official name	Lagos| image_skyline Lagos Island.jpg
native name	Èkó
image seal	Lagos_Seal.png
map caption	City of Lagos showing main urban areas
pushpin map	Nigeria
pushpin mapsize	300
pushpin map caption	Lagos shown within Nigeria
coordinates region	NG
subdivision type	Country
subdivision name
subdivision type1	State
subdivision name1	Lagos State
subdivision type2	LGA
subdivision name2	Lagos Island
leader party	ACN
leader title	Governor
leader name	Babatunde Fashola
area footnotes
area urban km2	999.6
population as of	2006 census, preliminary
population total	7,937,932
population density km2	7,941
population density sq mi	20,170
timezone	WAT
utc offset	+1
coordinates display	title
website	lagosstate.gov.ng
footnotes	}}

Lagos ( ; ) is a port and the most populous conurbation in Nigeria. With a population of 7,937,932, it is currently the third most populous city in Africa after Cairo and Kinshasa, and currently estimated to be the second fastest growing city in Africa (7th fastest in the world). Lagos is the economic and financial capital of Nigeria and was once the capital of Nigeria.

Lagos was originally inhabited by the Awori subgroup of the Yoruba people. Under the leadership of their Olofin the Awori moved to an island now called Iddo and then to the larger Lagos Island. In the 15th century the Awori settlement was attacked by the Benin Empire following a quarrel and the island became a Benin war-camp called "Eko" under Oba Orhogba, the Oba of Benin of the time.

Lagos is a huge metropolis which originated on islands separated by creeks such as Lagos Island that fringe the southwest mouth of Lagos Lagoon protected from the Atlantic Ocean by long sand spits such as Bar Beach which stretch up to 100 km east and west of the mouth. From the beginning Lagos has spread on the mainland west of the lagoon and the conurbation, including Ikeja and Agege, now reaches more than 40 km north-west of Lagos Island. There are suburbs like Ikorodu, Epe and Badagry and recently more local councils have been created to bring the total number of local governments in Lagos to 57.

History

Lagos was a war camp for the Benin Empire who called it ''Eko''. The Yoruba still use the name Eko to refer to Lagos. ''Lagos'' was a name given to the settlement by the Portuguese meaning "lakes". The present day Lagos state has a higher percent of Awori, who migrated to the area from Isheri along the Ogun river. Throughout history, it was home to a number of warring ethnic groups who had settled in the area. During its early settlement, it also saw periods of rule by the Benin Kingdom.

Portuguese explorer Rui de Sequeira visited the area in 1472, naming the area around the city ''Lago de Curamo''; indeed the present name is Portuguese for "lakes". Another explanation is that Lagos was named for Lagos, Portugal - a maritime town which at the time was the main centre of the Portuguese expeditions down the African coast and whose own name is derived from the Latin word ''Lacobriga''.

Lagos was formally annexed as the British Lagos Colony in 1861. This had the dual effect of crushing the slave trade and establishing British control over palm and other trades. The remainder of modern-day Nigeria was seized in 1887, and when the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria was established in 1914, Lagos was declared its capital. It continued to be the capital when Nigeria gained its independence from Britain in 1960. Along with migrants from all over Nigeria and other West African nations were the returnee ex-slaves known as Creoles that came from Freetown, Sierra Leone, Brazil and the West Indies to Lagos. The Creole workers had the advantage of Western Education and exposure to the wider world which was why they remained as the core of the African colonial staff of British administration. The Creoles contributed to Lagos' modernisation and their knowledge of Portuguese architecture can still be seen from the architecture on Lagos Island.

Lagos experienced rapid growth throughout the 1960s and 1970s as a result of Nigeria's economic boom prior to the Nigerian Civil War otherwise called the Biafran War. Lagos was the capital of Nigeria from 1914 up to 1991. The city was stripped of its status when the Federal Capital Territory was established at the purpose-built city of Abuja. On November 14, 1991, the Presidency and other federal government functions were finally relocated to the new Capital city of Abuja. However, most government functions stayed in Lagos for a time since Abuja was then under construction.

Geography

The Lagos Mainland

Most of the population live on the mainland, and most industries are located there too. Lagos is known for its music and night life, which used to be located in areas around Yaba and Surulere In recent years more night clubs have sprung on the island, making the island, particularly Victoria Island, the main nightlife attraction. Lagos Mainland districts include Ebute-Meta, Surulere, Yaba (location of the University of Lagos) and Ikeja, site of Murtala Muhammed International Airport and capital of Lagos State.

Greater Lagos includes Mushin, Maryland, Somolu, Oshodi, Oworonsoki, Isolo, Ikotun, Agege,Iju Ishaga, Egbeda, Ketu, Bariga, Ipaja, Ajah and Ejigbo.

The city of Lagos lies in south-western Nigeria, on the Atlantic coast in the Gulf of Guinea, west of the Niger River delta, located on longitude 3° 24' E and latitude 6° 27' N. On this stretch of the high-rainfall West African coast, rivers flowing to the sea form swampy lagoons like Lagos Lagoon behind long coastal sand spits or sand bars. Some rivers, like Badagry Creek, flow parallel to the coast for some distance before exiting through the sand bars to the sea. The two major urban islands of Lagos in Lagos Lagoon are Lagos Island and Victoria Island. These islands are separated from the mainland by the main channel draining the lagoon into the Atlantic Ocean, which forms Lagos Harbour. The islands are separated from each other by creeks of varying sizes and are connected to Lagos Island by bridges. The smaller sections of some creeks have been sand filled and built over, however.

The Islands of Lagos

Lagos Island

Lagos Island contains a central business district. This district is characterized by high-rise buildings. The island also contains many of the city's largest wholesale marketplaces (such as the popular Idumota and Balogun markets). It also has the National Museum of Nigeria, a Central mosque,Glover Memorial Hall, Christ's Cathedral (CMS), and the Oba palace. Though formerly in derelict condition, the Tinubu Square on the island is a site of historical importance; it was here that the Amalgamation ceremony that unified the North and South protectorate to form Nigeria took place in 1914.

Ikoyi

Ikoyi is situated on the eastern half of Lagos Island and joined to it by a landfill. Ikoyi is also connected to Victoria Island by a bridge carrying a main road over a Five Cowrie creek. Ikoyi housed the headquarter of the federal government of Nigeria and other buildings owned by the government -including the old federal secretariat complex. The complex today is on reestablishment. In Ikoyi there are military and police barracks, a top-security prison and a federal high court of Nigeria. Ikoyi also has a number of hotels, night clubs, a recreational park and one of Africa's largest golf courses. Originally a middle class neighbourhood, in recent years, it has become a fashionable residential enclave for the upper middle class to the upper class. There are also commercial activities in Ikoyi which is spotted in increasing number of offices, banks and shopping complexes. The commercial sections is concentrated in the South-West,SW.

Victoria Island

Victoria Island with its annex is situated to the south of Lagos Island. It has expensive real estate properties and for that reason, many new luxury condos and apartments are blooming up everywhere. Along with Ikoyi, Victoria Island occupies a major area in the suburbs of Lagos which boasts of several sizable shopping districts. On its sea shore along the Atlantic front, there is environmentally reconstructed Bar Beach.

Iddo

Across the main channel of the lagoon from Lagos Island, there is a smaller settlement called Iddo. Iddo is also a railroad terminus and it is situated on the mainland. It is now connected to the mainland like a peninsula.

Three major bridges join the island to the mainland. They are the Carter Bridge which start from Iddo, the Eko Bridge( formerly called the Second Mainland Bridge) and the Third Mainland Bridge -which passes through densely populated mainland suburbs through Lagos lagoon.

Climate

Lagos has a tropical savanna climate (Köppen climate classification Aw) that is similar to that of the rest of southern Nigeria. There are two rainy seasons, with the heaviest rains falling from April to July and a weaker rainy season in October and November. There is a brief relatively dry spell in August and September and a longer dry season from December to March. Monthly rainfall between May and July averages over , while in August and September it is down to and in December as low as . The main dry season is accompanied by harmattan winds from the Sahara Desert, which between December and early February can be quite strong.

Administration and demographics

In terms of administration, Lagos is not a municipality and has therefore no overall city administration. The Municipality of Lagos, which covered Lagos Island, Ikoyi and Victoria Island as well as some mainland territory, was managed by the Lagos City Council (LCC), but it was disbanded in 1976 and divided into several Local Government Areas (most notably Lagos Island LGA, Lagos Mainland LGA and Eti-Osa LGA). The mainland beyond the Municipality of Lagos, on the other hand, comprised several separate towns and settlements such as Mushin, Ikeja and Agege. In the wake of the 1970s Nigerian oil boom, Lagos experienced a population explosion, untamed economic growth, and unmitigated rural migration. This caused the outlying towns and settlements to develop rapidly, thus forming the Greater Lagos metropolis seen today. The history of Lagos is still evidenced in the layout of the LGAs which display the unique identities of the cultures that created them.

style="width:21%; text-align:center; background:#ccf;" 11.2 12.3 185.2 134.6 26.7 192.3 26.6 46.2 81.4 8.7 19.5 17,5 158.2 44.8 11.6 23.0 999.6

+ style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.1em; margin-bottom: 0.5em"	The 16 LGAs of Metropolitan Lagos
style="width:37%; text-align:center; background:#ccf;"	Land area(in km²) ||	Population(2006 Census)	Density(inh. per km²)
Agege	|	459,939	41,071
Ajeromi-Ifelodun	|	684,105	55,474
Alimosho	|	1,277,714	6,899
Amuwo-Odofin	|	318,166	2,364
Apapa(home of the main port of Lagos)	|	217,362	8,153
Eti-Osa(home of one of Lagos's largest business centres and of the upscale communities of Victoria Island (Nigeria)	Victoria Island and Ikoyi, formerly the residence of the Nigerian federal government)	|	287,785	1,496
Ifako-Ijaiye	|	427,878	16,078
Ikeja	|	313,196	6,785
Kosofe	|	665,393	8,174
Lagos Island(the historical centre and commercial core of the Lagos agglomeration)	|	209,437	24,182
Lagos Mainland	|	317,720	16,322
Mushin, Nigeria	Mushin	|	633,009	36,213
Ojo, Nigeria	Ojo	|	598,071	3,781
Oshodi-Isolo	|	621,509	13,886
Somolu (aka Shomolu)	|	402,673	34,862
Surulere	|	503,975	21,912
Metropolitan Lagos	|	7,937,932	7,941

Today, the word ''Lagos'' most often refers to the urban area, called "Metropolitan Lagos" in Nigeria, which includes both the islands of the former municipality of Lagos and the mainland suburbs. Lagos State government is responsible for some of the utilities including roads and transportation, power, water, health, and education. Metropolitan Lagos (a statistical division, and not an administrative unit) extends over 16 of the 20 LGAs of Lagos State, and contains 88% of the population of Lagos State, and includes semi-rural areas. Lagos City has a considerable amount of high rise buildings which makes up its skyline. Most of the tall buildings are located in around the downtown Central Business District.

Lagos was the former capital city of Nigeria but it has since been replaced by Abuja. Abuja officially gained its status as the capital of Nigeria on 12 December 1991, although the decision to move the federal capital had been made in now Act no. 6 of 1976. Lagos is also home to the High Court of the Lagos State Judiciary, housed in an old colonial building on Lagos Island.

Eko Atlantic City

Eko Atlantic City is a planned 21st century city to be constructed, intended to be built on land reclaimed from the Atlantic Ocean. Already, most of the land had been reclaimed. The proposed development is targeting 400,000 residents and 250,000 commuters flowing daily to the island. The project is planned to return the coast to its position in the 1950s and 1960s, reversing damage done by erosion.

Census data for Lagos

Although the 2006 National Population Census of Nigeria credited the metropolitan area with a population figure of 7,937,932, the figure is at variance with some projections by the UN and other population agencies and groups worldwide. The population figure of Lagos State given by the Lagos State Government is 17,553,924. It was based on conducted enumeration for social planning by the Lagos State Government and it believes that since the inhabitants of the metropolitan area of Lagos constitute 88% of the Lagos State population, the population of metropolitan Lagos is about 15.5 million. A rejoinder to Lagos State Government views concluded that "Lagos State concealed the fact that the population projection, for Lagos Urban Agglomeration by the UN agencies had been revised downwards substantially as early as 2003. It failed to interpret the two most important and fairly representative and reliable secondary data sets already in public domain, the National Identity Card Scheme and the 2003 Voters Registration figures from INEC. The recently released figures for 2007 Voters Registration by INEC were an act subsequent to the release of the provisional census results and comprehensively corroborate, vindicate and validate the population figures in no uncertain terms. The provisional population figure of Lagos State is therefore 9,013,534, and not 17,553,924.

According to the official results of the 2006 census, there are 8,048,430 inhabitants in Metropolitan Lagos. This figure is lower than what had been anticipated and has created a controversy in Nigeria. Lagos Island, the central Local Government Area and historic centre of Metropolitan Lagos, had a population of 212,700 as of the 2006 Census.

Authorities of Lagos State have attacked the results of the 2006 census, accusing the Nigerian National Population Commission of having undercounted the population of the state. This accusation is denied by the National Population Commission.

Lagos is, by most estimates, one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. Lagos is currently experiencing a population increase of about 275,000 persons per annum. In 1999 the United Nations predicted that the city's metropolitan area, which had only about 290,000 inhabitants in 1950, would exceed 20 million by 2010 and thus become one of the ten most populated cities in the world.

There is a huge spectrum of wealth distribution among the people that reside in Lagos. It ranges from the very wealthy to the very poor. Lagos has attracted many young people and families seeking a better life from all parts of Nigeria and beyond.

Economy

Lagos is Nigeria's most prosperous city, and much of the nation's wealth and economic activity are concentrated here. Most commercial and financial business is carried out in the central business district situated on the island. This is also where most of the country's commercial banks and financial institutions and major corporations are headquartered. Lagos has one of the highest standards of living as compared to other cities in Nigeria as well as in Africa.

The Port of Lagos is Nigeria's leading port and one of the largest and busiest in Africa. It is administered by the Nigerian Ports Authority and it is split into three main sections: Lagos port, in the main channel next to Lagos Island, Apapa Port (site of the container terminal) and Tin Can Port, both located in Badagry Creek, which flows into Lagos Harbour from the west. The port features a railhead.

The port has seen growing amounts of crude oil exported, with export figures rising between 1997 and 2000. Oil and petroleum products provide 14% of GDP and 90% of foreign exchange earnings in Nigeria as a whole.

Transport

Highways

Lagos has one of the largest and most extensive road networks in West Africa. Lagos has suburban terrains and has some ferry services. Highways are usually congested in peak hours, due in part to the geography of the city, as well as to its explosive population growth. Lagos is also linked by many highways and bridges.

The Lagos–Ibadan Expressway and the Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway are the major controlled-acess highways in the north of the city and serve as inter-state highways to Oyo State and Ogun State respectively. To the west the congested Lagos–Badagry Expressway serves outlying towns such as Festival Town, which was the location for the 1977 Festival of Black Arts and Culture 77.

Lagos's importance as a commercial centre and port and its strategic location have led to it being the end-point of three Trans-African Highway routes using Nigeria's national roads: The Trans–West African Coastal Highway leaves the city as the Badagry Expressway to Benin and beyond as far as Dakar and Nouakchott; The Trans-Sahara Highway to Algiers, which is close to completion, leaves the city as the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Lagos State recently implemented a bus rapid transit (BRT) system; the first phase was completed in February 2008. It is expected to operate along eight routes using specially designated bus rapid transit lanes running through the city, with the aim of expanding to other routes in the future. The first phase of the Lagos BRT runs 12 miles through Ikorodu Road and Funsho Williams Avenue up to CMS. After weeks of test runs, operations started on March 17, 2008, six months earlier than planned.

It has been estimated that the system will transport about 10,000 passengers in each direction per hour during peak travel times. The LAMATA bus rapid transit corridor covers a distance of about 22 kilometres in length. The system is run by two operators, NURTW Cooperative (Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers) and Lagbus, a Lagos State Government owned Asset Management Company which contributes about 180 high capacity buses for the implementation of the first phase Mile 12 to CMS BRT Lite system.

Rail

A planned railway line running through the Lagos metropolis is being constructed with plans of completion as early as 2012.

Ferries

Lagos State Ferry Services Corporation runs a few regular routes, for example between Lagos Island and the mainland, modern ferries and wharves. Private boats run irregular passenger services on the lagoon and on some creeks.

Air

Lagos is served by Murtala Mohammed International Airport, one of the largest airports in Africa and a top international air passenger gateway to Nigeria. The airport is located in the northern suburb of Ikeja and has Domestic and International Terminals. With 5.1 million passengers in 2008, the airport accounts for almost fifty percent of all air traffic in Nigeria. Outbound international travel from Murtala Mohammed Airport accounts for the majority of all air passengers traveling to and from Nigeria. The airport has recently undergone upgrades along with the addition of a new terminal.

Culture

Music and film industry

Lagos is famous throughout Africa for its music scene. Lagos has given birth to a variety of styles such as the Nigerian-styled Hip hop (Nigerian hip hop), Highlife, Juju, Fuji, and Afrobeat.

Lagos is the center of the Nigerian movie industry, often referred to as 'Nollywood.' Idumota market on Lagos Island is the primary distribution center. Many films are shot in the Festac area of Lagos.

The cinemas are gradually losing their supporters to the movie industry. Yoruba language films happen to be the most watched in the cinemas, followed by Indian films. Films are not premiered for a long period of time in the western sense, especially with Yoruba language films. Films in English are controlled mainly by the Igbos are the most popular and move directly from the studios to the market.

Iganmu is home to the primary centre for the performing arts and artistes in Nigeria: the National Arts Theatre .

Sport

As in other major cities of the world, football is Lagos' most popular sport. Prominent Lagos football clubs include Julius Berger FC, First Bank and Stationery Stores.

The Nigeria national football team, also known as the Super Eagles, used to play almost all of their home games in Lagos at the National Stadium in Surulere; however, games are now mostly played at the larger and newer Abuja National Stadium in Abuja, which is the default home of the Super Eagles.

Tourism

Lagos, subsequently to the re-modernization project achieved by the current administration of Governor Raji Babatunde Fashola, is gradually becoming a major tourist destination, being one of the largest cities in Africa and in the world. Lagos is currently taking steps to become a global city. The 2009 Eyo carnival (a yearly festival originated from Iperu Remo, Ogun State) which took place on April 25, was a step toward world city status. Currently, Lagos is primarily known as a business-oriented and a fast paced community. Lagos has a number of sandy beaches by the Atlantic Ocean. Two of the popular beaches include Bar Beach and Lekki Beach. However in January 2009, a privately owned zoo was commissioned in the epe area of Lagos as it serves as a home for many animals that originate from Africa.It is a fully endorsed project by the Lagos State Government. Lagos has a variety of hotels ranging from three star to five star hotels. Some of the popular hotels include Welcome Centre Hotels, Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Federal Palace Hotel, Stop Over Motels, Ikoyi Hotel, Sofitel Lagos Moorhouse Ikoyi, Eko Hotels And Suites, The AHI Residence and The Palmview Manor. Visitors are mostly attracted to Nigeria's rich culture, entertainment scenes and vitality which Lagos city offers. Tourist attractions include Oba's Palace, the Nigerian National Museum, Shrine of Fela, the beach resorts and Prophet T.B. Joshua's Synagogue, Church Of All Nations.

Education

The Lagos State Government operates state schools. The education system is the 6-3-3-4 system, which is practised throughout the country (as well as by many other ECOWAS states). The levels are Primary, Junior Secondary School (JSS), Senior Secondary School (SSS), and university. All children are offered basic education, with special focus now on the first nine years.

Lagos is home to seven postsecondary schools, universities and other vocational institutions that are either operated by the government or private entities.

Polytechnics

Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) : founded in 1934, the college is Nigeria's first higher educational institution and third in Africa. The college is a center of culture and heritage. Currently it has student enrollment of over 16,000.

Lagos State Polytechnic is a polytechnic comprising more than six schools including private polytechnics and was founded 25 years ago. Its main campus resides at Ikorodu, along Shagamu road.

Lagos City Polytechnic, Ikeja - This is the first private Polytechnic in Nigeria. It was established in 1990 by Engr. Babatunde Odufuwa. Engr. Odufuwa hails from Oke-Aye in Ijebu North East Local Government Area (I.N.E.L.G) of Ogun State.

Grace Polytechnic

Wolex Polytechnic

Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology is a monotechnic that offers courses in fisheries technology, general science, marine engineering and nautical science.

Federal College of Education (tech) Akoka

Universities

The Pan-African University is primarily a business school, offering two MBA programmes. Founded in 1996 and awarded University status in 2002, it consists of the Lagos Business School and of Enterprise Development Services. The University also places some emphasis on the study of art.

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) is a large institution dating from 1962, with over 35,000 students. It comprises 13 faculties, run by over 4,000 staff.

Lagos State University (LASU) is a multi-campus university established in 1984 and owned by the Lagos State government. The main campus is located at Ojoo, along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

National Open University of Nigeria National Open University is the first open university in Nigeria, it is located on Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos

Lagos State College of Health Technology(LASCOHET)Yaba- A mini institution that run health courses such as Health information Management, Pharmacist Technician, Medical Laboratary Technician,Community health extension worker and Environmental Health Technology, it is located in Yaba

Lagos State University College of Medicine, (LASUCOM), Ikeja

Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba-Mushin, Lagos.

Important people

:''Main article'': People from Lagos

The kings (obas) of Lagos, the keepers of traditions

Herbert Macauley

Henry Rawlingson Carr

Bola Tinubu

Babatunde Fashola

Fela Kuti

See also

2006 Abule Egba pipeline explosion

2006 Atlas Creek pipeline explosion

Lagos Island

Lagos State

Large Cities Climate Leadership Group

Treaty of Lagos

Notes and references

External links

;Government

Lagos State Government Official Site

Lagos State Judiciary Board

Lagos Nigeria The Ups and downs

More Pictures of Lagos

;News

The Punch daily newspaper

The Guardian daily newspaper

This Day daily newspaper

Vanguard daily newspaper

MyNaijaNews Online News Service Based in Lagos

Lagos State Online Lagos Community Website

;Other

Street map of Lagos street level map of lagos

http://www.pressplay360.com- online destination for Nigerian Entertainment Jist

Category:Populated places in Lagos State Category:Populated coastal places in Nigeria Category:Port cities and towns in Nigeria Category:Former national capitals

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Name	State Radio
Background	group_or_band
Origin	Sherborn, Massachusetts, U.S.
Genre	Alternative rock, ReggaePost punk
Years active	2002–present
Label	Fenway, Nettwerk, Ruff Shod
Associated acts	Dispatch
Website	stateradio.com
Current members	Chad Stokes UrmstonChuck FayMike Najarian
Past members	Brian SayersPete HalbyMatt ShardlowNikki Glaspie }}

State Radio is an alternative rock band from Sherborn, Massachusetts, consisting of Chad Urmston (lead vocals, guitar), Chuck Fay (bass) and Mike Najarian (drums). The band's first full-length album, ''Us Against the Crown'', was released in December 2005, their second, ''Year of the Crow'' in September 2007, and their most recent album, ''Let it Go'', in September 2009.

Biography

A Boston based trio band led by singer and primary songwriter Chad Urmston (a former member of Vermont jamsters Dispatch), State Radio largely managed to avoid the usual post-Phish clichés, injecting a punk-influenced sound and politically charged viewpoint while staying true to the tenets of the band's chosen style, which infuses a blend of Roots-Reggae, Ska, Punk and Rock.

Urmston, who disbanded Dispatch at the height of its popularity in 2002, formed State Radio later the same year. Focusing exclusively on guitar and vocals instead of the instrument switching he was previously known for, he brought in second guitarist Pete Halby, bassist Chuck Fay, and drummer Mike Greenfield to round out the lineup. After the exploratory debut EP Flag of the Shiners was released by Fenway Recordings in late 2002, State Radio went on a temporary hiatus throughout 2003 as Urmston recovered from throat surgery. Returning to active duty in 2004 as a slimmed-down trio with new drummer Brian Sayers, State Radio followed a second EP, Simmer Kane, with the release of 2005's Us Against the Crown. Another personnel change occurred before State Radio toured in support of the album, with drummer Mike Najarian replacing Sayers.

The sophomore effort Year of the Crow followed in fall 2007, bringing with it an emphasis on louder guitars and sociopolitical themes. State Radio reinforced such themes by launching service projects in each city the band visited, and Urmston briefly reconvened Dispatch for a three-night charity performance at Madison Square Garden, with funds going toward Zimbabwe relief. State Radio maintained such political awareness on 2009's Let It Go.

Official recording sessions for their third album began on November 3, 2008 in North Brookfield, Massachusetts at Long View Farm Studios. The album, entitled ''Let It Go'', was released on September 29, 2009.

Following the release of "Let It Go" State Radio launched their winter tour. The winter 2010 tour was titled "Lefty Rides Again" and visited many cities across the United States. State Radio also completed a small European tour during the last two weeks of March.

At the beginning of Summer 2010, State Radio embarked on a huge cross-country tour opening for John Butler Trio during their April Uprising North American Tour. This tour featured sold-out shows at the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater, Central Park Summerstage, and Boston's own Bank of America Pavilion. The latter 2 were co-headlining shows, while State Radio closed the last set in their hometown. At the end of the summer, the band returned to Germany for several more festival dates.

Discography

Studio albums

''Us Against the Crown'' (2006)

''The Barn Sessions'' (2007)

''Year of the Crow'' (2007)

''Let It Go'' (2009) U.S. #96

Live Albums/EPs

''Live at the Sync'' (2005)

''State of Georgia EP'' (2009)

''Live At the Brattle Theater'' (2009)

''Live At the Boston Pavilion'' (2011)

EPs

''Flag of the Shiners EP'' (2002)

''Simmer Kane EP'' (2004)

''Peace Between Nations EP'' (2005)

''Wicker Plane EP'' (2007)

''Calling All Crows EP'' (2009)

Singles

"Gang of Thieves" (2007)

"Knights of Bostonia" (2009)

In the media

The band's song "Keepsake" was featured in the season three finale of Showtime's dark comedy ''Weeds''. "Keepsake" was also featured at the end of an episode of Cold Case, and at the end of the 7th episode of the 2010 version of Hawaii Five-0.

State Radio opened for Dave Matthews Band on May 30–31, 2008 in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, and on June 3–4, 2008 in Camden, New Jersey.

State Radio played at a concert near the 2008 Republican National Convention alongside Rage Against the Machine and other politically active bands as an act of protest.

More Recently, Kayem Foods, based in Chelsea, Mass.,has used their songs "Right Me Up" and "Sybil I" in a series of hot dog commercials.

In one of the most resent episodes of Eureka there were State Radio banners on the college dorm room of Zoe Carter, daughter of the main character, who is attending Harvard. An accurate reference to the band's popularity in the Boston area.

Winner 9th Annual Independent Music Awards: Social Action Album "Calling All Crows".

"Knights of Bostonia" off the album "Let it Go" was featured in the beginning of surf cinematographer Taylor Steele's latest film, "Innersections." The song was played during the opening section, in memory of Andy Irons.

Activism

In 2008, State Radio started an activist group called Calling All Crows to "inspire public service" and "promote human rights." Currently, they are working with Oxfam America's Stoves for Sudan Project. Calling All Crows is hoping to raise money for 5,000 stoves for 5,000 different women in Sudan through fan activism before concerts. , "Calling All Crows: Mobilizing Musicians and their Fans to Promote Human Rights".

References

External links

State Radio's website

State Radio collection at the Internet Archive's live music archive

Full-length video live at Paradiso (28-09-2006)

Category:American rock music groups Category:Independent Music Awards winners

de:State Radio nl:State Radio

Name	Juan Martín Del Potro
Nickname	''Delpo'' ''La torre de Tandil'' (Tandil's tower)
Country
Residence	Tandil, Argentina
Birth date	September 23, 1988
Birth place	Tandil, Argentina
Height
Weight
Plays	Right-handed (two-handed backhand)
Turnedpro	2005
Careerprizemoney	$7,531,007
2011prizemoney	US$ $737,508
Singlesrecord	177–82 (68.34%)
Singlestitles	9
Highestsinglesranking	No. 4 (January 11, 2010)
Currentsinglesranking	No. 18 (August 22, 2011)
Australianopenresult	QF (2009)
Frenchopenresult	SF (2009)
Wimbledonresult	4R (2011)
Usopenresult	W (2009)
Othertournaments	Yes
Masterscupresult	F (2009)
Doublesrecord	24–22
Doublestitles	1
Highestdoublesranking	No. 105 (May 25, 2009)
Currentdoublesranking	No. 327 (August 1, 2011)
Grandslamsdoublesresults	yes
Frenchopendoublesresult	1R (2006, 2007)
Wimbledondoublesresult	1R (2007, 2008)
Updated	February 27, 2011 }}

Juan Martín del Potro (; born 23 September 1988) is an Argentine professional tennis player. Del Potro achieved a top 10 ranking by the Association of Tennis Professionals for the first time on October 6, 2008. In January 2010, he reached a career-high ranking of World No. 4. Soon after attaining this ranking, however, del Potro had to withdraw from most of the tournaments in 2010 due to wrist injury, and his ranking plummeted.

Having started playing tennis at the age of seven, del Potro won his first senior match in 2004 at the age of 15. In 2008, he became the first player in ATP history to win his first four career titles in as many tournaments. He also completed the second longest winning streak in 2008, and the second longest by a teenager in the Open Era, behind Rafael Nadal—with his winning sequence spanning 23 matches over five tournaments. Del Potro captured his first Grand Slam title at the 2009 US Open defeating Nadal in the semifinal, and Roger Federer in the final, becoming the first and only man ever (as of June 2011) to beat both Federer and Nadal in the same Grand Slam tournament. He became the second Argentine and the fifth youngest man to win the US Open title in the Open Era.

Early life

Juan Martín del Potro was born in Tandil, Argentina. His father, Daniel del Potro, played semi-professional rugby union in Argentina and is a veterinarian. His mother, Patricia, is a teacher and he has a younger sister named Julieta. Del Potro speaks Spanish, Italian, and English. Aside from tennis, he enjoys playing football and supports the Boca Juniors team in Argentina and Juventus in Italy. He would often dedicate time to both sports during his childhood, and Argentinian-Italian international footballer Mauro Camoranesi remains a close friend of del Potro.

Del Potro began playing tennis at the age of seven with coach Marcelo Gómez (who also coached Tandil-born players Juan Mónaco, Mariano Zabaleta and Máximo González). Del Potro's talent was discovered by Italian ex-tennis professional Ugo Colombini, who accompanied him through the initial phases of his young career, and is still today his agent and close friend. When questioned about his ambitions in tennis he replied, "I dream of winning a Grand Slam and the Davis Cup."

Tennis career

2002–2005

As a junior in 2002, del Potro won the Orange Bowl 14s title, beating Marin Čilić en route to a 6–2, 7–6(5) victory over Pavel Tchekov in the final. In 2003, at the age of 14, del Potro received wild cards to three ITF Circuit events in Argentina, where he lost in straight sets in the first round of each.

In May 2004, del Potro won his first senior match, at the age of 15, at the ITF Circuit event in Buenos Aires by defeating Matias Niemiz, he then went on to lose in three sets to Sebastián Decoud in the second round. His next victory came over five months later against the Chilean Alvaro Loyola in a tournament in Antofagasta. Later that year, del Potro reached the quarter-finals of the ITF Circuit event in Campinas, Brazil; recording victories over Henrique Mello and Alessandro Camarco. Del Potro won two more matches before the end of the year and saw his world ranking rise from 1,441 in August to 1,077 in November. He also reached the finals in the Argentina Cup and Campionati Internazionali D'Italia Junior tournaments.

Del Potro reached his first final of the ITF Junior Circuit on 11 January 2005, the Copa del Cafe (Coffee Bowl) - Junior ITF Tournament in Costa Rica, which he lost to Robin Haase in three sets. He was involved in a dispute with the umpire during this match, who decided to stop the play because of rain which del Potro believed favoured Haase. Because of the rain delays, the final set had to be played indoors; this was the first time the indoor courts had been used in the 44-year history of the youth tournament.

At the age of 16, del Potro reached his first senior singles final at the Futures tournament in Berimbau Naucalpan, Mexico where he lost to Darko Madjarovski 6–3, 4–6, 4–6. He then went onto win consecutive titles at two Future ITF Circuit events in Santiago, Chile, including the 26th International Junior tournament. In the first tournament, he beat Jorge Aguilar 6–4, 7–6(6) and in the second, he did not drop a set in the whole tournament and defeated Thiago Alves 6–1, 6–1 in the final, a player ranked more than 400 places higher at the time. He won his third title in his home country by defeating Damian Patriarca, who forfeited the match, at the ITF Circuit event in Buenos Aires.

Del Potro turned professional after the Italy F17 event in Bassano and in his first professional tournament, the Lines Trophy in Reggio Emilia, he reached the semi-finals where he lost to countryman Martín Vassallo Argüello in three sets. Two tournaments later, he reached the final of the Credicard Citi MasterCard Tennis Cup in Campos do Jordão, Brazil where he lost to André Sá 4–6, 4–6. After turning 17, he won the Montevideo Challenger by defeating Boris Pašanski in the final in three sets. That same year, he failed in his first attempt to qualify for his first Grand Slam, at the US Open, losing in the first round to Paraguayan Ramón Delgado. Throughout 2005, del Potro jumped over 900 positions to finish with a world ranking of 158, largely due to winning three Futures tournaments. He was the youngest player to finish in the year-end top 200.

2006

In February, del Potro played his first ATP tour event in Viña del Mar where he defeated Albert Portas before losing to Fernando González in the second round. Later, seeded seventh, he won the Copa Club Campestre de Aguascalientes by defeating the likes of Dick Norman and Thiago Alves before beating Sergio Roitman 3–6, 6–4, 6–3 in the final.

Del Potro qualified for the main draw of his first Grand Slam in the 2006 French Open, at the age of 17. He lost in the opening round to former French Open champion and 24th seed Juan Carlos Ferrero. Having received a wild card, in July, he reached the quarter-finals of the ATP event in Umag, Croatia where he lost in three sets to the eventual champion, Stanislas Wawrinka. In Spain, he participated in the Open Castilla y León Challenger tournament held in Segovia, defeating the number one seed Fernando Verdasco in the quarter-finals and Benjamin Becker in the final.

Del Potro qualified for his first US Open in 2006 after being seeded ninth in the qualifying stages where he beat Brian Vahaly, Wayne Arthurs and Daniel Köllerer in straight sets. In the US Open, he lost in the first round to fellow qualifier Alejandro Falla of Colombia in four sets. He went on to qualify for his first ATP Masters Series tournament in Spain, the Mutua Madrileña Madrid Open, where he lost 4–6, 4–6 in the first round to Joachim Johansson. After receiving a wild card thanks to Roger Federer, he reached the quarter-finals of the 2006 Davidoff Swiss Indoors in Basel, Switzerland; defeating lucky loser Tobias Clemens in the first round and George Bastl in the second round before losing to the eventual runner-up Fernando González 7–5, 4–6, 4–6. Del Potro finished 2006 as the youngest player in Top 100 at 18 years, 2 months.

2007

Del Potro began the year by reaching his first semi-final in ATP Adelaide, Australia, where he lost to Chris Guccione 7–5, 3–6, 5–7 having beaten Igor Kunitsyn 6–2, 6–0 earlier in the day. He would then reach the second round of the Australian Open, where he had to retire because of injury in his match against eventual finalist Fernando González in the fifth set, with the score being 6–7(7), 6–4, 7–6(3), 4–6, 0–4 at the time of his retirement. In February, del Potro played for Argentina in the first round of the Davis Cup against Austria winning the fourth and definite match against Jürgen Melzer 7–6(4), 3–6, 6–4, 4–6, 6–2, allowing Argentina to qualify for the quarter-finals.

Del Potro defeated Feliciano López 6–1, 6–2 before losing to eventual semi-finalist Mardy Fish 1–6, 6–7(9) in the second round of the indoor Regions Morgan Keegan Championships. In his next ATP Masters event, he reached the second round of the Pacific Life Open, he beat Gustavo Kuerten in the first round but then lost to Richard Gasquet by a similar margin 6–7(2), 2–6. Del Potro went further in the Sony Ericsson Open, reaching the fourth round after he defeated three top 50 players; Jonas Björkman, Marcos Baghdatis, and Mikhail Youzhny before falling to Rafael Nadal 0–6, 4–6. In May, he lost in the first round of the French Open to eventual champion, Nadal 5–7, 3–6, 2–6.

In his first grass court event, del Potro beat Thomas Johansson in two sets and reached the second round at Queen's Club where he lost to Nadal. He also reached the quarter-finals in Nottingham the following week; there he beat British qualifier Jamie Baker and Kunitsyn in the first two rounds but lost to Ivo Karlović 6–7(10), 5–7 at the quarter-final stage. At his inaugural Wimbledon Championships, he defeated Davide Sanguinetti 3–6, 6–3, 6–4, 6–4 in the first round before losing 2–6, 5–7, 1–6 to eventual champion Roger Federer in the second round, after a rain delay in the third set.

Del Potro lost to Frank Dancevic in three sets in the second round of the singles at the ATP event in Indianapolis. At the same event, partnered with Travis Parrott in doubles, he won his first doubles tournament defeating Teymuraz Gabashvili and Karlović 2–6, 6–2, 10–6 in the final. He regards this as a special victory, "It was fantastic to play doubles with Parrott. I'm so happy because I've never won a doubles tournament. For the rest of my life, I will remember this tournament." Del Potro qualified for the ATP Masters Series event in Cincinnati, where he reached the third round. He defeated countryman Guillermo Cañas in the first round and Philipp Kohlschreiber in the second before losing 5–7, 6–3, 5–7 to former world number one Carlos Moyá. At that year's US Open, he defeated Nicolas Mahut 6–0, 6–4, 6–2 and Melzer 6–3, 6–1, 6–4 before losing to eventual finalist and third seed Novak Djokovic 1–6, 3–6, 4–6 in the third round. He also reached the third round of the Madrid Masters by beating Potito Starace 7–5, 6–1 and Tommy Robredo 6–7(4), 6–4, 6–3 before losing to eventual champion David Nalbandian in straight sets. In the last tournament of the year, the Paris Masters, he reached the second round where he lost to Nikolay Davydenko 6–7(3), 1–6. That year, del Potro was the youngest player to finish in the year-end Top 50 at 19 years, 2 months.

2008

left|thumb|Del Potro won 4 consecutive titles in 2008, with the final one coming in Washington.Del Potro's first half of the season was hampered by injuries and a change of coach, starting with a first round loss in Adelaide, where he was the seventh seed. He then made it to the second round of the Australian Open in January, only to retire against David Ferrer due to an injury when the score was 3–6, 4–6 in favour of the Spaniard. Del Potro returned to the circuit in March, winning his first match against Jesse Levine, 7–5, 6–1 at the Sony Ericsson Open before losing 4–6, 2–6 in the second round to López. Struggling with injuries, his ranking fell as low as No. 81 in April. "At the start of the year, I was playing good, but I had many injuries, many problems with my body, with my physique," said del Potro. "I changed my coach, changed my physical trainer, I changed everything."

In May, del Potro had to retire again, this time it was a first round match against Andy Murray at the Rome Masters which stood at 7–5, 4–6, 0–1 at the time of his retirement. During the second set, the Argentine allegedly made derogatory comments about Murray's mother which resulted in a complaint to the umpire. Del Potro's serve was subsequently broken three times in a row and he suffered a back injury which caused his retirement. In his second Grand Slam of the year, the French Open, he was eliminated in the second round by Simone Bolelli in four sets. In June, he reached the semi-finals of the Ordina Open, losing to eventual winner and top seed Ferrer in straight sets. For the second year in a row, he was knocked out of Wimbledon in the second round; he won his first round clash with Pavel Šnobel in straight sets but then lost 6–7(5), 3–6, 5–7 to Wawrinka.

After losing to Wawrinka, a successful summer followed for the Argentine. In July, del Potro and his team decided to remain in Europe to test his fitness. "We decided to play on clay courts for my back because if I start to play again on hard courts, maybe I will injure it again", he recalled. Del Potro won his first career ATP tour title at the Mercedes Cup in Stuttgart, defeating Gasquet in straight sets in the final. A week later, del Potro reached his second career ATP Tour final at the Austrian Open in Kitzbühel, where he beat local hope and sixth seed Melzer 6–2, 6–1, in less than an hour, to claim his second title in two weeks. Having competed in just two clay tournaments all of the 2007 season, he never thought he would win his first two titles on clay courts.

In August, del Potro won his third consecutive title at the Countrywide Classic in Los Angeles, beating Andy Roddick in 6–1, 7–6(2) in the final. After the match, Roddick praised his opponent. "[Del Potro] hits this way and this way kind of equally and he can hit it from inside out and running to it, which is a good thing for him, bad for the rest of us". A fourth consecutive title followed a week later in the Legg Mason Tennis Classic in Washington, D.C., where he recorded a 6–3, 6–3 victory over Viktor Troicki, becoming the first player in ATP history to win his first four career titles in as many tournaments. "I don't really understand what I did. It is difficult to believe that I have won four consecutive titles", del Potro said, crediting coach Franco Davín for his impressive run. "He changed my game. He changed my mind. He changed everything. When I play and I see him in the stands, it gives me confidence. I can play relaxed."

At the 2008 US Open, del Potro progressed to the third round, where he won his first match to five sets in the circuit against Gilles Simon to reach the last 16. He went on to defeat Japanese teenager Kei Nishikori in straight sets, 6–3, 6–4, 6–3. In the quarter-finals, he was stopped by eventual finalist Murray, losing after almost four hours. The defeat came after 23 consecutive victories: the second longest winning streak in 2008 and the longest winning streak by a player outside the top 10 in the last 20 years.

Del Potro was selected to play his first home-based Davis Cup tie, between Argentina and Russia, which took place on 19–21 September. He won his first singles match against Davydenko in three sets 6–1, 6–4, 6–2. He also won the fifth and deciding match against Igor Andreev in straight sets 6–4, 6–2, 6–1, booking Argentina a place in the final.

At the AIG Japan Open Tennis Championships, he made the final by defeating number 11 seed Jarkko Nieminen, number one seed and defending champion Ferrer, and number four seed Gasquet. He was defeated by Tomáš Berdych 1–6, 4–6 in the final. At the Madrid Masters, he lost in the quarter-finals in straight sets to Federer. He reached the semi-finals of his next tournament, the Davidoff Swiss Indoors, before losing to countryman Nalbandian 4–6, 4–6. He was beaten by Nalbandian again in his next tournament, this time it was in the second round of the Paris Masters, del Potro blamed tiredness for his defeat, "It's difficult to play the last tournament of the year. I was tired, my mind was in Argentina [the venue for the Davis Cup final]". This left del Potro's qualification for the 2008 Tennis Masters Cup out of his hands; fortunately for him, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga beat James Blake in the semi-finals, which was enough to ensure his place at the year-end event.

Del Potro won one match at the Masters Cup, against Tsonga, but lost his other two matches against the higher ranked Djokovic and Davydenko, meaning that he exited the tournament in the round robin stage. This was his last event of the year on the ATP Tour. He went on to lose one match 6–4, 6–7(2), 6–7(4), 3–6 in the Davis Cup final, against López, as his team succumbed to a 3–1 loss against Spain. He was forced to withdraw from his second match due to a thigh injury and was replaced by José Acasuso. Nonetheless, del Potro enjoyed a successful season; winning four titles and finishing 2008 as the youngest player in the top 10, top ranked Argentine, and highest ranked South American.

2009

At the Heineken Open in Auckland, New Zealand, del Potro was the top seed for the tournament. He defeated American Sam Querrey in the final 6–4, 6–4 to win the title, the fifth of his career. Seeded eighth at the Australian Open, he beat Marin Čilić in the fourth round to become the first player to reach the quarter-finals that year. Del Potro's tournament ended in his next match when he lost in straight sets to Federer 3–6, 0–6, 0–6. At the BNP Paribas Open, the sixth seed del Potro advanced to the quarter-finals, where he was defeated by world number one Nadal. Del Potro avenged that loss the following week at the Sony Ericsson Open, where he came back from a double break down in the third set at 0–3 to defeat Nadal in the quarter-finals. This was the first time del Potro had defeated Nadal in five meetings. Despite a 1–6, 7–5, 2–6 loss in the semi-finals to Murray, del Potro reached a career-high ranking of world number five.

In the clay court season, del Potro was eliminated in the second round of the Monte Carlo Masters by Ivan Ljubičić. In Rome, del Potro beat Troicki and Wawrinka to advance to the quarter-finals where he was defeated by defending champion Djokovic in straight sets, this meant del Potro's head-to-head record with the Serb was now 0–3. Del Potro then played at the 2009 Madrid Masters. After defeating Murray for the first time in the quarter-finals, he lost to Federer in the semi-finals 3–6, 4–6. At the French Open, where he was the fifth seed, del Potro defeated Michaël Llodra, Troicki, Andreev, and the number nine seed Tsonga en route to the quarter-finals. He then defeated three-time former quarter-finalist Robredo to get to his first semi-final. He was defeated in a close semi-final, where he was leading by a set twice, 6–3, 6–7(2), 6–2, 1–6, 4–6 by eventual champion Federer who, after their match, said: "[Del Potro] is young and strong, I have a lot of respect for him." Prior to this encounter, del Potro had never taken a set off Federer in their five previous career meetings.

At the 2009 Wimbledon Championships, his poor grass court form from the past continued on, as he went down to unseeded Lleyton Hewitt 3–6, 5–7, 5–7 in the second round. In the Davis Cup quarter-final against the Czech Republic, del Potro won his matches against Ivo Minář and Berdych in straight sets but Argentina still lost the tie 2–3, eliminating them from the competition. A few weeks later, he defeated Hewitt and Fernando González en route to the Washington final. He successfully defended his title against top seeded Wimbledon-finalist Roddick 3–6, 7–5, 7–6(6) to win his second tournament of the year, and become the first player since Andre Agassi to win back-to-back Washington titles. Del Potro played the following week at the Masters 1000 in Montreal, where he was seeded sixth, defeating world number two Nadal in the quarter-finals 7–6(5), 6–1, his second win in a row over Nadal. He then defeated Roddick in the semi-finals 4–6, 6–2, 7–5, saving a match point, to advance to his first Masters 1000 final, and to improve his head-to-head record against Roddick to 3–0. In the final, he lost against Murray 7–6(4), 6–7(3), 1–6. He later withdrew from the next Masters 1000 event in Cincinnati due to fatigue.

Seeded sixth at the 2009 US Open, del Potro began by defeating Mónaco and Melzer in straight sets, before dropping a set but defeating Köllerer to reach the fourth round. He defeated a resurgent Ferrero 6–3, 6–3, 6–3 to advance to the quarter-finals for the second consecutive year. Del Potro would then advance to the semi-final by defeating Čilić 4–6, 6–3, 6–2, 6–1. Del Potro was down a set and a break, before winning 17 of the final 20 games to win the match. His advance to the semi-finals ensured his return to the top five in the world rankings. He then defeated world number three and reigning Australian Open champion Rafael Nadal 6–2, 6–2, 6–2 in the semi-finals to reach his first Grand Slam final. This was his third consecutive victory over Nadal, and made him the first Argentine to reach a Grand Slam singles final since Mariano Puerta at the 2005 French Open. Del Potro went one better, rallying from a set and a break down to defeat world number one and five-time defending champion Roger Federer 3–6, 7–6(5), 4–6, 7–6(4), 6–2; his first victory over Federer after six previous defeats, and Federer's first loss in the US Open since 2003. "Since [I was] young, I dream with this and take trophy with me", said del Potro, who became the first Argentine male to win the title since Guillermo Vilas in 1977. "I did my dream, and it's unbelievable moment. It's amazing match, amazing people. Everything is perfect." After the match, Federer praised del Potro; "I thought he hung in there and gave himself chances and, in the end, was the better man."

He is the first player since countryman David Nalbandian to defeat Federer at the US Open, and at 198 cm (6 ft 6 in), he is the tallest ever Grand Slam champion. Besides Nadal, Del Potro is the only player to defeat Federer in a Grand Slam final, and the first player to defeat both Nadal and Federer in the same Grand Slam tournament.

Dick Enberg hosted the post-match ceremony during which a victorious Del Potro requested to address his fans in Spanish. Enberg declined the request saying that he was running out of time but went on to list the corporate sponsored prizes Del Potro won. A couple of minutes later, Del Potro made the same request again and only then Enberg relented saying "Very quickly, in Spanish, he wants to say hello to his friends here and in Argentina". An emotional Del Potro finally spoke a few sentences in Spanish to a cheering crowd. Many viewers expressed disappointment with Enberg and broadcaster CBS over the interview. A CBS executive later defended Enberg, noting that the contract with the United States Tennis Association required that certain sponsors receive time during the ceremony.

In his first match since the US Open, Del Potro was upset by world number 189 Édouard Roger-Vasselin in straight sets at the Rakuten Japan Open Tennis Championships in Tokyo. He then lost his second straight match to Melzer in the second round at the Masters 1000 event in Shanghai, retiring while trailing 5–7, 1–2. This retirement caused concerns over the length of the tennis season. He had to retire again in the Paris Masters quarterfinals when down 4–0 to Radek Štěpánek due to an abdominal injury. In November, del Potro competed in the ATP World Tour Finals where he lost his first round robin match against Andy Murray 3–6 6–3 2–6, but he managed to defeat Fernando Verdasco 6–4, 3–6, 7–6(1) in his second match to keep his hopes alive. After defeating Roger Federer 6–2, 6–7(5), 6–3 in the following match, he qualified for the semifinals, ousting Murray by the slimmest possible margin of one game. He defeated Robin Söderling in the semifinals 6–7(1), 6–3, 7–6(3), before losing to Nikolay Davydenko 3–6, 4–6 in the final. Del Potro finished 2009 as the youngest player in the top 10, top ranked Argentine, and highest ranked South American for the second consecutive year.

2010

Del Potro started his 2010 season at the AAMI Kooyong Classic in Melbourne, Australia with a 6–3, 6–3 win over Croatian world number 24 Ivan Ljubičić. On January 11, he moved up to a career high World No. 4. He was scheduled to face Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on day two of the Kooyong Classic exhibition tournament, but withdrew due to a wrist injury. He came into the 2010 Australian Open with the injury not healed, and was forced to take a month off after the event. In the fourth round, he fell to eventual semifinalist Marin Čilić 7–5, 4–6, 5–7, 7–5, 3–6.

Following the Australian Open loss, del Potro missed several tournaments including the Masters tournaments at Indian Wells and Miami which were touted as potential return dates due to the persistent wrist injury. Even though he withdrew from the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters, he regained the World No. 4 ranking, due to Murray's early exit in the second round. He then withdrew from Barcelona and the Rome Masters. He was going to return the week beginning the 2nd of May. But on the 4th of May del Potro took the option of having an operation to fix the injury. He underwent operation that day. On May 19, del Potro said he will not be defending his US Open title, but if it all went well he would appear after the event, targeting the Paris Masters as a possible comeback. However on July 22 the USTA were reported stating that del Potro was expected to defend his US Open crown. The player himself confirmed that his comeback to the tour would be the Thailand Open, and said nothing about the New York event. On the 2nd of August del Potro returned to the practice courts. A week before the start of the US Open after practicing for two weeks del Potro withdrew from the event as he felt he was not ready to compete at the highest level.

After the 9 month break, Del Potro confirmed that he would make his return at the 2010 PTT Thailand Open. In his return match, he lost in the first round 6–7(7), 4–6 to Olivier Rochus. He then also played at the 2010 Rakuten Japan Open Tennis Championships but again lost in the opening round, this time to Feliciano Lopez 3–6, 0–6.

2011

Del Potro began his 2011 season at the Medibank International as a wild card entry. In the second round, Del Potro was defeated by Florian Mayer of Germany 2–6, 5–7.

His next tournament would be the first Grand Slam of the year at the 2011 Australian Open, where Del Potro was defeated by 23rd seed Marcos Baghdatis in the second round 1–6, 3–6, 6–4, 3–6. As a result, Del Potro slipped further down the rankings to No. 485.

After the Australian Open, he participated in the SAP Open in San Jose where he was accepted into the main draw via special exemptions (SE). He reached the semifinals, after defeating Gabashvili, Lacko and Hewitt. There, he lost to the top seed Fernando Verdasco in straight sets. Del Potro's next scheduled tournament was the ATP World Tour 500 event; 2011 Regions Morgan Keegan Championships and the Cellular South Cup, where he was again accepted into the main draw via special exemptions. Here, he made his second consecutive ATP semi-finals by defeating 6th seed John Isner, Ivan Dodig and qualifier Michael Russell. In the semi-finals, he lost against top seed, World No. 8 and eventual champion Andy Roddick 3–6, 4–6. To continue preparing for his first ATP Masters event since 2009, Del Potro entered the 2011 Delray Beach International Tennis Championships. He defeated Richard Berankis in the first round 6–4, 6–1, Teymuraz Gabashvili in the second round 6–1, 6–1, 5th seed Kevin Anderson 6–4, 6–4 and 2nd seed Mardy Fish 6–1, 7–5 to advance to an ATP-level final stage of a tournament since 2009 at the Barclays World Tour Finals in London. In the final of this 250 tournament, he defeated an erratic Janko Tipsarević 6–4, 6–4 to get back in the winners circle.

Del Potro's next tournament was the ATP Masters at the 2011 BNP Paribas Open. He reached the semi-finals where he lost to top seeded Rafael Nadal in straight sets 6–4, 6–4. Del Potro then flew to Key Biscayne, Miami to participate in the second ATP Masters of the year at the 2011 Sony Ericsson Open. Del Potro made it to the 4th round where he played Mardy Fish and lost 5–7, 6–7(5).

He then played in 2011 Estoril Open, which was Del Potro's first tournament on clay since he lost the 2009 Roland Garros semi-final to the eventual champion Roger Federer. In Estoril, he defeated Fernando Verdasco 6–2 6–2 in the final. In his road to the final, Del Potro defeated the number 1 seeded Robin Soderling 6–4 7–5 and dropped just one set in his five matches, there. After suffering an 8-millimeter tear in his left rectus, Del Potro withdrew from Madrid and did not participate in Rome Master but has confirmed to play French Open. Del Potro lost to Novak Djokovic 6–3, 3–6, 6–3, 6–2 in the third round.

Del Potro reached the round of 16 at the 2011 Wimbledon Championships for the first time by defeating Flavio Cipolla 6–1, 6–4, 6–3 in the first round, Olivier Rochus 6–7(7), 6–1, 6–0, 6–4, and Gilles Simon 7–6(8), 7–6(5), 7–5. He then lost to world no. 1 Rafael Nadal 6–7(6), 6–3, 6–7(4), 4–6 in the fourth round. Del Potro returned to the top 20 at World no. 19 for the first time in nearly a year. His next tournament was the Farmers Classic in Los Angeles where he received a first round bye as they second seed. He defeated James Blake 6-4, 7-6, but was defeated 6-2, 6-4, by Ernests Gulbis in the Quarter-Finals. His next tournament will be the ATP 1000 Rogers Cup in Montreal Canada.

At the 2011 Rogers Cup, seeded 16 Del Potro defeated Jarkko Nieminen 6-4, 6-0 before losing 3-6, 4-6 to Marin Čilić in the second round.

At the Western&Southern Masters tournament, Del Potro advanced to the second round with a 4-1 ret. result over Andreas Seppi before losing to Roger Federer 3-6 5-7 snapping the two match winning streak he had against his rival.

Playing style

Del Potro is primarily an offensive baseliner with a powerful serve and deep, flat/topspin groundstrokes. His forehand shot is one of his main strengths and possibly the most powerful in the game, capable of frequently generating speeds of 100 mph, and he also possesses a very consistent and powerful double-handed backhand. Del Potro's height allows him to get a powerful first serve, and makes it easier for him to return high topspin balls. Del Potro's best surfaces are hard and clay, while his game on grass has matured somewhat it is still his weakest surface.

Equipment and apparel

Del Potro briefly used the Wilson BLX Pro Tour Racquet for the 2010 season, but after returning from his wrist injury switched back to his Wilson K Factor 6.1 95 (18 X 20) and strings with Luxilon Big Banger Alu Power at 62 lb, and is sponsored by Nike. He often wore a sleeveless shirt but starting at the 2011 season has worn one with sleeves, a double-wide wristband, a bandana, Nike Zoom Breathe 2K11 shoes and a pair of woven shorts when on the court.

Career statistics

References

External links

Juan Martín del Potro at the International Tennis Federation

www.Del-Potro.com.ar Official website

Juan Curuchet Walter Pérez|years=2009|after= Luciana Aymar}}

Category:1988 births Category:Argentine male tennis players Category:Argentine people of Italian descent Category:Living people Category:People from Tandil Category:United States Open champions (tennis)

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Name	Mark Sanchez
Width	250
Currentteam	New York Jets
Currentnumber	6
Currentpositionplain	Quarterback
Birth date	November 11, 1986
Birth place	Long Beach, California
Heightft	6
Heightin	2
Weight	225
Debutyear	2009
Debutteam	New York Jets
Highschool	Mission Viejo
College	Southern California
Draftyear	2009
Draftround	1
Draftpick	5
Pastteams	New York Jets (–present)
Status	Active
Highlights	Tied for most postseason road victories by an NFL quarterback (4) ''Sporting News''' All-Rookie Team selection 3× Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week Winner Other accomplishments
Statweek	17
Statseason	2010
Statlabel1	Pass attempts
Statvalue1	871
Statlabel2	Pass completions
Statvalue2	474
Statlabel3	Percentage
Statvalue3	54.4
Statlabel4	TD–INT
Statvalue4	29–33
Statlabel5	Passing Yards
Statvalue5	5,735
Statlabel6	Passer rating
Statvalue6	70.2
Nfl	SAN091667 }}

Mark Travis John Sanchez (born November 11, 1986) is an American football quarterback for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft as the fifth overall selection by the Jets and the second quarterback overall. He played college football at the University of Southern California (USC).

Sanchez grew up in a well-disciplined and athletic family. In the eighth grade, he began to play football and began to learn the intricacies of the quarterback position, training with his father, Nick. A well-regarded prospect, Sanchez committed to Southern California following his successful high school career in which he led his team to a championship title during his final season. At USC, Sanchez was relegated as the backup quarterback during his first three years though he rose to prominence due to his brief appearances on the field in 2007 due to injuries suffered by starting quarterback John David Booty. Sanchez also became popular within the community due to his Mexican-American heritage. Named the starter in 2008, Sanchez led USC to a 12–1 record and won the Rose Bowl against Penn State for which Sanchez was awarded the Most Valuable Player award for his performance on offense.

Although many considered him too inexperienced, Sanchez announced his intention to enter the NFL Draft. He was selected by the Jets and named the starting quarterback prior to the start of the season. Despite a subpar performance, Sanchez led the Jets to the AFC Championship Game, a losing effort to the Indianapolis Colts, becoming the fourth rookie quarterback in NFL history to win his first playoff game and the second to win two playoff games. In his second season, Sanchez continued to develop and led the Jets to the playoffs and the team's second consecutive AFC Championship Game where they narrowly lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers, 24–19.

With the win over the New England Patriots the week prior, Sanchez tied four other quarterbacks for the most post-season road victories by a quarterback in NFL history. In leading the Jets to two consecutive conference championships, Sanchez joined quarterback Ben Roethlisberger as the only two quarterbacks in NFL history to reach the conference championship in their first two seasons in the league.

Early life

Mark was born in Long Beach, California to Nick Sr. and Olga Sanchez. When Mark was four, his parents divorced; Mark and his brothers, Nick Jr. and Brandon, stayed with their father but their mother remained involved in their upbringing. Mark initially lived in Whittier and Pico Rivera; when he was six his father moved with the children to Rancho Santa Margarita, a predominantly white neighborhood of Orange County.

Mark's father remarried and raised them strictly, seeking to influence them to become leaders. Throughout his childhood and teenage years, Mark's father would have him combine athletic and mental training. Mark would have to dribble a basketball without looking at it while reciting multiplication tables; practice baseball swings in a batting cage while answering questions about the periodic table and similar combined drills that his father hoped would develop quick thinking and self-confidence that would guide Mark in all areas of life and not simply sports.

By the time Mark entered the eighth grade, he had developed an interest in football but was unsure of what position to play. His father consulted coaches Bill Cunerty, who formerly coached at Saddleback College, and Bob Johnson, the head coach at Mission Viejo High School. Both coaches stated Mark could be a quarterback if he applied himself and was open to learning the intricacies of the position. Nick Sr. trained Mark during sessions in their backyard or at the park. Mark, who was attending Santa Margarita High School, joined the football team. During his first pass attempt as a sophomore, Mark threw a 55-yard touchdown.

Prior to his junior year of high school, Mark transferred to Mission Viejo, where Johnson, who was recognized as a "quarterback guru" having trained professionals like Carson Palmer, was head coach. Under Johnson's tutelage, Mark felt he would have a better opportunity to become a better player. Johnson tutored Mark on the complexities of the position and in two seasons with the team, Mark led the Diablos to a 27–1 record culminating with the California Interscholastic Federation Division II championship in 2004.

Mark was named football player of the year by several major college recruiting services and was considered the top quarterback in the nation upon the conclusion of his high school football career in 2005. In July 2004, Mark announced his commitment to the University of Southern California.

College career

Being named the nation's top quarterback coming out of high school, Sanchez was well regarded upon his arrival at USC. With upperclassmen Matt Leinart and John David Booty returning, Sanchez did not play during his freshman year in 2005, opting to preserve a year of eligibility. During this time, he participated as the quarterback of USC's scout team, earning the Trojans' Service Team Offensive Player of the Year Award.

In April 2006, Sanchez was arrested after a female USC student accused him of sexual assault. He was released from jail the following day and suspended. On June 3, 2006, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office announced no charges would be filed, and Sanchez was reinstated, though he was disciplined by the football team for underage drinking and using false identification on the night he was arrested.

At the outset of the 2006 season, Sanchez competed for the starting quarterback position; once Booty, a junior, suffered severe back spasms caused by a pre-existing back condition, surgery was required and Sanchez was promoted to run the first-team offense during the spring as Booty recovered. Coaches stated Booty would be considered the starting quarterback when he returned for fall practice. During the 2006 season, Sanchez saw limited playing time in games against Arkansas, Stanford and Oregon. Through those three games, Sanchez completed 3 of his 7 pass attempts for 63 yards and 1 interception. He also saw additional action against Arizona, Michigan, and Notre Dame but he did not attempt a pass in those contests.

In fall practice, before USC's 2007 season, Sanchez broke his right thumb, missing the first game against Idaho; he returned the following week and served as the primary backup to Booty. Sanchez earned limited playing time in wins against Nebraska and Washington State. Sanchez was named the starting quarterback by head coach Pete Carroll against Arizona after Booty suffered a broken finger during a 24–23 loss to Stanford.

On October 13, Sanchez led USC to a 20–13 victory, overcoming a wavering performance during the first half of the game in which he threw two interceptions, as Arizona went on to tie the game going into halftime. During the second half, Sanchez was more proficient passing the ball and ultimately finished the game completing 19 of his 31 passes while throwing for 130 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. With Booty still recovering, USC elected to start Sanchez for a second consecutive week against Notre Dame; he made significant improvements, completing 21 of his 38 passes for 235 yards and four touchdowns in a 38–0 victory over Notre Dame.

On October 27, Sanchez started for the final time in place of the injured Booty, in an away game against Oregon. USC lost, 24–17; Sanchez having two passes intercepted by Oregon safety Matthew Harper in the second half. The first interception led to a fourth-quarter touchdown that gave Oregon a 14-point lead; the second interception ended USC's final chance for a comeback. In spite of a myriad of mistakes committed by his team mates in addition to his own, Sanchez publicly accepted blame for the loss. The following week, against Oregon State, Booty returned as USC's starting quarterback, with Sanchez resuming his position as Booty's backup. Sanchez did not perform in subsequent games and finished the season with 695 yards and seven touchdowns with five interceptions.

Sanchez entered spring practice after the 2008 season as the front-runner to take over the starting quarterback position, but faced strong competition from redshirt freshman Aaron Corp and Mitch Mustain, a transfer from Arkansas, where he had been the starting quarterback; Mustain, like Sanchez, was named the top quarterback in the nation upon the conclusion of high school career in 2006. By the end of spring practice, Carroll announced Sanchez would be the starting quarterback heading into the fall. During the first week of fall camp, Sanchez dislocated his left kneecap during warm-ups prior to practice; trainers immediately put the kneecap back into place. After missing nearly three weeks, Sanchez was cleared to play in the opener against Virginia. Before the opener, Sanchez was contacted by USC's previous three quarterbacks—Carson Palmer, Leinart and Booty—who wished him well and offered general advice.

In the opener at Virginia, Sanchez threw for a career-best 338 yards, completing 26 of his 35 passes for three touchdowns and one interception. The Davey O'Brien Foundation named him the O'Brien Quarterback of the Week and his performance garnered early Heisman discussion. The Trojans suffered a stunning 27–21 loss against Oregon State on September 25. By seasons end, the Trojans' lone loss was enough to remove them from contending for the BCS National Title and instead they were to play in the Rose Bowl against Penn State. The Trojans defeated the Nittany Lions 38–24. Sanchez won the 2009 Rose Bowl Most Valuable Player award for his performance on offense; his 413 passing yards ranked second in the history of the Rose Bowl and fourth in Trojan history. With Sanchez starting all thirteen games, the Trojans ended the season 12–1 and ranked number two in the Coaches' Poll and number three in the AP Poll. Sanchez finished the season with 3,207 yards passing, 34 touchdowns, second most in Trojan history, behind Leinart, and 10 interceptions.

Upon the conclusion of the Rose Bowl, Sanchez stated it would be "hard to say goodbye to [USC]. I don’t think I can do it." However, with the subsequent announcement that other NFL-caliber quarterbacks, such as Sam Bradford, Tim Tebow and Colt McCoy, had decided to stay in school, rumors arose that Sanchez would use the opportunity to enter the 2009 NFL Draft. On January 15, Sanchez announced his plans to forgo his final year of college eligibility and enter the 2009 NFL Draft, although he continued as a USC student and completed work on his degree in the spring of 2009 while preparing for the draft.

Sanchez became the first USC quarterback to leave early since Todd Marinovich did so after the 1990 season. During the press conference, head coach Pete Carroll made it clear that he did not agree with Sanchez's decision, and advised him of the low success-rate of quarterbacks who left college early. Despite the public disagreement, the two remained close afterward.

Professional career

2009 NFL Draft

Following the press conference, Sanchez hired his older brother and business litigator, Nick Sanchez, to be his agent alongside David Dunn, who represented Carson Palmer. Sanchez received an invitation to the 2009 Scouting Combine where his performance was well-received. He was ranked as one of the top two quarterbacks, behind fellow junior quarterback Matthew Stafford from the University of Georgia. In the final days leading up to the draft, several NFL teams expressed serious interest in Sanchez, including the Seattle Seahawks (No. 4 selection), Cleveland Browns (No. 5 selection), Washington Redskins (No. 13 selection), and New York Jets (No. 17 selection).

{{nfl predraft | height ft = 6 | height in = 2 | weight = 227 | dash = 4.88 | ten split = N/A | twenty split = N/A | shuttle = 4.21 | cone drill = 7.06 | vertical = 32.5 | broad ft = 9 | broad in = 8 | bench = DNA | wonderlic = 28 | note = Did not attempt bench. Ten and twenty splits are not available. }}

New York Jets

The New York Jets drafted Sanchez using the fifth overall selection in the 2009 NFL Draft, making him the first quarterback selected by the franchise in the first round since Chad Pennington. To select Sanchez, the Jets traded their first and second round selections and three players, Kenyon Coleman, Abram Elam and Brett Ratliff, to the Cleveland Browns. At the time, the selection was lauded as good value for the team and for Sanchez. Sanchez reached an agreement with the team on June 10, 2009, signing a five-year, $50 million contract, with $28 million guaranteed. It is the largest contract the Jets signed a player to in franchise history.

Heading into his rookie training camp, Sanchez was listed as the second quarterback behind veteran Kellen Clemens. Jets head coach Rex Ryan viewed the camp as an opportunity for both quarterbacks to compete against each other to determine the eventual starter for the 2009 season. On August 26, 2009, Sanchez was named the starter, becoming the first rookie quarterback to start the season for the franchise since Dick Jamieson in 1960.

Sanchez started his first regular season NFL game against the Houston Texans on September 13, 2009, throwing his first touchdown pass, a 30-yard reception, to Chansi Stuckey. Sanchez and the Jets won the game 24–7, with Sanchez throwing for 272 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception. He was named the Pepsi Rookie of the Week for his performance in the game, the first of three consecutive Rookie of the Week awards. He played his first home game a week later versus the New England Patriots, a 16–9 victory; it was also his first division game and his first rivalry game. It was the Jets' first victory over New England at home since 2000. With a 24–17 victory over the Tennessee Titans in week 3, Sanchez became the first rookie quarterback to start and win his first three games of an NFL season. However, his performance began to regress as he had a pass intercepted for a 99-yard touchdown return, and fumbled another attempted pass in the end zone for another touchdown, as the Jets fell to the New Orleans Saints in week 4. These two plays were enough to spoil an otherwise strong outing from the Jets's defensive unit as the team dropped to a 3–1 record. Following the loss to New Orleans, Sanchez received criticism in a 16–13 overtime loss to the Buffalo Bills in week 6 when he threw five interceptions against a lowly Bills defense that previously had only four interceptions the entire season. The Jets ended their losing streak in a 38–0 victory against the Oakland Raiders in week 7 however, Sanchez was criticized after he was seen eating a hot dog on the Jets's bench in the fourth quarter.

In the team's second meeting against the Bills on December 3, 2009, Sanchez suffered a sprained PCL in the third quarter, prompting the veteran Clemens to take his place. Though there were no setbacks to the injury, head coach Ryan benched Sanchez the following game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for precautionary reasons, much to Sanchez's dismay. At 7–7, the Jets had a chance to secure a playoff berth if they won the remainder of their games. One such game was against the Indianapolis Colts who had 23 consecutive regular season wins. Sanchez and the Jets engineered a comeback win following Colts head coach Jim Caldwell's decision to controversially rest the team starters in the third quarter with a five-point lead. The following week, on January 3, 2010, Sanchez led the team into the playoffs despite a subpar effort, completing eight of sixteen passes for sixty-three yards, en route to a 37–0 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, who rested their starters as the team had already clinched the AFC North division title and a playoff berth. The manner of the two wins, which gave the Jets their first playoff berth since 2006, caused many to claim the team had "backed into the playoffs". Sanchez completed his rookie season with 2,444 yards, 12 touchdowns and 20 interceptions.

In the wild card round, that took place on January 9, 2010 at Paul Brown Stadium, Sanchez led the Jets to another victory over the Bengals, 24–14, behind his positive performance where he completed 12 of his 15 passes while throwing for 182 yards and a touchdown with a passer rating of 139.4. Sanchez became the fourth rookie quarterback in NFL history to win his first post-season contest, and the second to do so on the road. On January 17, 2010, Sanchez, with the help of fellow rookie Shonn Greene, defeated the heavily favored San Diego Chargers 17–14 to attain the Jets's third AFC Championship appearance in franchise history. Sanchez became only the second rookie quarterback to win two consecutive playoff games, after Joe Flacco. In a rematch of their regular season meeting, Sanchez performed well in the first half however, the offense succumbed to the Colts defense in the second half and the Jets gave up an 11 point lead and lost 30–17, ending the Jets's Super Bowl aspirations. Sanchez was named to ''Sporting News''' All-Rookie team for his performance during the season.

On February 17, 2010, Sanchez had surgery to repair the patella ligament in his left knee that he originally injured when he played for USC. The surgery was successful. Sanchez was expected to miss early workouts and return in time for training camp however Sanchez made a quick recovery and participated in team drills during Organized Team Activities (OTA). The Jets opened the 2010 season with a 5–1 record however, the passing game was subpar as Sanchez struggled to accurately throw the football. Sanchez recorded his first career 300-yard passing game in a win over the Detroit Lions on November 7, 2010. At 10–4, the Jets faced the Chicago Bears on December 26, 2010 with a chance to clinch a playoff berth. Though Sanchez injured his shoulder in a victory over Pittsburgh the previous week, he started the game completing 24 of his 37 passes for a touchdown and an interception. However, the Jets were unable to defend the Bears's offense and subsequently lost the game 38–31 after a comeback drive was halted when Sanchez was intercepted. Due to a loss by the Jacksonville Jaguars that same day, the Jets clinched the playoff berth. Sanchez finished the season with 3,291 yards, 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

The Jets finished the season with an 11–5 record and entered the wild card round facing the Indianapolis Colts in a rematch of their previous encounter in the AFC Championship. Although Sanchez had a subpar performance completing 18 of his 31 passes and throwing an interception, he led the team in the final minutes of the game on a comeback drive culminating with kicker Nick Folk kicking the game-winning field goal as time expired. The Jets went on to face rival New England Patriots in the divisional round and upset the heavily favored Patriots 28–21 as Sanchez completed 16 of his 25 passes for 194 yards and three touchdowns. With the win, Sanchez tied Len Dawson, Roger Staubach, Jake Delhomme, and Joe Flacco for most post-season road victories by a quarterback in NFL history. The team traveled to the AFC Championship, for a second consecutive season, to face the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 23, 2011. After heading into halftime down 24–3, the team, led by Sanchez, engineered a comeback following a heartfelt speech given by the quarterback at halftime. However, the team fell short as their final offensive drive was stymied by the Steelers defense and the Jets lost 24–19.

Prior to the outset of the 2011 season, head coach Rex Ryan named Sanchez the team captain.

Player profile

Sanchez has been praised for his ability to maintain composure, in spite of defensive pressure, and focus on finding an open receiver on the field thus, allowing him to extend the team's offensive series. In his two-year career, Sanchez has had five fourth quarter comebacks and several game winning drives. His calm demeanor in pressing situations has earned him the respect of Bill Parcells and Sam Wyche and has even garnered comparisons to Ben Roethlisberger and Joe Montana.

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Sanchez is known for his fierce, competitive nature. In December 2010, following dismal performances, Rex Ryan threatened to reduce Sanchez's repetitions with the first-team offense during practice. Sanchez was immediately incensed and at one point was prepared to fight Ryan for his job.

Sanchez has also been praised for his arm strength, immediately drawing comparisons to Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Namath. Sanchez has proven to be proficient in short passing situations as well. He is well-respected and viewed as a leader amongst his peers.

After undergoing knee surgery following his rookie season, Sanchez established "Jets West" in 2010, an annual off-season camp located in his home state of California. Sanchez hosts workouts and offers classroom review sessions for his skill-position teammates on offense for one week. Originally intended to aid his rehabilitation, the sessions have grown into an extension of his leadership and fosters an environment to build team chemistry albeit exclusively with his offensive counterparts. During the NFL labor dispute, Sanchez managed to organize private workouts with over forty of his teammates.

Personal life

Sanchez is an avid fan of musical theatre. He was a presenter at the 2010 Tony Awards, where he introduced a number from the Broadway musical ''Memphis''. On stage at Radio City Music Hall, Sanchez stated, "I've become a huge fan of musicals since I've come to New York, and I've taken some heat from guys on the team, believe me."

Sanchez's father is a fire captain for the Orange County Fire Authority and a member of the national urban search and rescue team. In college, Nick Sanchez played quarterback for East Los Angeles College, was later a sergeant in the United States Army. His two older brothers both played college football. Nick Jr. attended Yale University where he played quarterback while Brandon attended DePauw University where he played on the offensive line. Nick Jr. went on to attend the USC Law School and is a business attorney; Brandon became a mortgage broker.

Philanthropic works

Sanchez has been involved in multiple charities including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to help raise awareness for Type 1 diabetes. He is also involved with Sam's Club's ''Giving Made Simple'' which, helps raise awareness about childhood obesity and how families can prevent it.

Sanchez has worked with the Teddy Atlas Foundation through which he met Aiden Binkley, a terminally ill 11-year old struck with rhabdomyosarcoma. Sanchez developed a bond with Binkley and the two remained close friends until Binkley's death in December 2010 which devastated Sanchez.

Mexican-American identity

When Sanchez was elevated to prominence at USC, he found himself a symbol of Mexican-American identity and a role model for younger generations. Sanchez was placed on center stage in Los Angeles, home to more than 4.6 million Hispanics, the majority of whom are of Mexican descent. While there had been previous, successful Mexican-American quarterbacks such as Tom Flores, Jim Plunkett, Joe Kapp, Jeff Garcia, Tony Romo, and Marc Bulger, unlike most of his predecessors, Sanchez is a third-generation, full Mexican and none had been embraced to the extent Sanchez was. USC fans began playing up Sanchez's ethnicity by wearing items such as sarapes, lucha libre masks and homemade "¡Viva Sanchez!" T-shirts. His rise to fame within the Mexican-American community was compared to that of boxer Oscar De La Hoya and baseball pitcher Fernando Valenzuela.

While starting for an injured John David Booty in 2007, Sanchez wore a custom mouthguard that featured the colors of the Mexican flag in honor of his heritage. It became a prominent issue after his nationally televised game against Notre Dame. The mouthpiece became a symbol for two opposing viewpoints: for Mexican-Americans, it was a symbol of unity—Sanchez accepting his heritage; for critics, the gesture symbolized a radical political statement. Sanchez, who was born and raised in the United States, reportedly received letters urging him to return to Mexico. Sanchez responded to the controversy stating, "It’s not a Mexican power thing or anything like that. It’s just a little bit of pride in our heritage. Hopefully, it inspires somebody and it’s all for the best." Overwhelmed by the attention and shying away from politics, Sanchez stopped wearing the mouthpiece, but began participating in other efforts to help the Hispanic community.

Sanchez, who knew how to speak some Spanish but was not bilingual going into his junior season at USC, began to take Spanish lessons so he could have conversations with others who share his heritage and conduct interviews with the media without the use of a translator. The USC band played "El Matador" when Sanchez would take the field. Sanchez participated in a fundraiser to help provide school supplies to first-graders in the city of Long Beach and region of South Bay, and helped Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa give holiday gifts to impoverished families. By the end of his USC career, he had been hailed as a significant role model for Hispanic youth. Sanchez serves as the Ambassador to the Inner-City Games Los Angeles, an after-school program that provides "at-risk youth" with positive, alternative activities. Sanchez was most recently seen throwing out the first pitch at a Los Angeles Angels game in July 2009 on behalf of the Inner-City organization. ESPN Radio came to an agreement with the Jets to broadcast all of the team's regular season games in 2011 on 710 ESPN Radio in Los Angeles. The agreement came about due to Sanchez's continued popularity in California.

Statistics

USC

7 !2007 NCAA Division I FBS football season 114 !2008 NCAA Division I FBS football season 366

rowspan="2"	Year !! rowspan="2"|Team !! rowspan="2"|G !! rowspan="2"|GS !! colspan="8" |Passing !! colspan="4" |Rushing
! Att !! Comp !! Pct !! Yds !! Y/A !! TD !! Int !! Rtg !! Att !! Yds !! Avg !! TD
![[2006 NCAA Division I FBS football season	3	0	|	3	42.9	63	9.0	0	1	89.9	4	-5	-1.3	1
2007 !	USC	6	3	|	69	60.5	695	6.1	7	5	123.2	14	22	1.6	0
2008 !	USC	13	13	|	241	65.8	3207	8.8	34	10	164.6	52	16	0.3	3
Total !! 22 !! 16 !! 487 !! 313 !! 64.3 !! 3965 !! 8.1 !! 41 !! 16 !! 153.9 !! 70 !! 33 !! 0.3 !! 4

New York Jets

Regular season

364 !2010 NFL season 507

rowspan="2"	Year !! rowspan="2"|Team !! rowspan="2"|G !! rowspan="2"|GS !! colspan="8" |Passing !! colspan="4" |Rushing !! colspan="2" |Sacked !! colspan="2" |Fumbles
! Att !! Comp !! Pct !! Yds !! Y/A !! TD !! Int !! Rtg !! Att !! Yds !! Avg !! TD !! Sack !! YdsL !! Fum !! FumL
![[2009 NFL season	15	15	|	196	53.8	2444	6.7	12	20	63.0	36	106	2.9	3	26	195	10	3
2010 !	NYJ	16	16	|	278	54.8	3291	6.5	17	13	75.3	30	105	3.5	3	27	171	9	1
Total !! 31 !! 31 !! 871 !! 474 !! 54.4 !! 5735 !! 6.6 !! 29 !! 33 !! 70.2 !! 66 !! 211 !! 3.2 !! 6 !! 53 !! 366 !! 19 !! 4

Playoffs

68 !2010 NFL season 89

rowspan="2"	Year !! rowspan="2"|Team !! rowspan="2"|G !! rowspan="2"|GS !! colspan="8" |Passing !! colspan="4" |Rushing
! Att !! Comp !! Pct !! Yds !! Y/A !! TD !! Int !! Rtg !! Att !! Yds !! Avg !! TD
![[2009 NFL season	3	3	|	41	60.3	539	7.9	4	2	92.7	6	-2	-0.3	0
2010 !	NYJ	3	3	|	54	60.9	616	6.9	5	1	97.3	5	11	2.2	0
Total !! 6 !! 6 !! 157 !! 95 !! 60.5 !! 1155!! 7.4 !! 9 !! 3 !! 94.3 !! 11 !! 9 !! 0.82 !! 0

Career highlights

Awards and honors

{|class="wikitable" width="80%" text-align: center; |- !style="background:#ccccff;"|Award/Honor !style="background:#ccccff;"|Time(s) !style="background:#ccccff;"|Year(s) |- !colspan="10" style="text-align: center; background:#ccccff;|National Football League |- |Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week |3 |2009 |- |''Sporting News''' All Rookie Team |1 |2009 |- !colspan="10" style="text-align: center; background:#ccccff;|College |- |Rose Bowl Champion |3 |2007, 2008, 2009 |- |Rose Bowl Offensive Most Valuable Player |1 |2009 |- |First Team All-Pac 10 |1 |2008 |- |''Sports Illustrated'' and ''Pro Football Weekly'' All-American Honorable Mention |1 |2008 |- !colspan="10" style="text-align: center; background:#ccccff;|High school |- |Super Prep All-American Player of the Year |1 |2004 |- |Parade All-American Player of the Year |1 |2004 |- |CIF Division II Champion |1 |2004 |- |All-CIF Division II Co-Offensive Player of the Year |1 |2004 |- |}

Records

{|class="wikitable" margin: 5px; text-align: center; |- |+NFL Records |- !style="background:#ccccff;|Accomplishment !style="background:#ccccff;|Record (as of January 24, 2011) |- !style="background:#ddddee;" colspan="2"|Regular season |- !colspan="10" style="text-align: center; background:#ccccff;|''None'' |- !style="background:#ddddee;" colspan="2"|Postseason |- |Tied for most post-season road victories by a quarterback in NFL history (tied with Len Dawson, Roger Staubach, Jake Delhomme and Joe Flacco) |4 |- |}

References

External links

New York Jets bio

USC Trojans bio

Mark Sanchez at ESPN.com

Category:1986 births Category:Living people Category:American football quarterbacks Category:American sportspeople of Mexican descent Category:New York Jets players Category:People from Long Beach, California Category:Sportspeople from Orange County, California Category:Players of American football from California Category:U.S. Army All-American football players Category:USC Trojans football players

da:Mark Sanchez de:Mark Sanchez es:Mark Sanchez fr:Mark Sanchez it:Mark Sanchez ja:マーク・サンチェス pt:Mark Sanchez fi:Mark Sanchez tl:Mark Sanchez