Quantcast
Channel: Tampabay.com: Sports
Viewing all 18574 articles
Browse latest View live

Minority NFL coaches and GMs before and after the Rooney Rule

0
0

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

The Rooney Rule's big impact

The NFL implemented the Rooney Rule in 2003. Minority coaches in 2002 and at the start of 2011 and general managers in 2002 and today.

head coaches

2002

Tony Dungy, Colts

Herman Edwards, Jets

2011 *

Jim Caldwell, Colts **

Leslie Frazier, Vikings

Hue Jackson, Raiders **

Marvin Lewis, Bengals .

Raheem Morris, Bucs **

Ron Rivera, Panthers

Lovie Smith, Bears

Mike Tomlin, Steelers

* Not including three interim coaches named after firings

** Fired since the season ended

GENERAL MANAGERS

2002

Ozzie Newsome, Ravens

Today

Rod Graves, Cardinals

Martin Mayhew, Lions

Reggie McKenzie, Raiders

Ozzie Newsome, Ravens

Jerry Reese, Giants

Rick Smith, Texans


Minority NFL coaches and GMs the season before the Rooney Rule and now

0
0

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

The Rooney Rule's big impact

The NFL implemented the Rooney Rule in 2003. Here are the minority coaches in 2002 and at the start of 2011 and the general managers in 2002 and today.

head coaches

2002

Tony Dungy, Colts

Herman Edwards, Jets

2011 *

Jim Caldwell, Colts **

Leslie Frazier, Vikings

Hue Jackson, Raiders **

Marvin Lewis, Bengals .

Raheem Morris, Bucs **

Ron Rivera, Panthers

Lovie Smith, Bears

Mike Tomlin, Steelers

* Not including three interim coaches named after firings

** Fired since the season ended

GENERAL MANAGERS

2002

Ozzie Newsome, Ravens

Today

Rod Graves, Cardinals

Martin Mayhew, Lions

Reggie McKenzie, Raiders

Ozzie Newsome, Ravens

Jerry Reese, Giants

Rick Smith, Texans

Sports in brief: Beckham re-signs with MLS's Galaxy

0
0

Times wires
Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Soccer

Beckham spurns big Money to remain with L.A. in MLS

LONDON — Resisting the lure of Paris for the sake of his family, David Beckham pledged his future to America's Major League Soccer on Wednesday by signing a new two-year contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy.

The 36-year-old midfielder had been courted by clubs across Europe in the months before his five-year deal ran out in December, with Paris Saint-Germain's wealthy Qatari owners offering the most lucrative deal.

But Beckham turned down around $12 million-a-year with the French club for a less lucrative base salary at the Galaxy, which previously paid him at least $6.5 million-a-year.

"I've seen firsthand how popular soccer is now in the States, and I'm as committed as ever to growing the game here," Beckham said. "My family and I are incredibly happy and settled in America, and we look forward to spending many more years here."

For the former England captain, whose career at Manchester United and Real Madrid turned him into a celebrity icon, didn't lift his first trophy in the United States until the Galaxy won the MLS Cup in November.

More Soccer

U.S. women calm after shooting

The United States women's team is staying put despite a fatal shooting at the Vancouver hotel where the players are staying for the Olympic qualifying tournament.

No one in the U. S. delegation witnessed the shooting, which took place at the Sheraton Wall Centre on Tuesday. Police found the body of a man in one of the restaurants. Teams from Cuba and the Dominican Republic also are staying at the hotel.

"We know we're in a very safe place," goalkeeper Hope Solo said. "I feel safe. And I know the team has no second thoughts about being here."

College Football

Tide hires offensive coordinator

Alabama hired Doug Nussmeier as offensive coordinator and brought Lance Thompson back to coach outside linebackers. Nussmeier directed Washington's offense the past three seasons.

More College football: Alabama cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, who is leaving school early and regarded as a potential top 10 pick in the NFL draft, was arrested early Tuesday in Bradenton on a marijuana possession charge. Kirkpatrick told officers he was in the car when the drugs were purchased by another person, but he didn't realize at the time what was being bought, the report said. … Illinois fullback Jay Prosch is transferring to Auburn.

ET CETERA

Boxing: Floyd Mayweather made good on a promise to a Nevada judge to donate $100,000 to a breast cancer support organization when he gave the money to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation. Mayweather also was sentenced in December after a domestic battery case to serve a 90-day jail sentence beginning June 1.

Gymnastics: All-American Natasha Kelley is giving up the sport after tearing the Achilles tendon on her right foot. She was fourth on the balance beam for Oklahoma at the NCAA meet last year.

Olympics: Milwaukee-based design and ad agency Hanson Dodge Creative bid $11,100 to win an eBay auction by American middle-distance runner Nick Symmonds, who will wear the company's Twitter address as a temporary tattoo on his shoulder this track season. Symmonds, who must cover the tattoo at meets governed by IAAF rules, has been critical of the sponsorship rules of track and field's international ruling body, saying they limit the money athletes can make in their careers.

Sailing: Light winds forced Key West regatta organizers to cancel two races. Rob Britts and Jesse Combs of St. Petersburg, who sail out of Davis Island Yacht Club, are 11th after five races in the Melges 24 class. The regatta ends Friday.

Times wires

Serena knocks down 500th

0
0

Times wires
Wednesday, January 18, 2012

MELBOURNE, Australia — After tumbling on the next-to-last point of the match, Serena Williams got up and hit a backhand winner down the line to finish her second-round match at the Australian Open and her 500th career win.

With the 6-0, 6-4 victory over Barbora Zahlavova Strycova today, Williams extended her winning streak to 16 matches at Melbourne Park, where she won back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010 but couldn't play last year due to injury.

Her participation had been in doubt again after she sprained her ankle two weeks ago. "It's fine. I just have wobbly ankles," Williams, 30, said. "I wasn't meant to be a ballerina or anything."

It was her 500th win on tour, something she'd wanted to achieve since her older sister Venus passed the milestone.

"I knew I had to get there too, because I do everything she does," said Serena, now 500-104 as a pro. Venus is 598-147.

Meanwhile, Maria Sharapova reached the third round after just two hours on court. She beat American Jamie Hampton in 64 minutes, 6-0, 6-1, two days after beating Gisela Dulko by the same margin.

Top-ranked Caroline Wozniacki, aiming for her first major title, beat Anna Tatishvili 6-1, 7-6 (7-4).

On the men's side, No. 2 Rafael Nadal advanced without trouble from his injured right knee or from Tommy Haas in a 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 win. "It was a positive match but not that demanding," Nadal said.

Tampa resident John Isner had 43 aces in his 4-6, 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (7-5), 10-8 win over David Nalbandian, who grew enraged when an official refused to overrule the chair umpire's decision to decline a review of a line call late in the fifth set.

Times wires

0
0


Wednesday, January 18, 2012

ARLINGTON, Texas — Yu Darvish is coming to America.

Japan's best pitcher and the Rangers agreed before Wednesday's deadline to a $60 million, six-year contract. In addition, the Rangers will pay a posting fee of $51,703,411 to the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters of Japan's Pacific League.

"We look at this as really a perfect fit," GM Jon Daniels said. "Obviously he has yet to pitch in the major leagues, but we feel he has proven himself on a big stage. … It's all winning."

The deal came at the end of a 30-day negotiating window that began Dec. 19 when the Rangers' bid to negotiate with the pitcher was accepted. Had a deal not been reached by the deadline, Darvish would have remained with the Fighters. And Texas, which has been to consecutive World Series without winning the title, would've kept the posting fee that ends with the jersey numbers of Rangers president and Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan (34) and Darvish (11).

When the deal was reached in Texas by his agents, the 25-year-old was home in Japan, where he returned for offseason training after his first and only visit to Texas two weeks ago. The Rangers plan to formally introduce Darvish on Friday.

Darvish had a 93-38 record with a 1.99 ERA over the past seven seasons in Japan. The 6-foot-5 right-hander was a two-time Pacific League MVP and a five-time All-Star. He led the league in strikeouts three times and ERA twice and won two Gold Gloves.

"When you talk about those kind of dollars, it's high risk, but I also think he's … the most upside player I've ever seen come out of Japan," Ryan said.

The deal surpasses what Daisuke Matsuzaka got when he left Japan and signed with the Red Sox just more than five years ago. Dice-K got a $52 million, six-year deal and the Red Sox also had to pay a $51.111 million posting fee that was the highest for a Japanese player before Darvish.

Darvish, the son of an Iranian father and a Japanese mother, went 18-6 with a 1.44 ERA last season, when he made the equivalent of about $6 million. He had 276 strikeouts to lead the Pacific League.

Darvish, who turned pro at 18, pitched in the 2008 Olympics and was a member of the Japanese team that won the 2009 World Baseball Classic. The right-hander has superb control and throws seven effective pitches.

Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux had dinner with Darvish earlier this month and has watched video of him pitching. "The mix, he does a lot of things with the ball. His size, too," Maddux said this week. "He's a big fellow. That's the biggest impression I got, or the most surprising thing that I saw was how big he is."

Rays catcher to Durham

ST. PETERSBURG — Rays catcher Nevin Ashley cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A Durham. Ashley, taken off the 40-man roster last week to make room for DH Luke Scott, could still be invited to major-league camp. The Rays have four catchers on the roster — veteran Jose Molina, and the inexperienced Robinson Chirinos, Jose Lobaton and Stephen Vogt — and are likely to add another. … An April 29 game at Texas is the Rays' only scheduled appearance on the partial ESPN Sunday Night Baseball schedule released Wednesday.

49 and still going: Pitcher Jamie Moyer, 49, agreed to a minor-league deal with an invite to Rockies spring training, pending a physical. Moyer didn't play last season after having ligament replacement surgery on his left (throwing) elbow. He is 267-204 with a 4.24 ERA in 24 seasons.

Astros: Outfielder Jack Cust agreed to a $600,000, one-year deal.

Mariners: Left-handed pitcher Oliver Perez, a former starter with the Mets, signed a minor-league contract with an invite to major-league spring training.

Twins: Reliever Joel Zumaya finalized his $850,000, one-year contract.

Obituary: Marty Springstead, who at age 36 in 1973 became the youngest umpire crew chief in World Series history, died at his home in Sarasota. He was 74.

The resumes of the best NFL coaching hires of the past 10 years

0
0

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Mike Tomlin, Steelers

Tomlin was 35 with five years as a defensive backs coach and one as Vikings defensive coordinator when he was hired in 2007. He stepped into a stable franchise two years removed from a Super Bowl. So no surprise that he has had success in his five seasons: a 55-25 record, four postseason berths, two trips to the Super Bowl and a title.

Equivalent: Rob Chudzinski. The Panthers offensive coordinator coached in college but has been in the NFL since only 2004. He's 43 and has three years of experience as a coordinator. Then again, the Bucs are in much worse shape than the Steelers team Tomlin inherited.

Sean Payton, Saints

Payton was 43 when he was hired, but he had a solid background: two seasons as the Eagles quarterbacks coach, four as a Giants assistant (three as offensive coordinator) and three as offensive coordinator/assistant head coach of the Cowboys. In six seasons at New Orleans, Payton is 62-34 with a Super Bowl title.

Equivalent: Mike Zimmer. The Bengals defensive coordinator has an extensive background as an assistant. He broke into the NFL in 1995 and has spent the past 12 seasons as a defensive coordinator (for three teams). He's 55, making him older than Payton when he got the Saints job.

Jon Gruden, Bucs

It was 10 years ago the Bucs hired the 39-year-old. Before that, he spent three years as a Packers offensive assistant, three as Eagles offensive coordinator and four as Raiders coach. In seven seasons with Tampa Bay, he went 57-55 with three postseason berths and a Super Bowl title.

Equivalent: This one is hard. There's Jim Caldwell. He was a quarterbacks coach for eight seasons when hired at 54 . Brad Childress was a quarterbacks coach for three seasons and offensive coordinator for four. And after hired at age 50, his 39-35 record in four-plus seasons as Vikings coach looks like Gruden's 38-26 in Oakland. But Gruden was much younger when hired.

Tony Dungy, Colts

Dungy had quite the resume when the Colts hired him before the 2002 season. He had spent 15 seasons as an assistant, nine as a defensive coordinator. Then there were six as Bucs coach, when he went 54-42 and made the postseason four times. Lack of playoff success led to his firing here, but he moved to Indianapolis and went 85-27 with seven playoff berths and a Super Bowl victory.

Equivalent: Mike Sherman. He went 57-39 in six seasons as Packers coach, three games better than Dungy in Tampa Bay. Like Dungy with the Bucs, he made the playoffs four times. Like Dungy with the Bucs, he had little success in the postseason.

Mike McCarthy, Packers

McCarthy put in solid work as an assistant before becoming coach of the Packers six seasons ago. He spent 13 years as an assistant, including five as Saints offensive coordinator and one as 49ers offensive coordinator. Since taking over the Packers, McCarthy is 66-33 with a Super Bowl victory last season and a 15-1 regular season in 2011.

Equivalent: Joe Philbin. Philbin spent 19 seasons in the college game. But his pro experience is along the same lines as McCarthy: nine years on the Packers staff, including five as offensive coordinator.

Tom Coughlin, Giants

A coaching veteran. He knocked around college and pro staffs for 25 years, including three as coach of Boston College, before being hired by expansion Jacksonville in 1995 when he was 49. He spent eight seasons there, going 68-60 with four playoff berths, then took over the Giants in 2004 at age 58. In eight seasons with the Giants, Coughlin is 74-54. He has won a Super Bowl and is a win away from appearing in another.

Equivalent: Marty Schottenheimer. If you want to talk veterans, you can't get much more veteran than Schottenheimer. He has 21 seasons as a coach with four teams. Overall, he is 200-126-1.

tom jones' two cents

As the Bucs' coaching search continues, here's a look back at, arguably, the best coaching hires over the past 10 years. Along with these names, our thoughts on the equivalents on the Bucs' radar to replace Raheem Morris.

USF Bulls improve to 4-2 in Big East with 64-49 victory over St. John's Red Storm

0
0

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, January 18, 2012

TAMPA — Victor Rudd's night started with two bad misses, including an air ball, exasperating the USF junior forward.

"I felt like it wasn't going to ever go in," he said.

But Rudd bounced back in a big way, scoring 24 second-half points after a scoreless first, leading the Bulls to a 64-49 win Wednesday over St. John's in front of 3,145 at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

"That was pretty impressive," coach Stan Heath said of Rudd. "And some pretty impressive plays."

There were plenty to choose from, including Rudd's 5-for-7 performance from 3-point range or the tip-dunk he had off a rebound. But the biggest highlight was Rudd soaring over and "posterizing" God'sgift Achiuwa for a one-handed slam, sending the Red Storm forward back to earth.

"I want the (SportsCenter) No. 1 play this time," Rudd said, smiling.

Rudd may have stolen the show, but it was a strong team effort by USF (11-8, 4-2), which has won four of five and is off to its best-ever Big East start.

Freshman guard Anthony Collins set the table with eight assists. Senior Hugh Robertson set the tone defensively by holding Red Storm guard D'Angelo Harrison to eight points, seven fewer than his season average. Forward Ron Anderson (nine points, eight rebounds) and junior Jawanza Poland (16 points) stepped up off the bench on a night when senior forward Augustus Gilchrist was a nonfactor (four points, no field goals). And USF, which leads the league in scoring defense, held the freshmen-laden Red Storm to a season-low-matching point total.

"It's hard living on the road when you can't make baskets," St. John's acting coach Mike Dunlap said.

Rudd, a 6-foot-7, 221-pound forward who sat out last year after transferring from Arizona State, has had to learn the hard way the rigors of playing in "the highest level of basketball." Rudd began his Bulls career with a bang, scoring 30 in his second game. But he reached double digits four times in the next 17.

"This is like my freshman year," Rudd said. "I'm still learning the game, learning to play in the Big East."

Heath said he has noticed a change in Rudd since the new year in attitude and work ethic, as he's becoming more of a complete player. He hopes Wednesday can be a "coming-out party" for Rudd, who made 8 of 10 shots in the second half after an 0-for-5 start.

"Hopefully, this can get me back to where I want to be," Rudd said. "And more wins for us."

Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@tampabay.com.

Blackhawks extend Sabres' road woes

0
0

Times wires
Wednesday, January 18, 2012

CHICAGO — Jonathan Toews had two goals as the Blackhawks defeated the Sabres 6-2 on Wednesday. Buffalo has lost a team-record 10 consecutive road games.

"We're not dealing well with adversity," coach Lindy Ruff said. "We've got some players that are way away from their game."

Toews has four goals and three assists over a five-game point streak for Chicago, 4-0-1 over its past five.

Game highlights: Paul Stastny tied it with 3:17 left and assisted on the winner as the host Avs beat the Panthers 4-3 in overtime. … Michal Neuvirth, making his first start in 11 games, stopped 31 shots as the visiting Capitals beat the Canadiens 3-0.

Winter Classic: The NHL denied reports that a deal is set for Michigan Stadium, which seats 110,000, to host next season's game between the Wings and Leafs. The Mail and Globe of Toronto reported the major issue is the sale of alcohol, which is not permitted at the stadium.

Around the league: Wing Daniel Alfredsson of host Ottawa and defenseman Zdeno Chara of Boston will be captains for the All-Star Game. The two, elected by the All-Stars, will draft teams for the Jan. 29 game. … Florida defenseman Ed Jovanovski could miss two months after breaking his hand in a fight Monday against Boston.

at Blackhawks2226
Sabres1102

First Period1, Buffalo, Pominville 16 (Hecht), 9:30. 2, Chicago, Shaw 5 (Keith, Montador), 12:58. 3, Chicago, J.Toews 25 (Shaw, Seabrook), 15:41 (pp). PenaltiesRoy, Buf (hooking), 10:54; Weber, Buf (delay of game), 14:44.

Second Period4, Buffalo, Pominville 17 (Boyes, Myers), 3:28 (pp). 5, Chicago, Hossa 18 (Keith), 5:36. 6, Chicago, Hayes 4 (Brunette, Hjalmarsson), 13:25. PenaltiesHayes, Chi (roughing), 2:32; Mayers, Chi (boarding), 9:12; Shaw, Chi (hooking), 15:13.

Third Period7, Chicago, Bolland 14 (Hayes, Leddy), 4:11. 8, Chicago, J.Toews 26 (Bolland, Seabrook), 6:48 (pp). PenaltiesBrennan, Buf (holding stick), 6:28; Myers, Buf (cross-checking), 6:39; Brunette, Chi (hooking), 12:04. Shots on GoalBuffalo 10-8-9—27. Chicago 14-10-11—35. Power-play opportunitiesBuffalo 1 of 4; Chicago 2 of 4. GoaliesBuffalo, Enroth 8-9-3 (35 shots-29 saves). Chicago, C.Crawford 18-10-4 (27-25). A21,114 (19,717).

at Avalanche01214
Panthers11103

First Period1, Florida, Goc 5 (Repik, Kulikov), 14:51 (pp). PenaltiesO'Brien, Col (roughing), 13:10; Matthias, Fla (high-sticking), 20:00.

Second Period2, Colorado, Mueller 1 (Johnson), 6:50. 3, Florida, Weiss 12 (Campbell, Kulikov), 18:48. PenaltiesNone.

Third Period4, Florida, Kopecky 6 (Samuelsson, Goc), :20. 5, Colorado, Mueller 2 (O'Reilly, Hejduk), 3:36 (pp). 6, Colorado, Stastny 13 (Mueller, Elliott), 16:43. PenaltiesVersteeg, Fla (interference), :42; Florida bench, served by Fleischmann (too many men), 2:53; McClement, Col, double minor (high-sticking), 8:33.

Overtime7, Colorado, O'Reilly 13 (R.Wilson, Stastny), 3:55. PenaltiesNone. Shots on GoalFlorida 9-10-7-3—29. Colorado 9-16-17-2—44. Power-play opportunitiesFlorida 1 of 3; Colorado 1 of 3. GoaliesFlorida, Theodore 14-8-5 (44 shots-40 saves). Colorado, Giguere 11-6-1 (29-26). A13,465 (18,007).

Capitals2103
at Canadiens0000
Capitals2103
at Canadiens0000

First Period1, Washington, Perreault 4 (Orlov, Eakin), 4:41. 2, Washington, Johansson 10 (Brouwer, Carlson), 8:23. PenaltiesHendricks, Was, major (fighting), 1:15; R.Bourque, Mon, major (fighting), 1:15; Gorges, Mon (roughing), 8:36; Erskine, Was (interference), 13:01; Wideman, Was (broken stick), 15:14.

Second Period3, Washington, Ovechkin 19 (Semin, Wideman), 10:44 (pp). PenaltiesHalpern, Was (holding), 2:48; Darche, Mon, double minor (high-sticking), 7:53.

Third PeriodNone. PenaltiesErskine, Was, double minor (high-sticking, elbowing), 2:34; Pacioretty, Mon (interference), 5:19; Ovechkin, Was (delay of game), 9:23; Emelin, Mon (interference), 16:36. Shots on GoalWashington 5-5-6—16. Montreal 7-7-17—31. Power-play opportunitiesWashington 1 of 4; Montreal 0 of 7. GoaliesWashington, Neuvirth 6-7-2 (31 shots-31 saves). Montreal, Price 15-17-8 (16-13). A21,273 (21,273).


Kansas State's Chris Cosh agrees to become USF Bulls' defensive coordinator

0
0

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, January 18, 2012

TAMPA — Chris Cosh, who faced many of the nation's top offenses in helping Kansas State to a 10-win season, agreed to join Skip Holtz's staff as USF's defensive coordinator.

Cosh, 52, spent the past three years at K-State, and he'll take over a veteran defense expected to improve on disappointing finishes en route to a 5-7 season. He coached with Holtz for five seasons at South Carolina and takes over for Mark Snyder, who left for the same job at Texas A&M.

"I've got great respect for him as a teacher and communicator," Holtz said. "He's had a lot of success building some of the top programs in the country, and I'm looking forward to working with him again here at USF."

Cosh was the only candidate Holtz brought in for an interview, attending the team's postseason banquet this past weekend and meeting with USF players and assistant coaches. K-State made a strong push to keep him, but Holtz got word around 10 p.m. Wednesday that Cosh had accepted his offer. Financial details weren't immediately available, but he'll be the highest-paid assistant on Holtz's staff.

Cosh's defense improved from 119th nationally in run defense to 39th in 2011. K-State made a goal-line stop against Miami quarterback Jacory Harris to preserve a September win and faced six of the nation's top 13 offenses in total yards, winning four of those games.

Huskers rally past fading Hoosiers

0
0

Times wires
Wednesday, January 18, 2012

LINCOLN, Neb. — Until Wednesday night, Nebraska's students didn't have much to celebrate when it came to their basketball team.

So they let it all hang out after the Cornhuskers upset No. 11 Indiana 70-69, the Hoosiers' third straight loss and Nebraska's biggest victory in its first season in the Big Ten.

As students poured out of the stands and gathered at midcourt, some of them picked up Dylan Talley, who high-fived as many as he could. A couple of students even tried to hoist Jorge Brian Diaz but gave up. After all, he's 6 feet 11.

Diaz gave Nebraska its first lead since early in the game with two free throws with 11 seconds left. Indiana couldn't score on its last possession.

And so began the party for a team that started the night tied for last place in the conference.

"It was a good win guys, it was a great win," coach Doc Sadler said. "What can you say? We needed it and needed it bad."

Indiana (15-4, 3-4) squandered a 13-point second-half lead against the Huskers, who were averaging a league-low 51 points in conference games and ranked at or near the bottom in most offensive categories.

"We knew Indiana and Ohio State (Saturday) were big games for protecting our homecourt," said Bo Spencer, who made four 3-pointers and led Nebraska (10-8, 2-5) with 23 points. "If we wanted to go on a run in the league, we needed to do it (now)."

NO. 12 MURRAY ST. 66, MOREHEAD ST. 60: Isaiah Canaan scored 20 for the visiting Racers (19-0, 7-0 Ohio Valley), who trailed by nine with just less than 13 minutes left before rallying in their toughest conference challenge so far.

CINCINNATI 70, NO. 13 UCONN 67: Sean Kilpatrick hit a 3-pointer with 2.7 seconds left to lift the Bearcats to their seventh straight Big East road victory. The Huskies (14-4, 4-3) lost their first home game this season.

OLE MISS 75, NO. 18 MISS. ST. 68: Reginald Buckner scored a career-high 19 and added 15 rebounds as the host Rebels beat the Bulldogs (15-4, 2-2 SEC) for the first time in six games.

NO. 19 CREIGHTON 66, MISSOURI ST. 65: Gregory Echenique had 16 points and Doug McDermott added 15 for the visiting Bluejays (17-2, 7-1 MVC).

NO. 25 KANSAS ST. 84, TEXAS 80: Rodney McGruder scored a career-high 33, including a transition dunk in the closing seconds, and the host Wildcats (13-4, 2-3 Big 12) overcame poor free-throw shooting late.

MIAMI 76, CLEMSON 73: Malcolm Grant had 16 points and made the clinching steal with less than five seconds left to lift the host Hurricanes (10-6, 1-2 ACC), who defeated the Tigers for the first time in six games.

UCF 68, MEMPHIS 67: Keith Clanton's three-point play with four seconds left gave the host Knights (14-4, 4-1 C-USA) their first victory over the Tigers in 11 meetings.

FLA. SOUTHERN 97, TAMPA 71: The visiting Moccasins shot 50 percent from the floor to 28.6 percent for the Spartans (4-12, 0-7 Sunshine State).

ECKERD 56, SAINT LEO 55: Wayne Sears Jr. and Woody Taylor both banked in key 3s as the host Tritons (11-4, 4-2 SSC) held off the Lions (8-8, 2-4).

CAL: Forward Richard Solomon was ruled academically ineligible for the rest of the season, a setback for a team expected to be a Pac-12 contender.

UTAH: Coach Larry Krystkowiak dismissed senior point guard Josh "Jiggy" Watkins for an undisclosed team rules violation.

Women

FLA. SOUTHERN 56, TAMPA 51: The Moccasins erased a 15-point deficit to rally past the host Spartans (7-9, 1-6 Sunshine State).

ECKERD 79, SAINT LEO 56: Taylor Young had 24 points and shot 9-of-10 from the field as the host Tritons (10-4, 4-2 SSC) routed the Lions (6-10, 0-6).

NO. 1 BAYLOR 72, NO. 17 TEXAS TECH 64: Brittney Griner had 21 points for the visiting Bears (18-0, 5-0 Big 12), who handed the Raiders (14-3, 2-3) their third straight conference loss.

NO. 5 DUKE 79, GA. TECH 62: Elizabeth Williams had 20 points and 11 rebounds, and the visiting Blue Devils (15-2, 5-0 ACC) won their ninth straight and beat the Yellow Jackets for the 34th straight time.

NO. 14 TEXAS A&M 78, MISSOURI 52: Sydney Carter and Adaora Elonu scored 16 each, and coach Gary Blair earned his 200th win with the host Aggies (12-4, 3-2 Big 12).

NO. 18 L'VILLE 64, PROVIDENCE 48: Freshman Bria Smith had 12 points and Becky Burke made 3 of 3 3-pointers to add 11 points for the host Cardinals (15-4, 4-2 Big East).

OKLAHOMA: Starting forward Joanna McFarland is out indefinitely after having surgery to fix a broken jaw.

Sports on TV for Jan. 21, 2012

0
0

Times staff
Thursday, January 19, 2012

TODAY

Action sports

Winter Dew Tour, 4:30 p.m., Ch. 8

Boxing

Heavyweights: Maurice Byarm vs. Bryant Jennings, 9 p.m., NBCSN

College basketball

Maryland at Temple, 11 a.m., ESPNU

Purdue at Michigan State, noon, ESPN

Alabama at Kentucky, noon, Ch. 10; 1010-AM

Wake Forest at Boston College, noon, Ch. 44

Rutgers at Georgetown, noon, BHSN

Women: Texas at Oklahoma, noon, FSN

Xavier at Dayton, 1 p.m., ESPN2

Villanova at St. John's, 1 p.m., ESPNU

Women: St. Joseph's at Xavier, 1 p.m., CBSSN

South Carolina at Auburn, 1:30 p.m., Ch. 38

Michigan at Arkansas, 2 p.m., Ch. 10

Missouri at Baylor, 2 p.m., ESPN

Women: West Virginia at Pittsburgh, 2 p.m., BHSN

UCF at Alabama-Birmingham, 2 p.m., Sun Sports

Georgia Tech at Clemson, 2:30 p.m., Ch. 44

Cincinnati at West Virginia, 3 p.m., ESPNU

Indiana State at Creighton, 3 p.m., ESPN2

Women: Wyoming at Colorado State, 3 p.m., CBSSN

Connecticut at Tennessee, 4 p.m., Ch. 10

Florida State at Duke, 4 p.m., ESPN; 1040-AM

Mississippi at Georgia, 4 p.m., Ch. 38

UCLA at Oregon, 4 p.m., Sun Sports

Kansas at Texas, 4 p.m., 1010-AM

Iowa State at Texas Tech, 5 p.m., ESPN2

Massachusetts at Richmond, 5 p.m., CBSSN

Syracuse at Notre Dame, 6 p.m., ESPN

LSU at Florida, 6 p.m., FSN, 1250-AM

Long Island at Wagner, 7 p.m., ESPNU

Mississippi State at Vanderbilt, 7 p.m., ESPN2

Marquette at Providence, 7 p.m., BHSN

Women: Rutgers at USF, 7 p.m., 1010-AM

Ohio State at Nebraska, 8 p.m., Big Ten 1

Murray State at S. Illinois-Edwardsville, 9 p.m., ESPNU

Louisville at Pittsburgh, 9 p.m., ESPN

New Mexico at UNLV, 10 p.m., CBSSN

Long Beach State at UC-Santa Barbara, 11 p.m.,ESPNU

College football

East/West Shrine Game, 4 p.m., NFL; 620-AM

NFLPA Bowl, 6 p.m., NBCSN

Battle of Florida: North vs. South, 8 p.m., FSN

College hockey

Michigan at Notre Dame, 7:30 p.m., CBSSN

Golf

PGA Europe: Volvo Golf Champions, 8:30 a.m., Golf

PGA: Humana Challenge, 4 p.m., Golf

Champions: Mitsubishi Electric Championship, 7:30 p.m., Golf

High school basketball

Bishop Gorman (Nev.) vs. Findlay Prep (Nev.), 5 p.m., ESPNU

NHL

Rangers at Bruins, 1 p.m., NHL

Sharks at Canucks, 4 p.m., NHL

Canadiens at Maple Leafs, 7 p.m., NHL

Lightning at Coyotes, 8 p.m., Sun Sports; 970-AM

Soccer

EPL: Chelsea at Norwich City, 7:30 a.m., ESPN2

EPL: Blackburn at Everton, 10 a.m., FSC

EPL: Liverpool at Bolton, 12:30 a.m., FSC

Italian: Juventus at Atalanta, 2:30 p.m., FSC

Mexican: Pachuca at Cruz Azul, 6 p.m., ESPND

Mexican: UNAM at Monterrey, 6 p.m., TeleFutura

Mexican: Jaguares at Santos, 8 p.m., TeleFutura

Mexican: Tijuana at Guadalajara, 8 p.m., TeleMundo

Tennis

Australian Open (taped), 10 a.m., ESPN2

Australian Open, 7 p.m., Tennis

Australian Open, 9 p.m., ESPN2

Australian Open, 3 a.m., ESPN2

TV: FSN: Fox Sports Net; BHSN: Bright House Sports Network; FSC: Fox Soccer Channel

Jimbo Fisher takes on old boss Nick Saban, lures recruits from Alabama to Florida State Seminoles

0
0

By Joey Knight, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, January 19, 2012

Last summer, nationally coveted Hueytown (Ala.) High quarterback Jameis Winston sat at a desk before an ESPN camera, his checkered shirt buttoned all the way to the collar, and did the unthinkable.

"Well, you know, it's been tough, it's been tough the whole time, and I feel very confident with my decision," Winston said before reaching down to his right and retrieving a garnet-and-gold cap. "And I think, uh, I think I want to be a Florida State Seminole."

Had Winston called for a state-wide ban on houndstooth hats, it might have gone over better. The nation's top-ranked dual-threat quarterback by Rivals.com, Winston had bypassed Tuscaloosa — less than an hour's drive from his high school — for Tallahassee.

"Alabama fans, they're probably going to hate me," he said.

These days, they may be starting to resent Jimbo Fisher just as much.

The 'Noles coach and former Nick Saban disciple is starting to swipe big-time talent right from beneath his old boss' nose. For now, Fisher's recruiting success in the state of Alabama is raising eyebrows. If the trend continues, it may raise a ruckus.

"You think after Alabama and Auburn win the national championship that the state's going to be completely closed off," said Andrew Bone, a Birmingham-based recruiting analyst for Scout.com and Fox Sports.

"But FSU didn't back down. They came out swinging and were able to get some big commitments early on."

From 2007-10, FSU signed three players from Alabama. This year alone, Fisher is expected to sign at least three.

That number would've been four had 6-foot-6, 340-pound Mobile two-way lineman Alphonse Taylor — deemed somewhat of a super-sized project — not flipped from the 'Noles to Alabama just before Christmas.

Perhaps not coincidentally, FSU's recruiting class is ranked No. 3 nationally by ESPN and seventh by Rivals.

Those who meticulously track recruiting for a living credit Fisher's success across the state line to a pair of prevailing factors: his extensive in-state connections (he coached in Alabama more than a decade, including a half-dozen years at Auburn), and his hiring of former Auburn quarterback Dameyune Craig as recruiting coordinator.

"It's definitely Dameyune Craig leading that charge for sure," said D.C. Reeves, managing editor of Warchant, a website dedicated to 'Noles sports.

"I think bringing Craig in sort of shows you, from Fisher's perspective, the emphasis on that state. There's a reason for that, because he knows how much talent is up there."

The 'Noles have been especially fruitful in Mobile — Craig's hometown. Last February, Fisher signed 6-5 quarterback Jacob Coker, a lifelong Crimson Tide fan who attended the same private school as current 'Bama quarterback A.J. McCarron.

This year, he has a commitment from sleek 6-5 defensive end Chris Casher, ranked 13th in the ESPNU 150. Even Taylor's from Mobile.

"I see it that because of Craig and his connections and being from the state, FSU is just capitalizing on that," ESPN recruiting analyst (and Boca Ciega alumnus) Jamie Newberg said.

"It's something every program does. You go where the recruits are and when you're connected there that just helps matters."

Back to Winston, recently named MVP of the Under Armour All-America Game at Tropicana Field. Also an electrifying pitcher/shortstop/outfielder, he projects as a high-round draft pick if he opts for baseball, and has acknowledged he's weighing his options.

But even if Fisher can't pull him from baseball, the fact he pulled him from 'Bama resonates.

"I think it probably fired Saban up a little bit with FSU coming into the state of Alabama and getting some of the state's best recruits," Bone said. "And Saban came in and hit the state of Florida pretty good.

"I think we're going to see a pretty friendly rivalry between these schools for the same recruits for years to come."

Coach Jimbo Fisher takes on old boss Nick Saban, lures football recruits from state of Alabama to Florida State Seminoles

0
0

By Joey Knight, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, January 19, 2012

Last summer, nationally coveted Hueytown (Ala.) High quarterback Jameis Winston sat at a desk in front of an ESPN camera, his shirt buttoned to the collar, and did the unthinkable.

"Well, you know, it's been tough, it's been tough the whole time, and I feel very confident with my decision," Winston said before reaching down and retrieving a garnet-and-gold cap. "And I think, uh, I think I want to be a Florida State Seminole."

Had Winston called for a statewide ban on houndstooth hats, it might have gone over better. The nation's top-ranked dual-threat quarterback by Rivals.com, Winston had bypassed Tuscaloosa, less than an hour's drive from his high school, for Tallahassee.

"Alabama fans, they're probably going to hate me," he said.

These days, they may be starting to resent Jimbo Fisher just as much. The Seminoles coach and Nick Saban disciple is starting to swipe big-time talent from right under the nose of his old boss, now the coach of the Crimson Tide.

For now, Fisher's recruiting success in Alabama is raising eyebrows. If the trend continues, it might raise a ruckus.

"You think after Alabama and Auburn win the national championship that the state's going to be completely closed off," said Andrew Bone, a Birmingham-based recruiting analyst for Scout.com and Fox Sports.

"But FSU didn't back down. They came out swinging and were able to get some big commitments early on."

From 2007 to 2010, FSU signed three players from Alabama. This year alone, Fisher, an assistant under Saban at LSU (2000-04), is expected to sign at least three.

That number would've been four had 6-foot-6, 340-pound Mobile two-way lineman Alphonse Taylor, not flipped to Alabama before Christmas.

Perhaps not coincidentally, FSU's recruiting class is ranked No. 3 nationally by ESPN and seventh by Rivals. Oral commitments are not binding, and national signing day is Feb. 1.

Those who track recruiting for a living credit Fisher's success across the state line to a pair of prevailing factors: his extensive connections (he coached in Alabama more than a decade, including a half-dozen years at Auburn) and his hiring of former Auburn quarterback Dameyune Craig as recruiting coordinator.

"It's definitely Dameyune Craig leading that charge, for sure," said D.C. Reeves, managing editor of Warchant, a website dedicated to FSU sports. "I think bringing Craig in sort of shows you, from Fisher's perspective, the emphasis on that state. There's a reason for that, because he knows how much talent is up there."

The Seminoles have been especially fruitful in Mobile, Craig's hometown. In February, Fisher signed 6-foot-5 QB Jacob Coker, a lifelong Tide fan who attended the same school as current Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron.

This year, Fisher has a commitment from 6-5 defensive end Chris Casher, ranked 13th in the ESPNU 150.

"I see it that because of Craig and his connections and being from the state, FSU is just capitalizing on that," ESPN recruiting analyst (and Boca Ciega alumnus) Jamie Newberg said.

"It's something every program does. You go where the recruits are and when you're connected there, that just helps matters."

Back to Winston, recently named MVP of the Under Armour All-America Game at Tropicana Field. Also an electrifying pitcher-shortstop-outfielder, he projects as a high-round draft pick in baseball and has acknowledged he's weighing his options.

But even if Fisher can't pull him from baseball, the fact he pulled him from Alabama resonates.

"I think it probably fired Saban up … with FSU coming into the state of Alabama and getting some of the state's best recruits," Bone said. "And Saban came in and hit the state of Florida pretty good.

"I think we're going to see a pretty friendly rivalry between these schools for the same recruits for years to come."

Former Tigers second baseman Will Rhymes among four invited to Tampa Bay Rays spring training camp

0
0

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, January 19, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — Will Rhymes likes what he sees in the Rays. And he looks like their kind of player. Now it's a question if the former Tigers infielder can win a spot on the roster.

Rhymes, 28, signed a minor-league contract with the Rays that includes an invitation to spring training and the chance to compete, most likely with Elliot Johnson, for a bench job.

"Their style of play really appealed to me, the way they run their organization, how they do things," Rhymes said.

The Rays also announced the signings of outfielder Jesus Feliciano, 32, who has played 54 big-league games (2010 Mets) in a 14-year pro career; right-handed reliever Romulo Sanchez, 27, who has brief big-league time with the Pirates (2007-08) and Yankees (2010); and right-handed starter Matt Torra, 27, who went 5-1, 3.67 for the Rays' Triple-A Durham team after being acquired in July from Arizona.

Rhymes seems to have the most chance to make an impact. He had a solid second half of 2010 with the Tigers, hitting .304 over 54 games, and was the opening day second baseman last season but was sent to Triple A in May. He ended up hitting .235 in 29 big-league games over three stints, though .306 (.377 on-base percentage) in 106 at Toledo, and was nontendered by the Tigers after the season.

"I just wanted a chance to come in and play as hard as I can play and see if I can make the club," he said, and if not, he will go to Triple-A Durham.

Rhymes has played primarily second but has experience elsewhere and said he's comfortable at third, short and in the outfield.

Pitcher accused of false identity: Indians pitcher Fausto Carmona was arrested and accused of using a false identity in the Dominican Republic as officials are contesting his real name and birthdate. A police spokesman said Carmona was arrested Thursday outside the U.S. consulate in Santo Domingo. He had gone there to renew his visa so he could return to America. Maximo Baez Aybar said Carmona's real name is Roberto Hernandez Heredia and he's 31, three years older than he claimed.

Carter health worsens: Gary Carter's health has become worse. The Hall of Fame catcher, 57, diagnosed in May with a malignant brain tumor, received results of his latest tests, according to the online journal of his daughter, Kimmy Bloemers: "I wish I could say that the results were good. … There are now several new spots/tumors on my dad's brain. I write … with tears because I am so sad for my dad."

Braun appel: Brewers leftfielder and NL MVP Ryan Braun's appeal of his positive drug test began Thursday before arbitrator Shyam Das, according to multiple reports.

A's: The team and former Rays outfielder/DH Jonny Gomes, 31, are close to a deal, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

USF Bulls' Skip Holtz makes big investment in hiring Chris Cosh

0
0

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, January 19, 2012

For the second year in a row, USF Bulls football coach Skip Holtz is using a significant chunk of his pool for assistant coaches' raises on his defensive coordinator, as new hire Chris Cosh has agreed to a two-year contract at $325,000 a year.

That's a major raise from the $260,000 that Mark Snyder was paid in 2011, which in turn was a big raise from the $210,000 that Snyder made in Holtz's first season with the Bulls in 2010. By Holtz's contract, he is allotted $100,000 each year for raises to his nine full-time assistants, and after using $50,000 of that on Snyder last year, Holtz has now committed $65,000 to luring Cosh away from Kansas State, where he made $290,000 last year. (Cosh would be at the same salary in 2013, so it stands to reason that other areas can be better addressed a year from now.)

Under the five-year contract Holtz signed with USF in 2010, the pool for assistants' salary increases went up $100,000 after each of his first two seasons -- it will be at $1.75 million for 2012 -- but is left to be negotiated for 2013 and 2014.


Captains corner: Smaller reef fish present challenge on lighter tackle

0
0

By Dave Zalewski, Times Correspondent


Thursday, January 19, 2012

What's hot: Gag grouper are off limits in state waters through March 31. This does not prohibit enjoying a battle and releasing them the same as inshore anglers must do with snook and overslot redfish. Mangrove snapper, triggerfish, porgies, black sea bass and white grunts are all available to provide excellent table fare. Many anglers look down at the smaller reef fish because they have been an incidental catch while grouper fishing with heavy tackle. Downsizing tackle to that used for trout and redfish (10- to 12-pound-test gear) will provide nonstop action. Rods must have a good backbone as the same conditions exist when grouper fishing (rocky outcroppings with sharp edges). Braided line should be used because of its abrasion resistance. Sinkers do not have to be any heavier than 2 ounces. The norm is to use 1/0 or 2/0 hooks because the fish are smaller and they have the ability to steal bait from larger hooks. Using two-hook snapper rigs with a sinker below the hooks results in multiple hookups.

Tip: Now is the time to get tackle serviced for kingfish season as the tackle shops are not as busy.

Dave Zalewski charters the Lucky Too out of Madeira Beach. Call (727) 397-8815.

Shawn Loiseau, linebacker star at Division II Merrimack, hopes to make big name at East-West Shrine Game

0
0

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, January 19, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — For all the big-time colleges with familiar logos gracing the sides of helmets at the East-West Shrine Game on Saturday night, there is also the obscure blue-and-gold "MC" proudly worn by linebacker Shawn Loiseau of Division II Merrimack College.

For small-school obscurity, it's hard to top Loiseau, who has never played before a crowd of more than 3,000 in his life and hadn't flown in a plane until he took one here. Coaches have taken to calling him "Rudy," after the Notre Dame walk-on of movie fame, even though this Rudy is 6 feet 1 and 242 pounds, with 254 tackles in the past two seasons.

"It's incredible. My whole life, I've been told I wasn't good enough to play versus these guys," said Loiseau, who didn't have major-college interest coming out of high school in the Worcester, Mass., suburb of Shrewsbury. "It feels great to be surrounded by great players. I'm watching these guys on TV, and now I get to have them as my teammates. I'd never been on a plane. I'm used to 12-hour bus rides for away games. This whole experience is incredible."

Loiseau was a two-time conference player of the year at Merrimack, with an enrollment just more than 2,000 and located in North Andover, Mass. He helped the Warriors win the Northeast 10 conference in 2009. His college experience is unlike most of the players in St. Petersburg this week, but it was everything he hoped.

"I got told I would play early, win a championship and be surrounded by great guys, and did all three of those things. I couldn't ask for anything more," Loiseau said.

Merrimack never has had a player drafted since launching its program in 1996, but Loiseau is on the NFL radar; there may have been 1,134 fans at his final home game, but there were also 27 NFL scouts, coach John Perry said.

"One of my biggest things is I never want to be outworked," he said. "No matter what it is, whenever I step on a football field, I never want to be outworked by anybody. I come from a small school, so (Saturday) I just want to go out there, fly around and make plays."

If there's anyone who can appreciate the small-school star, it's East linebackers coach Sam Mills III, who starred at Division II Montclair State, just as his late father, Sam, did before a 12-year NFL career.

"This is a big week for Shawn. It reaffirms his thinking that he can play with these guys on this level, and it's good for us as coaches to see him play with guys at this level," said Mills, now an assistant with the Carolina Panthers. "Whenever you get a guy who has that many tackles as he has, you like to bring him here to confirm that there's no transition for him. He's fine."

There are some big transitions for Loiseau this week. His father called with news of 4 inches of snow in Shrewsbury, so Loiseau is the one walking around in a tank top while his Florida teammates are in jackets. And the idea of getting paid to play football — even $150 in walking-around money this week — is a novelty in itself.

"It doesn't even make sense to me. The thing called 'per diem.' They've got this thing, you show up and they're like, 'Shawn, here's your per diem,' " he said. " 'What is that?' They're like, 'This is money.' I said, 'What do you do with it?' They said, 'You can do whatever you want with it.' "

Loiseau gets a huge spotlight Saturday with a chance to show he belongs, not only with the major-college stars but as an NFL prospect. The early impressions in practice this week have been promising.

"You see his attitude and intensity. Humongous," Mills said. "You see his leadership. He can run with guys, he can tackle. He's a big hitter. Once you get lined up, football is football. You see the guys that make plays. Shawn has shown he's a guy who can make plays."

Outdoors news and notes: Inshore fishing event supports hospital fund

0
0

By Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors-Fitness Editor
Thursday, January 19, 2012

Making news

Inshore event open to land, boat Anglers

The Old Salt Fishing Foundation's Johnny Kellar Inshore Tournament on Jan. 29 will target trout, flounder, black drum, sheepshead and redfish, and benefit the All Children's Hospital hemophilia fund. The entry fee is just $25, and the event is open to anyone fishing from land, kayak, flats skiff or center console. To date, this event has raised more than $75,000. The captain's meeting is 7 p.m. Thursday at the Daiquiri Deck (14995 Gulf Blvd.) in Madeira Beach. Fishing begins 6:30 a.m. Jan. 29 and the weigh-in starts at 3 p.m. at Bay Pines Marina. To learn more, go to oldsalt fishing.org.

Sailing

Paralympic hopefuls nab silver

U.S. Sailing team members Jen French and JP Creignou of St. Petersburg won silver medals Sunday at the Disabled Sailing World Championships in Charlotte Harbor. French and Creignou finished behind Great Britain's Alexandra Rickham and Niki Birrell in the eight-boat SKUD-18 fleet. The regatta was the first of two selection events for the 2012 U.S. Paralympic team that will compete at the Paralympic Games running from Aug. 29 to Sept. 9 in Weymouth, England.

Also, Rob Britts and Jesse Combs of St. Petersburg, competing aboard the Melges 24 Hot Mess that sails out of Davis Island Yacht Club, were 11th after eight races at the Key West regatta that ends today. Go to premiere-racing.com and click on "Results."

Upcoming

Beginning Monday: Boca Ciega Sail and Power Squadron's Safe Boating Class, 7 to 9 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays, through Feb. 1. The course satisfies Florida State Boating Law requirements. The class will be held at the squadron building at 130-126th Avenue at Lagoon Lane (south side of John's Pass), Treasure Island. Cost: $35. For information and to reserve a seat, contact Nick Miller at (727) 424-1810 or visit usps.org/localusps/bocaciega.

Thursday: Trout and redfish kayak fishing seminar with guide Neil Taylor, 6:30 p.m., Bill Jackson Shop for Adventure in Pinellas Park. Call (727) 692-6345 or visit strikethreekayakfishing.com.

Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors-Fitness Editor

Cold remedies

0
0

By Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors-Fitness Editor
Thursday, January 19, 2012

Winter is a tough time to be a Tampa Bay angler. • When water temperatures dip to the high 50s, it seems most species have lockjaw. Weekly cold fronts, with their high winds and waves, keep many an angler in port. And if that isn't depressing enough, the season's extreme low tides make it nearly impossible for many fishermen to even put a boat in the water. • But 20 years on the fishing beat has taught me some valuable lessons about surviving the January blues.

Chill out. Slow down.

There was a time when local anglers could get through the winter by fishing for gag grouper off docks and sea walls. Winter was the one time of the year when these deep-water bottom feeders come close to shore. New regulations, however, have the season closed in state waters through March 31.

So that means you'll just have to make do with inshore species such as trout, redfish and snook, though the latter is strictly catch-and-release through Aug. 31.

Chill out

If you are like me, you want to be on the water when the sun rises. Every angler learns at young age that the early bird gets the worm. There is a lot of truth to that old adage. Dawn is usually when bait is most active. If you find the bait, you find the fish.

Sunrise is also what I like to call the "shift change." Just like a factory that runs two crews, the sea has some species that like to work at night and others that work during the day. Your chance for success is best when you fish when both are out and about.

That is, unless, of course, the air temperature is in the mid 40s and the water temperature is just 10 degrees higher. But instead of rushing out and suffering through the morning cold, kick back, enjoy that second cup of coffee and read the newspaper.

Give the sun time to warm the flats. Believe it or not, a few hours of strong Florida sun can actually increase the shallow water's temperature by a few degrees. And that may be all you need to get the fish biting.

Another trick: Fish the west side of a canal, which has the most exposure to the sun. Look for mud flats. Redfish often are found sunning themselves in late afternoon, especially in areas with a dark bottom that retains heat.

Slow down

When it comes to sport fish, the red drum has one of the most extensive ranges of any species in the United States. Anglers from the Northeast to Key West target these tackle-busters in Atlantic waters. In the Gulf of Mexico, redfish are caught all year in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana, where it gets a lot colder than here.

While anglers in every region have their own tricks and tactics, live bait is usually scarce around here during the colder months, which is why many local fishermen rely on shrimp to carry them through the winter. Since fish are cold-blooded creatures and their metabolisms slow as water temperature drops, they have a more difficult time feeding when it is chilly.

An old trick, one that seems to work particularly well with redfish, is to pinch the tail off a live shrimp to hamper its mobility, which makes it an easier prey. A shrimp with no tail also makes its own chum slick, which might be just enough to entice a slow-moving fish to feed.

But cold water affects both predator and prey. That is why many anglers choose artificial baits, so they can control at least one half of that equation. Soft-bodied plastic baits, commonly known as "jigs," seem to be the bait of choice here on the west coast of Florida.

Anglers will debate color, shape, size and even scent, but one thing is for sure: the slower the retrieve the better. A jig bounced slowly across the bottom will work well in most scenarios. If the fish aren't biting, slow down your retrieve. If that doesn't work, and the fish still aren't biting, slow your retrieve. If that doesn't work, slow down your retrieve. Get the picture?

Stay safe

But winter fishing does have its drawbacks, especially for the angler. It doesn't take much to become chilled. A little wind and rain can cause shivering. When the core body temperature drops, it doesn't take long before the cold begins to hamper judgment. Play it safe. Dress warm and keep an eye on the weather.

If you find yourself in trouble, a personal flotation device will increase your chances for survival. If you capsize, stay with the boat. Your chances for survival are better on an overturned boat than in the water.

If you do find yourself adrift in cold water, keep your arms at your side and knees together to conserve as much heat as possible. Seventy-five percent of your body heat is lost through the head, so a wool watch cap might just save your life.

But the best advice is, don't get yourself in that situation.

Leave a "float plan" with friends or relatives. Let them know where you are going and what time you expect to be back.

Rested duo top crowded board

0
0

Times wires
Thursday, January 19, 2012

LA QUINTA, Calif. — A little extra time off this winter left David Toms and Camilo Villegas feeling fresh for the Humana Challenge.

Toms and Villegas shot 9-under 63 to top the leaderboard after Thursday's opening round.

Ted Potter Jr., Sang-moon Bae, Brandt Snedeker and Bob Estes were one stroke behind on the pro-am tournament's three courses.

Villegas, a former college star at Florida, and Toms both played bogey-free at the erstwhile Bob Hope Classic, which has dropped one day of its traditional five-round format.

Toms passed on a hard-to-get spot in the Chevron World Challenge in December to spend extra time with his family. He shook off an unimpressive start to the season in Hawaii with excellent play alongside Presidents Cup teammate Phil Mickelson at La Quinta Country Club.

Toms made a 30-foot birdie on No. 6 right after Mickelson, who struggled to 74, holed an eagle putt. That increased the energy at an often staid event.

"That's probably the biggest crowd I've ever had playing golf here," Toms said.

Villegas recovered from his disappointing 2011 with an extended break in his native Colombia and Florida. He had nine birdies in his first crack at the Nicklaus Private course.

"You feel that you're a little rusty, but at the same time, you're mentally fresh," said Villegas, a three-time PGA Tour winner.

Former President Bill Clinton, who will play alongside old friend Greg Norman on Saturday, showed up to the event Thursday.

Viewing all 18574 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images