Many consider Peyton Manning the greatest despite his poor postseason record.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The propaganda machine worked crazily all week promoting Peyton Manning as the best quarterback in the history of the game, writes Detroit News columnist Jerry Green.

The Super Bowl was the centerpiece of how Manning would stamp out his career legacy on Sunday with America and much of the rest of the world as witnesses, added Green.

It was a bunch of malarkey.

Instead of the best quarterback in history, I would call Peyton Manning the most overrated athlete in the annals of American professional sports. There — stealing words from Vince Lombardi after the Packers’ conquest of the Chiefs in Super Bowl I — I said it.

The remaining debate now is how long will Manning play. He turns 38 next season. He said he would play at least another season, but that could change in the offseason.

Many years ago, Bud Grant, the iceman coach of the Vikings, said “quarterbacks can’t be God almighty.” And Bud should know. He lost four Super Bowls, three with Francis Tarkenton.

And it was proved again in a Super Bowl that defense wins.

More Browns and NFL news

Seattle DC would have taken job with Browns if it was offered (Cleveland.com).

Move to Los Angeles opened the door benefited the Browns in Cleveland (Cleveland.com).

Five things about the Super Bowl ads (Cleveland.com).

Rumors circulate about the possibility of Kirk Cousins joining the Browns (Ohio.com).

The Browns will try to follow into the Seahawks' footsteps (ESPN Cleveland).

Browns coaching staff lacks experience (The News-Herald).

Defensive lineman says the Broncos gave up (NFL.com).

Wide receiver Doug Baldwin has a message for Cris Carter (Heraldnet.com).

MVP overcame rare eating ailment (Yahoo.com).

Denver Broncos embarrass themselves in Super Bowl loss (Denver Post).

AKRON, Ohio — This is part of a series of recruiting snapshots we'll roll out leading up to National Signing Day on Feb. 5. Name: Newman Williams.

AKRON, Ohio — This is part of a series of recruiting snapshots we'll roll out leading up to National Signing Day on Feb. 5.

Name: Newman Williams.

School: St. Vincent-St. Mary

Position: LB.

Height, weight: 6-1, 245.

Rivals.com rating: 2-star.

College: Akron.

Others considered: N/A.

Major: Sports management.

How I fit: I feel like it fit in very well. They have a middle linebacker who is a senior, so if I work hard I can get some playing time early this year.

The first thing I'm going to do when I get to campus is… Probably try to create some chemistry with my teammates, and getting work outs in.

My college dream is to… I would like to get a conference championship, make it to a bowl and win a bowl.

What we've written about Williams

Dec. 2, 2013: St. Vincent-St Mary's Newman Williams and Travonte Junius commit to the University of Akron.

Dec. 5, 2013: St. Vincent-St. Mary's Newman Williams repeats success in repeat state title victory.

What others have written about Williams

Nov. 20, 2013: St. V-M seniors Newman Williams, Travonte Junius hold scholarship offers from UA.

Contact high school sports reporter Bill Landis by email (blandis@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@blandis25). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- National Signing Day for basketball is before the high school season starts. National Signing Day for football is two months after the season has ended.  With the anticipation of the big day on Wednesday, we want to know what you think about the timing of it.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- National Signing Day for basketball is before the high school season starts. National Signing Day for football is two months after the season has ended. 

With the anticipation of the big day on Wednesday, we want to know what you think about the timing of it.

We want to know, should National Signing Day be as late as it is? Or do you think it should be a different time -- when? And why?

New this school year: Readers can now comment on all cleveland.com high school sports stories — and we encourage it.

Look for the comments section at the bottom of every post. Registering for an account is free and takes just a few minutes. Once you register you will have the ability to comment on all posts.

Contact high school sports reporter Lexi Pluym by email (apluym@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@LexiPluym). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

CHARDON, Ohio — This is part of a series of recruiting snapshots we'll roll out leading up to National Signing Day on Feb. 5. Name: Andrew Gray.

CHARDON, Ohio — This is part of a series of recruiting snapshots we'll roll out leading up to National Signing Day on Feb. 5.

Name: Andrew Gray.

School: Chardon.

Position: TE.

Height, weight: 6-4, 230.

Rivals.com rating: 3-star.

College: Maryland.

Others considered: Louisville.

Major: Teaching or criminal justice.

How I fit: They didn’t have a tight end that could block well. My offense was blocking first, so that’s a big thing.

The first thing I'm going to do when I get to campus is… Meet a lot of new people and get my football career started.

My college dream is to… Getting to play in the Big Ten is a dream in itself. Winning a championship would be sweet, that’s everyone’s dream.

What others written about Gray

June 19, 2013: Terps football commit Andrew Gray brings tough streak to Maryland. (Washington Post)

June 16, 2013: TE Gray: "The play isn't over until my guy is on the ground.' (Rivals.com)

May 10, 2013: High school football: Chardon tight end Andrew Gray getting noticed. (News-Herald)

Contact high school sports reporter Bill Landis by email (blandis@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@blandis25). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

STRONGSVILLE, Ohio — This is part of series of recruiting snapshots we'll roll out leading up to National Signing Day on Feb. 5.

STRONGSVILLE, Ohio — This is part of series of recruiting snapshots we'll roll out leading up to National Signing Day on Feb. 5.

Name: Clay Caruso

School: Strongsville.

Position: LB.

Height, weight: 6-3, 220.

Rivals.com rating: N/A.

College: Columbia.

Others considered: Yale.

Major: Business or economics.

How I fit: They’re not very deep at middle linebacker right now. We ran the same defense in high school, and they like how I was coached.

I knew I made the right college decision when… The second I got into New York City. I really like how it’s in the city, it’s basically the center of business of the world.

My college dream is to… Have a job before the end of my junior year.

Contact high school sports reporter Bill Landis by email (blandis@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@blandis25). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

What kind of offensive scheme does Kyle Shanahan bring to the Browns? Was it a surprise to see the Seahawks' defense dominate Peyton Manning? Our Browns beat reporter Mary Kay Cabot answered those questions and more during today's podcast.

What kind of offensive scheme does Kyle Shanahan bring to the Browns? Was it a surprise to see the Seahawks' defense dominate Peyton Manning?

Cleveland.com's Browns beat reporter Mary Kay Cabot answered those questions and more during today's podcast with cleveland.com’s Glenn Moore.

Among other topics discussed:

• Will the Browns have to draft a running back?

• Should the Browns have waited to interview Dan Quinn?

You can download the MP3 or listen with the player to the right.

What is the latest on Jamarco Jones? Should Ohio State expect to have Malik McDowell as part of its class this year? What position on the depth chart has been upgraded the most during the recruiting process? Our Ohio State beat reporter Ari Wasserman answered those questions and more during today's podcast.

What is the latest on Jamarco Jones Should Ohio State expect to have Malik McDowell as part of its class this year? What position on the depth chart has been upgraded the most during the recruiting process?

Cleveland.com's Ohio State beat reporter Ari Wasserman answered those questions and more during today's podcast with Chris Fedor.

Among other topics discussed:

• What can Ohio State expect from Kyle Berger?

• Who is an under-the-radar recruit that could have a big impact?

You can download the MP3 or listen with the player to the right.

Five executive officers of the Ohio Division of Wildlife sued the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio Inspector General Tom Charles and Brown County Prosecutor Jessica Little on Jan. 28 for more than $2 million.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Five executive officers of the Ohio Division of Wildlife sued the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio Inspector General Tom Charles and Brown County Prosecutor Jessica Little on Jan. 28 for more than $2 million, plus attorney fees and interest. The so-called Brown County Five, who include former Chief David Graham and Assistant Chief Randy Miller, charge an investigation against them by Charles, was politically motivated and cost them legal fees, emotional distress and their jobs.

“We’re seeking a total of $1 million in compensatory damages and $1 million in punitive damages,” said Attorney Erica Ann Probst of Kemp, Schaeffer & Row in Columbus. “There is an 18-month backlog (in U.S. District Court in Columbus). This lawsuit won’t go to court until some time in 2015.”

After more than three years of investigations and court testimony, on May 29, 2013 the Ohio Supreme Court dismissed all charges against the group. It upheld an earlier ruling that the Garrity Rule protected statements made by the group to the IG office and could not be used against the five in court.

Despite that ruling, Graham was fired and Miller and Law Enforcement Supervisor James Lehman were forced to resign by Director James Zehringer of the ODNR. Human Resources Manager Michele Ward-Tackett and District Supervisor Todd Haines were re-assigned to “severely reduced work responsibilities.”

The five were originally charged with not properly investigating Brown County Wildlife Officer Alan Wright, who admitted to allowing a friend who is a South Carolina wildlife officer buy a resident Ohio hunting license in 2006, a savings of $106. According to a retired wildlife official, it had long been considered a courtesy to allow visiting wildlife officials to purchase resident licenses, or get licenses at no charge.

The Ohio Inspector General’s office, which received a tip on the illegal license sale, asked then-ODNR Director Sean Logan to investigate the charge. Logan said an investigation had already been completed in August, 2008. Wright had been reprimanded. Eventually, Wright would be fired and his hunting privileges taken away.

According to the lawsuit, IG Thomas is charged with politically searching for Ohio Division of Wildlife (ODOW) wrongdoing in order to discredit Gov. Ted Strickland. Thomas had Deputy Inspector Ronald Nichols investigate the five ODOW executives. The lawsuit said Nichols would berate them with “malicious cross-examinations” and none were informed of their right to have an attorney present.

A final report by Charles said all five failed to properly report the Wright incident, even though Wright had already been disciplined. Charles turned to Prosecutor Jessica Little of Brown County to prosecute the five executives. She was successful in getting an indictment, even though a second ODNR investigation would also exonerate them.

All five pled not guilty. On April 8, 2010, they were placed on paid administrative leave. Because of Little, four of the five who attempted to vote in November 2010 were told they could not based on a Report of Conviction from Little’s office. After Gov. John Kasich was elected, the five were allowed to return to work.

After a second ODNR investigation cleared the five once again in Feb. 8, 2012, Little again refused to drop charges. She did offer to resolve the cases if all plead guilty to misdemeanor charges, which they refused.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Conferences throughout Northeast Ohio named tournament and season champions over the weekend. Six teams in the cleveland.com wrestling Top 10 earned trophies Saturday.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Conferences throughout Northeast Ohio named tournament and season champions over the weekend.

Six teams in the cleveland.com wrestling Top 10 earned trophies Saturday.

Here's a recap:

NORTHEAST OHIO CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT

Brunswick won its second straight NOC tournament title, placing 13 of 14 wrestlers and winning two individual titles (Brett Thomas, 126; Nick Kiussis, 132).

The Blue Devils were officially the River Division champs, while runner-up Elyria won the Valley Division and Parma, which was third overall, won the Lake Division.

Check out reporter Scott Patsko's recap of the NOC tournament, including a slideshow, complete final-round results and video.

NOC Lake Division Champs. #3peat#RedmenStrong g pic.twitter.com/1KS6GvKwj9

— Parma Wrestling (@ParmaWrestling) February 2, 2014

CHAGRIN VALLEY CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT

Perry won its third consecutive CVC tournament title Saturday. Collin Dees (120) won his fourth CVC title and Billy Miller (285) and Alec Shenk (181) each won their third.

Check out reporter Mike Fitzpatrick's recap of the CVC tournament.

3x CVC champ! Next step, 2nd State title! #motivation

— Ryan Harris (@thefranchizeboi) February 2, 2014

NORTH COAST LEAGUE TOURNAMENT

Padua kept the momentum from the team dual tournament regional title it won Thursday to win its consecutive NCL tournament title. The Bruins had four individual champs to hold off runner-up Lake Catholic. Walsh Jesuit was third.

Check out reporter Nathaniel Cline's recap of the NCL tournament, including video and complete final-round results.

PORTAGE TRAIL CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT

Crestwood won its fourth consecutive PTC tournament title Saturday. Norton was runner-up, edging Coventry by a point for second. Rootstown was fourth.

The Red Devils got individual titles from Conner Nemec (132), Jake Zemaitis (138) and Kenny Jackson (195). Nemec became a four-time conference champ. Zemaitis won his third, along with Rootstown's Travis Linton (182).

The Rovers' Brad Trescott (106), Tony Paolucci (120) and Zack Ladich (160) were also individual champs.

Other champs included Coventry's Zack Lake (145) and Field's Cory Simpson.

We winning my 3rd ptc title in 51 seconds #3peatpic.twitter.com/vDqTsbeHkM

— lintonBEAR (@LintonTravis) February 2, 2014

SOUTHWESTERN CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT

Brecksville-Broadview Heights had nine individual champions in winning its ninth consecutive SWC tournament title Saturday. The Bees also had one runner-up and two third-place finishers.

Olmsted Falls was runner-up, 89.5 points behind the Bees.

Champs for the Bees included Jarod Bronstrup (106), Austin Assad (120), Justin Dimicco (126), Austin Hiles (132), Sonny Lucas (138), Grayson Davis (145), Luke Strnad (152), Austin Strnad (170), Josh Murphy (195)

The Bulldogs had three champs: Mike Hansinger (160), Noel Carabello (220) and Jordan Lee (285).

Other champs included Avon Lake's Nick Mayer (113) and Amherst's Derek Eibon (182)

SUBURBAN LEAGUE TOURNAMENT

Wadsworth certainly didn't have the crowd on its side Saturday at Nordonia, but the Grizzlies still managed to win the Suburban League Tournament, the 22^nd consecutive year they've won or shared the crown.

The Grizzlies had eight individual champs, including Brandon Randolph (106), Noah Baughman (113), Darrin Gilkerson (126), Robbie Bosley (152), Alex Jones (160), Tim Knipl (182), Clayton Brandenburg (195) and Jeremy Randolph (285).

"I am real happy with the kids," Wadsworth coach John Gramuglia told The Akron Beacon Journal. "They won 11 of 11 in the first round, 13 of 14 in the second round ... and then won eight in the finals. Everyone is booing against you. I love it. It is good for our team and it is good for our kids to have a little of adversity like that and know that people hate you when you win."

Nordonia was runner-up and got titles from Nick Collica 132), Mike DeCesare (145) and Alex Woicehovich (220).

PREMIER ATHELETIC CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT

Willoughby South had five individual champs to help unseat Madison and win its first PAC tournament title since 2010. Madison had won three straight.

Spencer Dusi (106), Isaac Hendershot (120), Antonio Mitchell (132), Russell Porter (160) and Alex Mervar (170) were champs for the Rebels.

The Blue Streaks' Jarrad Lasko (126) won a third PAC title, and Bo Ransom was his second (145) in four finals appearances.

2014 PAC Champions! pic.twitter.com/3V90paTiEp

— Willoughby Wrestling (@WLBYWrestling) February 2, 2014

LAKE ERIE LEAGUE TOURNAMENT

Maple Heights had two individual champions and seven runners-up in winning its third consecutive LEL tournament title Saturday.

Andre Stowers (120), Juwan Moss (145) were champs for the Mustangs. Lorain was runner-up, followed by Bedford, whose Jairod James (152) was named the tournament MVP.

WEST SHORE CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT

Avon won a tight race with North Ridgeville for the WSC tournament title. The Eagles led the Rangers by two points after the semifinals, but created separation in the final round by winning five individual titles.

Champions for the Eagles included Kolin Carney (106), Max Kuchenrither (132), Adam Kirresh (138), Paul Sturm (195) and Joe Travagliante (220).

PATRIOT ATHLETIC CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT

Keystone retained its PAC-12 tournament title with four individual champions. Logan Stiner (138), Jacob Worthington (182), Jeremy King (195) and Justin Bustance (285) all won titles for the Wildcats.

HOW THE TOP 10 FARED

Here's a look at how the cleveland.com Top 10 wrestling teams did last week. The Top 10 is updated every Tuesday.

1. Brecksville-Broadview Heights – Won Division I dual team tournament regional title (defeated Nordonia 46-25, Solon 53-18); Won Southwestern Conference tournament.

2. St. Edward – Won Division I dual team tournament regional title (defeated Olmsted Falls 54-15, Wadsworth 43-12).

3. Perry – Won Division II dual team tournament regional title (defeated Canfield 40-27, Crestwood 39-22); Won Chagrin Valley Conference tournament.

4. Wadsworth – Division I dual team tournament regional runner-up (defeated Brunswick 68-7, lost to St. Edward 43-12); Won Suburban League tournament.

5. Brunswick – Lost to Wadsworth 68-7 (Div. I dual team tournament regional semifinals); Won Northeast Ohio Conference tournament.

6. Nordonia – Lost to Brecksville-Broadview Heights 46-25 (Div. I dual team tournament regional semifinals); Runner-up at Suburban League tournament.

7. St. Vincent-St. Mary – Division II dual team tournament regional runner-up (defeated Tallmadge 52-25, lost to Padua 42-32).

8. Elyria – Division I dual team tournament regional runner-up (defeated Mount Vernon 54-21, lost to Oregon Clay 36-30); Runner-up at Northeast Ohio Conference tournament.

9. Crestwood – Division II dual team tournament regional runner-up (defeated Minerva 47-44, lost to Perry 39-22); Won Portage Trail Conference tournament.

10. Padua – Won Division II dual team tournament regional title (defeated Bay 49-24, St. Vincent-St. Mary 42-32); Won North Coast League tournament.

MORE RANKINGS

InterMat: Intermatwrestle.com

Flowrestling: Flowrestling.org

Greater Cleveland Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association

Contact high school sports reporter Scott Patsko by email (spatsko@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@ScottPatsko). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

Ohio State is looking for a replacement for dynamic cornerback Bradley Roby. Damon Webb comes to Columbus next year as one of the best cornerbacks in the country. Could he have an immediate impact?

COLUMBUS, Ohio – In anticipation of National Signing Day on Wednesday, Cleveland.com is putting together player profiles for each prospect Ohio State will soon officially add to its roster.

Damon Webb

School: Detroit Cass Technical

Position: Cornerback

Height, Weight: 5-foot-11, 177 pounds

Rivals.com rating: Webb is rated as a four-star prospect and the No. 5 cornerback in the 2014 recruiting class. Rivals also rates Webb as the No. 2 overall prospect in Michigan, behind only five-star defensive end Malik McDowell Southfield. McDowell took an official visit to Ohio State during the final weekend of January and will announce his decision on National Signing Day between Michigan State, Florida State and Ohio State.

Other schools: Alabama, Illinois, Michigan, Michigan State, Mississippi State, West Virginia and Wisconsin

How he fits into Ohio State’s plans: Ohio State lost cornerback Bradley Roby to the NFL Draft prematurely, so the Buckeyes will be looking for someone to step in and start on the opposite side from Doran Grant. That player will likely be Armani Reeves, who was the first on the field when Roby was unavailable last season. But Reeves wasn’t always overly impressive in his time, and if there’s a difference-maker that can step in and produce the way Roby did, Ohio State will find a way to get him on the field. Webb was consistently making big plays for his successful Cass Tech team, and could be a dynamic talent in the fall.

Projection for 2014: Landing Webb from Cass Tech, a Michigan pipeline, was significant for Ohio State not only because it landed one of the best cornerbacks in the country, but also because it created inroads with a prep powerhouse. But when it comes to Webb, it may be hard to expect him to make an impact on the field early. The Buckeyes have a lot of youthful talent at the cornerback position, and guys like Eli Apple, Gareon Conley and Reeves will have the first crack. Webb could hop them if he’s better, but it seems like he’ll be either a redshirt option or a special teams contributor next year.

What we’ve written about Webb:

• Michigan has 24 players from Ohio, but Ohio State has a huge asset in Cass Tech's Damon Webb 

• How Urban Meyer and Ohio State have attacked Detroit and infiltrated Michigan pipeline Cass Tech

Videos: 

In four of his six seasons as a coordinator, Kyle Shanahan's offenses finished in the top 10.

CLEVELAND, Ohio --One of Kyle Shanahan's former quarterbacks views Shanahan's new job as the Browns offensive coordinator as a chance to step out of the shadows of his Super Bowl-winning father, Mike, and former Texans head coach Gary Kubiak.

"Kyle's learned from some of the really good offensive minds the last 10 years in the NFL, but this is going to be his first opportunity to truly make the offense his own,'' said former Texans quarterback Sage Rosenfels, who spent three years there with Shananan. "He's always had almost a father figure whether it be his dad or Gary Kubiak sort of looking over his shoulder and I think this is a great opportunity for him to truly let the entire offense be his.''

The Browns hired Shanahan, 34, to be their offensive coordinator under Mike Pettine on Monday, cleveland.com confirmed through a league source.

Shanahan interviewed with the Browns last week, before heading out of town on a vacation with his family. Both sides felt right away it was a fit, a league source said. Shanahan flew into Cleveland on Monday to wrap up the deal, which is for three years, according to a source.

Shanahan brings 10 years experience as an NFL assistant, including six years as an offensive coordinator -- the past four in Washington and two before that in Houston. In four of his six seasons in charge, Shanahan's offenses finished in the top 10.

Shanahan and his father, Mike, the former head coach of the Raiders, Broncos and Redskins, were fired after Washington tumbled to a 3-13 season. Second-year quarterback Robert Griffin III struggled while coming off surgery to repair a torn ACL and torn LCL.

Griffin publicly clashed with the Shanahans, especially after Mike said at the NFL owners' meetings in March that Griffin needs to learn to slide to avoid injury.

"They always say there's three sides to every divorce, his side, her side and the real story,'' said Rosenfels, who went 6-4 with Shanahan as his quarterbacks coach and then offensive coordinator in Houston. "I think that was a very complex situation in Washington obviously with RG3 having some success as a rookie -- I think because of what Kyle and Mike Shanahan were doing with him. But there was a lot of politicking and blame that went on in Washington, whether it was RG3 or the owner (Dan Snyder) or whoever. I just think it was a bad situation for Kyle.''

In Cleveland, Shanahan takes over an offense that finished 18th overall, including 11th in passing and tied for 27th in rushing. The Browns also finished 27th in points per game with an average of 19.3. He'll also lead an offense that features four Pro Bowl players in receiver Josh Gordon, tight end Jordan Cameron, left tackle Joe Thomas, and center Alex Mack, if the Browns re-sign him.

"I think Kyle will be a great fit there,'' said Rosenfels. "I'm sure they're looking for a quarterback and they've got a great X-receiver, a star receiver, and what Kyle did with Andre Johnson in Houston, despite the fact he was a star receiver and drew double-teams, he found ways to get Andre the ball and make explosive plays. I think that will be a huge help for the Cleveland Browns.''

Shanahan, who learned a run-heavy West Coast offense under his dad, helped create what his Mike dubbed the "East Coast Offense” in 2012 that led Washington to its first NFC East championship in 13 years. Incorporating the pistol formation, Shanahan's offense became the first in NFL history to pass for 3,400 yards and rush for 2,700 yards in the same season.

"Kyle understands the strengths and weaknesses of every quarterback that he coaches, and what I always liked about Kyle is that he made fairly precise rules for the quarterbacks he was coaching, so you knew exactly what to do on every play,'' said Rosenfels. "There wasn't a lot of gray area, and I thought that especially for a young guy, that allows you to go through rules and progressions and you usually come to an open receiver as long you trust in the system.''

Rosenfels said that even through Kubiak was heavily involved in gameplanning when Shanahan was coordinator under him in Houston, Shanahan had a huge amount of input and called plays.

"He's got a very creative mind,'' said Rosenfels. "Players really understand where he's coming from. He did play the game in college (as a receiver at Texas), and he's been around the game his whole life. I think he really relates well to the players and the way they are today. He's not a coach that's 65 or 70 that sort of loses touch with the way these young guys are now. He can really understand who these guys are, the type of music they listen to, what their interests are and I think he relates well to the young players.''

Shanahan also clashed with 11-time Pro Bowler Donovan McNabb in Washington, but McNabb told cleveland.com at the Super Bowl that he feels Shanahan deserves another chance to run an offense. He stressed that "he needs to learn to adapt his scheme to the quarterback and not the other way around.''

Shanahan will most likely have a rookie quarterback such as a Johnny Manziel, Blake Bortles or Teddy Bridgewater under his direction next season.

"I think he'll be great for a young quarterback like that, the same way he was for RG3,'' said Rosenfels.

Before joining his dad in Washington, Shanahan spent four seasons in Houston, the final two as coordinator (2008-09). Under his guidance, the 2009 Texans led the NFL in passing yards (4,654) and ranked fourth in total offense (6,129 yards), both franchise records.

They also set a team mark with 29 touchdown passes. Quarterback Matt Schaub and wide receiver Andre Johnson formed one of the league’s most dangerous tandems, with Schaub leading the NFL in passing yards (4,776) and Johnson ranking first in receiving yards (1,569) and third in receptions (101). Both Schaub and Johnson were Pro Bowl selections.

Shanahan served as offensive quality control coach for the Bucs under Jon Gruden in 2004 and 2005, helping receiver Michael Clayton establish franchise rookie records for receptions and receiving touchdowns. He also helped receiver Joey Galloway finish seventh in the NFL in receiving yard-age in 2005.

Mike Seghi, Indians director of team travel, says United's reduction of 60 percent of its flights from Hopkins International Airport will not affect team's travel in 2014.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Mike Seghi says it will be business as usual this season between the Indians and United Airlines.

The Indians play 81 of their 162 regular season games away from Progressive Field and United flies them to those destinations. The fact that United announced that it was pulling 60 percent of its flights out of Hopkins International Airport between April and June, should not affect the Indians during the 2014 season.

“I talked to the United people in Houston and I don’t think it’s really going to affect us,” said Seghi, in his 41st season as director of team travel for the Indians. “They said most of the flights that will be affected are the ones made by regional jets.”

The Indians use charter flights.

“They told me they might add a few flights for their bigger planes,” said Seghi.

United is scheduled to cancel its direct flight from Cleveland to Phoenix sometime between April and June. With Indians’ pitchers and catchers reporting to Goodyear, Ariz., on Feb. 11 and the first Cactus League game scheduled for Feb. 26, Cleveland fans flying from Cleveland should not have a problem attending spring training this year.

The team breaks camp on March 27 and opens the regular season March 31 against the Athletics in Oakland.

Next year things could be more difficult.

Kyle Shanahan is in town and ready to sign his contract to become offensive coordinator of the Browns. Negotiations will take place this afternoon, and if all goes as planned, he'll be named coordinator today.

CLEVELAND -- Former Redskins coordinator Kyle Shanahan is in town to sign his contract to become the Browns coordinator, and it could be finalized by this afternoon, a league source told cleveland.com.

Cleveland.com first reported over the weekend that Shanahan and the Browns were on their way to closing a deal.

Shanahan was schedule to fly into Cleveland on Monday morning, and negotiations were set to begin this afternoon, the source said, adding that talks are expected to go smoothly.

Shanahan, 34, has been an NFL assistant for 10 seasons, including six as a coordinator -- the past four in Washington and two before that in Houston.

In four of his six seasons in charge, Shanahan's offenses finished in the top 10.

Shanahan and his father, Mike, the former head coach of the Redskins, were fired after Washington tumbled to a 3-13 season and second-year quarterback Robert Griffin III struggled while coming off surgery to repair a torn ACL and torn LCL.

Griffin publicly clashed with the Shanahans, especially after Mike said at the NFL owners' meetings in March that Griffin III needs to learn to slide to avoid injury. But Shanahan supporters have said that he got a bad rap for the Griffin situation and that he was responsible for the rookie quarterback's sensational 2012 season.

In Cleveland, Shanahan takes over an offense that finished 18th overall, including 11th in passing and tied for 27th in rushing. The Browns also finished 27th in points per game with an average of 19.3.

Shanahan, who's spent 10 seasons in the NFL, helped create what his dad dubbed the "East Coast Offense” in 2012 that led Washington to its first NFC East championship in 13 years. Incorporating the pistol formation, Shanahan's offense became the first in NFL history to pass for 3,400 yards and rush for 2,700 yards in the same season.

Before joining his dad in Washington,Shanahan spent four seasons in Houston, the final two as coordinator (2008-09). Under his guidance, the 2009 Texans led the NFL in passing yards (4,654) and ranked fourth in total offense (6,129 yards), both franchise records. They also set a team mark with 29 touchdown passes. Quarterback Matt Schaub and wide receiver Andre Johnson formed one of the league’s most dangerous tandems, with Schaub leading the NFL in passing yards (4,776) and Johnson ranking first in receiving yards(1,569) and third in receptions (101). Both Schaub and Johnson were Pro Bowl selections.

Shanahan, who played receiver at Texas, served as offensive quality control coach for the Bucs under Jon Gruden in 2004 and 2005, helping receiver Michael Clayton establish franchise rookie records for receptions and receiving touchdowns. He also helped receiver Joey Galloway finish seventh in the NFL in receiving yardage in 2005.

She's not a big name, nor is she favored to win a medal. But her "Road to Sochi" is a most unusual path.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Lorain native Kelly Gunther remembers her foot and skate hanging off her leg, as if it barely was attached. She remembers lying on the ice watching an IV being placed in her arm while horrified fans looked on. She tries not to think about it, but she can't forget it.

The devastating injury to her ankle in March 2010 was supposed to end her competitive long track speedskating career. She shattered an ankle so thoroughly upon crashing into a padded wall during a race that doctors worried the bones would never heal and an amputation would result.

View full sizeU.S. Olympic speedskaters Heather Richardson (left) and Kelly Gunther are all smiles at the Adler Arena longtrack speedskating venue in Sochi, Russia.Kelly Gunther / Special to The Plain Dealer

“She was not supposed to be able to compete ever again,'' said Gunther's mother, Julie Sprague, of Lorain.

Almost four years later, Gunther will march in the Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony in Sochi, Russia, on Friday. She'll represent the United States in the 1,000 meters Feb. 13 and is an alternate for the team pursuit later in the Games.

The Winter Olympics telecast will be filled with heartwarming and heart-wrenching stories for 17 days of competition. Whether or not NBC stops to notice Gunther remains to be seen. She's not a big name, nor is she favored to win a medal. But her “Road to Sochi” is a most unusual path.

Three months before the accident, Gunther thought she had made the 2010 Olympic team at the U.S. trials. She had been told she secured a spot on the team before her final race and all she had to do was finish, which she did. However, another skater who had fallen, in a controversial move, was granted another skate on clean ice and beat Gunther's time to knock her off the team. A long appeal followed, which Gunther lost.

The accident occurred a month after the 2010 Olympics, at an America's Cup race in Salt Lake City. Gunther had enough screws and plates inserted into her leg and ankle to secure a bridge, but was back on the ice within a year.

“My first race was in the same rink, the same lane, and I actually cried at the starting line,'' she said. “The gun goes off you have to go. I'm a racer inside. I'm a believer, and I'm a racer, so when that goes off, I have to go, and I went.

“I finished the race and said I knew I was going to do it.''

It was a major milestone in an arduous comeback. She still had the plate and 10 screws in her ankle, which eventually were removed with a second surgery.

The comeback culminated with the Olympic trials in December. She skated a career best 1:16.43 in the 1,000 meters to make the team. Her previous best had been 1:16.58 in 2009. The new PR is nearly four seconds off the World Record held by Gunther's teammate, Brittany Bowe (1:12.58), so Gunther is not expected to make a major impact in Sochi.

Adversity wasn't new to Gunther during that horrible winter of 2009-10. She grew up with a learning disability that friends and family members said only seemed to strengthen her resolve when it came to skating. Gunther moved from Lorain to Michigan to pursue elite inline rollerskating and had a successful, 11-year career until switching to the ice in 2008.

The reason for the switch was simple. Inline skating is not an Olympic sport, and Gunther wanted to be an Olympian. She never lost that resolve after missing the team in 2010, and kept it after the accident.

“I always find the good in everything,'' she said. “When I was in Colorado Springs (at the U.S. Olympic Training Center) after the injury, I couldn't train twice a day like I had been, but I did my rehab twice a day. You have to find fun in everything and I found fun in rehab.

“Being at the Olympic Training Center around so many different athletes and seeing the Olympic rings every single day reminded me to push myself even harder. I never lost sight of my dream. I was motivated to keep going and be better every single day.''

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The deeper into the basketball season we go, the more teams are settling in, while also unsettling each other. Two major upsets on Saturday caused some shakeup in the Top 25 poll, especially among the Top 5.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The deeper into the basketball season we go, the more teams are settling in, while also unsettling each other.

Two major upsets on Saturday caused some shakeup in the Top 25 poll, especially among the Top 5.

We are excited to introduce comments to all cleveland.com high school sports stories this school year. Please sound off and share your top 25 in the comments section at the bottom of this post.

Make sure to also check out our talking points article, which explains some of our Top 25 decisions. It’s posted every Tuesday, too.

Which girls basketball team do you think is the best in Northeast Ohio? Let us know in the comments.

(Records through Monday. Last week's ranking in parentheses.)

 Check back shortly for the Top 25 discussion video.

1. Wadsworth, 21-0 (1)

Trending: Steady.

Last week: Defeated Copley, Tallmadge and then-No. 21 Nordonia

This week: Wednesday vs. No. 2 Solon, Saturday at Highland.

The Grizzlies remain the No. 1 team, and the only unbeaten team in the cleveland.com Top 25 poll thanks to a strong trio of Peyton Booth, Hannah Centea and Jodi Johnson.

2. Solon, 16-3 (3)

Trending: Rising.

Last week: Defeated then-No. 11 Stow, twice, and then-No. 9 Walsh Jesuit

This week: Wednesday at No. 1 Wadsworth, Saturday at Shaker Heights.

The Comets cruised through last week, outscoring opponents 197-155 in their three games.

3. St. Vincent-St. Mary, 17-1 (4)

Trending: Rising.

Last week: Defeated then-No. 5 North Royalton and Canton Central Catholic. Game against Brunswick postponed.

This week: Wednesday at Archbishop Hoban.

The Irish are back in the Top 3 after a solid showing against North Royalton.

4. Berea-Midpark, 16-1 (2)

Trending: Falling.

Last week: Lost to then- No. 6 Magnificat, Defeated Amherst Steele.

This week: Wednesday at North Olmsted, Thursday at Canton McKinley and Saturday at No. 16 Brecksville-Broadview Heights.

The Titans face a stretch of four-games in five days, starting with the win against Amherst Steele. This comes a week after they dropped their first game of the season. It’ll be the biggest test of Berea-Midpark’s incredible first season.

5. Magnificat, 13-4 (6)

Trending: Rising.

Last week: Defeated then-No. 2 Berea-Midpark and then-No. 8 Mentor. Game vs. Holy Name was postponed due to weather.

This week: Wednesday vs. No. 23 Beachwood, Saturday at No. 7 Lakewood

The Blue Streaks are coming off a weekend in which they upset the No. 2 team and beat the No. 8 team. They’ll face back-to-back Top 25 competition again this week and they’re sure to make headlines.

6. North Royalton, 16-2 (5)

Trending: Falling.

Last week: Lost to then-No. 4 St. Vincent-St. Mary. Defeated Brunswick.

This week: Tuesday vs Strongsville, Wednesday at Valley Forge and Friday at Medina.

The Bears turned in a competitive performance against the Irish on a night when SVSM senior Kiley May decided to have a season-high scoring night. Can starter Alison Smolinski help lead this team back into the top 5?

7. Lakewood, 14-3 (7)

Trending: Steady.

Last week: Defeated North Ridgeville and then-No. 15 Elyria Catholic.

This week: Wednesday vs. Midview, Thursday at Vermilion and Saturday vs. No. 5 Magnificat.

The Rangers struggled a bit against Elyria Catholic in their energy output. They have a couple days of practice and a game to recover before they face a hot Blue Streaks team on Saturday.

8. Mentor, 13-5 (8)

Trending: Steady.

Last week: Defeated then-No. 20 St. Joseph Academy and Hudson. Lost to then-No. 6 Magnificat.

This week: Saturday vs. No. 17 Twinsburg

The Cardinals continue to roll with massive point contributions from Kayla Gabor (67) and Christine Dawson (40) in the last three games.

9. Walsh Jesuit, 12-5 (9)

Trending: Steady.

Last week: Lost to then-No. 3 Solon. Defeated Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin.

This week: Wednesday at Hathaway Brown, Saturday vs. Beaumont.

The Warriors bounced back with a win against NDCL after back-to-back Top 10 losses thanks to Anna Hall and Chelsea Pla.

10. Holy Name, 14-3 (10)

Trending: Steady.

Last week: Defeated Warren John F. Kennedy. Game vs. Magnificat was postponed due to weather.

This week: Saturday vs Cleveland Central Catholic.

Senior Kim Cook continues to lead the Green Wave during a current nine-game win streak.

11. Westlake, 14-3 (14)

Trending: Rising.

Last week: Defeated Avon Lake and North Olmsted.

This week: Wednesday at No. 16 Brecksville-Broadview Heights, Saturday at Fairless.

The Demons continue to rise thanks to the lead scoring of Corinne Furci.

12. Eastlake North, 17-1 (13)

Trending: Rising.

Last week: Defeated Perry, Ashtabula Lakeside and to Chagrin Falls.

This week: Wednesday vs. Euclid, Thursday vs. Chardon and Saturday vs. Geneva

The Rangers recovered from their first loss of the season against No. 8 Mentor, back at the end of December, with a current eight-game win streak.

13. Avon, 13-6 (16)

Trending: Rising.

Last week: Lost to Rocky River. Defeated Bay and then-No. 15 Elyria Catholic.

This week: Wednesday vs. Vermilion, Saturday at Olmsted Falls.

The Eagles upset Elyria Catholic in their first back-to-back wins in three weeks.

14. Elyria Catholic, 15-4 (15)

Trending: Rising.

Last week: Lost to then-No. 7 Lakewood and then-No. 16 Avon.

This week: Wednesday vs. Rocky River.

The Panthers suffered back-to-back losses this season. They also faced their first back-to-back top 25 matchups this season. They rise in the rankings though thanks to Cuyahoga Height’s major upset.

15. Cuyahoga Heights, 18-1(12)

Trending: Falling.

Last week: Lost to then-No. 22 Beachwood. Defeated Willoughby South.

This week: Thursday at Richmond Heights.

The Redskins suffered their first loss of the season in a low-scoring upset to No. 22 Beachwood but rebounded by putting up 45 in a victory against Willoughby South.

16. Brecksville-Broadview Heights, 11-2 (17)

Trending: Rising.

Last week: Defeated Olmsted Falls and Normandy.

This week: Wednesday vs. No. 11 Westlake, Saturday at No. 4 Berea-Midpark.

The Bees continued an eight-game win streak but face back-to-back Top 25 matchups this week.

17. Twinsburg, 9-7 (25)

Trending: Rising.

Last week: Defeated then-No.11 Stow and Shaker Heights.

This week: Wednesday at Hudson, Saturday at No. 8 Mentor

The Tigers upset the Bulldogs again, which made us rethink their place in the poll, despite their record.

18. Stow, 15-4 (11)

Trending: Falling.

Last week: Lost to then-No. 25 Solon and then-No. 3 Solon

This week: Saturday vs. Hudson

The Bulldogs are losers of three straight, a completely opposite streak of their 12-0 start to the season. Stow also dropped its second straight game against Twinsburg this season.

19. Beachwood, 11-5 (22)

Trending: Falling.

Last week: Defeated then-No. 12 Cuyahoga Heights.

This week: Wednesday vs. No. 5 Magnificat, Saturday vs. Wickliffe.

The Bisons upset of Cuyahoga Heights helped them extend their win streak to four games, the first such win streak since December.

20. St. Joseph Academy, 11-6 (20)

Trending: Steady. 

Last week: Lost to then-No. 8 Mentor. Defeated Avon Lake. Game against Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin postponed.

This week: Tuesday at Highland, Thursday at Padua and Saturday vs. Hathaway Brown.

The Jaguars suffered their first back-to-back losses of the season with the loss to Mentor, but bounced back with a win against Avon Lake. 

21. Mogadore, 15-1 (18)

Trending: Falling.

Last week: Lost to Garrestville Garfield. Games against Rootstown and Windham were postponed.

This week: Wednesday vs. Waterloo. Saturday at Our Lady of the Elms.

The Wildcats suffered their first loss of the season and shuffled in the mix of teams who jumped higher in the poll because of the upsets they caused.

22. Gilmour, 12-3 (19)

Trending: Falling.

Last week: Defeated Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy.

This week: Tuesday vs. Western Reserve Academy and Wednesday vs. Maple Heights.

The Lancers new place on the Top 25 poll shakes up because of Beachwood’s and Twinsburg’s rise into the Top 20.

23. Ravenna, 13-5 (23)

Trending: Steady.

Last week: Defeated Coventry.

This week: Wednesday at Uniontown lake.

The Ravens picked up their fifth win in the month of January last week.

24. East Tech, 13-4 (24)

Trending: Steady.

Last week: Defeated Collinwood and Rhodes.

This week: Wednesday at Bedford. 

The Scarabs picked up back-to-back wins, thanks in large part to Corrione Cardwell's 34 points against Rhodes. 

25. Revere, 16-3 (NR)

Trending: Rising.

Last week: Defeated Green, Copley and Cloverleaf.

This week: Wednesday vs. Nordonia, Saturday at Barberton.

The Minutemen join the Top 25 for the first time this season with two of their three losses coming to previously or currently ranked cleveland.com Top 25 teams. 

Who dropped out: Nordonia.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- There was some shakeup in the cleveland.com girls Top 25 poll. Click here to check it out. Each week after posting the updated Top 25, we'll post another story like this with talking points, including insight into why some teams moved up or down, or in or out of the rankings.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- There was some shakeup in the cleveland.com girls Top 25 poll. Click here to check it out.

Each week after posting the updated Top 25, we'll post another story like this with talking points, including insight into why some teams moved up or down, or in or out of the rankings.

Do you have additional questions about our poll decisions? Post your questions in the comments section below and we will answer you.

We also invite you to provide your input in the comments section, a new feature added to high school stories this school year. Tell us what you agree or don't agree with. You can even post your own rankings, which we welcome.

Talking point No. 1: Why is Berea-Midpark ranked ahead of Magnificat despite losing to the Blue Streaks on Saturday?

Yes, the Blue Streaks are playing terrific basketball at the right time this season, they do still have four losses on the season. The game on Saturday was two terrific teams play great basketball game with the Blue Streaks ultimately getting the win. If this game was played at Berea-Midpark, would the result have been different?

Bottom line, the Titans still have the most complete offensive team in the area with Stasha Carey in the post and a plethora of perimeter players that can shoot the 3-pointer. Both of these teams have the potential to go make a lot of noise in the playoffs, but right now, coach Kevin Braaten's team is still in our eyes the better team.

Talking point No. 2: How do No. 1 Wadsworth and No. 2 Solon stack up against each other heading into Wednesday night's showdown?

The Grizzlies do not get nearly the credit they deserve, in large part because of how consistent they have been all season. Heading into a matchup with Toledo Rogers at the Classic in the Country, people wandered how they could handle a team with many Division I players on its lineup. They answered that question emphatically, dominating that game in every facet.

Wadsworth is blessed with one of the top coaches in the state in Andy Booth, as well as one of the best backcourts in Peyton Booth and Hannah Centea. While they may not have the numbers that other guards do, these two just know how to get the job done. They show great leadership on the floor, and do not let their emotions affect the way they play.

A big advantage for the Comets heading into this game is the schedule they have played this season. Entering Wednesday night's matchup, Solon is 7-1 against teams in the cleveland.com Top 25 poll, with their lone loss coming to St. Vincent-St. Mary in the season opener. The Grizzlies on the other hand, are just 2-0 against Top 25 teams.

Solon, like Wadsworth has a tremendous backcourt to lean on. Kristen Confroy is not only one of the best players in the country, but she is also one of the best players in the state. She does a tremendous job of letting the offense coming to her, and force bad shots. Sisters Jordan and Dee Bekelja have emerged as more than just role players, as both have taken over multiple games this season for the Comets. However, the biggest wildcard to this team is Alexis Gray. She is a tremendous athlete that is going to Cincinnati for track, but has made major strides throughout the season for Solon. If she is able to continue to play terrific defense in the paint and hit timely shots for the Comets, Solon has a chance of making a run to the state title.

Talking point No. 3 Why is Twinsburg move up the rankings so much?

The Tigers have been on quite a tear as of late, and appear to be ready to make a run in the playoffs. While this is not the same team from last year's terrific team, guard Baleigh Reid is still on the team. Reid is as talented of guard as there is in the area, and has shown the ability to take a game over this season. In the playoffs, a game can be decided by one player taking the game over. For the Tigers, they will be in great shape with Reid on the court and coach Julie Solis still on the sideline.

Contact high school sports reporter Mark Kern by email mkern@cleveland.com or Twitter (@Markkern11). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

WILLOUGHBY, Ohio — This is part of a series of recruiting snapshots we'll roll out leading up to National Signing Day on Feb. 5. Name: Kyle Ritz.

WILLOUGHBY, Ohio — This is part of a series of recruiting snapshots we'll roll out leading up to National Signing Day on Feb. 5.

Name: Kyle Ritz.

School: Willoughby South.

Position: OL.

Height, weight: 6-5, 300.

Rivals.com rating: N/A.

College: Akron.

Others considered: Kent State.

Major: Biomedical engineering.

How I fit: I think I fit great. They run a full spread offense. I’ve had a spread pretty much my whole career. I like the staff and I’m ready to compete.

The first thing I'm going to do when I get to campus is… I just wanna get working out with the team.

My college dream is to… Don’t lose to Kent State, win the MAC and get my degree.

Contact high school sports reporter Bill Landis by email (blandis@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@blandis25). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

In September, Bud Selig said he will retire in January of 2015 as MLB commissioner. Indians President Mark Shapiro has been mentioned as a possible replacement.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – If things go according to plan, Bud Selig will retire as commissioner of baseball on Jan. 24, 2015 after 22 years. Selig, 79, has changed his mind before and baseball’s 30 owners wouldn’t argue much if he did it again, but in announcing the date for his retirement in September, Selig seemed serious.

The list of candidates to replace Selig is long and varied. One is familiar, Indians President Mark Shapiro. For the last year or so, Shapiro’s name has been mentioned in stories just like this.

“It’s an honor to have your name mentioned, but that’s about all the time I spend thinking about it,” said Shapiro. “My whole career, I’ve focused on doing the best I can at the job I have ... and I love the job I have.”

Shapiro is entering his 23rd year with the Indians. He has risen from an assistant in baseball operations to president. His stops include five years as director of player development, three years as assistant general manager and nine years as general manager during which he was named the Sporting News Executive of the Year in 2005 and 2007. This year will be his fourth as president.

In 2009, Selig named Shapiro to his “On The Field Matters’ committee, a 14-man panel of managers and executives to study trends in the game and how to improve it. The committee just devised a new replay system that will debut this year. New rules barring home plate collisions are expected to go into effect as well.

While most of Shapiro’s experience has been directed toward the field, he has spent the last three years getting acquainted with the business of baseball. He is involved in developing new revenue sources for the Indians, including re-designing parts of Progressive Field to attract more fans, while preserving what has made the ballpark such a great place to watch a game since it opened in 1994.

As fans across the country decide more and more to watch sporting events from the comfort of their living rooms, parking themselves in front of their high-definition wide-screen TVs, Shapiro and his staff have worked hard to make sure the fans who do come to Progressive Field have an enjoyable experience.

On a bigger scale, Shapiro is a member of MLB’s Ticketing Committee, which explores how teams can develop revenue and ticket sales by using digital (paperless/mobile device) ticketing and dynamic pricing. Last year the Indians' attendance was the second lowest in baseball, but ticket sales rose by 20 percent.

In the past, teams didn't share such information, especially on how to deal with ticket brokers, who have formed a secondary market for tickets.

The three names most mentioned as Selig’s successor are Rob Manfred, Tom Brosnan and Bob Bowman, all members of the commissioner’s inner circle. Manfred is MLB’s CEO, Selig’s lead negotiator no matter what the situation. Brosnan is MLB’s executive vice president of business. He’s in charge of licensing, sponsorship, domestic and international broadcasting and has helped Selig globalize the game. Bowman is the president and CEO of MLB Advanced Media (BAM), the game's successful digital arm that as of 2012 was producing $620 million annually in revenue.

Yet no clear line of succession has been developed by Selig. So just who among those three candidates would get the needed 24 votes among the 30 owners is unknown.

Of course, there are those who believe that Selig, who knows how to build consensus with the owners better than any of his predecessors, will hand-pick his replacement.

The best bet among the three may be Manfred. With the current labor contract expiring in 2016, his skills as a negotiator and his relationships with the players association could help his cause. But right now nothing is for certain.

Shapiro is 46. Time is on his side, although previous commissioners Bowie Kuhn (43), Happy Chandler (47) and Peter Ueberroth (43) were in the same age bracket when they were named commissioner.

Still, the more experience Shapiro gets, the better off he’ll be. He’s well-rounded and well-liked throughout the game. His father, Ron, is a respected player agent and author with influence in the commissioner’s office and players association. Shapiro grew up in a home where Hall of Famers Eddie Murray and Kirby Puckett, two of his father’s clients, were visitors.

Could Shapiro use some experience with another club? It wouldn’t hurt. In the big leagues, every team is a kingdom unto itself. Regardless of market size, they come with their own set of quirks and problems. Still, Shapiro is smart enough and has attended enough owners meetings with Larry and Paul Dolan to be a quick study.

Besides, Selig is going to be a tough act to follow. He has arguably been the most successful commissioner in history, overseeing sweeping changes and improvements in the game. He has also made a lot of rich owners richer.

The next commissioner is going to have a tough time escaping his shadow.

There are 15 athletes from six countries with strong Ohio ties among the more than 2,900 who will compete Feb. 6-23, plus two coaches. Six members of the U.S. team have Ohio connections.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Ohio is not a winter sports Mecca, but it will have a distinct presence at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia

There are 15 athletes from six countries with strong Ohio ties among the more than 2,900 who will compete Feb. 6-23, plus two coaches.

Six members of the U.S. team have Ohio connections, including a trio of 26-year-old Northeast Ohio women who will be on skates: speedskater Kelly Gunther and hockey players Kelli Stack and Brianne McLaughlin.

The nine international athletes from Ohio are all hockey players -- five from the Columbus Blue Jackets, three from Ohio State and a current Bowling Green student.

Here's a brief look at each athlete and coach:

TEAM USA

Kelly Gunther

View full sizeKelly GuntherJoshua Gunter / The Plain Dealer

Country: United States

Sport: Long track speedskating

Event: 1,000 meters

Age: 26

Competition date: Feb. 13

Olympic experience: First Olympics.

Ohio connection: Born in Oberlin; lived in Lorain until age 11; mother, brother and extended family live in Lorain.

Notable: Moved to Michigan at age 11 to pursue inline racing. A successful, 11-year career included several relay gold medals as a member of the Junior World Championship squad. Completed several inline marathons. Attempted short track speedskating briefly and joined the U.S. National Long Track Program in 2009. National team and World Cup team member since 2010. Narrowly missed a berth on 2010 Olympic team. Suffered a severely fractured ankle in a March 2010 race that threatened her career. Plans to continue competing for at least four more years. Personal bests: 500m (39.14), 1,000 (1:16.43), 1,500 (1:58.65), 3000 (4:16.27). Her 1,000 PR came at Olympic Trials in December and beat a previous best in 2009. Considering a career as a flight attendant.

Ryan Kesler

View full sizeRyan Kesler during a Vancouver Canucks practice.AP

Country: United States

Sport: Hockey

Position: Forward

Age: 29

Competition dates: Group play Feb. 13, 15, 16.

Olympic experience: 2010, silver.

Ohio connection: Played at Ohio State (2002-03).

Notable: First-round draft pick by Vancouver in 2003 and has been with Canucks since 2005. Highly productive player when healthy, but has missed time with shoulder and wrist injuries the last two seasons. NHL All-Star in 2011 and winner of Frank Selke Trophy as league's top defensive forward. Vancouver's third-leading scorer this season (37 points). Fourth in scoring at OSU in 2003. Hometown is Livonia, Mich.

View full sizeBrianne McLaughlinUSA Hockey

Brianne McLaughlin

Country: United States

Sport: Hockey

Position: Goalie

Age: 26

Competition dates: Group play Feb. 8, 10, 12.

Olympic experience: 2010 silver

Ohio connection: Born in Elyria, grew up in Sheffield Village, Elyria Catholic graduate (2005).

Notable: World Championships gold (2013) and silver (2012) medals. Graduated from Robert Morris as the NCAA all-time career saves leader (3,809). Working on a nursing degree. Former RMU assistant coach. Married current RMU assistant coach Logan Bittle in July 2013. Played for the Burlington Barracudas of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League in 2010-11. Played softball, basketball, volleyball and ran track at ECHS.

View full sizeKelli Stack USA Hockey

Kelli Stack

Country: United States

Sport: Hockey

Position: Center

Age: 26

Competition dates: Group play Feb. 8, 10, 12.

Olympic experience: 2010 silver

Ohio connection: Born in Cleveland, grew up in Brooklyn Heights, Cuyahoga Heights High graduate (2006).

Notable: Stack suffered a torn anterior cruciate knee ligament in 2012 and had surgery January 2013. Team USA top scorer in “Bring on the World Tour” last year (14 points). Four-time world championship medalist, gold (2008-09, 2011), silver (2012). Led the U.S. at 2012 world tournament in assists (eight) and scored five goals. Received Bob Allen Award as USA Hockey's top American-born women's player in 2012. Three-time Hockey East Player of the Year at Boston College and graduated as its all-time points leader (209). Played two seasons for the Boston Blades professional team of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League. Lives in suburban Boston. Played for Honeybaked (Mich.) junior hockey team. Played softball and volleyball at Cuyahoga Heights and received the Archie Griffin Sportsmanship Award and the Ohio High School Athletic Association Scholar Athlete Award. See a video below of a fight Stack was involved in her first game back from injury last fall.

View full sizeAnn SwisshelmAP

Ann Swisshelm

Country: United States

Sport: Curling

Position: Lead

Age: 45

Competition dates: Round robin Feb. 10-17.

Olympic experience: 2002, 4th.

Ohio connection: Born in Middletown, Ohio, and moved with her family to Chicago at age 10.

Notable: Oldest member of Team USA and second oldest U.S. Winter Olympian all time. The U.S. has never won a women's curling medal, and Team USA is a contender after its fourth-place finish at the 2012 World Championships. Swisshelm just missed berths to the 2006 and 2010 Olympics when her team placed second at the Olympic Trials, including a one-point overtime loss in 2010. She quit her job to concentrate on one last Olympic run with a team skipped by Erika Brown, and they won the 2012 national championship. Lives in Chicago.

View full sizeKatie UhlaenderTim Warsinskey / The Plain Dealer

Katie Uhlaender

Country: United States

Sport: Skeleton

Age: 29

Competition dates: Feb. 13-14.

Olympic experience: 2010, 11th; 2006, 6th.

Ohio connection: Lived in Cincinnati and Columbus during her late father, Ted Uhlaender's, professional baseball career. Ted Uhlaender played and coached for the Indians and Reds, and was a Columbus Clippers coach.

Notable: While competing and at all other times, wears a necklace holding her father's 1972 Reds NL Championship ring and a small silver baseball containing some of his ashes. Three-time world championships medalist, gold (2012), silver (2008), bronze (2007). Two-time world cup overall champion (2007-08). Three-time national champion (2003-04, 2007). Best World Cup finish this season is sixth at St. Moritz. Owns an 800-acre cattle ranch. Lives in Vail, Colo.

U.S. Coaches

View full sizeDan BylsmaAP

Dan Bylsma

Country: United States

Sport: Men's hockey

Position: Head coach

Age: 43

Competition dates: Group play Feb. 13, 15, 16.

Olympic experience: First Olympics

Ohio connection: Played four seasons (1988-92) at Bowling Green.

Notable: Pittsburgh Penguins head coach won Stanley Cup in his first season in 2009. Can he lead the U.S. to its first gold medal since 1980 in his first year as Olympic coach? Won Jack Adams Award as the NHL’s Most Outstanding Coach in 2011. Became the fastest NHL coach to reach 200 victories last year in his 316th game. Played for the Los Angeles Kings and the Anaheim Ducks during nine-year NHL career. At BGSU, had 37 goals and 50 assists in 155 games.

View full sizeTodd RichardsColumbus Blue Jackets

Todd Richards

Country: United States

Sport: Men's hockey

Position: Assistant coach.

Age: 47

Competition dates: Group play Feb. 13, 15, 16.

Olympic experience: First Olympics

Ohio connection: Columbus Blue Jackets head coach.

Notable: Has been Blue Jackets coach since the middle of the 2011-12 season. Former head coach of Minnesota Wild. Had a successful six-year run coaching in the American Hockey League. Played four years at the University of Minnesota and was among the final cuts on the 1988 Olympic team. Also played in the AHL and eight games in the NHL.

TEAM CANADA

View full sizeNatalie Spooner

Natalie Spooner

Country: Canada

Sport: Hockey

Position: Forward

Age: 23

Competition dates: Group play Feb. 8, 10, 12.

Olympic experience: First Olympics

Ohio connection: Played four years at Ohio State.

Notable: 2012 World Championships gold medal, two-time world silver medalist. Has been in national development program since 2007. As an Ohio State senior in 2011-12, she set the OSU single-season record for goals scored and was named as an NCAA first team All-American. Ranks second in OSU history with 163 career points. Graduated from OSU with a degree in nutrition (pre-med). Drafted by Toronto Furies of the CWHL and helped them reach the Clarkson Cup in 2012-13.

TEAM FINLAND

View full sizeEmma (Laaksonen) TerhoOhio State University

Emma (Laaksonen) Terho

Country: Finland

Sport: Hockey

Position: Defenseman

Age: 32

Competition dates: Feb. 8, 10, 12.

Olympic experience: 1998, bronze; 2002, 4th; 2006, 4th; 2010, bronze.

Ohio connection: Played four years at Ohio State (2000-2004).

Notable: Has six points in 26 career Olympic games. Owns four World Championships bronze medals, the most recent in 2009. World Championship All-Star, 2008, and Best Defenseman, 2000. European Cup Best Defender, 2010 and 2005. Finland’s Player of the Year, 2002 and 2006. Inducted into Ohio State Women’s Varsity “O” Hall of Fame in 2009. Works as a fixed income trader at an investment bank in Finland.

View full sizeMinttu TuominenOhio State University

Minttu Tuominen

Country: Finland

Sport: Hockey

Position: Forward

Age: 23

Competition dates: Feb. 8, 10, 12.

Olympic experience: 2010, bronze.

Ohio connection: Played four years at Ohio State (2010-13).

Notable: World Championship bronze medalist, 2013. Helped Finland upset the U.S. in the Four Nations Cup and a second-place finish last year. Had 16 career goals and 33 assists at Ohio State. Four-time OSU Scholar Athlete and two-time Academic All-Big Ten. Grew up in a family of basketball players.

TEAM LATVIA

View full sizeRalfs FreibergsBowling Green State University

Ralfs Freibergs

Country: Latvia

Sport: Hockey

Position: Defenseman

Age: 22

Competition dates: Group play Feb. 12, 14, 15.

Olympic experience: First Olympics

Ohio connection: Sophomore at Bowling Green.

Notable: He is the lone current NCAA hockey player in the Olympic men's tournament. Named to the team after some key injuries on national team. Has played in the U.S. since 2009. Was ruled ineligible for first 33 games of last season by the NCAA because he played in a Latvian pro league in 2009. Among the Midwestern Collegiate Hockey League's top scoring defensemen. Hometown is Riga, Latvia, which is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

TEAM RUSSIA

View full sizeArtem AnisimovColumbus Blue Jackets

Artem Anisimov

Country: Russia

Sport: Hockey

Position: Center

Age: 25

Competition dates: Group play Feb. 13,15, 16.

Olympic experience: First Olympics

Ohio connection: Columbus Blue Jackets

Notable: Big, powerful center (6-4, 200). After totaling 25 points in Blue Jackets' first 50 games, he was shut out in five straight games entering this week. Had one assist in eight games of 2012-13 World Championships tournament; one goal and two assists in 2009-10 Worlds. Came to Columbus from New York Rangers in the 2012 Rick Nash trade. Hometown is historic Yaroslavl, Russia, a World Heritage Site at the confluence of the Volga and Kotorosl Rivers.

View full sizeSergei BobrovskyColumbus Blue Jackets

Sergei Bobrovsky

Country: Russia

Sport: Hockey

Position: Goalie

Age: 25

Competition dates: Group play Feb. 13,15, 16.

Olympic experience: First Olympics

Ohio connection: Columbus Blue Jackets

Notable: One of the most-watched position battles at the Olympics will be whether Russia starts 2013 Vezina Trophy winner (top NHL goalie) Bobrovsky or the Colorado Avalanche's Semyon Varlamov, who has far more international experience. “Bob” won a bronze as Russia's starter at the 2008 World Junior Championships. Bounced back from a groin injury in December to record seven straight victories and had a two-game, mini-slump two weeks ago, but appears to have recovered. Began this week with a .916 save percentage and 2.54 goals-against average. Nickname is Bob and dressed as a cop for Halloween because Fox Sports announcer Jay Onrait yells, “Officer Bobrovsky is on the case!'' during highlights. Lives in Novokuznetsk, in southern Russia.

View full sizeNikita NikitinColumbus Blue Jackets

Nikita Nikitin

Age: 27

Competition dates: Group play Feb. 13,15, 16.

Olympic experience: First Olympics

Ohio connection: Columbus Blue Jackets

Notable: His play on second or third blue line will be critical for Russia. He's big (6-4, 223) but doesn't have much senior international experience. Plays on Blue Jackets' third line. Entered the week with two goals and 12 assists, and was plus-10 in 48 games. Lives in Omsk, Siberia.

View full sizeFedor TyutinColumbus Blue Jackets

Fedor Tyutin

Country: Russia

Sport: Hockey

Position: Defenseman

Age: 30

Competition dates: Group play Feb. 13,15, 16.

Olympic experience: 2010, fourth; 2006, 6th.

Ohio connection: Columbus Blue Jackets

Notable: World Championships 2011 and 20008 (gold). Gold medals at 2002 and 2003 World Junior Championships. Tyutin and Montreal's Andrei Markov are expected to lead a thin defensive corps that could make or break Russia's gold-medal hopes. Tenth NHL season. Began the final week before Olympic break with four goals and 19 assists in 50 games. Became highest-scoring defenseman in CBJ team history last season. Lives in Izhevsk in the Western Urals.

TEAM SLOVAKIA

View full sizeMarian GaborikColumbus Blue Jackets

Marian Gaborik

Country: Slovakia

Sport: Hockey

Position: Forward

Age: 31

Competition dates: Feb. 13, 15, 16

Olympic experience: 2010, fourth; 2006.

Ohio connection: Columbus Blue Jackets

Notable: Played in four world championships. Total international numbers: 78 games, 39 goals, 27 assists, 66 points. Has been out with a broken collarbone since Christmas and his status remains unclear. If he plays in Sochi, it will be his first game action since the injury and will come seven weeks after what had been described as a 6-8 week injury. His agent told the Columbus Dispatch this week Gaborik playing in Sochi is a “long shot.'' The Blue Jackets are to decide by Friday if their highest paid player ($7.5 million) and three-time All-Star will play in the Olympics. With Gaborik healthy, Slovakia is a medal dark horse. Without him, Slovakia is an even longer shot. He turns 32 on Feb. 14, the day after Slovakia opens against the U.S.

SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio — This is part of a series of recruiting snapshots we'll roll out leading up to National Signing Day on Feb. 5. Name: Nolan Jackson-Daniel.

SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio — This is part of a series of recruiting snapshots we'll roll out leading up to National Signing Day on Feb. 5.

Name: Nolan Jackson-Daniel.

School: Shaker Heights.

Position: WR.

Height, weight: 6-1, 185.

Rivals.com rating: 3-star.

College: Buffalo.

Others considered: None.

Major: Industrial engineering.

How I fit: I think I fit in great. They run a similar offense to what we run in high school, so I think I can adjust pretty easily.

I knew I made the right college decision when… I went on a visit in August, I just liked the coaches and I felt like I was at home.

My college dream is to… Just graduate with the major I came in wanting to do. That’s the main goal.

What we've written about Jackson-Daniel

Oct. 20, 2013: Shaker Heights WR Nolan Jackson-Daniel orally commits to play for Buffalo.

Contact high school sports reporter Bill Landis by email (blandis@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@blandis25). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.