Athlon-Sports-July-2015i
Transcription
Athlon-Sports-July-2015i
ANSWERS TO THE PERPLEXING, PECULIAR AND PROBLEMATIC SPORTS QUERIES ///////////////////////////////////////////////////// facebook.com/ AthlonSports @AthlonSports LOCAL ////////////// HEROES ///////////////////////////////////////////////////// Candace Hill HOW MUCH WILL TRIPLE CROWN WINNING THOROUGHBRED AMERICAN PHAROAH MAKE IN STUD FEES? — Meghann B., Auburn, Ala. A lot. The “sex appeal” (so to speak) of breeding the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years should drive up the price. Arguably the greatest sire in history, Northern Dancer, commanded a $1 million stud fee at the height of his prowess. Last year, all 19 Kentucky Derby horses were descendants of Northern Dancer — who also happens to be the great-great-great grandfather on both sides of American Pharoah’s bloodlines (5x5 inbred). Other progeny of Northern Dancer have also commanded high-dollar stud fees, including Storm Cat ($500,000) and Tapit ($300,000). So, hypothetically, American Pharoah could total career stud fees of $750 million — if he covers 150 mares per year at $250,000 per mare for 20 years, which are all more realistic goals than winning the Triple Crown in the Sport of Kings. Steph Curry’s daughter, Riley, stole the spotlight at postgame press conferences during the NBA Finals. Should the NBA ban children from attending those media events? — Madison R., Atlanta, Ga. Absolutely not. Let’s not forget that Steph Curry is the son of an NBA player himself. He ran around courts and locker rooms when his dad, Dell, was raining 3s back in the 1990s. Riley didn’t get in the way; she made normally cliché-riddled postgame pressers watchable. The 16-year-old sophomore set a new high school girls record for the 100meter dash, running a blistering 10.98 at the Brooks PR Invitational in Seattle. The Conyers, Ga., native and Rockdale County HS student posted a time that would have been fast enough to finish seventh in the final heat of the 2012 London Olympics. Only nine women in the world have posted faster 100-meter times than Hill this year. Kate Hall A 39-year-old high school girls field record was surpassed in a single bound by Hall, who soared for a long jump of 22 feet, 5 inches at the New Balance National High School Invitational in Greensboro, N.C. Hall, of Naples, Maine, broke the previous record of 22 feet, 3 inches — which was set by Kathy McMillan in 1976. HAVE A QUESTION OR WANT TO SUBMIT A “LOCAL HERO” CANDIDATE? Email us at [email protected]. Or mail to: Athlon Sports, Suite 320, Building #2, Landers Plaza, 2451 Atrium Way, Nashville, TN 37214. 2 /// AthlonSports.com American Pharoah: Reuters/Lucas Jackson/Landov; Hogan: Alpha/Landov; Foreman: DPA/Landov; Curry: EPA/Monica M. Davey/Landov; Hill: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports; Hall: John Ewing/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images Is it true that Hulk Hogan turned down the opportunity to endorse the grills that George Foreman has since made famous? — Kyle T., Travis, Texas Let me tell you something, brother. Hulk Hogan claims to have had a chance to be the “lean, mean, fat-reducing, grilling machine” champ. Instead, he either missed his agent’s phone call (as he claimed on his VH1 reality show Hogan Knows Best) or told his agent he’d rather endorse a meatball maker (which he reportedly told actor Sam Worthington at Comic-Con). It’s not as bad as Ronald Wayne selling a 10 percent share of Apple for $800 in 1976. But considering that George Foreman has made an estimated $200 million as a grill pitchman, the Hulkster probably regrets not jumping off the top rope at the opportunity. /////////////////////////////////////////////////// Ken Werner, aka Kiltman Ken, of Mukwonago, Wis., loves the Wisconsin Badgers. “I was born a Badger, live my life as a Badger, will forever be a Badger,” he says. We caught up with the 68-year-old UW grad (Class of ‘68) to learn more about his passion for college football … and his kilt. ////////////// SUPER FAN A BADGER OF HONOR Tom Lynn Photography LLC How will the Badgers do this season? I’ve been labeled an over-the-top optimist. With that said, we will sail through the nonconference games … win all Big Ten West games … prevail in a close one over Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship and then move on to beat Auburn in the National Championship game! Do you have a favorite season? The 1993-94 season. We had been the Big Ten’s doormat for 30 years and (coach) Barry Alvarez led us to co-champions of the Big Ten and a big win in the Rose Bowl after being labeled as a 10-point underdog to UCLA. What’s with the kilt? My father served in World War II and while on R&R in Scotland donned a Scottish costume. My kilt is to honor his service. “ My kilt is to honor his service. “ How many Wisconsin Badgers games have you attended? 442 IT’S LIKE YOUR TONGUE CRASHED INTO A CHOCOLATY, PEANUTY, CARAMEL ICEBERG. ICE CREAM SATISFACTION STARTER & CLOSER [Q] You are the first pitcher [Q] What was the transition elected to the Hall of Fame after having Tommy John surgery. What impact did that procedure have on your career? I thought I was done in my career at age 34. I came into the surgery pretty much telling myself I was done. I’m glad I didn’t cave in to that emotion, because I would have missed out on a lot. Without the surgery, the things that came after it and led me to Cooperstown wouldn’t have been possible. from starter to closer like for you? Closing is all by the seat of your pants. You’re fired up to get in, and then, if something changes, the air comes out of the balloon. I learned to detach myself from the game, and, when I went in, that’s when I became engaged. I loved the pressure of it. The adrenaline rush that came from going into the game and being tasked with getting it over as soon as possible — you can’t feel that when starting. “SMOLTZIE” SIDE SESSION A few fun facts about John Smoltz: u u [Q] What is your greatest career accomplishment? I’m probably most proud of making the change from starter to closer, risking it all and going to the pen. I had to learn how to throw differently, and there were so many components that went awry early on. To then get 55 saves in 2002, I still shake my head. That was one of the hardest things I have ever done. WELCOME TO COOPERSTOWN, JOHN SMOLTZ John Smoltz built a wonderfully eclectic body of work as a pitcher during his 21-year MLB career. He won both a Cy Young Award and a Silver Slugger Award, contributed to a World Series championship team and hit five career home runs. He ended his career with 213 wins, 154 saves and 3,084 strikeouts. On July 26, he will be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame alongside Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez and Craig Biggio. We recently caught up with Smoltz, who now calls games for MLB Network and FOX Sports. [Q] Where do the 1990s Braves rank among all-time MLB dynasties? There will be teams that win more championships in a certain time period, but no team will ever win 14 straight Division titles. We were built for the long haul and had sustained pitching excellence that was unprecedented. 4 /// AthlonSports.com u u Mother and father were accordion teachers; Smoltz competed in (and won) accordion competitions as a child. Carries a 1.0 golf handicap according to PGA.com; Smoltz played a Nationwide Tour event and attempted to qualify for the U.S. Open. Tiger Woods told the Orlando Sentinel, “I had not ever played with an amateur that had ever shot the scores he shot.” Was offered a scholarship by Jud Heathcote to play basketball at Michigan State. First nickname, “Marmaduke,” was given by Braves teammate Dale Murphy. [Q] Who was the toughest batter you ever faced? Tony Gwynn. I think I struck him out twice in something like 70 atbats. He had the ability to get his bat on the ball every time. [Q] Were you disappointed you weren’t in the “Chicks Dig the Long Ball” Nike commercial (back in the late-‘90s) with Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and Heather Locklear? I was way disappointed. I was the only guy who had hit a home run at the time, but I wasn’t a Nike guy. They got to do one of the best commercials I have ever seen, even though they hadn’t hit a home run. Photos by Tom DiPace “ “ I was the only guy who had hit a home run at the time, but I wasn’t a Nike guy. 2015 | COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW 1. OHIO STATE BUCKEYES Make no mistake, 2015 is the season Urban Meyer has been building toward since arriving in Columbus in 2012. The Urban legend brought the Buckeyes to the promised land a year earlier than expected, however, winning the inaugural College Football Playoff (from the fourth and final spot, mind you). The win was Meyer’s third career national title, having claimed two with the Florida Gators. With four recruiting classes under his belt, this is a Meyer team built in his own image. He has three proven QBs in Cardale Jones, J.T. Barrett and Braxton Miller; a workhorse running back in Ezekiel Elliott; and the early favorite to go No. 1 in the 2016 NFL Draft in edge rusher Joey Bosa — whose celebratory post-sack shrug is so popular the POTUS mimicked him at OSU’s White House visit. u Ezekiel Elliott 2. ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE Nick Saban has set the bar so high in Tuscaloosa that a berth in the College Football Playoff — and subsequent Sugar Bowl loss (42–35) to eventual champion Ohio State — is considered a somewhat disappointing season for the Crimson Tide. After all, Saban has won three national titles at Alabama (and a fourth while at rival LSU). Like it or not, T-Town expects to be Title-Town. And this year’s Bama squad has as much raw talent as any team in the land — led by versatile tailback Derrick Henry, massive left tackle Cam Robu Derrick inson and a Kirby Henry Smart-coached defense that returns seven starters, including 300-plus-pound nose guard A’Shawn Robinson. The schedule is brutal from start to finish, opening against Wisconsin at AT&T Stadium and closing at Auburn in the Iron Bowl. 3. BAYLOR BEARS Coach Art Briles has an uphill battle to make the CFB Playoff. Baylor is breaking in a new QB, with Seth Russell replacing former Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year Bryce Petty. The Bears will be playing in a league that, despite an empty slogan, lacks “one true champion” due to the lack of a conference title game; that fact seemingly kept both Baylor and rival TCU out of last year’s Playoff. And the green and gold will have to navigate one of the most backloaded schedules in the country — with its final five contests at Kansas State, Oklahoma, at Oklahoma State, at TCU and Texas. u Seth Russell 4. By Nathan Rush Cover photography by Matt Hernandez Creative AUBURN TIGERS New starting quarterback Jeremy Johnson and new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp have fans On The Plains yelling “War Eagle” with the confidence that both sides of the ball are in good hands. In two seasons as a backup QB, the 6’5”, 240pound Johnson completed a combined 57-of-78 passes (73.1 percent) for 858 yards, nine TDs and two INTs, while rushing for another 40 yards and a score. Muschamp, meanwhile, gives coach Gus Malzahn a righthand man with previous head coaching experience at Florida, previous national championship coordinator experience at LSU under Nick Saban and previous experience on the staff at Auburn (2006-07). u Jeremy Johnson FOR PREVIEWS OF ALL 128 TEAMS, VISIT ATHLONSPORTS.COM/COLLEGE-FOOTBALL/TOP-25 5. TCU Hosts Baylor in finale. 6. USC “7-win Sark” or not? 7. Michigan State Plays at U-M and at OSU. 8. Oregon Replacing Mariota is key. 9. Florida State 29–1 in last 30 games. 10. Georgia Chubb takes pressure off young QB. 11. Ole Miss Junior class may be nation’s best. 12. Notre Dame 10 starters return on D. 13. Arizona State Bercovici takes over at QB. 14. Clemson Watson a darkhorse Heisman threat. 15. LSU Fournette makes O geaux. 16. Arkansas NFL-size O-line. 17. Oklahoma Plays both UTs. 18. Georgia Tech Thomas built for option. 19. Wisconsin New coach, same approach. 20. Texas A&M Garrett terrorizes QBs. 21. Miss. State All seven SEC West teams in Top 25. 22. Tennessee 17 returning starters. 23. UCLA Frosh Rosen to start. 24. Stanford Shaw 42–12 at SU. 25. Florida McElwain > Muschamp. 6 /// AthlonSports.com Elliott: Ric Fogel/Athlon Sports; Henry: Harrison McClary/Athlon Sports Russell: Chris Covatta/Athlon Sports; Johnson: Tom Dipace/Athlon Sports PRESEASON TOP 25 College spirit has never looked so adorable! Complete with team cap and blanket, and miniature football Shown smaller than actual size. This doll is not a toy, but a fine collectible. Official team colors and logos 5" high, seated Ohio State Buckeyes 913805 Oregon Ducks Alabama Crimson Tide Michigan Wolverines 913824 914004 913884 Oklahoma State Cowboys Nebraska Cornhuskers 913807 913803 Florida Gators Auburn Tigers West Virginia Mountaineers Wisconsin Badgers 913810 Georgia Bulldogs Tennessee Volunteers 913885 913853 LSU Tigers Oklahoma Sooners 913804 913757 913823 ® ® 913806 913886 HANDCRAFTED LIKE A TRUE CHAMPION There’s always plenty to cheer about if you love college football—unless of course your favorite team isn’t playing! Then you can’t help but ask, “Is it game day yet?” just like these little guys. Show your team pride with “Is It Game Day Yet?®”, the premier issue in the very FIRST College Football #1 Fan Commemorative Doll Collection. Officially licensed, each five-inch doll by master artist Sherry Rawn is amazingly lifelike, from his irresistible chubbiness to his perfectly sculpted little fingers and toes! Best of all, he’s outfitted like a true fan his age with a cap and blanket—sporting his favorite team’s logos and colors—and a football just his size! A must-have for fans—for a limited time! Beginning with “Is It Game Day Yet?,” each of the dolls in the College Football #1 Fan Commemorative Doll Collection can be yours for only $39.98*, payable in two installments of $19.99—a remarkable value! Your satisfaction is guaranteed for one full year, so there’s no risk. But orders will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis—for a limited-time only, so don’t wait. Order today before it’s too late! SEE ALL TEAMS The indicia featured on this product are registered trademarks of the respective college or university. www.ashtondrake.com/collegefootball ©2015 The Ashton-Drake Galleries, 9200 N Maryland Ave Niles, IL 60714-1397 Printed in the U.S.A. 913805-MIMPO2 PLEASE RESPOND PROMPTLY 9200 North Maryland Ave., Niles, Illinois 60714-1397 QTY. YES! Please reserve my College Football #1 Fan Commemorative Doll Collection of the team(s), indicated above, as described in this announcement. *Plus a total of $7.99 shipping and service charges per doll. Please allow 2 to 4 weeks for shipment after order is received. All orders are subject to acceptance. PRODUCT NAME Name (please print clearly) PRODUCT NO. ( ) Telephone Address City E-Mail Address Apt. No. State Zip D42301 AthlonSports.com /// 7 2015 | COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW 5 BOLD 1. Michigan’s first-year coach will make a splash in his homecoming to Ann Arbor. Harbaugh has already been photographed coaching shirtless at a satellite camp this summer — a look that goes great with his 51-year-old dadbod and signature Walmart khakis. But that certainly won’t be the last eyebrow-raising moment for the Michigan Man. Brace yourself for the inevitable GIFs and memes following underdog wins, postgame handshakes and heated exchanges with players, refs, mascots, fans and whomever might spark the rage of Harbaugh. As for his relationship with Ohio State’s Urban Meyer? Oh, let it be á la Pete Carroll, his fierce Pac-12 and NFL rival. By Nathan Rush JOEY BOSA WILL WIN THE HEISMAN TROPHY Go ahead and shrug your shoulders. It could and should happen. It’s about time a defense-only playmaker won college football’s most prestigious award. The 6’6”, 275pound Bosa is just the man to do it. 4. 3. “SEC BIAS” WILL BE THE MOST POPULAR COMPLAINT The Southeastern Conference won seven straight national championships from 2006-12. Six SEC teams were in the final AP Top 25 poll last year. Ten are in our preseason Top 25, including two (Alabama and Auburn) projected to be in this year’s College Football Playoff. If and when two SEC teams punch Playoff tickets, expect plenty of anti-SEC hot takes — deserved or otherwise. FAMOUS FATHERS WILL HOG TOO MUCH ATTENTION C’mon, dad. You’re embarrassing me. Sean Combs, aka “Puff Daddy,” can’t stop, won’t stop but needs to stop after being arrested following a weight room altercation at UCLA, where son Justin Combs plays. Snoop Dogg’s son, Cordell, also plays at UCLA. Not to be outdone, Notre Dame has a slew of celebrity dads hanging around thanks to the sons of Jon Bon Jovi (Jesse Bongiovi), David Robinson (Corey Robinson) and Torii Hunter (Torii Hunter Jr.). Ken Griffey Jr. has been photographed taking photographs on the sideline as Trey Griffey plays at Arizona. And you do the math on the proud papas of Stanford’s Barry Sanders Jr. and SMU’s Deion Sanders Jr. 8 /// AthlonSports.com 5. “FREE-AGENT” QB S WILL PICK UP WHERE HEISMAN WINNERS LEFT OFF Postgraduate transfers have become en vogue and continue to trend at a breakneck pace. (If a player has already graduated, he is eligible to transfer to another institution without having to sit out a season.) “Free agency,” as it were, is helping the rich stay rich without having to wait. This year, the postgraduate quarterback class is as high profile as it’s ever been. After leading Notre Dame to the national title game in 2012, Everett Golson will replace Jameis Winston at Florida State. Across the country, two-time Walter Payton Award runnerup Vernon Adams Jr. is flying from Eastern Washington to replace Marcus Mariota at Oregon. And there’s an off chance that fifth-year senior Braxton Miller could transfer from Ohio State. Bosa by Matt Hernandez Creative Harbaugh by AL.Com /Landov PREDICTIONS 2. JIM HARBAUGH WILL BREAK THE INTERNET 2015 | COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW Three’s Company There have been many high-profile quarterback controversies in college football history. Michigan’s Tom Brady vs. Drew Henson debate comes to mind. But never has there been a QB conundrum quite like the one Ohio State is facing. Here’s a tale of the tape for the Big 3 contenders: BRAXTON MILLER (6’2”, 215, SR-5th) Pros: Two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year (2012, 2013). Cons: Missed entire 2014 season with right shoulder injury. Could transfer. J . T. B A R R E T T (6’2”, 225, SO) Pros: 11–1 as a starter; accounted for Big Ten record 45 TDs in ’14. Cons: Father, Joe, thinks “Braxton should get that position back.” CARDALE JONES (6’5”, 250, JR-RS) Pros: Beat Wisconsin, Alabama and Oregon en route to national title. Cons: Least experienced of QB trio; has only three career starts. 10 /// AthlonSports.com It’s never too early to handicap who will win college football’s most coveted award and iconic hardware. These are the Las Vegas favorites, according to online gambling site Bovada. (Odds as of July 1.) 6/1 7/1 9/1 10/1 12/1 12/1 12/1 12/1 16/1 16/1 20/1 Trevone Boykin, QB, TCU Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia Braxton Miller, QB, Ohio State Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU Jeremy Johnson, QB, Auburn Cody Kessler, QB, USC Dak Prescott, QB, Mississippi State Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson Cardale Jones, QB, Ohio State Bounce-Back CHRISTIAN HACKENBERG QB, Penn State, JR Once thought to be a contender for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Hackenberg had a sophomore slump (12 TDs, 15 INTs) but aims to get back on track during coach James Franklin’s second season in Happy Valley. September Showdowns These untraditional non-conference games will determine who’s still standing at the top of the rankings after the first month of the season. Sept. 5 Alabama vs. Wisconsin (Arlington, TX) Sept. 5 Texas at Notre Dame Sept. 5 Auburn vs. Louisville (Atlanta) Sept. 7 Ohio State at Virginia Tech Sept. 12 Oregon at Michigan State Sept. 12 Oklahoma at Tennessee Must-See TV The SEC Network launched in August 2014. But it has already been a ratings boon for the bottom line of budgets within the conference. $455.8 $31.2 MILLION MILLION Revenue generated by the SEC Network. TV money distributed to each SEC school. Breakout Star ADOREÉ JACKSON CB/WR/RET, USC, SO An Olympic-caliber long jumper and three-way football star, Jackson is ready to take his game to another level after a freshman year that included three receiving TDs, two kick return TDs and lockdown corner defense on opponents’ top wideouts. Miller: Tom Lynn; Barrett, Elliott and Jones: Ric Fogel/Athlon Sports; Boykin: Chris Covatta/Athlon Sports Hackenburg: Fred Vuich/Athlon Sports; Jackson: Peter Brouillet/Athlon Sports CFB THE KICKOFF Heisman Trophy Roulette REARVIEW MIRROR Monte Carlo was presented, which was a superior car. Then you had Hendrick Motorsports and the 24 team that started to rise to the top from a competition standpoint. (Crew chief) Ray Evernham played a big role in that. We just really started to click and have great racecars. [Q] Which is more stressful, hosting Saturday Night Live or running full throttle three wide into a corner at Talladega? Nothing’s more stressful than Saturday Night Live. It was terrifying. When I’m three wide on a racetrack, while it might not be the “It’s more than just stats. It’s how you raced.” uJEFF GORDON “It’s how much effort you put into it — passion.” position I want to be in, it’s what I do. I’ve been doing it for a long time. Jeff Gordon has gone from being dubbed “Wonderboy” by the late Dale Earnhardt to becoming a living legend in his own right. Halfway through his 23rd and final full season, we take a look back at one of NASCAR’s greatest careers. By Matt Crossman [Q] The 1992 Hooters 500 was your first race and Richard Petty’s last race. It’s become this “passing of the torch” symbolic event. But in the moment, it was nothing like that, right? Of course not. In the moment, I have visual memories of Richard that weekend walking through the garage area just completely being mobbed, taking all that into perspective, me being this completely green kid having no idea what he was getting himself into. [Q] From 1995 through 1998 you ran 127 races and won 40. What was going on? Even when I look at those stats, I’m blown away and in awe of what we accomplished. In 1994, we became a much more confident team. Then, in 1995, the new Chevrolet 12 /// AthlonSports.com Jimmie Johnson and say, “I hired this dude, and he won six championships. One or two of those could have been mine.” No. I don’t think of it that way. You’re From 1992-99, Gordon and crew chief Ray Evernham always going to be faced dominated NASCAR’s premier circuit, winning 47 races against a fierce competitor. and three Winston Cup titles. I don’t think it necessarily means we would’ve won those championships. He’s actually inspired me in many ways, to bring out more competitiveness in myself, to work harder at being more fit and focused. But I’m more proud that he came to me for advice, I saw something in him that I felt like was worth recommending to Rick (Hendrick) to put him in the car, and it’s turned out the way it has. [Q] What do you want your legacy to be? As a racecar driver, first and foremost you want to be recognized for what you did on the track. It’s more than just stats. It’s how you raced. It’s how much effort you put into it — passion. There’s a lot of people that don’t know the things I do off the track, behind the scenes. I’ve tried to do the best I possibly could to represent my team, my sponsors, drive the racecar best I could, utilize that to help other people through my foundation and help others’ foundations as well as give back to the fans. … It’s been a heck of a ride. Gordon, far left: Action Sports, Inc.; Petty: Harrison McClary/Athlon Sports; SNL: Dana Edelson/ NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images; With Evernham: Focus on Sport/Getty Images [Q] Do you ever look at With football season set to kick off, now is a good time to talk about another favorite pastime — drinking a beer while watching the game. We sat down for a cold one with Redhook Ale Brewery’s Nick Crandall, who gave us his expert opinion on everything from tailgating tips to Andre the Giant drinking 150 beers once upon a time. (And don’t forget, always find a designated driver and tip your bartender.) Cheers! ////////////// [Q] There’s a tall tale that Andre the Giant once drank 150 beers in one sitting. Do you believe that? Is that what it would take to get buzzed if you’re 7'4" and 500 pounds? I do believe that the 8th Wonder of the World drank 150 beers, but I also believe that he was a little more than “buzzed” after that. [Q] Do you have any tailgating tips? Plan ahead and always start early. [Q] What’s the best drinking game to play while tailgating? I’m a big fan of cornhole, especially drinking when your opponent scores or whenever either of you score. The more drinking, the better. [Q] What is the proper technique to pour a beer? Hold your glass at a 45-degree angle to start. Pour onto the side of the glass to reduce foaming. As the glass fills, slowly bring your glass back to vertical and create a little foam by giving some distance to the glass to create a nice thick head. [Q] What question are you asked most about beer? No doubt, how much beer I get to drink while I’m at work. [Q] How much beer do you get to drink while you’re at work? Depends on if the boss has gone home already. [Q] What’s your personal favorite beer that your company brews? Winterhook. Our winter seasonal changes a little each year, giving us a fresh new malty and hoppy beer each winter. [Q] What’s the optimal temperature for beer? It depends on the style. But generally, lagers are around 40°F and ales are around 50°F. But each beer sort of has a sweet spot. [Q] What food goes best with your Winterhook beer? Burritos. But I kind of just really love burritos. [Q] What’s the fastest way to make hot beer cold enough to drink? I’m going to say liquid nitrogen, but I wouldn’t recommend that for safety reasons. [Q] Which is the best way to serve beer: can, bottle or draft? I prefer draft, since you’re automatically putting it into a glass, allowing you to smell the beer and appreciate the flavors more. [Q] Why do some beers have fruit garnishes and others do not? Some beers don’t need them. 14 /// AthlonSports.com [Q] How many beers are too many for one sitting? I don’t know. I usually just end up standing. Crandall: Courtesy of Redhook Brewery; Beer pour, beer cube and burritos by iStock Photos A FAN /////////////////////////////////////////////////// ASK A BREWMASTER E K I L K N I R D