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March 26 - April 1, 2021 Vol. 19, Issue 31 www.sportspagdfw.com FREE 2 March 26, 2021 - April 1, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 31 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 31 | March 26, 2021 - April 1, 2021 3 Mar. 26, 2020 - April 1 2021 AROUND THE AREA Vol. 19, Issue 31 LOCAL NEWS OF INTEREST sportspagedfw.com Established 2002

Cover Photo: FC Dallas 2021 schedule released AROUND THE AREA Saturday, July 24 at and October FIFA international window and 4 will travel to Children’s Mercy Park to face resume play at home on October 20 against RANGERS REPORT on July 31. August LAFC. FC Dallas will travel to Dignity 5 BY DIC HUMPHREY sees FC Dallas on the road for its first Health Sports Park to face the LA Galaxy GOLF, ETC match against Sounders FC at on October 23 and wrap up the month at 6 BY TOM WARD on August 4. FC Dallas Toyota Stadium against 7 PGA TOUR: WGC DELL TECH- FC Dallas Announces 2021 MLS returns home to host three matches at (October 27) and Austin FC (October 30). NOLOGIES MATCH PLAY Regular Season Schedule Toyota Stadium: Austin FC (August 7), Dallas closes the 2021 MLS regular sea- BY PGATOUR.COM ¥ FC Dallas kicks off the 2021 season at Sporting Kansas City (August 14) and son on the road against San Jose on CORALES PUNTACANA RESORT Seattle Sounders FC (August 18). FC Decision Day November 7 at 5PM. 8 AND CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP home vs. the on April 17 BY PGATOUR.COM ¥ Welcomes new rival Austin FC to Dallas will then travel to BBVA Stadium for Heineken Rivalry Week to face SMU REPORT Toyota Stadium on Aug. 7 9 BY DIC HUMPHRIES ¥ Ends its 26th season on the road Dynamo FC on Saturday, August Dallas' Northwood Club Gains Best CC against on Nov. 7 21 in the second match of the . Honor 10 SWEET SIXTEEN PREVIEW FC Dallas announced its full 2021 MLS FC Dallas ends the month on the road in Names Prude New Director of Golf from BY BIG12.COM regular season schedule this week. Dallas its first road match at against Wichita CC opens its 26th MLS season at home against Austin FC on Saturday, August 29. The Northwood Club in Dallas recently COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS AND Four out of six FC Dallas matches in earned its first-ever, ‘Best Overall Country 13 NOTES the Colorado Rapids in a match presented BY BO CARTER by MTX on April 17 at 7PM at Toyota September are on the road. FC Dallas will Club,” honor in North Texas from the travel to face Real Salt annual Avid Golfer Magazine survey along AUTO REVIEW Stadium. The home opener will be the lat- 17 BY KBB.COM est date FC Dallas has ever opened the Lake on September 4. FC Dallas then hosts with naming Phillip Prude as its new the San Jose Earthquakes on September 11 Director of Golf as the exclusive Dallas THE TICKET WINDOW MLS regular season, surpassing the 1996 18 home opener on April 14 against the San at Toyota Stadium. FC Dallas also travels private club continues its ascension as one to to face of the top clubs in Texas and the U.S. RESTAURANT REVIEW Jose Clash at the . 19 BY RICHARD POLLAK FC Dallas will have just three matches on September 14 and will face Houston on The historic site of the 1952 U.S. Open in June as MLS will observe the FIFA September 18 in the final Texas Derby has been renewed by a 2016 renovation international window at the beginning of match of the season. FC Dallas will face overseen by acclaimed architect Tripp the month.FC Dallas will be home on June on the road on September 25 Davis, an outstanding practice facility and 19 against Minnesota United FC before and returns home to host Sporting Kansas short course, superior clubhouse and food, traveling to Banc of California Stadium on City at Toyota Stadium on September 29. all outlined in the Avid Golfer feature June 23 to face LAFC. FC Dallas will FC Dallas kicks off October with the 2021 which considered more than 100 Dallas- Follow us on close out the month against New England National Soccer Hall of Fame Induction Fort Worth private and public country club. Revolution on June 27 at Toyota Stadium. Weekend match against Minnesota United “For the first time in recent memory, Twitter & Facebook FC Dallas hosts its annual Independence FC on October 2 at 7PM at Toyota there is a new king,” the Avid Golfer story Day match and fireworks show on Sunday, Stadium. Country Music Hall of Famer and gushed about the North Dallas club. twitter.com/sportspagedfw July 4 against Vancouver Whitecaps FC at 10-time Grammy award-winner Willie “Northwood Club is stupendous in every Toyota Stadium before heading on the road Nelson will perform a postgame concert possible way. The clubhouse is gorgeous, facebook.com/sportspageweek- for three matches. 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4 March 26, 2021 - April 1, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 31 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com RANGERS WITH DIC HUMPHREY Oakland my pick to win the A.L West

Kolby Allard and were sent to with left hip inflammation. A. J. Puk and The Angels look better AAA Round Rock. The battle for center Daulton Jeffries are the candidates vying to than last year. They have a new General field rolled out with and Eli be the fifth starter in his place. Manager Ð Perry Minasian, the son of long White making the team, while veteran The backbone of the A’s batting order are time Ranger clubhouse attendant Zack Delino DeShields was informed that he first baseman Matt Olson and third base- Minasian. He inherits the best player in will not be on the opening day roster. man Matt Chapman. This is still a good baseball Ð Mike Trout, and he has one of One of the position competitions has team even with the losses from last year. the most exciting players in baseball - been for the four “tandem” starting pitch- Houston’s reign atop the division has Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani is back from ing slots. The Rangers plan to piggyback been based on a fearsome top of the batting Tommy John surgery to pitch as well as hit two starters for three to four innings each order and strong starting pitching headed this season. He has been clocked in triple BY DIC HUMPHREY for two of the five rotation spots, with Kyle up by and Gerrit Cole. digits on the radar gun this spring. These [email protected] Gibson, and Kohei Akira Cole signed with the Yankees as a free two player are a good start. MEMBER: USBWA being the three traditional starters. Jordan agent before last season, and the Astros The projected lineup starts with David The Rangers wrap up their final week Lyles was informed that he has won one of dropped behind Oakland into second place Fletcher leading off, followed by Ohtani, in Arizona this weekend and head back to the four tandem rotation spots. Dunning, in the division. This year, they are without Trout, Anthony Rendon, and Justin Upton. Arlington for the first Ranger games at Hearn, , and Benjamin are Verlander, who underwent Tommy John That’s a good top of the batting order. Globe Life Field that fans will be allowed among the candidates for the other three surgery last fall. appeared As for the rotation, Ohtani is slated to to attend. They play exhibition games tandem pitching spots. There has been no to take the mantle as the Astros’ number be used around once a week, necessitating against the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday designation of roles for these , but one starter late last year, but now he is a six man rotation in some form. The other night and Tuesday afternoon before open- if they end up in the bullpen, it is likely injured. Their prized pitching prospect five look to be Andrew Heaney, Dylan ing the season on the road against the they will be used for multiple innings. underwent Tommy John Bundy, Jose Quintana, Alex Cobb, and Kansas City next Thursday, the first of a Teams will again have an alternate site surgery this month, so he is out. Lance Griffin Canning. That group will deter- four game series. to keep players ready for about a month McCullers, Jr. is back and signed to a five mine where this team goes this season. If It has been a rough week for the until the AAA season opens. Texas decid- year contract extension. Jose Urquidy is in this rotation performs, the Angels could Rangers on the injury front. Teams often ed this week to stage their alternate site in the rotation. was signed as a even win the division. They will score runs. seem to find convenient maladies at this Round Rock instead of Globe Life Field, free agent to fill one spot. Bryan Abreu The Seattle Mariners finished third last point in spring training to stash players on that was utilized last year. One of the main and Luis Garcia are battling to be in the year. The highlight of their player develop- the injured list. This week however, the reasons was for the convenience of players rotation. ment was center fielder Kyle Lewis, who Rangers sustained some not too convenient and coaches. Most of the alternate site It will be a decent rotation, but it will was last season’s American League Rookie injuries to Jose Leclerc and Khris Davis. players will be on the AAA Round Rock not be the overpowering rotation that led of the Year. Lewis will batt third in a nice Leclerc was shut down with elbow sore- roster when the Express’s season opens in the Astros to their first World Championship looking lineup that starts with J. P. ness and sent to Arlington for further eval- May. They can make living arrangements just four years ago and got them to the Crawford leading off, who is followed by uation. He will not be back until late May in the Round Rock area now rather than World Series again in 2019. Mitch Haniger, Lewis, and Kyle Seager. at the earliest, and there is the fear that he making living arrangements in the On the offensive side, the Astros lost The top three starting pitchers are Marco will require Tommy John surgery that will Arlington area for a month prior to moving George Springer in free agency. He signed Gonzalez, James Paxton, and Yusei keep him out all year. to Round Rock. with the Blue Jays this winter. Jose Altuve Kikuchi. Davis oddly bunted for a hit this week As for the West Division, Oakland and had an off season last year. He needs to This is an ordinary team at best, and with two outs in the first inning. Cleanup Houston have dominated the division in return to form. did not GM Jerry DiPoto is likely to trade good hitters rarely bunt period, but a first inning recent years. Both teams have significant leave in free agency. and players for prospects if the team gets off to bunt is almost unheard of. He beat it out player losses since last season, and the need to stay healthy. Correa a slow start. This still looks like a team for a hit but came up lame. He left the other three teams in the division have all is playing his “walk year”. He can be a that is a long way from contending. game immediately and was diagnosed with made positive strides. It is not quite to the free agent after this season. The Astros Last season, the American League West a grade 2 quad strain. It is expected to point of putting the five team names in a made a six year, $120 million offer to was the worst division in baseball. The keep him out three to four weeks. hat and drawing them out to come up with extend, which Correa turned down. It Athletics were the only team to finish The Rangers top minor league prospect, a prediction for the 2021 season, but the would appear, he will be gone next year. above .500, and the division winning per- Josh Jung also sustained an injury this division should be much closer. Two years ago, Yordan Alvarez was a centage was .467. With Oakland and week - a stress fracture in his left food that Oakland won last year, but lost Marcus powerful middle of the order bat for Houston suffering significant player losses required surgery to insert a screw into his Simeon, their (now former) very talented Houston. Injuries derailed his 2020 sea- since last season, they look to be coming ankle. The normal recovery time is six to shortstop in free agency. They made the son, but if he comes back to his 2019 form, back to the pack, but they are still the eight weeks. Many expected Jung to take trade for Elvis Andrus to replace Simeon, a this will still be a very good batting order. teams to pick. I’m going with Oakland to over third base for the Rangers later this trade which also provides some financial The Astros will be battling the ridicule win the division, and the Astros to finish season. It may still happen, but it is a lot flexibility for this season. Andrus has not of fans in every road game over the cheat- second. The Angels could make it a three less likely with this set back. been the player he was earlier in his career ing scandal. It is an element of pressure team race, so I am picking them third. I Pitchers , and with Texas, but injuries have hampered his the players are going to have to deal with. think the Rangers are going to surprise if Joely Rodriguez will start the season on the effectiveness since 2018. If he stays injury The team is also still suffering from the their quirky seven man rotation turns in a injured list, as will outfielder/DH Willie free, he could make up most of the Simeon penalties assessed for the transgression. decent performance. They will hang Calhoun. Burke and Leclerc are candidates gap. Houston was stripped of its first and sec- around the fringes of a pennant race much to be placed on the 60-day injured list, The Athletics also had one of the best ond round draft picks last year, and their longer than most people think. If the rota- which would open two spots on the 40- bullpens in baseball last season led by farm system is now one of the worst in tion turns into a disaster, all bets are off, man roster. Liam Hendricks. He too is gone, but the baseball. They no longer have promising and another last place finish is in the Several players have been informed that A’s always seem to find pitchers over- prospects to deal for pennant race help. works. Seattle looks like a fifth place they have made the team. They include looked by other teams that make significant They again are without first and second team. catcher , infielder , contributions. The starting pitchers include round draft picks in this year’s amateur NOTABLE: and pitchers , , Jesus Luzardo, Chris Bassit, Sean Manaea draft. The window of opportunity for the ¥ The Rangers exercised the 2022 option and . Pitchers and Frankie Montas. Mike Fiers is expect- good team that was put together in the last in manager ’s contract this ed to begin the season on the injured list decade is closing rapidly, if it hasn’t already. week.

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 31 | March 26, 2021 - April 1, 2021 5 GOLF WITH TOM WARD Overcoming March Madness on the Course

remained connected to the golf cart. If the players butt cheeks become disconnected going back he will lose his balance and that will disrupt his motion and timing. You can do this drill at any time on the course when you have the opportunity in between shots or delays. Making your swing from this position you’re going to feel more restricted than normal. As you can see in the photo, the golfer has reached his limit as far as he can turn while still TOM WARD remaining connected to the golf cart. Hold [email protected] that position for a few seconds and then gently increase your range of motion going It was approximately a year ago that the a little further back. It’s a great workout for NCAA tournament was your core muscles. This will strengthen an cancelled due to the Covid-19 outbreak. area of the body that most golfers neglect. The annual basketball tournament is known It’s important to remember not to force the as March Madness, however, there is club back, so swing within yourself. another other type of march madness that This drill will help curtail over-swing- is happening on golf courses all across the ing which is a real chronic issue for golfers country. Real golfing madness involves try- everywhere. Once you attempt this drill ing to do too many things at once while you’ll see and feel what I mean. The golf swinging a golf club. Just like in the cart represents the ultimate degree of lower NCAA basketball tournament no player body resistance. In the actual swing your wants to be sidelined from playing because lower body won’t have that kind of tension. of their poor play. I don’t want you to get What the golf cart can do is help keep your high blood pressure by going mountain hips in check at least until the halfway climbing over molehills. back portion of the swing. Words can’t I have a helpful drill that actually adequately describe what a few minutes of requires taking a time out and sit down. time trying this exercise will accomplish. You’re not being penalized, instead taking So to avoid the pitfalls of golfing madness a seat will help sort out any issues you give this drill a try. might have with the swing. The bottom left photo is the golfer One of the tools that you can use to slightly after impact. I’ve drawn two lines help the cause when things go sideways on to show he has released the club perfectly the course is the golf cart. As seen in the with great extension in both arms. He’s top left photograph, the golfer sets up with staying down long after the ball has left the his backside (butt) touching the front end clubface. His right knee has kicked inward of the golf cart. The key here is to make which translates into good footwork. The sure the butt cheeks are making contact bottom right photo is showing the golfer on with the top part of the cart, but you’re not his follow-through. His head has remained really completely sitting down. This setup down long after the shot is headed down will help establish a terrific spinal tilt over the fairway. His right butt cheek is begin- the shot by keeping you more bent over ning to come off the golf cart, however his from the waist than you’re probably accus- left side has still remained intact. tomed to. By having the butt cheeks touch- Sometimes you have to take time out to ing the golf cart you’ve automatically re-organize and re-assess thoughts to get established great posture and engaged the feel back. You play best when your mind lower body (legs). This move will help the isn’t cluttered with too many swing legs maintain wonderful knee flex during thoughts. Spending a few moments on the the takeaway because the legs will act as a golf cart could be the best remedy for your brace for the body. Too many times golfers ailing game. are guilty of squatting or sitting down as So next time out on the course, and they get into their setup, forcing their bod- using a golf cart, take advantage of this ies to remain too erect or upright, thus valuable asset. It can not only drive you negating the power of their lower body. around the course, but it can help with your The golfer makes his takeaway show- drives on the course. Here’s wishing much cased in the top right photo. The player is success with your brackets as the NCAA allowing his left arm (for right handed tournament is in full swing. Let the mad- golfers) to have a nice, natural extension, ness begin! going back without straining or forcing the club. I’ve drawn an arrow behind his left Tom Ward can be contacted at www.tee- shoulder to highlight how the player has timewithtom.com made a full and complete shoulder turn. The key here is that the golfer has

6 March 26, 2021 - April 1, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 31 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com GOLF PGA TOUR WGC Dell Technologies Match Play

WGC-Workday Championship at The Francesco Molinari defeated Lucas Concession win… is the Bjerregaard (who had knocked off Tiger leader in all-time matches played at the Woods 1-up in the semifinals) in the third- Match Play with 48. However, that record place match by a score of 4 & 2. The will be eclipsed by Sergio Garcia this year biggest upset came in the Round of 16 after the round robin play. Garcia sits at 46 when the highest-ranked golfer left Ð No. 2 matches played. Ian Poulter is at 45 match- Justin Rose Ð was defeated 2-up by the es played and could pass Garcia depending lowest-ranked golfer left Ð No. 57 Kevin on who goes further. Na. LARGEST MARGIN OF VICTORY: 9 & 8, Tiger Woods def. Stephen Ames (1st HOW TO FOLLOW round, 2006 at La Costa Resort & Spa). LONGEST MATCH: 26 holes, Mike Television: Wednesday-Friday, 2-8 p.m. Weir def. Loren Roberts (1st round, 2003 (Golf Channel). Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at La Costa), def. Lee (Golf Channel), 2-6 p.m. (NBC). Sunday, Westwood (1st round, 2006 at La Costa) 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (Golf Channel), 3-7 p.m. LAST TIME: Kevin Kisner birdied the (NBC). first hole in the final match and never PGA TOUR LIVE: Wednesday-Friday, looked back, defeating 3 & 2. 10:15 a.m.-8 p.m. ET (Featured Matches). Kisner was 2-up through eight holes but Saturday, 8:15 a.m.-2 p.m. (Featured lost the ninth to a Kuchar birdie. Kuchar Matches). made a double bogey on the par-3 11th and Radio: Wednesday-Friday, 2-8 p.m. ET. that sparked the beginning of the end, as Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m.- Kisner won the par-4 15th. When Kuchar 7 p.m. (PGA TOUR Radio on SiriusXM could only match Kisner’s birdie on the and PGATOUR.com/liveaudio). par-5 16th, the victory was secured. Kevin Kisner wins WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play

PLAYERS Championship… Jason Day hasn’t won on the PGA TOUR since 2018, however, he is a two-time Match Play win- ner… Twenty-two golfers will be making their Match Play debuts including TOUR WGC - Dell Match Play winners Sungjae Im, and March 25 - March 28, 2021 Matthew Wolff alongside major champion Austin Country Club and Austin, Texas Points leader Will Zalatoris… All of the Purse - $10,250,000 top-10 golfers in the Official World Golf Winners share: 1,820,000 Ranking are teeing it up in Austin. Defending Champ - Kevin Kisner (2019) FEDEXCUP: Winner receives 550 FedExCup points. By Adam Stanley COURSE: Austin Country Club, par 71, PGATOUR.COM 7,108 yards (yardage subject to change). This marks the fifth Match Play event for The 64-player field is set, and the the Pete Dye design. Believed to be the World Golf Championships-Dell oldest club in Texas, the course has roots Technologies Match Play is ready to return dating back to 1899 but was relocated to the TOUR schedule after being can- twice before coming to its current location. celled last season due to the COVID-19 The front nine is on higher ground while pandemic. the back nine is on lowland alongside Lake The 16 groups will be filled out Monday Austin. and the draw can be watched live on the STORYLINES: Can Kisner continue his PGA TOUR’s digital platforms beginning match-play prowess? The last two times at 10 a.m. the Match Play has been contested Kisner Kevin Kisner returns to defend his title has finished 1-2… Former Texas Longhorn from 2019 after defeating Matt Kuchar 3 & Jordan Spieth is looking for some Lonestar 2 in the final. Love this week as he looks to continue his FIELD NOTES: Reigning FedExCup fine play this season. Spieth struggled champion headlines the Sunday at THE PLAYERS but came into field. Johnson won the Match Play in that week finishing T4-T3-T15-T4… 2017… Players who qualified but are not Morikawa is looking to become the first competing include Tiger Woods, Gary golfer since Johnson in 2017 to win the Woodland, Brooks Koepka, Justin Rose, first two World Golf Championships of the and Adam Scott… Seventeen different calendar year. Johnson won the WGC- countries are represented… Justin Thomas Mexico/Match Play double that season, makes his first start since winning THE while Morikawa is looking to back up his

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 31 | March 26, 2021 - April 1, 2021 7 Corales Puntacana Championship 63, Brice Garnett (1st round, 2018), Chip McDaniel (4th round, 2019) LAST TIME: Hudson Swafford held off a hard-charging Tyler McCumber to win for the second time on the PGA TOUR. The win came after two years of struggling on TOUR Ð and came with just two starts left on a Major Medical exemption. At one point in the final round, Swafford had a four-shot lead but made a double bogey on the par-4 13th at Corales and added anoth- er bogey on the par-4 15th. He birdied the tough par-3 17th, however, and knocked in a par-saver on the 72nd hole to go the whole week without three-putting. The Corales Puntacana Resort & Club Championship victory came three years after Swafford’s maiden TOUR win at The American Express. McCumber finished at 17-under par, one shot back of Swafford’s winning total. Mackenzie Hughes, Nate Lashley, and Adam Long rounded out the Hudson Swafford wins by 1-stroke at Corales Puntacana top five. Hughes’ third-place result came just one year after notching a runner-up. event since 2009, when he finished T64 at Swafford (2020). HOW TO FOLLOW The Honda Classic. 18-HOLE RECORD: 62, Stephan Jaeger Television: Thursday-Friday, 10 a.m.-1 FEDEXCUP: Winner receives 300 (2nd round, 2016 Korn Ferry Tour), Scott p.m. ET (Golf Channel). Saturday, 2 p.m.-5 FedExCup points. Harrington (2nd round, 2016 Korn Ferry p.m. (Golf Channel), Sunday, 2:30 p.m.- COURSE: Puntacana Resort & Club Tour), Alexandre Rocha (3rd round, 2016 5:30 p.m. (Corales Golf Course), par 72, 7,670 yards. Korn Ferry Tour). As PGA TOUR event: Designed by Tom Fazio and opened in Corales Puntacana Resort & Club 2008, this resort course has tested some of Championship the world’s best for five years. The course March 25 - March 28, 2021 is wide open off the tee, but the green com- Corales Golf Club plexes are tricky and the wind is unpre- Dominican Republic dictable. The final three-hole stretch, ‘The Purse - $3,000,000 Devil’s Elbow’ has a dramatic forced carry Winners share: $540,000 of the Bay of Corales on 18 and is one of Defending Champ - Hudson Swofford the most idyllic runs of golf on TOUR. STORYLINES: Golfers who were inside By Adam Stanley the top-10 on the Korn Ferry Tour Points PGATOUR.COM List at the end of 2020 earned a spot for Four of the five winners at the Corales the alternate-field PGA TOUR events in Puntacana Resort & Club Championship, 2021. This week’s contingent is led by including last year’s champion Hudson No.2-ranked Taylor Pendrith, while No.1- Swafford, return to paradise to try to rekin- ranked Will Zalatoris is playing the WGC- dle some past magic. Dell Technologies Match Play… Rafa The event, played opposite the WGC- Campos is looking to build off his T3 Dell Technologies Match Play, returns to result in Puerto Rico and hopes to spark its usual spot on the schedule after being some local enthusiasm once again. contested in September 2020. Campos, the TOUR’s lone Puerto Rican FIELD NOTES: All five winners of the golfer, has had plenty of success in the event (Swafford, Graeme McDowell, Brice Dominican Republic as well since playing Garnett, Nate Lashley and Dominic the event on both the Korn Ferry Tour and Bozzelli Ð when the event was part of the PGA TOUR… Every year that the event Korn Ferry Tour schedule) will be teeing it has been contested on the PGA TOUR the up in Puntacana… The Monday Qualifier winning score has been 18-under… The has already occurred, with Eric Cole, MJ 7,670-yard Tom Fazio design is one of the Daffue, Chris Wiatr, and Andrew Yun earn- longest courses the TOUR plays all sea- ing spots… Former college stars who are in son… Joel Dahmen returns to Corales for the field on Sponsor Exemptions include the first time since 2019, when he finished Justin Suh and Andy Ogletree. Suh finished T12. Dahmen is the highest-ranked golfer T14 in September which, at the time, was on last season’s FedExCup standings teeing his best-career TOUR result (until the next it up this week in the Dominican. week, when he finished T8 in Las Vegas)… 72-HOLE RECORD: 264, Dominic Miguel Angel Jimenez is teeing it up on Bozzelli (2016 Korn Ferry Tour). As PGA the PGA TOUR for the first time in a non- TOUR event: 270, Brice Garnett (2018), major/non-World Golf Championships Graeme McDowell (2019), Hudson

8 March 26, 2021 - April 1, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 31 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com COLLEGES SMU REPORT Another disappointing season for SMU

years, SMU sold all available tickets to the public on a season ticket basis Ð a total of more than 6,000 seasons tickets. Since the reported crowds represent tickets sold, as opposed to people actually at the game, the season ticket total is less than the smallest crowd. Thus, for the 2019-2020 season, there were fewer than 3,500 tickets sold. The eyeball method indicated that there were very few crowds where the actual attendance exceeded 4,000 or even 3,000. The student ticket sections were usually about half full or even less. The days of students camping out overnight to get a good place in line for student ticket allot- ments are gone. The days of Moody Coliseum being one of the most intimidat- ing courts for opposing teams are gone. In fairness to Jankovich, SMU institut- ed a re-seating program after 2017-2018 season that raised the required Mustang Jankovich regular season conference record since that first year is 28-37 a .431 winning percentage Club donation requirement for most of the choice seats. However, holders of those BY DIC HUMPHREY while his opponent played just eight play- from the start. seats were not assured that they would [email protected] ers, and one of those saw very little action. The bottom line on recruiting is that no retain their seats even if they met the new MEMBER: USBWA Cincinnati had to deal with a COVID-19 player that Jankovich has recruited has Mustang Club giving level. Many long- pause, just as SMU had, and the Bearcats been drafted by an NBA team nor played time fans were moved to inferior seats. UNIVERSITY PARK, Texas – SMU’s lost good players who opted out of playing in an NBA game. With the team no longer elite, many of the Men’s basketball season came to a sad end- as allowed this season. In one of the last two post-game inter- new fans have withdrawn their financial ing as they lost their last two games for Jankovich even dusted off his mythical views, Jankovich predicted there would be support, while many long time season tick- first round exits from the American scholarship limitation excuse as the 1,800 to 2,000 transfers this off season. et holders have cut back on the number of Athletic Conference post-season tourna- Mustangs had only 11 scholarships avail- This is partly in view of expected NCAA seats they are purchasing or given up their ment and the NIT. It was far from the end- able in each of his first three seasons rule changes that will allow transfers with- seats altogether. The re-seating program ing the team and its fans had anticipated. because NCAA sanctions. (I’m the proba- out having to sit out a year for players may have given a one-time boost in On paper, this looked like the best SMU tion coach,” he said). Elijah Landrum, seeking to transfer for the first time. On Mustang Club donations, but it also created basketball team since Head Coach Tim Everett Ray, and William Douglas were the surface, this would seem to be positive long term negative effects that the program Jankovich’s first season as head coach, three freshmen recruits. Landrum lasted for SMU, since transfers have been is now having to deal with. when he led SMU to a school record 30 just one season, while Ray and Douglas are Jankovich’s recruiting strength. He did not Jankovich’s overall record at SMU is wins with the talent Larry Brown had still in the program, but neither has ever sound positive about it in the interview 101-50. That includes 39 wins with Larry recruited - which included four players that started a game. Next, he recruited C. J. though, and perhaps we have an indication Brown’s talent, 30 in Jankovich’s first sea- have since played in the NBA. Certainly, White, who is no longer in the program. why. Rumor has it that Charles Smith IV son and nine wins when he was the head COVID-19 brought new challenges to Feron Hunt is the only freshman he has and Darius McNeill have already entered coach during Brown’s suspension in 2015. every coach in America, and in SMU’s recruited that has made an All-Conference the transfer portal. Tyson Jolly and He is thus 62-45 since. That number has case, it wrecked their season, as they fin- team, and the only other freshman recruit Kendric Davis were asked after those final been boosted by playing cream puff non- ished the conference slate having played to have an impact on the program is Ethan two games if they planned to return next conference games. His regular season con- just 11 of the 20 scheduled games. Chargois. As poorly as he has recruited year. Neither said “yes”. Both gave ference record since that first year is 28-37 The question now is where does this high school players, the scholarship limita- ambiguous replies about talking over their a .431 winning percentage. team go from here? Jankovich was asked tions served to save the program the options with family, etc. The likelihood is that Jankovich stays at after the loss to Cincinnati in the confer- expense of scholarships for players that Clearly losing either one would be a least one more year. It is always easy to ence tournament if he expected to return as would not have helped the program. huge loss going into next year. blame the situation on problems like the head coach next season. He answered with In fairness, he has done better recruiting In total, the program has definitely Pandemic, but the overall program has a “yes”, but he did not sound confident as transfers. Kendric Davis was first team regressed from the one Jankovich took over clearly declined since Jankovich took over; he launched into a litany of excuses why All-Conference this year and last, and from Larry Brown. Attendance has and with his track record, it will not be get- the team has not performed to expectations. Tyson Jolly was second team All- dropped dramatically. When Larry Brown ting better any time soon. Certainly, the COVID-19 problems were a Conference last year. Yor Anei is 6’-11” made the team an annual visitor to the Top NOTABLE: major factor, but it is not like he is the only and is an elite shot blocker, but foul trouble 25, SMU sold out many home games, and ¥ SMU held a Pro Day to showcase foot- coach in America that had to deal with and injuries limited his effectiveness. Isiah averaged more than 6,000 per game in ball players for NFL teams on Thursday. challenging circumstances because of Mike was on the last two teams and has attendance. (Moody Coliseum’s capacity Thirteen players participated including COVID-19. He complained especially moved on to a professional career in is roughly 6,800.) Obviously, this season some that were seniors two seasons ago but about not being able to prepare for the final Europe. The problem with relying on does not figure in the mix with roughly an did not get to participate in a Pro Day last two games because he was short on prac- transfers is developing continuity. It is like 1,800 limit with the COVID-19 protocols. year because of the Pandemic. Most tice time to prepare for the conference a different team every year. This team was However, from the 2017-2018 season to notable among the Mustangs were quarter- tournament. disappointing from the standpoint that only the 2019-2020 season attendance dropped back Shane Buechele, kicker Chris Naggar, Still in the conference tournament two players from a year ago did not return. by 2,500 per game. tight end Kylen Granson and defensive game, he dressed 10 scholarship players, This team looked to have some continuity At least once during the Larry Brown back Brandon Stephens.

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 31 | March 26, 2021 - April 1, 2021 9 COLLEGES NCAA TOURNAMENT Sweet Sixteen Weekend Preview

The Bears will overcome a hot start from the Wildcat three point shooters with a late first half run and a whole lot of big, splashy baskets in the second half. The 1-seed will pull away late. Pick: Baylor 74, Villanova 65

#3 Arkansas (24-6) vs #15 ORU (18-10) Saturday, March 27, 6:25 pm, TBS Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis Line: Arkansas -11.5 / 159.5 Why Oral Roberts will win...the team just won’t quit. The Golden Eagles were getting rolled by Florida, it looked like an obvious 7- over-15 mismatch, and then everything flipped in the stunning 81-78 win coming off the overtime shocker over Ohio State. They’re not hitting the threes at a high clip, but they’re taking so many that it works Ð keep firing and they’re bound to go in. They play such a fast style of game that there are plenty of shots, lots of oppor- tunities, and plenty of chances Ð especially when they’re shooting 46% from the field like they did against the Gators. Arkansas is more than happy to play an By Mike McFee against the Ramblers. outside, but it showed up against North up-tempo game, and it’ll screw up just The field of 68 that entered the 2021 Illinois did its part to gag away the 71- Texas with 15 threes in the easy 84-61 win. enough to help Oral Roberts out. men’s NCAA tournament a week ago has 58 loss to Loyola, but the Rambler defense Baylor is going to bring the offense The Hogs limited the turnovers so far in been trimmed to only sixteen teams left had a whole lot do with making one of the from all angles, sides, and ways, and the the tournament, but they’re usually good standing. After a historic opening weekend best teams in college basketball stay in its Wildcats have to be ready to fire and keep for a last 13 an outing. Converting on them defined by a runof upsets by double-digit shell. firing from the outside. They never turn the is a must, because …this team just won’t seeds, the tournament now gives way to the Loyola was great at stopping the three, ball over Ð they lead the nation in fewest quit. Texas Tech was able to grind things Sweet 16 starting this weekend. Here’s our it didn’t have many wasted possessions, turnovers per game Ð and they can score in down to its level, but the Hogs were able to take on how this will pan out. and it continued to do what it does by bunches, but it’s all about cranking up the battle through were tough on the boards, moving the ball around as well as anyone. outside production. and they made the key plays down the #8 Loyola (26-4) vs #12 Oregon St (19-12) The Ramblers were 8th in the nation in This is a good defensive team that’s the stretch in a 68-66 fight. Saturday, March 27, 1:40 pm, CBS assists, and it showed Ð the Illini defense ability to keep the Bears from getting into But they’d rather get moving. Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis was never settled or comfortable. a groove Ð Texas wasn’t Baylor this year, This is very controlled but very fast Line: Loyola -6.5 / 125.5 Oregon State has a fouling problem. but Villanova beat the Longhorns by four team that doesn’t rely on the three, but it The Beavers are shooting the lights out Start with assuming Loyola will take 15 in December Ð but the O has to hit the takes them. Like Oral Roberts, it’s a bit over the last few games – and it’s not even free throws and go up from there. It’s good three. more of a quantity over quality thing when just a percentage thing. enough on the line to matter, the defense However ...Villanova is 9-1 when mak- it comes to the outside, but this team can They were great from three in the Pac- should be able to keep the Beavers from ing ten or more threes and 8-5 when it do just about everything right. 12 Championship against Colorado and in going on any big runs, and the consistency doesn’t. It’s 2-5 when it doesn’t hit at least There might be too many turnovers, but the the first round against Tennessee, but it was will continue. 32% from the outside. Baylor only rebounding is there to potentially dominate more about the timing of their makes in the Oregon State have its moments, but slow allowed ten made threes or more in four at both ends. It didn’t matter in the first 80-70 win over Oklahoma State. and steady might win the race. games Ð winning all four Ð and held 12 two games of the tournament, but Oral The only loss in the last nine games Loyola is deadly enough with its suffo- teams to under 32% from the outside. Roberts was outrebounded by Ohio State was against Oregon Ð the Ducks are doing cating defense that leads the nation allow- The Bears haven’t quite been the domi- and Florida by a combined 68-50. just fine in so far Ð and even in that they ing under 56 points per game to keep nant force they were before missing a few Oral Roberts will stay around for about were 52% from the floor. Oregon State cold for long stretches. The weeks in February, but they showed off 15 minutes, and then the Hogs will start to Even more than that, they’re - Ramblers keep on scoring and keep on their firepower against Wisconsin, roaring pull away. ing tremendously well and playing great D, finding ways to generate points in a variety back 76-63 after getting down early. The two teams played back in late holding down Oklahoma State star Cade of ways. They’ve been fantastic from the outside December with Arkansas winning 87-76 Cunningham and allowing the Cowboys to Pick: Loyola 71, Oregon State 65 over the last several games Ð hitting 40% thanks to a huge second half. The Golden make just 28% of their shots. or more of their threes in the last seven Eagles were up 40-30 at the half, and then Loyola isn’t going to run anyone out of #1 Baylor (24-2) vs #5 Villanova (18-6) games Ð and they’re making their free it was all Hogs in the second. the gym. It might play a lockdown aggres- Saturday, March 27, 4:15 pm, CBS throws. As long as they’re not chasing the The rebounding advantage? Arkansas sive style, but Oregon State is just fine with Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN Wildcats, they should be okay. 54-29. It won’t be quite that bad this time that. It moves the ball around well, it out- Line: Baylor -7 / 140.5 Villanova found its groove again in the around, but Arkansas will make just about standing at getting to the line Ð Can the threes keep on falling? NCAA Tournament after a rough end to the everything from the field when it has to, it hit 32 of 35 free throws in the last game This hasn’t been the Villanova of the Big East season, but Baylor isn’t Winthrop and it’ll grab the boards when it misses. Ð and it should with the rebounding battle national championship-level years from the or North Texas. Pick: Arkansas 85, Oral Roberts 73

10 March 26, 2021 - April 1, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 31 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com their business. For all the bluster and talk about the big upsets, the key ACC losses, and all the greatness among the Sweet 16 teams, Florida State has been smooth as glass. There weren’t any real issues with UNC Greensboro Ð the Noles shot 56% Ð and the 71-53 win over Colorado was a relative breeze. They hit just about everything from the free throw line, closed out quickly on the normally hot Buff outside shooters, and they methodically and easily rolled through the second half to move on. It’s not a flashy team. It makes its out- side shots, it’s tremendously consistent, it’s good at attacking the glass, and it loads up defensively to hold each of the last four teams on the slate to under 36% from the field. Michigan only forced three turnovers in the 86-78 win over LSU, but …Florida State has a turnover problem. It was among the worst teams in the ACC in turnovers, gave it up 15 times against Colorado, and it was beaten on the #11 Syracuse (18-9) vs #2 Houston (26-3) Syracuse gets all the love and respect ers to keep Gonzaga from taking target boards by eight rebounds. Michigan has the Saturday, March 27, 8:55 pm, TBS for its defense, but Houston is every bit as practice. inside presence to at least be a bother when Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN tough. It’s not like the Oklahoma offense did- the Noles are attacking the rim, and more Line: Houston -6 / 140 San Diego State played a fantastic style n’t work. The Sooners made 50% from the importantly Ð to read WAY too much into And there goes Syracuse in the NCAA of D, too, and it didn’t matter against the field, but they kept putting Gonzaga on the this … Tournament when no one thinks it’s going Syracuse outside shooters. Houston has line and couldn’t battle back after a late It almost seems like Michigan got past to do too much. allowed just two teams Ð East Carolina and first half run. the barrier. The Orange have turned it on at just the Wichita State Ð to hit double-digit threes, Creighton is fine offensively, but it’s not The Big Ten was so bad in this tourna- right time with ridiculous shooting from and it lost both games. Gonzaga, and it doesn’t do everything ment, and LSU had the exact right team to three and the defense giving San Diego It’ll take its chances on Syracuse trying right. deliver the knockout punch for a Wolverine State and West Virginia too many prob- to make things happen in the interior, but To beat this team there can never, ever team that’s supposed to end up in the Final lems. Neither opponent was able to hit it’s got the quickness and the overall be a wasted opportunity for points, and Four. 40% from the field, Syracuse nailed 29 scheme to lock down hard on an Orange Creighton is stunningly mediocre from the The Tigers pushed the tempo and the threes in the two games, and that’s it. offense that will have to keep up and get free throw line. 64% isn’t going to get it pace, and in the end, a Michigan hot shoot- There wasn’t a more confident shooting out of its comfort zone a wee bit. done Ð the Bluejays have to get to the line ing streak with around seven minutes to go team in the first round, with the Orange San Diego State actually had the right at least 15 times and make almost all of Ð helped by a tough defensive run down bombing away at will to keep the late-sea- makeup to take down Syracuse, but it them. That’s not going to happen. the stretch Ð got it done. son outside success going. They’ve hit couldn’t hit a thing once the momentum But it’s probably not going to come The team has a whole other gear that it double-digit threes in four of their last five was all on the other side. Houston won’t down to that. Gonzaga took Oklahoma’s hammered down throughout the regular games with the only outlier a loss to have that problem. best shot early, got the inside game going season, and when all the parts are working Virginia, and now they get a Houston team Syracuse is 1-7 when allowing teams to with Drew Timme, the threes opened up, inside and out, there’s a flawless element to that allowed Cleveland State and Rutgers hit 45% or better from the field, and that and it was over. its game when everything works at once. to combine for 42% from three in the first one win was in overtime against Buffalo. There are way too many offensive It gets that burst, has the momentum, and two rounds. Houston hits 44% a game and is 19-1 when options, the team moves it around too well, relies on the defense the rest of the way. Syracuse has the ability to close out making more than 39%. and there’s absolutely zero panic whatsoev- Florida State can absolutely keep up the quickly on the Houston outside game, it’s This will be among the most intense er. Even if Creighton hits three threes in a pace if this gets wild, but steady might not fast enough to keep up if this gets into a games of the tournament. run Ð yawn. Gonzaga knows the answer is get it done if Michigan is sensational. race, and it’s got the ability to at least not Pick: Houston 68, Syracuse 65 coming soon after. The Big Ten gagged in this tournament. get destroyed on the boards, but …Houston Oklahoma had the right makeup to at Illinois, Ohio State, Purdue, Iowa Ð they all is one nasty team. #5 Creighton (22-8) vs #1 Gonzaga (28-0) least have a shot against Gonzaga, and it let the other side dictate the tempo, the The Cougars had to grind against Sunday, March 28, 1:10 pm, CBS lost by 16. action, and all four didn’t play their respec- Rutgers in a brawl, and they managed to Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN To do this, it’s going to take Gonzaga tive styles in losses. pull out a 63-60 win even though the Line: Gonzaga -13.5 / 158.5 being collectively off like it was against Michigan just has to do what it does by shooting wasn’t there and the free throws Oklahoma had the right idea. BYU late in the season. Eventually the ava- steadily moving inside and out Ð without weren’t dropping. There was no ball control or tempo stall lanche came, but at least it was in for a getting too reliant on any one thing Ð it The 63 points tied for the team’s lowest against Gonzaga. The only way to get this fight. can’t start turning the ball over, and it has output of the season. On the plus side, it team is to bomb away, keep bombing, and Creighton can absolutely go off. It has to hit the open threes that come off that won. hope the offense can keep up. the capability to hit the 13+ threes to stay extra good pass. It’s had to deal with several tough Yes, Creighton is one missed UC Santa in it until late, but even if that happens, it’s Both teams are efficient, and Florida games against good defense, including a Barbara layup away from being bounced in not hitting the free throws to get this done. State will be a problem on the defensive fight in the AAC Tournament against the first round. Yes, it caught the break of a Pick: Gonzaga 87, Creighton 72 interior with a whole lot of blocked shots, Memphis along with a few battles with free-space second round matchup against but Michigan will get past a rough first half Wichita State. Syracuse brings a whole Ohio. #4 Florida St (18-6) vs #1 Michigan (22-4) to turn it on in the second to get out alive. other set of challenges,but this team knows But when this team is on from three Ð it Sunday, March 28, 4:00 pm, CBS Expect fabulous. how to attack, it’s not going to buckle was seventh in the nation in total threes, it Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis Pick: Michigan 75, Florida State 70 under the pressure – it’s not a turnover- makes almost ten per game, and it’s solid Line: Michigan -2.5 / 143.5 (continued on page 12) prone team Ð and it can play a little D, too. enough at getting out on the outside shoot- The Seminoles are quietly going about

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 31 | March 26, 2021 - April 1, 2021 11 #4 Florida St (18-6) vs #1 Michigan (22-4) season, and when all the parts are working win over Maryland, but it’s usually putting more than 52% of their shots for the fifth Sunday, March 28, 4:00 pm, CBS inside and out, there’s a flawless element to teams on the line at least ten times, and time in seven games, and the offense was Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis its game when everything works at once. UCLA should pounce. The Bruins are a wonderful with after assist leading to Line: Michigan -2.5 / 143.5 It gets that burst, has the momentum, and whole lot stronger from the line than they easy points. The Seminoles are quietly going about relies on the defense the rest of the way. showed against Abilene Christian. Oregon has the offense that USC does- their business. Florida State can absolutely keep up the Yeah, UCLA has been able to get here n’t. The Trojans would prefer to play in a For all the bluster and talk about the big pace if this gets wild, but steady might not with three wins, but Michigan State, BYU, shell, rely on their defense, and grind this upsets, the key ACC losses, and all the get it done if Michigan is sensational. Abilene Christian … meh. thing down to a dead stop at times. They greatness among the Sweet 16 teams, The Big Ten gagged in this tournament. The Pac-12 has more than proven itself can’t hit free throws, and …Yeah, that Florida State has been smooth as glass. Illinois, Ohio State, Purdue, Iowa Ð they all in the tournament with the Bruins playing a whole no offense thing with USC? There weren’t any real issues with UNC let the other side dictate the tempo, the huge part of that, but let’s not start prepar- Hanging up 85 on Kansas worked just fine. Greensboro Ð the Noles shot 56% Ð and the action, and all four didn’t play their respec- ing to throw another national title on the In general, the Trojans would love to 71-53 win over Colorado was a relative tive styles in losses. school’s pile just yet. play this in the 60s while maintaining con- breeze. They hit just about everything from Michigan just has to do what it does by Alabama didn’t have any issues against trol throughout. There’s a great inside pres- the free throw line, closed out quickly on steadily moving inside and out Ð without Iona Ð at least after the first half Ð and ence, the defense hold just about everyone the normally hot Buff outside shooters, and getting too reliant on any one thing Ð it Maryland, it’s on a run of 11 wins in 12 to under 40%, and even though they don’t they methodically and easily rolled through can’t start turning the ball over, and it has games including the SEC Championship, make them, they take them Ð they’re the second half to move on. to hit the open threes that come off that and it’s playing like a team that’s comfort- among the best teams in college basketball It’s not a flashy team. It makes its out- extra good pass. able in its style. at getting to the line. side shots, it’s tremendously consistent, it’s Both teams are efficient, and Florida Attack with the D, shoot threes, There aren’t a whole lot of wasted pos- good at attacking the glass, and it loads up State will be a problem on the defensive rebound the misses Ð the Tide have ten or sessions, nailing well over half of their defensively to hold each of the last four interior with a whole lot of blocked shots, more offensive rebounds in the last ten shots over the last six games to keep the teams on the slate to under 36% from the but Michigan will get past a rough first half games and in 12 of the last 13 Ð repeat. pressure on teams to push. field. to turn it on in the second to get out alive. UCLA’s defense has been tough in the It comes down to this Ð can Oregon hit Michigan only forced three turnovers in Expect fabulous. tournament, but it’s just okay overall from enough threes to do this? USC is 17-2 the 86-78 win over LSU, but …Florida Pick: Michigan 75, Florida State 70 three and it doesn’t force a whole lot of when allowing seven or fewer made threes, State has a turnover problem. mistakes. and that includes …. It was among the worst teams in the #11 UCLA (20-9) vs #2 Alabama (26-6) Alabama is too solid in too many phas- USC 72, Oregon 58. That’s what hap- ACC in turnovers, gave it up 15 times Sunday, March 28, 5:15, TBS es. The defense is strong enough inside and pened in late February when the Ducks against Colorado, and it was beaten on the Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN out to keep UCLA from grinding for points were okay from three, were fine every- boards by eight rebounds. Michigan has the Line: Alabama -6.5 / 145.5 like it’s been doing through the tourna- where else, and … they couldn’t seem to inside presence to at least be a bother when If you’re in the Sweet 16 you’re doing ment, the offense is too explosive on the stop the Trojans from scoring. Oregon the Noles are attacking the rim, and more something right. outside and stronger at moving the ball made just seven threes and never got com- importantly Ð to read WAY too much into UCLA had to win three games to get around, and the threes will be there in the fortable down by 21 at halftime. this …It almost seems like Michigan got here Ð beating Michigan State, BYU, and second half to push on. USC won two games against teams that past the barrier. getting a monster break with 14-seed Pick: Alabama 80, UCLA 73 did nothing but jack up threes Ð UC The Big Ten was so bad in this tourna- Abilene Christian beating Texas – and it’s Riverside and Cal Baptist combined to take ment, and LSU had the exact right team to all working. #6 USC (24-7) vs #7 Oregon (21-6) 73 threes Ð but it’s 5-5 against everyone deliver the knockout punch for a Wolverine The Bruin defense was fantastic against Sunday, March 28, 8:45 pm, TBS else who made eight or more from the out- team that’s supposed to end up in the Final the ACU shooters in the 67-47 win, the Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis side, including dropping three to Colorado. Four. team was excellent from the start offensive- Line: USC -2.5 / 139 Here’s the flip side to the three thing. The Tigers pushed the tempo and the ly, and the rebounding has been there. The Ducks are back to being them- Oregon is 15-1 when it makes eight or pace, and in the end, a Michigan hot shoot- Alabama shoots a whole lot of threes, selves. It’s a very athletic, very fun team more threes, and 6-5 when it doesn’t. ing streak with around seven minutes to go but UCLA has been okay against the Pac- that showed the heart and toughness to Oregon will make eight threes as it Ð helped by a tough defensive run down 12 teams that bomb way, it’s a better shoot- hold up against Luka Garza and the big draws USC into a bit of an offensive fight. the stretch Ð got it done. ing team from the outside, and it’s going to Iowa squad in a 95-80 blasting in the sec- Pick: Oregon 76, USC 72 The team has a whole other gear that it roll on the free throw line. ond around. hammered down throughout the regular The Tide limited the fouls in the 96-77 The threes were falling, the team made

12 March 26, 2021 - April 1, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 31 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com COLLEGES WITH BO CARTER College Football News and Notes

Schipper, Holland, Mich.; (2019) Joe N.Y.; UW-River Falls: Matt Walker, Bellino, Lincoln, Mass.; March 28 (1962) Greencastle, Ind.; UW-Stevens Point: Greg Gen. Bob Neyland, New Orleans, La.; Breitbach, Dillon, Montana. (1953) Jim Thorpe, Lomita, Calif.; March Iowa State director of athletics Jamie 29 (1986) Bill Murray, Durham, N.C. Pollard launched a nationwide search for a Happy birthdays to NFF College Hall new men’s head basketball coach and con- of Fame members March 24 Peyton tracted former ISU assistant coach and Manning, March 26 Wesley Walls, March South Dakota State head coach T.J. 27 Randall Cunningham, March 29 Earl Otzelberger to take the 2021-22 reins Campbell… …Troy AD Brent Jones has been appointed Eastern Illinois and Indiana State will to a four-year term on the NCAA’s play a single contest in 2021 at EIU...Notre Committee on Sportsmanship and Ethical Dame and Central Michigan have agreed to Conduct starting Sept 1...SIU Edwardsville a $1.2 million game guarantee for their tabbed former university chief diversity 2023 clash in South Bend, Ind…The first officer and ethics officer Vanessa Brown as AFCA Top 25 NCAA FCS spring season the first associate AD for diversity, equity poll features these 1-5 pacements: James and inclusion and fan services…LSU AD Madison, North Dakota,Weber State, Scott Woodward does not expect any addi- North Dakota State, and Southern Illinois... tional NCAA or legal sanctions after the Montana Western has opted out of 2021 Husch Blackwell Report.....Former regulation spring football…COVID-19 Michigan (retired in 2020 after 34 years Team chaplain Sr. Jean Schmidt was able to attend Loyola (Ill.) NCAA men’s basketball tourney games conditions caused the cancellation of last with UM) associate AD and director of ath- week’s Lehigh-Holy Cross football tussle letics counseling Greg Harden spoke about disbanded. Loyola does sports a club foot- and the Colgate-Lehigh and Colgate-Holy the challenges of leadership changes during ball team and several intramural leagues. Cross NCAA FCS clashes from March 21- his tenure, budgetary challenges and care Just after Black History Month was cel- 28…2019 NCAA FCS defending champ of student-athletes during his four decades ebrated, HBCU powers Texas Southern and North Dakota State (No. 5 nationally) out- with the Wolverines...Cal State Dominguez Norfolk State won back-to-back contests pointed intrastate rival and No. 3 in FCS Hills has listed four finalists for its upcom- on March 18 in the NCAA Men’s Division North Dakota 34-13 last Saturday.... ing AD’s hire: Cal State Fullerton associate I Basketball Championship First Four. ....Missouri State upended then No. 4 UI AD for development Gregory Paules, The NFL has completed the largest tele- 13-6 last weekend in FCS activity…No. 8 Hampton associate AD for student services vision rights’ agreement in the history of South Dakota State toppled then-No. 10 Dr. Paula Jackson, New Orleans deputy sports with a multi-network agreement for Southern Illinois 44-3 on the road last AD/COO Dena Freeman-Patton, and El $110 billion in income from 2023-33. Saturday…Jacksonville State now sports Camino (Calif.) AD Colin Preston...DePaul NFF College Hall of Fame Facts one of the top 2020 and spring ’21 records athletics has added five guiding principles Some notable birthdates in NFF in FCS at 7-1 overall (4-0 Ohio Valley under the vision of AD DeWayne Peevy for BO CARTER College Hall of Fame annals in the March Conference) and is No. 10 nationally after academic excellence, building the brand, [email protected] 23-29 era are March 23 (1886) Nathan downing OVC opponent Southeast championship excellence, developing and Dougherty, Hales Mill, Va.; (1927) Wayne Missouri 21-3 last Sunday…Prairie View equipping future leaders, and external out- Longtime Southwest Conference and Hardin, Smackover, Ark.; March 24 (1976) A&M had to postpone its March 21 and reach… SIU Edwardsville has tabbed coordinator of official Peyton Manning, New Orleans, La.; March March 28 contests with Alabama A&M and Jaci DeClue as deputy AD with leadership and 13-year NFL officiating veteran (also 25 (1909) Frank Howard, Barlow Bend, Jackson State because of COVID-19 proto- over student-athlete services, strength and retired NFL Referees Association executive Ala.; March 26 (1870) Lee McClung, cols…Tennessee and Boise State had to conditioning; mental health, academics, director) Tim Millis has been chosen as Knoxville, Tenn.; (1899) Buck Flowers, pause spring football activities last week sport’s medicine, and career planning… 2020 NFL Referees Association Top Sumter, S.C.; (1899) Harry Kipke, due to health and safety concerns. Arkansas chose Kansas’ chief diversity and Honoree Award. Millis is a board member Lansing, Mich.; (1906) Rip Engle, Elk Rockford (Ill.) East High School has inclusion officer Terry Prentice as senior of the NFF Gridiron Club of Dallas, Texas. Lick, Pa.; (1960) Marcus Allen, San Diego, participated in several food drive for under- associate AD for athlete brand development Eric Crouch, 2001 Calif.; (1966) Wesley Walls, Batesville, served or unemployed families in that area and inclusive excellence… Wake Forest recipient from Nebraska and 2020 inductee Miss.; (1898) Herb Stein, Warren, Ohio; …Vanderbilt will host a special Giving added former Kansas State senior associate into the NFF College Hall of Fame, was March 27 (1921) Malcolm Kutner, Dallas, Day April 7 to help gain funding for AD for compliance Daren Koudele as sen- the highlighted Hall of Famer in last Texas; (1922) Alex Agase, , Ill.; deficits brought about by COVID-19 con- ior associate AD for compliance and week’s NFF recognition series. (1963) Randall Cunningham, Santa ditions in 2020-21, scholarships and some administration…UNC Wilmington senior Team chaplain and nationally known Barbara, Calif.; March 28 (1899) Buck athletics concerns. associate AD Tiffany Tucker has been motivator Sr. Jean Schmidt was able to Shaw, Mitchellville, Iowa; March 29 Auburn head coach Bryan Harsin had selected for a four-year appointment on the attend Loyola (Ill.) NCAA men’s basket- (1902) Four Horseman Don Miller, his contract secured with bonus and buyout NCAA Women’s Basketball Rules ball tourney games assisted by a nurse and Defiance, Ohio; (1906) Jim Bausch, provisions…Former Tulsa head coach Committee…TurnkeyZRG will assist with security guard. The popular figure Ð now a Marion Junction, S.D.; (1955) Earl Keith Burns has been chosen as head coach the Kansas AD search…William & Mary spry 101 years young - in college athletics Campbell, Tyler, Texas. at Fort Worth (Texas) Country Day High now has formed a 13-person search com- just received her second COVID-19 vacci- Notable anniversary death dates for School…Tom Kelly was named head coach mittee for its AD’s search. Interim AD nation, urged others to get theirs and said Hall of Famers are March 23 (1934) at Williamstown (Vt.) High School. Jeremy Martin will move back into the she prays for both teams prior to Loyola George Woodruff, Harrisburg, Pa.; March Hometowns of more 2021 college head president’s chief of staff once the new games but prays a little harder for the 24 (1930) Walter Eckersall, Chicago, Ill.; coaches Ð Wisconsin-La Crosse: Matt leader has been chosen…Morgan State AD Ramblers. Loyola, by the way, was a bit of (1947) Dr. John Outland, Laguna Beach, Janus, Lake Zurich, Ill.; UW-Oshkosh: Pat Dr. Ed Scott mentioned common miscon- a powerhouse in college football from Calif.; March 25 (2013) Hank Lauricella, Cerroni, Johnson Creek, Wis.; UW- ceptions about Historically Black Colleges 1904-30 before the varsity program was New Orleans, La.; March 27 (2006) Ron Platteville: Mike Emendorfer, Lockport, (continued on page 14)

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 31 | March 26, 2021 - April 1, 2021 13 and Universities and options for future suc- coach Jen Rizzotti, and Montana women’s gram, which would not give innate advan- postseason games and the three College cess at MSU…D1.Ticker.com has com- basketball head coach interim head coach tages to NCAA Power Five conferences... Football Playoff contests. posed qualifications’ research for open Mike Petrino will not return as fulltime …The Pac-12 (9-0) and Big 12 Oklahoma RBs Kennedy Brooks and ADs’ positions at Toledo, UAPB, Akron, coach of the Grizzlies…UT Martin interim Conferences (6-0) started the NCAA Men’s Eric Gray (transfer from Tennessee) as well and Kansas…There is a senior associate men’s head basketball coach Montez Basketball Championships last weekend as Iowa State’s Breece Hall, Kansas State’s AD for development position posted on Robinson will not return as fulltime head with a combined 15-0 mark…Early pair- Deuce Vaughn, Buffalo’s Kevin Marks Jr., D1Ticker.com…Chattanooga athletics is coach for the Skyhawks in 2021-22...Ole ings in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Colorado’s Jarek Broussard, and Ole Miss’ seeking an associate AD for development Miss women’s basketball head coach Yolett Championship inadvertently had old Jerrion Ealy have been rated among the …Army West Point athletics has posted an McPhee-McCuin has tested positively for Southwest Conference members Arkansas Top 10 running backs returning for 2021 opening for an associate director for donor COVID-19 and I quarantined at least and Texas Tech facing off, former Big nationally by multiple publications and engagement…Baylor athletics has adver- through March 26…George Mason men’s Eight/12 Conference standouts Missouri websites… tised for an assistant director of develop- head basketball coach Dave Paulsen is not and Oklahoma competing and old Big East Remembering Mississippi State quarter- ment - major gifts…Tulane athletics is going to be with the program in 2021-22 Conference stalwarts Syracuse and West backs of the 2000-09 era, and the list reorganizing its development office with …Bowling Green women’s basketball head Virginia playing. That third contest also includes: three current openings in executive posi- coach Robyn Fralick has a new contract featured two of the most successful men’s 2000 Ð , tions …Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame extension through March 31, 2027..Arizona basketball head coaches in history with 2001 Ð Wayne Madkin, Kevin Fant Oklahoma women’s head basketball coach women’s basketball coach Adia Barnes Naismith College Hall of Fame member 2002 Ð Kevin Fant, Sherri Coale is retiring after 25 seasons, a received a contract addition through the Jim Boeheim (982 wins in 45 seasons) 2003 Ð Kevin Fant, Kyle York 513-294 overall record and multiple nation- 2025-26 campaign…Oregon State’s Board going against future Naismith Hall of Fame 2004 Ð , Kyle York, Michael al and Big 12 Coach of the Year honors of Trustees placed president Dr. F. King coach Bob Huggins (900 victories in 39 Henig …Eastern Michigan’s former head men’s Alexander on probation…Manhattanville campaigns). Syracuse won a 75-72 2005 Ð Omarr Conner, basketball coach Rob Murphy is headed for added Frank Graziano as head women’s thriller…North Texas head men’s basket- 2006 Ð Omarr Conner, Michael Henig, a new coaching position in the NBA G rugby coach…Colorado College men’s ball coach Grant McCasland is one of a Tray Rutland League…North Dakota named former hockey head coach Mike Haviland is seek- handful of players or coaches who compet- 2007 Ð Wesley Carroll, Michael Henig, interim women’s head basketball coach ing new horizons for the 2021-22 season ed in the final years of the Southwest Josh Riddell Mallory Bernhard as permanent head men- …LSU head men’s basketball coach Will Conference as a point guard at Baylor dur- 2008 Ð Wesley Carroll, Tyson Lee, Chris tor…Bowlsby Sports aided Indiana State Wade spoke of several off-court distrac- ing the 1995-96 season. Reif with its men’s basketball head coaching tions, which he said have not affected his Bowlseason.com featured the directors 2009 Ð Tyson Lee, Chris Reif search before new head coach Josh Schertz team’s 2020-21 surge in the late and post- and support personnel of virtually all the Kansas State’s Antonio Gordon has accepted the position. season time period…Bethune-Cookman post-2020 bowls (played or cancelled) in a entered the 2021 NCAA transfer portal Arizona men’s basketball head coach president Dr. LaBrent Chrite is resigning group photo on its home page…The offi- along with Kentucky WR Bryce Oliver, Sean Miller is expected to return for the later this spring…South Alabama added cial bowls’ site also had a feature on how safety Reggie Pearson Jr. of Wisconsin, CB 2021-22 season…Iowa men’s basketball Jesse Ortiz as its new head women’s vol- bowl officials were able to conduct 26 Timarcus Simpson of Eastern Michigan, head coach Fran McCaffery has received a leyball coach. contract extension through the 2027-28 The Missouri Valley Conference select- season. He is a relative of former Stanford ed former Big 12 executive associate com- and NFL standout and current Northern missioner Jeff Jackson as its new commis- Colorado head coach Ed McCaffrey…USC sioner effective July 1. He replaces the leg- Upstate has tabbed Morehouse School of endary Doug Elgin who had one of the Medicine senior vice president for institu- longest tenures as a college conference tional advancement Dr. Bennie Harris as its commissioner in history for 33 years…Big new chancellor…Connecticut women’s Ten Conference commissioner Kevin basketball coach and Naismith Basketball Warren has restructured the conference’s Hall of Fame member Geno Auriemma executive staff with the legal and human tested positively for COVID-19 and is resources departments going in-house expected to miss his team’s first and possi- …New Atlantic Coast Conference commis- bly second round games if the Huskies win sioner Jim Phillips had an extensive inter- March 21 and 23 due to NCAA protocols view with The Athletic about upcoming …Indiana head men’s basketball coach interests about ACC football and several Archie Miller will be replaced for the other sports. The ACC also begin offering 2021-22 season. IU will not hire a search immediate eligibility for intraconference firm to help fill the vacancy, and 2021 transfers in all sports in 2021-22…Illinois NCAA tourney coaches Baylor’s Scott athletics merchandise was the top seller Drew (native of Indiana) and Texas Tech’s during the Big Ten men’s basketball tour- Chris Beard were mentioned as potential nament…Alabama notched its best day of candidates for the Hoosiers…Minnesota non-football-related athletics’ merchandise has released eight-year men’s basketball on March 14 when the Crimson Tide men’s coach Richard Pitino, and DePaul men’s basketball crew won the Southeastern head basketball coach Dave Leitao has left Conference tourney crown…Georgia his position. Pitino accepted the head women’s gymnastics had to withdrew from coach’s slot at New Mexico later last the SEC Championships last week due to week… released 10-year men’s head COVID-19 protocols…The Pac-12 basketball coach Larry Krystkowiak on Networks have just under 15 million (14.8 March 16…Penn State named former million) subscribers as compared with the Purdue assistant coach Micah Shrewsberry, SEC and Big Ten Networks with 50 mil- and Boston College selected former lion-plus subscribers. The Pac-12 group College of Charleston men’s head basket- also is supplying incentives for future ball coach Earl Grant as its new top men- patrons’ additions…The Hill Congressional tor…Indiana State women’s basketball publication had an editorial from America head coach Vicki Hall, Siena women’s bas- East Conference commissioner Amy ketball head coach Ali Jacques, George Huchthausen who expressed thoughts Washington women’s basketball head about a names, images and likenesses’ pro-

14 March 26, 2021 - April 1, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 31 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com and DE D’Vion Harris of Minnesota... COVID-19 tests on campus… ath- Championships for 2020-21 except for lim- bubble atmosphere…USA Today reflected …College of Charleston’s Zep Jasper is letics has entered into a new agreement ited attendance, which it noted took away a on buyouts of coaching contracts among taking his talents to Auburn for 2021-22 with New Balance through BSN SPORTS bit of the overall atmosphere…The Big Ten Power Five conference schools in recent …Oklahoma basketball lost its second- via Leona Marketing Group as a consult- Network’s had a 14 percent viewership months. leading scorer De’Vion Harmon for the ant…Nike is the official apparel and mar- increase for its 2021 men’s basketball tour- The USBWA and The Athletic have first two rounds of the NCAA Men’s keting sponsor for 48 of the 68 teams in ney over the ’20 event…CBS-TV Sports combined for a 30-day, complimentary Championship…Kansas men’s basketball the NCAA Men’s Basketball averaged 5.461 million for its NCAA subscription to The Athletic for USBWA standout David McCormack arrived in Championship while adidas and Under Basketball Selection Sunday show - down members…The NABC named Michigan Indianapolis last Friday and starred in the Armour sport 10 each apiece. On the slightly from 6.266 million in 2019 but the men’s head basketball coach Juwan Howard Jayhawks victory over Eastern Washington women’s tourney side, Nike sponsors 37 second-highest tally since 2015…The New 2020-21 NABC Henry Iba National Coach on March 20…Quarterback Owen teams along with 17 by adidas with 17 and York Post wrote an extensive research of the Year…The American Baseball McNown, son of former SMU, Louisiana Under Armour with 10…Oklahoma athlet- piece on the dominance of Gonzaga men’s Coaches Association has joined several Tech and NFL standout Cade McNown, ics has signed with Fanatics as the Sooners basketball Ð a NCAA tourney participant other coaches’ groups in requesting that the has given a 2022 verbal signing commit- online retailer for apparel and headwear since the 1990s and a 1892-1941 national NCAA Division I Council allow domestic, ment to Colorado. over the next 10 years…Teamworks and football contender nicknamed by media as in-person evaluations in recruiting effective Alabama State downed new Jackson INFLCR have added the Single Sign-On “The Notre Dame of the West”…Sports April 16…Jeff Hodges of North Alabama, State head coach coach and NFF College application feature with Teamworks men’s Illustrated investigated the reasons for a Mary Beth Challoner of Central University Hall of Fame member Deion Sanders and and basketball student-athletes in the positive COVID-19 test and the suspension of Toronto, Lenny Reich of U. of Mt.Union the Tigers 35-28 for JSU’s first defeat of NCAA basketball tournaments with a free of “The Steakhouse Six” NCAA tourna- Kevin Trainor of Arkansas, and Danielle the spring season in Southwestern Athletic version of the INFLCR app…California ment game officials who ate dinner togeth- Percival of Southeast Piedmont were fea- Conference competition…NFF College Assembly Bill No. 609 - the College er after a tourney and exposure to the virus. tured subjects and opinion makers in the Hall of Fame member and NFF board rep- Athlete Race and Gender Equity Act Ð and The NCAA has reserves in place for the 60 CoSIDA Open Forum online newsletter... resentative Roger Staubach of Navy was the California Senate Bill No. 206 Ð The officials scheduled to work the 67 men’s …Arizona, Arizona State, Clemson, Iowa, highlighted in a regional Southwest busi- Fair Pay to Play Act Ð were recent discus- postseason clashes. NCAA vice president Louisville, LSU, Michigan State,Oklahoma ness publication…Former Wake Forest and sion topics in the San Jose (Calif.) for basketball Dan Gavitt praised the high State, Penn State, USF, and Tennessee are Tulsa men’s basketball head coach and Mercury-News newspaper…Virginia has quality of remaining eligible game officials working with NCAA enforcement and Kansas All-America center Danny cancelled ACC volleyball matches with …CBS Sports columnist Dennis Dodd compliance officials concerning possible Manning endorsed Army West Point Florida State and Louisville and placed its compiled a possible short list of Kansas issues and probes at their respective schools deputy AD Mike Harrity for the Jayhawks’ volleyball coaching staff on administrative AD candidates with Notre Dame senior …The NCAA Football Oversight Committee AD vacancy. leave…More than 47 million people are associate AD for Sport Operations Missy made a recommendation to the NCAA Nebraska athletics has received two projected to place bets above $2 billion on Conboy, Tennessee deputy AD for champi- Executive Council to change the NCAA donations of $7 million-plus for its new the NCAA men’s and women’s basketball onship resources Monica Lebron, Rutgers recruiting dead period to a easier to imple- football facility over the last month.... postseason classics this year…Rutgers stu- deputy AD Sarah Baumgartner, Virginia ment quiet period starting June 1. Buffalo …Missouri has raised approximately $27 dent-athletes have been making strong AD Carla Williams, Buffalo AD Mark AD Mark Alnutt is one of the prominent million in private donations for its new $34 stands on student-athletes’ rights through Alnutt, and Army West Point Deputy members of the Football Oversight million indoor football practice facility... social media and national outlets such as AD/COO Mike Harrity…One other media Committee…NCAA director of champi- …Illinois athletics received a $250,000 CBS Sports…TurnkeyZRG CEO Len outlet also has former Big 12 Conference onships and alliances, corporate relations, anonymous donation toward its Ubben Perna commented on the group’s current media relations assistant, SMU and UCLA marketing and branding Ellen Lucey Basketball Complex renovation to bring the large workload in searching for coaches marketing guru and current Stony Brook addressed the changes in marketing and total funds raised to $22 million for the and athletics administrators at numerous AD Sean Heilbron as a possible candi- presentation of the NCAA Men’s and anticipated $40 million project…UIC ath- colleges and universities in February and date…Sports Business Journal compared Women’s Championships due to limited letics was presented a $250,000 donation March. 2020-21 basketball television ratings with tourney locations, crowds and competition gift from football alumnus Al Ronan to Former Texas standout Emmanuel Acho the shortened 2019-20 campaign and 2020 dates…There were seven positive tests establish the Al Ronan Family UIC was guest host on ABC-TV’s primetime NCAA FBS telecasts…The Athletic wrote among 6,700-plus tests for the NCAA Athletics Scholarship Fund…Notre Dame show The Bachelorette last week in place of student activism illustrations during the Men’s Basketball Championship on March gained a substantial donation from Penny of former Oklahoma City KWTX-TV 2017-18 academic year by three men’s stu- 15-16, and Virginia men’s basketball was Mac Financial Services president /CEO sports reporter and popular ABC emcee dent-athletes and ways that colleges were reported to have one positive COVID-19 Ð Doug Jones and his wife as an endowment Chris Harrison for that episode…Retired able to counter the challenges…New possibly from a support person. After for the UND women’s soccer head coach- NFL New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees DAZN sports streaming service chair 9,100-plus total tests on the men’s side ing post...There are nearly 200 Duke U. of Purdue will join NBC Sports as a studio Kevin Mayer spoke of the changing of the there were eight positive COVID-19 Iron Duke members who have made analyst for Football Night in America and a guard atop Disney and the continued emer- results. Unfortunately, VCU had a no-con- pledges to Blue Devils athletics through game analyst for Notre Dame football... gence of ESPN+ and similar streaming test with Oregon due to COVID-19 proto- the Iron Dukes Bonus program to help ...USA Today revealed numerous public locales in the U.S. and internationally... cols and had to withdraw without playing reduce current budget deficits... bonus provisions earned in 2020-21 by …North Texas men’s basketball radio com- in the men’s basketball Big Dance...Duke, …Youngstown State athletics signed a five- men’s and women’s basketball coaches mentators Dave Barnett and Hank St. John's (N.Y.), Seton Hall, Xavier (Ohio) year agreement with Nike for apparel and …Fenway Sports Group revealed a $750 Dickenson covered the Mean Green’s first and Louisville were among the schools that marketing starting July 1…Northern Iowa million investment for the MLB Red Sox NCAA tourney win over Purdue remotely decided not to try and enter the reduced athletics extended its business contract and Liverpool Football Club of England from the UNT pressbox (from 32 teams) 2021 field for the 83rd extension with The Aspire Group for multi- from RedBird Capital Partners and princi- …ABC Sports made history last Sunday National Invitation Basketball Tournament.. ple years… Several parents have signed a pal investor NBA great LeBron James... with a first-ever live, over-the-air telecast .The NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship petition asking the NCAA and NAIA to …ESPN's David Hale commented on ACC of the NCAA Women’s Basketball allowed school publicists to designate five allow spring sports freshmen in 2021 to commissioner Jim Phillips, Notre Dame’s Championship first round contest between print or internet media for live coverage of gain an extra year of college eligibility role as member of ACC football in 2020, Baylor and Jackson State…The NCAA their respective teams in the title quest since their 2020 spring seasons as seniors the future of the conference, and possible Division Women's Gymnastics …NCAA athletics trainers’ consultants in high school were cancelled for the most realignment of the circuit if the Power Five Championship also will make its live gave guidelines for strength and agility part by the COVID-19 national shutdown Conferences morph into a Power Four with national telecast on ABC on Saturday, drills for teams in the NCAA Men’s and …The Oregon State Board of Trustees had 16-team loops for FBS competition.... April 17…The Richmond (Va.) Times- Women’s Basketball Championships…The open review of the LSU Husch Blackwell …JayhawksSlant.com complimented Dispatch newspaper wrote about the elimi- NCAA will switch some dates in the Men’s Report last week to discuss diversity and Kansas administrators for taking quick nation of hometown squad VCU from the Basketball Championship East and Mid- school conduct protocols…Saint Peter’s action on multiple fronts in hiring a new 2021 Men’s Basketball Championship and west Regions if BYU moves into the Sweet has paused all athletics activities through AD and head football coach…USA Today how Virginia and Virginia Tech basketball 16. The Cougars have asked not to play March 22 because of numerous positive pointed out many similarities in NCAA student-athletes were functioning in the (continued on page 16)

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 31 | March 26, 2021 - April 1, 2021 15 of rest. NCAA administrator David reporter Ð Media Person of the Year. Worlock explained the possibility to media Dave Henigan, Denton Ryan High School members…The NCAA Division I Ð High School Coach of the Year. Competition Oversight Committee has Dallas-Fort Worth College Scholar- approved an emergency replacement policy Athletes of the Year were SMU TE Judah for spring championships and the remain- Bell, North Texas WR-KR Deion Harir- ing fall championships moved to the spring Griffin, TCU long snapper Antonio Ortiz, semester. If teams in any of the brackets and Texas A&M-Commerce DB due to COVID-19 circumstances, their Dominique Ramsey. The awardees were opposing teams advance to the next recognized alongside high school scholar- round…The NCAA apologized for sending athletes who numbered 70-plus during the lesser weights to NCAA Division I virtual banquet. Some quick notes on the Women’s Basketball Championship high school honorees included 2020-21 strength and conditioning sites as opposed Scholar-Athlete of the Year RB Jake Taylor to the men’s heavier weight equipment at of Dallas Jesuit HS – his school’s 2021 their training sites…The seven teams from valedictorian and a leader in numerous stu- Texas in the NCAA Men’s Basketball dent organizations; Dallas Covenant HS Championship ties the national record for QB Ben Spangler Ð following in the NFF most invitees from one state. These entries Tri-Founder Grantland Rice’s college tradi- started the tourney with a 4-0 mark, and tion at Vanderbilt as a Latin language Lone Star State entries Abilene Christian scholar and National Latin Award recipient; and Texas became the 67th and 68th teams and Lucas Lovejoy HS academic standout to compete in the NCAA men’s joust. ACU Chief Collins who also starred on the pulled off a 53-52 shocker in the first Lovejoy varsity fishing team. Taylor round finale over the Big 12 Conference received the traveling Clay Cooley Group champ Longhorns…Former U.S. President Gridirion Club of Dallas Scholar-Athlete Barack Obama, who did a preliminary pre- trophy to display in the Jesuit High School diction bracket for the NCAA men’s and athletics’ department. Some previous women’s basketball postseason tourneys Gridiron Club of Dallas Scholar-Athletes from 2009-16, predicted Baylor to defeat since 2008 have included NFL standouts Stanford in the 2021 women’s NCAA title Solomon Thomas of Stanford, Jay Ajai of clash…Attendance allowances at NCAA Boise State and Rex Burkhead of men’s basketball tourney games in Indiana Nebraska. range from three to 22 percent capacity due to area health regulations…The NCAA’s latest public service message - Dear Schedule with New Year’s Six Games College Sports Ð has received kudos from (All Games Televised by ESPN, EST) participating student-athletes and viewers alike…The NCAA also clarified bubble Friday, Dec. 31, 2021 and hotel protocols last week and allowed (CFP Semifinals & Championship men’s basketball tournament participants to January 10) pose for team photos at the Indianapolis Goodyear Cotton Bowl Motor Speedway Ð site of the historic Indy AT&T Stadium 500 auto race Ð Top Golf and other area Arlington, Texas, 4 or 8 p.m. attractions…NCAA men’s basketball tour- Capital One Orange Bowl nament participants all received a copy of late Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Miami Lakes, Fla., 4 or 8 p.m. Georgetown (D.C.) head coach John Thompson’s book I Came as a Shadow. Monday, Jan. 10 The NFF Gridiron Club of Dallas CFP Championship, Semifinal Winners Chapter noted its 2021 major award win- Lucas Oil Stadium ners who were honored during the chapter's Indianapolis, Ind., 8 p.m. virtual Awards Show last Sunday. Due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, Thursday, Dec. 30. 2021-Jan. 1, 2022 the awards show was pretaped and will be (Other New Year’s Six Bowls) streamed on Zoom and YouTube sites. The 2021 major award winners were: Thursday, Dec. 30 Scott Murray, Legendary Dallas-Fort Chick Fil-A Peach Bowl Worth broadcaster Ð Distinguished Texan Mercedes-Benz Stadium, ,Ga.TBD Award. Ronnie Gage, Legendary Football Coach Friday, Jan. 1 who led the programs at Justin Northwest, PlayStation Fiesta Bowl Lewisville, Barbers Hill and Paradise High Schools as well as Ð Glendale, Ariz. TBD Legends Award. Friday, Jan. 1 Bo Carter, Longtime Media Relations Allstate Sugar Bowl Administrator Ð Outstanding Contribution Mercedes-Benz Superdome to Amateur Football Award. New Orleans, La., TBD Eugene Hall, NFL and former Big 12 offi- Friday, Jan. 1 cial who worked Super Bowl LV Ð Steve presented by Capital One Storie Official of the Year. Rose Bowl Stadium Joe Trahan, WFAA-TV sports anchor and Pasadena, Calif.

16 March 26, 2021 - April 1, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 31 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com AUTO RANGE ROVER Land Rover Range Rover luxury SUV

Also available is a torque-happy diesel engine option, and an even more torque- laden P400e plug-in hybrid. The real performance champions for the Range Rover line remain the supercharged V8s that come in 518- or 557-horsepower variations. An 8-speed automatic sending power to both front and rear axles serves the entire Range Rover line. The Land Rover Range Rover is tow-rated up to 7,716 pounds, while the plug-in hybrid model drops that figure to 5,511 pounds. 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel V6 (Base, HSE) 254 horsepower @ 3,750 rpm 443 lb-ft of torque at 1,750-2,250 rpm EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/28 mpg 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 (Base) By Matt Degen off-roader can feel like a seasoned pro. long-wheelbase model is only as long as a 355 horsepower @ 5,500-6,500 rpm Packing years of Land Rover off-road Chevy Traverse. 365 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-5,000 rpm Noted for its luxurious appointments experience into a single electronic conven- As mentioned, the Range Rover comes EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/25 mpg and impressive off-road ability, the Land ience, Terrain Response offers settings for with an air suspension as standard, plus all- 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 (HSE) Rover Range Rover luxury SUV is the pin- Snow, Sand, Mud or Rocks, optimizing the wheel drive with the terrain-response sys- 395 horsepower @ 5,500-6,500 rpm nacle of its breed. Offered in both standard transmission, throttle response and air sus- tem, LED exterior lighting, gesture-con- 406 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-5,000 rpm and long-wheelbase models, the Range pension to respond to each situation. trolled 2-piece tailgate, leather upholstery, EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/25 mpg Rover isn’t as large as a Cadillac Escalade, Luxury isn’t always about leather and tri-zone automatic climate control, 10-way 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 and 105-kW and it only seats five, even in LWB form. wood. Sometimes technology takes center power-adjustable front seats, reclining rear electric motor (HSE, Autobiography) But what the Range Rover lacks in overall stage, as is the case with the Range Rover’s seats, ambient cabin lighting, a pair of 398 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm hauling ability it more than makes up for in brilliant overhead power sunshade. Simply infotainment touch screens, and a 13- 472 lb-ft of torque status, styling and speed. wave your hand backward to signal the speaker /380-watt Meridian audio system. EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A With the arrivals of the $350,000-plus shade to retract. The shade is even intelli- Standard safety equipment includes for- 5.0-liter supercharged V8 (HSE, Rolls-Royce Cullinan and $165,000 gent, closing automatically when the car is ward-collision mitigation with automatic Autobiography) Bentley Bentayga, the Range Rover is no locked, then retracting again once the dri- emergency braking, lane-departure warning 518 horsepower @ 6,000-6,500 rpm longer the most expensive thoroughbred in ver’s door is opened. and a rearview camera. 461 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-5,500 rpm the British super-luxury-SUV stable, but Covered in yards of the finest leathers Higher trim levels bring more equip- EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/21 mpg with a starting price just under $95,000, it’s meticulously matched to the perfect wood ment. For example, the HSE version brings 5.0-liter supercharged V8 still pricier than the Lexus LX, Infiniti color and grain, the 2020 Land Rover the panoramic moonroof, 20-inch alloy (SVAutobiography) QX80, Lincoln Navigator and Mercedes- Range Rover interior is a stunning example wheels, 14-way power-adjustable front 557 horsepower @ 6,000-6,500 rpm Benz GLS, all rivals offering 3-row seating of British luxury and style. Small details seats, heated rear seats, perforated leather 502 lb-ft of torque @ 3,500-4,000 rpm and slightly better reliability and resale like the heated center armrests and a ges- upholstery and a beefier 6-cylinder engine. EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/19 numbers. ture-controlled power sunshade set the Models with V8 power also have things mpg, 13/19 mpg (long-wheelbase) Driving the Land Rover Range Rover Range Rover apart, as does the elegant like an upgraded terrain-response setup and The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover has Start out on the highway and the Range simplicity of its high-tech cabin. 21-inch wheels. Other extras include a a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Rover’s standard air suspension automati- In the mix are two 10-inch infotainment refrigerator, cabin air-ionization system, Price (MSRP) of $90,900. Add the $1,295 cally sinks a little to improve aerodynamic touch screens, both featuring swipe and quad-zone climate control, more driver- destination charge and the total is $92,195. efficiency. It is quiet and comfortable, pinch-to-zoom functionality that works sur- assistance features, diesel power, long- A diesel engine costs $2,000 extra. Long- while progress is swift and effortless, espe- prisingly well. An available head-up dis- wheelbase versions, 557-horsepower super- wheelbase versions, from $111,245, have cially if there’s a supercharged V8 under play is the perfect complement to the con- charged V8, plug-in hybrid and a 29-speak- the V8 as standard. Then it’s a climb into the hood. Arrive at a remote location and figurable 12.3-inch digital driver’s-infor- er/1,700-watt Meridian surround-sound bigger numbers and many options. The the Range Rover’s terrain-response system mation display. On the long-wheelbase system. high-luxe SVAutobiography LWB is knows what’s needed to reach the ultimate models, available executive seating can Land Rover also offers numerous acces- $210,795. Somewhere in between the base destination. The air suspension can also accommodate the tallest occupants and sories such as leather tailgate event seating, model and the really expensive stuff is raise ground clearance and provide a cush- includes both calf and foot rests. center console cooler/heater and personal- probably the ideal new Range Rover. Then ioned long travel. Overall design has evolved over the ized illuminated tread plates. again, as an alternative to the Bentayga or Back in town, the excellent outward generations, but retains a lot of the origi- Replacing last year’s supercharged V6s Cullinan, a top-line model might be just vision, relatively tight turning circle and nal’s no-nonsense practicality, while adding is a set of inline turbocharged 6-cylinder the ticket. It’s all relative. well-assisted steering make light work of an undeniable presence, sophistication and Ingenium engines. Unique to the new 6- However, the Audi Q7, BMW X5 and dodging traffic and easing into parking taste. The LED headlights and daytime- cylinder is a mild-hybrid system that Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class start out at spaces. All the time, the Range Rover feels running lights give the Range Rover a dis- includes a 48-volt battery capable of stor- lower prices. The new Lincoln Navigator is castle-solid and spa-level luxurious (there’s tinctive signature. Integrated neatly into the ing energy recaptured during deceleration. also worth cross-shopping, offering superi- even a “hot-stone” setting for the optional slab sides is a crease that starts at the top The electric boost helps improve accelera- or tow ratings and a uniquely American massaging seats). This isn’t merely a of the headlights, bisects the door handles, tion while reducing CO2 emissions via the take on the full-size luxury SUV. Check the means of transportation; it’s a home away meets the taillights and underlines the vehicle’s modified start/stop system. KBB.com Fair Purchase Price to see what from home. “Range Rover” badge on the clamshell tail- In the base P360, this engine puts out others in your area are paying for the With Land Rover’s adaptive Terrain gate. The Range Rover is also surprisingly 355 horsepower, while on the HSE P400, Range Rover. Resale values are not expect- Response system, even the most novice compact for a full-size SUV — even the output is bumped up to 395 horsepower. ed to be as strong as most rivals.

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 31 | March 26, 2021 - April 1, 2021 17 TICKET WINDOW

18 March 26, 2021 - April 1, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 31 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 31 | March 26, 2021 - April 1, 2021 19 20 March 26, 2021 - April 1, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 31 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com