John Zant, Author at The Santa Barbara Independent

Sports By John Zant | Thu Oct 25, 2007 | 6:00am

Santa Barbara’s 48th Big Game and Other Sports Headlines

It may seem over-the-top to call a high school football matchup “The Big Game” in capitalized words, but that’s been the tradition for three generations of San Marcos and Santa Barbara High players. The Royals and Dons will clash in the 48th Big Game on Friday, October 26, at San Marcos. Kickoff will be at 5 p.m., two hours earlier than usual, so that the security detail will be available later for the start of the Halloween weekend in Isla Vista.

Living By John Zant | Thu Oct 18, 2007 | 6:00am

S.B.-Born Spilborghs Cleans Up in Colorado

Ryan Spilborghs is as American as apple pie and as unique as guava gelato.

“I might be the only Belgian-Guatemalan human being, besides my sister,” Spilborghs said, when asked whether any other Major League ballplayer had similar blood lines.

Sports By John Zant | Thu Oct 04, 2007 | 6:00am

The Catch Heard ‘Round the World

“We do not remember days,” wrote the Italian novelist Cesare Pavese. “We remember moments.”

Living By John Zant | Thu Sep 27, 2007 | 6:00am

A Visit to Angel Stadium with Super Fan Phil Womble

Phil Womble’s screeching voice echoed through the corridor in the bowels of Angel Stadium.

Living By John Zant | Thu Sep 20, 2007 | 6:00am

UCSB Women Kick Off Season as Americans Fight for Victory in China

The first month of the football season is a tough time for women’s soccer to come out of the shadows, even though the game is better than ever, better than it was eight years ago when Brandi Chastain displayed her abs.

Sports By John Zant | Thu Sep 13, 2007 | 6:00am

A High School, College, and Pro Football Round-Up with Soccer and Volleyball Bits

There were lots of shiny things on the opening night of high school football: the lights at Valley Stadium, the brass band instruments, the golden helmets of the Dos Pueblos Chargers, and the foil-wrapped tri-tip sandwiches, a meal that never fails to satisfy.

Sports By John Zant | Thu Sep 06, 2007 | 6:00am

SBCC Has Its Home Opener on September 8

Hunter Easterling was a whale of a football player on Orcas Island in the Pacific Northwest. He scored 28 touchdowns in his senior year for the Island High Vikings. But at 5Ê¹8Ê° and 150 pounds, he wasn’t attracting big-time college recruiters. So the speedy wide receiver looked to continue his gridiron career at a Southern California community college. His search ended at a place reminiscent of his scenic home.

Sports By John Zant | Thu Aug 30, 2007 | 6:00am

UCSB National Soccer Champs Kick Off Against Westmont

UCSB’s defending national soccer champions unveiled their version of David Beckham last Saturday night. Early in their exhibition game against Westmont College, the Gauchos were awarded a free kick about 25 yards out from the goal. Sophomore midfielder Ciaran O’Brien stepped forward and swung his foot into the ball.

Sports By John Zant | Mon Aug 27, 2007 | 10:13am

Lyndon Lea’s Zacara Wins Polo Tourney

The third time was the charm for Lyndon Lea in the Pacific Coast Open. His team Zacara won the prestigious tournament on Sunday.

Sports By John Zant | Thu Aug 23, 2007 | 6:00am

Polo’s Pacific Coast Open Rolls On in Santa Barbara

The beauty of polo is the synchronization of horse and rider, making it the fastest ball game in the world. With the horses topping 30 miles per hour, it is safe to say that the games at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club last Sunday afternoon were moving faster than the thick southbound traffic on nearby Highway 101 through Carpinteria.

John Zant

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