May 21 - May 27, 2021 Vol. 19, Issue 39 www.sportspagdfw.com FREE 2 May 21, 2021 - May 27, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 39 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 39 | May 21, 2021 - May 27, 2021 3 May 21, 2021 - May 27, 2021 AROUND THE AREA Vol. 19, Issue 39 LOCAL NEWS OF INTEREST sportspagedfw.com Established 2002 Mustangs advance to championship Cover Photo: AROUND THE AREA AJ Ott of Colorado State advanced to the record for an SMU player at NCAA 4 NCAA Championships as the highest fin- Regionals, previously held by Bryson RANGERS REPORT ishing individual not on an advancing DeChambeau at -4. 5 BY DIC HUMPHREY team. , ETC Host State won the regional 6 BY TOM WARD at -28, followed by Illinois at -14. Sam PGA CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW Houston and Little Rock finish out the five 7 BY PGATOUR.COM SCOTTSDALE BOUND! Men's Golf representatives at the NCAA Championships NINE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT Advances As Goodwin Wins Stillwater from the region. KIAWAH ISLAND Regional Mac Meissner wrote down an even- Fan vote underway for All-Star Race 8 BY PGATOUR.COM STILLWATER, Okla. Ð SMU's Noah 72 on his final-round scorecard, finishing at Motor Speedway SPIETH EYES HISTORY AT PGA Goodwin won the NCAA Stillwater the event tied for 30th at +6. Justin A unique aspect of the June 13 10 CHAMPIONSHIP BY PGATOUR.COM Regional by six strokes, powering the Thompson joined his teammate in the tie NASCAR All-Star Race is the opportunity fourth-seeded Mustangs to advance to the for 30th at +6, shooting a 74 at the 7,502- for race fans to vote for their favorite driv- NBA PLAYOFFS PICKS AND 11 PREDICTIONS NCAA Men's Golf Championship in yard home course of Oklahoma State. er who hasn’t won their way into the $1 BY NBA.COM Scottsdale, Arizona. Nathan Petronzio was a stroke behind million-to-win showdown to be held for MAVS VS CLIPPERS PREVIEW The Mustangs finished third in the 13- for a solo-35th finish at +7, and made two the first time at Texas Motor Speedway. 12 BY NBA.COM team field at Karsten Creek, and were one clutch birdies on No. 14 and No. 15 to help Race fans can participate in the All-Star of five teams to qualify for the NCAA cement the Mustangs' place in Scottsdale. Race Fan Vote by visiting here to vote for NEWS AND Championships, held May 28-June 2 at After four straight holes over par, the their favorite driver. Only one eligible 13 NOTES BY BO CARTER Grayhawk Golf Club. SMU finished the Mustangs were within five strokes of NASCAR driver can be voted for per sub- event even par after 54 holes, to qualify for falling below the "red line," but Petronzio mission, and fans may only submit one NCBWA BASEBALL POLL 17 BY NCBWA.COM the finals site for the second consecutive played his last six holes at -2 to help the ballot per day per each unique email postseason. team advance. Ollie Osborne finished 73rd address. Sharing your vote on Twitter and THE TICKET WINDOW Goodwin, who finished at -15, became at +22. Facebook adds a bonus entry for your 18 the third SMU player to finish first or tie SMU has advanced to the NCAA favorite driver each day. AUTO REVIEW for first at an NCAA Regional since the Championships in each of the programs' Drivers currently eligible for the Fan 19 BY KBB.COM format began in 1989. Mario Clemens won last four trips to NCAA Regionals, advanc- Vote are: Aric Almirola, Anthony Alfredo, the 2013 Fayetteville (Arkansas) Regional ing in 2014, 2015 and 2019. The Mustangs Chris Buescher, Josh Bilicki, Chase and Matt Schovee tied for first at the 2012 reached the NCAA Match Play Quarter- Briscoe, Ross Chastain, Austin Cindric, Greensboro Regional, but lost the playoff finals in 2014 and 2019, and produced the Matt DiBenedetto, Joey Gase, Timmy Hill, Follow us on to advance to the NCAA Championship. It NCAA Individual Champion, Bryson Quin Houff, Erik Jones, Corey LaJoie, BJ is Goodwin's second career tournament DeChambeau, in 2015. McLeod, Ryan Preece, Tyler Reddick, Twitter & Facebook victory, joining the 2019 Maridoe Notable: Goodwin's -15 is the second- Garrett Smithley, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Intercollegiate. best 54-hole score in SMU history, trailing Daniel Suarez, Bubba Wallace and Cody twitter.com/sportspagedfw Goodwin shot in the 60s in all three just Jackson Markham's -16 at the 2020 Ware.One Fan Vote winner has gone on to rounds at the Stillwater Regional, including Prestige Individual Tournament … The -15 win the All-Star Race in the event’s histo- facebook.com/sportspageweek- a final-round 68. He had a tournament-best matches the best score for any player at ry: Kasey Kahne in 2008. 16 birdies and added an eagle, compared to NCAA Regionals since Texas' Doug Voting will end at 11:00am on Friday, Publisher Contact Us only three bogeys. Bo Jin of Oklahoma Ghims -17 in at the 2018 Raleigh Regional Sports Page Publishing Group, Main Number (214) 683-1469 June 11. LLC P.O. 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4 May 21, 2021 - May 27, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 39 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com RANGERS WITH DIC HUMPHREY Texas offense misfires in series loss

innings, respectively. relieved the last batter Folty retired. A single and a Dunning and gave two runs in the seventh. double followed that tied the game at three. Gio Urshela and Aaron Judge had the day A single and a walk followed to load the off, but both connected for pinch hit RBI bases, and that was it for Foltynewicz. singles as the Yankees won again by a 2-0 relieved and promptly score. German is 4-2 with the win, and gave up a single that scored two more runs Aroldis Chapman pitched the ninth inning before closing out the inning with the to earn his second save of the series and Yankees leading 5-3. The final tally on 11th of the season. King is 4-3 with the Foltynewicz was five runs allowed on loss. seven hits. His ERA continued its upward The Rangers had limped home from an rise to 5.18. 0-6 road trip and the forecast for Monday’s From there, nothing much went right series opening game against the Yankees for Texas. Solak homered in the fifth was an extension of the losing streak. The inning to chase Yankee starter Jameson Yankees started Gerrit Cole, the best Taillon. Four relievers shut out the American League so far this sea- Rangers the rest of the way. The Yankees son. The David the Rangers had to answer picked up single runs in the sixth and ninth this Goliath was , who had innings to make the final score 7-4. Wandy been a weak link in the Rangers’ starting Peralta (3-1), the first Yankee reliever, was rotation all season. Early in the game, it credited with the win since Taillon did not looked like the forecast was coming true. complete five innings. Chapman blew Four of the first six Yankees that came to away the Rangers in the ninth inning with the plate lashed hard hit base hits, while fastballs clocked as high as 103 to earn the Cole struck out three Rangers in the first save. Foltynewicz is 1-4 with the loss. inning. An interesting aside to this game was Amazingly, Lyles limited the scoring the return of Rougned Odor. He was acti- damage to one run with the help of a dou- vated from the and started at ble play, and the Rangers rallied in the sec- second base going 2-5 at the plate. In his ond inning for three runs. Adolis Garcia first at bat, he was greeted by a friendly, led off the inning with a home run, and two but not overly enthusiastic crowd. He later doubles and a single followed to give Texas snagged a 115.1 MPH line drive off Gallo’s Corey Kluber’s no-hitter was the second time this season that the Rangers have gone hitless in a game the 3-1 lead. bat. homered in the fifth The Rangers go into the weekend on a inning and Garcia stole home on a double three game losing streak and having lost rooting for him. in the sixth inning to pad the Ranger nine of their last 10 games. The quality of By the ninth inning, the crowd was lead to 5-1. the opposition doesn’t let up as Houston clearly behind Kluber. They wanted to Lyles lasted six innings, giving up just comes to town to finish off the home stand witness a no-hitter, and he did not keep two more hits and no more runs after those with three games this weekend. They them waiting. grounded first six batters. King relieved in the sev- arrive having won eight of their last 10 out on the second pitch of the inning. Off enth inning and retired all four batters he games, good enough to move them past the bat, it appeared to have a chance to be faced, and finished the eighth Oakland into first place in the West. a hit, but D. J. LeMahieu was perfectly inning giving up a home run to Luke Voit. Game times are 7:05 PM on Friday, positioned to make it an easy play. David needed just nine pitches to set 3:05 PM on Saturday afternoon and 1:35 BY DIC HUMPHREY Dahl lined out to right field on the fourth the Yankees down in the ninth inning for PM on Sunday afternoon. The announced [email protected] pitch of his at bat. Again, off the bat, it his 11th save. starting for the series are Tyler MEMBER: USBWA looked to have a chance to be a hit, but The final score was 5-2. Considering the Ivey making his Major League debut Tyler Wade, an infielder by trade pressed quality of the competition, this game might against (3-0) on Friday, Lance ARLINGTON, Texas Ð The New York into service because of an injury, tracked it have been the best played game of the sea- McCullers, Jr. (3-1) opposes Jordan Lyles Yankees continued their roll this week tak- down for the second out. Willie Calhoun son so far. Lyles improves to 2-3 with the (2-3) on Saturday and Christian Javier ing three wins in four games with the then grounded out to shortstop Gleyber win, and Coles is 5-2 with the loss. faces Mike Foltynewicz (1-4) on Sunday. Rangers. The Texas offense again mis- Torres to seal the deal. Game two of the series on Tuesday NOTABLE: fired as New York shut out the Rangers Lost in the hoopla over Kluber was a started well for Texas. Mike Foltynewicz ¥ Adolis Garcia became the fourth twice, including a no-hitter, the second very good pitching performance by Hyeon- looked like the pitcher the Rangers were Ranger to hit a home run and steal home in time this season that the Rangers have gone Jong Yang. He matched Kluber in shutout hoping would emerge. He breezed through the same game. The other three are Juan hitless in a game. It was the sixth straight innings for the first five. A walk, a triple the first three innings 10 up and nine down. Beniquez in 1977, Mitch Moreland in 2010 series win for the Yankees making their and a sacrifice fly plated two runs for the In the bottom of the third inning, Solak sin- and Elvis Andrus in 2019. record 13-5 in May. Yanks, the only scores of the game. Yang gled home a run with two outs. Two walks ¥ The Yankees became the 12th team the The highlight for the Yankees was was making a spot start because of injuries then loaded the bases, and Garcia singled Rangers have played in Globe Life Field. Corey Kluber’s no-hit game on Wednesday. and certainly pitched well enough to garner home two more runs to put Texas up 3-0. ¥ The Rangers have reached the 85% The Klubot was simply magnificent. There consideration for becoming part of the The feeling that the Rangers had taken COVID-19 vaccination level for Tier 1 per- were no more than two or three well hit starting rotation. He is 0-1 with a 3.38 control of this game did not last long. sonnel which has eased the protocols. The balls by the Rangers. He faced just one ERA after Wednesday’s game. Foltynewicz absolutely fell apart in the most noticeable one for fans is that the over the minimum -28 batters with the Thursday afternoon’s finale was similar fourth inning. After a flyout to start the players are no longer required to wear Ranger baserunner coming on a walk. in many ways. Starters and inning, a single and a double put New York masks in the dugout and bullpen. Kluber went to high school in Coppell, so Domingo German were both excellent. on the scoreboard. The next batter popped there were certainly friends from the area They completed six and seven shutout out to first baseman . That was

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 39 | May 21, 2021 - May 27, 2021 5 GOLF, ETC. WITH TOM WARD What? And give up show business?

the scenes as a writer, director, and produc- When I was a kid, F-Troop was one of Wolf Brand Chili Layered Salad, Paul er on many successful sitcoms such as those shows that was appointment televi- William’s “I’m no Shrimp” casserole, Burt Evening Shade, Sister Sister, Smart Guy, sion for me because it was really hilarious Reynold’s Best Little Chicken Breasts in Boston Common, and Grace Under Fire. and the show had memorable characters. Texas and Leslie Nielsen’s Rootin Tootin In his book, What? And Give Up Show Jim played the bugler, Hannibal Dobbs. baked beans. Business? Hampton delivers a masterful Chapter 18 is called The Stars. I found This book really captivated me on many memoir that is sure to delight anyone who the stories in this portion of the book quite levels. First, I was a friend of Jim’s and he is, or was, fan. You can really hear his entertaining. Hampton talks about his long- was such a wonderful man to be around. voice resonating from the pages. Jim was time pal who he met on the Whether or not you ever met Jim Hampton, TOM WARD always a terrific story teller and many of set of in 1963. From that point the stories told in this book are priceless [email protected] those great tales are described in vivid on they forged a lifelong friendship and and his infectious humor and writing style detail. had plenty of adventures together until is so engaging. Also, by reading the book On April 7th, actor James Hampton In the first few chapters, Hampton Reynolds death in 2018. you’ll find out how Hampton came up with died due to complications of Parkinson’s describes his life growing up in Dallas and Other fascinating and insightful tales the quizzical title of his memoir. disease. Hampton was a familiar face for his college days at North Texas State (now Hampton writes about feature: Doris Day, Prior to his passing, his wife Mary told over 50 years as an actor, writer and direc- University of North Texas). He pulls back Clint Eastwood, Billy Bob Thornton, me that Jim was able to see his long await- tor in television and films. the curtain to give the reader a peek at James Arness, James Garner, Jane Fonda, ed memoir come to fruition. Throughout his long career some of his what happened behind the scenes of some Jonny Cash, Jim Nabors, Roy Rogers, The book is 137 pages and has an abun- notable films roles include: The Longest of their favorite TV shows and movies that Mary Tyler Moore, Jimmy Stewart, Johnny dance of great black & white and color Yard, The China Syndrome, Sling Blade he starred in. Carson and many more. photos. The book is published by Fort and Teen Wolf, as well as popular TV Hampton describes in chapter 12 some One of the really nice touches are some Worth Press. Order your copy today at shows like F-Troop, Doris Day Show, Love tricks of the trade he used at auditions in of Hamptons favorite recipes that are sprin- www.amazon.com and American Style, Rockford Files and trying to get the upper hand on his compe- kled throughout the book. Hampton was www.tamupress.com. Murder She Wrote. He also worked behind tition which was quite clever and amusing. quite an accomplished chef. He pays hom- Tom Ward can be contacted at www.tee- age to his celebrity friends on certain dish- timewithtom.com es which are cleverly named like: Teen

6 May 21, 2021 - May 27, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 39 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com GOLF PGA TOUR This Week on TOUR: PGA Championship

Southern Hills), (2nd round, 1984 at Shoal Creek), Michael Bradley (1st round, 1993 at Inverness), (2nd round, 1993 at Inverness), Brad Faxon (4th round, 1995 at Riviera CC), José María Olazábal (3rd round, 2000 at Valhalla), Mark O’Meara (2nd round, 2001 at Atlanta AC), Thomas Bjorn (3rd round, 2005 at Baltusrol), (2nd round, 2007 at Southern Hills), (1st round, 2011 at Atlanta AC), (2nd round, 2013 at Oak Hill), Hiroshi Iwata (2nd round, 2015 at Whistling Straits), (2nd round, 2016 at Baltusrol), (2nd round, 2018 at Bellerive; 1st round, 2019 at Bethpage Black), (2nd round, 2018 at Bellerive). LAST TIME: Having been originally scheduled May 14-17, the 2020 PGA Championship was moved to August 6-9 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was the first major played in over a year. By week’s end, it was who had won his first major title. Morikawa had won on the PGA TOUR earlier in the year (his second TOUR title) and his final-round with current FedExCup leader, Bryson which, for the 2017 U.S. Open measured 64 Ð highlighted by one of the shots of the DeChambeau, lead one of the strongest 7,741 yards). It’s also 200 more yards than year, a driver on the par-4 16th that ended fields in golf teeing it up at the second when Kiawah hosted the PGA in 2012. Six up just 7 feet from the hole Ð saw him major of the year. Johnson had to WD from holes will play over 500 yards. The course, jump to the top of the leaderboard. He the event preceding the PGA, the AT&T which also hosted the 1991 , is starting Sunday two shots back of Dustin Byron Nelson, beause of knee pain… After set alongside the Atlantic Ocean (it boasts Johnson’s lead. Morikawa’s Sunday 64 was returning home to a hero’s welcome after the “most seaside holes in the Northern tied for the low round of the week, and his his Masters win, Hemisphere”) and wind certainly will play 129 on the weekend set a new PGA PGA Championship returned to the TOUR at the AT&T Byron a factor. Championship record. Johnson ended up May 20 - May 21, 2021 Nelson, where he made the cut… There STORYLINES: ’s game is T2 alongside , while Matthew Kiawah Island Golf Resort will be 20 PGA of America club pros in trending in the right direction heading to Wolff, Bryson DeChambeau, Scottie Kiawah Island, South Carolina the event, who all qualified in various the PGA. Spieth, a winner already on Scheffler, , and fin- Purse - $11,000,000 ways… Brooks Koepka missed the cut in TOUR this season, is looking for the career ished T4. Winners share: $1,980,000 Texas at his first start since the Masters Grand Slam once again at the PGA, the 2019 Winner - Colin Morikawa after returning from injury, however, lone major that has eluded him in his HOW TO FOLLOW Koepka Ð a two-time PGA winner Ð has career thus far. This is Spieth’s fifth crack Television: Thursday-Friday, 7 a.m.-1 By Adam Stanley never missed the cut in eight attempts at at trying to win the Grand Slam.... p.m. (ESPN+), 1 p.m.-7 p.m. (ESPN). PGATOUR.COM the PGA… Collin Morikawa already beat a .....Americans have won five straight PGA Saturday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-10 a.m. (ESPN+), world-class field once this year, having Championships and seven of the last 10 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (ESPN), 1 p.m.-7 p.m. The PGA Championship heads to won the WGC-Workday Championship in (with Rory McIlroy being the exception (CBS) Kiawah Island for a second time, with February, and now he’s looking to do it twice)… McIlroy along with Keegan Bonus: Thursday-Friday, Featured Group Collin Morikawa looking to defend his first again as he defends his title from 2020. He Bradley, , , and Steve #1, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. (ESPN+), Thursday- major and Rory McIlroy seeking to recap- and Tiger Woods are the only players to Stricker are golfers who finished inside the Friday, Featured Group #2, #3, #4, 8 a.m.- ture the magic that led to an eight-shot win win a major and World Golf Championship top 10 in 2012 who are back in the field at 7 p.m. (ESPN+). Saturday-Sunday, here in 2012. before turning 25… is hop- the Ocean Course in 2021… Featured Group #1, #2, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Storylines abound, as Jordan Spieth will ing to add to his major championship tro- and were extended special (ESPN+), Featured Group #3, #4, 8 a.m.-1 be attempting to complete the career Grand phy case with another Wanamaker, after exemptions for this year’s PGA. Fowler p.m. (ESPN+). Slam and Bryson DeChambeau will bring winning the PGA in 2017. Thomas, who didn’t play in the Masters (for the first time Radio: Thursday Ð Sunday, 1 p.m.-7 p.m. his big drives to the longest venue in major won THE PLAYERS earlier this year Ð his since 2010) and he’s not teed it up at a ET (on SiriusXM 208, XM 92. Not avail- championship history. 14th TOUR title Ð has never missed the cut major since last year… able on PGA TOUR Digital platforms). FIELD NOTES: Two-time FedExCup at the PGA. was teary-eyed after winning the Masters The PGA of America, who owns and oper- champion Rory McIlroy arrives on a win- FEDEXCUP: Winner receives 600 near his childhood hometown of Columbia, ates the PGA Championship, controls all ning note, claiming the Wells Fargo FedExCup points. South Carolina. Can he win a major in his digital streaming and broadcast rights to Championship in his last start. McIlroy’s COURSE: The Ocean Course at Kiawah home state this time? this event. For more information on how to eight-shot win here in 2012 is the largest Island Golf Resort, par 72, 7,876 yards. 72-HOLE RECORD: 264, Brooks watch this week, please visit the PGA winning margin in PGA Championship his- The Pete and Alice Dye design has been Koepka (2018 at Bellerive CC) Championship website. PGA TOUR LIVE tory and came a year after he won the U.S. stretched to more than 7,800 yards, making 18-HOLE RECORD: 63, Bruce coverage will resume next week at the Open by the same margin… The reigning it the longest major championship venue in Crampton (2nd round, 1975 at Firestone Charles Schwab Challenge. FedExCup champion Dustin Johnson along history (the previous mark was Erin Hills CC), (1st round, 1982 at

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 39 | May 21, 2021 - May 27, 2021 7 Nine Things to Know: Kiawah Island

Players saw first-hand at the how differently the course can play. The wind blew from the southeast during the practice rounds but came from the opposite direction once the competition began. “All of the finishing holes, which had been downwind the day before would sud- denly be played against a stiff breeze,” Dye wrote. “At the par-3 14th, the competitors were hitting 2- and 3-irons where the day before they had used a 7 or 8. At 18, what had been a 5- or 6-iron approach shot down wind to the green now became a long-iron or rescue club shot.” 4. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (PART 2) Alice Dye played an integral part in many of her husband’s designs. Kiawah Island’s Ocean Course is no exception. A ridge of sand dunes blocked views of the beach, so Alice convinced Pete to raise the fairways six feet so golfers could see over the sand. “You’re building a course right next to the The 2021 PGA Championship gets underway this week at Kiawah Island’s Ocean Course. (Gary Kellner/PGA of America) ocean but the golfers can’t see it!” she said. They used the sand dug out from lakes and pockets around the course to raise the fair- By Sean Martin Kiawah Island, calling it “one of the great- course he desired. ways. pgatour.com est pieces of seaside property in the United Dye built the course in a figure-8 “Thanks to Alice, golfers can enjoy States.” design, with the front nine looping clock- watching the tide roll in and out, experi- The PGA Championship returns to “The combination of the magnificent wise to the east and the back nine looping Kiawah Island this week. The Ocean encing the beautiful Kiawah island coast- Atlantic Ocean on one side and the vast counterclockwise to the west. That layout line,” wrote. Improving the views Course, designed by Pete and Alice Dye, is saltwater marshes on the other captivated allows Kiawah Island to have more ocean- known for both its beauty and its brawn. also increased the course’s exposure to the me,” he wrote. front holes (10) than any course in the wind, and some of the dramatic drop-offs With a scorecard yardage of 7,876 How good was the land? Kiawah Island North America. yards, it will be the longest major venue in increased the penalty for off-line shots. was awarded the Ryder Cup before the “It looks like God designed it,” said “It does look like a , history. It is 135 yards longer than the pre- course was built. The matches were origi- , the U.S. captain in the vious record holder, Erin Hillls, the host of there is no question about it, but the differ- nally scheduled to be held at another Dye 1991 Ryder Cup at Kiawah Island. “It’s ence is many of the greens are built up into the 2017 U.S. Open. design, PGA West’s Stadium Course, but just a natural creation. has also declared the Ocean the air, where you can’t really run the ball were moved to the East Coast to better suit “It’s great to see a...golf course that’s on,” said , who played the Course the most difficult in the country. television audiences in Europe. not trying to fit between a freeway and a “The Ocean Course, strung along the 1991 Ryder Cup at Kiawah Island. “When “For the first time in history, the herald- housing project.” you are faced with a shot that you have to Atlantic coastline with fairways and greens ed event had been awarded to a course that 3. AND THE BEAST perched above sand, sea oats and sweet- keep the ball down (because of the wind) did not exist and there was less than two In his autobiography, Dye started the but you have to get it up in the air to make grass, is perhaps (Dye’s) most Dye-abolical years to build one worthy of the event,” chapter on Kiawah Island with a quote design,” the magazine wrote. “With forced it stop, that’s really the difficulty.” Dye wrote. from course architect John L. Low. 5. RORY’S ROMP carries over marshes (and) endless waste His team didn’t get permission to begin “A good player prays for wind every bunkers, … the Ocean is a rare course that The PGA Championship also visited clearing land until July 1989. Hurricane day, but he must not pray too earnestly,” the Ocean Course in 2012. Rory McIlroy can bring tears and fears even to TOUR Hugo hit that October, delaying a construc- Low said. pros.” won by eight shots. He broke Jack tion process that was already working on a It’s a fitting quote because in return for Nicklaus’ record for largest winning mar- This is the second time the oceanfront tight timetable. Many doubted that the the scenic views, players often face strong, gem will host this championship. Rory gin in the PGA and became the only player course would be in suitable condition for and unpredictable, winds at the Ocean besides Tiger Woods to win multiple major McIlroy romped to an 8-shot win at the matches. That only inspired everyone Course. Kiawah in 2012. The course also hosted by eight or more shots since World War I. involved in the construction, Dye said. During construction, Dye discovered McIlroy’s PGA win came a year after he one of the most hotly-contested Ryder The team worked 18-hour days, often there was no prevailing wind on Kiawah Cups in history. won the U.S. Open by eight shots. Winning under lights after the sun had set, to com- Island. It could blow from different direc- at Kiawah got him back to No. 1 in the “Strategically, it is an absolute master- plete the course on time. The course was tions on consecutive days. It required Dye piece,” said , a member of the world. He was the youngest player to win planted in July 1990, almost exactly a year to design an adaptable course. two majors since (Tiger 1991 U.S. Ryder Cup team. “There are after the groundbreaking. “We were in effect building two golf some holes out there that can just com- Woods was about four months older when 2. BEAUTY courses since the direction of the wind he won his second major). pletely end your hopes.” The Ocean Course is built on a 2.5 mile could require a long approach one day and With that said, here are Nine Things to McIlroy was two back after shooting stretch of beachside property located about a short on the next,” Dye wrote. 67-75 in the first two rounds but his clos- Know before the PGA Championship gets 30 miles from Charleston, South Carolina. He did this by building greens that were underway at Kiawah Island’s Ocean ing two rounds of 11-under 133 (67-66) With no homes allowed on site because of 40-50 yards deep and could accept shots was best in the field by three shots. He fin- Course: environmental restrictions, Dye said he was with a variety of trajectories. He also built 1. IN THE BEGINNING ished the rain-delayed third round Sunday like a “kid with a lollipop” because of the long tees that would allow a hole’s yardage morning, making birdies on Nos. 15 and 16 Dye wrote in his autobiography that he flexibility that gave him to create the to vary greatly day-to-day. immediately fell in love with the site for to take a three-shot lead. No one got closer

8 May 21, 2021 - May 27, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 39 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com ease, to make a realistic challenge, we dug have retained the cup. an eight-acre lake that stretches from the Langer’s miss gave the United States its tee to the offset green, which runs away first win since 1983. from the player diagonally to the right and Two years earlier, Calcavecchia stood is nearly a double size at 10,000 square on the 18th tee of his singles match all feet.” square with Ronan Rafferty. Calcavecchia 8. CALC’S COLLAPSE didn’t finish the final hole after putting two The 17th hole was made famous by balls in the water. The teams finished tied, ’s shank in the 1991 allowing Europe to retain the Cup. Ryder Cup. It was part of a collapse that After the 1991 Ryder Cup, sent an emotional Calcavecchia to weep in Calcavecchia told his wife, “I don’t want to the sand dunes, away from the tumult of be part of this competition anymore. It got the Ryder Cup’s final holes. He started to the point where … it was too much.” hyperventilating and almost passed out 9. PASP-TIME from the stress of possibly costing his Kiawah Island was built with the country the Ryder Cup. Bermudagrass that is common in the “I flipped out a little bit,” he said. “If Southeast. It was changed to a seaside- we didn’t win this thing, I wouldn’t have friendly strain of paspalum before the 2012 played golf for a long time.” PGA Championship, making it the first He was 4 up before playing the final major played on that surface. The 17th hole features a long island green four holes in 8 over par, including triples at Paspalum is better suited for the wind, 15 and 17. salt and sun of an oceanside setting. It also His tee shot at 17 quickly dove into the has no grain, which makes for smoother than two strokes the rest of the way. He Kiawah Island’s two back-nine par-3s Ð lake, coming nowhere near land. He then greens and a ball that sits up in the fairway. was bogey-free over his final 23 holes. Nos. 14 and 17 Ð were two of the 10 hard- missed a 2-foot putt for double-bogey that In 2012, Scott described the grass as “It's been great to win my first major est par-3s on TOUR in 2012. The par-5 would have won the match. slightly slower than Bermuda, but “very last year and to back that up with another 11th was the sixth-hardest par-5 that sea- “I tried to hit it too low,” Calcavecchia consistent.” McIlroy described it as one this year; I can't ask for any more,” he son. And the 18th hole was the second- said. “I played the ball too far back in my “sticky.” said after the win. “I just want to keep hardest finishing hole of the season. stance.” “It just really grabs the ball,” he said in working hard, keep practicing, and hope- “Fourteen and 17 are very long, very The United States won only after 2012. “Even if you get the greens firm fully there's a few more of these in my difficult par-3s,” said in 2012. missed a 6-foot putt on here, the ball is still going to grab on this closet when my career finishes.” “But they kind of sit right in with the the final hole of the final match, against grass. … You can be aggressive with your McIlroy arrives at this year’s PGA on a whole back nine. It’s all difficult.” Hale Irwin. Had Langer made his putt, the chip shots and aggressive with your wedge winning note. He was in his last 7. THREE’S COMPANY teams would have tied and Europe would shots, too.” start, the , to Kiawah’s 14th hole was inspired by the end an 18-month winless drought. It was famed Redan hole at Scotland’s North his 19th PGA TOUR victory. After win- Berwick. The elevated green on the 238- ning two majors before turning 24, McIlroy yard hole runs diagonally from right to left, has won just two in the nine years since. with a green that runs away from the play- Both came in 2014, when he won The er. A deep bunker guards the left side of Open Championship and PGA in a span of the green. Only 39% of the field hit the three weeks. He’s also won two FedEx green in 2012. Cups and a PLAYERS championship. “Only the back-left portion (of the 6. 2012 STATS green) is visible from the tee,” Dye wrote. Rain took some bite out of the Ocean “The green demands a high shot when the Course in 2012 but it was still the second- pin is located on the front, but when the most difficult course on TOUR that year. pin is located on the back, it demands a Only the Olympic Club, host of the 2012 low trajectory shot that will land on the U.S. Open, played harder. front of the green and roll down to the Kiawah Island played to a 74.6 scoring back.” average. McIlroy was the only player to It’s the first of two terrifying par-3s that shoot more than 5 under par for the week. come in Kiawah Island’s final five holes. Only 20 players finished in red figures. The Ocean Course is one of several The back nine played to a 37.7 average Dye designs that ends with a 5-3-4 finish- Ð nearly two strokes over par Ð in 2012. ing sequence. Think TPC Sawgrass and Five of the course’s six hardest holes PGA West. The 17th on both of those were on the back nine. Four of them came courses features an island green. in the final six holes. Starting with the 14th Kiawah Island’s 17th hole isn’t an hole, the course turns back toward the island but it’s much longer than its more clubhouse, so there’s a potential for players famous siblings and still requires a tee shot to face five consecutive holes into the wind that carries water. to close their round. Kiawah Island's 17th hole features a long island green. (Gary Kellner/PGA of KIAWAH'S CLOSING STRETCH America) Hole Yardage Par Average (Rank) Like Dye’s original island green, at 13 497 4 4.38 (1) TPC Sawgrass, Alice Dye gets the credit 14 238 3 3.32 (4) for Kiawah’s famed 17th, as well. 15 444 4 4.00 (14) “There wasn’t going to be a lake on the 16 581 5 4.79 (18) 17 223 3 3.30 (6) … 17th but Alice felt we needed a dramat- 18 501 4 4.37 (2) ic element at this point,” Dye wote in his autobiography. “Since players of Ryder All stats from 2012 PGA Cup caliber can handle bunker shots with

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 39 | May 21, 2021 - May 27, 2021 9 Spieth eyes history at PGA Championship

checks on the hill, then basically just goes Mach3 and just slams into the back of the hole and goes in. Then he follows it up with like a 30- or 40-footer on the next hole. It's just like, this is just Jordan. “I think to me – I'd seen it for the few months leading up to that,” he continued, “but that was like the most Ð that was when I knew, OK, he's back. It's been fun to see.” Spieth said he’s tried to stay level-head- ed amid the mass hysteria of his high highs and low lows. “It’s golf,” he said. He said he’s not thinking about the Slam and won’t until the weekend Ð and that’s only if he’s contending. “I feel like I'll have a lot of chances at this tourna- ment,” he said, “and if I just focus on try- ing to take advantage of this golf course, play it the best I can and kind of stay in the same form tree to green I've been in, all I can ask for is a chance.” Just a chance. For some players Ð the most riveting, can’t-turn-away players – it’s Spieth brings best form to bid for career to 26th in the world, eighth in the pull-hooked his tee shot left of the cart all they need. And that’s why the Slam is Grand Slam since 2017 FedExCup. That’s not up the standards he path. Zalatoris knew not to get too com- very much in play at Kiawah. As Zalatoris, set in 2015, when he was No. 1 in both, but fortable. , and others By Cameron Morfit then again, is that standard even fair? “Jordan hits this chip shot that skips know well, when Jordan Spieth things start PGATOUR.COM What does it mean to be back, anyway? through the rough,” he said, “goes up, happening, anything is possible. KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C. Ð Jordan Winning on TOUR? Spieth has done that. Spieth could tell you he’s been in the top Winning his fourth major? It could happen 10 in seven of his last nine PGA TOUR this week. Revisiting the peaks he reached starts, including his 12th victory at the in 2015? That year, of course, is when last month. Spieth won five times, including the He could tell you the significance of a Masters, U.S. Open, TOUR Championship potential victory at this week’s 103th PGA and FedExCup. He was Player of the Year Championship at Kiawah, where a fourth and reached No. 1 in the world. major win would give him the career But that metric is problematic, as well. Grand Slam Ð a distinction held by only “I was actually a better player in 2017,” Tiger Woods, , Gary Player, he said, “but everyone just looks at results. Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen. I had a lower scoring average. I was better But as to when exactly he knew that he tee to green. I was a better player.” was “back” to his old self after a vexing, For , who plays often with lengthy slump that saw him fall to 92nd in Spieth in Dallas and will join him (and the world earlier this year? ) for the first two rounds of That’s more complicated. the PGA, being back means doing Jordan “I'm not sure if there was a single turn- Spieth things again. ing point,” said Spieth, who is coming off a And what exactly are Jordan Spieth T9 finish at the AT&T Byron Nelson last things? week. “I think it was kind of a progression “The disgusting chip-ins,” Zalatoris of finding some feels that allowed me to said, “the 40-footers that when you're play- stand comfortably over the ball and hit a ing against him they're awful, when you're shot under pressure, and then doing that for playing with him they're the best thing on multiple days in a row and then having that earth, or at least when he's on your team. happen a couple tournaments in a row.” But the guy, I mean, he worked so hard at Those two tournaments, he added, were it for a year and a half, just hours and the Waste Management (T4, hours of beating golf balls. Obviously, we including a third-round 61) and AT&T get to see what goes on here, but I'm fortu- Pebble Beach Pro-Am (T3) in early nate enough to see what goes on back February. It was, he said, the “time frame home, and there's nobody that works hard- where I kind of thought, Man, I know it's er than him. not where I want it to be, but it doesn't “It was just a matter of time.” need to be for me to at least tap in to how A match at Dallas National “three or to contend out here.” four months ago,” he added, left no ques- Spieth, who had weather delays getting tion. Zalatoris and his partner were on the out of Dallas and was set to play the course green; Spieth and partner Martin Flores for the first time Tuesday afternoon, is up were on either side of it, Spieth having

10 May 21, 2021 - May 27, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 39 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com NBA NBA PLAYOFFS NBA Playoff picks and predictions

expectations, and facing a play-in tourney opponent to start takes some of the pres- sure off. Brooklyn is too talented to be defeated in the semis, too. Once Harden, KD and Irving are all on the court again, there’s no stopping the Nets. A Knicks-76ers semifinals showdown would be epic, because they might be the best two defensive squads in the entire NBA. Philly’s star power would allow the favorites to advance, but again, Brooklyn’s offense is too elite for the Sixers to beat a full-strength Nets team in the Conference Finals four times out of seven. Updated Conference bracket ¥ No. 1 Jazz defeat No. 8 Warriors, 4-2 ¥ No. 7 Lakers defeat No. 2 Suns, 4-3; Lakers advance to Conference Finals, 4-2 ¥ No. 3 Nuggets defeat No. 6 Trail Blazers, 4-2 ¥ No. 5 Mavericks defeat No. 4 Clippers, 4-3; Mavs advance to Conference Finals, 4-2 If the Lakers are the seventh seed, they’re going to be a problem. In a best-of- seven with LeBron and AD healthy, Phoenix wouldn’t have enough firepower, as CP3 and Devin Booker get dealt a brutal hand in trying to lead the Suns back to prominence. When it comes to the Clippers bowing By Mike McFee Antetokounmpo needs a championship to picnic. out in Round 1, recall their blown 3-1 lead cement his legacy — and has to go through Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks last year. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George Here are our NBA playoff predictions. the reigning East champion Miami Heat in started slow but are officially off the mat. aren’t getting over that any time soon, and Will LeBron and the Lakers repeat, or will Round 1. Tough start. Doncic is scoring at the most efficient rate Luka got injured when Dallas met them in the Nets' Super Team prevail? Brooklyn made an amazing trade for of his young NBA career, and Dallas has the Orlando bubble. With the 2020-21 season all wrapped up, James Harden and are entering the playoffs picked up the slack on defense, setting up a Our projections have the Lakers KO’ing it’s time to update our NBA playoffs and as the No. 2 seed. Kyrie Irving hasn’t first-round rematch with the Clippers. Phoenix and Utah. After a gauntlet of the Finals predictions, and project how all the wrecked the team with his antics, and The Utah Jazz have been the best team Warriors, Suns, Jazz and Mavs, LBJ haters qualifying teams from the Eastern and thanks largely to Harden’s MVP-caliber all season. Joining them among the West’s will bite their tongues as an NBA Finals Western Conference will fare this postsea- play, the Nets thrived without Kevin elite are the Phoenix Suns, who’ve stunned duel for the ages emerges. son. Durant and The Beard for long stretches. everyone with their rapid ascent, which NBA playoff predictions: NBA Finals Check out our NBA playoff predictions Brooklyn should defeat its play-in foe with Chris Paul has much to do with. matchup and champion below, which feature the original preseason ease. Another notable team with resilience 2021 NBA Finals predictions: Lakers picks, and will be refreshed shortly after Western Conference predictions and star power is the Portland Trail defeat Nets, 4-3 the play-in tournament. Top seeds in the West (actual) Blazers. They stayed afloat while CJ L.A. has looked almost unstoppable Eastern Conference predictions 1) Utah Jazz McCollum missed extended time, and he when LeBron and AD have been on the Top seeds in the East (actual) 2) Phoenix Suns and Damian Lillard form a truly elite back- court, as the Lakers boast a combination of 1) Philadelphia 76ers; 3) Denver Nuggets court. depth, size and star power their previous 2) Brooklyn Nets 4) Los Angeles Clippers NBA Playoffs bracket predictions title-winning team didn’t have. 3) Milwaukee Bucks 5) Dallas Mavericks Matchups and Winners While the Nets have a disadvantage 4) New York Knicks 6) Portland Trail Blazers Updated Eastern Conference bracket rebounding, if Irving, Harden and Durant 5) Atlanta Hawks 7) Los Angeles Lakers ¥ No. 1 76ers defeat No. 8 Celtics, 4-1; are firing on all cylinders, great offense 6) Miami Heat 8) Golden State Warriors 76ers advance to Conference Finals, 4-2 beats great defense any day. 7) Boston Celtics 9) Memphis Grizzlies ¥ No. 2 Nets defeat No. 7 Wizards, 4-1; said, the scrutiny falls on the 8) Washington Wizards 10) San Antonio Spurs Nets advance to Conference Finals, 4-3 Nets here. Harden is eying his first champi- 9) Indiana Pacers Original picks: 1) Lakers; 2) Clippers; 3) ¥ No. 3 Bucks defeat No. 6 Heat, 4-3 onship. Irving is trying to prove he’s not 10) Charlotte Hornets Mavericks; 4) Nuggets; 5) Warriors; 6) ¥ No. 4 Knicks defeat No. 5 Hawks, 4-2 toxic and can help lead a perennial con- Original seeding predictions: 1) Bucks; 2) Suns; 7) Pelicans; 8) Jazz It’d be tough to see the Heat and Bucks tender. Win or lose, Durant is going to Heat; 3) Nets; 4) Celtics; 5) Raptors; 6) The Lakers failed to defend their con- square off so early. That’s what happens catch grief due to his latest Super Team 76ers; 7) Pacers; 8) Wizards ference title in the regular season. Injuries you fall short of preseason expectations. In membership. ¥ The trade for Jrue Holiday was a mas- to LeBron James and Anthony Davis the end, Milwaukee sends Miami packing The Lakers are more battle-tested. sive move for Milwaukee, but even more derailed those hopes, and squaring off with in an epic matchup that goes the full seven- LeBron will again defy the odds, claim his crucial was Giannis Antetokounmpo sign- and the Golden State game distance. fifth title, furthering close the GOAT ing a supermax contract extension. Warriors in the play-in tournament is no The Nets face championship-or-bust debate gap on Michael Jordan.

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 39 | May 21, 2021 - May 27, 2021 11 NBA Playoffs 2021: Clippers vs. Mavs

ing 11 points in the opening frame to set After starting off extremely hot, George's the tone for what was to come. Doncic play tapered off some but he still finished added another 11 in the second to head into the regular season averaging 23.3 points, the halftime break with 22 points (on 8-for- 6.6 rebounds and 5.2 assists while shooting 15 shooting), four assists and two steals. 46.7 percent from the field and 41.1 per- He didn't slow down in the second half cent from 3-point range. either. An efficient scoring series from George Dallas' All-Star guard finished the night would set LA apart, as Dallas won't likely with 42 points (on 16-for-28 shooting), have the offensive firepower to combat nine assists, six rebounds, three steals and efficient scoring from both him and two blocks in just under 43 minutes of Leonard. As mentioned above, George is action. another defender that can spend time mak- George impressed with 28 points (on 10 ing life difficult for Doncic, as well, so his -for-20 shooting) and Leonard again dished two-way prowess will be put to the test. out seven assists to showcase his playmak- George enters the series with a chip on his ing ability but the Mavericks outscored the shoulder and something to prove, keep an Clippers 28-18 in the final frame to earn a eye on how he performs because of it. 105-89 victory and take the season series. Tim Hardaway Jr. Any time that two of the league's top 10 Dallas is going to need offence and it's talents meet in a postseason series, it's hard going to need shooting. to focus on much else. That it's happening Hardaway has to be the guy. for the second consecutive year only adds As a starter during the final eight games fuel to fire, notching up the intrigue of the 2020-21 regular season, Hardaway between the two. averaged 21.5 points per game while shoot- The numbers from last year's six-game ing 51.8 percent from the field, 45.2 per- series are actually ridiculous. cent from deep and 87.5 percent from the At 21, Doncic put forth one of the most charity stripe. Within that stretch, memorable playoff debuts in NBA history, Hardaway knocked down 10 triples to fin- immortalized in Game 4, where he capped ish with 36 points against his hometown off a 43-point, 17-, 13- triple- Miami Heat and scored 23 points on 8-for- Luka Doncic will look to build upon his stellar playoff debut in 2020 double with a game-winning step-back 3 at 16 shooting just two nights later against the the buzzer. Brooklyn Nets. All on a bum ankle. Although Jalen Brunson (71 assists) By Mike McFee Dallas would earn its first win of the Since then, Doncic has only gotten - came somewhat close, no one assisted season in dominant fashion, defeating LA ter, so there's no telling what he has in Hardaway more than Doncic this year (95 Who doesn't love a postseason rematch? 124-73 without Kristaps Porzingis. Doncic store for an encore. assists). Luka's elite playmaking skills After meeting in the opening round in the finished with a game-high 24 points to go As one of the league's best perimeter must be rewarded with converted offensive Disney World Bubble last year, the along with nine rebounds and eight assists, defenders, Leonard is one of a number of opportunities in order for Dallas to have a Mavericks and Clippers will run it back to while Josh Richardson scored 21 points (on players that will make life difficult for chance. open the 2021 NBA Playoffs. While Kawhi 8-for-13 shooting). Doncic, in addition to George and Marcus Kristaps Porzingis Leonard looks to lead LA to its first-ever The next two meetings were much more Morris. Offensively, well, we know what "What if Porzingis didn't get hurt last NBA title, Luka Doncic will look to build like what we should expect from this play- Leonard brings to the table. year?" upon his stellar playoff debut in 2020. off series. He, too, has gotten better this season. It's a question that many have wondered Who doesn't love a rematch? In mid-March, the Clippers traveled to In addition to averaging an efficient - myself included - after Porzingis was lim- After an epic six-game series in the North Texas to take on the Mavericks twice 24.8 points on .512/.398/.885 shooting ited to just three games in last year's series bubble last year, the LA Clippers will again in three days for what would end up being splits, Leonard finished the season averag- between the Clippers and Mavericks. In meet the Dallas Mavericks in the opening a playoff prequel. On the front end of the ing a career-best 5.2 assists per contest. those three games, Porzingis was a prob- round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs, where back-to-back, the two teams went back and Leonard's average of 7.0 assists over two lem, averaging 23.7 points and 8.7 things will look much different. forth in the first half before LA kept its dis- meetings with the Mavericks this season is rebounds on .525/.529/.870 shooting splits. Season Series tance in the second, holding a double-digit more than he averaged against any other We remember that Porzingis missed the Result: Mavericks won 2-1 lead at various points. team he faced more than once. final three games of the series due to a Best game: March 15, 2021 - Clippers The Mavericks were able to cut the We know what Kawhi can do as a scor- knee injury but it's easy to forget that he 109, Mavericks 99 deficit to four points late in the fourth but er and defender, but his playmaking could was ejected early in the second half of Best performance: Luka Doncic (March failed to score over the final 3:15 of the prove to be yet another key to this upcom- Game 1 while the Mavericks held a five- 17, 2021) - 42 points (16-28 FG, 6-11 game, and the Clippers earned a 109-99 ing series. point lead. If he had played in that full 3FG), nine assists, six rebounds, three win, punctuated by a dagger 3 from Paul Three Players to Watch game, his series numbers would have been steals, two blocks George. Kawhi Leonard led the way with Paul George even crazier and the outlook of the series The season series between the Mavs 22 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Last postseason was less-than-ideal for could have been much different. and Clippers got off to quite the start. When the teams ran it back 48 hours the seven-time All-Star but the 2021 play- If Porzingis is healthy, he can be a Three games into the year, a winless later, it was all about Doncic. offs spell an opportunity for redemption. major difference-maker. It's a big if, how- Dallas team traveled to the Staples Center The 22-year-old got after it early, scor- ever, as he missed seven games before to take on a Kawhi-less LA, which had playing in the Mavs' last three of the 2020- won its first two games of the season. In a First Round Luka Doncic vs. Kawhi Leonard: 2020 First Round 21 regular season. LA has Serge Ibaka to Sunday afternoon, matinee, the Mavericks defend Porzingis, but even Ibaka has bat- made their presence felt early and often, PTS REB AST STL FG% 3P% FT% tled health issues all year. taking a 50-point lead (yes, you read that Luka Doncic 31.0 9.8 8.7 1.2 50.0 36.4 65.6 He might not be enough. correctly) into the halftime break. Kawhi Leonard 32.8 10.2 5.2 2.3 53.8 29.4 85.5

12 May 21, 2021 - May 27, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 39 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com COLLEGES COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME Hall of Fame Spotlight:

fourth quarters while also protecting them Dickerson. “If I had been at Oklahoma, from injuries. USC that year, I would have won the “Had we not connected as friends, I Heisman. But for me, that wasn't supposed don't think our rotating system would have to happen. But I do thank God that I got a worked,” said James. “I think from day one chance to play with my friend Craig James, for whatever reason the chemistry was and we were successful as we were at there… I am so excited that Eric is going SMU and people still talk about the Pony into the College Football Hall of Fame, Express.” knowing that he is one of the very best to ever have played college football, and that ERIC DICKERSON: UP CLOSE he's now going to represent himself and all ¥ Named unanimous First Team All- of us.” American and finished third in the A unanimous First Team All-American voting in 1982. in 1982, Dickerson helped guide SMU to a ¥ Twice named SWC Player of the Year, No. 2 final ranking and an 11-0-1 record leading SMU to back-to-back conference capped off by a win over Pitt in the Cotton titles in 1981 and 1982. Bowl. He finished third in the Heisman ¥ Holds 13 SMU records, including Trophy voting behind Herschel Walker and career rushing yards (4,450), single-season John Elway after rushing for 17 touch- rushing yards (1,617), career rushing downs and 1,617 yards. Citing the impact touchdowns (47) and career 100-yard rush- of the Pony Express’ dynamic, Dickerson ing games (28). referenced Walker’s marks, which included ¥ Played for coaches Ron Meyer and rushing for 1,752 yards and 16 touchdowns Bobby Collins. on 335 attempts (103 more than Dickerson). ¥ Becomes the seventh SMU player to “Stats don’t lie. I would say to Herschel enter the College Football Hall of Fame that's my Heisman you have,” said In 1981 Dickerson helped SMU to a No. 5 final ranking, a 10-1 record and its first SWC title since 1966

ERIC DICKERSON option in the second half that we had been Southern Methodist University practicing, and they could not make adjust- Running Back, 1979-82 ments,” said Dickerson. “After the game, we had some old alumni in walkers and If you want to go fast, go alone. If you wheel chairs come into the locker room, want to go far, go together. If you want to crying and saying I have been waiting 20 go fast and far, create a “Pony Express” years for this day because we had not beat- with Eric Dickerson and Craig James alter- en Texas since 1966.” nating in the saddle. Dickerson, the sensa- The Pony Express had arrived with tion in the famed SMU duo who helped Dickerson and James alternating carries deliver two-consecutive Southwest and option quarterback Lance McIlhenny Conference (SWC) championships, now joining the pair in the backfield. rides into the College Football Hall of “Nobody could run the option like Fame. Lance,” said Dickerson. “We called him the “It means a lot to me to represent my Magic Man because he could do it so university,” said Dickerson. “I'm proud to smooth and so quick. At the last minute he be a Mustang player. We had a great era would take the hit and the ball would come with great players: my friend Craig James, out, it was amazing.” Harvey Armstrong, Charles Drayton, Mark In 1981, Dickerson helped SMU to a Crites, Joe Beard, Eric Ferguson, Gary No. 5 final ranking, a 10-1 record and its Moten, Blane Smith. first SWC title since 1966. Dickerson “When people think of SMU, they think scored 19 touchdowns and ran for 1,428 of the Pony Express, but it was so much yards on the season, destroying the SMU deeper. Our defense was second to none, single-season rushing record by 394 yards. almost to the point of viciousness. I think "I have to give credit to my friend and of Wes Hopkins. We had some great play- coach, Ron Meyer, for putting those teams ers, but the best thing was the closeness of together,” said Dickerson. “One thing about our team.” Ron was he could see talent like no one Coming out of Sealy, Texas, Dickerson else… He made it work between me and had an impressive debut with 123 yards Craig. Because I didn't want [to share the and three touchdowns against Rice, but carries], and Craig didn't…. But, Coach injuries limited him during his freshman Meyer set it up with me and Craig to year in 1979. The following year, SMU rotate… It was really frustrating, and it was posted an 8-4 record, including a 20-6 win frustrating for Craig too, but you got used in Austin against a No. 2-ranked Texas on to it.” national TV. The rotating system kept the pair fresh, “It was a close game until we put in the wearing down opponents in the third and

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 39 | May 21, 2021 - May 27, 2021 13 COLLEGES WITH BO CARTER College Football News and Notes

18-24 period are May 18 (1916) Paul Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the U.S. Hoernemann, Lima, Ohio; (1924) Charlie National Institute of Allergy and Infectious “Choo” Justice, Asheville, N.C.; (1983) Diseases, received a Vanderbilt baseball Vince Young, Houston, Texas; May 19 jersey and commemorative VU medal after (1893) Tuss McLaughry, Chicago, Ill.; speaking at Vanderbilt’s commencement (1949) Archie Manning, Cleveland, Miss.; ceremonies… Fifty-years-plus Vanderbilt (1967) John Friesz, Missoula, Mont.; professor of philosophy Dr. John Lachs is (1975) London Fletcher, Cleveland, Ohio; retiring and starting the John Lachs Ethics May 20 (1867) Andy Wyant, Chicago, Ill.; Research and Engagement Fund. (1920) Al Sparlis, Los Angeles, Calif.; Vanderbilt Student Media Hall of Fame (1924) Herman Wedemeyer, , member Skip Bayless, John (Joe Bob Hawai’i; (1960) Tim Krumrie, Menomonie, Bloom) Briggs, famed Vandy grad and Wis.; May 21 (1923) , Missouri journalism benefactor Walt Potter, Akron, Ohio; (1935) John Majors, and NFF correspondent Bo Carter often Lynchburg, Tenn.; (1940) James Saxton, greeted Dr. Lachs during his walks to class College Station, Texas; (1943) Johnny at historic Furman Hall on the Vandy cam- Roland, Corpus Christi, Texas; (1943) pus…The Associated Press home office in Glenn Ressler, Dornsife, Pa.; (1958) Jim asked for an immediate Ritcher, Berea, Ohio; (1977) Ricky explanation from Israel after the AP news Williams, San Diego, Calif.; May 22 and sports bureau in Gaza City on the West (1907) Paul Schwegler, Raymond, Wash.; Bank was destroyed in bombing attacks (1960) Dave Rimington, Omaha, Neb.; last weekend. AP reported no casualties as (1977) Dre Bly, Chesapeake, Va.; May 23 the building had been evacuated. (1888) Ted Coy, Andover, Mass.; May 24 Maurice Linguist has been named head (1894) Harry Baujan, Beardstown, Ill.; coach at Buffalo…Iowa Kirk (1945) Clinton Jones, Cleveland, Ohio; Ferentz made a $100,000 general fund con- (1946) Mel Tjeerdsma, Springfield, S.D.; tribution this year after he made $500,000 QB Cole Kelley also captured the prestigious Walter Payton 2021 FCS Offensive Player of the Year Award (1947) Mike Reid, Altoona, Pa. donation to the UI football legacy cam- Notable anniversary death dates for paign in 2013 with an additional $100,000 Hall of Famers are May 18 (1963) Ernie annual pledge though 2021…Former Bearkats became the first team from Texas Davis, Cleveland, Ohio; (1977) Dr. Nathan Washington and Boise State football head to win the NCAA FCS crown in 43 title Dougherty, Knoxville, Tenn.; (2018) Dr. coach Chris Petersen spoke about how a tests. SHSU also became the 22nd school , St. Francisville, La.; May 21 change in attitude and delegating tasks will to capture the DI football crown and the (2011) Joe Steffy, Newburgh, N.Y.; May 22 help him in his next coaching position and initial first-time FCS winner since Eastern (2002) Paul Giel, Minneapolis, Minn.; May in everyday leadership responsibilities... Washington in 2010. The Jackrabbits were 24 (2002) Creighton Miller, Shaker ....New Kansas head coach Lance Leipold a member of NCAA FCS in 2004 after sev- Heights, Ohio. completed his assistant coaching staff with eral years in Division II. Happy birthdays to NFF College Hall the additions of Kwahn Drake as offensive Southeastern Louisiana QB Cole Kelley of Fame members May 18 Vince Young, line coach, Jim Zembrowski as quarter- (a transfer from Arkansas) also captured May 19 NFF chairman Archie Manning, backs coach and Chris Simpson as line- the prestigious Walter Payton 2021 FCS John Friesz, London Fletcher, May 20 Tim backers coach…The Tampa Bay (Fla.) BO CARTER Offensive Player of the Year Award while Krumrie, May 21 Glenn Ressler (a spry Times newspaper opined about the final [email protected] LB Jordan Lewis of Southern (Baton 78), Jim Ritcher, Ricky Williams, May 22 days of former head coach Willie Taggart’s Rouge) earned the Buck Buchanan FCS Dave Rimington, Dre Bly, May 23 (1888) reign with the Seminoles… Minnesota SMU’s Eric Dickerson was featured in Defensive Player of the Year Award for Ted Coy, Andover, Mass.; 24 (1894) Harry defensive coordinator Joe Rossi had a year last week’s NFF spotlight on 2020 NFF ’21…VMI’s Scott Wachenheim was select- Baujan, Beardstown, Ill.; (1945) Clinton added to his contract with a new salary College Hall of Fame inductees. ed as 2021 Spring AFCA FCS National Jones, Cleveland, Ohio; (1946) Mel package…Kentucky assistant coach Jovon Sam Houston scored with 10 seconds Coach of the Year. Tjeerdsma, Springfield, S.D.; (1947) Mike Bouknight is working with other coaches remaining and became the first team to Northwestern (Iowa) and Lindsey Reid, Altoona, Pa. and administrators on the staff on an off- capture the NCAA FCS title 23-21 over Wilson (Ky.) faced off in last week’s 65th North Carolina A&T and Norfolk State campus challenge he recently encountered.. South Dakota State. Last Sunday’s light- NAIA football championship at Grambling, will play a four-game series in 2022-23, …New Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea ning-related delay lasted 1:11 (from 2:06 La., in historic Eddie Robinson Stadium, 26-27…ESPN will air the Mississippi has spent time with ultra-successful Vandy p.m. until 3:17 p.m.) during the ABC and Lindsey Wilson, located in Columbia, State-Ole Miss football game nationally on head baseball coach Tom Corbin about national telecast and is believed to be the Ky., near the famed town of Horse Cave, Thanksgiving night, Nov. 25…Air Force generating success at the Southeastern first and longest in usually winter season- Ky., prevailed over NU 45-13 under head and Baylor are on the verge of announcing Conference’s smallest institution. contested FCS championship clashes. The coach Chris Oliver. The Blue Raiders a new football series as soon as dates can Hometowns of more 2021 college head No. 2 seed Bearkats upset the top-seeded became the third NAIA gridiron titlist from be reconciled…Indiana will host Old coaches Ð Butler: Jeff Voris, Aurora, Ill.; Jackrabbits in the first 16-team DI football Kentucky along with Georgetown in 2000 Dominion in a single contest in California: Justin Wilcox, Eugene, Ore.; tourney bracket (due to COVID-19) since and ’01, and the AFCA also named its 2025…Butler’s non-conference slate for California Lutheran: Ben McEnroe, Taft, the 2009 season. It was expanded to 20 2020-21 NAIA Coach of the Year with the coming season will include Sept. 4 at Calif.; UCF: Gus Malzahn, Irving, Texas; teams from 2010-12 and then 24 entrants national champion coach Chris Oliver of Illinois State, hosting DePauw Sept. 11 and Central State: Bobby Rome, Norfolk, Va. from 2013-19. This was Sam Houston’s Lindsey-Wilson receiving the honor. traveling to Taylor Sept. 18…The Yale director of athletics Vicky Chun has third trip to the finals along with the 2011 NFF College Hall of Fame Facts DavidWhite.com national blog has been given a contract extension through and ’12 championships and SDSU’s first Some notable birthdates in NFF Alabama repeating as 2021 College June 30, 2026. Chun was the first Asian trek to the DI championship clash. The College Hall of Fame annals in the May Football Playoff titlist. American AD in history both at Colgate

14 May 21, 2021 - May 27, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 39 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com from 2012-18 and at Yale starting in 2018. Wootton as permanent head men’s tennis Dakota State, WR Avante Cox of Southern Foundation for tennis and training room Vicky Chun and Pat Chun (not related) of coach…UNI wrestling head coach Doug Illinois, WR Jakob Herres of VMI, WR facility upgrades…Former New Mexico Washington State were honored for their Schwab had his contract extended through Tyler Hudson of Central Arkansas, and TE football student-athlete Jared and wife achievements in college athletics during the 2027-28 campaign…Tennessee assis- Trae Barry of Jacksonville State. Four Megghan Aubyn granted $350,000 to Asian American and Island tant AD for compliance Adam Tate is leav- players from Sam Houston also made the Lobos athletics complete the planned New Peoples Month…Former Belmont AD ing to pursue other professional opportuni- Associated Press All-America squad…The Mexico Mutual Champions Center within (retired) Mike Strickland is the recipient of ties..Colorado president Dr. Mark Kennedy AFCA FCS spring All-America team University Stadium…Hawai’i athletics has the 2021 Gary Cunningham Lifetime will be retiring from his post in coming includes defensive standouts DL Jahari projected $3-3.4 million in additional rev- Achievement Award by the Division I- months…North Carolina added Itoro Kay, Sam Houston; DL Isaiah Chambers, enue from playing at its revamped on-cam- AAA Athletics Directors Association.... Coleman as assistant men’s basketball McNeese; DL Jordan Lewis, Southern pus facility after COVID-19 protocols …Florida AD Scott Stricklin spoke of how coach …Bobby Castagna has joined Siena (Baton Rouge); DL Jared Brinkman, UNI; allowed no crowds at Aloha Stadium last the student-athlete development process athletics as assistant men’s basketball LB Bryson Armstrong, Kennesaw State; autumn. UH also is visiting with area offi- and cohesion will be vital to success of coach …Tom Parotta has moved to Hofstra LB Colby Campbell, Presbyterian... cials about the proposed Aloha Stadium teams with multiple NCAA portal transfers as 2021-22 men’s basketball assistant .....Arkansas DT Enoch Jackson Jr. has Entertainment District, which has support …North Texas AD Wren Baker joined head coach…Former South Carolina provost Dr. transferred to North Texas…Texas LB from the Honolulu university and could men’s basketball coach Grant McCasland William V. Tate reiterated that he will David Gbenda and kicker Cameron Dicker lead to a new stadium on the site of Aloha and head women’s basketball coach Jalie accept the position as new president at were singled out for solid spring practice Stadium…Eastern Kentucky athletics Mitchell in receiving amended and extend- LSU despite some notable alumni hoping performances…Notre Dame wide receiver gained $135,000 with 100 percent of ed personal contracts with the university that he might stay at USC…SIU Edwards- Jordan Johnson has transferred to UCF... coaches and staff contributing..Renovations last week…Northwestern AD Mike Polisky ville chancellor Dr. Randy Pembrook will …Safety Chris Thompson Jr. is transferring of facilities for Old Dominion athletics for resigned his post last Wednesday. There retire at the end of the 2021-22 academic to Southern California...LB Juwan Mitchell $3.1 million will upgrade office areas, were 11 Wildcats head coaches who year…New Hampshire women’s lacrosse of Texas has taken his talents to Tennessee. locker rooms, team meeting areas, and the expressed public approval of his hiring in head coach Sarah Albrecht will not be back …Louisiana’s Mylik Wilson has trans- Daktronics audiovisual system…Rhode the past 10 days…Alaska-Fairbanks tabbed for the 2022 season…St. John’s (N.Y.) ferred to Texas Tech…Oral Roberts men’s Island alumnus David Martirano ( Class of Brock Anundson as director of athletics... extended the contract of men’s basketball basketball star and 2020-21 NCAA DI '91) donated $500,000 to URI for the …Michigan State associate AD for sport head coach Mike Anderson through 2026- leading scoring Max Abmas has declared College of Business and the new Soloviev administration Stephen Anthony is leaving 27…Northern Colorado added former for the 2021 NBA Draft…Northern State’s Family Basketball Practice Facility…The to become AD at South Bend (Ind.) St. Texas A&M women’s basketball head Parker Fox has transferred to Minnesota.. Stanford University Federal Credit Union Joseph HS…Auburn AD Allen Greene dis- coach Kristen Mattio as UNC’s top …Vanderbilt’s Akeem Odusipe has enters is offering new 2-3 percent returns on its cussed playing the 2021 season at full women’s chieftain…Former San Francisco the spring transfer portal…Texas A&M new credit card and other funds for former capacity in Jordan-Hare Stadium and fiscal men's soccer head coach Leonard Griffin 2022 commitment Isaiah Sategna was fea- student-athletes and general alumni groups challenges and solutions for the Tigers... has been appointed to that post at Grand tured in TexAgs.com for his possible start- …Arkansas baseball played a historic con- …Maine named Ben Barr head men’s Canyon…San Diego State and East ing potential…Texas’ Greg Brown will turn test against Arkansas State (coached by hockey coach…Virginia Tech women’s Carolina head softball coaches Kathy Van professional in ’21 and leave the program. former Mississippi State and Bulldogs lacrosse head coach John Sung just com- Wyk and Courtney Oliver, respectively, Former MGM Resorts president George assistant coach) in one of the Razorbacks pleted his five-year tenure with the Hokies have completed their tenures…SIUE soft- Kliavkoff has been named as commissioner first contests against an in-state opponent …Morehead State men’s basketball head ball head coach Jessica Jones will leave her of the Pac-12 Conference…Kentucky State in a major sport…LSU head baseball coach coach Preston Spradlin had his contract post and move into SIUE athletics adminis- and Virginia State athletics may be contem- Paul Mainieri spoke about the challenges extended through the 2024-25 campaign... tration…Long Beach State women's golf plating a move from the Southern of making the 12-team Southeastern …Georgia women’s equestrian head coach head coach Joey Cerulle has left the pro- Intercollegiate Athletic Conference to the Conference postseason tourney on an annu- Meghan Boenig will have her current 20- gram…Ohio president Dr. Duane Nellis Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. Chicago al basis with the top-to-bottom strength of year tenure with the Bulldogs extended will finish his tenure at UO on June 30... State also has expressed a possible interest the circuit…Montana appears to be the lat- through 2025…Media agencies noted that …Connecticut president Mr. Thomas to move from the Western Athletic est state to propose legislation for NCAA Florida State director of athletics David Katsouleas also is leaving June 30 after Conference to the MEAC…Dozens of foot- names, images and likenesses’ compensa- Coburn formally applied for the presiden- two years at his post…Former South ball student-athletes have participated in tion for student-athletes…Georgia State tial opening at FSU. Some other leading Carolina president Dr. Harris Pastides has recent conference track and field champi- athletics is not planning on pooling new candidates have been identified as Texas returned as interim president…Binghamton onships on the NCAA Divisions I-III levels NCAA names, images and likenesses’ A&M president emeritus Michael A. head softball coach Michelle Johnston is and in the NAIA circuits…Jacksonville compensation after passage of the recent Young, FSU Panama City dean Dr. Randy closing her assignment after 12 seasons... State is on the verge of winning its first- Georgia law on the upcoming financial Hanna and North Carolina executive vice …East Carolina men’s golf head coach ever Ohio Valley Conference Commissioner’s benefits…Virginia Division ADs wrote the chancellor and provost Dr. Bob Blouin, Andrew Sapp is leaving the program to Cup for overall athletics success in 2020- state legislature with major concerns if among others…Purdue AD Mike Bobinski explore other professional opportunities. 21. The Gamecocks have captured a school Virginia passes specific NIL legislation... noted the department will renew a search The college football website PFF.com and OVC-best 80-plus team championships …Tennessee became the 15th state to pass for a deputy AD and also reflected on the has selected its Top 10 running backs for since joining that circuit in 2003. JSU will area NIL legislation becoming effective challenges of life in the NCAA men’s bas- the 2021 season, and they are Auburn’s move to the Atlantic Sun Conference for Jan. 1, 2022…AARP and Toyota North ketball bubble in Indiana…Washington Tank Bigsby, Kansas State’s Deuce 2021-22 competition…Texas won its America are teaming for a new ride share State AD Pat Chun noted that he was not a Vaughn, Oklahoma’s Kennedy Brooks, record 200th team championship since the service, which will assist many aging for- candidate for the just-filled Kansas and the Alabama’s Brian Robinson, Ole Miss start of competition in mer college student-athletes in all sports newly-opened Northwestern AD’s positions Jerrion Ealy, Iowa State’s Breece Hall, August 1996 with a victory in women’s …South Carolina is rolling back football …Alabama senior deputy AD and chief Washington State’s Max Borghi, rowing last Saturday…ACC commissioner season and individual game ticket prices to financial officer Finus Gaston will retire in Kentucky’s Chris Rodriguez, BYU’s Tyler Jim Phillips noted that he was not against earlier levels to attract new fans and to June after four decades in his post... Allgeier, and Southern Miss’ Frank Gore expansion, but thank previous ticketholders…INFLCR .....Southern California selected Lindsay Jr. Texas sophomore RB Bijan Robinson there was no need to rush into a larger for- conducted a webinar last week about the Gottlieb as head women’s basketball coach was listed as One to Watch in the story... mat without additional consultation and unpredictable NIL legislative and business …U. of San Diego senior associate AD, …Some of the top achievers on the 2020- assessment. landscape…UTEP received a $100,000 chief development officer and senior 21 NCAA Stats Perform All-America team SRS Distribution is the new corporate grant from the Caldwell family for several woman administrator Marcy Lanoue are QB Eric Barriere of Eastern sponsor for the Las Vegas Bowl…The facility upgrades in basketball and other addressed the topics of her career experi- Washington, QB Cole Kelley of Offerpad Arizona Bowl is seeking to retain sports…Stephen F. Austin athletics ences in external affairs and fundraising in Southeastern Louisiana, RB Percy Agyei- its title sponsorship for the ’21 encounter. received sponsorships for the Loddie a national podcast…Arkansas named Keith Obese of James Madison, RB Julius SMU athletics received a $4 million gift Naymola Basketball Performance Center, Smart assistant men’s basketball coach… Chestnut of Sacred Heart, RB Otis Weah of from Mark ( Class of '87) and Jennifer and a new AstroTurf football field surface Missouri athletics has tabbed Chris North Dakota, FB Hunter Luepke of North Styslinger ('86) and the Altec/Styslinger (continued on page 16)

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 39 | May 21, 2021 - May 27, 2021 15 and Rekurtan Spurtan BV track inside Fame…Auburn’s costumed mascot Aubie sponsorships – especially in men’s basket- rains last week…The NCAA DI Council . The SFA field has won the 10th annual 2021 United Cheer- ball- for the 90 NCAA Championships.... will visit about regulations for two-time been renamed the Jimmy W. Murphy Field leaders Association College Mascot of the …Texas Motor Speedway president and transfers in this era of NCAA Portal …Stamford athletics administrators have Year trophy…NFL Green Bay Packers and former Nashville Tennessean newspaper enlargement…The Knight Commission is asked that student-athletes and parents former California star QB Aaron Rodgers sports writer Eddie Gossage is retiring in requesting that universities, conferences, refrain from lawsuits over varsity sports has met with Packers officials about his June. The FWAA has posted a dues’ the College Football Playoff, college foot- that may be dropped as the university seeks future status with the team. Rodgers also renewal link for 2021-22 on its FWAA.com ball bowls, and the NCAA to take closer private gifts and upcoming financial incen- was a highly-rated guest host for the televi- website..The late Marvin “Skeeter” Francis looks at their diversity practices and take tives to retain these sports…The Florida sion show “Jeopardy” on NBC earlier this of Wake Forest and the ACC, CoSIDA Hall decisive action…There is a question in Board of Governors last week voted month…Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, Rev. of Famer Paul Just of WKU, CoSIDA Hall some NCAA circles about the eligibility of approval of Regulation 6.022, which man- Dr. Emilie Townes and Peter Wehner took of Famer Bill Hamilton of South Carolina international student-athletes to receive dates that student-athletes must obtain legal part in a panel discussion in Nashville, State, 2019 NFF William V. Campbell¨ NIL compensation…The NCAA has per- consent forms before using intellectual Tenn., about Gov. Haslem’s new book Trophy winner Justin Herbert (CoSIDA determined 20 possible sites for the 16 property from athletics or any position of regarding faith principles and public per- Academic All-American of the Year for NCAA Baseball Regionals in June. ESPN the university…Marshall men’s soccer ception. 2019-20 NCAA Division I) or Oregon, and commentators questioned the absence of made a surprising deep run into the NCAA Former Associated Press administrator Pete Moore of Syracuse were featured sub- powerhouse Dallas Baptist in the 20-site Championship…The Nebraska Senate Sally Buzbee was tabbed as executive edi- jects and opinion makers in the CoSIDA selections…The NFL Dallas Cowboys approved a sports wagering bill with the tor of the Washington Post…ESPN’s Open Forum online newsletter and maga- have completed their first rookie mini- exception of betting on Nebraska Huskers Kenny Mayne is leaving after a 27-year run zine…Dayton assistant AD for communi- camp of 2021……Late in 2020 the Knight football home tilts…Stephen F. Austin ath- with the entertainment giant…David Nuno cations Doug Hauschild has received the Commission submitted several recommen- letics is increasing the speed of the project is the new director of broadcasting at 2021 Lester Jordan Award for his work dations for transforming the NCAA DI pf renovations at historic Homer Bryce TexAgs.com…Sportico and Learfield IMG with the CoSIDA Academic All-America model and making key future reforms. Stadium as the Lumberjacks move into the have had multiple discussions about a programs for three decades…Arizona, Western Athletic Conference in July. recent Sportico report about profits and Arizona State, Baylor, UC Santa Barbara, Schedule with New Year’s Six Games NFF 2009 William V. Campbell¨ recip- losses at various Learfield IMG client uni- Cincinnati, Iowa, Kansas, Louisville, LSU, (All Games Televised by ESPN, EST) ient and Heisman Trophy winner Tim versities…Crakes Media Consulting per- Michigan, Michigan State, Northwestern, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021 Tebow of Florida is rejoining his former formed an analysis on the new, $100 bil- Southern Miss, Syracuse, Tennessee, and (CFP Semifinals & Championship Jan. 10) UF head coach Urban Meyer as a tight end lion NFL multimedia rights’ agreements Vermont are working with NCAA enforce- Goodyear candidate for the 2021 NFL Jacksonville and how it will affect broadcast media and ment and compliance officials concerning AT&T Stadium Jaguars…The new state law allowing home online agencies…CBS Sports columnist possible issues and probes at their respec- Arlington, Texas, 4 or 8 p.m. school students to compete for nearby pub- Dennis Dodd reported that the probable tive schools…The NFL officially unveiled Capital One Orange Bowl lic schools passed in the Texas legislature drop dead for national legislation on the its first-ever, 17-game regular-season slate Hard Rock Stadium last week and was dubbed the Tim Tebow NCAA names, images and likenesses’ in a national newscast on ESPN last Miami Lakes, Fla., 4 or 8 p.m. Bill since the NFF Hall of Famer followed compensation prior to the academic year is Wednesday…The WNBA will have its Monday, Jan. 10 that path during his high school years at July 30 when Congress is scheduled to inaugural Commissioner’s Cup for 10 spec- CFP Championship, Semifinal Winners Ponte Vedra (Fla.) Nease HS…NFF recess …ESPN is in the process of acquir- ified contests played by each team over a Lucas Oil Stadium College Hall of Fame RB Emmitt Smith of ing the English-language and Spanish-lan- time prior to the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Indianapolis, Ind., 8 p.m. Florida and several football dignitaries guage media rights to Spain's LaLiga start- This also is to commemorate the 25th sea- Thursday, Dec. 30. 2021-Jan. 1, 2022 (Other New Year’s Six Bowls) played in the AT&T Byron Nelson pro- ing in August…SnapChat and its related son of the league. U.S. track and field and Thursday, Dec. 30 amateur meet last Wednesday in forums are working with a number of other teams’ athletes are scheduled to train Chick Fil-A Peach Bowl McKinney, Texas…NFF College Hall of groups to eliminate online bullying posts for the Olympics outside of Japan due to a Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta,Ga.TBD Fame coach Barry Alvarez of Wisconsin …The Athletic’s Stewart Mandel and AP recent spike in COVID-19 cases in that Friday, Jan. 1 said he did not accept a possible offer from college sports editor Ralph Russo dis- country……The NCAA Sport Science PlayStation Fiesta Bowl the to work in the cussed Power Five conferences and updates Institute and U.S. Department of Defense, State Farm Stadium league office as a football consultant when for the coming season on the AP Top 25 the ACC and Virginia Tech hosted the Glendale, Ariz. TBD he retires as AD at UW…New inductees Podcast…ESPN has upped the contract of Grand Alliance Concussion Conference to Friday, Jan. 1 into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in humorist reporter Marty Smith, who was discuss new incentives and scientific col- Allstate Sugar Bowl Birmingham are Willie Anderson, Hal thrilled to work the sidelines and entertain laboration for sports injuries…Nevada Mercedes-Benz Superdome Baird, Cliff Ellis, Steve Hudson, Lillie fans with stories along with longtime pod- baseball third baseman Tyler Bosetti set a New Orleans, La., TBD Leatherwood, George Teague, Ben cast co-broadcaster Ryan McGee during NCAA record by hitting home runs in nine Friday, Jan. 1 Wallace, and DeMarcus Ware…Former the inaugural Myrtle Beach Bowl last consecutive contests…The NCAA had to presented by Capital One Rose Oklahoma State javelin specialist student- December…The new Five Star Virtual cancel the Division I Women’s Golf Bowl Stadium athlete and Grammy Award-winning enter- Group seeks to assist intercollegiate athlet- Regional in Baton Rouge due to incessant Pasadena, Calif. tainer Garth Brooks will perform a gala ics, recruits and fans in unique ways…The concert at Nebraska’s Memorial Stadium- Athletic did a thorough comparison study Dr. Field on Aug. 14... on how a possibly expanded College …Historian Mike Burrows recovered a Football Playoff field of team could affect 1940 Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald newspa- the Group of Five conferences, their per, which offered six free tickets to the recruiting, fundraising, and national inter- 1941 Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., for est…CBS Sports’ Dennis Dodd explained fortunate Nebraska students…May 10 was that the NIL Education and Information the 52-year anniversary of the 1969 reas- Center is the only 501-c(3) non-profit signment of the Cleveland Browns, then- among the finalists for the NCAA NIL Baltimore Colts and Pittsburgh Steelers to third-party administrator. INFLCR, Open- the Conference…Super dorse and Altius Sports Partners had been Bowl MVP and former Texas Tech great mentioned as other possible business part- Patrick Mahomes is teaming with Jack ners…The OutofBounds.com compared Stack Barbecue in the Kansas City area to possible NIL solutions at universities such assist with the Patrick Mahomes Charitable as Louisville, Wisconsin, Cal, Bowling Foundation…Former Mississippi State QB Green, Indiana, Florida State, UCF, and star Wayne Madkin was inducted into the Duquesne, among others…The Wall Street Madison County (Ala.) Sports Hall of Journal reported on the impact of corporate

16 May 21, 2021 - May 27, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 39 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com COLLEGES NCAA BASEBALL Arkansas still No.1 in NCBWA Division I Poll

Texas moves up two spots to No. 2 in this weeks rankings

DALLAS - The National Collegiate Jackson State (29-8), Liberty (35-12), LSU Baseball Writers Association continues its (32-19), Miami (Fla.) (29-16), Nebraska tradition of NCAA Division I polls for the (25-11), Nevada (21-17), Pittsburgh (22- 24th year with its 2021 weekly surveys, 16), Southern Illinois (36-16), UNCW (29- and Arkansas is No. 1 for the 2021-high 17), VCU (32-14), Virginia (25-21). ninth week and season-best sixth week in a Dropped Out row this spring. Pittsburgh (22), Indiana (27). schools - By conference Arkansas, Florida, Ole Miss and Vanderbilt SEC 7, Pac-12 6, Big 12 5, ACC 4, Ð continue to dominate the ratings and also Conference USA 4, American Athletic 1, have topped each of the NCBWA Top 30 Big Ten 1, Big West 1, MAAC 1. polls in ’21. While numerous schools in the Top 10 NCBWA BASEBALL - Top 25 suffered upsets, the first 20 teams in the (Games played through 5/17/21) poll were very similar. There also was a tie 1. Arkansas for No. 30 between Baylor and Oregon 2. Texas State for the first time in ’21. Moving up in 3. Vanderbilt the standings for May 17 are Texas, who 4. Texas Tech moves from No. 4 last week to 2, Texas 5. Tennessee Tech from No. 7 to 4, Oregon from No. 9 6. Mississippi State to 7, Arizona from No. 12 to 9 and Notre 7. Oregon Dame from No. 11 back into the Top 10 at 8. Arizona No. 9. 9. Notre Dame All teams that received the 20 initial bid 10. East Carolina possibilities last week for NCAA Regional 11. TCU sites are in this week’s Top 31. 12. Florida There have been 14 conferences (nine 13. Ole Miss for the fifth consecutive week) represented 14. Stanford in the first 12 standings of 2021, and there 15. Louisiana Tech were 15 different conferences included in 16. Florida State the COVID-19 abbreviated NCBWA polls 17. UCLA in 2020. 18. South Carolina The 2021 poll voters come from among 19. Charlotte 33 college baseball writers and related 20. Gonzaga media persons from throughout the nation. 21. Southern Miss The ’21 season features 302 NCAA 22. UC Irvine Division I baseball-playing schools and for 23. Louisville more information or to join the NCBWA 24. Old Dominion please go to www.ncbwa.com. 25. Arizona State Also Receiving Votes (Alphabetically) 26. Michigan California Baptist (35-13), Connecticut 27. NC State (25-16), Dallas Baptist (31-13), Georgia 28. Oklahoma State (29-20), Georgia Tech (25-20), Grand 29. Fairfield Canyon (34-17-1), Indiana (24-12), 30. Baylor

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 39 | May 21, 2021 - May 27, 2021 17 AUTO BMW X6 BMW X6: A trend-setting vehicle

announced that Android Auto will be avail- able starting in mid-2020. When you upgrade to a BMW X6 M50i, the standard-equipment list adds an M Sport aerodynamic body kit, darkened Shadowline trim, and M Sport-tuned brake, suspension, exhaust and drivetrain compo- nents. The M50i also features multi-con- tour front seats, 4-zone climate control, a Harman Kardon sound system, wireless smartphone charging, satellite radio and a Wi-Fi connection. From the M50i’s standard features, those unrelated to vehicle performance are avail- able on the 40i models. Both versions can be fitted with premium leather, ventilated and massaging front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel and front by Matt Degen EPA’s fuel-economy numbers, choose the wheel selections sized up to 22 inches in armrests, and heated and cooled cup hold- Eco mode, which also transforms the X6 diameter. ers. Remote engine starting is another A trend-setting vehicle that spawned an M50i into a more relaxed luxury SUV. Two different trim treatments are avail- upgrade that’s particularly useful in cold entire segment of SUV coupes, the This gee-whiz-bang option transforms able. The xLine version features lots of and hot climates. redesigned, 3rd-generation BMW X6 is the BMW X6’s standard panoramic glass pearl-effect chrome exterior trim and Indulgences include glass interior con- better than ever. It remains based on the roof into a display mimicking the look of a rugged-looking lower styling elements, trols, acoustic-glass windows, Sky Lounge BMW X5, but the more expensive BMW starlit sky. It works at night, illuminating while the M Sport variant has a more panoramic sunroof lighting, a Bowers & X6 includes a fastback roofline that sacri- 15,000 individual points on the glass in aggressive look with body-color trim and Wilkins premium surround-sound system fices passenger and cargo space in the your choice of six different colors. It’s blue brake calipers. with 20 speakers, and special BMW name of style. It comes in sDrive40i, included in the Executive Package. Both versions of the X6 have an enor- Individual paint and interior color xDrive40i, M50i, and X6 M model series, For thundering bass and crystalline mous grille, and the entire thing is option- upgrades. The X6 is also available with a and we cover the high-performance X6 M highs, look no further than the BMW X6’s ally illuminated. It flashes to confirm 360-degree surround, panoramic and 3D- in a separate review. optional 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins remote locking and unlocking functions, view camera system; a drive recording sys- With improved driving dynamics both Diamond Surround Sound audio system. and the driver can activate it in conjunction tem; a rear-seat entertainment system; and on and off the pavement, as well as a long With 1,500 watts of power, exclusive with the daytime running lights. It does not Night Vision with pedestrian detection. list of safety, infotainment and convenience Diamond Dome tweeter speakers, work at night when you’re using the stan- The Driving Assistance Professional technology upgrades, the latest BMW X6 QuantumLogic Surround/Dynamic Sound dard adaptive LED headlights. Package adds several useful driving aids. is ready to take on the Audi Q8, Land Equalizing, and more, it will make your In sDrive40i and xDrive40i guise, the They include adaptive cruise control with Rover Range Rover Sport, Maserati ears bleed in the very best of ways. X6 features a generous 8.1 inches of stop-and-go and automatic lane-change Levante, Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe and Like other recently redesigned BMWs, ground clearance. The X6 M50i is even capabilities, lane-keeping assist with Active Porsche Cayenne Coupe. If you like the the X6’s interior features a geometric better, with 8.5 inches. That’s plenty for Side Collision Protection to prevent unin- way it looks and drives, and you don’t theme rendered in quality materials. snowstorms and off-roading. tentional contact during lane wander, and mind the compromises you’ll make for the Leather upholstery is standard, and simu- The BMW X6 is more expensive than front cross-traffic alert. The Extended sake of style, you’ll enjoy owning the new lated leather on the dashboard enhances the the BMW X5 on which it is based, partial- Traffic Jam Assistant with Steering works BMW X6. luxurious yet technical look and feel. ly because it has more standard equipment. at speeds up to 40 mph, while the Evasion Every version of the all-new BMW X6 Controls and displays remain oriented In addition to 20-inch aluminum-alloy Assistant steering support technology makes more horsepower and torque than toward the driver, with minimalistic wheels, the new BMW X6 includes a stan- includes pedestrian detection. before, and BMW quotes significant switchgear and digital instrumentation that dard panoramic glass sunroof and exterior A new Off-Road Package is available for improvement in acceleration times to 60 replaces BMW’s traditional round gauges welcome ground lighting. Leather seats the xDrive40i, equipping the SUV with an mph. Add a lower center of gravity than with a bar-graph tachometer and and automatic climate control are also stan- air suspension that can adjust ride height the old X6 and the test vehicle’s larger 22- speedometer more appropriate for a video dard, along with ambient cabin lighting by a total of 3.2 inches depending on the inch wheels, and you won’t even notice the game. The iDrive touch-screen infotain- and Live Cockpit Professional digital driving situation or to balance uneven SUV’s slight weight gain. ment system is cleanly integrated and instrumentation with a 12.3-inch display. loads. The package also includes an M We tested the X6 M50i on the winding located within easy reach. Several advanced driving-assistance sys- Sport rear differential, front and rear under- roads near the South Carolina factory that Five people can fit into the X6, but four tems (ADAS) are standard. They include body guards, and four additional driving builds the SUV, and found it gratifying to will be happier. This SUV offers less head- forward-collision warning with pedestrian modes for off-roading situations. drive. Feeling sportier from behind the room than the BMW X5, and the back seat and cyclist detection, rear-collision warn- Backup Assistant is new to the X6, and wheel than the X5 on which it is based, in has less leg and shoulder space. Cargo vol- ing, low-speed automatic emergency brak- can retrace the car’s previous 50 yards of part thanks to superior weight distribution, ume is reduced in comparison to the X5, ing, lane-departure warning, blind-spot travel in reverse, matching steering inputs the new X6 no longer feels ponderous in too, with 27.4 cubic feet behind the rear monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. to back up along the exact same path most the way the previous-generation version seat and a maximum of 59.6 cubic feet On the infotainment front, the X6 recently traveled. This is especially helpful could. with the 40/20/40-split rear seat folded includes BMW’s latest system, called when you’ve nosed the SUV into tight Especially in the Sport or Sport+ driving down. iDrive7. It has new haptic controls, voice quarters. A larger head-up display is also modes, the X6 M50i supplies robust accel- Historically, the BMW X6 has always controls and a 12.3-inch touch-screen dis- offered for the new X6, showing more eration and passing power. These modes looked a little awkward. The redesigned play. You can even get gesture control as an information than before, all projected into also noticeably stiffen the suspension, 3rd-generation X6 is better proportioned, option. Additionally, the system features the driver’s field of view rather than onto tighten the steering and quicken throttle though, because it boasts a longer wheel- navigation, cloud-based BMW Connected the windshield. response. If you’d prefer to try to match the base, a wider track, a lower roofline and services, and Apple CarPlay. BMW has

18 May 21, 2021 - May 27, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 39 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com TICKET WINDOW

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 39 | May 21, 2021 - May 27, 2021 19 20 May 21, 2021 - May 27, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 39 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com