Harris Earns NFC Honor

The San Francisco 49ers, which practice on Sportexe synthetic turf systems, made news this week as cornerback Walt Harris was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week by the National Football League for his performance in the 49ers 26-23 victory over the Denver Broncos last Sunday.

Harris registered two interceptions, four passes defensed, four tackles and one fumble recovery in the 49ers victory. Harris finished the season with a career-high eight interceptions to lead the NFC. It is the most interceptions by a 49ers player since S Tony Parrish had nine in 2003.

It was his third multiple interception day of the 2006 season. Harris had two picks vs. Seattle (11-19) and a career-high three interceptions vs. Oakland (10-8). Harris also scored a touchdown on a 28-yard return in the third quarter off an interception from Denver QB Jay Cutler. It was his fifth NFL touchdown and the fourth time he had returned an interception for a score in his NFL career.

This is the second time Harris has received recognition from the NFL. He earned NFC Defensive Player for the month of November. It is the first Defensive Player of the Week honor for Harris. Harris joins LB Brandon Moore as 49ers players to win Defensive Player of the Week honors this season. Moore won the award following his performance during Week 9 of the 2006 season.

Nolan Named Coach of the Week

Head Coach Mike Nolan has been nominated for the Motorola Coach of the Week award.

Nolan joins Tom Coughlin of the New York Giants and Herm Edwards of the Kansas City Chiefs as nominees for Motorola NFL Coach of the Week honors for games played during the final weekend of the regular season.

Players Allocated to NFL Europe

The San Francisco 49ers announced today that they have allocated the following players to NFL Europe: WR C.J. Brewer, WR Marcus Maxwell, S Vickiel Vaughn and G Tavares Washington.

Brewer (6-2, 205), signed with the 49ers as an undrafted free agent from Wyoming (5-5-06) and spent the season on the practice squad.

Maxwell (6-4, 205), was a seventh round draft pick in 2005 from Oregon. He played in four games in 2005, primarily on special teams, and was inactive for three contests. He was released from the team during the 2006 training camp, but rejoined the team on the practice squad in 2006.

Vaughn (6-0, 204), a hard-hitting safety from Arkansas was a seventh round draft pick for the 49ers in 2006. He was placed on injured reserve (9-2-06) following an injury to his hand in preseason action.

Washington (6-3, 320), signed with the 49ers as an undrafted free agent from Florida (5-4-06) and spent the season on the practice squad.

The NFL Europe experience has been good to San Francisco. In 2006, the 49ers had eight players who had played in NFL Europe.

ROUND ROCK, Texas - Although the University of Houston, led by Sportexe NCAA Division I-A Coach of the Year winner Art Briles, fell short 44-36 to Steve Spurrier's South Carolina Gamecocks in the Autozone Liberty Bowl on Friday, Dec. 29, the Cougars fought to wire in what was one of the most exciting games in the 2006 bowl season.

Briles has little time to reflect on the loss, before taking the helm in Honolulu as one of the coaches for the 61st annual Hula Bowl on Jan. 14. The Cougars head coach joins legendary UH head coach Bill Yeoman as Houston coaches in the prestigious all-star game. Briles joins Fresno State's Pat Hill, Georgia's Mark Richt, West Virginia's Rich Rodriquez and Florida A&M's Rubin Carter in this year's Hula Bowl.

"We are disappointed with the loss," said Briles. "We wanted to end the season with a bowl win, but our guys played hard and that is all we can ask. Now I am looking forward to coaching some of the best talent in the nation at the Hula Bowl before heading home to hit the recruiting trail. There is a lot of excitement surrounding the Houston Cougars football program and we are looking forward to seeing the benefits by attracting a talented group of kids."

This season Briles led Houston to its third bowl appearance in the past four years, a feat that has not been duplicated since the 1979-82 Cougar era. Under the guidance of Briles the Cougars are the Conference USA Champions, a title the team has not held since the 1996 season. Houston's high potency attack offense finished the season 11th in the nation in scoring.

ROUND ROCK,TX- Good things are certainly coming to the New Orleans Saints after years of inconsistency, turmoil and - most recently - uncertainty.

The Saints, victims of Hurricane Katrina, went 3-13 in 2005 after being forced to evacuate the city and play the entire season with no home crowd, no home practice facility, and no home stadium and - in some instances - no home period.

Only 11 months have passed since replacing six-year head coach Jim Haslett, and already first time head coach Sean Payton has guided the New Orleans Saints to a 10-6 record and its first playoff berth in six years - only its sixth appearance in franchise history.

Now, the Saints with only one playoff victory in its 40-season existence are looking to climb out of the NFL cellar and symbolically lift the City of New Orleans out of the turbulent shadow caused by the destructive aftermath of two vicious hurricanes in the fall of 2005.

On Dec. 21, Sportexe announced Payton as its NFL winner of its inaugural Sportexe Football Coach of the Year award for 2006. As one of the global leaders in the synthetic turf system industry, Sportexe thoroughly reviewed candidates nationwide to find coaches from high school, collegiate and professional levels that demonstrate the same quality, integrity and performance that has become synonymous with the Sportexe brand.

"We are in the trenches working hand-in-hand with these guys every day," said Sportexe CEO and President Mark Nicholls. "One would be hard-pressed to find people more in tune with the football-coaching industry than us. We keep a close eye on what's going on and we are excited to be able to acknowledge just a few of the game's many outstanding achievers."

Payton, a protégé of Bill Parcells while serving as assistant head coach with the Dallas Cowboys in 2003-05, has never wavered from the task nor shirked his responsibility of his role in the rebirth of New Orleans and its football team.

With the help of former San Diego Charger quarterback Drew Brees, who signed as a free agent this season after undergoing career-threatening shoulder surgery in January, and Heisman winner Reggie Bush, the second overall pick in the 2006 draft, Payton's Saints are no longer the nation's "feel good" story and are now a "real good" story with realistic Super Bowl aspirations.

"As I have stated, if we work to reach our goals, awards will come," said Payton. "It is an honor for me and the Saints organization for Sportexe to recognize me for this award, but more importantly to recognize the success of our entire team this year."

Other Sportexe Coach of the Year winners included: Art Briles, University of Houston (NCAA Division I-A); Dave Bennett, Coastal Carolina (NCAA Division I-AA); Bill O'Boyle, Chadron State (NCAA Division II); Frank Miriello, Washington & Lee (NCAA Division III); Dino Kaklis, Bethel College (Tenn.) (NAIA); and Brad Franchione, Blinn College (Junior College).

ROUND ROCK,TX-The Baltimore Ravens capped off the 2006 NFL regular season with a 19-7 win over the Buffalo Bills Sunday on Sportexe-carpeted M&T Bank Stadium in front of 70,913 screaming fans.

Chris McAlister's 31-yard interception return for a touchdown highlighted the Raven's scoring opportunities, while kicker Matt Stover's four field goals helped guarantee a first-round playoff bye for Baltimore. San Diego also received a bye in the AFC.

The Ravens, who had already locked up the AFC North championship, possess the league's top defensive unit and an offense led by veteran quarterback Steve McNair. Currently 26 players on Baltimore's active 53-man roster have postseason experience.

The Ravens entered the playoffs in fourth place in 2000, winning four straight games en route to the franchise's first Super Bowl trophy. The following year, Baltimore was a fifth seed before losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round, and then earned another fourth seed in 2003.

This weekend's AFC wildcard action includes Kansas City at Indianapolis on Saturday and the New York Jets at New England on Sunday. The NFC wildcard games include Dallas at Seattle and on Saturday and New York at Philadelphia on Sunday. Both New Orleans and Chicago received first-round byes.

ROUND ROCK, Texas - The Sugar Bowl Classic is back in New Orleans after relocating to Atlanta, Ga., last year due to Hurricane Katrina and the significant damage caused to the Louisiana Superdome, and returns with a new title sponsor and broadcast television partner.

The LSU Tigers will face the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the sold out, 73rd edition of the Allstate Sugar Bowl Classic on Wednesday, Jan. 3 with kickoff scheduled for 7:25 p.m. CST. The game will be televised on Fox and aired on ESPN Radio.

LSU and Notre Dame have faced each other on nine different occasions, but never against each other in the Sugar Bowl. The Fighting Irish hold a 5-4 edge and defeated the Fighting Tigers 39-36 in their last meeting in 1998.

LSU (10-2, 6-2 SEC) is ranked No.4 in the BCS rankings and finished the season on a sixth-game winning streak including a win over eventual SEC West Champion Arkansas on the last game of the season. Notre Dame (10-2) winners of eight of its last nine games became BCS bowl eligible by tallying nine or more wins in their season. They hold a BCS ranking of No. 11.

LSU will be making its Sugar Bowl record 13th appearance. Not only will the bowl game seem familiar to the Tigers, but so will the Sportexe synthetic turf system used in the Superdome. LSU recently installed the same Sportexe Momentum turf system in its indoor practice facility as New Orleans installed during the post-hurricane makeover.

The Tigers currently hold a 5-7 record in the Classic with last meeting being a special one for the Bayou Bengals as they beat Oklahoma, 21-14, to win the BCS National Championship.

Notre Dame will be making its fourth visit to the Classic. The Fighting Irish have a 2-1 Sugar Bowl record with its last meeting, a 39-28 win over Florida, in the 1991 Classic. Both teams have won national titles in the Sugar Bowl as Notre Dame defeated Alabama in the December 31, 1973 game for the crown.

ROUND ROCK, Texas - Sportexe National High School Coach of the Year Bill Redell, head coach of Oaks Christian in Westlake Village, Calif., will participate on the Army All-American Bowl coaching staff on Saturday, Jan. 6, in San Antonio for the annual high school all-star game. The Bowl features the nation's top 80 high school football players, in an East versus West showdown. The game will be nationally televised on NBC.

Joining Redell on the West team, will be Oaks Christian quarterback Jimmy Clausen and defensive back Marshall Jones. Clausen is a U.S. Army Player of the Year finalist and has verbally committed to Notre Dame.

The U.S. Army All-American Bowl sets out each year to recognize some of the nation's most outstanding high school coaches. Every High School coach is eligible to coach in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl as coaches from around the country are nominated for the Bowl. With the assistance of the Selection Committee the list of nominees is narrowed down to the top 14 coaches in the country. The selection criteria are based on a coach's dedication to his student athletes, his leadership qualities, sportsmanship, and coaching performance.

Redell extended the winning streak to 46 games as the USA TODAY No. 6-ranked Lions won the first "official" California state high school football championship in 79 years by defeating Cardinal Newman of Santa Rosa 27-20 in overtime in the California Interscholastic Federation's Division III title game Saturday, Dec. 16.

Oaks Christian (15-0) became the first team to win the state championship since Kern County Union High, now Bakersfield High, won in 1927, and only the second team in state history to finish the season 15-0. The Lions also produced the second-highest point total (797) in state history, trailing Bloomington's 880 points in 14 games in 1994.

Thanks to Canyon's 27-13 Division I state championship victory over Concord's De La Salle, which entered the game ranked No. 1 nationally, Oaks Christian was recognized by Cal-Hi Sports as State Team of the Year.

"I am looking forward to going to San Antonio and coaching some of the best talent in the nation," said Redell. "It will be nice to coach Jimmy and Marshall one more time. The Army All-American Bowl is a great opportunity for people to take a look at players they will be hearing about on Saturdays for the next four years."

Other winners of the Sportexe Coach of the Year award include: Sean Payton, New Orleans Saints (NFL); Art Biles, University of Houston (NCAA Division I-A); Dave Bennett, Coastal Carolina (NCAA Division I-AA); Bill O'Boyle, Chadron State (NCAA Division II); Frank Miriello, Washington & Lee (NCAA Division III); Dino Kaklis, Bethel College (Tenn.) (NAIA); and Brad Franchione, Blinn College (Junior College).

FIFA 2-Star, Superdome, Coach of the Year, Insured Warranty

ROUND ROCK, Texas. Dec. 29, 2006 - Once limited to only professional and elite collegiate sports programs, synthetic turf's numerous advantages have spurred exponential growth throughout the entire sports industry.

The national trend towards synthetic grass has catapulted Sportexe into the forefront as a global leader in the synthetic turf industry. The 17-year-old, technology-focused company with world headquarters in Ontario, U.S. headquarters in Texas and both Sportexe University and research and development in Georgia, is currently thriving in a rapidly growing market. Small colleges, high schools and local municipalities are taking advantage of benefits once only utilized by larger profiled clients from the NFL and major universities.

Consumers are flocking toward synthetic turf to save money on maintenance, provide safer playing conditions and allow multipurpose facilities unlimited use, community pride and additional revenue streams through field rental.

"The industry is experiencing exponential growth within scholastic and municipal field installations," said Sportexe President and CEO Mark Nicholls. "Every facet of a program's athletic and extra curricular activities can benefit from a synthetic turf system. The system can be used 24 hours a day, seven days a week."

During the past four months Sportexe, which is partially owned by longtime NFL owner Art Modell, has enjoyed tremendous success. Sportexe made international headlines with its state-of-the-art turf installation at Ottawa, Ontario's Frank Clair Stadium, which received the first FIFA RECOMMENDED 2-Star rating in North America, giving it World Cup soccer-hosting capability. It also made national headlines with its role in the restoration efforts in hurricane-ravaged New Orleans with its installation at the Superdome. In fact, since the resurface the Saints are enjoying arguably its best season in the franchise's 40-year existence.

The Saints home-opening win over rival Atlanta in front of ESPN's largest television audience in station history marked the first home game in New Orleans in more than 21 months, and also the arrival of hope for a city still struggling towards recovery. Sportexe has also created national buzz recently with the release of its inaugural coach of the year awards showcasing the nation's top professional, collegiate and high school football coaches sharing the same commitment to quality, performance and integrity as the Sportexe brand.

"It's nice when you get an award from your peers, but it is even better when an outside source comes in and recognizes what we are trying to accomplish here," said University of Houston head coach Art Briles, winner of the Sportexe NCAA Division I-A Coach of the Year award. "It is very rewarding to know that people are taking notice."

"This is such a great honor to receive for not only myself, but also for my entire coaching staff," added Oaks Christian head coach Bill Redell, Sportexe's National High School Coach of the Year and leader of the Westlake Village squad which finished the season with a USA TODAY No. 6 national ranking.

Other winners include: Sean Payton, New Orleans Saints (NFL); Dave Bennett, Coastal Carolina (NCAA Division I-AA); Bill O'Boyle, Chadron State (NCAA Division II); Frank Miriello, Washington & Lee (NCAA Division III); Dino Kaklis, Bethel College (Tenn.) (NAIA); and Brad Franchione, Blinn College (Junior College).

Perhaps the most compelling example of Sportexe's separation from other turf providers over the past year is the industry-first insured warranty that has positioned the company as the safest surface to purchase - both on and off the field.

Sportexe, which finished tops out of 20 other synthetic turfs in overall performance, quality and safety in an 2002 independent study conducted by the Human Performance Laboratory of the University of Calgary, offers a warranty that specifically allows for reimbursement directly to the client in the event of bankruptcy, and also provides for complete coverage for the entire synthetic turf system field.

The Sportexe insured warranty, which is underwritten by an A.M. Best "Excellent" rated company, is prepaid for eight years and provides 100-percent coverage on a client's investment from completion of installation throughout the warranty period.

"Insured warranties are important," said Nicholls. "Make sure you check the insurance providers A.M. Best rating, which is determined by insurance providers financial strength and ability to pay claims, and make sure the policy covers the entire turf system, not simply the turf. But perhaps most importantly, make sure you are buying the best synthetic turf system to start with, because not all systems are created equally."

According to Nicholls, the recent success surrounding the Sportexe brand is no reason to become complacent.

"We are certainly moving in the right direction," he said. "I am proud of the job we are doing and the benefit that comes with hard work .but now is the time to keep moving forward and to continue to strive for quality, integrity and professionalism . we feel the future is bright for both our industry and for Sportexe."

ROUND ROCK, Texas. Dec. 20, 2006 - Sportexe® is proud to announce the winners of its North American Football Coach of the Year award for 2006. This year's winners join past winners such as NFL's John Fox, CFL's Tom Higgins, NFL Europe's Doug Graber and Arena's Kevin Guy. As one of the global leaders in the synthetic turf system industry, Sportexe thoroughly reviewed candidates nationwide to find coaches from high school, collegiate and professional levels that demonstrate the same quality, integrity and performance that has become synonymous with the Sportexe brand.

Dedicated to providing proven, technology-rich synthetic field systems worldwide, Sportexe has developed a reputation for unsurpassed quality - from start to finish. Since its incorporation in 1989, Sportexe has been perfecting the finest details that go into making better, safer, and higher performing athletic surfaces.

This dedication to quality has led Sportexe to where is today - underfoot of many of the most prestigious teams and sports facilities from around the globe. Sportexe clients include the Baltimore Ravens, New Orleans Saints, Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers, LSU, University of Alabama, University of California at Berkeley, University of Southern Mississippi and De la Salle High School.

This year's winners include:

• NFL: Sean Payton, New Orleans Saints
• Canadian Football League: Wally Buono, B.C. Lions
• NCAA Division I-A: Art Briles, University of Houston
• NCAA Division I-AA: David Bennett, Coastal Carolina Univ. (Conway, S.C.)
• NCAA Division II: Billy O'Boyle, Chadron State College (Neb.)
• NCAA Division III: Frank Miriello, Washington & Lee University (Va.)
• Canadian Interuniversity Sports: Denis Piche, University of Ottawa
• NAIA: Dino Kaklis, Bethel College (Tenn.)
• Junior College: Brad Franchione, Blinn College (Brenham, Texas)
• High School: Bill Redell, Westlake Village Oaks Christian (Calif.)
• Canadian High School: Todd Bernett, Vancouver College

ROUND ROCK, Texas. Dec. 4, 2006 -Two facilities with Sportexe synthetic turf systems received 1-Star recommendations on Wednesday, Nov. 29 from world soccer governing body FIFA. CEGEP Stadium in Sept-Iles and the Dalbe Viau Secondary School in Lachine, both in Quebec, Canada, installed the innovative PowerBlade® synthetic turf system from Sportexe.

PowerBlade® is a monofilament synthetic turf system that delivers safety, durability, and maximum performance. Since there is no post fibrillation, of the fibers, your field will maintain its appearance and performance characteristics for years to come. PowerBlade is the premier choice for every level of competition.

According to the FIFA web site, FIFA 1 Star RECOMMENDED systems are designed for recreational, community and municipal use, and along with the higher rated 2-Star recommendation, both go through a series of stringent laboratory and field tests before the highly respected FIFA certificate is issued.

"This is another proud moment for the Sportexe family," said Sportexe president and CEO Mark Nicholls. "This is an example of our company's dedication to developing the most innovative synthetic turf systems in the world, and we are always excited to be involved with the sport of soccer and to receive quality and performance recognition from an outstanding organization such as FIFA."

FIFA 2 Star RECOMMENDED systems are designed to meet the specific playing characteristics of professional soccer. FIFA final round competitions and top UEFA competitions mention the FIFA 2 Star RECOMMENDED systems in their respective competition regulations.

Frank Clair Stadium at Lansdowne Park in Ottawa, recently became the first FIFA 2-Star Recommended facility in the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) with its BladeMaster® synthetic turf system, by Sportexe.

By Ken MurraySun reporterOriginally published December 3, 2006 in the Baltimore Sun

Art Modell doesn't make road trips anymore. He no longer endures marathon work weeks, either. As for major decisions around the Ravens, let's just say it's a choice between baked chicken and prime rib at the team's cafeteria.

Modell's reign as majority owner might have ended in 2004 with the sale of the Ravens to Steve Bisciotti, but his attachment to the team and its lifestyle did not.

On any given Wednesday or Thursday, he can be seen motoring around the team's Owings Mills practice facility in a golf cart - often with his wife, Pat - lunching with friends or chatting up former employees.

It's a less demanding routine that suits his unofficial position as owner emeritus with the Ravens. His 1 percent interest in the team is a lifeline that keeps him coming back for more.

"It's part of my existence," he said recently. "You can't take this ballclub out of me. It's been my life."

Once one of the league's most powerful owners, Modell is revered in Baltimore for bringing back the NFL. At the same time, he is reviled in Cleveland for moving the Browns' franchise.

These days, he navigates the Ravens' cavernous training facility in a wheelchair because his balance isn't quite what it used to be before a 2002 stroke. At 81, he shows the wear from 46 eventful - and sometimes turbulent - years in the NFL.

"The worst thing is not being able to get around himself," Pat said. "He's such a strong, sensitive man. It makes it very difficult. He has fits of depression."

Despite a spate of health issues the past few years, Modell still has a sharp mind and strong spirit. His presence permeates the team's complex, starting in the main lobby, where a life-size oil painting of a stoic Modell in a camel-hair coat greets visitors.

The painting and a second-floor office with a balcony overlooking the Ravens' practice fields are courtesy of Bisciotti, who purchased minority interest in the team in 2000 and took control in 2004.

"Art and I were partners for four years and I thought it was just a nice way to honor him," Bisciotti said of the portrait done by California artist Joe Liang. "He was leaving me in charge of something that he loved dearly for 40 years."

Except that Modell really hasn't left.

In addition to his practice excursions, he attends home games. Afterward, in his private suite, Modell reviews the day's events with coach Brian Billick.

During the week, he'll call general manager Ozzie Newsome two or three times, as well as old friends in the league, such as Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson.

At his home in Cockeysville (he and Pat have another in Vero Beach, Fla.), Modell enjoys visits from his four grandchildren, watches news shows and the Weather Channel with devotion, and gets daily exercise with the help of a therapist.

And when the question of retirement comes up during a 45-minute interview, Modell virtually bristles.Modell's stewardship in Baltimore has been distinguished by his participation in the community. He is a champion of charitable causes.

"I'm not retired," he said. "I'm not putting in the 80 hours a week I used to; those days are over. [But] I'm mentally active and I talk to my own people."

His "own people" include sons David, the former Ravens president, and John, who run Modell Ventures, a film production business. Modell said he also has controlling interest in Sportexe, a company that supplies artificial football surfaces (M&T Bank Stadium has a Sportexe surface).

Modell's stewardship in Baltimore has been distinguished by his participation in the community. He is a champion of charitable causes.

He currently chairs a $100 million fund drive that will help build a new cardiovascular tower on Orleans Street for the Heart Institute at Johns Hopkins. Sam Miller, executive assistant to Modell, said Art and Pat have contributed $10 million to the project themselves.

Miller said they also have made donations to Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Walters Art Galley, Baltimore Museum of Art, House of Ruth, Hospice of Baltimore, Ed Block Courage House at St. Vincent's and the recent restoration of the Basilica.

Cleveland's loss was Baltimore's charitable bonanza.

"Cleveland owes this gal, more than anybody else, tons and tons of gratitude for what she did for that city," Modell said, indignation rising, about his wife of 39 years. "And she's doing it now for Baltimore. I'm very proud of her."

Philanthropy has always been a hallmark of Modell's teams, said Ravens senior vice president Kevin Byrne.

"I think that's why it was more of a shock to Cleveland to lose the franchise than some of the other cities that have lost franchises," he said. "We continue that here and I think we've done it well."

Ten years after moving the Browns to Baltimore, and eight years after Cleveland got an expansion team, Modell remains persona non grata in Ohio. Even now, he is unable to set the controversy behind him.

"It's over for me," he said. "Just ask the [Cleveland] Plain Dealer if it's over."

Newsome, a Hall of Fame tight end for the Browns who was director of pro personnel during their last year in Cleveland, remembers the financial spiral that led to the team's departure.

"I think his desire to win affected him in Cleveland," said Newsome, who became the NFL's first African-American general manager under Modell in 2002 and has since resisted overtures to leave Baltimore. "His not getting to a Super Bowl affected his running the franchise because that's what he wanted to do. He invested a lot of capital into the players to win a Super Bowl.

"I don't think anybody can describe how tough it was for him to have to leave Cleveland. I saw a man that was torn, but I saw a man that had no choice."

Bisciotti winces at the thought that Modell's contributions and leadership in the league may be overshadowed by the decision to relocate.

"I worry about that very much and I think that's why it's so important that he gets in the Hall of Fame," Bisciotti said.

"They ought to be thinking about picking him up and sending him to Canton [Ohio, home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame] right now. To me, it's mind boggling that a couple of sportswriters that are angry that he moved their beloved Browns out of Cleveland could rally the other sportswriters into penalizing Art."

These days, the best therapy Modell can get comes at the Ravens' practice facility, where he carries on as he always has.

"He loves the game, he loves the people involved in the game," Byrne said. "It's why he got involved in the first place. He's a happy, happy person at practice."