Hello sports fans and welcome to the latest edition of CYBER SPORTS CONNECTION (CSC)!!! Before we get started on the main topic, I want to take a second to salute the hardest workers in the hardest job. Happy Mother's Day to my beautiful mother, as well as every other mother out there! How did you spend your Cinco De Mayo last week? Some partied and ate Mexican food. There's nothing wrong with that, as long as you do it safely. I chose to spend my Cinco De Mayo in a much more calm manner. My dad and I headed down to the Charleston Civic Center and sat ringside to watch the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) veterans and stars of tomorrow do what they do best: entertain. But before I talk about the show itself, let me back up and tell you a little bit about this company known as WWE. You've heard me talk about the battle between TNA Impact Wrestling and the WWE. Well, the WWE is the biggest dog in the fight! It is the multimillion dollar baby of the always business-like, yet somewhat eccentric, Vincent K. Mcmahon Jr. Vince Jr. bought the company from his dad, Vince Sr. in the late 70's or early 80's. Since then, it has grown from the small territories of yesterday to the national and international pro wrestling power that it is today! WWE has given us such legends and Hall of Famers like Andre The Giant, Hulk Hogan, Stone Cold Steve Austin, etc. Stars of today like John Cena, Kane, Sheamus, C.M. Punk, etc. They have even taken things one step further, adding young men and women from their NXT (short for next) rookie division to their tours. This gives these youngsters ring and travel experience, while letting the crowd see who may be the WWE stars of tomorrow.

Dad and I made it to our seats about five minutes before the show started. The arena went black and the WWE intro flashed on three big screens on the other side. It was showtime and the action was hot and heavy all night!

MATCH RESULTS

FANDANGO WITH NXT ROOKIE SUMMER RAE AS HIS DANCER BEATS R-TRUTH VIA PINFALL. I got a handshake from R-TRUTH as he made his way around the ring. The crowd was really into FANDANGO. We sang and "FANDANGOED"(danced) to his music before and after the match.

The crowd was given the chance to vote via texting for what type of U.S. TITLE match we would see later in the show between champion KOFI KINGSTON and ANTONIO CESARO

NXTROOKIE ADRIAN NEVILLE BEATS PINEVILLE, WEST VIRGINIA'S OWN HEATH SLATER WITH A BEAUTIFUL TOP ROPE CORKSCREW. Both men were amazing in this match. Heath is a top star in WWE and the crowd was happy to see our state boy come home!

DIVAS MATCH - divas champion KATELYN & NXT ROOKIE PAIGE BEAT TAMINA SNUKA (daughter of hall of famer jimmy "superfly" snuka) and NXT ROOKIE EMMA AFTER A KATELYN SPEAR ON TAMINA. WWE RAW MANAGING SUPERVISOR VICKIE GUERRERO WAS THE GUEST RING ANNOUNCER

MARK HENRY BEATS ZACK RYDER VIA WORLD'S STRONGEST SLAM

RYBACKBEATS SHEAMUS VIA COUNT-OUT IN THIS HARD-HITTING MATCH. Sheamus gives me a hug after the match and asks "how are ya" in his thick Irish accent.

NXTROOKIE BRAY WYATT BEATS ALEX RILEY WITH A NASTY NECKBREAKER. Wyatt now has long hair, beard, mustache and wears a creepy mask. He kinda looks like a Charles Manson rip-off.

Voting was over andd it's a no disqualification match for the U S TITLE! - champion KOFI KINGSTON BEATS ANTONIO CESARO WITH A CROSS-BODY THROUGH A TABLE. Cesaro tried to attack Kofi after the match but was put through another table.

MAIN EVENT SIX MAN TAG - WWE champion JOHN CENA and TEAM HELL NO BEAT THE SHIELD VIA DQ - Cena and Team Hell now send us home with comedy bits and singing "Country Roads" with the crowd.

Watch their weekly shows and keep up with everything WWE by logging on to wwe.com

SEE YOU NEXT WEEK FANS: LIVE LIFE,LOVE SPORTS,& STAY CONNECTED!!!!!!!!!!

Anthony Byrge

PHOTO 1 - HEATH SLATER

PHOTO 2 - RYBACK & SHEAMUS

PHOTO 3 - JOHN CENA & TEAM HELL NO(KANE & DANIEL BRYAN)

Hello sports fans and welcome to a very special edition of CYBER SPORTS CONNECTION (CSC). Where were you on September 11,2001? I was headed to my college classes, just like any other morning. My bus driver asked if I had heard that a plane had slammed into the World Trade Center. As I sat there on the bus, I thought "this is awful." Something went wrong with a plane or the pilot lost control. A little while later, I was in class. The instructor said that a second plane had hit the other tower. That's the moment we all knew something was very wrong and very different! Sadly, we would later learn that things would not end there on that day. The towers fell adding more to the lives already lost on the first two planes. A third plane crashed into the Pentagon. While a fourth aimed for the White House met its end in a Pennsylvania field. Thousands of innocent people were hurt or lost their lives that day. We would bring those responsible to justice years later, proving just how strong America can be when you knock us down! Our country was changed forever that day.

We had hoped that our resolve as a nation would never be tested in such a magnitude ever again. Where were you on April 15, 2013? The date of the famed Boston Marathon. What does the Boston Marathon mean to our country? It's one of those timeless annual sporting events that transcends the area that it's in. Much like the Kentucky Derby, Superbowl, Daytona 500, Wrestlemania, etc. The Boston Marathon takes over that city and the attention of the world! Thousands run, while thousands more line the streets to cheer them on. There's TV, local and national media coverage and sponsors. The Red Sox schedule a game around it. Students at Boston University stop whatever they are doing to cheer on the runners as the go by. Nothing changed in those regards on this, the 117th running of the event. The event itself is a test. A test of ability, strength, endurance,etc. Little did any us know that at the finish line, runners and non-runners across this country would have our strength and endurance tested again in another tragic way. BOOM! one explosion. About three seconds later, BOOM! another. Many run in fear, while others struggle to help the fallen. It was a normal morning for me on my computer. Suddenly I kept seeing friends posting "PRAY FOR BOSTON." So I turn on the news to find out why? I couldn't believe my eyes and ears! Some lost lives. Hundreds lost limbs or had other injuries. Much like September 11, no matter if you were there or know someone, we are all affected by this forever!

As of now, one suspect is dead, while the other is in custody. The Boston Red Sox play "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond after every game, a feel good anthem for Boston. Other sports teams and people all across our nation play it as a sign of unity. WE WILL CONTINUE LOOKING FOR ANSWERS UNTIL JUSTICE IS DONE AND WE WILL FOREVER REMAIN AMERICA AND BOSTON STRONG!!!

SEE YOU NEXT WEEK FANS:LIVE LIFE,LOVE,SPORTS,& STAY CONNECTED!!!

Anthony Byrge

Hello sports fans and welcome to the latest edition of CYBER SPORTS CONNECTION (CSC)!! At this time, I would like to ask all my readers to join me in praying for our country and all those affected by the Boston bombings. I will have a story on this at a later date.

Where would basketball be without great players like Michael Jordan, Dr. J, etc.? Where would boxing be without Ali, Frazier, etc.? Were would tennis be without Arthur Ashe, Venus and Serena Williams, etc.? Where would golf be without Tiger Woods? These are some of the greatest players ever to play in their sports! But these, as well as other top players in his own sport of baseball may not have ever gotten the chance to display their talents, if not for the color line-breaking efforts of one man. Number 42 for the Brooklyn Dodgers, Jackie Roosevelt (named after the president) Robinson. I'm not even sure Jackie knew at the time the lasting impact he would have on baseball and history. Robinson just wanted to play the game that he loved so much. Sadly just like anyone can, Jackie would face the harsh reality of racism all of his life. When he grew up, he and his minority friends were kept away from a lot of recreational activities. In the Army, Robinson was nearly court-martialed for refusing to move to the back of a bus, a la Rosa Parks. He was acquitted and later given honorable discharge in November of 1944. It was near the end of his time in the Army that Jackie would take his first step towards a career in baseball.

At the suggestion of a former player, Robinson wrote the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro American League and asked for a tryout. The rest is well... history. Jackie played for the Monarchs until October 23,1945. He then signed with a minor league team of the Brooklyn Dodgers, known as the Montreal Royals. Brooklyn Dodgers GM Branch Rickey signed Robinson to his minor league club under one major condition. The condition that he could take the racial abuse sure to come his way and not get angry. Jackie would reply, "Are you looking for a negro who is afraid to fight back?" Rickey responded that he needed a negro player "with guts enough not to fight back." Robinson played with the Montreal Royals until the fall of 1946. He would go on to make his major league debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15,1947. You would think that by just making it to the majors and playing as well as he did, Jackie would gain respect at that time. He did some. But the racism that followed him through mostly road trips in the minors continued. Fans would yell racial slurs. Players (opponents and some teammates) would try to get him hurt and refuse to play with him. Despite all that, Robinson played ten seasons with the Brooklyn Dodgers and played well!

CAREER STATS

.311 BATTING AVERAGE

HITS 1,518

HR'S 137

RBI'S 734

STOLEN BASES 197

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SOME AWARDS

6-TIME ALL STAR

1955 WORLD SERIES CHAMPION

1947 MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

JERSEY NUMBER 42 RETIRED BY ALL MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL TEAMS

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Outside of baseball, Jackie became the first ever black person to be a sport's analyst for ABC. He was also the first black person to be named vice president of a major American corporation. These were just two, among many other life achievements. Robinson retired from baseball in 1957 and died of a heart attack in 1972. If you want to see his amazing story for yourself,he has been portrayed in film and TV five times. The most recent of these is a movie called 42, in theaters now! Thank you Jackie Robinson for changing baseball, sports and the world!

SEE YOU NEXT WEEK FANS:LIVE LIFE,LOVE SPORTS,& STAY CONNECTED!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anthony Byrge

Hello sports fans and welcome to the latest edition of CYBER SPORTS CONNECTION (CSC)!!! Where can you get rowdy fans, great boxing, beautiful ladies and competition? The annual Toughman Contest. Only one man and one company can bring it to you in top form. Mr. Jerry Thomas and WV Sports Promotions. The Toughman Contest brings its fast-paced, hard hitting action to the Beckley Raleigh County Convention Center every end of March or early April and to the Lewisburg, WV State Fair grounds in November. It has been a regular tradition for an astounding 34 years! Let's jump off track for a minute. When it comes to pro boxing, experienced boxers fight for belts, rankings, money and bragging rights. Amateur Toughman bouts are not much different from that. Men and women from all across our state battle for money, jackets and bragging rights. Winning the Toughman contest in your weight class can also ironically lead to a pro career, if you so desire. My dad and I have enjoyed the Toughman in Beckley, along with other family and/or friends for well over 20 years! Join me now as I give you a ringside seat.

First let's take a look at the Toughman rules -
2-NIGHT SINGLE ELIMINATION TOURNAMENT
3 WEIGHT CLASSES FOR BOTH MEN & WOMEN (lightweight, middleweight, heavyweight)
YOU COULD HAVE TO COMPETE 3 OR 4 TIMES TO WIN YOUR WEIGHT CLASS
NO FIGHTER CAN HAVE HAD MORE THAN 5 AMATEUR FIGHTS TO COMPETE IN TOUGHMAN
ALL FIGHTERS MUST PASS MEDICAL EXAMS BEFORE EVENT
MEDICAL STAFF IS AT RINGSIDE IN THE EVENT OF INJURY

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Fight Rules -
3 TIMED ROUNDS
REST PERIOD IN BETWEEN WHERE FIGHTERS ARE ATTENDED TO BY CORNER STAFF
ALL FIGHTERS MUST WEAR HEAD GEAR and GROIN PROTECTION
FIGHTS CAN BE WON BY KO, TKO, JUDGES DECISION,OR REF STOPPAGE (due to injury or fighter's inability to defend self)
3 KNOCK DOWN RULE AND STANDING 8-COUNT
IF A FIGHT GOES 3 ROUNDS, IT GOES TO THE JUDGES DECISION UNDER A 10 POINT SCORING SYSTEM

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Each night kicks off with a parade around the ring to introduce fighters and ring girls to the screaming crowd! (which includes family & friends) Next it's time to fight! Over 60 fights in two nights! Some lose their first fight. Some go further. The greats win their division. Others... well, they turn tail and run without stepping in the ring at all. Great things happen both nights for the fans too.

THE RING GIRLS TOSS OUT FREE GIFTS IN BETWEEN ROUNDS

FAN VOTED MISS RING GIRL CONTEST ON NIGHT TWO (winning lady gets title of MISS RING GIRL, jacket and prize money)

2 RAFFLE DRAWINGS PER NIGHT WHERE FANS CAN PURCHASE TICKETS & WIN CASH!

2 PULL-UP CONTEST PER NIGHT  ONE FOR MEN ONE FOR WOMEN (winner gets prizes) SPONSORED BY THE US MARINES

CONCESSIONS AND SOUVENIRS

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Do you wanna fight or become MISS RING GIRL? Maybe you just wanna enjoy great boxing? Either way, check out next year's 35th ANNUAL TOUGHMAN CONTEST...........You won't regret it!

SEE YOU NEXT WEEK FANS:LIVE LIFE,LOVE SPORTS,& STAY CONNECTED!!!

Anthony Byrge

Hello sports fans and welcome to the latest edition of CYBER SPORTS CONNECTION!! As I write, I hear the tune "Family Tradition" by Hank, Jr. in my head. That's what we are going to look at this week. No, not the one Hank sang about in that classic song. But a family tradition of a different kind. The McNeely family from Mullens,WV have always had their hands in boxing at various levels. It all started with the dad, Butch. He is a seasoned and former Toughman and Golden Gloves champion. Now, a very sought after boxing trainer and referee in our area. Next, there is son, Ashley. His boxing resume reads pretty close to that of his father. This young man is the first West Virginian to ever reach the Golden Gloves at the national level. He's also a referee at local boxing events.

Finally there is Butch's daughter, Hope. This bright, young high school senior is an accomplished actress/dancer at Theatre West Virginia and a soccer stand-out at Wyoming East. Hope is very laid back and mild mannered but goes strong after whatever she wants! Would she try boxing like she had watched her family do before her? If so, when? And how would she tell her dad? Hope decided at the age of 18 that she wanted to enter the ranks of boxing. But she didn't exactly tell her dad, who would learn of his daughter's plans just five days before her first fight. Why did Hope do it that way? She wanted to prove that she could make it on her own, with as little help as possible. So, how did her dad react to the news? He supported her by helping her polish her skills and get ready.

WOW was Hope ready! The young lady now known as "HOPE-A-DOPE," (a turn of the phrase ROPE -A-DOPE made famous by Ali) won the championship in her weight class of her first Rough-N-Rowdy Brawl boxing tournament last month. She competed in another tournament of the same name, the weekend of March 1st and 2nd. What was the result there? You guessed it, she did it again! A win made even more amazing by the fact that she entered the tournament with torn ligaments in her wrists! So what's next for the 2-time amateur champion? McNeely wants to go pro. She hopes (no pun intended) to do that in three months. Names like Christy Martin (ironically also from Mullens,WV), Mia St John, Laila Ali and Jackie Frazier-Lyde are considered major pros. No matter how well Hope does, we will be proud and the McNeely family will keep punching!

SEE YOU NEXT WEEK FANS:LIVE LIFE,LOVE SPORTS,& STAY CONNECTED!!!!!!!!!!!

Anthony Byrge