We’re in full swing for football season, and even though coaching (high school coaching that is) in the South Sound leaves much to be desired, our athletes continue to represent on the gridiron in both the college and pro ranks. I was raised showing love or nothing at all… so what up and extra big ups to the pride of Thompson Place/Hawk’s Prairie, Olympia (those in the know call Hawk’s Prairie, North Olympia), Mike Sellers of the Washington Redskins. The former North Thurston Ram continuously puts it down on the field of play, barreling over unsuspecting linebackers and defensive backs — as he did with many a Cowboy this past week in the Redskins’ upset over Big D! Also, Lacey’s Jarramy Stevens, much maligned as a Seattle Seahawk and former U-Dub Husky (Go Cougs!), has awakened his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — even catching a decisive touchdown to propel his team in a close game early on in the season. Marcus Trufant of Tac-Town continues to display glimpses of greatness, both on and off the field. As an all-pro cornerback he shuts wideouts down on the regular, but waaaay more important than anything he does on the field is the work that his Trufant Family Foundation does for the community and young people. He’s hosted celebrity bowling matches, gives to the community and raises funds for programming for young people. Oh yeah, Trufant is a Coug! Good luck to record-setting running back, Jonathan Smith in his rookie year. The former Timberline Blazer terrorized high school defensive coordinators in the South Sound and did it to Pac-10 coaches as well — hopefully the trend will continue as he enters the NFL! 

Finally, I would be remiss to not mention the legendary career of The Eastside’s (Lincoln High) own legend, Lawyer Milloy or ‘The Law’ as he was once called. Milloy was a mythical figure on and off the field, but as a high school athlete, I was most impressed by the lore of Milloy showing up to practice before his teammates and running up and down the stairs/hills of The Lincoln Bowl after practice — that’s how you get to the next level, baby! Big shot to Lincoln’s Jon Kitna as well! The former Central Washington Wildcat has been a standout quarterback on mediocre teams, but has always been an advocate for strong and supportive fathers in our communities! Wanna see how it’s done? Watch him, do him! 

Hey, whataya gonna do? … I love sports too! And these are our guys …

On the scene once again is Tacoma rhyme vet, Josh Rizeberg. Rizeberg recently signed on with Seattle’s Ways of The Mind and Olympia’s Slo Poke aka SP to open for Bay Area legend, Andre Nickatina on his Coke White Tour at Studio 7 on Friday, Oct. 17. Nickatina makes his way through the Northwest following the release of his critically acclaimed new album, A Tale of Two Andres, where he shares the starring role with his friend, the dearly departed Mac Dre. The tour features Nickatina’s Fillmore, Frisco homeboy, Mike P and legendary producer Nick Peace is managing the tour.

Showing love where it is needed and overdue … My best thoughts and wishes for the speedy recovery of universal homie Travis Barker and celebrity party rocker DJ AM following their near-death flight a couple of weeks ago. They were in Columbia, S.C., performing at a free benefit. Get better! And check this out … OG Nate Dogg, the West Coast hookmaster/chorus singer who shares the esteemed title with Kokane, recently survived his second stroke in the past 10 months. Geesh! Get well, Nate Dogg — we love you, mayn! Also, the pride and joy of Flint, Mich., (along with filmmaker Michael Moore!), MC Breed recently survived a bout with Kidney disease. Breed is famous to the cats who appreciate hip-hop for his classic 1991 single, “Ain’t No Future In Yo’ Frontin’” along with his classic duet with 2Pac, “Gotta Get Mine.” Take care, OG!

CORRECTION: The Staxx Brothers will be at The Eastside Club Tavern, NOT the China Clipper Oct. 4 as I previously reported.

Peace & Love

Jose S. Gutierrez Jr. is an editor, writer and producer. A graduate of Washington State University and student at The Evergreen State College, he writes and edits the Pacific Northwest section of OZONE Magazine and hosts and produces Live From I-5 Radio (since ‘89) every Friday at 3 p.m. on KAOS 89.3 FM (www.kaosradio.org) in Olympia. He writes a weekly hip-hop column in the music section on the Weekly Volcano’s Web site.