Yarisley Silva Pushes Women's Pole Vault to New Heights


Yesterday, I had the pleasure of conducting a follow-up interview with world class sprinter Justin Gatlin. One reason for the second chat was that our TrackSide editor, Travis Masters, felt there were some topics that could be added. As it turns out, there were some large topics, and they will make this upcoming article unique. Fortunately, Justin is an active participant in the TrackNation movement. In fact, he’s probably the most recognizable face of the organization. Only for this reason was it possible to call back and ask for a redux. 


Anyhow, Travis had drawn up a few questions, and I was somewhat baffled by a couple of them. “Do you follow track? Are you a track and field fan?” At face value, they looked like throwaways. Then again, I don’t know Mr. Gatlin as well as Travis does. Even the simplest question turned out to be worthy of a well thought out response. More importantly, it was original and worth listening to, a rarity in the cliché filled world of sports interviews.

I’m not going to reveal the other topics of our discussion here, because it will be available on TrackSide (www.tracknation.com) in the next few weeks.

However, while talking with Gatlin, on a whim and while we were discussing track fandom, I mentioned that I had seen a Cuban pole vaulter on TV last Saturday. Her name is Yarisley Silva, and she may become the “next big thing” in track.

Since Justin watches many other events besides the ones he runs (the 100, 200 or 400 relay), he had a lot to offer with regard to Silva and the women’s pole vault. “It’s unbelievable what’s happening there. When I was coming up, Stacy Dragila (2000 Olympic gold medalist and world record holder on numerous occasions) was the big name. Now, the women are just pushing the bar up.”

At last Saturday’s Drake Relays, Silva, a silver medalist at the 2012 London Games, took it to American vaulting ace Jenn Suhr. In the process, she cleared 15’10.75” (4.85 m.) a remarkable height which just edges Dragila’s best (keep in mind that Dragila was like Wayne Gretzky, just WAY ahead of her competition), and also set the Cuban, Caribbean and Central American records.

After clearing the winning height, Silva called it a day, and opted to not make attempts at a higher standard.

In my continuing quest to become an “ace” reporter, I figured that she could be a potential interview, and got to work on this endeavor at 10 PM last Saturday night. With nowhere else to turn, I did a cursory search on Facebook. And there she was, with a fan page.

I sent a message to the page. Ten minutes later, I received a friend request from her friend Lilian. Just noticing that the request was from Cuba was enough to tell me that I had made a connection. As it turned out, we ended up chatting for 30-45 minutes.

About ten minutes into our chat, a message notice popped up. It was Yarisley. She had typed a short note mentioning that I should talk with her friend, who helped her out with “media stuff” and that when she knows what I’m looking for, we could be in contact. Actually, it was more of a “how can we help you?” type of note. Lilian, in particular, was gracious and ready to answer all of my questions. Problem was, I didn’t have any yet!

Here’s the tale of the tape. Yarisley Silva is just 25. She has been vaulting for seven years, but couldn’t find many quality track meets until she was good enough to participate outside of Cuba, where her main competition is the bar itself. Case in point, she has improved from 4.40 to 4.85 in the past four years, and is just entering her peak ages. I have posted a video of Yarisley in action on the “Wall” viewer.

The sky is the limit for Miss Silva. Keep an eye out for her as this outdoor season continues and the World Championships take place in Moscow next summer. She's got it going on.

Lauren Prata follows big brother Joey as a wrestling champion


As published in the April 11, 2013 York County/Poquoson Town Square section of the Daily Press, as well as The Morning Call (Allentown, PA) and WrestlerGirl blog site. The direct link can be found at:



Wrestling is the Prata family business, and as it has been said, business is good.

Last year, Joey gained national attention while compiling an 87-2 record with the Virginia Predators club. Prata’s accomplishments allowed him to join the powerful St. Christopher’s HS squad in Richmond where his freshman year accolades included a 50-11 record, Virginia Prep League title and National Prep All-American honors at the 106-lb. weight class.

Now it’s little sister’s turn.

Lauren Prata, a 12-year-old seventh grader at Yorktown Middle School,  recently captured a national title on the mat, taking the 90-lb. crown at the recent USGWA (Girls Wrestling Association) National Championships in Michigan.

Set up as a round-robin tournament, Prata earned a 4-0 record to win, holding two opponents scoreless and pinning another.

The transition to wrestling wasn’t easy. She enjoyed watching her older brother in his matches, but had trouble finding her athletic niche, trying “everything” including soccer, gymnastics and dance. In the end, she “just became obsessed” with wrestling.

Although she has only been competing in the sport for 15 months, Lauren is quick to give credit to her coach.

Who happens to be her brother. Speaking of the reason for her early success, she cites her older brother. 

 “Joey coached me,” said the soft spoken youngster.

“Joey is her only coach,” says mother Shannon. “Her trust in him is amazing. He tells her to do something and she just does it.”

Part of her mat education includes a progression into the freestyle and Greco-Roman styles of wrestling, but father Tony provides a word of caution. “We’re trying to take it slow and steady.”

Her rise to the top of the medal stand has not come without bumps and bruises. In one match against a young man, Prata caught the business end of a head butt, leaving her with a noticeable. black eye, evidenced by photographic proof. “I couldn’t see out of it,” said Prata, adding that she pushed on anyway to finish the match.

“I didn’t really feel it at the time.”

In part, it’s the adrenaline rush that inspires her to continue. “I like the feeling after I win or have worked hard.”

Her goals for the summer are lofty, but attainable. “I want to go to Fargo,” she says, referring to the large national tournament held in North Dakota. “They have a girls division, but I have to win states to go.” She made an attempt last summer, but found the competition to be overwhelming. “The girls were three years older. It wasn’t pretty.” However, one of the referees, Timothy Pearson, pulled her aside, counseled her and provided encouragement. “He said not to give up and keep wrestling.”

She looks forward to moving up to the cadet, then junior, age-group levels of her sport, but it’s her greatest expectation that provides for a pause.

“I’d like to win a regular middle school state title. Then the high school states.”

That would give her coach, who won the East Coast Nationals title two weeks ago, a reason to smile.

(Editor's note: In the time since this article was published, Shannon Prata has released a note with further clarification. 

I wanted to make a correction to this article. Although Joey was Lauren's only coach in Michigan at Girls Nationals and he has coached her several times on the mat at tournaments he is not her only coach. Lauren trains at Virginia team predator in Chester, Virginia under Coach (Mark) Strickland. Lauren also trains at Body by D Gym which has given her the strength to be able to compete and be competitive in the boys and girls division. Lauren's brother Joey has been a huge influence and impact on her life and they have an incredible relationship but her success is not only from all the help he has given her but also from the training she has gotten at Virginia Predator under Coach Strickland and Body by D Gym. In addition Lauren's goal is to compete at Fargo, North Dakota but she is not eligible to compete until she becomes a cadet. Lauren will not enter that age division for a couple more years.


Body By D Makes Difference in Community


Original version of article printed in Daily Press York/Poquoson Town Square section on Thursday, April 4, 2013. Link can be found at:


One of the greatest assets to growing a successful business is finding the ability to give back to the community. For some companies, this can take form in the way of a check or a benefit.

But when you run a gym, particularly the fastest growing one in York County, everything is about movement and action. This includes charitable work, a point made clear by Body by D’s owner and president D’Shawn Wright.

“Yes sir. God is blessing,” says Wright, who has undergone as much of a transformation as his company over the past year, dropping about 50 pounds while resculpting himself from a strict weightlifter to award winning bodybuilder (first in the heavyweight category and best poser at the most recent National Physique Committee DC/VA  championships).

Ironically, while Wright has gotten smaller, his workspace has nearly quadrupled, and will finish its transformation on April 1st, as Body by D Gym expands from 3,400 to almost 12,000 square feet and adds Fitness Center to its business moniker.

Along with company vice-president Peter Castaldo, and one or several trainers, the BBD team has spread a wave of community involvement through Hampton Roads. Over the past year, they have held benefits for victims of the Virginia Beach helicopter crash, a clothing and supply drive for those affected by Hurricane Sandy, and a partnership with Salty Paws Vet and the SPCA.

Speaking to the volume of their charitable efforts, Castaldo jokes, “We may need a reality show about this.”
But it’s the face-to-face work that draws the most attention. The BBD team is visible at local schools. Wright and trainer Brian Hammons spent an afternoon reading with students at Grafton Middle School, as part of the Read Across America/Dr. Seuss Day festivities. Wright and Castaldo talked to youths at the Mulberry Inn in Newport News. All three were present for the recent Body and Sol Gala for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, held at the City Center Marriott. They have also worked with the DARE program at several local elementary schools.

Wright particularly likes the meetings with schoolchildren. “We talk about goal setting and things that will help them. We look to teach them life skills.”

They even take to the airwaves with their message of positivity. As a part of the Versatility Radio Network, Wright and Castaldo host their “Man in the Mirror” radio show from 2:00-2:30 every other Thursday on WYRM 1120 AM. Guests have included Congressman Scott Rigell, and mayors Will Sessoms (Virginia Beach) and Molly Ward (Hampton).

Reverend Aaron Wheeler Sr., himself a guest on the “Mirror” show speaks to the core of Body by D’s involvement in the community. “These guys are the real deal.”

Their next project may be the largest undertaking to date. In conjunction with their Versatility radio partner Terry Riddick and his “Best Kept Secret – Stop the Violence” movement, Rev. Wheeler, and a host of partners and friends, Best Kept Secret will sponsor “A Unity Walk Day to Stop the Violence in Our Communities.” The event will begin on Saturday May 4th at 3:00 PM with a walk from 25th and Chestnut to 2325 Madison Ave., and then culminate in an overnight campout, ending at 7 AM the following morning.

Says Riddick, “We are committed to overcoming the challenges in our communities and to being victors and not victims.”

There will be water, food, bounce houses, cotton candy and popcorn available at the event. Vendors interested in taking part can call Riddick at 757-725-1199.

Another feature of the day will be free haircuts. Best Kept Secret has made its name from their offering of free haircuts at Riddick’s barber shop.

Back at Body by D, the expansion is almost completely ready for the public, as noted by the beginning of a Zumba class with Anika Herring on April 1st at 6:30 PM in the newly created space. Other events will soon be filling up the calendar on their newly created website (bodybydgym.com).

Donations for the Unity Walk Day are welcome and may be sent to:

Best Kept Secret – Stop the Violence Organization
P.O. Box 904
Newport News, VA 23607

From TrackSide Magazine: Q&A With Champion Hurdler Greg Foster


For a sixteen year period, from his beginnings as a UCLA freshman in 1977 to his final full season in 1992, Greg Foster dominated the 110 high hurdles. His fifteen years of being ranked in the world top-10 is a record for any running event. He only missed making the top-10 in 1988 because of a broken arm. Foster’s career was highlighted by three world championships in 1983, 1987 and 1991. He also won a silver medal in the 1984 Summer Olympics, and his PR of 13.03 is still ranked just outside the U.S. top-10 of all-time. Foster was inducted into the U.S. Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1998.
Foster and Renaldo "Skeets" Nehemiah in one of their
memorable hurdling duals

Since retiring from competition, Foster has stayed involved with track as an athlete representative, using his own experiences to benefit others. His company, GBM Sports and Event Management, serves as a consulting firm which specializes in athlete and event management for all sports, but focuses on track and field.

Now 54, Foster has also recently joined the collegiate coaching ranks, recently hired as the head coach of the Lindenwood College (MO) Lynx, an NAIA team which will kick off its inaugural season in 2013.

Q: You retired from professional competition in 1992. Looking back, how well were you prepared for life after track?

Foster: I feel like I was well prepared. I had my experience and education from UCLA (majored in psychology, with marketing minor). Fortunately, I had coaches like Jim Bush at UCLA and Bob Kersee, who was my coach all throughout my professional career. They were concerned about me not just as an athlete, but also as a person.

Q: Eventually you started working as an athlete representative. Was there a single defining event which directed you toward this line of work?

Foster: In a way. Bob Kersee started the process. I was still competing and there were a group of us – Florence Joyner-Griffith, Jackie Joyner-Kersee… I was the elder statesman and had to meet with directors and promoters.

Q: What do you feel younger athletes are most lacking? What items would be on your checklist for a track and field athlete who is considering making a living as a professional?

Foster: Competition. There is a lack of competition between the college level and pro. There are some opportunities for athletes to showcase their talents. But, in the past, we had meets like the Mobil 1 series. Now athletes have to go over there (overseas).
The next thing would be financial support. If you’re a professional track athlete nowadays, you can’t hold a 9 to 5 (job). You’re being paid to train. Finally, be ready for the opportunities. When they come up, you have to be ready to go. And as we like to say, you’re only as good as your last race.

Q: How does your company, GBM, help the athlete fill this void?

Foster: We’re more of a support system rather than an agency. We act as consultants, to let the athlete know what’s out there and to help with marketing. There’s a process between the college and professional levels. For the pros, it’s a business for these guys. If you’re ranked #17 in the world in football, you’re probably making a million dollars. It’s not that way in track and field. They (meet promoters) are always looking for the top eight.

(continued)

To view the rest of this article, please click http://trackside1.tracknation.com

Former Navy QB Dobbs Playing for Virginia Cyclones While Waiting for NFL


Original version of Daily Press article printed on Saturday, March 23, 2013. Newspaper version can be located at;


For three years, Ricky Dobbs terrified college football defenses. As the quarterback of Navy, he ran the patented triple option offense to near perfection, leading the Midshipmen to 20 wins and a Texas Bowl championship over his final two seasons. In the process, the Georgia native ran for 2,665 yards and set the career scoring record at Annapolis with 296 points. During the memorable 2009 season, Dobbs eclipsed Tim Tebow’s single season record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback, finding the end zone 27 times.

With those numbers under his belt, it may have been surprising to find the most famous Navy gridiron player since Roger Staubach walking the sidelines in street clothes, at the serviceable, but far from glamorous, field behind Crittenden Middle School, near downtown Newport News, late on a Wednesday evening. These days, Dobbs is serving his commitment as a naval officer – reporting to work as 1st Lt. Dobbs on the U.S.S. Oscar Austin, which is docked in Norfolk. At nights, and on many Saturdays, he pulls double duty as the quarterback of the semi-pro Virginia Cyclones.

Has the dream of pro football ended?

Not so fast. Dobbs, who was nursing bruised ribs after being gang tackled in a recent game against the Tidewater Renegades, is far from seeing Notre Dame (who he has beaten) on the other side of the scrimmage line when he takes the snap, but his long term plan includes making an NFL roster.

It’s just harder to do when your main job is running a division on a naval destroyer.

“I’m having fun…this is playing for fun,” says the man who once signed a Navy helmet five times for President Obama (“so he’d remember me” – a strategy that may come into play when he officially announces his 2040 run for President of the United States). “We’re playing for fun and respect.”

Initially, it was a classmate from his Douglasville high school that talked him into playing. Admitting that the hardest part of serving his Naval officer commitment has been “sitting out,” Dobbs seized the opportunity to work out with the Cyclones. With their new signal caller, the Cyclones won their first three games by a combined score of 70-13, before losing last 30-14 last Saturday to the Capital City Seahawks, a team based out of District Heights, MD.

On that day, Dobbs was nowhere to be found on the field. In fact, he was back at the Austin serving weekend duty. Facing the same problems as many civilians, he admitted, “I couldn’t get anyone to take my place.”

Dobbs aims to serve his commitment and move on to the NFL. While Staubach had to serve five full years as an officer before joining the Dallas Cowboys at 27, the rules have been readjusted, as more Midshipmen such as Napoleon McCallum have proven to be capable of playing pro ball. The current requirement is two years of active duty, followed by a petition to have the remaining time doubled and served with the reserves. In theory, the new officer commitment after graduating from a military academy can be altered to include two years of full-time duty and six as a reservist. Dobbs will reach the end of his second year in May, and then petition the Secretary of the Navy’s office. “I hope to have an answer by January,” says Dobbs, perhaps admitting his new year’s wish for 2014, one which would allow him to enter the NFL draft.

On the chilly night at Crittenden, Dobbs arrives for the 7:30 practice at 9:05, having been held up while driving back from Georgia. Immediately upon arrival, a dozen or so Cyclones come over to the sideline to check on their high profile teammate. Many ask about the status of his ribs, while one offers a flak jacket, which Dobbs tries on. While the semipro league is fun, there is a fraternal camaraderie among the players, all who have starred at some level of football in their lives, and all who pay $300 a season (Dobbs paid his own way) for the jerseys, pads and orange Under Armour tops which make them Cyclones. One can sense the team spirit in the conversations, as players complain about the pending bus ride to D.C., cleats that don’t fit, and a cheap penalty call from the previous game.

At the end of practice, the team gathers for a huddle at the middle of the field. Team owner and Coach Phillip Mann speaks first of the importance of the next game, and is followed by several assistants who stress unity and the importance of home field advantage in the upcoming playoffs, which the Cyclones made last spring with an 8-3 record.

Dobbs raises his hand to speak. Addressing his teammates, he echoes his coach’s sentiments, but adds more thoughts. “Don’t get caught up in the jaw jacking. Let ‘em talk. It doesn’t matter what they say as long as we win. It doesn’t matter if it’s 2-0, as long as we get a W.” Dobbs’ speech is interspersed with a couple of salty words worthy of a Navy man, leaving one teammate to note, “Wow Ricky, didn’t know you cuss!”

The Cyclones (www.vacyclones.com), with Dobbs at quarterback, will be playing at their home site, Powhatan Field in Norfolk, this Saturday, facing the Maryland Hurricanes at 1 PM.