Mattz and McKeown will take over

Chuck Blackburn, center, calls a Del Norte Warrior baseball game for his “Sports With Chuck” TV show. To the left is Dennis Gill of KAshmir Productions and Donnie Mattz is on the right. Blackburn has announced that he is leaving broadcasting after four years with the TV show and 28 years on the radio. Photo courtesy of KAshmir Productions

For 28 years Blackburn, 75, was “The Voice of the Warriors”  on KPOD radio before leaving after basketball season earlier this year. For the past four years he has broadcast Del Norte Warrior sporting events on a delayed basis on Channel 4 with his “Sports With Chuck” television show.

Blackburn had originally intended to continue to do the television show, which was planning to go live this fall for football games with the team’s season opener Sept 2. That has changed with the announcement of Blackburn’s retirement.

Recently, Blackburn said he had a change of heart due to the grind of broadcasting and wanted to spend more time with his family.

FB camp begins: Blue and Gold game on Friday

Head coach Ray Rook gives directions during fall practice at Del Norte High Tuesday afternoon. For more photos, go to triplicate.com/photos. The Daily Triplicate/Bryant Anderson

The 2011 edition of the Del Norte Warrior football team has put the pads on once again this week.

More than 70 kids are taking part in two-a-days each weekday at 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. in anticipation of the season opener Sept. 2 at home against Hidden Valley, Ore.

“Things are going good, but not great yet,” second year varsity head coach Ray Rook said on Tuesday. “But I like the progress they have made so far.”

The practice field was buzzing with activity Tuesday afternoon.

115 people take part in annual race

Don Gillespie of Crescent City puts on his running shoes after completing the bike portion of the 27th annual Crescent City Triathlon on Sunday. Photo courtesy of the Crescent City Triathlon

“It was Del Norte air conditioning. It was foggy,” race director Russ Burnett said. “By the time we were done it cleared up.”

A positive aspect of the cool, foggy conditions was that it helped the participants comfort level since they were not overwhelmed by the heat. Hardly anyone grabbed any water on the route compared to last year, when “we ran out,” Burnett said.

Local schools take part in camp

Jolea Gregorio, 12, far right, practices a routine at the local junior high school cheer camp on Thursday at Del Norte High School. More than 40 cheerleaders took part in the cheer camp. For more photos, go to triplicate.com/photos. The Daily Triplicate/Bryant Anderson

Counting the steps out loud, they focused on the task at hand as several other groups worked on their cheer moves on the final day of junior high cheer camp at Del Norte High School on Thursday.

“It’s been amazing,” said incoming Smith River eighth grader Alejandra Garcia. “We’re learning a lot of steps so we’re going to be ready when we compete.”

This is the first year that there has been a camp made up of participants from all three local schools –– Smith River, Crescent Elk and Redwoods.

Susan Roberts is writing a six-part, weekly column about getting ready for Sunday’s Crescent City Triathlon and Duathlon in August This is the final installment.

“What do I do? What have I done? Why am I doing this? It’s three days away: my first duathlon/triathlon!”

Sunday is Crescent City’s 27th annual Triathlon.

First you breathe deep and then you visualize the race! Honestly, spend some time just thinking about what is going to happen.  Envision yourself coming across the finish line! At this point, it’s all in the head; you’ve trained, you’re ready, there is nothing more you can do! Better under-trained than over-trained! 

• Today: Lay out your “transition” area in your house (adapt this triathlon setup for the duathlon).

Local triplets ride at the fairgrounds

Collin Sturdevant embarks on his winning bull ride Saturday. For more photos from the rodeo and county fair, go to triplicate.com/photos The Daily Triplicate/Rick Postal

Collin Sturdevant rode a black and white bull during the rodeo at the Del Norte County Fair, managing to win a Montana silver buckle and the title of junior bull riding champion.

Paula Sturdevant, the triplets’ mother, said Collin was ecstatic about his junior bull riding win.

“He was stoked,” Sturdevant said. “I don’t think his head fit through the barn door.”

Susan Roberts is writing a six-part, weekly column about getting ready for the Crescent City Triathlon and Duathlon in August. This is the fourth installment.

Your race is just over a week away (remember to taper your training down after this weekend).  Are you excited? Nervous? Confident? Scared? Got questions?

Here are a few Q&As culled from local comments, emails to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , and asked at Back Country Bicycle, 465-3995.

Question: When I do the swim, do most people wear the same clothing for the rest of the race — such as shorts and T-shirt?

Answer: Typically a swimsuit or triathlon suit is worn in the swim and kept on for the bike/run.  You might wish to add a pair of shorts and a T-shirt for the bike, especially as you need to pin your number on the front of your T-shirt for the run. Some will pin their number on a “race belt” or their water belt.

Comes back from a major injury to arm

Former Del Norte Warrior Chris Prokupek throws a pitch for the Shasta College Knights this past season. Prokupek just concluded playing for the N. Nevada Bullets and will play baseball at New Mexico Highlands University. Photo courtesy of Ralph Thompson Photography

Even a serious injury that jeopardized his playing career could not stop him from making a comeback.

The 2006 Del Norte High graduate has played the sport since he was a child and said that there’s nothing quite like it for him.

“There’s nothing better than going out and trying to be better each game,” he said. “There’s something special about going out on the field and competing.”

Susan Roberts is writing a six-part, weekly column about getting ready for the Crescent City Triathlon and Duathlon in August. This is the fourth installment.

“Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”

— Christopher Robin to Pooh, A.A. Milne

You’re about three weeks away from your duathlon/tri-

athlon race on Aug. 14.  How’s training going?  Ready for something new?  How about nutrition and rest?

If you’re been training consistently, remember to rest and get a full night’s sleep! 

A total of 24 kids take part in event

Maida Piotrowski gives medals to Katherine Gearhart and Jake Beaman at the Del Norte Tennis Association Jimbo’s Junior Tennis Tournament on Saturday at the Del Norte High School tennis courts. The event, named in honor of past president Dr. Jim Piotrowski, had 24 participants take part. Photo courtesy of Mimi Stevens

The event, held at the Del Norte High School Tennis Courts, is named after the late Dr. Jim Piotrowski, a former president of the tennis association.

Jane Rumiano, the current tennis president and event coordinator, said that Piotrowski was dedicated to providing tennis opportunities for area youths, as well as adults.