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After going 2-14, Caldwell fired in Colts purge

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Times wires
Tuesday, January 17, 2012

INDIANAPOLIS — Jim Caldwell endured everything thrown at him during his first two seasons as the Colts' coach. He couldn't survive the loss of Peyton Manning.

Caldwell became the Colts' third high-profile dismissal in an offseason purge, getting fired Tuesday after a 2-14 season.

"This is obviously a big transitional time for us, and … it's hard when you say goodbyes to some people," team owner Jim Irsay said. "But it's part of the business."

This month Irsay fired team vice chairman Bill Polian and his son, Chris, the general manager. Last week, Ryan Grigson was named the GM of a team which owns the No. 1 overall draft pick.

Things were so clouded Monday, Caldwell met former Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo about the defensive coordinator job. Tuesday morning, the conventional wisdom was that Caldwell would stay. A few hours later, everything changed suddenly.

In 2009 Caldwell was the fifth rookie head coach to reach the Super Bowl and returned to the playoffs in 2010 despite an injury-plagued year.

But those successes came with Manning, who missed this season after two neck surgeries. This season, without him, the Colts started 0-13.

LUCK AGENT: Andrew Luck's uncle will serve as the agent for the former Stanford quarterback, thought to be the likely No. 1 overall draft choice. Wasserman Media Group hired Will Wilson to represent the quarterback.

BRONCOS: Running back Willis McGahee and left tackle Ryan Clady were added to the AFC Pro Bowl roster. They replace the injured Arian Foster (Texans) and Jake Long (Dolphins).

CHARGERS: Offensive line coach Hal Hunter had offensive coordinator duties added. He was promoted to replace Clarence Shelmon.

FALCONS: Former 49ers coach Mike Nolan was named defensive coordinator. He held the same post in Miami the past two seasons.

RAMS: Coach Jeff Fisher was introduced after signing a five-year deal. "My decision was very, very simple," he said. "It was based on a shared collective vision in restoring this franchise to a place of significance."

STEELERS: The team said running backs coach Kirby Wilson, a former Bucs assistant, remained in critical condition with burns on more than 45 percent of his body. Wilson, 50, also suffered smoke inhalation in a Jan. 6 fire at his townhouse. … Ed Tomlin, the biological father of coach Mike Tomlin, died of a heart attack Monday in Ocala, the Ocala Star-Banner said. He was 63.


College basketball preview: USF Bulls vs. St. John's Red Storm

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By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, January 17, 2012

No problems for Clijsters; Federer gets walkover

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Times wires
Tuesday, January 17, 2012

MELBOURNE, Australia — Defending champion Kim Clij­sters cruised into the third round of the Australian Open then showed just how much support she has at Rod Laver Arena by getting the crowd to sing Happy Birthday to her younger sister.

Clijsters needed only 47 minutes to beat Stephanie Foretz Gacon 6-0, 6-1 today, conceding just 10 points in the first set and showing no signs of a hip problem that forced her to retire during a semifinal against Daniela Hantuchova at a warmup tournament two weeks ago.

She will meet Hantuchova in the next round. French Open champion Li Na advanced to the third round with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Olivia Rogowska.

Roger Federer got a walkover into the third round when Andreas Beck withdrew because of a lower back injury. Federer will meet Ivo Karlovic or Carlos Berlocq in the next round.

Eighth-ranked Mardy Fish became the first top-10 player on the men's side to lose, falling 7-6 (7-4), 6-3, 7-6 (8-6) to Alejandro Falla. No. 7 Tomas Berdych advanced 6-1, 6-0, 7-6 (7-4) over Olivier Rochus.

Serena Williams advanced to the second round in a match that finished after midnight. The only thing that bugged her, despite the 11:32 p.m. start Tuesday, were the insects in a 6-3, 6-2 win over Tamira Paszek.

"I'm going to request not to play at night anymore because I hate bugs, except for the final. I heard it's at night," Williams said. "I'll try to get used to them."

Ravens know they need offense

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Times wires
Tuesday, January 17, 2012

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — For the Ravens, the term "balanced attack" usually means an equal distribution of tackles among everyone on the defense not named Ray Lewis.

The Ravens' strength has long been stopping the opposition. The offense, for the most part, is usually responsible for protecting the ball and cashing in turnovers.

This unsymmetrical arrangement almost certainly must change Sunday against high-powered New England in the AFC Championship Game.

Baltimore beat Houston 20-13 in the division round on Sunday by virtue of another solid day from its defense. Or, in spite of its offense.

The Ravens totaled 227 yards — 109 after halftime. They went three-and-out eight times, averaged 2.8 yards per rush and scored only three points over the final 46 minutes.

That won't be enough this time.

"I think it would be safe to say we are going to have to score points to win this game," said Ravens rookie WR Torrey Smith, who had one catch for 9 yards against the Texans.

"We have one of the top defenses in the league, and we stand by our defense and believe in our defense. They are pretty much the rock of our team," Smith said. "We know we are going to have to help them out a lot."

NICKS FIX: While fans in San Francisco have been celebrating "The Grab" that thrust QB Alex Smith and TE Vernon Davis to the national scene, there's a pair of hands on the Giants making just as much news.

No, not Victor Cruz.

Try Hakeem Nicks.

Nicks came into the season as New York's No. 1 receiver and nothing really has changed despite Cruz's record-setting, 1,536-yard season. Nicks is still Eli Manning's go-to guy, and it has never been more obvious than in the playoffs.

His 13 catches for 280 yards and four touchdowns rank in the top three in postseason statistics, and his four touchdowns are No. 1.

In Sunday's win over the Packers, the 24-year-old scored on a 66-yard catch and run and made a remarkable catch on a 37-yard jump ball in the end zone on the final play of the first half to give the Giants a 10-point halftime lead.

"Honestly, I don't think you've seen nothing yet," Nicks said. "I think I'm just now peaking."

Tampa Bay Lightning's injuries point out need for depth

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By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, January 17, 2012

TAMPA — The Lightning has become a good advertisement for why organizations need depth.

With RW Dana Tyrell out with an unspecified lower-body injury sustained Sunday against the Penguins, Tampa Bay has seven injured players who otherwise would be playing.

That has put coach Guy Boucher in a tough spot.

"Day-to-day," he said, "we just need to figure out who is replacing who in what roles."

There also is the matter of healthy players taking on extra minutes.

"So, it's not necessarily managing X's and O's," Boucher said, "but managing rest."

"That's why you need a good minor-league system," assistant Dan Lacroix said. "Going through all these injuries, we need the youth and enthusiasm these guys can bring."

Rebuilding organizational depth has been a priority for GM Steve Yzerman. Last season AHL Norfolk made the playoffs for the first time in four years as a Tampa Bay affiliate and should make it this season, too.

During this stretch of injuries, J.T. Wyman, Pierre-Cedric Labrie and Trevor Smith have been called up. Also on the roster is D Brendan Mikkelson, who was acquired from the Flames for C Blair Jones and had spent this season in the minors.

"It's kind of like a reward for the guys who have been playing well down there," Lacroix said. "Now you have guys who have an opportunity to come up and make plays."

The latest is Smith, 26, who leads the Admirals with 44 points on 16 goals and 28 assists.

"It's definitely exciting," Smith said "You get the call like that and it's good. You get an opportunity here and just try to earn my keep."

MORE SMITH: Lacroix likes Smith's versatility.

"He's just a good player," said Lacroix, who coached Smith with the Islanders organization. "He can play on the power play and kill penalties. He can do a little bit of everything."

Smith, who on Tuesday had 4:53 of ice time with one shot and two hits in his eighth NHL game, spoke broadly about his success in Norfolk.

"The way we play in the offensive zone, everyone is on the same page," he said. "Everyone knows where the puck is going. We play a simple style, get pucks to the net and get a lot of shots. When you play in that system you know where the guys are going to go. You know where the puck is going to be, so it's a lot easier to play."

MEDICAL MATTERS: MRI exams on Tyrell and D Marc-Andre Bergeron (back) showed no significant damage and that the injuries can heal with time and treatment, Boucher said. … Forwards Ryan Shannon (knee) and Wyman wore red no-contact jerseys at the morning skate. … Tyrell, Bergeron and D Victor Hedman (concussion) skated by themselves.

ODDS AND ENDS: The Lightning's 1-0 lead was only the ninth it carried out of the first period this season. … Rays pitcher David Price was at the game and got an ovation when shown on the scoreboard. … Former Lightning Brandon Bochenski will play in Saturday's All-Star Game for Russia's Kontinental Hockey League. He has 18 goals, 40 points in 36 games for Astana.

Sports in brief: Late auto racing champion Senna's name to carry on with nephew

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Times wires
Tuesday, January 17, 2012

autos

late champion's name will carry on with nephew

MADRID — Nearly 18 years after the death of three-time world champion Ayrton Senna in a high-speed crash, the Senna name is returning to Williams Formula One team.

Senna's 28-year-old nephew, Bruno, signed a one-year deal to partner Venezuelan driver Pastor Maldonado and give the British team an all-South American lineup going into the March 18 opener in Australia.

Ayrton Senna joined Williams from McLaren in 1994 and was fatally wounded during a crash at San Marino, his third race with the team.

Servia gets deal: Dreyer & Reinbold Racing has signed Oriol Servia for the 2012 IndyCar season. The Spaniard finished fourth in the standings last season but lost his ride in December when Newman/Haas Racing shut down. "I'm happy because in many ways, it's good just to have a job nowadays," Servia said. He was a career-best fourth in the standings last season, behind Dario Franchitti, Will Power and Scott Dixon.

et cetera

Colleges: Gunner Kiel, considered by many the country's top quarterback recruit, officially switched his commitment to Notre Dame from LSU. The standout from Columbus, Ohio, enrolled at the university Tuesday. He cited Notre Dame's education, distance from his home and his comfort with players and staff.

Sailing: Michigan's Doug DeVos and his Quantum Racing team continue to set the pace in the 52 Class halfway through a 10-race series at the Key West 2012 regatta.

Times wires

MSU loss weighs on Izzo

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Times wires
Tuesday, January 17, 2012

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Tom Izzo was in a foul mood after No. 20 Michigan beat his ninth-ranked Michigan State Spartans 60-59 on Tuesday night.

As angry as Izzo was with the officials, and as disappointed as he was in his players' toughness, he was more upset with the man in his mirror.

"I think I had a worse night than my team did," Izzo said somberly at the end of his news conference.

Izzo blamed himself for not having a rotation that would have allowed Draymond Green and Keith Appling to rest more so that they could have played better late in the game.

Green scored a season-low seven and played 37 of 40 minutes, perhaps leading to him coming up short on a shot near the free-throw line that could have won the game.

Appling had 10 points, his fewest in a Big Ten game this season, and almost as many turnovers (four) as assists (five) in 31 minutes.

"Draymond and Keith had to play a lot of minutes in stretches," Izzo said. "The way we play, that's not good."

Stu Douglass made a layup with 36.5 seconds left, and Michigan (15-4, 5-2 Big Ten) held on through a wild final sequence to win its third straight against Michigan State (15-4, 4-2).

NO. 2 KENTUCKY 86, ARKANSAS 63: Freshman Anthony Davis scored a career-high 27 and had seven blocks to set a season school record with his 84th for the Wildcats (18-1, 4-0 SEC), who extended the nation's longest home winning streak to 46.

NO. 10 G'TOWN 83, DEPAUL 75: Jason Clark scored a career-high 31 for the visiting Hoyas (15-3, 5-2 Big East), who outrebounded the Blue Demons 47-25.

NO. 18 LOUISVILLE: Junior forward Rakeem Buckles tore a ligament in his left knee and will miss the rest of the season as well as all of 2012-13.

ST. JOHN'S: Point guard Jamal Branch transferred from Texas A&M. He'll sit out one season and have 3½ seasons of eligibility.

Upset for USF women

TAMPA — USF beat a ranked team for the first time in three tries this season, topping No. 21 DePaul 66-63 in overtime.

"I was proud of our … resiliency and defensive effort down the stretch," Bulls coach Jose Fernandez said. "We competed and played hard and took every possession like it was our last of the game."

Jasmine Wynne and Kaneisha Saunders led the Bulls (11-8, 3-2 Big East) with 16 points each, and Inga Orekhova added 13. The Blue Demons (15-4, 3-2) committed 23 turnovers.

NO. 2 NOTRE DAME 120, PITT 44: Devereaux Peters had 20 points in 18 minutes to lead the host Fighting Irish (18-1, 6-0) to its most lopsided Big East victory ever.

ST. JOHN'S 62, NO. 7 RUTGERS 57: Eugeneia McPherson scored 17 as the host Red Storm stopped a six-game winning streak by the Scarlet Knights (15-3, 4-1 Big East).

NO. 19 G'TOWN 67, MARQUETTE 39: Sugar Rodgers scored 18 for the visiting Hoyas (15-4, 4-2 Big East).

OKLAHOMA 65, NO. 23 KANSAS ST. 57: Aaryn Ellenberg had a season-high 31 points and added nine steals, and the visiting Sooners held off a rally by the Wildcats (13-4, 4-1 Big 12).

Tampa Bay Lightning defeats Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins 5-3

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By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, January 17, 2012

TAMPA — Marty St. Louis didn't really want to talk about what he said to his Lightning teammates before Tuesday night's game with the Bruins.

"I'd like to keep that internally, really," he said.

But with the story of St. Louis' pregame speech circulating through the locker room — and after a 5-3 victory over the defending Stanley Cup champions snapped a seven-game losing streak and helped Tampa Bay out of the Eastern Conference cellar — that was not an option.

"Sometimes," St. Louis said, "you need just one good thing to happen."

In the Bruins' first visit to the Tampa Bay Times Forum since last season's Eastern Conference final, that was Dominic Moore's winning goal on a blast from the left faceoff circle that broke a 3-3 tie with 3:45 left.

Vinny Lecavalier, Tom Pyatt and Ryan Malone also scored for the Lightning (18-23-4), and Steven Stamkos added his league-best 31st goal into an empty net.

Matt Gilroy had two assists, and goaltender Mathieu Garon stopped 26 shots.

"They had lost seven in a row? I didn't know that," Bruins goalie Tim Thomas said. "They didn't look like that against us."

"When the puck dropped," coach Guy Boucher said, "we had emotion."

And they had St. Louis' words ringing in their ears.

"He talked about you never know when that moment comes that things can turn your way," Moore said. "The only way you can find out is by sticking with it and being positive. I thought that resonated with the group. Stay in the moment and battle and fight and see what happens."

"As a leader you're trying to pick up your team," St. Louis said. "I just felt at that moment I tried to calm the guys down and make them see it in a certain way."

St. Louis invoked last season's playoffs, reminding that after falling behind the Penguins three games to one in the East quarterfinal, Tampa Bay ripped off eight straight wins before eventually falling to Boston in Game 7.

St. Louis didn't say anything about a playoff run, but …

"We win eight in a row in the playoffs we can put a good streak together," he said, "but that happens when everybody is on top of their games, everybody is desperate, everybody is hungry."

That was evident in the third period after St. Louis' blue line blunder allowed Daniel Paille to score a shorthanded breakaway with 9:07 left to tie the score 3-3.

Tampa Bay could have crumbled. Instead, Moore's shot beat Thomas from 43 feet away.

"You want to get it off as quick as you can," Moore said. "That's the key."

With some help from St. Louis.

Lightning 1135
Bruins0213

First Period1, Tampa Bay, Lecavalier 18 (Gilroy, St. Louis), 7:11. PenaltiesGervais, TB (high-sticking), 1:58; Moore, TB (elbowing), 9:52; Ference, Bos (interference), 14:24; Thornton, Bos (holding), 19:55.

Second Period2, Boston, Horton 15, 4:28. 3, Tampa Bay, Pyatt 5 (Downie, Gilroy), 14:11. 4, Boston, Horton 16 (Ference, Krejci), 16:48. PenaltiesLecavalier, TB (tripping), 7:05; Seidenberg, Bos (holding), 19:23.

Third Period5, Tampa Bay, Malone 10 (Moore, Thompson), 4:58. 6, Boston, Paille 8 (Chara, Seidenberg), 10:53 (sh). 7, Tampa Bay, Moore 4 (Malone, Downie), 16:15. 8, Tampa Bay, Stamkos 31 (Lecavalier), 19:39 (en). PenaltiesLucic, Bos (interference), 10:14; Seguin, Bos (diving), 13:14; Stamkos, TB (hooking), 13:14. Shots on GoalBoston 6-11-12—29. Tampa Bay 11-10-10—31. Power-play opportunitiesBoston 0 of 3; Tampa Bay 0 of 4. GoaliesBoston, Thomas 18-9-0 (30 shots-26 saves). Tampa Bay, Garon 12-13-2 (29-26). A19,204 (19,204). T2:28. Referees—Eric Furlatt, Brad Meier. LinesmenSteve Miller, Mark Shewchyk.


Will Muschamp counts on recruiting to remold Florida Gators

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By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, January 18, 2012

GAINESVILLE — Shortly after Florida's loss to Florida State in the Gators' final regular season game, a dejected Gator coach Will Muschamp told a room filled with reporters that he wouldn't be around Gainesville in the foreseeable future.

"I'll be out recruiting," Muschamp said.

The implication was clear. With Florida's 6-6 regular season record cemented, the need to go out and improve Florida's depth — and its talent — was evident. And Muschamp was wasting no time.

Today, with a little more than two weeks remaining before national signing day, Muschamp has assembled a recruiting class that is ranked among the Top 5 in the three major recruiting services.

"The 6-6 season doesn't hurt that much because (Muschamp) is still new at Florida," said Scott Kennedy, director of scouting for Scout.com. "He can sell early playing time to fill in holes, and sometimes that can be a plus. If he's 6-6 again next year, he's got a credibility problem on the recruiting trail. But for now, recruits are willing to listen about coming to Florida and playing for a fiery guy like Muschamp."

Last year at this time Muschamp was in the process of trying to salvage a class that he had no involvement with until he took over the program from Urban Meyer in January. The Gators signed just 17 players last year, and Muschamp said at the time he was more about quality than just taking players to add to his numbers.

But a lot has changed since then. Since Muschamp's arrival 11 players have left the program, and combined with the loss of 14 graduating seniors, the Gators' roster currently sits below 60. But Muschamp insists he won't change his basic philosophy.

"I haven't changed my approach," he said. "You still have to evaluate and take the right guys. It's a little bit different right now because you have a whole year to evaluate. I think that a little bit of my philosophy at that point (last year) was, don't take a guy that you weren't sure about. I think that is the most important thing.

"Right now, we have had a full year to evaluate, we know what we have evaluated, we have ranked everybody at every position, we understand the numbers at certain positions that we want to take, but we're not going to take a guy just to take a guy. We would rather check it all out. If there are five at one position and you want to take three, you know you can get two, and then take four more at another position. You feel good about those selections. More than anything, at the end of the day, it's like the NFL draft. You take the best player available in those positions."

Muschamp has been known to jokingly take shots at those who rank recruits, saying he recruits based on talent not by stars, referring to the ranking system used by recruiting services. There is some merit to that. Two years ago, Meyer pulled in what the recruiting services called the No. 1 class in the nation, and the Gators have gone 8-5, and 7-6 since.

"Muschamp has quietly put together a terrific class already," Kennedy said. "While Florida State has taken some of the spotlight from the Gators on the recruiting trail the last two years, there's still plenty of players headed to both teams to make for Top 5 classes."

Even with the loss of his offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, and the extended period before hiring former Boise State coach Brent Pease, the Gators have persevered — which is exactly what Muschamp envisioned at the end of the season.

"We're fine," he said. "At the end of the day, we're the University of Florida, and we're going to be fine."

Antonya English can be reached at english@tampabay.com.

Coach Will Muschamp counts on recruiting to remold Florida Gators football roster

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By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, January 18, 2012

GAINESVILLE — Shortly after Florida's loss to Florida State in November in its final regular-season game, dejected Gators coach Will Muschamp told reporters he wouldn't be around town much for a while.

"I'll be out recruiting," he said.

The implication was clear. With Florida's 6-6 regular-season record cemented, the need to improve Florida's depth, and its talent, was evident. And Muschamp was wasting no time.

Today, with a little more than two weeks remaining before the Feb. 1 national signing day, Muschamp has assembled a recruiting class that is ranked among the top five by the three major recruiting services.

"The 6-6 season doesn't hurt that much because (Muschamp) is still new at Florida," said Scott Kennedy, director of scouting for Scout.com. "He can sell early playing time to fill in holes, and sometimes that can be a plus. If he's 6-6 again next year, he's got a credibility problem on the recruiting trail. But for now, recruits are willing to listen about coming to Florida and playing for a fiery guy like Muschamp."

Last year at this time, Muschamp was trying to salvage a class that he had no involvement with until he took over from Urban Meyer in January. The Gators signed just 17 players last year, and Muschamp said at the time he was more concerned about quality than just taking players to add to his numbers.

But a lot has changed since then. Since Muschamp's arrival, 11 players have left the program, and combined with the loss of 14 graduating seniors, the Gators' roster currently sits below 60. But Muschamp insists he won't change his basic philosophy.

"I haven't changed my approach," he said. "You still have to evaluate and take the right guys. It's a little bit different right now because you have a whole year to evaluate. I think that a little bit of my philosophy at that point (last year) was, don't take a guy that you weren't sure about. I think that is the most important thing.

"Right now, we have had a full year to evaluate, we know what we have evaluated, we have ranked everybody at every position, we understand the numbers at certain positions that we want to take, but we're not going to take a guy just to take a guy. We would rather check it all out. If there are five at one position and you want to take three, you know you can get two, and then take four more at another position. You feel good about those selections. More than anything, at the end of the day, it's like the NFL draft. You take the best player available in those positions."

Muschamp has been known to jokingly take shots at those who rank recruits, saying he recruits based on talent not by stars, referring to the ranking system used by recruiting services. There is some merit to that. Two years ago, Meyer pulled in what the recruiting services called the No. 1 class in the nation, and the Gators have gone 8-5 and 7-6 since.

"Muschamp has quietly put together a terrific class already," Kennedy said. "While Florida State has taken some of the spotlight from the Gators on the recruiting trail the last two years, there's still plenty of players headed to both teams to make for top-five classes."

Even with the loss of his offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, and the extended period before hiring former Boise State offensive coordinator Brent Pease, the Gators have persevered, which is exactly what Muschamp envisioned at the end of the season.

"At the end of the day, we're the University of Florida, and we're going to be fine," he said.

Brandon Eagles stand 'toe-to-toe' with best wrestlers

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By Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, January 18, 2012

BRANDON — Even if you don't know the difference between a singlet and a Snuggie, chances are you know about "The Streak."

Yes, that streak — the string of victories that Brandon High's wrestling team carried on throughout three decades and countless athletes. The Eagles won 459 consecutive dual meets spanning more than three decades and countless athletes. The second-longest team streak in American sports is a tennis team from Colorado that won 312 straight dual meets.

Then in 2008 it ended, as everything always does.

"It was something that so many kids who have come through this program can be proud of," Brandon coach Russ Cozart said of the winning. "We built a tradition here and did something that had never been done anywhere."

Since that loss in 2008, however, the Eagles have lost four times in dual meets, including three in one day over the winter break at the Clash tournament in Minnesota. The winner of the 32-team field is widely considered the national champion.

"We stood toe to toe with the best teams in the nation," Cozart said. "And my guys lined right up with them and didn't back down."

Rossi Bruno, a 126-pounder who is a four-time state champion (he won a title as an eighth grader at Tampa Bay Christian), was one of three Eagles to take home All Tournament honors. Bruno, a senior headed to wrestle at Michigan next year, said competing against the country's best was a memorable experience.

"We got a chance to see where we stack up," he said. "Every team, even the best in the country, loses, so it's not that big of a deal. The streak ended a few years back and we're a new team now."

Although it was against elite competition, the thought of Brandon losing one dual meet — let alone three in one day — was shocking to say the least.

"We came up a little short," Cozart said.

However, the Eagles didn't fall to some slouches. Brandon, which entered the tourney ranked sixth in the nation, lost each of those meets to a team ranked higher in the country. But with the streak in the rearview mirror, Cozart said all teams, regardless of location or resume, are now on Brandon's radar.

"Now that the streak is over," he said. "We want to take on any team in the USA."

Whispers followed Cozart around for years when Brandon was in the midst of its mind-boggling stretch that began in 1974. Critics would say Brandon ducked certain opponents to preserve their record.

"During it, people would want us to come to their tournaments 2,000 miles away and travel to their gyms because they knew we were a big draw," Cozart said. "And one thing I always said was we would never lose that streak on the road. If someone was going to beat us, it was going to be at our gym in front of our fans."

Cozart's philosophy was simple: Those who wanted to take the proverbial title had to come and to Victoria Street to get it.

"We would invite teams from all over the country to come to our gym and few took us up on it," he said. "And we beat, by and large, every team in the state of Florida."

Now that the streak is over, Cozart said he will consistently travel around the country to face the toughest teams.

"It's opened things up for us and given us a chance to put our guys against the best of the best," he said. "People talk about losing the streak, but I think it was a blessing in disguise because this is what is going to take our program to another level."

And that exposure nationally, Cozart hopes, should benefit his wrestlers come state tournament time.

"They're getting exposure to college teams because most of them won't travel to Florida to see us," he said. "We lost some meets up there but our guys didn't back down one bit and it was a very positive experience that will pay off for us."

Brandon Wright can be reached at hillsnews@sptimes.com.

Tampa Bay Rays catcher Nevin Ashley clears waivers, outrighted to Durham

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Tampa Bay Rays catcher Nevin Ashley cleared waivers and has been outrighted to Triple-A Durham.

Ashley was taken off the 40-man roster last week to make room for Luke Scott.

Couples of Hernando play Southern Woods tournament

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By Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, January 18, 2012

The Couples of Hernando Golf League plays monthly tournaments at golf courses in Hernando, Citrus and Pasco counties. On Jan. 9, the league played its most recent tournament at Southern Woods in Homosassa.

Jay and Carol Gettig took first place in Flight A with Mike and Carol Kilduff as the runners-up. Jay and Dorothy Cleary (third place); Dennis and Inge Weeks, Bob and Lynn Ouellette, and Don and Janet Gilbert (tied for fourth) rounded out the top five couples.

In Flight B, Ed and Janet Brady came out on top, with Roger and Joann McKay a close second. The remainder of the top five included: John and Joan Mylonas (third), Gary and Pat Smith (fourth), and Jim and Dee Karos (fifth).

Closest-to-the-pin winners were Bob Williams, John Dorgan, Lynn Ouellette and Janet Brady.

For information about the league, send email to Jane Szeltner at szeltjane@bellsouth.net or Dorothy Cleary at golfergram220@tampabay.rr.com

SPRING HILL VALENTINE'S BOWLING TOURNAMENT: Spring Hill Lanes is hosting its annual Valentine's Day Scotch Doubles Tournament at 1 p.m. Feb. 12.

The entry fee is $18 per team, with a format of each player rolling alternate shots. Based on 75 teams, the first-place prize would be $225.

For information, call the bowling center at (352) 683-7272.

WOMEN'S 500 CLUB BOWLING TOURNAMENT: The Hernando County Women's 500 Club will host a doubles handicap tournament Feb. 19 at Mariner Lanes in Spring Hill.

To compete, bowlers must be members of the Hernando County Women's 500 Club and of the Hernando County United States Bowling Congress Women's Bowling Association. Entry forms are available at Mariner Lanes and Spring Hill Lanes.

The handicap at the event will be 100 percent of a 200 average. Check-in will be at 1 p.m.; bowling starts at 1:30. The entry fee is $17 per person, with a deadline of Feb. 13. Entries may be dropped off at either bowling center.

For information, call Sheila Wehrenberg at (352) 688-1575.

HIGH POINT MEN'S GOLF TOURNAMENT: The High Point retirement community will host the High Point Men's 18-Hole Golf Invitational on Feb. 17.

The tournament format will be handicap three-best-ball net. The shotgun start will be at 8:30 a.m., with check-in at 7:30 a.m. A continental breakfast will be served.

Registration is $50 per golfer, which includes golf, cart, a roast beef dinner and cash prizes. Two 155-yard hole-in-one opportunities will be available. Sponsored by Rick Matthews Buick-Pontiac-GMC, a new vehicle and three-year lease will be the prize on the first hole, and a $5,000 golf cart from Affordable Golf Carts will be the prize on the 12th hole. The deadline for sign-ups is Feb. 1.

For information, call Dave Lund at (352) 293-4825 or Tom Lynch at (352) 596-8046.

TOFTEGAARD MEMORIAL TENNIS TOURNAMENT: The Nature Coast Tennis Foundation is hosting the sixth annual Simon Toftegaard Memorial Junior Tennis Tournament on Jan. 28 and 29 at Delta Woods Park in Spring Hill.

The tournament is open to elementary, middle and high school students, with an entry fee of $30 per player.

For information, visit nctf.usta.com online or call Phil Zee at (352) 263-9546.

SPRING HILL CHALLENGE TAE KWON DO: Dragon's Dojo in Spring Hill will host the 2012 Spring Hill Challenge on Saturday at Powell Middle School, south of Brooksville.

The AAU-sanctioned tae kwon do competition will feature divisions for team forms, individual forms, point sparring and Olympic sparring.

Preregistration is preferred at dragonsdojoinc.com. For those who wish to sign up at the door, registration will begin at 9 a.m.

For information, call (352) 684-7933 or (352) 232-8185 or send email to carlosdragon968@aol.com.

HIGH POINT LADIES GOLF: The High Point Ladies Golf League competed on Monday with both nine-hole and 18-hole play.

The nine-hole members dropped the first and last hole they played, and 18-hole members played a round with poker as the game.

Helen Reynolds (37) won Flight A for the nine-hole women, with AnnMarie Hartnett (39) taking second. Sharon Reidl (52) took first for the Flight B golfers, with Colleen Thompson (54) as the runner-up. Flight C was won by Dottie Clagg (42); Oakie Scache (43) took second.

Muriel Tremain won the Flight A poker competition with four of a kind. Katie Russell (three of a kind) came up just short. Flight B featured Dottie Mussato winning with a full house. Fran Lynch (three of a kind) took second.

Four women carded birdies, including Russell, Nancy Reeves, Jean Erber and Kathy Honoshofsky. Reeves and Erber both birdied the Par 3, 203-yard third hole. Honoshofsky carded hers on the Par 4, 200-yard 10th hole, and Russell shot one-under on the Par 4, 219-yard 13th hole.

WEEKI WACHEE HIGH GOLF TOURNAMENT: The Weeki Wachee High School athletic department will have its second annual Hornet Golf Outing at Brooksville Country Club at Majestic Oaks on Feb. 25.

The shotgun start will be at 8:30 a.m. Food and prizes will be provided during and after play. Current and former professional athletes will be among the participants. There will be time for autographs and pictures.

The cost for the event is $100 per person or $300 per foursome. Businesses may sponsors holes or prizes.

For information, call Weeki Wachee athletic director Mark Lee at (352) 797-7029, ext. 230, or send email to lee_m2@hcsb.k12.fl.us.

SPRING HILL DIXIE SOFTBALL: Spring Hill Dixie Softball has scheduled registration at Anderson Snow Park for its spring season.

Volunteers will be present from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the park office.

A copy of the child's birth certificate is necessary for registration. The fees cover all games, insurance and trophies. Any sign-ups after Saturday are subject to a $20 late fee.

For information, send email to Paul McGee at paul.mcgee.iv@gmail.com.

UMPIRE CLINICS: The Hernando-Sumter Umpires Association has scheduled a set of baseball/softball umpiring clinics.

The clinics are designed to train anyone who wants to become an umpire, and the sessions also can help seasoned umpires improve. Clinics will take place Sunday at the Anderson Snow Sports Complex in Spring Hill and Jan. 29 at Ridge Manor Park in Ridge Manor.

The sessions are open to men and women age 16 and older. Registration will begin at 11:30 a.m., with the clinics starting at noon. There is a $20 charge for each participant, and everyone will receive a Major League Baseball rule book, along with other handouts.

Visit hernandosumterumpire.com to register. For information, call (352) 593-6998 or send email to clinics@hernandosumterumpire.com.

FIRST TEE GOLF: The Brooksville Parks and Recreation Department is holding its First Tee golf program starting Tuesday and running for six weeks at the Quarry Golf Course, Brooksville Country Club at Majestic Oaks and Silverthorn Country Club.

First Tee focuses on golf and life skills instruction. The juniors program strives to instill in participants the organization's nine core values: honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgment.

The cost is $60 per child, with ages 5 to 17 eligible. Advance registration is required. The program is accepting up to 10 participants per class.

Volunteers also are needed. Donations are welcome, including youth golf clubs, bags and balls. For information, call Miles Groff at (352) 540-3835 or send email to mgroff@cityofbrooksville.us.

Contact Derek J. LaRiviere at derekjlariviere@gmail.com or (352) 584-6337.

Tampa Bay Lightning's Dominic Moore makes most of opportunity to unleash slap shot

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By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, January 18, 2012

TAMPA — When it comes to slap shots, Dominic Moore knows the quicker the better.

He's not just talking about the speed of the shot, though the past few weeks at practices and pregame skates the Lightning center has worked on his foot-to-foot weight transfer to gain power and wrist snap to add a few extra miles per hour.

He is talking about not letting the goaltender set up.

"Getting (the shot) off quick," Moore said, is "the key."

The training, physical and mental, paid off in Tuesday's 5-3 victory over the Bruins that broke Tampa Bay's seven-game losing streak.

Moore's blast from the top of the left faceoff circle — with a short windup and off a cross-ice pass from Ryan Malone that hit Moore in stride — was the winner as he beat goalie Tim Thomas to the long side to break a 3-3 tie with 3:45 left in the third period.

It was a startling display from a player known more for getting in the dirty areas in the slot and in front of the net where goals rarely are pretty and are scored with short shots, finesse backhands and off rebounds.

"He has a really good shot," coach Guy Boucher said. "He just doesn't use it enough."

This has been a different kind of season for Moore, 31. He has four goals in 45 games and is on pace for seven, well below last season's career-best 18.

But with 12 assists Moore is on pace for 22, which would be the second-most in his career.

"His statistics this year in terms of goals scored don't reflect the talent offensively that he has," assistant coach Marty Raymond said. "He hasn't had the same luck around the net."

Actually, Moore is closer to his norm when it comes to goals as he has averaged 10 in six previous full NHL seasons.

"I enjoy grinding it out in the corners and making things happen," Moore said Wednesday at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

"I think, maybe, a lot of my game is focused on creating opportunities, not necessarily being the shooter but being down and working the corners and being in front of the net."

That mentality is part of why Raymond called Moore, 6 feet, 192 pounds, "one of the mot competitive players I've seen."

He showed it during last season's playoffs with three goals and 11 points in 18 games, and Dec. 8 against the Rangers.

Moore fractured the facial bones of teammate Marty St. Louis with a backhand shot during the morning skate. His late third-period goal tied the game. His shootout goal won it.

"He has that knack for coming up big," Raymond said. "That's why we like him so much. Competitiveness is important, skills are important but to compete under pressure is huge."

He did that against the Bruins as he also had an assist and won 57 percent of his faceoffs.

It was the slap shot, though, which Thomas said "just beat me," that was the wow moment.

"He can definitely rip it," Raymond said.

"I have to look for opportunities to use it," Moore said. "I have to look for soft areas where I can get that shot off."

PROGRESS: Defenseman Victor Hedman (concussion) has begun light workouts in addition to light skating, the team said.

NFL's Rooney Rule helping to level the playing field for minority coaching candidates

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By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Long before hatchets start dropping in NFL cities and the annual spate of coach firings begins, a group of men gather at the league's Manhattan offices to compile names of candidates who could join the next generation of coaches.

Among those in the room is commissioner Roger Goodell and Steelers owner Dan Rooney. They are not there to influence hires but for a much grander purpose: to promote racial diversity in NFL hiring.

To that end, the league's diversity committee familiarizes teams with highly-qualified minority candidates who the committee and the Fritz Pollard Alliance deem worthy of consideration through a carefully-crafted list that is shared with every team.

Near the top of this year's list is Tennessee's African-American defensive coordinator Jerry Gray, among the at least six candidates interviewed so far during the Bucs' search to replace Raheem Morris.

The NFL implemented the so-called Rooney Rule in 2003 in a bold step toward leveling the playing field for minorities in a league that had consistently trailed other pro sports in diversity. The rule mandates that NFL clubs interview at least one minority candidate for head coach or general manager openings.

The result have been significant. There were only three African-American coaches or general managers in the NFL in 2002, the year before the Rooney Rule. Last season, there were 14 (although some have lost their jobs in post-season front office shakeups).

"It's been enormously successful," said Richard Lapchick, director of the Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport at the University of Central Florida.

"The success of those coaches ... has been the proof. There has been an African-American coach or general manager in four of the past five Super Bowls."

So, nearly a decade into its existence, the Rooney Rule works. But is it still necessary?

Definitely, says one authority on the subject — John Wooten, chairman of the Fritz Pollard Alliance (named for the NFL's first black coach).

"There may come a time when we won't need the Rooney Rule," he said, "but just watch the number of minority coaches who are interviewed for (specific) openings, and that tells you that it's still necessary."

Because many teams interview a single minority for a given opening, Wooten is left to wonder whether they would do so if no rule existed. Often, it's the same minority candidate the gets interviewed by multiple teams. Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell — a rumored candidate for the Bucs' current opening — interviewed with three teams last year before each hired someone else.

This raises another issue: Are the interviews always legitimate?

Preventing "token" interviews is a key to ensuring the Rooney Rule is effective. The league has taken steps, Wooten said, to make sure minority candidates are treated equally.

"Fortunately, our relationship with the NFL is very good, so they do a good job of talking to owners about interviews," Wooten said. "And because teams have to request permission (to interview candidates from other teams), it puts the commissioner in position to monitor these things."

Said Lapchick: "(Goodell) has been very clear that bogus interviews are not to be a part of this process. ...The overwhelming majority have been legitimate and teams have complied."

By examining the substance of the interviews, Wooten said, it can be determined whether the interview was a serious one.

Progress has been a bit slower in the ranks of general managers. But that, too, is changing. The Rooney Rule was made applicable to front-office hires in 2008, and this month, Oakland's Reggie McKenzie became the six minority GM. In 2002, there was just one.

General managers are more closely linked to ownership, meaning it takes a greater commitment on owners' parts to make such hires, said former Bucs executive Doug Williams, the first African-American quarterback to win a Super Bowl.

"There are probably some owners who aren't that comfortable having someone a little different making decisions for the organization and sitting next to them in the box during games," said Williams, now the head coach at Grambling State. "But it's getting better."

And, as with the coaches, the success of minority general managers bodes well for future opportunities.

Of the five minority GMs in place during the regular season, four are from playoff teams: Martin Mayhew (Lions), Rick Smith (Texans), Jerry Reese (Giants) and Ozzie Newsome (Ravens).

Which brings us to a larger point: the intent was never to simply have more minorities in key positions but, more important, qualified and capable ones. The evidence strongly suggests that's happened.

"And all this came about," Wooten said, "because of the consciousness of this. That's why we need the Rooney Rule."


NFL's Rooney Rule has boosted minority coaches and general managers

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By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Long before hatchets start dropping in NFL cities and the annual spate of coach firings begins, a group of men gather at the league's Manhattan offices to compile candidates who could join the next generation of coaches.

Among those in the room is commissioner Roger Goodell and Steelers owner Dan Rooney. They are not there to influence hires, but for a much grander purpose: promote racial diversity in NFL hiring.

To that end, the league's diversity committee familiarizes teams with qualified minority candidates who it and the Fritz Pollard Alliance deem worthy of consideration. Near the top of this year's list is Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray, an African-American who is among those interviewed so far during the Bucs' search to replace Raheem Morris.

After protests from advocacy groups led by famed attorney Johnnie Cochran, the NFL implemented the Rooney Rule in 2003 in a step toward leveling the playing field for minorities in a league that had consistently trailed other pro sports in diversity. The rule mandates teams interview at least one minority for head coach and general manager openings.

The result has been significant. There were only three minority coaches or GMs in 2002, the year before the Rooney Rule was implemented. At the start of this season, there were eight coaches and five GMs.

"It's been enormously successful," said Richard Lapchick, director of the Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport at the University of Central Florida.

"The success of those coaches … has been the proof. There has been an African-American coach or general manager in four of the past five Super Bowls."

So nearly a decade into its existence, the Rooney Rule works. But is it still necessary?

Definitely, says one authority on the subject — John Wooten, chairman of the Fritz Pollard Alliance (named for the NFL's first black coach).

"There may come a time when we won't need the Rooney Rule," he said. "But just watch the number of minority coaches who are interviewed for (specific) openings, and that tells you that it's still necessary."

Because many teams interview a single minority for a given opening, Wooten is left to wonder if they would do so if no rule existed. Often, it's the same minority candidate who gets interviewed by multiple teams. Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell, who is black and thought to be a candidate for the Bucs' opening, interviewed with three teams last year before each hired someone else.

This raises another issue: Are the interviews always legitimate?

Preventing "token" interviews is a key to ensuring the Rooney Rule is effective. The league has taken steps, Wooten said, to make sure minority candidates are treated equally.

"Fortunately, our relationship with the NFL is very good, so they do a good job of talking to owners about interviews," Wooten said. "And because teams have to request permission (to interview candidates from other teams), it puts the commissioner in position to monitor these things."

Said Lapchick: "(Goodell) has been very clear that bogus interviews are not to be a part of this process. The overwhelming majority have been legitimate, and teams have complied."

By examining the substance of the interviews, Wooten said, it can be determined if the interview was serious.

Progress has been a bit slower for GMs. But that, too, is changing. The Rooney Rule was made applicable to front-office hires in 2008, and this month, Oakland's Reggie McKenzie, who is black, became the sixth minority GM. In 2002, there was just one.

GMs are more closely linked to ownership, meaning it takes a greater commitment on owners' parts to make such hires, said former Bucs executive Doug Williams, the first African-American quarterback to win a Super Bowl.

"There are probably some owners who aren't that comfortable having someone a little different making decisions for the organization and sitting next to them in the box during games," said Williams, now the coach at Grambling State. "But it's getting better."

And as with the coaches, the success of minority GMs bodes well for future opportunities.

Of the five minority GMs in place during the regular season, four are from playoff teams: Martin Mayhew (Lions), Rick Smith (Texans), Jerry Reese (Giants) and Ozzie Newsome (Ravens).

Which brings up a larger point: The intent was never to simply have more minorities in key positions, but, more important, qualified and capable ones. The evidence suggests that has happened.

"And all this came about," Wooten said, "because of the consciousness of this. That's why we need the Rooney Rule."

Stephen F. Holder can be reached at sholder@tampabay.com.

Tampa Bay Rays area's last hope for sports success this year

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By Gary Shelton, Times Sports Columnist
Wednesday, January 18, 2012

They have been ranked as the No. 1 team in baseball for the coming year. If it's all the same to you, Rays fans would like that number to be guaranteed.

They have added a bit of pop in free agent Luke Scott. For those who have seen this lineup silenced too often, however, a bit more sounds like a fine idea.

They have stared at the payroll numbers following the new contracts for B.J. Upton and David Price and did not blink. On the other hand, their followers would prefer they spend more.

And so it goes. Every day, you look toward the Rays to see if a new addition has come aboard. Have they signed a first baseman? Have they made a trade for a shortstop? Have they found a catcher on the waiver wire?

Something.

Anything.

Soon.

In a wasted year, the Rays have become Tampa Bay's last hope. It isn't just that fans want the Rays to be good. They need for them to be. They need games that count and moments to remember and electricity in the air. They need a team to turn the idle evenings into something dramatic.

After all, no one else has.

It has been a grim year for sports in Tampa Bay. The Bucs, as you might have noticed, had one of the ugliest seasons in their history. The Lightning has been almost as bad. For the first time in six seasons, USF didn't make it to a bowl game, not even one of the little ones that exist only as programming for one of the ESPNs. None of the other college teams in the state had a season worth discussing.

And so on. Here in the early days of 2012, we have turned into Disappointmentville, a dank and dreary place where optimism goes to die. The losing is coming from all directions, and frankly, it's starting to wear us down.

Most years, there has been something to get us through. There have been some bad seasons scattered over the past decade, but in most years, one team or another has been entertaining enough to make up for it.

There was the Bucs' Super Bowl in '02, and the Lightning won its first playoff series in '03 then the Stanley Cup in '04. The Bucs made it to the playoffs in '05 and Florida won the national title in '06, and USF climbed as high as No. 2 in the polls in '07 before crashing to earth. In '08, the Rays reached the World Series, and in '09, the Gators fell just short of a title in Tim Tebow's last season at Florida, and in '10, the Rays reached the playoffs again. There was always something worth watching.

Last year, for instance, the Rays made the playoffs, and the Lightning made the playoffs, and the Bucs just missed and USF reached its sixth straight bowl game.

This year?

Bupkis. And re-bupkis. And after that, a little more bupkis.

Which brings us back to the Rays. And haven't they pulled off that spare-pitcher-for-power trade yet?

Odds are, when that trade comes, or any trade, the first impression will be general approval. And why not? Over the past few years, the Rays have become the most trusted team in town.

True, the Rays have a lot of the same obstacles as other teams in town. Not enough money. Too many empty seats. A bad economy. A low payroll. The Rays have overcome all of it.

At this point, the other pro teams in town would do well to follow their blueprint. The Rays draft well, and they develop, and they have their own ideas about why players succeed. They don't spend much on free agents, but they are careful with their money, and they overcome their mistakes (Pat Burrell, Manny Ramirez, Kelly Shoppach). They believe in strong arms and solid defense and long-range planning.

Also, the Rays seem to believe in their plan. In the reactionary world of sports, that isn't always the case.

Want to know why the Rays haven't traded Jeff Neimann or Wade Davis yet? Because other teams haven't offered enough. Want to know why Upton is still here even though he's now making a $7 million a year? Same answer. (Just wondering, though. Is it possible that Upton and Price walked out with each other's contracts on the way out of the room?)

As long as we are talking about belief, here's a fairly large question: Which Tampa Bay team do you believe will next play in the postseason?

The Bucs? Right now, they don't have a coach, and until they do, it's hard to gauge their direction. But judging from last season, that defense is more than one offseason away.

The Lightning? It's hard not to like owner Jeff Vinik, general manager Steve Yzerman and coach Guy Boucher. Still, those guys inherited a lot of contracts that limit the team's flexibility.

The Rays? Probably. The Yankees helped themselves with a big trade last week, and the Red Sox will be good again. Still, one or two more moves and the Rays go from interesting to really interesting. I don't quite buy that they're the No. 1 team going into the baseball season, as ESPN's Buster Olney wrote recently, but they're in the discussion.

Maybe another weapon arrives tomorrow. Maybe the day after.

For the Rays, it's time to sound the charge. In Tampa Bay, who else even remembers the tune?

Captain's Corner: Trout fishing picking up

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By Mike Manning, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, January 18, 2012

What's hot: The trout action from Clearwater to Hudson is hopping thanks to the warmer weather. There has been plenty of action on the shallow flats around Three Rooker Bar, Anclote Key and the North Sand Bar. The trout have been in the deep holes on the major low tides and moving up on the shallow flats with incoming tides. There also has been plenty of action in the mouths of creeks, rivers and deep-water canals. Both the Anclote and Cotee rivers have been producing gator trout of up to 28 inches.

Best baits: There has been plenty of action on many types of baits, including jigs of one-eighth ounces with plastic grub tails; hard, plastic swim baits; topwater plugs; and my favorite, soft, plastic jerk baits rigged weedless. There also has been action on live, large, select shrimp and small pinfish. These fish can be easily spooked in clear, shallow water so be sure to use a stealth approach to them such as poling or a trolling motor.

Landlocked: This is a great time to fish along the seawalls around Hudson Beach and along the Cotee River. The Sand Bay flat is productive for those who like wade fishing.

Mike Manning runs Action Fishing Adventures out of Tarpon Springs. Call him toll-free at 1-800-644-5940.

This week on the pro golf tours

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Times wires
Wednesday, January 18, 2012

This week on tour

PGA: Humana Challenge, PGA West, Arnold Palmer Course, La Quinta, Calif. TV: 3 p.m. today-Friday, 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Golf Channel

Champions: Mitsubishi Electric Championship, Hualalai Resort Golf Club, Kaupulehu-Kona, Hawaii. TV: 6:30 p.m. Friday, 7:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Golf Channel

PGA Europe: Volvo Golf Champions, The Links at Fancourt, George, South Africa. TV: 9 a.m. today-Friday, 8:30 a.m. Saturday-Sunday, Golf Channel

East-West Shrine Game preview capsule

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Times staff
Wednesday, January 18, 2012

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