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Show Sports Wrrorb PX0 John Mooney I J a J jf f4 I 'V. Li College foot-1- 1 ball centers weU ask (nshtsame ques- - John Mooney tion o( Neb. raskas Dave Rimington Normally football centers are the anonymous guys who only get noticed when they make a bad snap, or are caught holding. In the many years I have been involved with the Football Writers Association of America in nominating and helping select teams, I have seen many elections when only one or two centers would be nominated in the initial ballot. There are hundreds of running backs, strong-armequarterbacks, brilliant linebackers or defensive players, and, of course, the myriad of fleet receivers Usually, there are at least a half dozen return specialists and kickers to challenge the voters. But the centers are so unrecogniza center able that someone once cracked, "If Hitler is alive and living in the U.S., he probably is playing center on some football team. Rimington changed all that, to the dismay of the other centers who had hopes of gaining recognition the last two years. Like Bart Oates of Brigham Young University, for example. d Efforts Wasted The sports information department of BYU came up with a clever little folder, boosting Barts candidacy. Even though Rimington, as a center and retummg the winner of the Football Writers Outland Award, was almost a cinch, the the BYU publicity may help Bart when the NFL gets around to drafting. Along hundreds with of other writers at the Football Wri-- J ters annual con- vention in Kings Island last sum- - mer, I 602-435- 4 Snn , lliior r'liiiiM- Many, many years ago, when Old Blue Eyes had left the Dorsey orchestra to go it alone as a single and was just gaining popularity, a friend said to Bing Crosby, 'A singer like Frank Sinatra comes along only once I in a lifetime, I and Der Bingle i ! i is supposed to l ( have snapped, I 4 Veah, but why 4 I I does he have to I come along m " A my lifetime?" r l'br Recorded Scores Call 1 800 Local 237 2025 I w '44 v Jj spent some time with Rimington. Dave Rimington It was difficult to consider Rimington as an anonymity at Kings Island, even among the stars selected for the football tour. After all, the guy stands only but tips the scales somewhere between 285 and 302 pounds. But this guy is built, with a waist, and a neck half that circumference. His quickness is the asset that stamps him as unusual and a first-roundraft choice. Both the wire services last year voted the Nebraska center the Offensive Player of the Year in the Big Eight, which is amazing, considering those great Nebraska and Oklahoma running backs. But, in addition to his athletic skills, Dave was chosen a year ago on the Academic-All-Americ- a team, which is limited to players with a B average. The Football Writers picked him for the Outland Award a second time this fall, so if the rival centers feel overlooked, they can just sympathize with Crosby and say, But why in my lifetime? for Rimington. half-doze- ABC-NCA- 6-- d Stuff V Somesense John McGurk, the old Fordham first baseman who played a lot of semipro baseball in Utah after his release from the military, is re- .... cuperating after surgery Dale Brown, the former basketball assistant at Utah State, has turned in a remarkable at record Louisiana State, with his Bayou Tigers winning 65 of their last 83 Southeastern Conference games .... Under Brown, the Tigers have Dale Brown defeated Florida 10 in a row, Mississippi State six in a row and eight of 11, Vanderbilt five in a row and nine of 11, Mississippi nine of 11, Tennessee eight of 10, Georgia nine of 13, Alabama seven of 10 and Kentucky seven of 11 Some of the youngsters in the trade scoffed when Air Force Academy was admitted to the WAC, but name another team this year which has beaten Army, Navy, Notre Dame Eddie Robinson, and BYU? the football coach at Grambling State University, will receive the Distinguished American Award from the Walter Camp Football . . . Foundation in February. Robinson, second only to Paul (Bear) Bryant in coaching victories among active coaches, also has coached almost 200 players who went on to the professional football ranks .... .... Jazz Enjoy Laugher, Wallop Cavs, Special to The Tribune For many RICHFIELD, Ohio NBA teams, a game with the Cleveland Cavaliers represents a break in the schedule. For the Jazz, its a game to focus on, a must-wigame on the road. So the Jazz used a couple of days to get ready for the Cavaliers, set them in their sights, and then blew them away Tuesday night, in a nearly empty Coliseum. The Jazz showed no mercy on their former coach, Tom Nissalke, and his new team, the hapless Cavaliers. The Jazz got the first three baskets of the game and led from wire to wire in piling up the largest victory margin on the road for a Utah Jazz team in the four seasons since the franchise shift. - n 121-9- "I thought that we really got after them in the first quarter, when they had seven turnovers and we had said Jazz Coach Frank none, Layden, who gave no importance to the meeting with Nissalke and didnt even mention it to the team in e his talk. The Jazz had enough reasons to win Tuesday night, no matter who the opposing coach was. The pre-gam- reasons? Milwaukee, Boston, Philadelphia. Those are the Jazzs e next three opponents on this road trip, beginning with a game in Milwaukee against the Bucks Wednesday (6:30 p.m. MST, 0 radio). The Bucks figure to play without Bob Lanier and Dave Cowens, as they did Sunday at Indiana. I feel good about it, said Layden about the Milwaukee game. "Were coming off a win, well get there early and get some rest, and weve just got to go after it. We got our people rested tonight. Nobody killed themselves tonight. No, the Jazz players just killed the Cavaliers, who suffered one of their bleakest nights in this bleak period of their history. It was the sixth straight loss for the Cavs and their Uth in 12 games this year. They have lost 30 of their last 31 over two seasons, and they also seem to have lost their fans. They were averaging only 5,303 fans for their first four home games, and an announced crowd of just 2,163, the smallest in the nine-yea- r history of the Coliseum, turned out to see them Tuesday in the vast 19,548-sea- t edifice. The fans could be excused for shying away from a team that lost its previous game by 50 points. The Cavs were beaten in Portland and Tuesdays Sunday night, 129-7massacre threatened to reach those astounding proportions when the lead midway Jazz held a through the third quarter. But the Jazz eased up and even played the last eight minutes of the alignment game with a three-guar- d before settling for the final margin of victory. It was the Jazzs fourth victory in 11 games this season and certainly their easiest, as the first three wins came by six points or less. Adrian Dantley led the Jazz with 27 points on shooting. Five other Jazzmen scored in double figures. Darrell Griffith had 25 points and six steals, Rickey Green had 15 points and 10 assists, and Dan Schayes scored 16 points with some good outside shooting. Layden said he was pleased with his center play in this game, but the Cavs, playing without regular James Edwards, dont have much in the middle now with Paul Mokeski and Steve Hayes. Still, Schayes bad his 16 points, Mark Eaton came in and blocked three shots, and Jeff Wilkins had a 11 rebounds in 22 miteam-hig- h nutes (He really went after the rebounds," praised Layden). Both the Williamses got to play in this one for the Jazz and they hit their season highs, Freeman with 12 points and Rickey with 11. Freeman took 13 shots to get his, and Layden Hes trying to shoot critiqued, himself back in the lineup." But little Rickey did all his scoring in the fourth quarter, forcing his coach to conclude after the game, I think hes going to get more time. six-gam- KSL-116- nt Dantley and the Jazz defense got the team going right from the opening tipoff. Nissalke called three timeouts in the first eight and a half minutes of the game to try and keep the game from getting away from him, but it soon became a hopeless cause. Dantley got 17 points in the first period alone, and lead at the the Jazz had a 37-2- 3 quarter. Then, with the reserves lending a hand, the Jazz kept it up in the second quarter, outscoring Cleveland 0 in the period for a halftime lead. It probably wasnt much consolation that this was a smaller halftime deficit than the Cavs faced Sunday in Portland 30-2- 67-4- 3 70-3- with eight minutes to go Griffith moved to a forward, and Layden suggested that will happen again good Tve got to play Griff there sometimes . . . well play Griff there and (Ben) Poquette there, said Layden. "I think he can stay with those guys (small forwards) I thought tonight we were competitive with him in there. For the Cavaliers, who had the singular distinction on this night of being the 11th straight team to outrebound the Jazz reserve Bobby Wilkerson led in scoring with 19 points, 15 of them in the last 18 minutes when things were decided. Cliff Robinson had 17 points, all of them in the first half. Scott Wed-maand Ron Brewer, the Cavs best perimeter shooters, were a combined from the field. All in all, it was a sorry show for the Cavaliers, who could be glad that not many people saw it. Jazz Notes Layden said he spoke to Drew Tuesday morning and that John was to begin his rehabilitation program. Layden said he does not know when Drew will be able to rejoin the team, but he did comment, My suspicions are that hell be out for a while. By John Mooney Tribune Sports Editor Kenny Vierra, who was an unrecandidate for the cruited walk-o- n University of Utah football team a year ago, Tuesday announced he was walking off the squad, to transfer to another university. Vierra, started who two games in the 1981 season when Tyce was Fer-jguso- n in- - . j u r e d and "x started all but the San Diego State game this last season, said S he wanted to go 4 Observation Ward 44" Ken Vierra to a school where they pass the football more. The Judge Memorial graduate 4 y V4 (52-47- ), . , , wf fv 7,) x--, - IW n When Dantley scored on a break midway through the third to complete a run of four straight Utah baskets, the Jazz had their biggest lead of the game at It was by the end of the third quarter, and the Jazz breezed home. 81-4- 96-7- Playing without John Drew, who left the team Monday to undergo rehabilitation treatment for a personal problem, the Jazz were a little short of forwards, and so Layden went with three guards the rest of the way, after lifting Dantley for i s ' &. arsSwi 1 4 4 .y,- v 'W, , - . v ' Prm Ljr Jazz forward Adrian Dantley powers past Phil Hubbard of the Cavaliers in first half of Jazzs romp Tuesday. Afttoclltod Photo South Star Power Shocks Eagles Special to The Tribune BIRMINGHAM-T- he Birming- ham South Stars gave the Salt Lake Golden Eagles a lesson on how to work the power play Tuesday night. But it probably fell on deaf ears. The South Stars blitzed the Eagles for four second-perio- d power play goals en route to an 5 pasting of the penalty prone Eagles here at the Jefferson Civic Center. It was a case of Birminghams taking advantage of its chances on the power play while the Golden Eagles continued to waste theirs. And again for the umpteenth time this season, it was the middle period that did in Salt Lake goalten-de- r Paul Skidmore. Skidmore played well in the first period as neither team was able to score. But the Eagles got careless or near the end of the first 8-- over-aggressi- period and Skidmore was put in jeopardy again like he was a weekend ago in Colorado. In that Colorado game, Skidmore was touched for five goals in the second period, three on the Colorado power play. The Eagles didnt leave Skidmore with much of a chance Tuesday night in opening the second period. John Markell drew a holding penalty at 19:21 of the first period and Alain Vigneault was caught for a major high sticking penalty to go along with a fighting major. That left the Golden Eagles two men short to open the decisive second period and the South Stars were quick to take advantage of the situation. Steve Carlson opened the scoring just 56 seconds into the period with the Eagles two men short. Carlson tipped the puck past Skidmore from about five feet out to break the scoreless tie. Dan McCarthy, Jim Dobson and Milan Mokros followed in quick succession with power play goals and the South Stars enjoyed a lead. Wes Jarvis and Dobson again sandwiched goals around a singleton by Salt Lakes Pat Hickey. Salt Lake had a golden chance to do something about the South Stars outburst near the end of the second period, but failed miserably on a two-mapower play of their own. However, there must have been some terse words administered by Eagles Coach Jack Evans in the dressing room at the conclusion of the second period. Whatever Evans said must have settled in. The Golden Eagles came out winging in the third period to put four quick goals on the board against South Stars goaltender 4-- 0 n Markus Mattsson. Bobby Crawford cut the Birmingham deficit to 5 with about 11 minutes remaining. 6-- But a goal by Jarvis, his second of the game, and another from Craig Homola took the steam out of the Golden Eagles attempted comeback. It marked the fourth straight time Mattsson has beaten the Eagles this season and fifth overall, counting a victory last year as a member of the Tulsa Oilers. Salt Lakes road mark now stands with all wins coming against Tulsa. at 3-- e The Eagles conclude their road swing Thursday and Saturday nights against the leagueleading Indianapolis Checkers. Both games will start at 5:30 p.m. six-gam- (MST). From Last Years Nightmare Hoop Season New Look Ags Seek to Rebound By Ray Herbat Tribune Sports Writer LOGAN With a favorable home schedule and a transfusion of new talent, Utah State basketball Coach Rod Tueller has rediscovered the smile he wore in 1980 when the Aggies won the PCAA title and participated in the NCAA tournament. Long on optimism, Tueller is short on memory, and hed just as soon forget last years nightmare season, thank you. In two seasons, the Aggies, under Tueller, went from 19-- to the worst record in Utah State basketball history. There is more than just a glimmer of hope going into the 1982-8- 3 season, however. Utah State plays 13 of its first 16 contests at home, and the Aggies do not leave the state until Jan. 20, when PCAA action is in full bloom. 4-- 8 3, the Ags Also, by will have played their six instate games against Utah, BYU and Weber, as well as having hosted the return of the Big Blue The Big Blue Classic Dec. Classic is back after an absence of 10 years. Four players completed their Haakon Austef jord, eligibility Leo Cunningham, Greg Ander- mid-Januar- 28-2- and son and Larry Bergeson Tueller returns five lettermen and four squadmen. Two junior college transfers and three frosh are expected to bolster the Utag attempt to rebound from last years miserable season. The returnees are forward-guar- said he probably would go to the but he University of Colorado, added several schools had professed interest since he had made known his intention to leave the Utes. The sophomore quarterback had his greatest success under Coach Wayne Howards offense, which allowed the passer to drop back and pass from the pocket. To start the season, Coach Chuck Stobart tried to install his option offense, with the quarterback running and lateraling off to a back. The pass was not one of Utahs prime objectives, Vierra indicated. Vierra took quite a beating as an option quarterback and was taken from the Wyoming game with a concussion, which caused him to miss the San Diego State contest the following week. Utah changed its quarterback philosophy and, to protect Vierra, allowed to him pass more as a n drop-bacHe threw four touchdown passes in the victory over Utah State from this formation. However, it wasnt much of a secret that Stobart wanted to run his offense the way he had at Toledo, and that meant he would be looking for a running quarterback for 1983. play-actio- Im out of here, Vierra told The It's Tribune Tuesday morning. land of strange, but I know I'm leaving Utah for sure. While admitting he favored Colorado, Vierra also named Maryland and Boise State as possible schools he might consider. Vierra told Coach Stobart of his decision Monday afternoon. The Ute he didnt have a year ago. Grant and McMullin should provide instant help. I think, said Aggie Athletic Director Ladell Andersen, choosing his d Michael McCullough, forward Scott Harris, forward Eric Petersen, and guards Lance Washington and Bob DeMarco. Forward-cente- r Gary Beck, who spent the past two years on a church mission, forward Mark Cutler and guards Dave Belshe and Joel Rotta are the returning squadmen. Expected to step in and provide immediate help are Dixie College transfers Ron Ence and Chris McMullin. The freshmen crew is headed by forward Greg Grant, a forward out of East High who season bemissed the 1981-8- 2 cause of a knee injury; center Ron .Hansen; and guard Jerome Wiley. I see this bunch being a very1 good shooting team, said Tueller, who already saw his team score 105 points last Saturday against Alberta, Canada, in an exhibition game in Logan. Tueller also said he likes the squads balance and depth, commodities Utes Vierra: The Walk-o- n .... Dave Rimington is so huge when the radio speaks of the Nebraska Center, freshmen at Lincoln think the reference is to a student union. 121-9- 9 coach added, words carefully, that Grant has the potential to be the bestlooking freshman prospect weve had at Utah State since Wayne Estes. Andersen coached the late Aggie star in the early 1960s. When Grant went down with his knee injury prior to the start of last season, the Aggies suffered a crushing blow, possibly setting the tone for the entire year. McMullin, a native of Orem, was tabbed last summer by The Sporting News as one of the top 30 junior college basketball players moving to four-yeschools. A big guard, McMullin averaged 18.5 points per game at Dixie. Ence, an excellent free throw and he avershooter, is aged 13.9 points and 10.1 rebounds for the Rebels. Hansen, a center from Corning, Calif., and Wiley, a guard out of Manhattan Beach, Calif., could be instant factors this year. They could see a lot of playing time for their tender ar 44 Wit: V. rj T- - years. Hansen averaged 19.5 points and 13.0 rebounds in high school, while Wiley came to the program after scoring 20.6 points and 10.4 rebounds in his Lance Washington Aggie Floor Leader prep career. Beck is See Page C-- and was Column 5 Has Walked Off Apparently this has been going on in his mind for a long time. It disappoints me that he had this on his mind during our season, particularly in view of the fact he was given every opportunity to be successful here. What he told me was that he thought he could be more successful with another style of football. Vierra admitted, Basically, I want to play for a passing school. I 'think if I played for a passing team I would feel like I was contributing and doing what I do best. I didnt get a hell of a lot out of it this year. It feels good to make the Its a decision," he concluded. tough thing to leave here, especially since 1 grew up here. I dont feel like a quitter or anything. Im just doing what is in my best interests. Vierra completed 85 of 166 passes this year, 51 2 percent, with six interceptions, but 13 touchdowns. His passmg yardage was 1,315 yards. Vierras leaving puts the quarter- back situation up in the air, pending the recruiting this spring. A year ago, after Coach Howard had said Vierra was his back-u- p quarterback, Rick Harrison quit the squad. This fall, Mike Curtin signed a letter of intent, which seemed to satisfy the quarterback futures But Curtin accepted an offer to go to Yale. Freshman Scott Cate was rushed into the fray when Vierra was hurt and played most of the Wyoming and all the San Diego State game. But he suffered injuries requiring surgery. Jeff Battcher, who has been around, was the back-u- p for Vierra but did not have the opportunity to show his wares, and Mike Kiel, a soph, was a squadman from a year ago. |