itles at super featherweight. Now he gets his second sho

When Stacie Wilhelm first tried out for roller derby in 2010 in Fort Collins, Colorado, she almost was turned away. But it wasnt a lack of skill that made the Choice City Rebels nudge her toward the exits.When I came to try out at first, the league didnt think I was old enough, said Wilhelm, who was actually 26 at the time but rolled with players much younger. I skated with the juniors because I hadnt skated much on quad skates. But, I also had to assure them that I was well over the minimum age, which was 18.Since then, the baby-faced assassin has developed into a prolific scorer and become one of the most versatile players in the game.Wilhelm, now a jammer for Denver Roller Derby, returns to the Womens Flat Track Derby Association championships this weekend in Portland, Oregon. Hosted by the leagues reigning world champion, the Rose City Rollers, the WFTDAs international competition starts Friday and features teams from four countries. The league champion will be crowned Sunday (9 p.m. ET, ESPNU).Since making Denvers travel squad four years ago -- and playing alongside USA World Cup skaters Tracy Akers, Shaina Serelson and Jes Rivas -- Wilhelm noticed a need to elevate intensity, both in terms of skating and overall athleticism.Part of my draw to derby originally was that it was a contact sport, Wilhelm said. My first league was all about the hitting, and [as a jammer] I had learned to hit and drive. Coming to Denver, I held onto that physical aspect, but had to deal with a much higher level of skating and fitness.Wilhelm, now 32, turned to CrossFit-style workouts and saw immediate benefits. But she felt the need for more.Two years ago, I helped create what we call Agility/Strength/Stability, and that was intentionally for Mile High Club, said Wilhelm, who has customized her workout for each skater after consulting with trainers and strength coaches.The first part was to help our skaters build muscle, and then move more into plyometrics with the aim to build that strength we wanted, and full-body endurance too, Wilhelm said.The Denver terrain has a lot to offer when it comes to fitness and endurance.I really enjoy road cycling and just being able to bike Colorado, said Wilhelm, who has completed the Copper Triangle, an annual 78-mile, two-day event that crosses three major mountain passes.For the adventurous Wilhelm, thats just the tip of the iceberg. Shes also accomplished in photography and film, and she has taken her lens and love of sport to Fiji and Africa. Wilhelm will soon be headed to Uganda for the fifth time.I went to school for film editing, said Wilhelm, who works professionally as a computer programmer. I wanted to eventually work with non-profits abroad, although I wasnt exactly sure in what capacity.She found her answer after talking with some friends who were stationed in Uganda. She is now producing videos on a volunteer basis to help a Ugandan orphanage called Bethesda International.She eventually plans to publish a coffee table book of her work abroad, along with stories about travel and people she has met.I love travel and learning about people, she said. Its also important to do whatever we can do, average people and non-profits, to help lift up people in other parts of the world.For now, her focus is lifting Denver. She has stepped up both her minutes and output in order to succeed.Shes one of the most positive influences on our team, Denver teammate Susy Pow said of Wilhelm, who won the WFTDAs playoff MVP award in September at the WFTDAs Columbia, South Carolina, divisional tournament.Even opponents speak highly.She is a great teammate because she is a great person, says former Denver teammate Serelson, who now plays in Australia with Victoria. She balances hard work with laughter, [and] drive with gratitude, making this roller derby world a better place.Best Cheap Lebrons . - Connor McDavid scored 53 seconds into overtime as the Erie Otters came from behind to defeat the visiting Guelph Storm 4-3 on Saturday in Ontario Hockey League action. Cheap Lebrons Online . According to a report from the Winnipeg Free Press, the Bombers will name Acting GM Kyle Walters to the post full time. http://www.cheaplebronsfromchina.com/ . According to a report from the Vancouver Province, the Lions are expected to replace former DC Rich Stubler with defensive backs coach Mark Washington. Cheap Lebrons From China .Y. -- Canadas Kaillie Humphries and Heather Moyse have another World Cup gold medal after winning the two-women bobsled race on Saturday in Lake Placid, N. Cheap Lebrons For Sale . If ever they start actually putting pictures beside words in the dictionary, the Blue Jays left-handers mug will appear beside “Consistency.Becoming a world champion for the first time isnt the only motivation driving Orlando Cruz ahead of his WBO lightweight title fight on Saturday.The Puerto Rican boxer wants to change perceptions, too.I want to quieten the homophobic people talking bad to the LGBT community, Cruz told The Associated Press. I want it more for all the gay athletes in the world.In 2012, Cruz became the first professional boxer to come out as openly homosexual while competing. Initially, he had reservations about making the announcement, considering the macho nature of his sport, but it turned out to be a good decision.Its just been support, support, support, Cruz said about the reaction of the boxing community -- fighters and fans -- toward him over the last four years.All the boxers respect my life, my decision. When Orlando Cruz walks into the ring, Orlando Cruz is separate from my sexual orientation. Orlando Cruz is a professional boxer.Cruz has fought nine times since coming out, one of which was against Mexican boxer Orlando Salido for the WBO featherweight title in 2013. Wearing rainbow-colored shorts to show his support for the gay community, Cruz was stopped in the seventh round.In the past year, he was won four straight fights, collecting continental titles at super featherweight. Now he gets his second shot at a world title in Cardiff, Wales, this weekend, when the 35-year-old Cruz moves up to the lightweight division to fight Terry Flanagan, an undefeated BBritish boxer.ddddddddddddWhen the fight was announced, Cruz spoke of his determination to become the first openly gay world champion.Its a big moment for me, a big moment for my community, a big moment for my country, Puerto Rico, Cruz told the AP in a telephone interview from Cardiff.I want that other (gay) athletes are not scared to walk into the society. Dont be scared. Be happy with your life, and happy with your decision. All people are the same.It will be Cruzs first fight in Europe and he is looking forward to experiencing what is usually an intense atmosphere at the Motorpoint Arena. Cruz, nicknamed El Fenomeno, said he wasnt expecting any hostility toward him from outside the ring.His biggest concern should be Flanagan.The Manchester-born fighter is making the fourth defense of his title since becoming world champion in July last year. He is unbeaten in 31 fights.Hes not tougher, hes just different, Cruz said. My real weight is 130 pounds, so Ive upped by five pounds. Ive trained to get stronger and run more. On Saturday, I need to walk into the ring strong.Cruz believes it is his time. He said he has more mentality, more focus and is comfortable with his life. In February, he married his partner, Jose Manuel Colon, who will watching on TV from their home in Puerto Rico.Its my dream, Cruz said. Its my moment. ' ' '