Title: Host
Started at theScore: January 2007
Sports matter because it is the truest form of life. The highs of victory and the lows of defeat mirror real life with its great days and **** days.
I wouldn’t change much about golf with one exception: guys shouldn’t need to exchange cards at end of their rounds — technology has it all under control.
I’d be able to take a sack from Troy Polamalu! I might not be able to get up for awhile, but I’m trooper — I’d take the hit.
If I had a dodge ball team, Tim Lincecum would be the captain; he’d throw some nasty heat and he’d be a good guy to party with at the post-championship bender as well.
I love reading and watching all kinds of murder mysteries. Unsolved Mysteries, The First 48, Dateline NBC and Cold Case Files are some of my favourite shows.
I think Ichiro Suzuki is definitely underrated; I love those slap singles!
I still remember the Raiders smoking the Seahawks in the 1983 AFC championship — it broke my heart as a child.
I have a lot of nicknames aside from Red Heat, like Stewie, Stewdog, Big Red, The Bear, Orso Grande, and Dancefeva.
You wanna talk controversial calls? How about every major play in the Steelers/Seahawks Super Bowl that eventually went Pittsburgh’s way… it was a complete joke and a travesty.
People ask why I love sports so much. To me, sports encompass life more than anything else. It’s more than the score, it’s about the stories. It’s about the athletes, the fans, the teams and the cities. All of that combines to make it the most entertaining genre to cover.
I grew up wearing # 94 as a tribute to Sergei Berezin. It wasn’t that I was selfish, but there was something about seeing someone so blatantly ignore everyone else on his team to try to score himself. Ok, maybe it was about being selfish.
If I were in charge of changing something in sports, I’d add relegation to every league. Soccer does it right, where you demote teams that suck. Simple. Don’t reward them with draft picks; punish them by making them leave until they earn their way back. It’s crazy I know, but this is my hypothetical.
I remember the Jays 1993 World Series, even though I was 5 years old. It’s only because my little sister, who was 2 at the time, slipped in the shower and had her 2 front teeth jam. My parents took her to the hospital, while my older sister and I went to my uncle’s where the game was on. Joe Carter was pretty cool.
My time at the University of Western Ontario was spent without a Leaf playoff game. I had 2 roommates in 2nd year, one from Vancouver and one from Calgary. We all had our respective city flags on our door, and after 30 Leaf games, I was embarrassed to have mine hanging, so I took it off. Needless to say, I learned a lot about the Canucks and Flames over that time.
Title: VP, Operations, Broadcasting
Started at theScore: April 1997
I love that you can follow sports all your life and still regularly see things that you didn’t think were possible.
It would be great if the NFL would allow players to tweet from the bench during games.
Of course, I could kick a 30-yard field goal — I do it all the time…on Madden NFL.
My one guilty pleasure is that I spend too much time on twitter.
If I had a dodge ball team, WWE Diva Kelly Kelly would be my captain – check Google images and you’ll know why.
I’m the opposite of the Dos Equis Man – I’m the most boring person in the world. People might be surprised to learn that — well, on second thought that may not surprise anyone.
If I had one wish, I’d want to know every score of every game from every sport from now until the end of time.
Intellivision was my favourite toy growing up; I remember thinking that the graphics were amazing!
The most controversial call ever is Brett Hull’s Stanley Cup skate-in-the-crease goal because of the magnitude of the moment and the controversy that surrounded video replay that year.
On my first paycheque from theScore, they spelled my name Sanoe – so the guys around here called me that for years.
Title: Host
Started at theScore: December 2011
In another life, I wish I were taller — 5’7 would be nice! I’m 5’4… what do you mean that’s being generous?!
On the softball pitcher’s mound, I can pitch faster than the speed of light. No, seriously!
Nobody ever believes me when I tell them I won a gold medal in wrestling when I was 13. After joining the school wrestling team, I went on a family vacation for two weeks during an important part of our training schedule. Another girl had to teach me everything I missed and I ended up facing her in the championship finals. Classic “student defeats the teacher” story! I kicked ass back then. Not so much now…
If I were a cartoon, I’d be the Road Runner because I love to be crazy busy, running all over the place.
I wish my nickname was Red Heat, but Cam Stewart already has it. People call me Jack Attack, Jax, Jacko, and Shout.
My first sports memory is watching the Jays win the World Series (for the first time) in the early 90s. I was only about six years old, but I can still see my dad jumping over the couches, picking up my mom and running around the living room. I’ve never seen him more excited. My mom just remembers that he spilled a lot of beer.
The one rule in the NHL I’d remove would be the instigator rule. I think before the rule was instated, players had more respect for each other on the ice knowing that if they crossed a line, they’d have to pay for it.
If hitting became part of women’s hockey, I wouldn’t have a problem it. On the other hand, when I watch women’s hockey, I enjoy seeing the game played differently. Because women can’t rely on hitting during a game, their playing style, strategies and puck movements are different — and I find that really interesting.
Title: On-Air Talent
Started at theScore: August 1998
In another life, I was the lead guitarist in a massively successful rock band that never lost its soul or sold out. (Well, sold out stadiums of course, just not “sold out”, soul-wise.)
The cartoon character I most associate with is Derek Snider.
The one sports issue I would crack down on is feigning injury. Physio should be allowed on the field during play, which must also continue. If a player needs treatment on the sidelines, his team must stay off the field for five minutes.
I once faced off with the great Alan Shearer for a story on theScore. He took ten penalty kicks with me in goal… I got my hand on one of them. He still scored.
KJ would probably beat me in an arm-wrestling contest — he would have some ridiculous tactic prepared and he’d win by confusing the hell out of me.
I know I’m a football guy, but the sport I enjoy playing more than any other is rugby. I am also a diehard Leafs fan, I have to watch every game.
I’ve got a few pets. I have two fat cats, a 90 lb dog and a producer (Thomas Dobby).
My nicknames are Limey and Sharms.
The most underrated athlete of all time is Paul Scholes. I’m not a Manchester United fan, but when Xavi says he’s one of the best he’s ever seen, I’m a believer. He’s so quiet and yet so brilliant.
Coronation Street is definitely my guilty pleasure. It’s an utter obsession.
I love our fans; they’re the best! I heard Leaf legend Steve Thomas is a Footy Show fan, very cool!
Title: Host
Started at theScore: November 2003
At one point, I thought I might become either a counsellor or psychologist, but thankfully I’ve been blessed to work in the sports industry instead and just do my “other” job on the quiet for those close to me!
It still surprises me how often people make a fool of themselves in 140 characters or less. I still can’t get my head around what Lionel Messi continues to do on a football pitch or the fact that England is now better than Australia at cricket. I’m also surprised how many people still think Peyton Manning is better than Tom Brady, or how many think American League baseball is somehow better to watch than the National League. So yeah, I’m surprised a lot!
I’d probably lose to James in an arm-wrestling contest. He decided to put his body through the torture of rugby training from an early age — which means he has more strength than me but a whole lot more injuries!
People would probably be surprised to learn that I love baseball more than soccer.
Without a doubt, Alex Zanardi is the most underrated athlete of all time. First of all, motor racing drivers are the world’s most underrated athletes because many misguided people don’t actually believe they’re athletes in the first place. Alex is a guy who’s been through so much in his life! He is such a brilliant driver who lost his legs (and almost his life) in Champ Car. However, that didn’t stop him and he got back in the car less than two years later to complete the 13 laps that he wasn’t able to finish in his race in Germany. He is a true inspiration to me.
I had a great childhood and spent much of my time as a kid at a racetrack. Watching Formula One as a five-year-old was incredible; I will never forget that feeling and how much fun I had. Apparently I cried when it was over. I try not to cry as much when I leave sporting events these days. Ah to be a kid again!
Anytime I get recognized and people talk to me is funny. I mean, I’m just me! Or sometimes I am James Sharman to some people and they later realise that I am the less famous person in the duo!
Title: Live Update Host
Started at theScore: October 2004
I’m half-Ukrainian and half-Slovak. I’m as Eastern European as they come, but I can’t speak a word! Well no — I can say, Ya khochu pyva, which means “I want a beer.”
My dodge ball captain would be a young Doug Flutie – he’s small and nimble, he can throw hard, has excellent aim and he’s a proven winner and leader. All the best attributes are wrapped up in a 5’10” package!
I do swear a lot — I think I have a problem. I think I have to go to a “non-swearing” school. When I’m on the air I don’t swear, even if I do a podcast and allows you to drop the F-bomb. It’s like I have a switch when I know I’m being recorded.
As far as cartoon characters go, I’d be Bugs Bunny – he’s a smart-ass and he always has a plan.
I’m an avid golfer! I’ve been golfing since I was eight years old
My typical Friday night involves working, 99 times out of 100.
Jim Thome is severely underrated. Yes, he’s bound for the Hall of Fame but he’s also a victim of playing in the wrong era. When Thome joined the 600 homerun club, he didn’t get nearly as much attention and accolades compared to what he deserved. That’s what happens in the post-steroid era!
I’m addicted to salt and vinegar potato chips — maybe I should start a help group!
My family and I would always be at my grandparents’ place every Saturday night to watch the hockey game (big hockey fans!).
Most controversial call ever? Easy, Kerry Fraser’s no-call on Wayne Gretzky in Game Six of the 1993 Western Conference final against the Leafs. Blatant high sticking, no penalty, Gretzky scored seconds later in OT and the Kings went on to win the series in seven. The drought continues.
Title: Producer
Started at theScore: November 2005
It still amazes me that I work in sports and also work with one of the funniest people in the world.
There are only two changes I’d make to the NBA: I’d lower ticket prices and put myself on an NBA team.
What’s one of my favourite work moments? The Bud plane trip to the Super Bowl is much better than advertised! I know it sounds crazy, but the game feels anti-climactic after two days of partying. I also had the chance to walk seven holes of golf with Michael Jordan, while he and Gerry Dee chirped each other.
People would be surprised to learn that I played basketball for the University of Toronto, and could dunk. No, seriously.
I’m a farm boy — I grew up on a horse farm that my parents still have, so we have lots of horses, a few cats and the greatest dog of all time, Rocky the Rottweiler.
The most underrated athlete of all time is Gerry Dee. He’s forcing me to say that or “I’ll fire you”. That is a direct quote.
I’m left-handed, and for a long time my family didn’t own any baseball gloves for lefties, so I remember catching my older brother Chris’s windmill pitches with my dad’s old trapper. It’s from the 40s and not for left-handed people.
Best story about a fan? There was this girl…and that’s where that story ends. I’m kidding.
Title: On-Air Talent
Started at theScore: August 2008
Sports are amazing! What else can divide and unite nations and even the entire world? If your answer is food – WRONG! But it is a close second. Mmm, food.
In another life, I was probably a chameleon – those freaks can blend into any situation and I feel like I try to do the same.
I don’t really like shoot-outs in the NHL! I’m also not a fan of in-game interviews.
As a kid, I was all about LEGO. Especially medieval and castle-themed lego. Space lego sucked.
I have a lot of Zs in my nicknames I’ve been given: Zosia, Zos, Zosi bear, Soph and Sofa, just to name a few.
Olympic and Paralympic athletes are terribly underrated. For the short weeks during the Olympic games, everyone knows about them. Most of them have second jobs and work their behinds off just to practice and eventually compete. However, if they don’t win a medal, does anyone even remember their names?
I’ll never forget sitting with my dad at a Jays game, at the Skydome on a school night. I was six and I begged my dad to stay past the seventh inning (way past my bed time). I remember when Joe Carter approached the plate one more time and I got out of my seat and cheered with everyone, “JOOOOOEEEE CAARRTTTER!” It was just a regular season game but it was one of the best moments in my life.
