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April 9 - April 15, 2021 Vol. 19, Issue 33 www.sportspagdfw.com FREE 2 April 9, 2021 - April 15, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 33 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 33 | April 9, 2021 - April 15, 2021 3 April 9, 2021 - April 15 2021 AROUND THE AREA Vol. 19, Issue 33 LOCAL NEWS OF INTEREST sportspagedfw.com Established 2002 Osborne to compete in the Masters Cover Photo: AROUND THE AREA bers. Geico Infield Campground campers 4 and fans must remain on the east side of RANGERS REPORT Allison Avenue for the duration of the 5 BY DIC HUMPHREY event weekends. GOLF, ETC - Due to the infield shower/restroom 6 BY TOM WARD Infield Camping returns to No Limits, buildings as well as the Barr Tunnel Texas for Indy Car, NASCAR All-Star PGA TOUR: MASTERS (underground tunnel to/from the grand- 7 TOURNAMENT Weekends stands) being located on the west side of BY PGATOUR.COM AUGUSTA, Georgia Ð Current SMU After a year of staying indoors, Texas golfer Ollie Osborne competes in the first the infield, access will not be allowed for NINE THINGS ABOUT AUGUSTA Motor Speedway is proud to announce the the May and June event weekends. TMS 8 NATIONAL men's major championship of 2021, the return of infield camping for the upcoming BY PGATOUR.COM Masters Tournament, April 8-11 at Augusta opens its 2021 major event season May 1-2 NTT INDYCAR SERIES doubleheader with an NTT INDYCAR SERIES double- FIVE THINGS TO KNOW AS THE National Golf Club. and NASCAR All-Star Race weekends as 10 TOURNAMENT BEGINS Osborne received an invitation to the header. The Genesys 300 will air live May BY PGATOUR.COM part of the 25th Season of Speed celebra- 1 on NBCSN beginning at 6 p.m. while the event by virtue of his run to the champi- tions at No Limits, Texas. SPIETH IS ONE OF THE onship match of the 2020 U.S. Amateur, XPEL 375 will air live May 2 on NBCSN 11 FAVORITE THIS WEEK RV’s and fifth wheels will once again beginning at 4. BY PGA TOUR.COM and joins Michael Podolak (1986), Hank pull through the speedway’s south tunnel Kuehne (1999), Kelly Kraft (2012) and BAYLOR PROVES THEIR THE to park and set up in the Geico Infield NCBWA Legend 12 BEST Bryson DeChambeau (2016) as Mustangs Campground on the east side of Allison BY RACHEL TREISMAN to compete in this event as an amateur. Russ Anderson Avenue. The outdoor adventure begins Passes away "You start losing some sleep just think- with the May 1 Genesys 300 and May 2 NEWS AND ing about it," Osborne said at Augusta DALLAS Ð Longtime 13 NOTES XPEL 375 NTT INDYCAR SERIES dou- executive associate BY BO CARTER National on Tuesday. "After the new year, bleheader and continues through the June after that invitation comes, you definitely director of the AUTO REVIEW 12-13 NASCAR All-Star weekend. National Collegiate 17 BY KBB.COM start thinking about it. Your excitement “We couldn’t be happier to welcome definitely gets higher as the week comes." Baseball Writers Association and assistant our great race fans back to the Geico commissioner of Conference USA Russell 18 THE TICKET WINDOW Now a professional, DeChambeau Infield Campground for two amazing makes up the rest of the SMU representa- D. "Russ" Anderson passed away in Irving weekends of the best auto racing in the Monday and has been memorialized for his 19 RESTAURANT REVIEW tion in the field, and is widely regarded as world during our 25th Season of Speed,” BY RICHARD POLLAK a contender to pick up his second major many contributions to college baseball and said Texas Motor Speedway President and college athletics. A graduate of North championship this weekend. DeChambeau General Manager Eddie Gossage. won the 2020 U.S. Open, is currently in Central College in the Chicago area and The following protocols will be imple- native of Downers Grove, Illinois, Follow us on first place in the PGA Tour's FedEx Cup mented for safety and security: Standings for the 2020-21 season. Anderson was with C-USA from its incep- Twitter & Facebook - RV/Camper searches will be required tion and worked his way from assistant DeChambeau was the low amateur at the for all Geico Infield Campground campers. Masters in 2016. director of media relations to assistant twitter.com/sportspagedfw Inspections will be held in the Express commissioner in recent years.Anderson Osborne tees off at 11:24 a.m. CT on parking lot just outside the south tunnel. Thursday. He has additionally qualified for was 50 and is survived by his sister Mary facebook.com/sportspageweek- - NASCAR and the NTT INDYCAR (David) Basek, his brother William (Kim) the 2021 U.S. Open, which takes place in SERIES will continue to operate within a June at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Pieper and his nephews Chris (Jacki) Publisher Contact Us “bubble” on the west side of the infield for Valdez, David Valdez and Mike Valdez. Sports Page Publishing Group, Main Number (214) 683-1469 Diego, California. the safety of all teams and industry mem- LLC P.O. 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4 April 9, 2021 - April 15, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 33 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com RANGERS WITH DIC HUMPHREY Starting pitchers look good so far

in a Ranger uniform story got written this many occasions. week. Texas traded Odor to the New York The pitching problems have been more Yankees for two minor league outfield with the bullpen. Help should be on the prospects. The Yankees will pay the Major way as and Joely Rodriguez League minimum salary for the two will be activated from the injured list soon. remaining years of Odor’s contract. That is Offensively, center fielder is $570,700 this season. Next year’s mini- struggling the most. He has just two hits in mum is unknown with the current collec- 19 at bats (.105), and he has struck out 12 tive bargaining agreement expiring after times. With getting close this season. President of Baseball opera- to being activated from the injured list, tions Jon Daniels indicated they received Taveras could be moving to the alternate other offers that were more favorable from site on his way to a minor league team a cash standpoint, but they chose the when the minors open for play May 4. Yankee offer to get the two outfield As far as the West goes, the Astros are prospects. off to a hot start going into the weekend From the Yankees’ standpoint, getting with a 6-1 record. The Angels are close Odor at the Major League minimum helps behind at 5-2, and Texas is in third place at made his second start Wednesday afternoon and threw six shutout innings keep the team under the luxury tax and 3-3. Seattle is 3-4, while the Oakland gives them a needed lefthanded power bat. Athletics are off to a miserable start at 1-7, The Yankees are noted for not allowing the worst record in the American League. Opening day starter Kyle Gibson made players to have facial hair, so it will be This weekend, the San Diego Padres are his second start Wednesday afternoon. He interesting to see what he looks like sans in town for three games. Unfortunately, credited pitching coach with the facial hair he always sported as a their shortstop Fernando Tatis, Jr. will not spotting a mechanical flaw in his delivery Ranger. be on the field after sustaining an injury after his first horrendous outing. The For Texas, 24 year-old Josh Stowers is earlier this week. The pitching matchups adjustment worked, and Gibson threw six the prize in the deal. He was the 54th are Joe Musgrove going against Arihara on shutout innings. He was touched for six selection in the 2018 amateur draft, after a Friday, Chris Paddock against Lyles on hits but walked just one and struck out college career at Louisville where he was Saturday, and Adrian Morejon against eight. The win evened his record at 1-1. an All-American in his junior year. He has Foltynewicz on Sunday. Game times BY DIC HUMPHREY Lowe’s streak of driving in runs ended [email protected] a .268 batting average in two minor league (CDT) are 7:05 PM Friday, 6:05 PM on at five on Wednesday. He was 0-4. Nick MEMBER: USBWA seasons with 12 home runs. He is a speed- Saturday and 1:35 PM on Sunday. Solack, who had been struggling at the ster that has stolen 55 bases. NOTABLE: plate, homered leading off the second ARLINGTON, Texas ÐThe first week Antonio Cabello is the other outfield * The Glove Life Field roof was open on inning. Two batters later, sin- of the season is in the books for Texas, and prospect Texas received in the trade. He is Monday and Wednesday afternoons’ gled, went to second on a groundout, and their record stands at 3-3. They came 20 years old and has played just 56 games games. That was the plan as a COVID-19 scored on Leody Taveras’s single to put the home from last weekend’s trip to Kansas in the Rookie League so far in his profes- protocol. However, on Tuesday night, the Rangers in front 2-0. That was all the City and played good baseball. The sional career. roof was closed because of high winds. Ranger run scoring on the day, but three offense cooled off as they scored just 11 It’s just six games, so not enough to * The six home runs by the Blue Jays relievers made two runs good enough to runs to start this week compared to 21 runs draw conclusions, but the impression so far and Rangers on Tuesday night are the most win. Bush again gave up a solo home run last weekend, but the pitching made it is the starting pitching has been pretty hit in a game at Globe Life Field. Included in the eighth inning to make the final score stand up for a pair of wins to even the good. Gibson’s opening day clunker was were four home runs by Ranger hitters, the 2-1. Rangers’ record. the only terrible start. His second start and most for the Rangers in a Globe Life Field was signed shortly before After Monday’s loss in the home open- the starts from Dunning and game. spring training began to a minor league er, was the tandem starter were very good and resulted in wins. The * The Rangers; alternate site team won contract. The veteran pitcher has been a on Tuesday. He was supposed to go three starts from Kohei Arihara and Mike their first game Thursday, beating the starter most of his career, but in 2019, he or four innings, with piggy- Foltynewicz were good enough to win on Astros alternate site team 4-1. was Kansas City’s closer and saved 30 backing to get the game to the late inning games. He was looked at for the Ranger bullpen hands. Dunning was magnificent bullpen, but his odds of making the team throwing five innings while allowing a run did not look good with Jose Leclerc as the on three hits. He walked no one and struck incumbent closer and Jonathan Hernandez out six. It’s just one start. No need to off his breakout 2020 season knocking on jump the gun here, but he looks like the the door. Now both are on the injured list, real deal. with Leclerc out for the season, and The offense clicked early, scoring in Hernandez not coming back soon. each of the first three innings a total of five Kennedy stepped in to save both the runs. They put two more on the board to Tuesday and Wednesday games. On win 7-4, showing a lot of power. Nate Tuesday, he needed just eight pitches, Lowe connected for two home runs and seven of which were strikes, to coax three drove in four. His RBI total is up to 14 to ground ball outs. On Wednesday after- lead the Major Leagues. Ronald Guzman noon, he struck out the side allowing just a and also went yard. two out single. He has solidly taken hold Hearn followed Dunning to the mound, of the Rangers’ closer role. Hopefully, the and he gave up two runs, both earned in team can provide him with more save two innings. pitched the eighth opportunities. and gave up a solo home run to complete The final chapter of the Rougned Odor Toronto’s scoring.

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 33 | April 9, 2021 - April 15, 2021 5 GOLF WITH TOM WARD 85th Masters: Firm, fast and furious

came in second twice in 2014 and 2016 stances. It would be a terrific storyline if and finished 3rd in 2018. any of them make a run come Sunday. This year, there are 88 players in the Players in the field with a Texas con- field and three are amateurs. The usual sus- nection is quite strong. Lead by Jordan pects should contend again this year. The Spieth, players include: Patrick Reed number 2 world ranked player, Justin (Spring, Texas and 2018 Masters champ), Thomas, should be in there on Sunday. He Bryson DeChambeau (SMU alumni), Ryan won the prestigious Players Championship Palmer (from Amarillo), Dylan Fritelli( S. back in mid-March, and he’s one of my African lives in Austin), Will Zalatoris picks to win this year. (Plano, Texas), Sebastian Munoz Defending champion Dustin Johnson (Colombian who played at North Texas), hasn’t been in his best form, but I expect Carlos Ortiz (Mexican lives in Dallas, who him to step it up this week and be there in played at North Texas), Abraham Ancer the end. (Mexican/American lives in San Antonio), Gone this year is Tiger Woods who is Amateur Ollie Osborne (SMU junior play- recovering from a near fatal car wreck. er lives in Dallas), Scottie Scheffler (Dallas Tiger’s self-inflicted injury will sideline and University of Texas), Jimmy Walker him for the foreseeable future and relegate (Boerne, Texas). him to watching the tournament from the Some of the fine young players to keep comfort of his home. an eye on include: Sungjae Im and I don’t look for Rory McIlroy to make Cameron Smith tied for second in their much noise this week. In his attempt to get Masters debut last fall. Abraham Ancer and more distance and keep up with Carlos Ortiz from Mexico, Daniel Berger, DeChambeau, he has lost confidence in his Viktor Hovland of Norway, Patrick swing and now is working with a new Cantlay, Xavier Schauffele, Tony Finau and coach. Not the ideal scenario you want Max Homa. You can never count out veter- going into the first major of the year. an players like Phil Mickleson (three-time Australian Cameron Smith became the Spaniard, Jon Rahm ranked # 3 in the Champ) who can rise to the occasion, or first player to shoot all 4 rounds in the 60’s world became a new father a few days ago two-time champ Bubba Watson. Adam for the first time in history. That won’t be so it remains unclear how well his focus Scott won in 2013 and Sergio Garcia (2017 the same scenario this week. Instead, play- will be this week. champ) are playing well. ers will be welcomed with extremely firm Brooks Koepka is playing less than a So what should we look for this week- and fast greens. The secondary rough will month removed from surgery on his right end? First, it will be nice to see a limited be mowed down which could result in tee kneecap. He dislocated it after a fall and amount of patrons on the grounds cheering shots running into the trees and pine straw has damaged ligaments. He is able to on the players. I expect to see some good when missing the fairway. swing okay, but walking is an issue. scoring, as the course will still yield its Current FedEx Cup leader Bryson Augusta National is a hilly course and has share of birdies and eagles. We can count TOM WARD DeChambeau was the odds on favorite to lots of undulations that are going to make on a lot of excitement, because the Masters [email protected] win last fall and fell flat on his face. His things quite challenging for him. His injury always delivers on great action and story- obsession with distance, thinking he would is affecting his putting too. He has trouble lines. Come Sunday afternoon, the course Back in early November of 2020, overpower the course with his driver, back- bending down when he takes his putting will be firm, fast, furious, and a lot of fun Dustin Johnson laid waste to the field win- fired. He was lucky to make the cut and stance. for everyone. ning his first Masters title while eclipsing ended up in a tie for 34th. Perhaps this All three of these great golfers have the Tom Ward can be contacted at www.tee- the tournament record in the process shoot- time he will be better prepared which could ability to turn it on despite their circum- timewithtom.com. ing 268 (-20 under par). His record break- bode well for him. Power is a big advan- ing performance shattered the previous tage at Augusta National if you can keep it mark set by Tiger Woods and Jordan in play. In addition, DeChambeau hasn’t Spieth. putted particularly well on the greens at Now, as the tournament resumes in its Augusta National either. normal timeslot, it will be interesting to see Momentum plays a big part in any what transpires as Johnson returns to sport. Players riding a hot streak into a defend his short lived title. The conditions major like the Masters can use that to their were much softer in November, and the advantage. The past two weeks on the PGA greens were receptive to approach shots as Tour have been played here in the state of the field could take dead aim at pins with- Texas. Billy Horschel won the Dell out any fear of repercussions. Technologies Match Play Championship in Last fall’s assault on the record book Austin. Last Sunday, Jordan Spieth broke probably rankled the membership at through after a four year drought to win the Augusta National. It’s easy to see why. Valero Texas Open in San Antonio. Both of Outside of Dustin Johnson’s 72- hole total those players should be feeling good about 268 (-20), it was the lowest field scoring their games. Spieth has been playing well average in tournament history (71.75). the past two months contending on the More birdies were made (1,122) than any weekend in nearly all the events he entered. previous tournament. The most rounds in His track record at Augusta National is the 60’s (65) was set as well. impressive winning the title in 2015. He

6 April 9, 2021 - April 15, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 33 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com GOLF PGA TOUR The First Look: Masters Tournament

Morikawa, and Patrick Reed Ð winners on Im) was the first golfer in Masters history TOUR this season, all… On the flip side, with four rounds in the 60s Ð and he lost there are plenty of notables looking for by five. Justin Thomas finished fourth their first major win, including Jon Rahm, while Dylan Frittelli and Rory McIlroy Ð Xander Schauffele, and Tyrrell Hatton Ð who opened with a 3-over 75 but rallied ranked in the top-10 in the world, all… from Friday onwards Ð rounded out the top After Dustin Johnson’s scoring-record per- five. Defending champion Tiger Woods formance in November, he’s now looking made a 10 on the tricky par-3 12th on to become the first golfer since Tiger Sunday but went on to birdie the par-5 13th Woods in 2001-02 to defend his Masters and Nos. 15-18 to finish at 1-under for the title. tournament and T38. 72-HOLE RECORD: 268, Dustin Johnson (2020) HOW TO FOLLOW 18-HOLE RECORD: 63, Nick Price (3rd round, 1986), Greg Norman (1st round, Television: Thursday-Friday, 3 p.m.-7:30 1996) p.m. ET (ESPN); Saturday, 3 p.m.-7 p.m. LAST TIME: Dustin Johnson captured his (CBS); Sunday, 2 p.m.-7 p.m. (CBS) second major by winning a Masters unlike Radio: Thursday-Sunday, 2 p.m.-7 p.m. any other Ð contested in November. ET (CBS Radio; Sirius 208, XM 92) Johnson fired rounds of 65 on Thursday Stream: Featured Group coverage, Amen and Saturday and never took his foot off Corner and holes 15 & 16 will be avail- the gas, closing with a 3-under 33 on his able to stream via Masters.com (Thursday, final nine holes to stroll into the Masters 7:30 a.m. ET; Friday, 8:30 a.m.; Saturday- record books. To show how impressive Sunday, 10:15 a.m. ET on Saturday- Johnson’s performance was, Cameron Sunday) Smith (who tied for second with Sungjae Dustin Johnson returns to defend his title

DeChambeau… Eighty-eight golfers are currently in the field of the Masters, with one last spot open to the winner of the Valero Texas Open (if he is not already exempt)… Brooks Koepka is currently in the field. The former PGA TOUR Player of the Year is looking to return from a knee injury… Three amateurs are playing in 2021 including Joe Long of England and Masters Tournament Americans Charles Osborne and Tyler April 8 - April 11, 2021 Strafaci… Masters professional rookies for Augusta National Golf Club 2021 include Carlos Ortiz, Will Zalatoris, Augusta, Georgia and Robert MacIntyre… Eighteen Green Purse - $11,500,000 Jacket winners are teeing it up in 2021. Winners share: $2,070,000 FEDEXCUP: Winner receives 600 Defending Champ - Dustin Johnson FedExCup points. COURSE: Augusta National Golf Club, By Adam Stanley 7,475 yards, par 72. The Bobby PGATOUR.COM Jones/Alistair McKenzie classic is back being played in its ‘regular’ time of the Driving down Magnolia Lane year, and early reports indicate it will be A sure sign of Spring is the Masters in playing much firmer and faster than in April, and for 2021 the first men's major of November. Augusta National’s layout will the calendar year has returned to its normal be unchanged from the November Masters. spot. STORYLINES: Rory McIlroy is once Dustin Johnson returns to defend his again looking to win the career Grand title after a dominating performance in Slam. He was over-par after the opening November and Augusta National will wel- round in November but shot three rounds come a limited number of patrons to watch in the 60s to climb to T5… Jordan Spieth the action unfold. is hoping his fine play of late will translate FIELD NOTES: Reigning FedExCup at a place he knows very well. Spieth, who champion Dustin Johnson will look to was T2 through 36 holes at the Valero defend his Masters title after his record- Texas Open, has finished inside the top-10 breaking effort in 2020. Johnson finished at in four of his last six PGA TOUR events… 20-under in the fall, eclipsing the all-time Plenty of notables are looking for their sec- scoring mark by two shots… All of the ond major triumph including FedExCup golfers inside the Comcast Business TOUR leader Bryson DeChambeau, past FedEx TOP 10 will be teeing it up at the Masters, Cup champion Justin Thomas, Collin led by FedExCup leader Bryson

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 33 | April 9, 2021 - April 15, 2021 7 Nine things about Augusta National

mately finished 21st. He turned pro the next week. The Masters started recognizing the low amateur in 1952. A player must make the 36-hole cut to receive the prize, which is now a silver cup. The best finish by an amateur at Augusta National remains Ken Venturi’s second-place finish in 1956, when he entered the final round with a four-shot lead but shot 80 on Sunday. Because of cancellations caused by COVID, there are just three amateurs in this year’s Masters, tying the fewest in tournament history. There were also just three in 2008 Ð when Colt Knost, winner of the U.S. Amateur and U.S. Amateur Public Links, turned pro before the Masters Ð and 1942. 4. OLD AND NEW Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player will be the Honorary Starters this year as Augusta National honors its past champions. In a new twist, so will Lee Elder, who in 1975 By Cameron Morfit ly stayed there Ð playing in November was “Granted, they have the property; they can received death threats when he became the PGATOUR.COM so different that Rahm told Patrick Reed do virtually whatever they want. Complete first Black player to compete in the tourna- they were going to have to delete the whole autonomy. It's kind of nice. ment. We now return to our regularly sched- experience from their hard drives, “because “But also, they have been at the fore- Winners come back for life, spinning uled programming. it’s never, ever going to play like this front of trying to keep it exciting,” he con- yarns about the old days at the Champions’ After the pandemic-delayed Masters again.” tinued. “As the game has evolved, we have Dinner. Tournament was moved all the way to Thomas said course knowledge was less gotten longer, equipment's changed, and More history: The clubhouse dates to November in 2020, here we are back in of a factor. they are trying to keep it so that the win- 1854 as a private home and is believed to April again, some five months later, for the With no patrons on site, the Par 3 ning score is right around that 12- to 18- be the first concrete house built in the 2021 iteration. Contest was cancelled. So was the Drive, under par mark, and they have.” South. Fruitland Nurseries, which was The azaleas will be back in bloom, the Chip & Putt, and the Augusta National 3. PROUD AMATEUR TRADITION bought as the future Augusta National Golf patrons will be back (in limited capacity), Women’s Amateur. With two hours less Bobby Jones, the consummate amateur, Club site in 1931, billed itself as the and the course will have a chance to play daylight, players were sent off the first and co-founded the club (with Clifford “South’s oldest nursery,” dating to 1856. fast and bouncy Ð the usual stuff, with a 10th tees. Roberts). This year’s amateur contingent The course was closed and used to raise few new wrinkles. This year the kids from the Drive, Chip will feature U.S. Amateur Tyler Strafaci, cattle and turkeys for three years during the To get you ready for the Masters, here & Putt National Finals will return with lim- whose grandfather also competed in the war effort of World War II. are Nine Things to Know about Augusta ited fans, and the Augusta National Masters, U.S. Amateur runner-up Ollie On the other hand, Augusta National National Golf Club. Women’s Amateur is back, too. The Par 3 Osborne and British Amateur champ Joe has always been a place to identify the 1. RETURN TO APRIL Contest won’t happen for the second Long. game’s next wave, from 21-year-old mega- With more heat necessitating more irri- straight year. Fun fact: Then-amateur Bryson talent Tiger Woods in ’97 – still the gation in the months leading up to it, and 2. ALWAYS INNOVATING DeChambeau was just one off the lead as youngest ever to win Ð to Tianlang Guan, more rain, a November Masters was always As Fenway Park or Wrigley Field are he stood on the 18th tee Friday in 2016, who was just 14 when he became the going to play softer. Players suddenly had for baseball, Augusta National is a sort of but he triple-bogeyed the hole and ulti- youngest to make the cut in 2013. to worry about spinning shots off the fronts cathedral of golf. There’s a timelessness of the greens, and the bigger hitters had a about it. The towering Georgia pines, the bigger advantage than usual. You could see spectacular canvas of flowers (azaleas, pink it all the way down the board, starting, of dogwood, etc.), the wildly undulating ter- course, with Dustin Johnson, who won by rain Ð it never changes. five shots at a record 20 under par. He also But it always changes. The club reversed set records for most greens in regulation the nines in 1935, the year after Horton (60) and fewest bogeys (four). Smith won the first Augusta National Also finishing in the top 20 were big Invitation Tournament, which wasn’t called hitters like Justin Thomas (solo fourth), the Masters until ’39. The pond at the 16th Rory McIlroy (T5), Brooks Koepka (T7), hole was built after the damming of a Jon Rahm (T7), Cameron Champ (T19) stream at the 11th in ’50. And after Tiger and Sebastian Muñoz (T19). Meanwhile, Woods went 18 under to win by a dozen modest to shorter hitters did well just to shots in 1997, the course gradually went make the cut (past champs Zach Johnson, from less than 7,000 yards to almost 7,500. Mike Weir) or had the weekend off “Well, Augusta National has been at the (Brendon Todd, Kevin Kisner, Graeme forefront of trying to keep it competitive, McDowell, Francesco Molinari). keep it fair, keep it fun, and they have been At times Ð like when long-distance at the forefront of lengthening the golf approaches landed on the green and actual- course,” Tiger Woods said last year.

8 April 9, 2021 - April 15, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 33 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com on the heartstrings, like 48-year-old Kenny Conversely, as with the oldies, the kids Perry bogeying the last two holes to fall have suffered their own wipeouts. into a playoff, which he lost to Angel A shellshocked Spieth made a quadru- Cabrera, in 2009. More agonizing still was ple-bogey 7 at the 12th hole and lost the veteran Greg Norman’s collapse as he lost ’16 Masters in his title defense. Brandt a six-shot lead and Nick Faldo won in Snedeker, then 27, shot a final-round 77 to 1996. finish T3, four back of winner Trevor 9. YOUTH IS IRREPRESSIBLE Immelman, in 2008. Rory McIlroy, then Woods was 21 when he won in ’97. 21, shot a final-round 80 to lose in 2011. Jordan Spieth was a marginally older 21 Ah, well, maybe tears are inevitable at when he won in 2015, tying Woods’ 72- Augusta for both the winners and the los- hole scoring record of 18-under 270. ers. The trick is just being young enough to They’re the two youngest winners ever. survive it and come back next year. It helps to be too young to have scar tissue.

Dustin Johnson releases menu for the from Magnolia Lane. Now he’ll host the Masters Champions Dinner Champions Dinner. The invitation lists the menu items that Dustin Johnson, the world No. 1 who will be “Served in Honor of Mr. Dustin will be defending his title at the Masters Johnson.” Tournament next week, has released his Appetizers menu for the Champions Dinner. Pigs in a Blanket The famous par-3 12th hole at Augusta National Golf Club “Almost as good as the sandwiches!” he Lobster & Corn Fritters wrote on Twitter, along with the invitation First Course 5. ON THE CUTTING EDGE the fairway bunkers at the fifth hole Ð to the dinner. House Salad or Caesar Salad Longtime network partner CBS used adjusting on the fly where needed. How it Johnson, who won the FedExCup last Family-Style Sides just six cameras, covering only holes 15- might adapt after DeChambeau makes his summer, won the Masters by five shots at a Mashed Potatoes and Spring Vegetables 18, in its first tournament broadcast in ’56. mark this year, assuming he does, is any- record 20 under par in November. He also Main Course Nowadays the network uses 75-100 cam- body’s guess and one of the dominant pre- set records for most greens in regulation Filet Mignon eras to cover all 18 holes. The ’66 Masters tournament storylines. (60) and fewest bogeys (four). This was Miso-Marinated Sea Bass was the first tournament to use a stop- 7. EVERY HOLE HAS A STORY what he had dreamed about as he honed his Dessert action technique seen only in football; It was dubbed “the shot heard ’round game at the Weed Hill driving range in Peach Cobbler and Apple Pie with Vanilla 2001 gave us the first golf telecast to use the world” when Gene Sarazen made an Columbia, South Carolina, about an hour Ice Cream HDTV; and the 2010 Masters was the first albatross at the par-5 15th hole in 1935. He major sporting event produced and present- won a playoff the next day and said the ed in 3D on television and the Internet. shot wouldn’t have meant anything without Ancillary feeds like “Masters on The the title. He’s probably right. Jeff Maggert Range” and “Amen Corner” broke ground, made the first albatross at the 13th hole in as did the club’s 2019 commitment to cap- 1994, and Louis Oosthuizen made an alba- ture every shot on camera. tross at the second hole in 2012 to get in a And speaking of innovations, the state- playoff with eventual winner Bubba of-the-art press building, which opened in Watson. 2017, features white columns and gray Both shots were soon forgotten relative stonework; a huge atrium with skylight; to Sarazen’s. grand staircase; a wall of windows opening More storytelling: Augusta National co- up to the driving range; 350 seats; and founder Clifford Roberts and renowned men’s and women’s locker rooms. It’s a far sportswriter Grantland Rice hosted a pri- cry from the reporters’ old tent and vate train party for the official opening of Quonset hut, and even a far cry from the the club in 1933. Herbert Warren Wind, press building that one reporter dubbed it another sportswriter, coined the term “our Taj Mahal” when it opened off the “Amen Corner.” first fairway in 1990. Oh, and every hole is named in a sort of 6. REVERED ARCHITECTURE homage to the old nursery: Tea Olive for Dr. Alister Mackenzie of Scotland was the first hole, Pink Dogwood for the sec- the original architect and brought design ond, Flowering Peach for the third, and so concepts inspired by some of the classics on. The most famous is arguably Golden in his home country, including the Old Bell, the short, par-3 12th hole, where club Course at St. Andrews. He would design selection is key and train wrecks are not masterpieces from coast to coast Ð Cypress uncommon, often separating the winners Point in Monterey, California stands out Ð from the also-rans. and spanning the globe. (This in an era in 8. GUILE IS REWARDED which globe-trotting was not easy.) First-timer Fuzzy Zoeller won the tour- Tom Fazio helped the club add yardage nament in 1979, but he’s the only newbie and trees for the 2002 Masters, and more to don the green jacket. More often than wrinkles arrive seemingly non-stop. The not, players require seasoning to grasp the newly lengthened fifth hole played to near- course’s intricacies. Veterans sometimes ly 500 yards and elicited copious bogeys turn back the clock at Augusta National: last year. The par-5 13th will reportedly get Jack in ’86, Tiger in 2019. You also get a new back tee, although it may not be compelling sidebars like Bernhard Langer ready yet. making the cut last year at age 61. Don’t The club considers every detail Ð count out Phil Mickelson, 50. Bobby Jones, for example, initially disliked The flip side is the near-misses that tug

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 33 | April 9, 2021 - April 15, 2021 9 5 Things to know as the Masters begins

your oxygen levels. … And immediately from after changing the way I was breath- ing, the way I was feeling that day from breathing, it took it out. It literally just went away.” - Can Jordan Spieth win again after last week’s victory at the Valero Texas Open, his first since 2017. Spieth, has four top-3 finishes in seven Masters, including his win in 2015, and the lowest career scoring aver- age (70.46) at Augusta National among players with at least 25 rounds. 5. EXPERIENCE MATTERS: There have been just three Masters rookies to win the Green Jacket, and two of them were in the first two Masters (Horton Smith, 1934; Gene Sarazen, 1935). No rookie has won since Fuzzzy Zoeller in 1979. There’s a good chance that streak continues this year. There are just six first-timers in this year’s field, including just three profession- als who are making their Masters debut (Will Zalatoris, Carlos Ortiz and Bob MacIntyre). The three amateurs in this year’s field tie a tournament low; there were also just three amateurs in the 2008 The drive up Magnolia Lane to the club house at Augusta National Golf Club. (Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) and 1942 Masters. Several big names Ð including Collin By Sean Martin Another former champion, Fred Couples, side the top 25, can Johnson become the Morikawa, Matthew Wolff, Sungjae Im, PGATOUR.COM said the course could play as difficult as it first player since Tiger Woods in 2001-02 Scottie Scheffler and Cameron Champ Ð has in a “long, long time.” to go back-to-back at Augusta? Johnson are playing their first April Masters this AUGUSTA, Ga. -- The opening round A firm and fast Augusta National accen- has finished in the top 10 in five straight week. Considering the severe contrast in of the Masters is almost upon us, and, per tuates the genius behind Alister Masters. course conditions, there is some limit to usual, there’s no lack of storylines to keep Mackenzie’s masterpiece and often draws - How will new father Jon Rahm fare what can be learned from last year’s track of come Thursday. the best players to the top of the leader- after arriving at Augusta on Wednesday? Masters. The course was much softer in To get you prepared for the opening board. When Augusta plays fast, the “My concern is that … from Thursday to November, and there were no patrons last round, here are 5 Things to Know about extreme slopes on the course’s famed put- Monday I didn't sleep much, didn't hit a year. A limited number of patrons will be this year’s Masters. ting surfaces can funnel good shots toward single golf shot,” he said Wednesday. on the grounds this week. 1. A HISTORIC START: the hole while increasing the penalty for Rahm’s three consecutive top-10s at The honorary starters are a beloved tra- mishits. Augusta National is the second-longest Past Winners dition at the Masters, allowing the tourna- This could be the first time since 2017 active streak. 1995-2020 ment to embrace its history before more is that the winning score is single digits under - Can Rory McIlroy’s new swing coach 2020 Dustin Johnson 268 (-20) made over the next four days. par. The average winning score in the last help him win his first Masters and com- 2019 Tiger Woods 275 (-13) This year, the ceremony will honor an three Masters is 16 under par. plete the career Grand Slam? “I think 2018 Patrick Reed 273 (-15) important Masters milestone. Lee Elder, 3. FORE(!)-CAST: being a little bit more in control of what I 2017 Sergio Garcia 279 (-9) the first Black man to compete at Augusta The weather is the one thing Augusta do, … that's the sort of golfer that I want to 2016 Danny Willett 283 (-5) National, will join Jack Nicklaus and Gary National can’t control (we think). There is be going forward,” he said. That could be 2015 Jordan Spieth 270 (-18) Player on the first tee at 7:45 a.m. a chance of precipitation this week, which helpful here. The big number has plagued 2014 Bubba Watson 280 (-8) Thursday. could dramatically alter how the course him several times at this tournament. He 2013 Adam Scott 279 (-9) Elder, who made his Masters debut in plays but the rain is far from guaranteed to had a round of 77 or higher in six Masters 2012 Bubba Watson 278 (-10) 1975, is the first honorary starter added to fall. appearances in a seven-year span (2010-14, 2011 Adam Scott 279 (-9) the ceremony since Player in 2012. As of noon Wednesday, there was a ’16). A decade ago, he famously shot a 2010 Phil Mickelson 272 (-16) Nicklaus hit his first honorary tee shot in 20% chance of rain Thursday evening and final-round 80 after taking a four-shot lead 2009 AngelCabrera 276 (-12) 2010 and Arnold Palmer took part until his 70% chance of scattered thunderstorms into the final round. 2008 Trevor Immelman 280 (-8) passing in 2016. Friday afternoon. There’s also a 60% - Is Brooks Koepka’s surgically-repaired 2007 Zach Johnson 289 (+1) 2. THE FIRM: chance of late-afternoon thunderstorms knee strong enough for him to contend at 2006 Phil Mickelson 281 (-7) The course conditions this week are a Saturday. Temperatures are expected to be Augusta National? He’s one of just four 2005 Tiger Woods 276 (-12) stark contrast to what we saw in in the high 70s and low 80s every day this players to finish in the top 10 in the past 2004 Phil Mickelson 279 (-9) November, when Johnson tied the lowest week, which should help the course stay two Masters. 2003 Mike Wier 281 (-7) 72-hole score in relation to par in a major firm. - What will a bigger Bryson 2002 Tiger Woods 276 (-12) championship (20 under par). 4. QUESTION TIME: DeChambeau’s second crack at the Masters 2001 Tiger Woods 272 (-16) It’s been several years since players Many years, it feels like a handful of look like? He finished T34 here last year 2000 Vinjay Singh 278 (-10) have seen the course this firm in the days players establish themselves as Masters while struggling with physical issues. 1999 J.M Olazabal 280 (-8) leading up to the event. Jose Maria favorites. This year, it feels like there are DeChambeau said Tuesday that low oxy- 1998 Mark O’Meara 279 (-9) Olazabal, a two-time Masters champion, more questions than answers. Here’s a few gen was the culprit. “The brain was 1997 Tiger Woods 270 (-18) said, “If the weather stays like this, we're to ponder: stressed … and wasn't feeling that great. 1996 Nick Faldo 276 (-12) going to see Augusta as good as ever.” - Despite three consecutive finishes out- And they were like, well, let's check out 1995 Ben Crenshaw 274 (-14)

10 April 9, 2021 - April 15, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 33 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com Spieth one of the favorites this week

before winning Valero. Spieth, however, wasn’t as emotional as he anticipated when he knocked in the one- footer to polish off his victory in Texas. To him, it felt like old times again. “I thought I would have the memories of the downs and the struggles and the climb back and really the progress and the momentum over the last few months, all that kind of hit me, and it just kind of was like, I have a one-footer to win,” Spieth said. “I was happy that it didn’t hit me that hard; that it felt more normal, that it felt like me and that’s where I’m supposed to be, and this is who I am.” But Spieth is hardly satisfied. “I just feel like there’s quite a few things that I still need to really improve on and get better,” he said. “There are times and ways that I can take a step forward and feel better and produce better golf shots consistently and produce better strokes, and it was pretty awesome when I look back and think there’s a next level that I’ve been at that I’m still searching for right now. “I like the progress that I’m making. I don’t feel that I have the control of all facets of my game that I want to have yet, but feel like I’m working the right direction

By Rob Schumacher finished runner-up in 2014 and 2016 and finished third in 2018. AUGUSTA, Ga. Ð Seven months ago, at And he’s a better man for having gone the U.S. Open at punishing Winged Foot in through the most difficult stretch of his New York, Jordan Spieth was lost. career, a time that crystalized his perspec- “Standing on a tee at the U.S. Open and tive, humbled him to the core and tested not exactly knowing where the ball is every patient bone in his 27-year-old body going to go is not a great feeling,” Spieth as he at times banged balls on the range said before he missed the cut, his third con- until his hands bled. secutive start in which he didn’t make the Despite the rocky terrain the past four weekend. “But I’ll grind it out. I don’t ever years, he stayed the course and kept his give up. I have no reason to.” team by his side as he looked for answers On Monday, he arrived at Augusta within instead of searching for the solution National Golf Club as one of the favorites with a new set of people in tow. to win the Masters. “I needed to look back and take respon- Spieth is back to doing Spieth things sibility,” Spieth said Monday at Augusta again as he ended a baffling winless National. “For me it was taking ownership. drought of 1,351 days and 82 PGA Tour I believe in my team. They have proven starts with a two-shot victory Sunday in the themselves to be the best in the world, and Valero Texas Open, his first title since cap- how can we all get a little bit better turing the Claret Jug at the 2017 Open through this and what steps are we going to Championship. take forward to be able to feel this momen- The former No. 1 in the world, who fell tum together as we start to make progress to 92nd earlier this year, is 38th with a bul- in the right direction and then believing let, the first time he’s been back in the top that that’s happening.” 50 in more than a year. His road started turning in a better The victory in the Lone Star State was direction after he missed the cut in the his 12th PGA Tour win and placed him in Farmers Insurance Open in January. He some pretty good company. He joined shared the 54-hole lead the next week at Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Rory the Waste Management Phoenix Open McIlroy and Justin Thomas as the only before tying for fourth, held the 54-hole players to win 12 or more Tour titles before lead the following week at the AT&T turning 28. Pebble Beach Pro-Am before tying third. With his confidence mounting, Spieth is After a tie for 15th in the Genesis now walking a bit taller on some of his Invitational, he tied for fourth in the Arnold most cherished ground, where he won the Palmer Invitational. He also made it to Masters among the Georgia Pines in 2015, weekend play at the WGC-Dell Match Play

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 33 | April 9, 2021 - April 15, 2021 11 COLLEGES NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP Baylor proves they are the best two years, winningest team in the Power Five, we've been really, really good," he said. "And they're even better people. Four weeks in the bubble, trust me I'd tell you if they're not." The win is also personal for Drew, who has been leading the team for 18 seasons. He took over the program in 2003, in the wake of a scandal involving the murder of one player by another. At the time, he said his goal was to bring the team to the national championship, not just to play but to win. He noted on Monday that a Texas team hadn't won a national men's college basket- ball championship since 1966 and called the victory "long overdue for the state." Players also shared that sentiment. Butler, a Bears guard who was named the tournament's most outstanding player, said earlier in the week that he hoped to help put the program on the map. "That was one of my goals and I know some of my teammates' goals is just to leave a legacy at Baylor, create Baylor as a blue blood," he said. "To do that, you have to win a national championship."

Baylor Defeats Gonzaga To Win Its 1st game, "It's a really, really tough one to end Men's NCAA Championship a storybook season on, but listen, Baylor just beat us. They beat us in every facet of By Rachel Treisman the game and deserve all the credit." The Baylor Bears are celebrating their Baylor, which last appeared in a nation- first championship season after beating the al championship game 73 years ago, held previously undefeated Gonzaga Bulldogs Gonzaga to a season-low point total. 86-70 on Monday night at Lucas Oil "Our guys, when the best is needed, the Stadium in Indianapolis. best is provided," Baylor coach Baylor dominated the high-stakes game, said after the game. "The better the oppo- which turned out to be relatively low nent, the better they play." drama. At home in Waco, Texas, Baylor fans That's because the Bears were overpow- celebrated the team's historic win on the ering, he explained. They exploded to a 9-0 football field in McLane Stadium. lead and didn't falter, becoming the first The win is sweet revenge for Baylor. men's team to lead start-to-finish in a title Two years ago, Gonzaga eliminated the game since 2014. Bears in the second round. There was no They relied heavily on their guards' championship game last year because of smothering defense, relentless assists and the coronavirus pandemic. three-point shots to bring home the win. The pandemic shaped the entire college scored 22 points with 7 basketball season — both teams had to assists, had 15 points and pause their programs because of COVID- 5 assists, while MaCio Teague had 19 19 cases and navigate constant testing, iso- points. lation and scheduling changes along the "Our guys, when the best is needed, the way. best is provided," Baylor coach Scott Drew Speaking to reporters, Drew praised the said after the game. "The better the oppo- sacrifices his players made and noted that nent, the better they play." the games that were canceled made them Gonzaga only had to win one more appreciate the ones they were able to play game to end with a perfect season. Instead, even more. He described his main take- it finishes with a 31-1 record. It would away as being thankful for the opportunity have been the first team to finish the sea- to have the tournament at all and the son undefeated since 1976. Not since 1979 chance to deepen his relationship with has an undefeated team lost the title game. players. Gonzaga coach Mark Few said after the "Our team has been special, [the] last

12 April 9, 2021 - April 15, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 33 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com COLLEGES WITH BO CARTER College Football News and Notes

(Pa.) Oct. 2 and Georgetown (D.C.) Nov. during dead period, names, images and 20 to complete its ’21 slate…Cal Poly and likenesses’ legislation and the effect of Chattanooga have opted out of the rest of COVID-19 on college football in a recent the regulation FCS season…The latest interview…Rice has admitted its largest AFCA NAIA Top 25 poll finds the Top freshman class in history for 2021... Five listings as Morningside (Iowa) (8-0), ...Stanford head coach and NCAA Football Grand View (Iowa) (6-0), Lindsey Wilson Rules Committee chair David Shaw spoke (Ky.) (5-0), Keiser (Fla.) (7-0), and of the consensus needed nationally and Concordia (Mich.) (5-0)…The latest AFCA standards required for major football rules’ NCAA FCS survey finds Top Five stal- changes in any given year…Former SMU warts James Madison, Weber State, North and Arkansas head coach Chad Morris has Dakota State, South Dakota State, and Sam been named head coach at football-famous Houston State leading the pack…Austin Allen (Texas) High School north of Dallas Peay celebrated an upset of then-No. 7 …Carter Cadillac and University of nationally FCS Jacksonville State 13-10 at Calgary booster Jack Carter are providing a JSU after forcing six turnovers and playing courtesy vehicle to UC Dinos head coach its top defensive contest of the spring sea- Wayne Harris Jr., son of NFF College Hall son. JSU still leads all FCS schools with a of Fame member and Arkansas great the combined 8-2 fall and spring record in late Wayne Harris Sr….LSU head coach 2020-21 gridiron competition…Some key Ed Orgeron has promised to continue full Former SMU and Arkansas head coach Chad Morris has been named head coach at football at Allen High School contests last week as FCS moves down to cooperation with state investigations on the 16-team postseason tourney Selection recent allegations by LSU students and Jim Martin, Cleveland, Ohio; (1955) Ricky Sunday April 18 were McNeese State mentioned his truthfulness with the 2020- Bell, Houston, Texas; (1967) Anthony upending then-No. 13 Nicholls 43-31, No. 21 Husch Blackwell Group investigation Thompson, Terre Haute, Ind.; April 9 25 Southeastern Louisiana stopping Lamar on the LSU campus. (1871) John Minds, Clearfield County, Pa.; 42-12, Idaho State knocking off No. 24 Hometowns of more 2021 college head (1898) Paul Robeson, Princeton, N.J.; Idaho 24-22, and No. 16 Villanova down- coaches Ð Air Force: Troy Calhoun, (1921) Vince Banonis, Detroit, Mich.; ing Maine 44-17…Last Saturday's Lehigh McMinnville, Ore.; Akron: Tom Arth, (1947) Ron Pritchard, Chicago, Ill.; (1966) at Lafayette tilt was postponed due to a Cleveland, Ohio; Alabama: Nick Saban, Tracy Rocker, , Ga.; April 10 (1909) COVID-19 positivity…Old Dominion foot- Fairmont, W.Va.; UAB: Bill Clark, Clarke Hinkle, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; ball is going back to the powder blue jer- Anniston, Ala.; Alcorn State: Fred McNair, (1918) Jim Daniell, Pittsburgh, Pa.; (1938) seys after 12 years. The uniform as are Mt. Olive, Mississippi. Don Meredith, Mt. Vernon, Texas; April 11 known as Carol Hudson Blue in honor of Notre Dame director of athletics Jack (1903) Jake Gaither, Dayton, Tenn.; (1916) the retired CoSIDA Hall of Fame ODU Swarbrick told the Wall Street Journal that Sam Chapman, Tiburon, Calif.; (1916) publicist and legend Carol Hudson. the NCAA and other college entities need Danny Fortmann, Pearl River, N.Y.; (1941) Former SMU football standout Rev. to establish a clear vision for the future of BO CARTER Richie Butler was recognized for his efforts college athletics… State AD [email protected] Joe Romig, Salt Lake City, Utah; (1962) Terry Hoage, Ames, Iowa; April 12 (1870) to help underserved residents of East Pat Chun is NACDA’s new Third Vice Winchester Osgood, Port Bananas, Fla.; Dallas, Texas, to receive COVID-19 vacci- President…Former Houston and current In the 15th installment of a continuing nations in the parking lot of St. Luke Baylor AD Mack Rhoades interestingly series of updates with past winners of the (1944) Mike Garrett, Los Angeles, Calif.; (1966) , Hollywood,Florida. United Methodist Church where he is sen- hired Houston men’s Final Four¨ head NFF William V. Campbell Trophy¨ pre- ior pastor…The latest Centers for Disease basketball coach Kelvin Sampson seven sented by, 2006 recipient Brian Leonard Notable anniversary death dates for Hall of Famers are April 7 (1986) Bert Control study notes that the Pfizer and years ago at UH. The Cougars faced was highlighted on the official NFF web- Moderna vaccines are close to 80 percent Baylor in the semifinals of the NCAA site. The former NFL standout and success- Metzger, Hinsdale, Ill.; April 9 (1983) Jess Neely, Weslaco, Texas; April 10 (2015) effective against COVID-19 infections two men’s meet last Saturday in Indianapolis in ful real estate investor told of the long-last- weeks after the first dose and 90 percent the first meeting of two Texas teams in the ing impact that trophy has had on his life Ray Graves, Tampa, Fla.; April 11 (1948) Jock Sutherland, Pittsburgh, Pa.; April 11 effective two weeks after the second dose. semifinals or finals of the NCAA Men’s and philosophy. Jason Hanson of With age restrictions now lifted in most Championship…Florida AD Scott Stricklin Washington State also was highlighted and (2017) Wayne Hardin, Oreland, Pa.; April 12 (2019) Forrest Gregg, Colorado Springs, states, student-athletes, coaches and admin- addressed previous NCAA cost of atten- recognized in the ongoing 2020 and ’21 istrators have been receiving vaccinations dance concerns and how the NCAA names, biopics on NFF College Hall of Fame Colorado. Happy birthdays to NFF College Hall in much larger numbers…Mississippi images and likenesses’ legislation might inductees. State’s Alumni Association, with several not be as large a challenge as some antici- NFF College Hall of Fame Facts of Fame members April 6 Andy Talley (a spry 78), John Huarte (a spry 77), Sterling MSU student-athletes’ alumni and their pate. Some notable birthdates in NFF families making reservations, will take a Purdue AD discussed College Hall of Fame annals in the April 6- Sharpe, April 7 Tony Dorsett, April 8 Anthony Thompson, April 9 Ron Pritchard, special guided tour of the Beaches of his relationship with new Atlantic Coast 12 period are April 6 (1901) Pooley Normandy, France, and historical World ormer SMU and Arkansas head coach Hubert, Meridian, Miss.; (1934) Aurealius Tracy Rocker (father of All-America Vanderbilt baseball pitcher Kumar Rocker), War II locations and the River Seine... Chad Morris has been named head coach at Thomas, Muskogee, Okla.; (1943) Andy …NCAA men’s basketball game official football-famous Allen (Texas) High Talley, Bryn Mawr, Pa.; (1944) John April 11 Joe Romig (a spry 81), Terry Hoage, April 12 Mike Garrett (a spry 77), Bert Smith has recovered from collapsing SchoolConference commissioner Jim Huarte, Anaheim, Calif.; (1965) Sterling during the early minutes of the Gonzaga- Phillips who formerly was AD at Sharpe, Chicago, Ill.; April 7 (1859) Walter Lorenzo White… WKU of Conference USA will host UT USC NCAA Men’s Basketball Regional Northwestern before accepting the com- Camp, New Britain, Conn.; (1900) Edgar finals and did not have to be admitted to an missioner’s position... …UCLA AD Martin Garbisch, Washington, Pa.; (1954) Tony Martin Sept. 2 in the season opener for both squads…Ave Maria (Fla.) will travel emergency room. Jarmond was commended for taking care Dorsett, Aliquippa, Pa.; (1961) Gabe TCU head coach Gary Patterson spoke of UCLA senior basketball student-athletes Rivera, Crystal City, Texas; April 8 (1924) to in-state foe Stetson this season…Morgan State has added Towson Sept. 4, St. Francis about the challenges of football recruiting (continued on page 14)

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 33 | April 9, 2021 - April 15, 2021 13 with tickets’ access for all the Bruins been offered a lifetime contract to add to manager for operations… Northern Iowa athletics will receive an anticipated addi- NCAA men’s tourney contests…Tennessee his previous 18 years of service for the track and field and cross country head tional $250,000-plus in overall revenue named Alicia Longworth as senior associ- Jayhawks…UCLA men’s basketball head coach Dave Paulsen received a five-year from playing at the NCAA FCS level in the ate AD for external operations Brady Hart coach Mick Cronin and Michigan head contract extension through 2027…East Western Athletic Conference this autumn... senior associate AD for development... coach Juwan Howard each received per- Tennessee State men’s basketball head …The Pac-12 Conference earned a league- …Kent State is moving closer to hiring an formance bonuses for making NCAA coach Jason Shay resigned to pursue other high 19 competition units in the NCAA AD with the revelation of three finalists: Men’s Championship regional finals. career opportunities...Winthrop has select- men’s basketball tournament for a of $38.6 Cincinnati executive senior associate AD Cronin also obtained additional remunera- ed Western Carolina men’s basketball head million in payouts…America East and senior women administrator Maggie tion for making the Final Four®…Tarleton coach Mark Prosser as its new mentor... Conference commissioner Amy McKinley, Miami (Ohio) deputy AD and State has posted a position announcement …Austin Peay has gained former Duke Huchthausen wrote a guest column for chief of staff Jude Killy and Old Dominion for an assistant vice president for develop- assistant coach as the Sportico's JohnWallStreet.com division on senior associate AD Randale L. Richmond ment…Purdue has an opening for an asso- Governors new head men’s basketball NCAA gender equity...... Pennsylvania athletics formed a 12- ciate AD for strategic communications... coach…McNeese State has added former Bowlseason.com is hosting a continuing member search committee to select the …UTEP is looking for an associate AD for Portland State women’s basketball head segment about standout walkons who led replacement for outgoing AD L. Grace fan engagement and digital strategy..... coach Lynn Kennedy as the Cowboys bas- their teams to bowl games and eventually Calhoun…Miami (Ohio) tabbed Breanna ….Missouri is seeking an assistant director ketball boss…Mount St. Mary’s (Md.) played in the NFL. Two of the recent stu- Robinson as associate AD for diversity, for sports marketing while Kentucky named women’s basketball assistant head dent-athletes in WalkonWednesdays were advocacy and student-athlete success...Yale Wesleyan has advertised for a director of coach Antoine White to succeed former Kansas State’s Jordy Nelson, East deputy AD and chief operating officer Ann- athletics communications…Oklahoma head coach Maria Marchesano who is the Carolina’s Justin Hardy and Clemson’s Marie Guglieri addressed the various State head men’s basketball coach Mike new head coach at Fort Wayne…Toyelle …Latest all-time bowl aspects of leadership and experience within Boynton had his contract extended for Wilson accepted the head women’s basket- games’ records by top winning percentages Bulldogs athletics…Oklahoma is expected seven years…Alabama men’s basketball ball coaching post at SMU…Johnnie show Utah No. 1 at 17-6 (.739 winning to name former Loyola (Chicago) men’s head coach Nate Oats had a buyout clause Harris was named head women’s basketball percentage), Ole Miss No. 2 at 25-13 basketball head coach to added to his new contract…Fordham chose coach at Auburn after serving as an assis- (.658) and Oklahoma State third at 20-11 replace the legendary with the former Villanova assistant coach Kyle tant coach at Mississippi State and Texas... (.645). Sooners…Eddie Reese, who guided Texas Neptune as its new head coach while …DePaul chose former Oregon assistant Rutgers student-athlete TE Ryan men’s swimming and diving to a national- Denver added former Stanford assistant coach Tony Stubblefield as its new head Cassidy was voted chair of the national record 42 consecutive conference champi- coach Jeff Wulbrun as the Pioneers head men’s hoops’ taskmaster…Houston assis- Division I Student-Athlete Advisory onships in the Southwest and Big 12 coach…Army West Point tabbed former tant coach Alvin Brooks Jr. opposed Baylor Committee…Clemson Trevor Conferences from 1980-2001, is retiring. Adelphi head women’s basketball coach assistant coach Alvin Brooks III in last Lawrence has been identified as the proba- He will be emeritus coach and is the only Missy Traversi as head coach…UTSA has Saturday’s NCAA DI men’s tournament ble first player in the first round of the NCAA swimming and diving coach to selected former Texas, North Texas and semifinals…Villanova men’s basketball NFL draft consideration for the guide his teams to national titles in five dif- Charlotte women’s head basketball coach head coach Jay Wright will not interview April 29…The Dallas ferent decades…Minnesota swimming and Karen Aston as its new mentor for hoops.. for the same open North Carolina position Cowboys are looking to All-America DB diving head coach Terry Ganley is retiring …Kennesaw State women’s basketball …Baylor head men’s basketball coach Patrick Surtain II of Alabama as their ini- after 44 years with the men’s and women’s coach Agnus Berenato has finished her 33- Scott Drew reflected on the Bears first trip tial ’21 draft selection…2021 Texas signee squads…North Texas and Oklahoma State year head coaching career with 483 wins... to the NCAA Final Four since 1950 and Tamar Bates requested a release from his men’s basketball coaching staffs had their …South Carolina head men’s basketball the first time in the NCAA men’s basket- national letter of intent…Gonzaga basket- contracts extended with several compensa- coach Frank Martin is returning for the ball title tilt since 1948 against Kentucky. ball star Jalen Suggs was both Mr. Football tion upgrades over the expansion period.... 2021-22 season …North Carolina and He also complimented his student-athletes, in 2019 as a quarterback and Mr. …Katrina Merriweather has been tabbed as Kansas head men’s basketball coach Roy coaching staff and support personnel for Basketball as a forward in Minnesota at women’s basketball head coach at Williams, an avid golfer and UNC basket- helping maintain a strong bubble against Minnehaha Academy/SMB football.... Memphis …Former Texas Tech ultra-suc- ball student-athlete, is retiring after 33 sea- COVID-19 during the NCAA tourney.... …Remembering Mississippi State quarter- cessful head men’s basketball coach Chris sons and 903 victories as a DI college head …Gonzaga head coach Mark Few congrat- backs of the 2010-19 era, and the list Beard has taken over the Texas basketball coach. Williams’ experience also included ulated his team and fans for a 95-93 win in includes: program. Named among the favorites to coaching high school freshman football at overtime over traditional power UCLA in 2010 Ð Chris Reif, Tyler Russell replace him at Tech are Abilene Christian one point. North Carolina AD Bubba the Men’s Final Four¨ basketball tourney 2011 Ð Chris Reif, Tyler Russell, Dylan head coach Joe Golding, North Texas head Cunningham noted that he will lead the last Saturday in Indianapolis. It was the Favre coach Grant McCasland, former Tech star search for a new men’s head basketball first overtime in a national men’s DI semi- 2012 Ð Tyler Russell, Dak Prescott (future and NBA assistant coach coach…New Utah men’s basketball head finals’ round since Kentucky edged NFL Rookie of Year, All-Pro) Darvin Ham, and Stephen F. Austin head coach Craig Smith had his six-year con- Stanford 86-85 in a single extra stanza in 2013 Ð Dak Prescott, Tyler Russell, coach …UT Arlington assistant tract ratified…St. Thomas (Minn.) named 1998. Damian Williams men’s basketball coach Greg Young is tak- Rob Blasi as men’s hockey head coach. He CBS Sports speculated that the Pac-12 2014 Ð Dak Prescott, Damian Williams ing the reins from former head coach Chris comes to STU from Miami (Ohio)..Eastern Conference commissioner search is nearing 2015 Ð Dak Prescott, Nick Fitzgerald Ogden who has joined head coach Chris Illinois tabbed former Evansville men’s a close with solid candidates Ohio State 2016 Ð Nick Fitzgerald, Damian Williams Beard’s staff at Texas along with former basketball head coach Marty Simmons as AD Gene Smith, Clemson AD Dan 2017 Ð Nick Fitzgerald, Keytaon Tech assistant coach Ulric Maligi…Auburn its new men’s hoops’ head coach…Loyola Radakovich, and former NCAA vice presi- Thompson has launched a national search for its new (Md.) women’s basketball head coach Joe dent West Virginia AD and NFL Europe 2018 Ð Nick Fitzgerald, Keytaon women’s basketball head coach…Naismith Logan will not return for the 2021-22 sea- president Oliver Luck strongly in the mix. Thompson and Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame son after 16 years in that role…Akron The San Jose (Calif.) Mercury-News publi- 2019 Ð Tommy Stevens, Garrett Schrader member Stanford women’s basketball head men’s basketball head coach John Groce cation added Nebraska AD Bill Moos to North Texas student-athlete Javin coach Tara VanDerveer revisited her story has a new contract extension through the the possibilities…Pac-12 Conference presi- Hamlet will forgo his senior season and in basketball. She once lived on food 2025-26 campaign…George Washington dents and chancellors have expressed a place himself as a professional draft stamps as a graduate assistant coach Provost Dr. M. Brian Blake is a finalist for desire to change the overall conference prospect…Iowa All-America freshman bas- because she wanted to begin her career in Rhode Island U’s presidential position... office business platform to help enhance ketball guard (sister of Iowa college coaching…Indiana named former …Nebraska added Husker Athletic Partners revenue and additional corporate sports State quarterback Blake Clark) told media IU standout head men’s leadership team members general manager sponsorships…In 2019 the average revenue of her desire to remain in her home state of basketball coach with a guaranteed, six- Jason Rathe, assistant GM Jason Engelbart for the 13 reporting SEC schools Iowa, so her friends and family might see year contract…UTRGV selected former and senior account executives Heidi Cuca (Vanderbilt is a private university) was her play before often and to be closer to Austin Peay men’s basketball head coach and Jamie Linn…Southern Utah athletics $147.7 million. In 2005 the average rev- her basketball roots…Florida’s Omar Matt Figger to the same post…Kansas chose former WNBA Las Vegas Aces sales enue for the reporting SEC members was Payne, Mississippi State’s Deivon Smith men’s head basketball coach has manager Meighan Simmons as general just over $60 million…Stephen F. Austin and Brandon Cunningham, Syracuse’s

14 April 9, 2021 - April 15, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 33 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com Kadary Richmond, Robert Braswell and in revenue for fiscal year 2020 compared to golf is quarantined for 10 days due to pauses …CBS Sports columnist Dennis John Bol Ajak, and Nebraska’s Boe Wilson $89.7 million in 2005… Toyota North COVID-19 protocols and tracing. Dodd noted that the Kansas AD and head have entered the 2021 NCAA transfer por- America is celebrating the 25th year of ESPN senior vice president for college football coach’s search was proceeding at a tal. There now have been 2,000-plus production of the Sienna model in sports programming and events and former rather slow rate. Washington State AD Pat NCAA football student-athletes on all lev- Princeton, Ind. The manufacturing plant UAB athletics publicist Pete Derzis will Chun removed himself from any considera- els who took the portal solution since has provided thousands of positions for retire after 31 years with the network... tion for the AD’s position…The McClatchy August 2020..... …Southlake (Texas) graduates and student-athletes from nearby …Sports Business Journal compiled a list Publishing Group of 30 newspapers, Carroll HS standout safety Cinque colleges such as Evansville, DePauw, of leading leaders in diversity and inclusive including the Miami (Fla.) Herald and The Williams has signed with North Texas for Kentucky Wesleyan, Southern Indiana, hiring in college athletics and featured Big Kansas City Star, is consolidating its type- ’21…Former Texas CB Jalen Hall has Purdue, Indiana, and others…Endeavor has East Conference commissioner Val setting and layout organizations with 26 transferred to Mississippi State. filed for public stock offerings to in Ackerman, Northern Illinois AD Sean upcoming additional layoffs along with 84 Highlights from the career of NFF raising $1.75 billion for the UFC and its Frazier, NFF Board of Directors member personnel cuts due to COVID-19 economic College Hall of Fame member and 1962 properties…LEAD1 and Hackney Oklahoma AD Joe Castiglione, Ohio State challenges…Houston alumnus Jim Nantz Heisman Trophy recipient Terry Baker of Publications have initiated the LEAD1 AD Gene Smith, Washington AD Jennifer of CBS expressed excitement about having Oregon State are being featured on the offi- Names, Images and Likenesses’ Cohen, Virginia AD Carla Williams, Duke his alma mater in the NCAA Final Four¨ cial NFF website. Baker, who will turn 80 Institutional Report to assist college athlet- AD Kevin White, UCLA AD Martin for the first time since 1984. Nantz began on May 5, has been a successful attorney ics with NIL rules’ interpretations and Jarmond, and West Coast Conference com- his career in media while performing pub- for decades in Portland, Ore., and also was changes…Hearst Ventures has invested $2 missioner Gloria Nevarez as chief exam- lic address duties as a student at UH bas- a starting on the 1960-63 OSU million in DDSports Inc., the controlling ples. OSU’s Smith recently proposed a ketball games from 1979-82…Fresno State basketball teams…The NFL Atlanta company of ShotTracker, which has agree- more controlled contact atmosphere for student-athlete twins and standouts Haley Falcons have re-signed DE Steven Means ments with all major television and radio youth football leagues…ESPN is No. 2 and Hanna Cavinder were featured on of Buffalo and DT Jonathan Bullard of networks for statistical and similar services internationally with the most TikTok social ESPN’s Outside the Lines' with Jeremy Florida…Former Alabama student-athlete …Appalachian State athletics has media followers in 2020 behind Netflix... Schaap last week…VerbalCommits.com Kerry Goode (1983-87), who starred at employed RealResponse to help adminis- …Sportico found financial figures on the lists 1,200-plus men’s basketball student- ‘Bama with brothers Chris and Pierre Good trators work more closely with student-ath- previous National Invitation Tournament athletes as of April 1 in the NCAA transfer and Antonio Langham, has been battling letes on several objectives while Arizona from 2019 when the 32 teams competing portal. That indicates that just under 26 Lou Gehrig’s Disease since 2015 after a State athletics now is working with the had a $2.1 million profit. The 2021 figures percent of players on 2020-21 rosters are 12-year career in the NFL as well. The Athlete Network on similar propositions... have not been compiled after Memphis seeking transfers. Literally, 2021-22 fans Goodes and Langham all grew up and …San Jose State has begun the Dick won its second NIT in three tries against will not be able to tell the players without a starred in multiple sports at football-famed Vermeil Fund for Football Excellence as first-time NIT finalist Mississippi State scorecard of phone rosters’ application.... Town Creek, Alabama (population 1,000), part of the One Spartan Nation fundraising 77-64…Yahoo Sports suggested that the …ESPN ratings indicated that the NCAA eight miles from fellow Alabama All- campaign…With UCLA's upset victory NCAA keep the men’s basketball Sweet 16 women's basketball semifinals averaged 2 America TE and NFF College Hall of over Michigan in the regional finals, the and Elite Eight games on a permanent million viewers for an increase of 11 per- Fame member Ozzie Newsome…The NFL 2021 NCAA DI men’s joust set a record Saturday-Tuesday schedule and possibly cent over 2019. will not require players, coaches and sup- for most lower seeds upsetting higher seeds rotating nearby sites for these two rounds.. The USBWA named Connecticut’s port personnel to receive the COVID-19 in 14 games…Learfield IMG College has …Apex Marketing estimated that UCLA Paige Bueckers and Iowa's Caitlin Clark as vaccine, but it is highly recommended by added former Amazon Web Services head not wearing its logo during the NCAA co-recipients of the 2020-21 Tamika the league for health and safety reasons. of product marketing management for men’s basketball tourney might have cost Catchings Freshman Player of the Year The Naval Academy has finished con- training and certification Jennifer Davis as the company as much as $12 million in Award and Stanford’s Tara VanDerveer as struction of the 25,000-square-foot Ron LIMGC’s chief marketing officer…North national exposure…The Medium Group USBWA Coach of the Year. Bueckers also Terwilliger (Class of '63) Center for Texas athletics will host a free, public wrote about student-athletes’ resting heart won the Ann Meyers Drysdale USBWA Student-Athletes with a technology- event Thursday at 6 p.m. (CDT) at the rate during sleep and how deep sleep Player of the Year Award. Iowa center Luke focused 180-degree theater, reality activa- UNT Coliseum (Super Pit) to honor the affects activity and peak performance...The Garza also captured the 2020-21 USBWA tions and a true-to-life replica of a Blue Mean Green Eagles men’s and women’s NCAA Division I Field Hockey Oscar Robertson Men’s Basketball Player Angels Super Hornet jet aircraft... basketball teams…Mississippi Gov. Tate Championship semifinals and finals will be of the Year Award…NACDA’s 2021 Hall of Vanderbilt athletics will have a $300 mil- Reeves has signed the state's student-ath- aired live on ESPN3 and ESPNU through Fame class consists of retired UCLA AD lion upgrade for its football and basketball lete names, images and likenesses’ law, the 2023 season…Nielsen Ratings for the Dan Guerrero, retired DePaul AD Jean facilities Ð the first renovation for which will take effect July 1…Utah Valley NCAA men’s basketball Sweet 16 telecasts Lenti Ponsetto, retired Fordham AD Dave Vanderbilt Stadium since 1981…There will has opened a volleyball Performance were up 13 percent from comparable num- Roach, and retired Virginia AD Craig be work on the Football Operations Center, Center with coaches' offices, a film screen- bers from the most recent NCAA tourney Littlepage…The USBWA organized its an expansion to the Dan McGugin Center ing room for performance evaluation and in 2019…Bill Neely, London and British annual officers’ elections and awards’ cere- (named in memory of NFF College Hall of preparation, a lounge, and training and Isles correspondent for NBC News, dedi- monies around the NCAA Division I Fame coach Dan McGugin), a new indoor locker room spaces. The facility also will cated marathon runner and football fan, is Basketball Men’s Final Four¨ last week in FB practice facility, and the Basketball be utilized by the women’s basketball and retiring from daily reporting duties after 41 Indianapolis…Pete Moore of Syracuse, Operations Center. Vandy chancellor Dr. wrestling teams…Vanderbilt is scheduling years…The Athletic suggested that the Mathieu Tanguay of Universite’ Laval Daniel Diermeier indicated that approxi- in-person classes for fall semester and did NCAA Women’s Division I Championship (Canada), Joe Danahey of Humboldt State, mately $100 million of the funding will not have any online or correspondence game be televised live nationally in the Larry Dougherty of Temple, Gene Cassell come from a private fundraising campaign courses prior to March 2020 when COVID- future on ABC after ABC did two first-ever of Washburn were featured subjects and …Will and Renee Moon have gifted Iowa 19 conditions caused a national lockdown live telecasts of women’s tourney games opinion makers in the CoSIDA Open athletics with $10 million to open the Will …Current NCAA Division II member New previously carried exclusively on ESPN Forum online newsletter and magazine… and Renee Moon Excellence Fund to Haven is beginning a transition to NCAA outlets…The Washington Post acknowl- Cincinnati, Connecticut, Louisville, LSU, endow the Hawkeyes head coaching post Division I in all sports in coming months. edged that worldwide television and spon- Michigan State, NC State, Oklahoma State, and to assist in the upgrade of Kinnick Finding a geographically and proportion- sorship revenue for women’s sports alone Oregon State, Southeast Missouri, Stadium's north end zone seating areas and ately competitive conference is high on the will be an anticipated $1 billion-plus and Tennessee, and Winthrop are working with concourse…UN Kearney is holding tryouts list of goals with this upward move…North compared rising NCAA media rights’ NCAA enforcement and compliance offi- for the popular human costumed Louie the Texas athletics has initiated the UNiTE agreements with ESPN…The Athletic cials concerning possible issues and probes Loper antelope mascot…Tennessee has Mean Green Club scholarship campaign to spoke of postgame injury video reviews by at their respective schools…NCAA senior passed a new law requiring high school and raise $5 million in the next five years for NCAA coordinator of officials Steve Shaw vice president of inclusion, education and college student-athletes to compete in the grants-in-aid…Rice has received 4,000 and how these updates might be used in community engagement and chief diversity gender of their birth…The latest tax doses of COVID-19 vaccine in the last five future rules’ enforcement Ð especially if and inclusion officer as well as a former records and USA TODAY findings indicate days and is seeking to return to normal teams are attempting to slow down paces Vanderbilt student-athlete Dr. Derrick that Ohio State reported $233-plus million online classes in August…Georgia men's of football encounters through injury (continued on page 16)

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 33 | April 9, 2021 - April 15, 2021 15 Former Duke student-athlete and CBS commentator Grant Hill is the new USA Basketball managing director

Cincinnati, Connecticut, Louisville, Tokyo Summer Olympics…The Arizona- LSU, Michigan State, NC State, Oklahoma Stanford women’s NCAA basketball cham- State, Oregon State, Southeast Missouri, pionship was the first-ever all-Pac-12 Tennessee, and Winthrop are working with Conference finale and the first crown won NCAA enforcement and compliance offi- by a Pac-12 member since Stanford in cials concerning possible issues and probes 1992. Stanford captured its third NCAA at their respective schools…NCAA senior women’s basketball championship and vice president of inclusion, education and national-record 129th overall NCAA team community engagement and chief diversity top trophy since 1906. and inclusion officer as well as a former Vanderbilt student-athlete Dr. Derrick Schedule with New Year’s Six Games Gragg mentioned the conditions he was (All Games Televised by ESPN, EST) presented when he interviewed and accept- ed the position…Prior to the NCAA Men’s Friday, Dec. 31, 2021 Basketball Final Four¨, there were a (CFP Semifinals & Championship record 14 lower-seeded teams upending January 10) higher seeds. For the first time in NCAA Goodyear Cotton Bowl men's basketball history, seven of the eight AT&T Stadium Elite Eight schools were from west of the Arlington, Texas, 4 or 8 p.m. Mississippi…The NCAA Executive Capital One Orange Bowl Council had a special, called meeting last Hard Rock Stadium Thursday prior to the regularly slated meet- Miami Lakes, Fla., 4 or 8 p.m. ing April 15…The NCAA was in court last week for hearings on the Alston Case and Monday, Jan. 10 national collegiate governance. The U.S. CFP Championship, Semifinal Winners Supreme Court raised questions during the Lucas Oil Stadium Alston Case about actual compensation Indianapolis, Ind., 8 p.m. procedures for student-athletes under pend- ing NIL legislation…WNIT executive Thursday, Dec. 30. 2021-Jan. 1, 2022 director Renee Carlson has retired after 20 (Other New Year’s Six Bowls) years in her post…The NCAA is looking at sizes of tournament staffing for future Thursday, Dec. 30 men’s and women’s DI basketball champi- Chick Fil-A Peach Bowl onships and listened to views from the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta,Ga.TBD Women’s Basketball Coaches Association on these subjects…Collegiate Sports Friday, Jan. 1 Management Group chief operating officer PlayStation Fiesta Bowl Ray Katz related how the NCAA’s sales of State Farm Stadium sponsorships could be spread more equi- Glendale, Ariz. TBD tably among 90 sports without as much Friday, Jan. 1 emphasis on sponsoring money for men’s Allstate Sugar Bowl Division I basketball…Former Duke stu- Mercedes-Benz Superdome dent-athlete and CBS commentator Grant New Orleans, La., TBD Hill is the new USA Basketball managing Friday, Jan. 1 director. He is the son of former Yale and Rose Bowl presented by Capital One NFL standout Calvin Hill. Rose Bowl Stadium Grant Hill will assume his new duties from Pasadena, Calif. longtime director Jerry Colangelo after the

16 April 9, 2021 - April 15, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 33 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com AUTO CHEVROLET TAHOE One of the best SUVs money can buy

that frees up space in the center console. audio system, telescoping steering wheel Few SUVs look as SUV-like as the and power-adjustable pedals, memory seat- Chevy Tahoe. Big, blocky and bold, it is ing and universal garage-door opener. The the pictorial definition of what many envi- LT trim also opens the door to options like sion when they think of a traditional sport- 2nd-row bucket seats, sunroof and more. utility vehicle. We like the Tahoe’s sharp- The top-line Tahoe Premier comes with edged styling, sculpted flanks and new many of the amenities that are optional on LED daytime running lights. The Tahoe the LT, including hands-free tailgate, navi- looks wider than its GMC Yukon sibling gation, blind-spot monitoring, keyless start, thanks to the wide grille that blends into and heated steering wheel. Exclusive to the the headlights. Shorter drivers will love the Premier are Magnetic Ride Control, high- available power running boards. Tahoe intensity headlights, ventilated front seats, RST models add aggressive aesthetics like 10-speaker Bose audio, and optional By Matt Degen edition RST Performance Package, the a black grille, mirror caps and bow-tie power-retractable side steps. You’ll also Tahoe Premier model really gets up and badges, and 22-inch wheels. need the Premier trim if you want adaptive With its attractive styling, capable inte- goes, hitting 0-60 mph in less than six sec- The Tahoe is available in three main cruise control and advanced high-speed rior and powerful standard V8 engine, the onds. The RST — Rally Sport Truck — trims: LS, LT and Premier. At its least autonomous braking. Chevrolet Tahoe remains one of the best treatment is also available without the expensive, a Tahoe LS includes cloth seats, If you go with the base LS trim, we full-size SUVs money can buy. engine upgrade on Tahoe LT and Premier tri-zone automatic climate control, keyless highly recommend adding the Enhanced Because it’s constructed atop a rugged models. entry, rearview camera and rear parking Driver Alert Package. For just $695 it adds truck-like frame, the Tahoe can haul and Of the numerous infotainment setups sensors, cruise control, and the MyLink 8- forward-collision alert with low-speed for- tow far more weight than a conventional we’ve tested, the MyLink system in the inch touch-screen infotainment system with ward emergency braking, power-adjustable crossover SUV like the Chevy Traverse or Chevrolet Tahoe full-size SUV is hands- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility pedals, lane-keep assist, lane-departure Honda Pilot. However, when it comes to down one of the best. It’s easy to use and and 6-speaker audio system. warning, and more. trailering bragging rights, the Ford navigate, with quick response times and If you can afford roughly $5,000 more, Four-wheel drive can be had on all Expedition’s 9,300-pound rating beats out big, colorful graphics. The system is not we recommend stepping up to at least the three trims instead of the standard 2-(rear)- the Tahoe’s 8,600-pound limit. only compatible with Apple CarPlay and Tahoe LT trim. It adds safety features like wheel drive, and the optional Z71 off-road While not as fuel-efficient as the Ford, Android Auto, it also offers onboard 4G forward-collision alert and lane-keeping package amplifies the Tahoe’s capabilities the Tahoe’s standard V8 falls squarely in LTE Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and voice activation. systems, plus amenities such as leather with skidplates, upgraded suspension, hill- line with similar engines offered in the Once offered only in the Cadillac seating, power tailgate, Bose 9-speaker descent control and more. Nissan Armada and Toyota Sequoia. Escalade and GMC Denali, the big 6.2-liter There’s also an optional 6.2-liter V8 in the V8 is now available in the Tahoe as part of RST package that bumps horsepower to the Premier’s RST with Performance 420. Package option. With 420 horsepower and With prices ranging from the low 460 lb-ft of torque, this engine can handle $50,000s to as much as $80,000 with every the biggest jobs while pushing acceleration option, the Tahoe isn’t cheap, but it is times into sports-car territory. The engine priced competitively and holds its value also comes with a 10-speed automatic well. transmission and Magnetic Ride Control The Tahoe drives quite a bit better than suspension. you might expect for a big, truck-based One of the leading reasons people love body-on-frame SUV, and certainly better the Chevy Tahoe is its massive interior. than its predecessors. While not quite as Among its non-GM peers, the Tahoe is the comfortable as a car-based crossover SUV, only full-size SUV that can accommodate today’s Tahoe rides admirably. This is truer up to nine passengers, a feat made possible still if you opt for the Magnetic Ride by the LS trim’s available 3-person front Control suspension that comes on the top- bench seat. While the Tahoe’s third row line Premier trim. There’s no getting isn’t as comfortable or roomy as the one in around the Tahoe’s girth that can make it a the Ford Expedition, it still serves as a suit- handful in parking lots and other tight able perch for kids or pets. Most Tahoe spaces, but its steering is light and makes models seat eight, but there is a 5-passen- piloting this ship seamless. ger version that omits the rearmost seat, On the highway, the Tahoe is refined saving money and gaining cargo space. and quiet. The standard 5.3-liter V8 engine Speaking of space, with the 3rd-row in remains a gratifying powerhouse, and its 6- place, there’s a paltry 15.3 cubic feet left speed automatic transmission is a mostly for gear. However, with said seat folded or smooth operator. We’ve tested the Tahoe removed, cargo capacity jumps to a mas- over hill and dale and while towing off- sive 51.7 cubic feet. road vehicles, and it’s always up to the As for passenger comfort, we think task. most will find the Tahoe’s seats both wide For even more potency, the Tahoe can and supportive. Those who need the con- now be had with GM’s more powerful 6.2- venience of a tilt-and-telescopic steering liter V8, which is used in the Cadillac wheel and power-adjustable pedals will Escalade and has already been available in need to move up to the LT or Premier the GMC Yukon. Equipped with this 420- trims. Storage space is ample, thanks in horsepower engine as part of the special part to the column-mounted gear selector

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 33 | April 9, 2021 - April 15, 2021 17 TICKET WINDOW

18 April 9, 2021 - April 15, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 33 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 33 | April 9, 2021 - April 15, 2021 19 20 April 9, 2021 - April 15, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 33 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com