

I was happy to see that a new theatre company called the Green Apple Theatre Collective is staging its first production on Friday  July 15th at the Glasbox Gallery located at 1500 Texas Avenue.  The company will be taking on the entertaining play Topdog/Underdog by Suzan-Lori Parks.  The play chronicles the lives of two brothers Lincoln and Booth as they try to survive and cope with women, racism, gambling, and their rough upbringing.  I applaud the Company for breathing new life into the El Paso theatre scene and wish them all the success in the world with their debut.  Check out the article by Doug Pullen of the El Paso Times that sheds more light on the company and the production.  Doug Pullen Article on Green Apple Theatre Collective




The Utep Theatre Department will be staging Urinetown The Musical as part of its dinner theatre season this month. Urinetown debuted at the New York International Fringe Festival, and then was produced Off-Broadway at the American Theatre for Actors, from May 6, 2001 to June 25, 2001. The show takes place at the Utep Dinner Theatre located at the Utep Union, West Wing.  Show runs through July 24th.  Performances are at 7pm on Fridays and Saturdays and at 2:30 pm July 17th and 24th.  For more information call  747-5234, or 747-6060.  Check out the article written in the El Paso Times for more details on the production. Urinetown Article in the El Paso Times

The UTEP Department of Theatre and dance will be staging the William Shakespeare Classic The Tempest from July 22nd thru July 31st.  Tickets for the show range from $8-$10 dollars. For reservations and more info call 747-5118.



The El Paso Playhouse is nearing the finish line for its run of the A Few Good Men.  I have had a great time performing with the talented cast in this first production of the 2011-2012 season for the Playhouse. The director, Darci Georges, deserves a ton of credit for bringing such a great story to life.  The show will have its final two performances on Friday July 15th and Saturday July 16th at 8pm.  To reserve your seat for the show call (915) 532-1317.  Remember to tell them Smiling Jack
Ross sent you.





The El Paso Independent School Distict will stage the musical Bye Bye Birdie at Coronado High School's Ross Capshaw Theatre July 20-23.  Curtain goes up at 7:30 pm.  Tickets are a steal at only $5 ($3 for students, seniors, and military).  The theatre is located at 100 Champions Place.




The EPCC Summer Repertory Company will conclude its 3rd annual summer season with four productions at the EPCC Transmountain Campus Forum theatre on Highway 54 (Diana exit). Tickets for the productions start at $10 ($5 for students, faculty, staff, military, and seniors).  Box office opens at 6:30 pm.  Info: 831-5056 or 831-3205.

July 14-16  Eleven: A New 1930's Musical Fable.

July 16, 23, and 30. Rodeo Mongolia: A Children's Musical (shows begin at 2pm)

July 21-22.   My Big Gay Italian Wedding

July 28-30.  The Great American Trailer Park Musical

 

About a month ago, I was fortunate enough to be cast in the El Paso Playhouse production of A Few Good Men.

The rehearsal process is now over and the run of this brilliant production has begun.  The cast is filled with stage veterans and actors that have been bitten by the stage bug for the very first time.  The cast and crew are amazing and do their very best in bringing the characters of the Aaron Sorkin play to life.

 The show is directed by  the wonderful Darci Georges and is the opening play of the 2011/2012 season.  Our director deserves a ton of credit for sticking with the show despite facing obstacles that would have crippled even the most veteran of directors. 

We had an amazing opening night with a full audience and a nice reception. It was nice to be able to perform for a full house and we look forward to many more audiences like the one we had last night.

 If you are looking for an entertainig way to spend the evening or a lazy Sunday afternoon head out to the Playhouse and catch a moving production of A Few Good Men.  Tell them Smling Jack  Ross sent ya!