Times wires
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
A's 5, Red Sox 0
OAKLAND, Calif. — Brett Anderson struck out eight and outdueled John Lackey for his first victory of the season. David DeJesus got the A's on the board with a first-inning RBI groundout, then Hideki Matsui added a two-run double and Daric Barton and Kurt Suzuki each hit RBI singles in a four-run eighth for the A's, who moved over .500 for first time this year. The Red Sox remain winless away from Fenway Park.
By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman is one of three finalists for the NHL's GM of the Year award.
In his first season as a GM, the former Detroit Red Wings star gave the franchise immediate credibility and built a team that had missed the playoffs in three previous seasons into the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Along the way, he hired head coach Guy Boucher, signed Marty St. Louis to a four-year extension and acquired forward Simon Gagne, defenseman Eric Brewer and goaltender Dwayne Roloson, among numerous others.
Mike Gillis of the Presidents Trophy-winning Vancouver Canucks and David Poile of the Nashville Predators are the other finalists.
The winner will be announced at the NHL's annual awards ceremony in Las Vegas on Wednesday, June 22.
By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
GAINESVILLE — When he arrived in Gainesville from Paris four years ago, Alexandre Lacroix was a gifted international player, but he wasn't necessarily expected to be a dominant doubles player for the Gators.
Because tennis is played on clay in France, many players are at a developmental disadvantage in doubles when they begin to play in the United States.
Lacroix had success as a freshman at No. 3 doubles, but he wanted more. He worked tirelessly to improve his game with UF assistant Jeremy Bayon, a fellow Frenchman.
The extra effort paid off. Last month Lacroix set the Florida record with his 94th doubles victory.
"It's a reward of how much work I put into the doubles," Lacroix said of holding the UF record. "I'm really proud of it."
"Here's a guy who came in and basically has pulled himself up by his bootstraps to try to figure out how to play doubles," UF coach Andy Jackson said. "Relative to what he knows now, he was a beginner the first year. … The difference is now he knows exactly what he's doing and he's played the last two years against the best teams in the country and he's a doubles All-American. It's something we're really proud of."
Lacroix is only the seventh Gator to reach 100 singles victories, and his current 105 singles wins ranks him No. 5 all-time at Florida. He begins play in the SEC Men's Tennis tournament today with 98 doubles victories and at No. 2 with 203 combined wins, just five shy Justin O'Neal's UF record of 208.
The accomplishment is even more impressive when you consider this: for the past three seasons, Lacroix has been the Gators' No. 1 or No. 2 singles player. For the past two seasons, he's played at No. 1 in both singles and doubles in every dual match the Gators have participated in. And that, Jackson said, is why the record says so much about Lacroix, who is also on schedule to graduate with a business management degree.
"It is a very large load that can really take its toll on you," Jackson said. "We need his point, he knows we need his point, and he also knows that everybody is looking at him because basically we've got one guy with a lot of experience and seven other guys getting experience as we go along. It counts as just one point but the player you're playing is way better, everybody's watching you, everybody's geared up for you more. He's handled it unbelievable."
It hasn't been easy, particularly this season. As the lone senior, it has been an up and down season for the No. 17 Gators. Florida (14-8, 7-4 SEC) is 4-6 in 10 matches decided by a 4-3 outcome — each came down to a decision-making match.
Lacroix's teammates credit him for keeping the team together.
"He's someone who competes really hard and he's the leader of this team," said his doubles partner Sekou Bangoura Jr. "Playing with him and being around him, you learn from his positive attitude and his confidence in himself. He's very mature. He's in his fourth year here so he's seen a lot of things and he's very good about telling the young guys what to expect and what's going on. He's somebody we really look up to. He has a lot of heart."
Florida will host the SEC tennis championships for the first time since 1999, but the Gators will have to play on opening day as the No. 5 seed — unfamiliar territory for a team that has reached the final two of the past three seasons.
For Lacroix, part of a long list of highly successful players Jackson has recruited from France, this is a final stretch on a quest to win a championship. Whatever happens, he said, he'll leave Gainesville with no regrets.
"From when I arrived here to who I am now, I grew up a lot," Lacroix said. "It was the best four years of my life. I learned from other people. I've discovered a new culture and new people. In terms of tennis I learned a lot, especially in my doubles. And hopefully I can play good in my future life as a tennis player. I wouldn't change anything."
Antonya English can be reached at english@sptimes.com. Follow her coverage at gators.tampabay.com.
By Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
PLANT CITY — After coaching the Plant City flag football team's defense for the past six years, Larry Langston moved to the offensive side of the ball.
Ever since, the Raiders' defense has been, well, almost perfect.
"Maybe I should have switched sides a long time ago," Langston said with a chuckle.
Plant City's defense has surrendered just 20 points this season and has been a main reason the undefeated Raiders are the prohibitive favorite heading into next week's district tournament.
"It's a cliche but it's so true: Defense wins championships," Langston said.
No team in the county has been better on defense than the Raiders. Plant City shut out its opponents through the first seven games before allowing a touchdown last week against Tampa Bay Tech.
"They have been amazing," Langston said, "just about as good as you can get."
Inside linebacker Whitney Sanford leads the team with nine interceptions and "has been a ball hawk" all season, Langston said. Complementing her on the outside is Taylor Wyatt, a versatile defender.
"We have been able to get key interceptions and stops when we needed them," Langston said. "There are a few times teams have been inside our 10-yard line and we got a pick or turnover on downs."
But the coach said the key to the defense has been the play of rusher Shay Wright. Langston said the sophomore is averaging "about six sacks" per game.
"Shay is a terror," he said. "She's the best rusher we've had here by a long shot, and we've had some good ones."
Langston said the streak his defense put together was talked about behind closed doors but not mentioned to the players. Although he said they were aware of the remarkable run, few discussed it.
"It's kind of like when you're throwing a no-hitter," he said. "We didn't want to mess it up by talking about it. But now that it's over, we can focus on just getting wins. But it was a pretty big deal."
But the Raiders have more dimensions than just their stout defense. Plant City, led by quarterback Catie Evans, is averaging 25 points per game. Evans has thrown for more than 2,000 yards and tossed nearly 30 TDs. Her main targets, receivers Amy Booher and Ali Grimmel, have combined for the bulk of those yards.
Kristen Wyckoff, who also plays softball, has run back a pair of touchdowns in limited work while splitting time on the diamond.
"Kristen is just so fast and we get her out here when we can," Langston said. "I don't want the softball team to lose, but it wouldn't be the worst thing if we could have her around more."
Plant City was tested in its finale, coming from behind to take the lead on an Evans TD pass to Kasey Worlock on the final play against Newsome. Langston said it was good for his team to get in a game like that before districts start.
Newsome is "a good team, but we were sloppy up until that last drive," he said. "My heart nearly gave out."
Another big part of Plant City's success has been its dedication. The Raiders reached the state final four in two of the past three years, including losing the championship game in 2008. This year's team, though not as athletically gifted as previous years, does the little things well, Langston said. The girls gladly practice on Saturdays, watch film and have dedicated themselves to a more intricate offensive playbook.
"We do a lot of chalk talk," he said. "Our offense used to be just about (the receivers) finding a place to sit down in the zone, kind of like sandlot. Now we're running more precise routes and the girls are really into it."
Should the Raiders, a team with just one senior starter, navigate through the playoffs successfully, a showdown with Tallahassee Leon awaits. That's the team that knocked Plant City out of the playoffs in 2008 and 2010.
"And that," Langston said, "would be sweet justice."
Brandon Wright can be reached at hillsnews@sptimes.com.
By Rodney Page, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Sunday is Easter, which means the unofficial end of golf season in Florida. People don't stop playing, mind you, it's just that the pool of golfers starts to shrink. Seasonal residents are trickling north, which is bad news for course operators and good news for local golfers. It will be cheaper to play starting May 1. Here is our annual look at where and how to find deals:
Summer cards
Paradise Golf Card
Its summer membership runs from May 1 through Oct. 31 (some courses started honoring the card April 1). Cost is $199. Many courses in the Tampa Bay and Bradenton/Sarasota areas accept this card. Some private clubs, such as Cypress Run in Tarpon Springs, do also. Information: paradise-golf.com
Big Summer Golf Card
It costs $60. It is more limited than the Paradise Card, with fewer courses available in the Tampa Bay area. The card also has exclusive courses in our area that accept only the Big Summer card (Mangrove Bay, Isla Del Sol, Apollo Beach and Seven Hills). Most of the discounts begin May 1.
Information: bigsummergolf.com
American Lung Association Golf Privilege Card
It is $39.95, and it's part of Golfdigestteetimes.com. It can be used at courses throughout the Tampa Bay area; some exclusive courses are not covered. This card is for the average golfer who likes to play less-demanding courses. Information: lungusa.com
Arthritis Foundation Discount Golf Book
The cost is $15 per book; if you order three, you get one free. It covers courses in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando and is good from May 1 through Oct. 31.
Information: Toll-free 1-800-741-4008, (941) 708-3901; arthritis.org.
Summer memberships
Some private clubs open their doors in the summer, and it's not too expensive to play them. Here are some deals:
St. Petersburg Country Club
The club has been offering a summer membership for several years. It runs from May 1 through Oct. 31. The initiation fee is $125 for a single, $160 for a family, and a monthly fee of $145 for a single and $180 for a family. Call (727) 867-2111.
Pasadena Yacht and Country Club
The membership runs from May 1 through Sept. 30. It is $1,000 for five months, with no initiation fee. Summer members pay only a cart fee. Call (727) 381-7922, ext. 11.
Temple Terrace Golf and Country Club
This is the third year Temple Terrace has offered a summer membership. The rates are the same as last year: $39 per month to join and $18 every time you play. The deal runs through Aug. 31. Call (813) 988-1791.
Tee-time services
These online services offer discounted rates on certain tee times at most Tampa Bay area courses. In most cases, courses offer a specific tee time each day (usually in the early afternoon) to the services.
•Paradiseteetimes.com: Courses are listed on the left side, and there is a featured course every day. The site offers discounted rates on tee times and special rates on a specific tee time each day on each course. It also has a network to pair single players.
•Teeofftampabay.com: Courses in the Tampa Bay and Orlando areas are its focus. Numerous courses are featured each day. Click on a course, select a day, and available times and prices appear.
•Golftampabay.com: It has courses in the Tampa, Orlando and Sarasota areas. The selection is not as wide as other sites. It has a last-minute tee-time feature that allows you to find rates for later the same day or the next day.
•Golfnow.com: It is a national site, so to find Tampa Bay area courses, click on Florida, then Tampa/St. Petersburg. There are featured courses with special rates and other courses listed on the left side.
•Teetimesusa.com: It has Florida courses, broken down into regions. Courses are listed alphabetically.
•Ezlinks.com: This is a national site. Click on Courses at the top, then Florida to get to the Tampa Bay area. It's limited, and you have to scroll through the list to find area courses.
•Teemaster.com: It has courses around the country. Click on Find a Course at left to narrow your search.
•Teetimewatch.com: Start by using the drop-down menu to find the area you want to search.
•Golfhub.com: This is a national site that allows you to narrow your search. Has several area courses to choose from.
•Activegolf.com/florida-tee-times: The search box lets you search for available tee times by city or course.
By Krystel Knowles, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
RIVERVIEW
Going almost 15 miles per hour out of the starting gate and down the hill, the sounds of sprockets and tires grinding against the dirt consume their thoughts.
They pedal as fast as possible to get ahead and jump over the hills to gain momentum. The riders wear elaborate helmets and protective gear, knowing the danger if someone grazes their bike while jockeying for first place.
Ultimately, they share the same goal. Every hill and every turn is a chance to get closer to the finish line.
Excitement and sportsmanship is what draws bikers, parents and aficionados to the USA BMX Riverview track.
Riders compete almost every Saturday and Monday. On average there are 60 to 80 competitors from different age groups ranging from 5 years old to adults in their late 40s.
For Robert Fisher, 13, BMX riding is much more than a hobby, it's his passion. Since he started riding two years ago, Fisher joined the USA BMX Riverview Team in hopes of becoming a pro BMX biker in the near future.
He's hopeful about his future in the sport because he's goal oriented and trains almost every day.
"It's more than organized bicycle racing on a dirt track," Fisher said. "It's a way to set goals while having fun."
The USA BMX Riverview track is a nonprofit facility that opened about three years ago to meet the growing demands of the sport. Stephen Gerardi, 46, founder and skilled BMX rider, had the opportunity to lease 58 acres in county property to build a track. With the help of the community, sponsors and extreme sport enthusiasts, the park opened its gates for the first time in December 2007.
"When we started this project we had a vision, a place accessible to the Riverview community and a new place for people from other areas to come train," Gerardi said.
• • •
USA BMX Riverview is one of the first tracks in Florida to start their own track team because they wanted to give community members the chance to be part of something special. Gerardi said being part of the team is a great feeling because he belongs to a group of people who share his passion for the sport.
Since Gerardi started riding more than 26 years ago, he feels the sport has evolved and changed the way people perceive extreme sports. One of the biggest breakthroughs is when BMX became part of the Olympics in 2008.
He also feels riding is a great way for youth to lead a healthy life and gives parents the chance to spend time with their kids.
"Parents are more supportive and are participating more," Gerardi said.
Stacy Myers said her 15-year-old son Chad started riding three years ago and joined the USA BMX Riverview Team because he is competitive. Myers said she was one of the first volunteers to help with the construction and development of the track because she knew the kids in the community needed a place to gather.
She feels being part of the early stages of the project was a labor of love because the group's organizers needed someone to keep the team of volunteers motivated.
"It was a lot of hard work, we spent countless hours finding sponsors, building the track and developing ideas to make the place better," Myers said.
A couple of months ago, Myers put on a helmet, wore a jersey and along with another parent started riding for fun and as a way to bond with her son. She said the experience opened her eyes to the level of skill and difficulty riding a bike entails.
"Before when I used to watch my son practice, I would tell him to pedal faster, but now I congratulate him on working so hard," Myers said, laughing.
As a parent, Myers believes it's important to spent time with her son and participate in activities with him. Although, she is afraid to jump the hills while racing, Myers hopes to improve and make her son proud.
"Chad enjoys spending time with me, and I cherish these moments," Myers said.
In recent years, there has been an increase in parent-female riders and children under the age of 7. Gerardi says it's beneficial to have more places to train because many athletes go "track hopping," which is going to the different tracks that are open on different days.
"BMXing is not only a sport," Gerardi said, "but it's also a way to boost the Florida economy."
Krystel Knowles can be reached at hillsnews@sptimes.com.
Times wires
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Phillies 4, Brewers 3
PHILADELPHIA — Shane Victorino hit a tiebreaking homer in the eighth, Placido Polanco had a three-run shot and the Phillies rallied to avert a three-game sweep. Polanco connected off starter Chris Narveson to tie it at 3 in the sixth. Victorino then hit a long drive to right-center off Brandon Kintzler. "That was huge," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said. "Games like this keep you from going in a tailspin."
Times wires
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Tigers 3, Mariners 2
SEATTLE — Rick Porcello pitched effectively into the seventh inning, and the Tigers held on. Porcello ran into trouble in the seventh, yielding his first walk to Luis Rodriguez along with two wild pitches. Ryan Perry came in and struck out Jack Wilson to end the inning. Former Durant standout Ryan Raburn hit a 408-foot homer to center in the first off Erik Bedard, and Miguel Cabrera and Brennan Boesch also drove in runs for Detroit.
Times wires
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Nationals 8, Cardinals 6
Game 1
ST. LOUIS — Laynce Nix homered, and the Nationals chased Jake Westbrook with a six-run third in the doubleheader opener. Colby Rasmus homered and had three RBIs but grounded into two of the Cardinals' four double plays.
Times wires
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Red Sox 5, Athletics 3
OAKLAND, Calif. — Kevin Youkilis and Jed Lowrie homered off the previously untouchable Gio Gonzalez, and the Red Sox survived some shaky bullpen work to earn their first road win of the season after seven losses. Clay Buchholz allowed a leadoff homer to Coco Crisp and nothing else in 51/3 innings as Boston snapped the longest season-opening road losing streak in franchise history.
Times wires
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Cubs 2, Padres 1
Game 1, 11 innings
CHICAGO — Reed Johnson lined a 1-and-1 pitch into the leftfield bleachers in the 11th to lift the Cubs in the opening game of a doubleheader. Chicago led 1-0 when former Rays pitcher Matt Garza left after a strong six innings.
By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Remember the Titans: 6 p.m. on ABC Family. The 2000 film about high school football and integration never gets old. The movie repeats at 8:30.
Requiem for a Heavyweight: 6:30 p.m. on Turner Classic Movies. The 1962 film starring Anthony Quinn, Jackie Gleason and Mickey Rooney is about the sad ending of a boxer's career.
SportsCenter Special: 10 p.m. on ESPN2. Featuring former Bucs coach Jon Gruden and the top quarterbacks in this year's NFL draft.
Times staff, wires
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Tampa Bay Golf Tour
Looking for a place to find public courses on one website? Tampabay.com/golf has you covered. The site has all public regulation and executive courses in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando counties. Each course has a breakdown of yardage, greens fees and contact information, and a video review.
Policy statement of the day
The British Open returns in July to Royal St. George's, an all-male club in England. The chief executive of the tournament's organizing group, Peter Dawson, says he is not "overly concerned" about the policy. "We don't use the Open for what I might call social engineering," he says.
Franchise of the day
For all Tiger Woods' problems, he can still sell video games. EA Sports' Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12: The Masters set a franchise record for first-week sales with 225,000 copies sold. It topped Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08.
Times staff, wires
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Making a name for herself
The winner of this year's ACC women's title is Cheyenne Woods, niece of Tiger. The Wake Forest junior totaled 5-under 208 to finish Sunday seven shots ahead of her nearest competitor, North Carolina junior Allie White, at Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, N.C. "Coming into Wake Forest (in 2008) … there was a lot of spotlight on me as Tiger Woods' niece," said Cheyenne, 20, the daughter of Tiger's older half-brother, Earl Woods Jr. "Now that I'm into college a little more, I've shown that I am able to play, not being known as Tiger's niece, but I have my own game, too. I feel people are starting to recognize that, and this past weekend, I think, helped a lot."
Good on names, bad on countries
South African Louis Oosthuizen was at a PGA Tour event recently when he gave the starter a crash course on how to pronounce his name. The starter nailed it, introducing him as "Loo-ee WEST-high-zen," British newspaper the Daily Mail says. If only he had stopped there. The starter then saw the initials RSA next to his name — Republic of South Africa — and added, " … from Russia."
Dual purpose for title defense
Morgan Pressel will defend her title at the World Ladies Championship Salonpas Cup on May 5-8 in Ibaraki, Japan, and says she will give half of whatever she earns to the Red Cross for relief efforts for tsunami and earthquake victims. The prefecture of Ibaraki is about 150 miles south of Sendai, the area hardest hit by the March 11 disaster. The tournament is considered the first major of the year on the Japan LPGA Tour.
Local tournaments
• The American Junior Golf Association holds a national tournament at Innisbrook in Palm Harbor this weekend. Top juniors will play 54 holes on the Copperhead and North courses Friday-Sunday. Information: ajga.org.
• The Tampa City Men's Amateur Medal Play Championship is April 30 and May 1 at Rogers Park Golf Club. Entry fee is $135 per player. Registration deadline is noon Sunday or when the 120 entries are filled. Information: (813) 356-1670.
• The St. Nicholas tournament at Seminole Lake Country Club is April 30; 1:30 p.m. shotgun start. Information: John Salem at (727) 392-5764 or Mitch Kanaan at (727) 820-4338.
• The Dunedin High Band Boosters tournament is May 1 at Dunedin Country Club; 1 p.m. shotgun start. $69 per player, $240 per foursome. Information: e-mail dunedinbandboosters@gmail.com.
This week on tour
PGA: Heritage, Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head, S.C. TV: Today-Friday, 3 p.m., Golf Channel; Saturday, 1 p.m., Golf Channel, and 3 p.m., Ch. 10; Sunday, 1 p.m., Golf Channel, and 3 p.m., Ch. 10
Champions: Legends of Golf, Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort and Spa, Savannah, Ga. TV: Friday, 12:30 p.m., Golf Channel; Saturday, 1 p.m., Ch. 10
PGA Europe: China Open, Luxehills International Country Club, Chengdu. TV: Today-Sunday, 9 a.m., Golf Channel
Times staff, wires
By Paul Hawkins, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
What's hot: The trout bite continues to be red hot. Fishing the deep edges of the flats with Cotee jigs and DOA TerrorEyz has been awesome during the bottom of the tide. Drift fishing and fan casting the grassy areas have produced the best. Depths of 2 to 4 feet seem to be the ticket during the low water. Cast downwind and let the jig fall to the bottom. Retrieve the slack line and give a sharp yank straight up with your rod tip to "jig" the bait off the bottom and let it fall. Repeat. It's simple and productive.
Tactics: As the tide rises, we've done well on the shallower flats early in the day on topwater plugs. MirrOLure's Top Pup and 5M produce crashing strikes that are as much fun to hear as they are to watch. The technique is similar to jigging. Cast downwind. Retrieve the slack. Give the rod tip a sharp snap. Try to make as much noise as possible with your bait. Wait a few seconds and do it again. Remember, trout have "soft mouths" so don't set the hook too hard or it will pull free. Remember to handle undersized trout as little as possible. A hook remover will let you set them free without touching them. You'll be rewarded with larger trout next time out.
Paul Hawkins runs FlatsGuy charters out of St. Petersburg and be reached at (727) 560-6762.
By Joey Knight, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
TAMPA — Like many on track and field's sprawling landscape, Steinbrenner junior Alexis Wright started out subsisting on raw talent. Then a three-sport athlete, she possessed hops, a hurdler's frame and heaps of coachability.
She just lacked one nuance: know-how.
"I feel a lot more comfortable because last year it was like, 'Oh, this is something natural and it's kind of easy,' " Wright said of her hurdling acumen. "But this year I actually know what I'm doing."
Consider what Wright achieved last spring with nary a clue, and it's easy to project her making numerous trips to the medal stand at the upcoming state meet.
A 2010 Class 2A state qualifier in three events and a medalist in one (triple jump), Wright appears poised to collect neckwear in triplicate this time around. A slender 5-foot-8 honors student, her talent is complemented by technique, form accompanies her fleetness.
"In triple jump, I have to make sure I elongate my step phase and finish tall, looking up," she said. "(In hurdles) it was just like, 'Oh, I have to jump a hurdle.' But this year it's like, 'No, I have to critique this for me to be where I want to be.' "
There was little of which to be critical last week. At the District 9 meet at Berkeley Prep, Wright won three individual events (100 and 300 hurdles, triple jump) and ran a leg on the winning 4x400 team — while battling congestion.
She enters today's Region 3 meet in Titusville as the top seed in both hurdles events.
"This year she kind of came back knowing she was a hurdler," Warriors girls coach Ladd Baldwin said. "Last year we were trying to make her a hurdler."
A track athlete since the sixth grade at Carrollwood's Ben Hill Middle School, Wright entered Baldwin's conscience two years ago, when the veteran coach still was at Gaither. He noticed her vertical proficiency on the volleyball court, and the brace on her left knee.
Wright says the knee is "missing" a little cartilage. Fearing the stress that hurdling might render on the knee, Baldwin tried to teach her a couple of jumps and put her in the 400 meters. That year, she served as a freshman anchor on the Cowboys' state-qualifying 4x400 relay team.
When Steinbrenner opened the following fall, coach and prodigy both landed at the Lutz school. When Wright — also a Warriors point guard — finished with basketball season, Baldwin experimented with her at hurdles while monitoring her knee.
Turned out, she was a "natural," he said.
"Once I got into high school it was like, 'Okay, I'm a 400 runner,' " recalled Wright, the youngest of five siblings by eight years.
"But then my sophomore year it was like, 'There's this thing called hurdles and I'm amazing at it.' I finally realized what I wanted to do my sophomore year with triple, 100 hurdles and 300 hurdles."
A year later, Wright owns Steinbrenner records in five events, a feat hardly worth mentioning considering the school's age. But match those records with the ones Baldwin kept in his 12 years at Gaither, and Wright still would own the best marks in the 100 hurdles (15.10 seconds) and 300 hurdles (45.53) and is about 8 inches shy in the triple jump. Her best: 36 feet, 5 inches.
With more refinement will come even more records, Baldwin suggests.
"What makes her so special is, when you're talking about an athlete of the year in track and field you say, well, this girl's a great sprinter, or a great jumper, or a great pole vaulter. But that's all she does," Baldwin said.
"But can you hurdle, and can you jump, and can you run a relay? That's what sets her apart."
Times wires
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
MINNEAPOLIS — The NFL and its locked-out players wrapped up their fourth day of court-ordered talks on Wednesday with few signs of progress and no plans to meet again until mid May.
Executive vice president Jeff Pash, the NFL's lead negotiator, said U.S. Judge Magistrate Arthur Boylan told both sides they probably won't convene again until May 16.
U.S. District Judge Susan Richard Nelson is expected to decide well before then on the players' request for an injunction to immediately lift the lockout, now in its 40th day. Her decision will almost certainly be appealed, but it will give the winning side some leverage in any further talks, even as the clock ticks on the 2011 season.
"That is the judge's decision," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said. "She will make that ruling when she is prepared to do it, and at that point in time we all will respect the ruling and … get back to the point where we are negotiating."
He said the league is planning to start the season on time.
Also coming: U.S. District Judge David Doty has scheduled a hearing for May 12 on the players' request for damages after he ruled in March that the NFL did not maximize revenues for both sides when it renegotiated $4 billion in TV contracts with the labor dispute looming.
Finally, there could be a fourth set of lawyers and players at the mediation table, with a Philadelphia law firm talking with another group of players about joining the fight.
"We've had discussions about representing some additional players who want to have a voice in the matter," said Bryan Clobes of Cafferty Faucher.
The Sports Business Journal reported that a group of about 70 "midtier" players was considering hiring a law firm to get a seat at the mediation table, upset that talks broke off last month. But Clobes said the number is "nowhere near 70" and that it does not indicate any dissatisfaction with the way things are progressing.
Goodell, Packers CEO Mark Murphy, Falcons president Rich McKay and owners Pat Bowlen of Denver, Jerry Jones of Dallas and Jerry Richardson of Carolina attended Wednesday's session. Players Ben Leber and Mike Vrabel were joined by Hall of Famer Carl Eller and attorneys for the talks with Boylan. All declined comment.
The sides have spent four days with Boylan, following 16 days of failed talks in front of a federal mediator in Washington.
Bucs assistant charged with DUI
TAMPA — An assistant to Bucs coach Raheem Morris was arrested early Wednesday on a charge of DUI.
Police said Jayson Kaiser, 37, was driving on N Dale Mabry Highway with the lights off in a white 2006 Hyundai when an officer pulled him over near W Osborne Avenue and noted his speech was slurred, his eyes were bloodshot and glassy, and he smelled of alcohol.
Kaiser was arrested shortly after midnight. He denied drinking and refused to perform any field sobriety tests or take a breath test for alcohol, police said.
Kaiser, also known as Jay, often drives Morris to events, but Morris said he was at home and not with Kaiser during his arrest.
Kaiser was still being held in jail on bail of $500. His car was impounded.
A team spokesman said the matter was being dealt with internally.
Kaiser's the third member of the coaching/front-office staff to be arrested in the past year. Assistant offensive line coach Chris Mosley was arrested in September, and pro scouting coordinator Shelton Quarles was arrested in March, both on DUI charges.
Times staff
By Bryan Burns, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
TAMPA — Defender Andres Arango, in his first season with FC Tampa Bay, will be available for the first time Saturday at Montreal. Arango served a two-game suspension stemming from a red card he received during a playoff loss while with Minnesota in 2010. Last week, coach Ricky Hill hinted Tampa Bay might switch from its 4-4-2 formation to a three-defender back line once Arango returned. Tuesday, however, Hill said he likely will remain with four in the back for the time being. "I'm looking at the couple of games that we have played and the little areas where I've felt we've been susceptible to counter attacking," said Hill, left. "From what I've seen in the last game in particular, I think we're better off possibly playing with the four (in the back), which denies teams the opportunity to play balls down the sides of our center halves and, consequently, making us turn and chase backward toward our own goal." Hill did not commit to starting Arango on Saturday but said he brings a number of intangibles: "Maturity, quality, performance, leadership, all the things that are vital ingredients for players and intelligence as well."
Kickin' it with F Aaron King
You're from Denver. Is it harder to train in Colorado's altitude or Florida's heat and humidity?
It's almost similar. I'll train my tail off at altitude, and altitude training is great. But then you come here and have the humidity, so you can barely breathe. It almost cancels out. And then you come from this thicker air to the thin air at altitude, it takes a couple weeks. I feel like if you're altitude trained, your fitness level is going to be a lot better.
Last season, you scored a team-high 12 goals for FC Tampa Bay, third most in the league. Do you have a favorite goal from your career?
Scoring that first goal on a penalty kick in our first home game last year for the franchise was amazing. It was so loud and electric once I scored. Just a good experience to let everyone know the (team) was back.
A lot of players in the NASL view the Montreal road trip as the best in the league. Do you have a favorite?
I'm on that Montreal bandwagon. The field is great. The atmosphere is amazing. A lot of the guys are excited to get out there, get on some nice, beautiful grass.
How do you prepare for a match?
Through imagery. I'll try to throw on some relaxing music, usually a little Sade, and imagine what I'm going to do, whether it be scoring a goal or tracking back on defense or setting up a goal or whatever.
If you weren't a soccer player, what would you be doing?
I want to be a sports psychologist. The mental aspect is the most important in any sport, I feel like. I've got one semester left (for a bachelor's) degree. And then, obviously, I'd have to go to grad school, hopefully get into coaching after soccer and go to school at the same time."
Out of the box
New NASL commissioner David Downs took in Tampa Bay's 2-0 home loss to Puerto Rico on Sunday. Downs, who was appointed March 28, is making the rounds to all eight franchises, and Tampa Bay was the second stop.
So how did the commissioner like Al Lang Field?
"I thought the venue converted very nicely from its original purpose as a baseball stadium to hosting the match," he said. "I'm told that it does a better job of that than, perhaps, last year where FC Tampa Bay played (Tampa's Steinbrenner Field).
"I thought the fan atmosphere was wonderful. I was really impressed with some of the outfits on some of the hard core supporters. And I loved the little berm area."
Downs saw positives and negatives on the long-term use of Al Lang.
"Obviously, once the grass becomes seamlessly meshed between the patches and the old infield grass and the outfield grass, it will be better," he said. "Visually, from a camera perspective, I don't love the fact that there's an empty portion of the outfield behind the players' benches. (The stadium) seemed very, very appropriate for the size of the crowds and the crowds that we would expect over time.
"I think it's nice. I met the mayor of St. Pete (Bill Foster), and he seemed very gung ho about the team playing there. (The distance) didn't seem to bother some of the fans I talked to who had made the trip from across the bay in Tampa."
Up next
FC Tampa Bay at Montreal
When/where: 2:30 p.m. Saturday; Saputo Stadium
Next home game: vs. Atlanta, 7 p.m. April 30
Tickets: fctampabay.com, (813) 287-1539
By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
TAMPA — The stars of ESPN's Gruden's QB Camp, which airs at 7 tonight, are former Bucs coach Jon Gruden and five of the NFL draft's top quarterbacks, but if you look closely, you'll see cameos by USF receivers, who worked out with the passers on the Bulls' new practice fields.
"The experience was great," said junior Evan Landi, part of a receiving group that also included A.J. Love, Terrence Mitchell, Victor Marc, Derrick Hopkins, Stephen Bravo-Brown, Faron Hornes and Isaac Virgin. "The guys we were able to catch passes from are going to be first-rounders or early second-rounders. It's good experience to see guys of that caliber and to be able to work on what Coach Gruden's trying to do."
The Monday Night Football analyst said he was impressed both by USF's practice facility and the young receivers.
"It opened my eyes. We have great facilities here at USF; brand-new practice setting," said Gruden, who spoke last month at Skip Holtz's annual coaches clinic and regularly attends USF basketball games with his sons. "It's exciting for the USF Bulls, and we've got some good receivers. I think they benefited. I think it motivated those guys. They got excited to see (Auburn's) Cam Newton one day, (Missouri's) Blaine Gabbert the next, (Texas Christian's) Andy Dalton down the road, etc., to (Arkansas') Ryan Mallett and (Washington's) Jake Locker."
Drew Gallagher, who produced the show for ESPN, said the convenience of working out the quarterbacks so close to Gruden's home was a major plus, but he said USF gave them more than expected, with staff and players eager to help and both grass and turf fields available. SEC quarterbacks Newton and Mallett chose the grass, while Locker opted for the turf.
"Every time we came out there, they had receivers ready, staff to help, a bag of NFL balls," Gallagher said. "Even on short notice, from the get-go, they welcomed us with open arms."
By Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
TAMPA — So far, Tampa Bay has the best pass rush in the Arena League with 14 sacks. Wednesday, it got better.
The Storm re-signed DL Jermaine Smith, whose 40 sacks are seventh in league history.
"Jermaine still has that hunger," Storm coach Dave Ewart said.
Ewart said Smith, 39, looked "very sharp" during a two-day workout and he is expected to see extensive time Saturday against Dallas.
"We're playing him until his tongue starts hanging out," Ewart said.
Smith, whose seven sacks last season tied for fifth in the league with teammate Cliff Dukes, said he's excited to rejoin the Storm.
"I've been talking with some of the guys, and I'm ready to go," he said. "I'm in pretty good shape, but football shape is different. But I feel good."
To make room, the Storm placed DL Greg Taplin on injured reserve.
Cracking 50: New team president Derrick Brooks talked last week about Arena League games being a "race to 55 (points)." The Storm didn't get there in Friday's 51-48 win over Philadelphia but did reach 50 for the first time this season.
Grant Gregory, making his second start, was 23-of-29 for 211 yards and six touchdowns.
"You can see him getting more comfortable," Ewart said.
Ewart said part of the Storm's success can be attributed to paring down the playbook.
"We only ran about eight plays up in Philly," Ewart said. "We just kept it short and simple and had success."
Familiar faces: Four Vigilantes who will suit up Saturday played with the Storm last season: WR DeAndrew Rubin, DL Kelvin Kinney, LB Dusty Bear and DB James McCoy.
Running wild: Dallas FB Derrick Ross leads the league in carries (53), yards (224) and touchdowns (12).
"They run a lot of tosses, and (Ross) is legitimate running threat," Ewart said. "As a defensive coordinator, that can be scary because you're a little hesitant to bring guys up (toward the line of scrimmage)."
Kickin' It: Rookie Kyle Chilton had made only 3 of 7 field goals before his 30-yard winner Friday.
"I was confident in him," said Ewart, who criticized the Clearwater High grad after a 54-30 loss to Jacksonville on April 1 in which he made 1 of 3 field goals.
"The kid has talent. Otherwise, he wouldn't be here."
