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Home , 2019 Korn Ferry Tour, Andrew Landry, Andrew Putnam, Bronson Burgoon, Cameron Percy, Charles Howell III

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May 14 - May 20, 2021 Vol. 19, Issue 38 www.sportspagdfw.com FREE 2 May 14, 2021 - May 20, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 38 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 38 | May 14, 2021 - May 20, 2021 3 May 14, 2021 - May 20 2021 AROUND THE AREA Vol. 19, Issue 38 LOCAL NEWS OF INTEREST sportspagedfw.com Established 2002 Tough opener for the Cowboys Cover Photo: AROUND THE AREA Throughout the season, there will be 4 numerous fun promotions and special RANGERS REPORT treats to enjoy, including Mustache Mondays, 5 BY DIC HUMPHREY Doggos at the Depot, College Nights, , ETC Ballpark Bandits, post-game fireworks and 6 BY TOM WARD more.On , the first 1000 fans AT&T BYRON NELSON PREVIEW will receive season schedule magnets. 7 BY PGATOUR.COM INSIDE THE FIELD AT THE AT&T Cleburne Railroaders return to bat on 8 BYRON NELSON FRISCO, Ð The 2021 NFL May 18 BY PGATOUR.COM season will be ushered in by the Cowboys. Fourth season at The Depot Stadium fea- WHAT TO EXPECT FROM TPC While the full season's schedule won't tures new look, new players, new food 9 CRAIG RANCH BY PGATOUR.COM be unveiled until Wednesday night, the The Cleburne Railroaders are on deck NFL announced its Week 1 games this for a fourth season at The Depot Stadium Mac Meissner Named 2021 Byron HOLE BY HOLE LOOK AT TPC 10 CRAIG RANCH morning, including an opening night tilt at Cleburne Station with opening night on Nelson Award Winner BY PGATOUR.COM between the Cowboys and the defending May 18 against the Fargo Moorhead SMU's Mac Meissner was named the EDDIE GOSSAGE STEPPING champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Redhawks. The number one independent recipient of the 2021 Byron Nelson Award 12 DOWN Thursday, Sept. 9. professional team in Texas, the presented by Srixon/ Golf, in BY TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY The NFL Kickoff Game has been in Railroaders will play 56 home games and cooperation with the Salesmanship Club of NEWS AND place since 2002, with the defending Super 44 road games this season through Sept 6th. and the Golf Coaches Association 13 NOTES BY BO CARTER Bowl champions typically serving as the The team is sporting a brand new look of America. The award is presented to a host team. Following their victory in Super for 2021 with a new logo and colors. In graduating senior for an outstanding aca- NCBWA BASEBALL POLL 17 BY NCBWA.COM Bowl LV in February, the Buccaneers were addition, there are several new faces in the demic and college men's golf career, as the logical choice to kick off this season. Railroaders organization, include new well as his character and integrity. THE TICKET WINDOW The Cowboys, who also appeared in the owners Neil Leibman, Alan Miller who Meissner is the first SMU golfer to win 18 NFL Kickoff Game in 2012, make for an join Daryn Eudaly and John Junker, and the award, and the first Mustang golfer to AUTO REVIEW interesting opponent. While the league new team manager Mike Jeffcoat. On the be presented with a national end-of-season 19 BY KBB.COM often selects one of last season's playoff player side, returning all-stars Zach Nehrir, award since Bryson DeChambeau was pre- participants to open the season, there's no Jon Nester, Tyler Wilson, and Chase sented the Arnold Palmer Award in 2015. denying the drawing power of the return of Simpson will been joined by Michael Meissner has a 71.27 stroke average in Dak Prescott and a much healthier Dallas Marriot (former Royal), Nick Gardewine his standout career at SMU, having racked Follow us on roster. (former Ranger),Logan Verrett (former Met), up two wins, including medalist honors at Prescott suffered a compound ankle and Ozzie Martinez (former Marlin). the 2019 AAC Championship, 15 top-10 Twitter & Facebook fracture and dislocation in Week 5 last fall, Fan favorite “Spike,” the original team finishes and 63 rounds of -or-better, sidelining him for the rest of the season. mascot returns, and welcomes a newco- over half of his 102 career rounds. He is a twitter.com/sportspagedfw That injury, combined with the loss of fel- mascot, “Gandy.” ( a slang term for early two-time All-American, earning that dis- low stalwarts like Tyron Smith and La'el U.S. railroad workers.) This summer will tinction in 2018-19 and 2019-20, and a facebook.com/sportspageweek- Collins, factored heavily in the Cowboys also see the opening of the new Conductors 2020 CoSIDA Academic All-America hon- slumping to a 6-10 record. The season Club Sports Bar, and a revamped conces- oree. Meissner is in SMU's Cox School of Publisher Contact Us opener figures as the likely first game back sions offering that will include the addition Business, majoring in finance and slated to Sports Page Publishing Group, Main Number (214) 683-1469 LLC P.O. Box 820813 for all three. of Massey’s Barbecue. graduate this month. [email protected] Dallas, Tx. 75382 www.sportspagedfw.com NCAA BASEBALL - Top 25 Coaches (Week 12) Dic Humphrey, Tom Ward, Bo WEEKLY CALENDAR Carter, Richard Pollak, Robert 1. Arkansas 1. Arkansas Cortinez. James McAnally 2. Vanderbilt 2. Vanderbilt 3. Mississippi State 3. Mississippi State MAY MAY MAY MAY MAY MAY MAY 4. Texas 4. Notre Dame 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 5. 5. Tennessee FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY 6. TCU 6. TCU To advertise in The Sports Page Weekly 7. 7. Texas Mavs Mavs 8. Texas Tech 8. Texas Tech vs at call the contacts above or 214.683.1469 Raptors T Wolves 9. 9. 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4 May 14, 2021 - May 20, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 38 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com RANGERS WITH DIC HUMPHREY Cookie Lady will be missed by all

Shirley Kost passed away Thursday morning

had brought by that night. He is credited with giving here the Cookie Lady nick- name and soon became a fast friend to the Kost family. Her trademark cookies were Snickerdoodles and chocolate chip. She named some of her creations after players. She especially liked Kevin Mench, so his cookies were named Mench’s Munchies. BY DIC HUMPHREY Pudge Fudgies was another. In many sea- [email protected] sons, it was estimated that she brought MEMBER: USBWA more than 7,000 cookies to the ballpark. As her legend grew, the Kosts began ARLINGTON, Texas - Shirley Kost, attending . They soon known to Ranger fans as Cookie Lady, became fast friends with a motel manager passed away Thursday morning at the age in Arizona and always stayed with his years of being super fans. Cookie Lady was an inscribed seat in the of 82. She had been battling COVID-19 establishment. In her hay day, she and her The organization hon- former home ballpark, Globe Life since December. She fought hard, but the husband attended almost every home game, ored her as the Fan of the Year. Her award Ballpark, which was originally named The last two weeks have been more difficult. and often went on the road with the differs from the award all the other Fan of Ballpark in Arlington. According to a family member, her heart Rangers. One particularly memorable road the Year Award winners received. They Her attendance has been curtailed to just gave out. trip was a weekend they spent in Seattle to gave her a mixer in the team colors. some degree in recent years as Cookie She has been known to Ranger fans for celebrate their anniversary. They caught a The Rangers released a statement Lady was dealing with back issues. years as Cookie Lady. The legend began foul ball! Thursday. In part, the statement said, Unfortunately, with the pandemic prevent- innocently enough. She attended a Ranger Her talents were not confined to cook- “The Texas Rangers mourn the passing ing fan attendance in 2020 and her fight function with players in attendance. One ies. She was also good at crocheting. of a long time, loyal and very passionate with COVID-19 this year, she never got to was , who was there with a There were numerous players for whom fan today. Shirley Kost has been a part of see a game in person at the new Globe Life motorcycle and offered a ride to a nearby she crocheted blankets for their newborn the Rangers family for over 30 years. Field. fan group. Shirley quickly accepted the babies. Shirley was affectionately known as The Rangers plan to have a moment of offer and had a blast on the ride. She then Shirley had several favorite players. “Cookie Lady” as she tirelessly baked and silence before Monday night’s game pondered what she could do to thank him. Listing all of them is impossible and listing brought thousands of cookies to Rangers against the Yankees to honor her memory. Cookies were the answer, and a legend was a few undoubtedly omits some special rela- players, staff, and broadcasters over the Funeral arrangements are being finalized born. tionships. However, Ian Kinsler and Yu years. Shirley and her husband Cal have for next Wednesday morning. The Rangers She always adored Wetteland and has a Darvish are two she especially liked in been annual visitors to Rangers’ spring are involved in the planning, and the likely framed autographed “Wetteland” jersey in addition to Mench and Ivan Rodriguez. training camps in Florida and Arizona. It venue is to accommodate her home. and are two has always been a welcome site for players the anticipated crowd. From there, the cookie legend expand- more. She usually referred to her favorite and coaches to see the Kosts each year on Her great smile that instantly befriended ed. She brought them not only for players, players as “good eggs”. the back fields in spring training, and it thousands of people will be missed. but for radio and television announcers too. Over the years, the Kosts accumulated was not the same without her there in NOTABLE: Often there were cookies for the Ranger numerous , bobblehead dolls and 2021. We won’t soon forget Shirley’s ¥ This weekend’s Ranger series in Captain mascot, as well as the “Six other ballpark giveaway items. Photos and unwavering support and enthusiasm for the is the first road series that Eric Shooters” girls. quickly mementos are spread around their house, team and its players and coaches over so Nadel has covered for Rangers’ radio at the jumped on the idea and began announcing but the Kosts dedicated a room for much of many seasons.” ballpark since 2019. at home games what variety of cookie she the Ranger memorabilia they accumulated over the years. It is a testament to a lot of One of the honors the Rangers gave

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 38 | May 14, 2021 - May 20, 2021 5 GOLF WITH TOM WARD Preview of the 2021 AT&T Byron Nelson

finishing runner-up. The international con- tingent consists of Sergio Garcia (2004, 2016 champion), Lee Westwood, Padraig Harrington, , , Matt Fitzpatrick, Luke Donald and Carlos Ortiz. Other prominent players to watch out for this week include: , , and to name a few. TOM WARD The field will be battling for a purse of [email protected] $8.1 million, with the winner taking home $1.5 million Ð both records for the event. After a forced hiatus in 2020 due to the You can watch the tournament on covid-19 pandemic that canceled the tour- Thursday and Friday on The nament for the first time since 1968, the from 2:30 Ð 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 2021 AT& T Byron Nelson returns with Sunday 12:00 Ð 2:00 p.m. then CBS picks renewed vigor and a new . it up at 2:00 Ð 5:00 p.m. Viewers can also In its inaugural year, TPC Craig Ranch watch on PGA TOUR Live. in McKinney will welcome a stellar field Earlier this week at his press confer- and eager fans back to golf. This will be ence, Dallas’ told reporters first time TPC Craig Ranch will play host that he contacted the Covid-19 virus after to a PGA Tour event, but it has previously his tie for 3rd place at the Masters. Spieth hosted the Championship stated, in 2008 and 2012. “I’m not really sure when I got it, to be TPC Craig Ranch won’t be a pushover honest, because nobody I was around got like Trinity Forest, but will still be a birdie it. It was bad for a day and a half and then fest. The course designed by PGA legend it was just kind of annoying for the next Tom Weiskopf plays to a length of 7,450 five days. Kind of lost energy and sinus yards and has a par of 72 with a lot of risk- stuff. And then after that I started to get reward shots. There is a great mix of short- full strength back, and I would say the last er, easier holes combined with some really week and a half now I’ve been acting like tough ones that will challenge the best it never happened.” players in the world this week. Spieth acknowledged that he has now TPC Craig Ranch is a beautiful layout fully recovered. and the terrain features rolling hills and The tournament which is already sold woods with Rowlett Creek strategically out and will have a limited fan capacity of weaving itself around the course 14 times 12,500 per day. Per PGA TOUR Covid-19 PGA TOUR event that has been hosted by junior golf days and having good local which will impact players shot making protocols, fans will be required to wear the Salesmanship Club of Dallas since knowledge is a big advantage. The key for decisions. The greens are bent grass and masks, unless actively eating or drinking, 1968 and benefits Momentous Institute, him is to not get caught up in all the the fairways are Zoysia. and masks must be worn at all times when which was named the 2019 PGA TOUR’s hoopla surrounding him playing at home in This year’s Byron Nelson boasts one of watching golf along the rope-line. Tickets Charity of the Year. The tournament has front of his family and overzealous friends. its strongest fields in years. Unfortunately, and pairings will be digital to eliminate raised $167 Million over the past 53 years, Jordan Spieth used the Byron Nelson as , the top-ranked player in direct hand contact, and hand sanitizer and making it the most financially successful a coming out party when he was still in the world, had to withdraw earlier this hand washing areas will be available charity event on the PGA TOUR. All pro- high school and winning here would be week because of knee discomfort. With throughout the grounds. The Salesmanship ceeds from the tournament benefit something akin to his bucket list that he Johnson’s departure that still leaves a lot of Club of Dallas and tournament staff are Momentous Institute, the nonprofit founded could check off. However, I’m going with big names playing like No.3 continuously working with officials from by the Salesmanship Club since 1920. another Dallas player who from Spain and No.4 Bryson DeChambeau the City of McKinney, the State of Texas, Recently named PGA Tour’s Charity of the also has a lot of familiarity with course. He (SMU alumni), (No.10) as well as the PGA TOUR to monitor the Year, Momentous Institute transforms lives had a close call in Austin at the Dell and reigning Masters champion Hideki situation and adjust protocols where neces- by providing high-quality mental health Technology Match Play Championship in Matsuyama. This will be Matsuyama’s first sary due to federal, state, county, and services and education through its pro- late March where he lost to start back on the PGA Tour since his big Center for Disease Control guidelines. grams focused on social emotional health. in the finals. I think he’s ready to pick up win last month at Augusta. “We are thrilled for the return of golf, This year marks the first time the tourna- his first PGA title and winning at home Defending Nelson champion Sung and we have worked hard with the PGA ment will be played in Collin County. would make it extra special. Kang (who lives in Dallas and is a member TOUR and our new home, TPC Craig So who will win this year’s tournament? So if you’re looking for the perfect sce- at TPC Craig Ranch) will be in the field. Ranch, to ensure the safest experience for It’s too easy to pick the usual suspects that nario, why not have a native Texan winning He won the tournament in 2019, when it our patrons,” said Jeff Walter, 2021 AT&T you know week in and week out will be in the prestigious title with the legendary was played at Trinity Forest. Byron Nelson Tournament Chair. “The the hunt. I’ve got a feeling that this week- Texan Byron Nelsons’ name on the trophy, This year’s tournament will have plenty leaders in McKinney have been wonderful end a player with local ties will end up at a new venue hosting the event for the of local flavor. Players who call the DFW partners, and we are confident our new holding the coveted trophy come Sunday first time. This sounds like a winning com- metroplex home include: Jordan Spieth, home will earn praise from the field and evening. If Bryson Dechambeu, who lives bination to me and I think the local fans Ryan Palmer, Scottie Scheffler, Amateurs our loyal fans who have long made this one in Dallas, can keep his driver under con- who have waited for over a year would Pierceson Coody and Cole Hammer, Harry of the most special stops on the entire trol, TPC Craig Ranch will play right into love it. Higgs, J.J. Henry and Will Zalatoris who TOUR.” his hands as it’s a bombers paradise. Will Tom Ward can be contacted at www.tee- made a big splash at this year’s Masters The AT&T Byron Nelson is a premier Zalatoris grew up playing the course in his timewithtom.com

6 May 14, 2021 - May 20, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 38 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com GOLF PGA TOUR This week on TOUR: AT&T Byron Nelson

Cottonwood Valley GC), (1st round, 2013 at TPC Four Seasons). LAST TIME: With the 2020 AT&T Byron Nelson cancelled due to the pan- demic, this year sees Sung Kang defend his 2019 title Ð his maiden TOUR victory. After a 61 in the second round, Kang con- verted the 54-hole lead and won by two over Matt Every and despite bogeying the 72nd hole. Every got close but bogeyed the par-4 15th and couldn’t birdie any of the final three holes. Piercy’s 64 on Sunday was tied for the round of the day, but he started the final round too far back. Brooks Koepka finished solo fourth, while five golfers finished T5 including Peter Uihlein and Kiradech Aphibarnrat, who tied Piercy’s 64 in the final round.

HOW TO FOLLOW

Television: Thursday-Friday, 3:30 p.m.- 6:30 p.m. ET (Golf Channel), Saturday- Sunday, 1 p.m.-3 p.m. (Golf Channel), 3 p.m.-6 p.m. (CBS) PGA TOUR LIVE: Thursday-Friday, 7:45 a.m.-6:30 p.m. ET (Featured Groups). Saturday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. ET kneecap in early March and undergoing McKinney, Texas, comes after two years at (Featured Groups), 3 p.m.-6 p.m. surgery… Dallas native Jordan Spieth is Trinity Forest Ð an ambitious design by (Featured Holes) back after a four-week break, as well. Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. TPC Craig Radio: Thursday-Friday, 1 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Spieth broke through for his first TOUR Ranch will host the Bryon Nelson for the ET. Saturday-Sunday, 1 p.m.-6 p.m. (PGA win since 2017 at the in next five years. It features Zoysia fairways TOUR Radio on SiriusXM and PGA- April… Three of the top 10 golfers in the and bentgrass greens, and Rowlett Creek TOUR.com/liveaudio). world are in the field (Koepka, Bryson crosses the course 14 times. TOURCast: Get shot-by-shot info in real DeChambeau and Jon Rahm)… Sponsor 72-HOLE RECORD: 259, Steven time with shot tracks and video with Exemptions include Thomas Pieters, Tyler Bowditch, 2015 at TPC Four Seasons. TOURCast. AT&T Byron Nelson Strafaci (the 2020 U.S. Amateur champi- and Sung Kang’s 23-under 261 TOUR Pulse: Get the PGA TOUR app to May 13 - May 14, 2021 on), and University of Texas standouts in 2018 and 2019, respectively, are the utilize TOUR Pulse, which provides users TPC Craig Ranch Cole Hammer and Pierceson Coody. lowest against par; Bowditch was 18 under the ability to experience a mix of content, McKinney, Texas FEDEXCUP: Winner receives 500 after heavy rain turned TPC Four Seasons such as video highlights, written hole sum- Purse - $8,100,000 FedExCup points. into a par 69 for the final three rounds. maries and stat graphics on every player Winners share: $1,458,000 STORYLINES: Dallas native and Special 18-HOLE RECORD: 60, Arron after every hole they complete. 2019 Winner - Kang Sung-hoon Temporary Member Will Zalatoris, runner- Oberholser (2nd round, 2006 at up at the Masters, will be aiming for his By Adam Stanley first PGA TOUR win. He first played PGATOUR.COM Byron Nelson as a pro in 2018; he played The PGA TOUR heads back to Texas as in 2016 as a teenage amateur. Zalatoris a strong field is set for the AT&T Byron missed the cut at the Wells Fargo Nelson, which moves to TPC Craig Ranch Championship, his first early exit since for the first time. November… While TPC Craig Ranch is Sung Kang defends his maiden PGA new for the tournament, it’s not for the TOUR title from 2019 after the event was defending champion. Sung Kang is a mem- cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 ber of the club and looks to become the pandemic. first since Tom Watson to defend his Byron FIELD NOTES: After a four-week break Nelson title. Watson won three years in a to celebrate becoming the first men’s golfer row. from Japan to win a major, Hideki COURSE: TPC Craig Ranch, par 72, Matsuyama is back in action. The Masters 7,468 yards. Designed by Tom Weiskopf winner returned home for his green jacket and completed in 2004, the course has celebration, which included being honored hosted events on the Korn Ferry Tour along by the Prime Minister. … Brooks Koepka with Korn Ferry Tour . also returns to action for the first time This is the first time TPC Craig Ranch has since the Masters. Koepka struggled at hosted a PGA TOUR event. The move to Augusta National after dislocating his right TPC Craig Ranch, which is located in

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 38 | May 14, 2021 - May 20, 2021 7 Inside the Field: AT&T Byron Nelson

Major Medical Extension James Hahn Charl Schwartzel Kevin Chappell Kevin Stadler Sean O'Hair Seung-Yul Noh Jonas Blixt 2018-19 Top 125 FEC/2019 Top Finishers Korn Ferry Tour (reordered) Tyler McCumber Brandon Hagy Doug Ghim Anirban Lahiri Jhonattan Vegas Rafael Campos Michael Gligic Brooks Koepka is one to watch at the AT&T Byron Nelson. (Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) Kramer Hickok Roger Sloan Vincent Whaley By Staff Players David Hearn PGATOUR.COM Matt Kuchar Antoine Rozner Joseph Bramlett PGA Section Champion\Player of the Rob Oppenheim Here's how the field qualified for the Year Hank Lebioda AT&T Byron Nelson as of 5/7/2021. Nate Lashley Shane Pearce Check here for updates. Troy Merritt Winner of the 2019 Byron Neslon Winner - PGA/U.S. Open Championship Keith Mitchell Collegiate Golf Award D.J. Trahan Jason Day Sebastián Muñoz Ryan Lumsden Bryson DeChambeau Carlos Ortiz Top 125 on Prior Season's FedExCup Dustin Johnson Ryan Palmer Points List J.J. Spaun Brooks Koepka Cheng Tsung Pan Scottie Scheffler Jordan Spieth Matt Fitzpatrick Rafa Cabrera Bello Scott Piercy Nelson Ledesma Winner - THE PLAYERS Ted Potter, Jr. Danny Lee Kiradech Aphibarnrat Championship Andrew Putnam Fabián Gómez Rickie Fowler Alex Noren Si Woo Kim Robert Streb Winner - The Masters Hudson Swafford Talor Gooch Ben Taylor Sergio Garcia Martin Trainer Doc Redman Aaron Baddeley Hideki Matsuyama Kevin Tway Xinjun Zhang Chris Baker Winners of the Arnold Palmer, Aaron Wise Sepp Straka John Senden Memorial, Genesis (Last 3 Years) Career Money Exemption Nick Watney Jon Rahm K.J. Choi Michael Gellerman Marc Leishman Luke Donald Brian Stuard Matt Every Tournament Winner in Past Two Kyoung-Hoon Lee Minor Medical Extension Seasons Bo Van Pelt Scott Harrington Padraig Harrington Ryan Armour Sponsor Exemptions: 2018-19 FEC / 126 - 150 Prior Season's FEC Points List Daniel Berger Category (Reordered) Sam Burns Adam Schenk Camilo Villegas Cameron Champ Lee Westwood Wyndham Clark Ben Martin Sponsors Exemptions - Members not Josh Teater Tyler Duncan otherwise exempt Beau Hossler Peter Uihlein Harris English J.J. Henry Luke List Bill Haas Will Zalatoris Scott Stallings J.B. Holmes Sponsors Exemptions - Unrestricted Seamus Power Charles Howell III Pierceson Coody Tom Lewis Sung Kang Cole Hammer Ryan Blaum Thomas Pieters Top 125 (Prior Season Nonmember) Tyler Strafaci William Gordon Commissioner Exemption - 2 Foreign Erik van Rooyen Dominic Bozzelli

8 May 14, 2021 - May 20, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 38 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com What to expect from TPC Craig Ranch

— Hole No. 7 — where at 232 yards, it sounds like a beast of a hole. But the green appears to possibly be the largest on the course. There isn’t much trouble around the huge green, and while getting it close will prove difficult, it appears we may see more greens in regulation on this than typi- cal for a par-3 of this length. The key holes to me will come with the two potentially driveable par-4s, four par- 5s, and what appears to be the most diffi- cult hole at 16. Both holes at 6 and 14 will be challenged by players off the tee. The 6th is listed at just over 360 yards, which would only be fully reachable by a small portion of the field, but due to all of the greenside bunkering, we may see more go after this hole and look to play a sand shot onto the green to set up birdie. The 14th is quite a bit shorter at just 330 yards, but it does have some risk- reward with a lake left of the green. It will likely be dependent on the wind and tees for players as they try to determine their plan of action, but this will definitely be a hole to tune in for down the stretch on 2021 AT&T Byron Nelson Tournament Nelson. Bryson DeChambeau will tee it up than most, as at just 431 yards, players will Sunday. Course Preview: What to Expect From TPC for the second consecutive week after a tee shot to a landing zone short of the I really want to hype up some of this Craig Ranch climbing to a top 10 despite just making Rowlett Creek and look to avoid the creek course, but the fact is it appears to be a the cut on the number on Friday. Brooks running up the right side before an place where these golfers will really go By Chris Murphy Koepka and Jordan Spieth will both return approach to a large green protected by one low. The par-5s lack much danger to keep pgatour.com for their first events since The Masters, bunker on the left side. The second is a bet- players from swinging out of their shoes It seems as though the AT&T Byron with Spieth looking to continue his strong ter example at 466 yards straight ahead off the tee, and very few will have a need Nelson bounces around courses more than play in Texas while Brooks hopes to find with wide-open landing zones and little to lay up. The greens lack protection, and most other tournaments. The at Trinity form since his latest knee surgery. It all trouble to concern these professionals. again, it appears they will be able to get Forest was short-lived as the TOUR moves should make for an exciting field, especial- One thing I noticed after going through away with imperfect shots on this track. sites once again, this time to TPC Craig ly on an unknown course. all of the holes is that while the par-3s are I expect lots of birdies, a large number of Ranch in McKinney, Texas. Course Preview long, they seem to also feature some of the eagle opportunities and some low scoring, The good news for us is that it can be a TPC Craig Ranch — McKinney, Texas largest greens on the course. It starts at the which will make for an exciting finish bit of an edge from a DFS perspective as 7,468-yard Par 72 fourth, where at 219 yards, there’s just a down the par-5 18th on Sunday afternoon. everyone will start at an even position and - Bermudagrass tees, with the same rough large bunker protecting the green left and That finish will come after what I see as the more research you can do to get ahead up to 2.5 inches short with a huge landing area for the the most difficult hole on the course at 16 on which players will be best suited for - Zoysia grass fairways green. The putting surface does appear to — a 512-yard hole that does get a touch this new track will give you a head start on - Bentgrass greens rolling at 11.5 on the be fairly undulating, which will make for narrow the deeper you get in the fairway the field. Stimpmeter some lengthy and difficult two-putts, but off the tee. This may be one of the few There are several resources out there to - 6,778 square-foot average green size the tee shot doesn’t seem as daunting as holes on the course where players dial back help. One is a flyover of the course on - Traditional Par 72 set up with four par- the length may suggest. to accept a par rather than attacking for YouTube, another is just general research, 5s, four par-3s, and 10 par-4s The story is similar at the longest par-3 birdie. and a third is a very informative interview - Rowlett Creek runs through the property with Ryan Palmer about the course he has and crosses in play on 14 of the 18 holes played dozens of times. He expects the As I looked through the course at TPC bombers to be at an advantage and for the Craig Ranch, the first thing I noticed is that large greens to lead to a bit of a putting half of the par-4s are 450-500 yards, and contest. This was my exact thought when I only one of them exceeds 500 yards. Two previewed the flyover and will likely be the of those 10 par-4s check in at well under angles I’m looking at this week. 400 yards, including the short 330-yard The tournament field this week is sur- par-4 14th. Additionally, the par-5s are not prisingly strong for a week that requires a overly long, as none exceed 569 yards, trip halfway across the country before a which will presumably put an eagle in play major championship. Even with the each time the players come through. Much Monday withdrawal of Dustin Johnson, six of the length of the course is actually tied of the top 17 players in the world will tee it up in the par-3s, with three of the four up this week in Texas. exceeding 200 yards. Jon Rahm is playing again after losing Overall, the course seems to be fairly his TOUR-leading streak of cuts made at traditional as it’s all right in front of the the Wells Fargo, and he opens at the top of players without too much surprising on any the odds board for the AT&T Byron hole. The first hole is “tricked out” more

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 38 | May 14, 2021 - May 20, 2021 9 A quick look Craig Ranch hole by hole

This is a large green which slopes back to front. The ideal miss is to the short right, which will give you the best opportunity to get up and down.

HOLE #8 PAR 4, 482 Yards There is more room right off the tee than first appears, but playing down the left side of the fairway gives you the best angle for your approach shot. Short left is the best miss.

The first hole at TPC Craig ranch

HOLE #1 HOLE #3 predominant South wind. Long hitters may PAR 4, 431 Yards PAR 4, 420 Yards choose less than driver off the tee. There is You have to make a decision with your You can be aggressive off the tee and more room left once you're inside 150 tee shot to take on the left fairway bunker try to catch the slope behind the bunker to yards, which also gives you the best angle or not. The second shot plays about half a leave a shorter iron approach. If you play to attack the green. There is a big slope club uphill to a blind landing area. The safe off the tee and land in the widest part front left of the green, which helps you get ideal approach shot favors the left side of of the fairway, you will have a mid to long close to a front pin location. the green as there is a slope on the middle iron approach. The green has a false front. right side which takes the ball to a run-off HOLE #9 area. PAR 5, 564 Yards This is a tough tee shot on a windy day because of the forced carry. Though there is plenty of room right off the tee, playing down the left side will result in more run out and a better angle to the green. The big decision you have to make is with your layup. Being aggressive and taking on the creek opens up the green for third shot. HOLE #6 This green has three tiers; distance and PAR 4, 361 Yards spin control with your wedge shot is a HOLE #4 This is a short par 4 that brings a lot of must. HOLE #2 PAR 3, 219 Yards strategy into play. The fairway is well pro- PAR 4, 466 Yards The first of the par 3 holes at TPC Craig tected by bunkers, so if you want to attack There is more room on the right side off Ranch. This hole should require a mid to this hole, finding the fairway is a must. If the tee than it appears. Playing down the long iron. Avoid the big bunker short left of you hit driver off the tee and get too close left side of the fairway will give you a bet- the green. to the green, going for a front pin location ter angle to attack the green. The green is difficult. This is one of the smallest slopes right to left; the best miss is either greens on the course. short or long and left.

HOLE #10 PAR 4, 471 Yards This hole normally plays downwind. HOLE #5 Avoiding the fairway bunkers allows you to PAR 5, 569 Yards HOLE #7 attack this green. This green is large with This long par 5 is downwind with the PAR 3, 232 Yards subtle breaks, making reading putts diffi- cult.

10 May 14, 2021 - May 20, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 38 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com HOLE #16 PAR 4, 492 Yards A long and testing par 4, into the wind this hole will challenge the best of players. You have to avoid the bunkers down the left if you want to hit this green in two. The bunkers front right hide what is one of the biggest greens on the course. Hitting the middle of this green is never a bad play. There is a severe slope on the left side, and getting up and down from the chipping area is difficult.

The 10th hole, par 4

HOLE #10 front while the back half slopes hard right the green, with the bunkers right there to PAR 4, 471 Yards to left. catch a bail out shot. This is one of the This hole normally plays downwind. most undulating greens on the course so Avoiding the fairway bunkers allows you to you have to be accurate with your wedges attack this green. This green is large with if you want to make birdie. subtle breaks, making reading putts diffi- cult. HOLE #17 PAR 3, 147 Yards A true sleeper par 3, don't let the yardage fool you. The wind will make hit- ting this green a true test. Any shot coming up short will be punished by the false front on the green and may roll back into the HOLE #13 front bunker. PAR 4, 512 Yards This is probably the toughest par 4 on HOLE #18 the course. The tee shot plays uphill and HOLE #15 PAR 5, 552 Yards has a big forced carry over bunkers and a PAR 3, 216 Yards Another risk/reward hole to finish, there HOLE #11 creek. There is a bail out area left for short- This is a mid to long iron par 3. With is a large landing area for those who wish PAR 4, 457 Yards er hitters. The green is protected both front water down the entire left side, the bunkers to lay up. The longer hitters will have an The tee shot is tougher than it looks as it and back by a bunker; missing short and right see a lot of action. The green has a approach shot between 220-250 to the mid- plays uphill and normally has a left to right left will give you the best chance for get- ridge that runs up the middle from front to dle of the green. This green has two dis- wind. The second shot plays at least a club ting up and down if you are out of position. back which creates a bowl for middle/front tinct levels, so being on the correct level to longer and you can not see the putting sur- The green has a ridge running through it pins. make a closing birdie is a must. face. The green slopes back to front so the front to back. preferred miss is short.

HOLE #12 HOLE #14 PAR 5, 547 Yards PAR 4, 330 Yards The ideal tee shot is down the left side This short par 4 is a true risk/reward of the fairway, which slopes left to right. hole. The shorter hitters have to decide While longer players can attack this green what yardage second shot they want to in two, most will lay up short of the creek. have as there is more room right off the tee The front half of the green slopes back to than appears. Most big hitters will take on 18th hole, par 5

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 38 | May 14, 2021 - May 20, 2021 11 NASCAR TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY TMS’s Eddie Gossage to step down

Under Gossage’s leadership, Texas Marcus made it happen, and I’m thankful Motor Speedway has hosted millions of for each and every opportunity he’s contin- fans at NASCAR, IndyCar and World of ued to give me since becoming CEO. Like Outlaw races, produced car shows and con- with his dad, Speedway Motorsports is in certs with The Rolling Stones, ZZ Top and good hands with Marcus. Willie Nelson, and in 2015, built the “I’m not sure what my next adventure world’s largest LED high-definition televi- will be. I do know Melinda and I are look- sion, the 22,704 square-foot 'Big Hoss'. ing forward to some more fun with the “Eddie Gossage has been synonymous grandkids,” Gossage said with his trade- with Texas Motor Speedway’s success, and mark smile. “But first, we’re going to cor- his contributions to our company and the ral some Texas-size fun one last time with speedway’s impact on the state of Texas the fans at the NASCAR All-Star Race!” during his career are immeasurable,” said Speedway Motorsports will launch a Speedway Motorsports President and CEO nationwide search for Gossage’s successor. Marcus Smith. “Beyond the big events, Tickets for Texas Motor Speedway’s wild pre-race shows and publicity stunts, 2021 major event season, including the Eddie has always been the biggest fan of June 13 NASCAR All-Star Race, are on the fans. No one has more desire to give sale now at texasmotorspeedway.com. For them a memorable experience. I’ll always more information, fans can keep track of be thankful for his dedication to our com- all of Texas Motor Speedway’s events dur- pany and the inspiration he’s given our ing the 25th Season of Speed by following staff to always put the fans first.” on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. After more than three decades of service Smith took Gossage under his wing as “The NASCAR All-Star Race was one Keep up with all the latest news and infor- to race fans on behalf of Speedway he began to purchase property in North of the first major events I promoted at mation on the speedway website and TMS Motorsports, including the last 25 years at Texas and design plans for what would Charlotte,” Gossage said. “I’ve wanted to mobile app. Texas Motor Speedway, Eddie Gossage become not only the finest motorsports bring it to Texas for years. I’m glad will step down as President of The Great facility in Texas, but also one of the most American Speedway following the June 13 spectacular entertainment venues in the NASCAR All-Star Race. world. The 1,500-acre complex includes a “The timing just feels right after 32 1.5-mile superspeedway,194 luxury suites, years with the company,” Gossage stated. 76 condominiums, a nine-story Speedway “The Smith family and Speedway Club, office space and the 11,000- Motorsports changed my life and I will for- seat, four-tenths-mile Texas Motor ever be appreciative and grateful. Speedway Dirt Track. Smith named “Before my wife Melinda and I chart Gossage General Manager of Texas Motor our next adventure, I’m thankful that I get Speedway in 1995 and added the title of to come full circle as a promoter with the TMS President in 2004. Now 62, Gossage NASCAR All-Star Race.” is one of the longest-tenured employees at After working for Nashville Speedway Motorsports. International Raceway, Bristol International “When I built Texas Motor Speedway, I Raceway and Miller Brewing Company in had plenty of architects, accountants and motorsports management and public rela- attorneys, but what I really needed was tions capacities, Gossage joined Speedway promotion,” said Smith. “That’s where Motorsports in 1989 as the Vice President Eddie came in. They say ‘everything’s big- of Public Relations at Charlotte Motor ger in Texas’, and I needed a big personali- Speedway. He honed his skill for promo- ty in Dallas/Fort Worth. Eddie’s become a tional flair under the guidance of shrewd businessman over the years, but Speedway Motorsports Executive he’s remained a publicist at heart, and he Chairman Bruton Smith and then Charlotte never forgot what the entertainment busi- Motor Speedway President Humpy ness is about---having FUN. Wheeler. During one Gossage produced “I am grateful for all that Eddie has press conference in 1992 to promote the done for our company. He’s been a promot- first NASCAR All-Star Race to run at er, friend and an asset to the entire motor- night, the young promoter rigged a giant sports industry.” light switch to highlight the innovative new “In my career, I’ve been blessed to meet lighting system at the superspeedway. presidents, world leaders, astronauts, schol- When Smith threw the switch, sparks flew, ars, world-famous athletes, actors and setting the speedway founder and owner’s musicians, millionaires and billionaires,” hair on fire. said Gossage. “Of them all, Bruton Smith “I thought I was headed for the unem- is the greatest man I’ve ever met. I thank ployment line for sure,” laughed Gossage. God I met Bruton and that he selected me “But for some reason, Bruton kept me to head up Texas Motor Speedway. His around, and it wasn’t long after that he continued trust in me is an honor I consider gave me an opportunity I could have only part of one of the most cherished relation- dreamed of.” ships two men could enjoy.”

12 May 14, 2021 - May 20, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 38 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com COLLEGES COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME 2020 College Football HOF Spotlight

“I can’t tell you how many of our fans The fourth overall pick in the 1995 say they’ve looked at that play 500 times,” NFL Draft, Westbrook played eight sea- David Plati, ’s longtime SID who sons in the league for the Washington remains close with Westbrook, said with a Redskins (1995-2001) and Cincinnati laugh. “No one ever seems to get tired of Bengals (2002). it.” “Now I can re-visit and re-live how I got His efforts in Boulder, including eight here,” Westbrook said of making the Hall games during his career with more than of Fame. “All the competition in practice 100-yards receiving, helped create one of and all of the hard work and the fights and the most successful periods in school histo- the blood and the sweat and the tears that ry. As a freshman, the Buffs ended No. 20 we went through to actually get to where in the final rankings with a share of the Big we got.” Eight title, followed by a No. 13 finish in ¥ Consensus First Team All-American in 1992 and the No. 16 spot in 1993. The 1994 who led Buffs to four bowl berths “Miracle at Michigan” placed the Buffs at and four top 20 finishes. No. 3 in the final rankings with an 11-1 ¥ Two-time All-Big Eight performer, record in 1994. leading CU to a share of the 1991 league A two-time First Team All-Big Eight title. performer, he became only the third ¥ Set school records for receptions (167) Colorado receiver to earn all-conference and receiving yards (2,548), which current- honors and the first to be selected twice. ly rank fourth and third all-time at An AP Second Team All-American in Colorado, respectively. 1992, Westbrook led the Buffs to four bowl ¥ Played for College Football Hall of berths, including wins in the 1993 Aloha Fame Bill McCartney. Bowl over Fresno State and the 1995 Fiesta ¥ Becomes the eighth Buff player to enter Bowl over Notre Dame. the College Football Hall of Fame.

Michael Westbrook Buffalo player to be enshrined. Known best University of Colorado for the “Miracle at Michigan,” Westbrook Wide Receiver, 1991-94 authored a rags-to-riches story, from not being initially recruited by anybody out of By Matt Fortuna Detroit’s Chadsey High School, to leaving He is responsible for one of the signa- Colorado as the program’s all-time leader ture plays in college football history, but in receptions (167), receiving yards (2,548) for Michael Westbrook, all of the work and receiving (19) at the time. with his teammates from Sunday to Friday He redshirted on a national title team in is what he really credits for his legendary 1990 and earned consensus All-America status at the University of Colorado. honors in final year in 1994. One year, he would be facing Thorpe Westbrook only ended up in the Rocky Award winner Deon Figures at practice. Mountain State because then-Buffs coach Another year, it was — also Bill McCartney was visiting his high a Thorpe Award winner — who was bring- school to see another player. But the Hall ing the best out of him in Boulder. He of Fame coach noticed Westbrook jumping shared receiving duties with future first- out of the gym during a pickup basketball round pick Charles Johnson. The guy game, asked Chadsey coach Charles Spann throwing him the ball, , if Westbrook played football, and the rest is became a Pro Bowler. history. “The games were cool and a highlight, Never was that more apparent than at but it was nothing compared to my memo- the Big House on Sept. 24, 1994, when ries of camaraderie and competition that I Westbrook caught a 64-yard Hail Mary was exposed to when I was in college,” from Stewart to upset No. 4 Michigan, Westbrook said. “Now people hate prac- 27-26. The victory in Ann Arbor was par- tice, but for me, practice is where I got all ticularly special for a childhood Wolverines of my competition at. I didn’t have that fan who had been ignored by his home competition in games. Maybe two-to-three state school. times in my five-year stint at Colorado did “I literally had to get tickets from all of I have to face any threats to my receiver my teammates to support the amount of talents like I did at Colorado. I got it on a Detroit natives that were sitting behind our daily basis.” bench,” Westbrook said, noting that he had All of that has led the two-time first- a crowd of 74 folks in attendance that day. team All-American to the College Football It is a day that will live on in school lore Hall of Fame, where he becomes the eighth forever.

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 38 | May 14, 2021 - May 20, 2021 13 COLLEGES WITH BO CARTER College Football News and Notes

Some notable birthdates in NFF Monday. Leipold has a career college head College Hall of Fame annals in the May coaching record of 146-39 over 14 seasons 11-17 period are May 11 (1874) Langdon at UW-Whitewater and Buffalo. He was an Lea, Germantown, Pa.; (1983) Matt astounding 34-1 in 35 NCAA Division III Leinart, Santa Ana, Calif.; May 12 (1872) playoff contests at UWW…Presbyterian Art Wheeler, Philadelphia, Pa.; (1888) John tabbed Kevin Kelley as its new head foot- Wilce, Rochester, N.Y.; (1934) Harold ball coach… Davis, Youngstown, ; (1948) Joe Hometowns of more 2021 college head Cichy, Fargo, N.D.; (1949) Don McCauley, coaches Ð Bowling Green: Scott Loeffler, Worcester, Mass.; May 14 (1907) Howard Barberton, Ohio; Brown: James Perry, Harpster, Salem Ore.; (1924) John Ferraro, Malden, Mass.; Bucknell: Dave Cecchini, Cudahy, Calif.; May 15 (1958) Ron Bethlehem, Pa.; Buffalo: Rob Ianello Simmons, Perry, Ga.; (1966) Thurman (interim), Port Chester, N.Y.; BYU: Kalani Thomas, Houston, Texas; (1969) Emmitt Sitake, Nuku?alofa, Tonga.Sport Business Smith, Pensacola. Fla.; (1970) Desmond Journal signified its finalists for 2020-21 Howard, Cleveland, Ohio; (1970) Rod SBJ College Directors of Athletics of the Smith, Texarkana, Ark.; May 17 (1912) year. They are ’s Greg Byrne, Parker, Portsmouth, Va. Pittsburgh’s Heather Lyke, Baylor’s Mack Notable anniversary death dates for Rhoades, Notre Dame’s Jack Swarbrick, Hall of Famers are May 11 (1986) Fritz and Virginia’s Carla Williams. SEC com- Pollard, Silver Spring, Md.; May 12 (1982) missioner Greg Sankey is a finalist for Wear Schoonover, Arlington, Va.; May 13 National Sports Executive of the Year. The (1985) Morley Jennings, Lubbock, Texas; winners will be denoted at a virtual cere- May 14 (1995) Tommy Prothro, Memphis, mony June 23…Washington State director Tenn.; May 15 (1970) Clark Shaughnessy, of athletics Pat Chun has accepted a con- Santa Monica, Calif.; (1991) Ed Weir, tract boost through the 2026 season and Lincoln, Neb.; (1999) Bobby Wilson, has withdrawn his name from considera- officially welcomed new head coach Lance Leipold to campus last Monday Brenham, Texas; May 16 (2019) Bob tion for the probable co-commissioner Schloredt, Seattle, Wash.; May 17 (1993) positions with the Pac-12 Conference.... Bill Wallace, Houston, Texas. …Former Green Bay AD Charles Guthrie 65th NAIA football championship at Happy birthdays to NFF College Hall is the new AD at Akron, and UWGB Grambling, Louisiana, in historic Eddie of Fame members May 11 , deputy AD Jermaine Rolle has been select- Robinson Stadium. May 12 Joe Cichy, Don McCauley, May 15 ed as interim AD…LSU has become the 2020 NFF College Hall of Fame Ron Simmons, Thurman Thomas, Emmitt first school with a inductee Michael Westbrook was the high- Smith, Pensacola, , Rod Black president after the naming of former lighted upcoming standout in the weekly Smith, Texarkana, Arkansas. South Carolina provost Dr. William Tate as series with the Hall of Fame Classes of and will play a two- the new LSU System president and chan- 2020 and ’21. game series in 2028 and ’33... has cellor. Dr. Tate received the nod over fel- Football Foundation, replaced its 2021 game with Southeastern low finalists former U.S. presidential sci- together with your support is upgrading its Louisiana with historic Fordham Ð the first- ence adviser Kelvin Droegemeier and Building Leaders Through Football nation- ever tussle between the Huskers and Rams University of Louisiana System president BO CARTER al mission. As the NFF continues to pursue Ð on Sept. 4. NU and SLU are looking at a Dr. James Henderson… AD Josh [email protected] this goal, it is updating email communica- future non-conference game in a year to be Brooks explained his philosophy about hir- tions to share more effectively the group’s determined…Michigan State will host ing coaches and providing optimum means Semifinal scores from the NCAA FCS impact on all levels of amateur football. Louisiana in 2024…Arkansas and Notre of helping them recruit and retain student- playoffs last Saturday were South Dakota NFF chairman and College Football Hall of Dame have had discussions to make up the athletes and develop national-caliber teams State 33, Delaware 3, Sam Houston 38, Fame member Archie Manning of Ole cancelled ’20 contest in South Bend, and how Bulldogs athletics was able to James Madison 36. The 43rd FCS finals Miss also denoted a nuance for member- Indiana, with a date to be determined in the cope with changing local attendance limita- will be played Sunday, May 16, at Toyota ship and national new media starting this 2022-29 seasons’ range possibly and an tions at home events due to COVID-19 Stadium in Frisco, Texas, between SDSU week. announcement in coming days. protocols…Former Horizon League assis- and Sam Houston with an ABC national “I'm excited to share the inaugural edi- Pittsburgh director of athletics and tant commissioner for competition, brand- telecast at 1 p.m. (CDT). It also is the first tion of the NFF's "Down & Distance" Panthers head coaches combined to donate ing and sponsorship Cam Fuller accepted championship game matchup between newsletter, which will feature the great sto- $500,000 for additional vaccine research to the post as AD at St. Norbert starting June these two powerhouses. Because of ries behind our collective work,” he said. prevent COVID-19 last week…Longtime 1…Central Connecticut State tabbed for- COVID-19-related postponements, this is We've chosen this title as it reflects our Texas-Ex and school supporter Don mer CCSU basketball student-athlete the first time the DI title game has been desire to continuously drive the field and Huffines and wife Mary Catherine have Patrick Sellers as head men’s basketball played in the spring. Notably, this is the accomplish our goal. “Down & Distance” been selected as 2021 Transmitters of the coach…Arizona women’s basketball head just second time in nine seasons when will include lots of the same great content Faith by and coach Adia Barnes had her five-year con- 2019 FCS champion North Dakota State from Chalktalk while providing many more will be honored at a gala Aug. 5 banquet in tract extension formally ratified…Stephen has not played in or won the FCS title, and opportunities to become directly involved Irving, Texas. Don’s brother and automo- F. Austin head men’s basketball coach the Bison had been to nine consecutive in the work of the Foundation.” bile magnate Ray Huffines has been an Mark Kellogg received a contract extension FCS semifinal rounds before falling at Sam For additional information and the free equally ardent supporter of his alma mater through the 2025-26 campaign…Temple’s Houston on May 2. updates, please access and Texas A&M athletics. current search for a new AD may be con- Northwestern (Iowa) and Lindsey www.FootballFoundation.org. Kansas officially welcomed new head tingent on the hiring of a new president for Wilson (Ky.) meet Monday night in the NFF College Hall of Fame Facts coach Lance Leipold to campus last the Owls in coming days. The Temple

14 May 14, 2021 - May 20, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 38 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com Board of Trustees noted it will name the provost at Vanderbilt…Wichita State presi- fer portal… League at the famed venue in Arlington Ð that was president prior to the AD…Interim dent Dr. Rick Muma has been permanently draftees Grant McDonald and Logan a fight single-event record for the facility Dartmouth AD Peter Roby had an exten- with full duties beginning in July…Former Bandy were highlighted in a recent story as well. sive interview with the university’s student Texas Tech senior associate AD for aca- about the May 4 CFL Free Agent Draft.... Denny’s restaurant chain is the present- newspaper and covered such topics as demic services Greg Glaus is the new sen- …TCU added Texas A&M transfers ing sponsor, and Bacardi USA, Inc. is the financing Dartmouth athletics, the resump- ior deputy AD at Kent State…Charleston Emanuel Miller and Cashius McNeilly for new official spirits’ sponsor of the Orange tion of Ivy League competition, working in Southern added former Auburn assistant the coming academic year…TCU men’s Blossom Classic in , Fla….Coastal an interim AD capacity, and social justice coach Clarisse Garcia as its new women’s basketball (seven DI transfers) and Carolina athletics is preparing to build a concerns, among other issues…U. of New basketball head coach…Former Quinnipiac Vanderbilt men’s basketball have complet- $15 million indoor football facility with Orleans AD Tim Duncan and others were assistant head coach Bill Riga has become ed their 2021-22 rosters with the exception full funding by donors. The Chanticleers highlighted on a NACDA about need-based head men’s hockey coach at Holy Cross.. of possible walkons…Ryan Hawkins has also are making improvements in the south aid for student-athletes and how NIL legis- …Georgetown president Dr. Jack DeGioia transferred to Creighton for fall 2021. end zone area of the football stadium.... lation might affect those funds…North was recalled for his football playing days West Coast Conference commissioner ...UTEP athletics had a $500,000 donation Florida is starting its interview process to with the Hoyas and some great defensive Gloria Nevarez signed a contract extension from the Gordon family for a new court- replace retiring AD Lee Moon, and one performances against crosstown rival through 2026…Southeastern Conference side premium seating area in the Don favored applicant among the community is Catholic (D.C.)… Former University of commissioner Greg Sankey spoke about Haskins Center…UAB's new sterling current senior associate AD of facilities System executive vice president for the challenges of overturning the SEC’s Protective Stadium, interestingly located and operations and chief diversity and academic affairs Dr. Barbara J. Wilson will current bylaws requiring student-athletes one block from the Southeastern inclusion officer Ervin Lewis…Nebraska begin her duties as president at Iowa on transferring to other SEC schools to sit out Conference offices in Birmingham, Ala., AD Bill Moos commented on the NCAA’s July 15…Troy men's golf head coach Bart one year before gaining eligibility…The had its seating bowl construction complet- changes and limitations in contact work- Barnes is leaving to pursue other profes- Big 12 Conference named former South- ed in April with turf installation underway outs during preseason practice...Current sional avenues…Northwestern State added land deputy commissioner and former for the ’21 season…Yale athletics is close Sacred Heart AD, former high school foot- contract years for head women’s volleyball Incarnate Word AD John Williams as exec- to finishing its 34,800-square-foot field ball standout, Notre Dame grid signee, coach Sean Kiracofe through the 2023 sea- utive associate commissioner for men's house for its soccer and lacrosse teams Bobby Valentine is son. basketball and game management...The with special areas for athletics’ perform- running for mayor in Stamford, Conn., QB Tyson Kooima of Northwestern Pac-12 Conference is expected to negate its ance and video visualization…Illinois ath- where he spent his formative years..Florida (Iowa), RB JD Woods of Baker (Kan.), RB one-year recess for intraconference trans- letics is close to construction for the Atkins State AD David Coburn who has a solid Ke’von Johnson of Roosevelt (Ill.), WR fers at the league’s upcoming spring meet- Golf Club with Wadsworth Golf background in academic administration as Jon Cole of Arizona Christian, WR Reid ings. Outgoing Pac-12 Conference com- Construction handling the renovations and well as athletics is considering applying for Jurgensmeier of Morningside (Iowa), and missioner Larry Scott also told Sports course updates…Xavier (Ohio) athletics is the vacant FSU presidential position held TE Jaylen Arnold of Keiser (Fla.) highlight Business Journal he does not foresee a pos- updating video displays in various areas by the retiring Dr. John E. Thrasher..Media the spring NAIA All-America team select- sible contingent of four “super confer- with a $3 million technology upgrade and sources have identified five strong candi- ed by the AFCA…Former Texas TE ences” with 16 members apiece to help enlarged scoreboards…New Haven (cur- dates for the Grambling AD’s position, and Malcolm Epps has landed at Southern select the four finalists annually for the rent NCAA Division II) is considering a they are Xavier (La.) AD Jason Horn, for the ’21 season while College Football Playoff. He added that the move to Division I with $8-10 million in UNO’s Duncan, Southern (Baton Rouge) Longhorns LB Juwan Mitchell is going finances provided for the CFP in a non- upgrades in the offing…Hartford's Board deputy AD/COO Dr. Trayvean Scott, from one UT (Texas) to another COVID-19 environment will be sufficient of Regents officially voted to transition the William & Mary senior associate AD and (Tennessee)…Former South Carolina for the current 10 participating NCAA Hawks from NCAA Division I to DIII executive director of athletics advancement standout Justin Minaya transferred to South FBC conferences and the FBS independent starting with the 2025-26 academic year... Anthony Henderson, and Alcorn State AD Carolina…Former William & Mary stal- schools. …UC Riverside’s administration reaf- Derek Horne…Houston tabbed former wart Luke Loewe is moving to Minnesota.. TaxSlayer Gator Bowl chair John Duce firmed UCR’s commitment to compete in UNLV senior associate AD for external …There were 2,435 student-athletes in the will remain in that post until 2022 when NCAA Division I athletics in the Big West affairs John Gladchuk as senior associate NCAA Division I transfer portal as of May North Florida area CEO of BBVA Nelson Conference…Par Mar Stores is continuing AD for development and chief develop- 5…Penn State was highlighted for its Bradshaw moves into the office…The its extensive sponsorships with West ment officer….Tennessee named former Linebacker U. reputation with the recent Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, working Virginia athletics…Georgia athletics is rec- UCF associate AD for corporate partner- first round selection of Micah Parsons by with the Tarrant Area Food Bank, Gary ognizing the state’s names, images and ships Bill Houston UT senior associate AD the NFL …Kentucky’s Patterson Foundation, the Dallas Cowboys likenesses’ legislation and compensation for revenue generation and strategic initia- Davion Mintz is testing the professional and Arlington police and fire departments for UGa student-athletes starting July 1 but tives…Former Yale senior associate AD for sports’ waters but has an option to return to provided a Mother’s Day meal to 2,175 will not redistribute up to 75 percent of internal operations Andy is the new AD UK in August…SMU will gain talented families in the Arlington, Texas, metro area compensation to other Bulldogs student- and director of afternoon programs at Taft Baylor transfer Tristan Clark who sat out via the Meals for Moms Mega Mobile athletes by the ones who accept the terms (Conn.) Preparatory School…Former the ’20 season for the 2021-22 academic Market on May 4 at AT&T Stadium in …South Carolina signed that state’s NIL DePaul men’s basketball head coach Dave year…Rockwall (Texas) HS QB Braedyn Arlington…SeatGeek is the new official bill into law with an effective date of July Leitao is a new assistant coach for Over- Locke has given an oral commitment to ticketing partner for the Goodyear Cotton 1, 2022…UIC had to cancel its three-game time Elite…Baylor men’s tennis chose Mississippi State for the ’22 season while Bowl, and the GCB also emailed season baseball series at Texas Tech due to Michael Woodson as fulltime head coach.. Southlake (Texas) Carroll HS QB Quinn ticket renewal information for the Dec. 31 COVID-19 circumstances within the …Colorado State women’s soccer head Ewers has pledged to Ohio State, and College Football Playoff semifinal clash in Chicago university’s programs…Toyota coach Bill Hempen is moving onto new Frisco (Texas) Lone Star QB Garrett Arlington…The NFL Dallas Cowboys and North America communications released coaching challenges elsewhere…Clemson Rangel has Oklahoma State as his top Goodyear Cotton Bowl personnel will be details about the new Toyota Racing women’s volleyball head coach Michaela choice – both as 2022 signees…St. handling the annual Cowboys summer Development Camry, which is utilized Franklin will not return for the fall cam- Joseph’s (Pa.) transfer Jordan Hall will youth camps with several online discount internationally in auto racing and on the paign and has been replaced by interim play at Texas A&M beginning this fall... offers…Cotton Bowl Stadium hosted a collegiate athletics’ level for multiple cour- head coach Jackie Simpson-Kirr…Baylor …A&M standouts CB Traveon Fuller, first-ever in-stadium golf tournament with tesy vehicles for departments..Northeastern named former Purdue standout and WNBA Kevin Marfo and Jonathan Aku have joined linksters hitting golf balls from strategic U. is hoping to get a plan approved for a head coach Nicki Collen as its new the ’21 NCAA transfer portal…Dale areas of the historic Dallas landmark into 25-story residence hall on the Roxbury- women’s basketball head coach..Hampden- Bonner is transferring from Fairmont State designated “greens” on the all-natural grass Boston, Mass, city lines…The State of Sydney chose Patrick Bain as men’s soccer to Baylor…Texas wideout Kennedy Lewis playing surface…AT&T stadium was the Mississippi governing College Board is associate head coach…Arizona head is the latest Longhorn to opt for the NCAA site of the largest post-COVID-19 sports working to alleviate absences and to come women’s basketball coach Adia Barnes transfer portal…Michigan’s Franz Wagner crowd to date worldwide last Saturday dur- to consensus on appointments in athlet- received a five-year contract update and a has decided to turn professional after two ing the Billy Joe Saunders-Canelo Alvarez ics…Auburn athletics posted video render- larger annual compensation agreement... seasons with the Wolverines…Georgia DB for the super middleweight title before ings of its new football facility on the …Dr. C. Cybele Raver has been named Major Burns has entered the NCAA trans- 73,126 fans Ð also a record for a prize fight (continued on page 16)

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 38 | May 14, 2021 - May 20, 2021 15 Tigers official website…Ohio lawmakers the 11-year Outkick Sports Group…The student-athletes to compete in an unlimited Morgan passed away in Rockwall, Texas, introduced legislation last week that would Colorado Springs Gazette has been recog- number of events in dual meets. Current earlier this year. His public memorial serv- make sports gambling legal via mobile nized by the Associated Press Sports rules let swimmers compete in three indi- ice is set in Rockwall Saturday, and he was applications and actual storefronts…Sports Editors as one of the Top 10 Sunday Sports vidual or relay events in a 13-event meet 89. wagering companies incurred $153.6 mil- Sections nationally…ESPNU last Sunday and four events (up to three of them indi- Schedule with New Year’s Six Games lion on all-media advertising during the aired the first-ever joint NCAA Division I vidual) in 15- or 16-event contests..Georgia (All Games Televised by ESPN, EST) first quarter of 2021. FanDuel paced the Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse head women’s basketball coach Joni Taylor Friday, Dec. 31, 2021 market with $57.7 million spent on local Championship selection special live.... and South Dakota State head women’s (CFP Semifinals & Championship Jan. 10) television spots....Princeton will add …Twitter has added a feature to allow coach Aaron Johnston have been chosen as Goodyear Cotton Bowl women’s rugby as a varsity sport in users to tip accounts with all proceeds assistant coaches for the USA Basketball AT&T Stadium 2022…The State of Mississippi and its going to the account holders via PayPal or Women’s Under-19 team this Arlington, Texas, 4 or 8 p.m. public universities are working to recruit Venmo systems in college athletics and summer. Capital One Orange Bowl more top-notch student-athletes from several other business areas…Sports Dr. Harry Tolly, a member of the inau- Hard Rock Stadium neighboring states after the Magnolia State Illustrated did a timeline on the last 27 gural NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class Miami Lakes, Fla., 4 or 8 p.m. did not have major population gains over months of discussions and proposals for in 1959 and three-position standout for Monday, Jan. 10 the last 10 years, according to the 2020 the College Football Playoff. CFP execu- Nebraska from 1957-59, passed away April CFP Championship, Semifinal Winners U.S. Census…Texas athletics’ $338 million tive director Bill Hancock reiterated that 22 in Lincoln, Nebraska. The longtime Lucas Oil Stadium Moody Center now has been configured to the four-team configuration is continuing dentist was 83…Jake Ehlinger, younger Indianapolis, Ind., 8 p.m. seat15,000 for concerts and 10,000-plus for by the initial 10-year contract through the brother of all-time Texas great QB Sam Thursday, Dec. 30. 2021-Jan. 1, 2022 basketball and sporting events...Marshall’s 2023 season…Stadium has listed an exten- Ehlinger, passed away in Austin, Texas, (Other New Year’s Six Bowls) Thursday, Dec. 30 Board of Governors recently met to discuss sive group of college football and men’s May 6. He was a linebacker for the 2019 Chick Fil-A Peach Bowl financing and personnel in Thundering basketball student-athletes who have made and ’20 Longhorns and was 20 years old.. Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta,Ga.TBD Herd athletics…Mississippi State will con- their intentions known for NFL and NBA …Alan Jones, a member of the Gulfport Friday, Jan. 1 duct more in-person classes during the fall drafts before their eligibility was completed. (Miss.) Sports Hall of Fame and star QB at PlayStation Fiesta Bowl semester after improvising large classes in The AFCA designated its 2020-21 assis- Delta State before a 40-year career in col- State Farm Stadium athletics’ facilities (including an 800-stu- tant coaches for the year in NCAA FCS Ð lege coaching and administration, passed Glendale, Ariz. TBD dent introductory history class at Humphrey Kevin Maurice, Eastern Washington; and away May 4 in Gulfport, Miss. He was Friday, Jan. 1 Coliseum) locations as Scott Field meeting Randy Hedberg, North Dakota State; for 73…Former Texas Wishbone running back Allstate Sugar Bowl rooms and the Rafael Palmeiro Baseball the NAIA - Fran Johnson, Benedictine and three-time Southwest Conference Mercedes-Benz Superdome Center. (Kan.); Matt Myers, Kansas Wesleyan; champion from 1969-71 (with a national New Orleans, La., TBD NFF College Hall of Fame coach and Casey Jacobsen, Morningside; and Thomas title in 1969) Jim Bertselsen passed away Friday, Jan. 1 retiring Wisconsin AD Barry Alvarez is Pearson, Ottawa (Kan.)…CoSIDA Hall of after a battle with lung cancer last week Rose Bowl presented by Capital One Rose entertaining a position at the Big Ten Famer Bill Little of Texas, Herb Vincent of near Austin, Texas. He was 71…Former Bowl Stadium Conference office as a liaison between the the Southeastern Conference, CoSIDA Hall Southwest Conference and NFL Dallas Pasadena, Calif. BTC office and football coaches..Historian of Famer Dave Wrath of Augustana, Cowboys media relations director Bill Mike Burrows of Denver alluded to the CoSIDA Hall of Famer Langston Rogers of NFL Dallas Cowboys trade up to get NFL Ole Miss, and Doug Ireland of Nortwestern draft rights to NFF College Hall of Fame State were featured subjects and opinion RB of Pittsburgh in 1977.. makers in the CoSIDA Open Forum online …The NFL Chicago Bears placed former newsletter and magazine...Arizona, Arizona Boise State OL Charles Leno Jr. on the State, Baylor, Cincinnati, Iowa, Kansas, released list…Former Mississippi State Louisville, LSU, Michigan State, standout and NFL rookie of the year with Northwestern, Tennessee, Vermont, and the Dallas Cowboys Dak Prescott helped Winthrop are working with NCAA distribute food to homeless families last enforcement and compliance officials con- Tuesday…Canadian Winter Olympian Pat cerning possible issues and probes at their Simmons is coming out of retirement to respective schools…The official NCAA join the Horgan Rink team in the Olympic basketball withdrawal deadline for the pre-trials…Former UCLA standout and 2021 NBA Draft is July 7 prior to the July Rhodes Scholar Kiki VandeWeghe has been 29 selections…The NCAA also revealed appointed to the board of directors for the the 20 host site options for the 16, four- Cerberus Sentinel Group…Popular former team NCAA Division I Baseball Regionals, Auburn and NBA great and college broad- which were scrubbed by COVID-19 last caster Charles Barkley gave his thoughts season…NCAA Division I Student-Athlete on the NCAA NIL compensation plans... Advisory Committee chair Maddie …Former Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett has Salamone mentioned some of the nuances been identified as a top prospect for the of Georgia’s recently-enacted NIL compen- professional . sation legislation…The NCAA Division I The Athletic and the Times Football Oversight Committee passed rec- newspaper had recent discussions about a ommendations for preseason workouts to possible merger…Amazon will begin live the NCAA Division I Council for its May streaming of NFL Thursday night games 19 confab. Chief of these measures are to live during the 2022 campaign…The San limit contact in August workouts, reduce Jose (Calif.) Mercury News newspaper the maximum number of contact practices noted that that Pac-12 Conference commis- from 21 to 18, increase the acclimatization sioner and deputy commissioner search period from 5-7 days, allow no more than may be resolved in the coming week... two consecutive full-contact workouts for a …Verizon has sold its Yahoo and AOL total of no more than 75 minutes of padded assets to the Apollo investment group for contact at any practice session, and a limit $5 billion. Many of these entities such as of two preseason scrimmages…The NCAA Yahoo Sports were key stakeholders in col- Swimming & Diving Rules Committee is lege athletics… is purchasing looking at a possible rules’ review to allow

16 May 14, 2021 - May 20, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 38 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com COLLEGES NCAA BASEBALL Arkansas holds on to No.1 in NCBWA Division I Poll

Vanderbilt moves back to No. 2 this week

Arkansas Retains No. 1 Ranking in Oklahoma State (27-15-1), Sacramento NCBWA D-I Poll 8th Straight Week State (28-18), San Diego (28-10), San DALLAS - The National Collegiate Diego State (25-12), Southern Illinois (33- Baseball Writers Association continues its 14), UC Santa Barbara (30-16), VCU (32- tradition of NCAA Division I polls for the 14), Virginia Tech (27-17), Wright State 24th year with its 2021 weekly surveys, (25-11). and Arkansas is No. 1 for the 2021-high Dropped Out eighth week and season-best fifth week in UC Santa Barbara (26), Oklahoma State succession this spring. (27), Georgia (30). Southeastern Conference schools - By conference Arkansas, Florida, Ole Miss and Vanderbilt SEC 7, Pac-12 6, ACC 4, Big 12 4, Ð also have topped each of the NCBWA Conference USA 4, American Athletic 1, Top 30 polls in ’21. Big Ten 1, Big West 1, MAAC 1. Several schools moved up from the May 3 standings, and these included NCBWA BASEBALL - Top 25 Vanderbilt, back at No. 2 Mississippi State (Games played through 5/10/21) from No. 4 to 3, Texas back to No. 4, 1. Arkansas Tennessee up one place to No. 5, Oregon 2. Vanderbilt from No. 13 to 9, and East Carolina from 3. Mississippi State No. 11 to 10. Fairfield out of the Metro 4. Texas Atlantic Athletic Conference tied Baylor at 5. Tennessee No. 29, and this is the first Top 30 rating 6. TCU ever in the NCBWA for Fairfield. 7. Texas Tech There have been 14 conferences (nine 8. Florida for the fifth consecutive week) represented 9. Oregon in the first 12 standings of 2021, and there 10. East Carolina were 15 different conferences included in 11. Notre Dame the COVID-19 abbreviated NCBWA polls 12. Arizona in 2020. 13. Louisville The 2021 poll voters come from among 14. Stanford 33 college baseball writers and related 15. Louisiana Tech media persons from throughout the nation. 16. Ole Miss The ’21 season features 302 NCAA 17. Florida State Division I baseball-playing schools, and for 18. Charlotte more information or to join the NCBWA, 19. UCLA please go to www.ncbwa.com. 20. Southern Miss Also Receiving Votes (Alphabetically) 21. South Carolina Alabama (28-17), California Baptist (31- 22. Pittsburgh 13), Connecticut (23-15), Creighton (19-9), 23. Oregon State Dallas Baptist (29-11), Georgia (28-18), 24. Gonzaga Georgia Tech (24-18), Grand Canyon (30- 25. Old Dominion 17-1), Indiana State (24-12), Iowa (21-14), 26. UC Irvine Jackson State (29-8), Liberty (33-11), LSU 27. Indiana (29-18), Miami (Fla.) (27-15), Michigan 28. Arizona State (23-12), NC State (22-14), Nebraska (22- 29. Fairfield 11), Nevada (18-16), Northeastern (27-6), 30. Baylor

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 38 | May 14, 2021 - May 20, 2021 17 AUTO GMC YUKON GMC Yukon available in two sizes

is quite roomy, as should be expected of a the standard (rear-) 2-wheel drive (2WD). full-size SUV. Cargo space behind the third In addition to the Graphite Edition pack- row, however, is surprisingly limited at just ages, the SLT trim can also be had with the over 15 cubic feet. Folding the third row, new Standard Edition Value Package that however, expands that space to nearly 52 bundles sunroof, 2nd-row bucket seats and cubic feet. If you regularly need to use the 20-inch wheels. Other options include third row and carry cargo, well, that’s what blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise con- the Yukon XL is for. Ergonomics on the trol, and power-folding rear seats. A rear- base Yukon SLE detracts due to a steering seat entertainment system is also available. column that only tilts and doesn’t tele- Two V8 engine choices are available for scope. In addition to getting leather instead the Yukon and Yukon XL. Standard is a of cloth, another reason to opt for at least 5.3-liter V8 making 355 horsepower and the mid-grade SLT trim is to get a telescop- 383 lb-ft of torque, with a 6-speed auto- ing steering wheel and power-adjustable matic transmission. Optional is a 6.2-liter pedals. V8 that makes a more robust 420 horse- The Yukon comes in two sizes: big and power/460 lb-ft of torque and is linked to a bigger. The standard model has an overall 10-speed automatic. The 6.2-liter V8 was length of 203.9 inches — nearly 17 feet. formerly reserved for Denali models, but is The Yukon XL comes in at 224.4 inches — now available on mid-grade SLT trims if nearly 19 feet. Like its Tahoe/Suburban you opt for the Graphite Performance /Escalade relatives, the GMC Yukon is Edition. Both engines feature the efficiency slab-sided, big and bold. GMC’s variant of benefits of direct gasoline injection and by Matt Degen at hand and rarely feels out of breath. this boxy SUV has its own touches, and Active Cylinder Management, which seam- Standard on the Yukon Denali and now further varies its own theme between the lessly shuts off half the cylinders during The GMC Yukon and its extended- available on the mid-grade SLT trim if you standard and Denali models. The Yukon steady cruising to fuel. Even with length variant, the Yukon XL, are the opt for the Graphite Performance Edition is Denali is even more upscale, featuring a these technologies, Yukons aren’t exactly mechanical twins of the Chevrolet Tahoe the larger and more powerful 6.2-liter V8. prominent honeycomb grille and lots of fuel misers. The GMC Yukon is 2WD, with and Suburban, respectively. The Yukon With 420 horsepower/460 lb-ft of torque glitzy chrome. With GMC’s big SUV come 4WD optional on all trims. The tow rating Denali, meanwhile, is so plush you might on tap, it will happily squeal the tires if big wheels, ranging in size from the stan- maxes out at 8,500 pounds, which is slight- mistake it for these models’ luxury sibling, you lay into it. The base V8 engine remains dard 18 inches up to optional 22s. ly lower than the Tahoe’s 8,600-pound rat- the Cadillac Escalade. All three of these paired to a mostly smooth 6-speed auto- The GMC Yukon is available in three ing, and less than the Ford Expedition’s full-size GM sport-utility vehicles are built matic transmission, while the 6.2-liter V8 trims: SLE, SLT and the range-topping rating of up to 9,300 pounds. in the same factory in Arlington, Texas. uses a refined 10-speed automatic. Denali. The base SLE offers more standard 5.3-liter V8 The GMC variant stands out with its own Unlike a crossover SUV, the 4-wheel-drive features than the base Chevy Tahoe LS, but 355 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm design aesthetics, and aims to have a system available on the Tahoe is the real it’s also more expensive. Standard features 383 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100 rpm slightly more upscale feel than its Chevy deal, with legit low-range gearing thanks to include 10-way power-adjustable driver’s EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/22 counterparts. As a traditional body-on- a 2-speed transfer case. seat, keyless entry, front and rear parking mpg (2WD), 15/21 mpg (4WD) , 14/21 frame 3-row SUV, it excels at towing and Opt for this package, and you can get sensors, rearview camera, tri-zone climate mpg (4WD XL) hauling, but as with its kin and Ford the Yukon’s bigger and more powerful control, 9-speaker Bose audio system, and 6.2-liter V8 Expedition rival, trades some efficiency engine without quite having to spend 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system 420 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm and comfort for its rugged capabilities. The Denali money. Whereas that top-line Yukon with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto 460 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100 rpm optional and larger of its V8 engine choices starts at nearly $68,000, you can get an compatibility. If you can swing roughly EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/23 can be had on a lower-grade trim. SLT variant with the 6.2-liter V8, 10-speed $5,000 more, we recommend stepping up mpg (2WD), 14/22 mpg (4WD), 14/23 As with its Tahoe and Escalade brethren, transmission and other goodies for a few to the mid-trim SLT trim. It includes con- mpg (2WD XL) 14/20 mpg (4WD XL) the GMC Yukon shows how far GM’s full- thousand less. veniences like leather upholstery, a steering The GMC Yukon has a (MSRP) starting size SUVs have come. Though still based Safety is paramount when driving, wheel that telescopes and tilts, power- at $50,795 when including the $1,295 des- on sturdy truck-like body-on-frame con- especially so when you’re piloting a 5,000- adjustable pedals, and power tailgate. It tination charge. In reality, most buyers struction, the Yukon is quite comfortable plus-pound SUV. This package adds active- also includes the Enhanced Driver Alert should plan to spend several thousand considering it also has the capability to tow safety features like forward-collision warn- Package with safety features like lane- more. Stepping up to the Yukon SLT, for over 8,000 pounds and go off-roading. Its ing with automatic braking, lane-departure departure warning, forward-collision warn- instance, puts you into the mid-$50,000 ride manners shine best on long and wide warning and lane-keep assist. It’s standard ing, and automatic emergency braking. All range, while a new Yukon Denali starts at highways. Opting for magnetic ride control on SLT trims and a bargain at only $545 models also come with GM’s OnStar nearly $68,000. Adding 4-wheel drive is further smooths the driving experience by extra on base SLE models. telecommunications service (subscription another $3,000, and adding length in the constantly monitoring and adapting the As with the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban, required after trial period) with 4G LTE form of the Yukon XL adds another $2,700 suspension to quell road imperfections. the GMC Yukon and Yukon XL are among and Wi-Fi connection to the bottom line. All-in, you can crest the There’s no denying the size of the Yukon, the few new vehicles other than a van that At the top end, the new Yukon Denali $80,000 mark, into Cadillac Escalade terri- even in standard form and especially in the can seat up to nine passengers. The caveat ladles on features and amenities including tory. At its base price, the Yukon is slightly longer Yukon XL. It can be a handful in there is you’ll have to go with the base the bigger V8 engine, magnetic-ride-con- more expensive than its Tahoe sibling, even parking lots and a squeeze to put in a SLE trim and then opt for a bench seat in trol suspension, hands-free tailgate, naviga- more so if you consider the Tahoe Custom, garage, so make sure you measure yours front. Far more buyers will choose the tion, upgraded Bose audio system with a 2-row/5-passenger variant so-far exclu- first if you plan to park inside. The Yukon’s more comfortable bucket seats up front, active-noise cancellation, head-up display, sive to the Chevy. The GMC’s base price is standard 5.3-liter V8 engine is a potent and making total passenger count eight. perforated leather seating with heated and also above that of the Toyota Sequoia and gratifying workhorse. We’ve used it to pull Captain’s seats can also be had in the sec- ventilated front seats, and wireless phone- Nissan Armada. trailers and RVs, climb grades and meander ond row, which makes seating capacity top charging cradle. All Yukon models can be along Interstates. It’s always up for the task out at seven. Regardless of setup, the Tahoe had with 4-wheel drive (4WD) in lieu of

18 May 14, 2021 - May 20, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 38 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com TICKET WINDOW

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 38 | May 14, 2021 - May 20, 2021 19 20 May 14, 2021 - May 20, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 38 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com