Paul Swangard, master of comparisons

"I think I throw it in with the AVP (volleyball) and maybe to an extent with the PBR (bull riding)."
--Paul Swangard, sports-marketing expert at the University of Oregon, in reference to the LPGA.

Hm. Annika Sorenstam chipping in from the fringe = Rachel Wacholder ripping one down the line = someone on a bull? I'm gonna need some more info.

"These are sports where there are a lot of people who enjoy attending it, but in terms of breakthrough or crossover appeal, it's very rare that these sports have the ability to gain that large mind-share."

OK, that makes a little more sense. But I gotta believe that if the AVP got the TV coverage the LPGA did, both on network TV and ESPN, it would skyrocket past Michelle Wie and company.