Bolts From The Blue: All Posts by Jenna LittleAn Unofficial Los Angeles Chargers Blog Created By The Fans, For The Fanshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47753/btfb-fv.png2014-10-18T14:00:03-07:00https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/authors/jenna-little/rss2014-10-18T14:00:03-07:002014-10-18T14:00:03-07:00Corey Liuget Designs Shirt for Game Against Chiefs
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<figcaption>Andy Lyons</figcaption>
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<p>San Diego Chargers' defensive lineman Corey Liuget co-designed a shirt for this Sunday's match-up against the Kansas City Chiefs.</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers">Chargers</a>' defensive tackle <span>Corey Liuget</span> co-designed a t-shirt specially for Sunday's game against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a>.</p>
<p>Liuget created the shirt with Rivalry Wear, an apparel company that tosses players from rivaling teams into a clothing duel of sorts. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.rivalrywear.com/active-rivalries/9/">Liuget's t-shirt will compete against a design by the Chiefs' Jeff Allen</a> to see whose will sell more. On the Rivalry Wear website, fans bid on the shirt they want to buy, and for every ten bids made on a shirt, the price goes down one dollar for everyone.</p>
<p>Liuget's design boasts a big "KO KC", which I assume means "Knockout Kansas City". Allen's says, "Arrowhead Tailgate Association, Kansas City, MO", which I assume pays homage to an association made up by <span>Jeff Allen</span>.</p>
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<p>The story behind the shirt battle extends beyond Sunday's game. Liuget and Allen were college roommates, and teammates, at the University of Illinois, and were in the same recruiting class of 2008. While their shirts go head-to-head, we'll also see Liuget and Allen face-off on the field on Sunday as they play on opposite sides of the ball.</p>
<p>Hopefully Liuget wins both online against Allen, and on the field Sunday with the Chargers.</p>
https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2014/10/18/6999175/corey-liuget-designs-t-shirt-for-sundays-game-against-the-chiefsJenna Little2014-08-19T15:01:37-07:002014-08-19T15:01:37-07:00Chargers Show Love to Fans Through Social Media
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<figcaption>Donald Miralle</figcaption>
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<p>San Diego Charger players' tweets and Instagram photos showcase how they engage with fans and give back to the community.</p> <p>If you find the time -- or the need -- to relax your brain and step away from pre-season analyzing and speculating, scroll on down. <br><br>After hours of stalking Charger players' Twitter and Instagram feeds, I found a hefty amount of off-season posts to reassure Bolt fans that players reciprocate their adoration and appreciate the love. Perhaps these will help ease the headache from the Charger's recent loss to the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Seahawks</a>, or at least put a small smile on your blue and gold painted faces.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Note, these are listed in no particular order:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Nick Hardwick</span> helped educate elementary school kids about water safety.<b><br>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/EdHarrisSD/status/473600980563415042" target="_blank"><img src="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/assets/4911994/hardwickwater_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Hardwickwater_medium"></a> </b></div>
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<p><span>Antonio Gates</span> recruited volunteers through the United Way Draft to help young people stay active and healthy.<b><br>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/AntonioGates85/statuses/464137026845937664" target="_blank"><img width="360" height="142" src="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4912018/GatesUnitedWay_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Gatesunitedway_medium"></a></b></div>
</b><span><br>Dwight Freeney</span> did push-ups with small children on his back.<b><br>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/SDALLSTARS/statuses/456631886471651330" target="_blank"><img width="400" height="310" src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4912034/Freeneykids_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Freeneykids_medium"></a> </b></div>
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<p><span>Ryan Mathews</span> wished his Twitter followers good morning. Likewise, Ryan!<b><br>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/rmathews24/statuses/314396436106199041" target="_blank"><img src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4912042/Mathewsmorning_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Mathewsmorning_medium"></a> </b></div>
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<p>Mathews also retweeted the PJ Prince of Bmore's tweet (per the Prince's request) for his 40th birthday.<b><br>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/RavenzRock/status/357369011467587587" target="_blank"><img src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4911802/Mathewsbday_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Mathewsbday_medium"></a> </b></div>
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<p><span>Corey Liuget</span> professed his love for S.D. and gave a shout-out to an artist fan.<b><br>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/CoreyLiuget/statuses/480082055787593729" target="_blank"><img width="313" height="364" src="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/assets/4912050/Liugetartist_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Liugetartist_medium"></a> </b></div>
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<p>#CoreyLovesTheKids. Enough said.<b><br>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12px;"><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/CoreyLiuget/status/500031569516826624"><img src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4912058/Liugetcamp_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Liugetcamp_medium"></a> </b></div>
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<p>Apparently Liuget is also very responsive. Maybe he'll even retweet this post... @CoreyLiuget @CoreyLiuget @CoreyLiuget.<b><br>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12px;"><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/CHARGERCHICK310/status/499410388933292032"><img src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4911818/Liugetretweetsresponds_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Liugetretweetsresponds_medium"></a> </b></div>
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<p><span>Antonio Garay</span> offered his Twitter followers sound advice.<b><br>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/antoniogaray71/statuses/489064959041478656" target="_blank"><img src="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4912074/Garayadvice_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Garayadvice_medium"></a></b></div>
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<p>...and was also one of many <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers" class="sbn-auto-link">Chargers</a> who took on the trending ice bucket challenge to raise awareness for ALS.<b><br>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12px;"><a target="_blank" href="http://instagram.com/p/rYPAbXlq52/"><img width="233" height="294" src="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4911834/Garayphoto_medium.PNG" class="photo" alt="Garayphoto_medium"></a></b></div>
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<p>Darrell Stuckey spared Charger fans the angst of seeing him smiling with a Packer fan.<b><br>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12px;"><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/AleniHernandez/status/493449510798913537"><img width="367" height="282" src="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4911850/Stuckypackerfan_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Stuckypackerfan_medium"></a> </b></div>
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<p>...and later smiled with Bolt kid fans after practice.<b><br>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12px;"><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/smmycantu/status/493168353738248193"><img width="401" height="303" src="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4911858/Stuckysmileswithkids_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Stuckysmileswithkids_medium"></a> </b></div>
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<p><span>Vincent Brown</span> chatted it up with participants at a surf camp for little people.<b><br>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12px;"><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/rgambrell/status/488097959205036033"><img width="426" height="269" src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4911870/Brownsurfing_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Brownsurfing_medium"></a></b></div>
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<p><span>Seyi Ajirotutu</span> tought kids some of his tricks at a youth football camp.<b><br>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12px;"><a target="_blank" href="http://instagram.com/p/qXQHVVtpSy/"><img width="292" height="364" src="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/assets/4911898/Ajirotutucamp_medium.PNG" class="photo" alt="Ajirotutucamp_medium"></a> </b></div>
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<p>...and was grateful to make this little girl (me included, I hope) smile.<b><br>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12px;"><a target="_blank" href="http://instagram.com/p/mjsE2MNpbH/"><img width="290" height="365" src="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4911914/Ajirotutugirl_medium.PNG" class="photo" alt="Ajirotutugirl_medium"></a></b></div>
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<p>...and served lunch for the STAR/Pal Luncheon alongside the great Aztec basketball coach Steve Fisher.<b><br>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12px;"><a target="_blank" href="http://instagram.com/p/nhCvutNpVy/?modal=true"><img width="264" height="364" src="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4911922/Ajirotutufisher_medium.PNG" class="photo" alt="Ajirotutufisher_medium"></a></b></div>
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<p><span>Danny Woodhead</span> was super excited to stay with the Chargers.<b><br>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/danny__woodhead/statuses/491713304599875584" target="_blank"><img src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4912082/Woodheadexcited_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Woodheadexcited_medium"></a></b></div>
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<p>...and inadvertently gave his followers a restaurant recommendation.<b><br>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/danny__woodhead/statuses/491599150346027009" target="_blank"><img width="291" height="383" src="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/assets/4912090/Woodheadrestaurant_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Woodheadrestaurant_medium"></a> </b></div>
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<p>Rookie Brandon Flowers had "so much fun" supporting PETA/being nice to animals.<b><br>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/BFlowers24/statuses/488801206794334209" target="_blank"><img width="299" height="355" src="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/assets/4912122/Flowerspeta_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Flowerspeta_medium"></a> </b></div>
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<p><span>Brandon Ghee</span> visited San Diego's Southwest Middle School for the Play60 initiative.<b><br>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12px;"><a href="http://instagram.com/p/o1n1xAoHT6/" target="_blank"><img width="267" height="365" src="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4911986/Gheesouthwest_medium.PNG" class="photo" alt="Gheesouthwest_medium"></a></b></div>
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<p><span>Donald Butler</span> was gleeful to see Charger fans.<b><br>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/DAButler56/statuses/495676698239565824" target="_blank"><img src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4912154/Butlerexcited_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Butlerexcited_medium"></a> </b></div>
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<p>...and supported the Padres.<b><br>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/DAButler56/statuses/490982105506004992" target="_blank"><img width="307" height="319" src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4912170/Butlerpadres_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Butlerpadres_medium"></a> </b></div>
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<p><span>Keenan Allen</span> accepted the ALS ice bucket challenge too.<b><br>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12px;"><a href="http://instagram.com/p/r0yExVMcap/" target="_blank"><img width="262" height="365" src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4911954/AllenALS_medium.PNG" class="photo" alt="Allenals_medium"></a></b></div>
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<p>Thomas Kaiser and Michael Harris stayed late after practice to hang out with fans.<b><br>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12px;"><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/karenluvssports/status/496514102333046784"><img width="414" height="289" src="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4911962/KaiserHarrisstaylate_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Kaiserharrisstaylate_medium"></a> </b></div>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><span>Nick Novak</span>, <span>Mike Scifres</span> and <span>Mike Windt</span> visited Rady Children's Hospital.<b><a href="https://twitter.com/9nicknovak/statuses/476036336450035712" target="_blank"><img width="350" height="341" src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4912186/Novakradys_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Novakradys_medium"></a></b></p>
<p><span>Jake Byrne</span>, Type 1 Diabetic, is always an open book when it comes to questions about diabetes.<b><br>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/sugarfreejb82" target="_blank"><img width="220" height="274" src="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/assets/4911978/Byrnediabetes_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Byrnediabetes_medium"></a></b></div>
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<p><span>Eddie Royal</span> hinted that he'd be nothing without the fans.<b><br>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12px;"><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/EddieRoyalWR/status/499301441849131008"><img width="362" height="225" src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4911938/Royalroots_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Royalroots_medium"></a> </b></div>
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https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2014/8/19/6043897/san-diego-charger-players-show-love-to-fans-through-social-mediaJenna Little2014-07-20T09:00:02-07:002014-07-20T09:00:02-07:00Chargers Host Kids Football Camp
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The San Diego Chargers sign on to teach kids the values of fitness and character.</p> <p><span>Imagine if every child was active for 60 minutes a day. Child obesity -- an increasing national epidemic -- would likely decline, kids would embrace the importance of fitness and health, and maybe even use that daily hour to hone their developing physical skills to someday become pro athletes. <br><br>Aligning with these ideals, on July 21 and July 22 the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers" class="sbn-auto-link">Chargers</a>, along with the NFL, will partner with Hall of Fame offensive tackle Anthony Muñoz and the Muñoz Agency to offer kids a two-day football camp at Sweetwater High School in National City.<br><br>The NFL Play 60 Character Camp will host approximately 800 boys and girls from local youth organizations who have little or no football experience. Most of the kids attending the camp will be Hispanic in support of the NFL's year-long Hispanic outreach campaign.<br><br>Working together with USA Football and its NFL FLAG curriculum, </span><span><span>Muñoz and the Chargers' own <span>Brad Sorensen</span> and Andrew Gachkar will teach </span>the kids basic football skills. The kids will also be encouraged to be active for an hour a day as part of the NFL Play 60 initiative. The importance of character values -- a </span><span><span><span>central component to the mission of the Anthony Muñoz Foundation -- </span></span>will be emphasized at the camp as well</span><span>.<br><br>If we're looking to inspire "the future" to lead healthier lives, the NFL Play 60 Character Camps provide a fantastic program model. "Hey, kids, want to throw around a football with a Hall-of-Famer and two players from your favorite team in sunny San Diego?" Oh, to be a kid again.<br><br>Thanks to the Chargers for co-signing these impactful initiatives and for continuing to serve the San Diego community time and again.<br></span></p>
https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2014/7/20/5919605/chargers-host-nfl-play-60-character-camp-for-kidsJenna Little2014-04-07T13:00:04-07:002014-04-07T13:00:04-07:00Charger Girls Auditions: Meet girls from Day 1
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<figcaption>Jenna Little</figcaption>
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<p>Each year, the San Diego Chargers hold open tryouts when searching for new cheerleaders. Get to know a few "Charger Girl" hopefuls from the first round of auditions.</p> <p>Over 300 girls arrived at the University of San Diego's Jenny Craig Pavilion Sunday to compete for only 28 open spots on the Charger Girls team.</p>
<p>After stretching and warming up, the girls gathered on the gym floor to learn a complex dance routine later performed in front of a judges' panel. Less than 200 were chosen to stay for a second round and perform another choreographed dance. From there, the judges chose just 71 girls to move on to the final stages of auditions this week, where they will be interviewed and showcase a dance they personally choreograph.</p>
<p>It's not only the newbie hopefuls who have to go through the audition process - even veteran Charger Girls are required to audition for the team again; meaning your favorite Charger Girl from last season may not be featured in the 2014-15 calendar.</p>
<p>The 2014-15 Charger Girl roster will be officially announced by the end of this week, after Thursday's final round.</p>
<p>In addition to attending every home game and mandatory practice twice a week, each girl who makes the team is required to participate at community events throughout the season.</p>
<p>We caught up with a few girls to ask them about the most memorable community contributions they've made - or hopefully, will make - with the team, plus some other questions.</p>
<h4><a href="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4254207/IMG_2770.JPG" target="_blank"><img alt="Img_2770_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4254207/IMG_2770_medium.JPG" align="left" height="328" hspace="10" vspace="5" width="231"></a></h4>
<h4><strong>Stephanie</strong></h4>
<p><strong>Where are you from?</strong><br>Corona, CA, so not too far away.</p>
<p><strong>How long have you been a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers">Chargers</a> fan?</strong><br>All my life pretty much. I've been a Chargers fan for as long as I can remember. [Being a Charger Girl] has always been a dream of mine. This is definitely my #1 NFL team.</p>
<p><strong>If you make the Charger Girls, what off-the-field events are you looking forward to the most?</strong><br>My number one would be the school visits and getting together with the kids. I love kids!</p>
<p><strong>If you could be any cartoon character, who would it be?</strong><br>Being a redhead, I would be the Little Mermaid. I have that fun, bubbly personality and I'm really social and really outgoing so I think I would fit that character. I've always wanted to be her!</p>
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<h4><a href="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4254237/IMG_2775.JPG" target="_blank"><img alt="Img_2775_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4254237/IMG_2775_medium.JPG" align="left" height="325" hspace="10" vspace="5" width="226"></a></h4>
<h4>Clarisse</h4>
<p><strong>Where are you from?</strong><br>San Diego, CA</p>
<p><strong>How long have you been a Charger Girl?</strong><br>I'm trying out for my fourth season.</p>
<p><strong>How long have you been a Chargers fan?</strong><br>I've been a lifelong Chargers fan, because I'm from San Diego, so I grew up watching the Chargers. I remember them going to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">the Super Bowl</a> in '94.</p>
<p><strong>What's the most memorable community contribution you've made with the Charger Girls?</strong><br>This year was really special for us because we were really involved with the military. I organized a letter collection drive through Operation Gratitude on behalf of our team. The girls wrote letters to soldiers or guys deployed, and we sent it off to Operation Gratitude who sent it to deployed troops. It really meant a lot to us. Our calendar was military-themed.</p>
<p><strong>What is your favorite thing about San Diego?</strong><br>That's a really hard one because there are a lot of nice things about San Diego. Every time I have friends come visit me, I can't even pick one thing to go and show them. But I would probably say Balboa Park - it's got a lot of history to it, it's a beautiful place to be - you can take families there, you can take pets there. On a really nice day, it's just nice to walk around to enjoy it with your friends and loved ones.</p>
<p><strong>If you could be any cartoon character, who would it be?</strong><br>Rugrats. When I was a kid, I always wanted to be on the Rugrats and go on these fun adventures that Tommy, Pickles and his friends would go on!</p>
<h4> <a href="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4254279/IMG_2791.JPG" target="_blank"><img alt="Img_2791_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4254279/IMG_2791_medium.JPG" align="left" height="356" hspace="10" vspace="5" width="170"></a> Tinaiya</h4>
<p><strong>How long have you been a Charger Girl?</strong><br>I just completed my rookie season. I'm auditioning for my sophomore season.</p>
<p><strong>What's the most memorable community contribution you've made with the Charger Girls?</strong><br>Selling calendars to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project. I had a friend pass away in Afghanistan, so I felt like I was doing my part. It really touched my heart to be able to help other people's families and give in that special way that usually people don't get to.</p>
<p><strong>What's your favorite thing about San Diego?</strong><br>I love the beach! I live like two blocks from the beach, and I can just walk to the beach and lay on the sand and read a book. It's amazing.</p>
<p><strong>If you could be any cartoon character, who would it be?</strong><br>Jessica Rabbit. She's so hot.</p>
<p><strong>Do you have a favorite taco shop in San Diego?</strong><br>Alberto's in Pacific Beach.</p>
https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2014/4/7/5591192/charger-girls-auditions-meet-girls-from-day-1Jenna Little2014-03-11T13:00:03-07:002014-03-11T13:00:03-07:00Chargers PR Director Seeks to Cure Wife's Disease
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<p>Bill Johnston's wife has been living with Huntington's Disease (HD) for over a decade. Since her diagnosis, he's advocated for educating others about HD and finding a cure.</p> <p>"You'd be amazed at how much a person can take on," Bill Johnston told me when I asked how he's able to handle such a busy schedule. <span>The response was a nod to his resilient and dedicated character.</span></p>
<p>Bill's wife Ramona was diagnosed with Huntington's Disease (HD) in 1999. Bill, and many others I spoke to about their experience with HD, confessed the same thing: "I didn't know anything about HD before I was affected by it."</p>
<p>HD is referred to as "the devil of all diseases." The neurodegenerative disorder is described as a package of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Lou Gehrig's. A person living with HD gradually loses the ability to mentally and physically function. Like Ramona, most HD victims are sent to live in nursing homes because of the full-time care they eventually require.</p>
<p>Mindy, a volunteer for the San Diego Chapter of the Huntington's Disease Society of America (HDSA) told me, "I wouldn't wish the disease on anyone. Not even my worst enemy." Her father died of HD two years ago and her older brother is now living with it. HD is also hereditary.</p>
<p>While Mindy tested negative for HD, her younger brother refuses to see if he carries the gene. "If one of your parents has HD, you have a 50/50 shot at getting it," she said. "His son wants to get tested, but he won't, because if he tests positive, his dad will know he has it."</p>
<p>Bill shares a similar experience to Mindy. After Ramona was diagnosed, Bill said "it took [him] a while to come to terms with the whole thing." His daughter and son were 11 and 14-years-old, respectively, and he had to explain the disease to them. The whole family would witness Ramona slowly deteriorate before their eyes, and he had to tell his kids they could have HD too.</p>
<p>For a while his son had a very hard time dealing with their new reality, but he tested negative for HD when he turned 18 and "he's doing great now."</p>
<p>Bill's daughter Hayley has chosen not to get tested. "It's her decision," he said. "She knows she will have to be tested once things like having a family come up."</p>
<p>The Johnston family could keep their experience with HD private, but they don't. Bill said when he and Ramona found out she had HD, "We made a commitment to each other that we wouldn't hide."</p>
<p>Bill and Hayley raise awareness and funds by running. On Sunday, Bill ran the <a href="http://www.sdhalfmarathon.com/" target="_blank">San Diego Half Marathon</a>, along with Ramona who he pushed in a specially-crafted chair, in support of HDSA.</p>
<p>Bill and Hayley are on the board of directors for HDSA's San Diego Chapter as is former Charger lineman <span>Mike Goff</span> and his wife Jessica. Dean and Susie Spanos are on the Chapter's Advisory Board.</p>
<p>The San Diego Chapter of HDSA is the top fundraising chapter of all 54 chapters and affiliates. When I mentioned this to Mindy, she responded, "It's because of Bill." She added that "Charger players always come out to the events to support him."</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers" class="sbn-auto-link">Chargers</a> have been behind Bill's fight since Ramona's diagnosis.</p>
<p>"From the moment I stepped into Dean Spanos' office to tell him Ramona [had HD]," he told me, "they've been nothing but supportive." He mentioned a long list of past and current players who have aided in his mission, including <span>Antonio Gates</span>, <span>LaDainian Tomlinson</span>, <span>Marcellus Wiley</span>, <span>Kris Dielman</span>, Mike Goff, <span>Philip Rivers</span> and Nick Hardwick. Gates has served as Honorary Chair of the organization's annual <a href="https://www.hdsa.org/sdch/sdevents/shoot-to-cure-hd.html" target="_blank">Shoot to Cure HD</a> event.</p>
<p>As the Chargers' Director of Public Relations for 24 years, Bill has outlasted countless personnel changes, well and poorly-played seasons, and his fair share of media whirlwinds. So just like his career, and Sunday's half-marathon, he will stick-out the fight against HD.</p>
<p>Before our conversation ended, Bill left me with this: "They've discovered the gene that causes HD, so now it's just a matter of figuring out how to solve it." He told me that as long as people continue to educate, fund and perform research, a cure can be found. The finish line is in view, they just need a means to get there.</p>
<p>The openness Bill demonstrates in regard to his personal plight is a testament to his brave and resilient character. Congratulations to Bill and Ramona on another step over the finish line on Sunday. Keep running. Keep fighting.</p>
<p><i>Visit <a href="http://www.hdsa.org" target="_blank">www.hdsa.org</a> to learn more about Huntington's Disease, and to see how you can help.</i></p>
https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2014/3/11/5493450/the-chargers-pr-director-and-his-familys-battle-against-huntingtonsJenna Little2014-02-25T12:00:02-08:002014-02-25T12:00:02-08:00Little Fam, Big Fans - BFTB's New Street Team
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/M2Hb3-ZsYggzaLXMpzunt7c-Cyg=/0x463:4000x3130/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/29135291/20130909_kdl_ah2_056.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Introducing the Littles and their plan to provide BFTB with warm and fuzzy stories about the Chargers in the community. Awww...</p> <p><span>We imagine some of you may be wondering why BFTB would hire a Partridge-type sounding family to hit the streets and write. Well, the head scratching can cease!</span></p>
<p>There's no need to bombard you with our family history (a legacy that may or may not be filled with a plethora of juicy controversial events that changed the world as we know it. HA! ...you'll never know!).</p>
<p>To sum us up, we are the Littles – two siblings and a cousin – and in no way does our surname describe our level of Bolt-fandom. Christina has been known to cry after losses, by the way.</p>
<p>One of our favorite fan activities is getting to know the players beyond the stats, X’s and O’s, highlight reels, and stock interview answers. We like personal stories of how players have overcome adversity, stories about weird habits and random interests, stories that make your tummy feel funny in the good kinda way, and stories that make you feel like less of a man for having that little fly in your eye. Our mission is to find more of these happy tales and share them with all of you.</p>
<p>Having grown up in San Diego, we love this town beyond words! America's Finest City lives up to its moniker day-in and day-out and there’s no doubt that San Diego has made its way into the hearts of our beloved <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers" class="sbn-auto-link">Chargers</a>.</p>
<p>Throughout the year we'll showcase stories on how the Bolts reciprocate their love back to the city and us fans, and how awesome they are off the field. We’ll be on-scene for things like 5k runs, school visits, and (crossing our fingers for this one) the Chargers forming a human ladder to save an elderly lady from the fourth floor of a burning building.</p>
<p>May the heart-warming commence! But before you run to Costco for bulk-sized Kleenex, here’s a Little about us (we promise the puns will be short-lived):</p>
<ul>
<li> <span>Jenna Little // </span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/hafalittlej" style="background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">hafalittlej</a><span>: I have a recurring dream that I'm playing with little white tiger cubs. ...My dreams are better than yours.</span> </li>
<li> <span>Christina Little // </span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/sdboltbasics" style="background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">sdboltbasics</a><span>: Each day I can be found wearing the remnants of my son’s boogers, slobber, or food. As gross as that is, it always makes me smile.</span> </li>
<li> <span>Erin // </span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/goodomen" style="background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">goodomen</a><span>: I’m a dude, no seriously I am, just like Leslie O’Neal, Marion Butts, and Bambi. Boom! I’m into the Wu-Tang Clan, falafels, and for some reason, running.</span> </li>
</ul>
<p><i>(<b>Editor's Note: </b>The above article was written, collectively, by all three Littles. In the future, Christina, Jenna, and Erin will be writing separately from one another.)</i></p>
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https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2014/2/25/5445052/little-fam-big-fans-bftbs-new-street-teamJenna Little