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AUA TO R CING FOOTBALL NASCAR Look for is facing a run on desperate QBs with reality top picks HARLOTTE, N.C. — The virtual racing has been BARRY WILNER ‌Ccute and kept everyone Associated Press‌ entertained but NASCAR needs Talk about drafts. What is a to get back to the real thing, mock , really? Make believe. quickly, for the financial and The upcoming NFL remote mental health of the sport. draft beginning Thursday night NASCAR — really, almost has a touch of irony to it. The all levels of professional racing producers of said mock drafts — is not built to rarely are even remotely accu- withstand a shut- rate. down of any sort. That said, here’s one view Team owners are of what might happen in the on their own to opening round. This mock figure out how to draft does not include trades, pay the bills. If of which there could be sev- JENNA someone wants eral. Sticking with the existing FRYER to race, they grid, the Colts, Steelers, Bears, find whatever Rams, Bills and Texans don’t sponsorship they have a selection. can and try to spread it over the longest season in sports at 1. Cincinnati‌ nearly 11 months. Bengals can’t possibly bungle NASCAR does have a 10- this pick, right? year, $8.2 billion television deal Last time they with Fox and NBC Sports, but took franchise the teams get just 25% of that with money and the checks come top overall se- only after a race is completed. lection, in 2003, There hasn’t been a race JOURNAL TIMES FILE PHOTO‌ it worked out since March 8. Tony Azarian walks through Horlick’s fieldhouse following a game in November 1976. Azarian, who pretty well with died in April 2000, was the inspirational leader on a team that appeared in the first WIAA football Eight events have postponed . Burrow so far because of the coronavi- championship game. , rus pandemic. QB, LSU A lot of sponsors are with- holding payments until their 2. Washington‌ logos are again shown at the Best player in this draft is track. . Redskins will get Here is the desperate truth: His vibrant spirit lots of offers, especially from Nobody is making any money teams seeking QB. If they aren’t right now and the longer NA- tempted enough, they go with SCAR is shuttered, the deeper chalk ... the financial hit will be for an CHASE YOUNG, EDGE/LB, industry already battling a slew has staying power OHIO STATE of challenges. Every metric worth caring 3. Detroit‌ about has been in nearly a de- 20 years after his hole to address the issue and Lions will get even more pres- cade-long decline. Team own- was killed when the rest of it sure to deal this spot with two ers bought themselves some se- tragic death, Tony collapsed. highly regarded curity three years ago via char- It was a tragic end for ters with NASCAR, but they are Azarian’s voice is a man who had so much available. Guess sold at market rate. The market, more to give. Twenty four what: Matthew FYI, hasn’t been so great. still being heard years earlier, he had been Stafford comes NASCAR has already made an overachieving 5-foot-8, off major in- pay cuts and a round of staff nthony D’Alie fre- 150-pound nose guard for a jury, has gotten layoffs. It’s a privately owned quently drives down Horlick High School football beaten down company primarily by Jim Highway 32 from his team that appeared in the first through years, ‌A Tagovailoa France and his niece Lesa Rochester home en route to public schools state champi- and has difficult France Kennedy. The family last D’Alie Masonry, onship game in Wisconsin. family issues. So whether they October paid $2 billion to swal- his longtime He was also a state qualifier in trade it or keep it ... low its publicly-owned sister business in wrestling. , QB, AL- company, International Speed- Racine. As he Azarian went on to start ABAMA way Corp., in a move NASCAR nears Five Mile PHOTO COURTESY OF ED MORELLI‌ four years at nose guard and President Steve Phelps has Road by the A pair of Tony Azarian’s was an All-American wrestler 4. New York Giants‌ argued proved the France com- railroad over- wrestling shoes hangs in the for UW-Whitewater, where So many needs, but hard to see mitment to the 72-year-old he graduated magna cum PETER pass, he inev- basement of Ed Morelli’s home Giants ignoring stud stock car series. JACKEL itably thinks in Racine. Morelli and Azarian laude. Afterward, kids be- with winning credentials to build What the Frances do and of a cherished coached football and wrestling came his top priority. defense around. how they choose to spend their friend who together for several years in He and wife, Vannette, , LB, money is of no say to the car tragically died in that area 20 area youth leagues. became the parents of four CLEMSON owners, who must figure out years ago this month. sons and two daughters as he how long they can keep the Rather than his eyes moist- when Azarian, a contractor worked tirelessly to expand 5. Miami‌ lights on at the shop without ening with tears, though, for his family’s well-known the family business his late Dolphins supposedly were any income. They can exist on D’Alie can’t longtime business, drove to a father, Sam, had started. And for Tua borrowed time or they can fold. help but smile site near Highway 32 and Five he became heavily involved in last year, yet won Some team owners are still at the power- Mile Road to cap off a sewer coaching youth football and enough games paying employees, others have ful memories lateral. At 3:50 p.m., he called wrestling in the community. to fall to fifth in issued pay cuts. And some his buddy left his secretary from his mobile If there was a piece of equip- the order. That organizations have gone with behind, mem- phone to inform her that one ment a boy’s family couldn’t doesn’t mean layoffs and furloughs. ories that res- side of the hole had collapsed. afford, Azarian quietly took they will ignore In the end, no member of the onate with so It was the last time anyone care of it. a passer here. NASCAR industry will not be many people would hear his voice. Anthony Alan Azarian, just JUSTIN HER- D’Alie Herbert affected. two decades Just after 4 p.m., the ve- a month away from his 41st BERT, QB, OR- Teams, primarily based in after his death. Tony Azarian hicle Azarian had been using birthday when he died, suc- EGON the greater Charlotte area, are packed his nearly 41 years on — it was D’Alie’s green 1998 ceeded in just abut everything shuttered under North Car- this earth with achievement GMC truck — had been found he took on. He was a star. And 6. Los Angeles Chargers‌ olina’s stay-at-home order and goodwill and his spirit is at the site with its engine that’s why D’Alie can’t help Having missed out on top and local politicians have rec- alive and well with just about running. The horrifying truth but smile when he thinks of three QBs, Chargers are dumb- ognized the urgency in their anyone with whom he crossed would become known within Azarian every time he passes founded. They will attempt to paths during his life’s journey. a couple of hours: Azarian Please see FRYER, Page C3 It was on April 15, 2000 had gone into the 10-foot- Please see JACKEL, Page C3 Please see DRAFT, Page C3

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“It was during the dog days of that this is your’s.’ That rock will house?’m” recalled the younger Jackel the season when it’s easy to just go wherever I go.” Tony, 36. “He said, ‘It’s not From C1 go through the motions in prac- There’s also a pair of white about what I accomplished, it’s tice,” he said. “I remember we Nike wrestling shoes that Mo- about what you kids accomplish. that site. were scrimmaging and he broke relli keeps hung in his basement, You are the ones who are im- “I just have a good laugh be- through and made a for a where he works out. portant!’ cause of all the good times that loss. He got up and jumped and “It gives me a reminder of “I will always remember that. he and I had together,” D’Alie yelled. Tony,” Morelli said. He was so inspired and dedi- said. “He was always that intense. cated to the sport of wrestling When the leaders on the team His message lives on‌ that he would make connections The Spirit of ‘76‌ care that much and you know it When Azarian died, he left everywhere we went. He got an It was the bicentennial year means that much to them, it just behind his wife, Vannette, sons Olympic champion (Tom Brands) of 1976 when Horlick football helps everybody step up their Tony, Danny, Sam and Kody to have a camp at our house and coach Dick Wojick had built a play and give 100% all the time. I and daughters it was one of the best memories program that was among the can’t ever remember seeing him Brianne and Tay- of my childhood. My father also finest in the state. The Rebels slacking off.” lor. Despite the had a Bulgarian by the name of had run the table after losing Horlick’s season ended on hectic schedule Ivan Ivnaov, an Olympian, stay their opener the previous season a heartbreaking note when he maintained with us for a while so he could and now they had designs of of Azarian, playing fullback, fum- with the family train with Dennis Hall, another making a run at the historic first bled deep in the Rebels’ territory business and his Olympian. state championship game hosted early in the state championship commitment to “He was always trying to al- by the Wisconsin Interscholastic game at UW-Oshkosh. Antigo coaching, the low us to get that upper edge on T. Azarian Athletic Association. recovered the ball, went on to CHUCK D’ACQUISTO, JOURNAL TIMES elder Tony man- our competition.” Their talent was nothing less score and that 6-0 score stood FILE PHOTO‌ aged to forge deeply meaningful While a tragic accident cut than spectacular. There was for the rest of the game. Todd Simonsen puts his arm around connection with each of his short Azarian’s life, it can be quarterback Don Heinkel, who But it could be said that with- Tony Azarian as they walk off the children. said that he packed more into would go on to become the all- out Azarian relentless spirit, field together following the Case- Two decades after his death, his nearly 41 years than so time winningest pitcher in col- Horlick might not have even Horlick game Oct. 8, 1976 at Horlick Tony’s spirit has only intensified many people who live twice lege baseball history at Wichita played in that game in the first Field. Azarian died in a construction within each of his kids. that long. He gave so much and State. He shared time with Roy place. accident in April, 2000. “One of the things I remem- he certainly would have given Wittke, who “It was a privilege getting to ber most and what sticks with far more had fate not inter- would become play with him,” Heinkel said. known,” Morelli said. “He had me today was the way he taught vened. Tony Romo’s time for everybody. When you us to never back down from But Azarian left behind so quarterbacks A rock to remember‌ were talking to Tony, he could a challenge,” said Danny, 34. much and maybe all those he coach at Eastern Ed Morelli recalls playing in have a hundred things going on, “He constantly challenged us touched can be comforted by Illinois. a youth football game at Jers- but you felt you were the most in everything we did. He would this thought: Rather then shed There were tad-Agerholm School some time important part of his day.” always demand one more sprint, tears that he never had the so many others, around 1968. Morelli was in fifth But it was the kids he coached one more push-up, one more chance to finish his life’s work, including defen- grade and Azarian was a dimin- who connected with Azarian the pull-up, stating that champions smile that he was here in the Heinkel sive linemen Pat utive fourth grader who didn’t most. always do one more. first place. Sura and Greg Miskinis, both appear all that imposing. “He treated all those kids like “Another great example of him And that’s what Anthony of whom played major college Wrong. they were his own,” Morelli said. challenging us occurred at the D’Alie does every time he football, Kevin Dhennin, an All- “He hit me so hard that I saw “When we coached, if there was youth wrestling tournaments. At passes by where Azarian lost State offensive tackle, kicker stars!,” said Morelli, a 1976 Hor- a kid who couldn’t afford cleats most tournaments, the hosting his life 20 years ago this month. Steve Schonert, who perhaps lick graduate. “I’ve never been or couldn’t afford whatever he team would decide who was go- “He was a great role model had the most powerful leg in the hit that hard by anyone I can needed for a uniform, Tony took ing to wrestle in which bracket. for kids and he was an honest state, and playmaking linebacker remember. It was like, ‘Whoa!’ care of it and never told anybody. My dad would find his way into businessman,” D’Alie said. John Huston. At that young age, I had total “One thing I got from Tony the bracketing room and re- “He’d do a honest day’s work But the true spirit of this team respect for him. He was not and carried on when I coached quest that we be placed into the for an honest day’s pay. was Azarian, who looked hope- big, but he was a after he was gone is that every bracket with the kids he knew “And when he worked with lessly overmatched as a smallish fierce competitor, year, he would have ice cream were the toughest, regardless of kids, you were going to pay nose guard, yet always seemed to even at that age. parties after practice, he would how much more they weighed attention. His motto was, ‘I win the battle against far larger “He had total have taco parties ... we took all than us.” only have you for an hour and a offensive linemen with his all- presence and the kids to a movie together and, During his years as a foot- half and for an hour and a half, out motor and his uncanny abil- command on he a lot of times, he would pay for ball player and wrestler who you’re going to be attention. ity to gain leverage. football field.” everybody’s admission. He just squeezed every ounce of ability We’re not going to be screw- “He was intense, he was re- Morelli and cared about kids.” out of himself, Azarian accu- ing around here.’ And the kids lentless, super quick, strong and Azarian became Within a couple weeks after mulated numerous trophies and wanted to do it. He just moti- Morelli most people don’t realize that he close friends Tony’s death, his brother, Sam, awards for his achievements. But vated them to be better.” was very intelligent, too,” said and coached together in Racine delivered a large decorative rock once he stopped competing, all Azarian’s voice was last Heinkel, now a family practice Youth Sports in both football to Morelli’s yard. Tony had told of that hardware got put away heard around 3:50 p.m. on Sat- doctor in Killen, Ala. “We had a and wrestling. It was during that Ed shortly before he died that someplace because it wasn’t urday, April 15, 2000. very aggressive defense and he experience when Morelli saw the rock would be perfect for his about himself anymore. Then again, his voice has knew leverage from wrestling. just how much Azarian tried to yard and it remains there to this It was about the kids — both been heard ever since then. He was able to get into the gaps make a difference in the lives of day. his own and the countless boys so well and he disrupted people’s so many people. “We had talked about it and, he molded into his own image. Peter Jackel is a reporter for The offenses a lot.” “He was a fierce competitor after he died, I forgot about it,” “There was one day I asked Journal Times. You can reach How alive was Azarian’s with everything he did in live Morelli said. “All of a sudden, him , ‘Dad why don’t you have Peter by calling 262-631-1703 or by spirit? Heinkel recalls one prac- and, yet, he had a heart that was Sam pulled up in a dump truck all of your trophies, wall charts emailing him at peter.jackel@lee. tice during that 1976 season. bigger than anyone I have ever and said, ‘Here. Tony told me and medals on display at the net

get protector and playmaker for HOMA 21. Philadelphia‌ Time to grab defensive help. Draft QB . Best wideout in Eagles showed tons of gump- YETUR GROSS-MATOS, From C1 this deep draft at that position is 16. Atlanta‌ tion winning NFC East with bat- EDGE, PENN STATE available, and coach Adam Gase Pass rush has disappeared, as tered roster. They’ve made plenty trade down for more picks and is drooling. But the quality of has most of Atlanta’s defense. of offseason changes, and find 27. Seattle‌ still get a passer later on. If not, blockers in second next round is Dan Quinn’s job depends on quick need for fast guys: cornerbacks Last decade’s best coach-GM how about the best defensive back too much lower to pass on ... turnaround by that unit. and wideouts. Go with D-back combo was Pete Carroll and John in this draft, even though it’s not , OT, IOWA K’LAVON CHAISSON, EDGE, here. Schneider. Their first pick of this major need? LSU A.J. TERRELL, CB, CLEMSON decade is ... , CB, OHIO 12. Las Vegas‌ , WR, CLEMSON STATE Raiders also will 17. Dallas‌ 22. Minnesota (from select at No. 19. Cowboys also are in market Buffalo)‌ 28. Baltimore‌ 7. Carolina‌ Packaging their for someone to get to opposing NFL’s top team in regular sea- New coach Matt Rhule has re- two picks to move QBs, and also could use boost in Pick acquired for WR Stefon son has few weaknesses. One tooled offense in free agency, now up is not out of secondary. Regardless, they go Diggs, which could wind up in worth looking at is linebacker, dedicates first of many choices to question, but go- defense here. replacement for Diggs. where there’s no Ray Lewis or defense. ing here will net C.J. HENDERSON, CB, FLOR- , WR, LSU on board. DERRICK BROWN, DL, AU- them ... IDA , LB, WISCONSIN BURN , Jeudy 23. New England‌ WR, ALABAMA 18. Miami (from Grab QB of future here with 29 . Tennessee‌ 8. Arizona‌ Pittsburgh )‌ Tom Brady off to Tampa? Patri- After falling one win short of Just like Panthers, Cardinals 13. San Francisco (from ots coach believes he could win AFC title, bolsters must dive deep into defensive Indianapolis)‌ Dolphins got their passer, with . defense. That could be on Titans picks, but not here. They address and with their second of trio of KENNETH MURRAY, LB, line now without Jurrell Casey, or major hole on offensive line with How nice. Go to Super Bowl, first-rounders, they can’t pass OKLAHOMA secondary missing Logan Ryan. ... then make deal for this spot to go on protection for Herbert — from , CB, LSU , OT, ALA- with later pick. Niners want dy- one of his college opponents no 24. New Orleans‌ BAMA namic target for Jimmy Garoppolo less. Few teams have as talented a 30. Green Bay‌ to go with last year’s breakthrough AUSTIN JACKSON, OT, roster as Saints. So they can look Real nice value pick here for 9. Jacksonville‌ rookie, Deebo Samuel. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ahead at their most important Packers’ defense. First of two opening-round III, WR, ALA- offensive position. A.J. EPENESA, EDGE, IOWA picks for rebuilding Jags, who can BAMA 19. Las Vegas (from , QB, UTAH get desired offensive tackle later Chicago)‌ STATE 31. San Francisco‌ on and address D here. 14. Tampa Bay‌ Another chance to enhance , DL, SOUTH That soon-to-be 43-year-old Having grabbed outside 25 . Minnesota‌ strong roster. With Ruggs in CAROLINA quarterback who came in from threat at receiver, it’s time for With Diggs replaced, time hand, future replacement for up north will appreciate this left Mike Mayock and to address secondary. Another standout LT Joe Staley might 10. Cleveland‌ tackle as bodyguard. to fill hole at linebacker. Some Crimson Tide standout in this make sense but also is reach. In- Browns would love to get left ANDREW THOMAS, OT, might see this as reach. We spot — and Diggs’ younger stead ... tackle here. They haven’t been GEORGIA don’t. brother to boot. ROSS BLACKLOCK, DT, TCU secure there since Joe Thomas, , LB, LSU TREVON DIGGS, CB, ALA- the best player at the position of 15 . Denver‌ BAMA 32. Kansas City‌ last decade, hung it up. Broncos had productive second 20. Jacksonville (from Super Bowl champs, after 50- , OT, LOUIS- half of 2019, believe they can push Los Angeles Rams)‌ 26. Miami (from year drought, know they need VILLE toward top of AFC West domi- Houston)‌ help in backfield behind Patrick nated by Chiefs. Dynamic play- Time for that offensive tackle Mahomes. 11. New York Jets‌ maker helps. mentioned above for Jags. Dolphins’ third selection follow- D’ANDRE SWIFT, RB, GEOR- GM Joe Douglas has vowed to CEEDEE LAMB, WR, OKLA- JOSH JONES, OT, HOUSTON ing QB Herbert and tackle Jackson. GIA

our state home, it would mark a In fact, the race to be the first ciety, as well as people around politics with Fox and NASCAR Fryer new beginning for North Car- track back on the schedule is the world, a positive distraction over rules to make a better tele- From C1 olina’s tourism, entertainment already on. during this crisis,” said Eddie vision show that came at the and service industries that are Florida and Texas have already Gossage, president of Texas Mo- expense of lesser-known drivers financial plights. Five North desperate to open for business,” said NASCAR is welcome. The tor Speedway. and people have started to sour. Carolina Republican senators House Speaker Tim Moore said series could eventually get to The teams, meanwhile, just Virtual racing still works for asked Gov. Roy Cooper to allow Monday. Darlington Raceway in South wait. IndyCar and other series — NASCAR to hold the Coca-Cola Even if Moore doesn’t permit Carolina, Bristol Motor Speed- The drivers gamely try to those teams operate on much 600 at Charlotte Motor Speed- the Memorial Day spectacular, way in Tennessee or Atlanta represent sponsors in a weekly smaller budgets — but NASCAR way on May 24 without fans. NASCAR and its leaders will Motor Speedway. virtual iRacing league and it was has to be the leader in getting “Allowing NASCAR to re- almost surely find hosts to help “Texas Motor Speedway a record-setting esports smash the cars running again. The se- turn Memorial Day weekend it keep its vow to complete its will work aggressively with until Kyle Larson was fired ries simply can’t afford not to

M without fans would not only remaining 32 races especially as the sanctioning bodies and TV for using a racial slur during a make a bold move and throw the 1 benefit an industry that calls states begin to relax restrictions. networks to give American so- non-NASCAR event. Toss in green flag to restart its season.