Chat live during the Browns press conference at 5 p.m. as they introduce Donte Whitner and Karlos Dansby.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Browns were able to grab safety Donte Whitner and linebacker Karlos Dansby. They did sign wide receiver Andrew Hawkins from the Bengals to an offer-sheet, but Cincinnati has five days to match the deal.

"We have struggled (shooting)," Thad Matta said. "I think the biggest thing we've struggled with is finishing around the rim. We talked about that so early in the season. We were missing shots. You have to put the ball in the basket."

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The six numbers you need to know before Ohio State starts its postseason trek in the Big Ten Tournament on Thursday. 

7 of 8 

Times Ohio State has made the Big Ten Tournament final in the last eight years. 

Thad Matta’s phone has been ringing this week as other coaches try to figure out how he does it. How has Matta had so much success in the Big Ten Tournament?

“I wish I had a secret,” Matta said.

Ohio State has advanced to the conference tournament title game five times in a row and seven of the past eight years. 

The Buckeyes have won the title game four of those eight times, so when No. 5-seeded Ohio State begins its trek for a fifth title against No. 12 Purdue, Matta said the team's approach won't change.

"In terms of preparation and pregame speeches and what we eat," Matt said. "It's kind of always the same."

45.1 

Ohio State’s field goal percentage this season, which ranks No. 5 in the Big Ten. 

That's surprising statistic given the Buckeyes’ biggest problem is shooting. Michigan leads the league at 48 percent and Northwestern is last at 39.2, which is the perfect way to show how much an impact a few percentage points in shooting percentage actually means.

Michigan has taken 22 fewer shots than Ohio State and made 38 more field goals, and the Wolverines average 5.5 points more per game. In eight losses this season, the Buckeyes have fallen by an average of 6.3 points. Spread out those additional made field goals and the missed shots that may have turned into points on the other end over 31 games, and the difference in percentage equates to wins and losses.

“We have struggled,” Matta said. “I think the biggest thing we’ve struggled with is finishing around the rim. We talked about that so early in the season. We were missing shots. You have to put the ball in the basket.”

Ohio State also shot 45.1 percent as a team last year, and that was with Deshaun Thomas, the Big Ten’s leading scorer. That team went to the Elite Eight. So what gives? The answer is in the paint. 

View full sizeAmir Williams has had a profound impact on Ohio State's field goal percentage.Jay LaPrete, Associated Press

Center Amir Williams has helped that percent out tremendously. He has made the fourth-most field goals on this team – 93 of the team’s 744 – and he leads the Big Ten in shooting (60.8). But don’t be fooled, because none of Williams’ makes was anything other than a layup or dunk, more often than not set up by a teammate. His percentage is buoying Ohio State, a rather poor shooting team from outside.

49.4 

Ohio State’s field goal percentage in 2010-11.

That was Matta’s deepest offensive team that only lost three games the entire season, including an upset loss in the Sweet 16. That team had it all, a sharpshooter (Jon Diebler), a diverse scorer (William Buford) a utility player (David Lighty) and a dominant inside presence (Jared Sullinger). And that team only shot four percent better than this year’s team? It turns out that’s a huge difference.

For the season, Ohio State shot 42.3 percent from beyond the arc, the best in the country. Sullinger shot 54.1 percent, and his offensive repertoire was far more consistent and diverse than Williams'. Matta was quick to point out that field goal percentages aren’t created equally.

“Every team is different,” he said. “I think we led the country in three point shooting at like 42 percent or something. That really, really helps in a lot of ways. And having a big guy down there, I think Jared shot close to 60 percent his freshman year. That helps you drastically in terms of your offense.”

2 

Conference games this season in which Williams didn’t have a rebound. 

One game with no rebounds would be too much. Conversely, Williams has reached at least 10 rebounds in a Big Ten game only once. On the season, he’s averaging 5.8 per game, but his production on the glass has been sub-par.

“We need him to play well,” Matta said. “When he’s dialed in, when he has a little nasty side to him, he’s a heck of a player. That’s what we’re trying to get out of him.”

59.1

Points Ohio State allows per game, the fewest amount in the Big Ten. 

It finished 7-3 in its last 10 games of the regular season, and in two of those losses it allowed 70 points. Defense is the key to this team, and 70 points seems to be the benchmark the Buckeyes cannot allow its opponent to cross to win. 

6 

Different teams that have won the Big Ten Tournament. 

Ohio State has won it more than any other team with four, but it has been hard to predict. The tournament title game has had teams seeded as high as first, second and third and as low as eighth, ninth, 10th and 11th, and nine different schools have advanced to Sunday.

“I saw Warren Buffet is giving a billion dollars (for the perfect NCAA Tournament bracket),” Matta said. “I’d like to see someone pick the route of this one as well.” 

ThistleDown Racino, the new Mahoning Valley Race Course and Ohio's thoroughbred horsemen have agreed on a 10-year pact that mandates each track will race at least 100 days each year starting in 2015, but not compete for race dates.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – ThistleDown Racino, the new Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course and Ohio's thoroughbred horsemen have agreed on a 10-year pact that mandates each track will race at least 100 days each year starting in 2015, but not compete for race dates.

ThistleDown is getting the best of the bargain, with prime spring and summer racing. Mahoning Valley will race in fall and winter. ThistleDown will begin 122 afternoons of live racing on April 18, and could maintain that length of season in 2015.

Mahoning Valley in Austintown plans to kick off 21 days of live racing on Nov. 24. The 59 days of live racing at Beulah Park in Grove City, which runs through April 29, move to Mahoning Valley in 2015.

"ThistleDown is being rewarded with its traditional summer dates throughout the 10-year agreement because of its good racing surface," said Executive Director Dave Basler of the Ohio Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association. "Thistledown is a very good place to run races, as well as train horses.

"It has a very safe racing surface, something it has maintained over the years. We hope Mahoning Valley works on developing the same type of racing surface as construction continues on the Austintown track."

Belterra Park in Cincinnati, the rebuilt River Downs Racetrack, has 100 days of thoroughbred racing this year. It is racing from May 8 through Sept. 28.

Robert Schmitz, head of the Ohio State Racing Commission, has wanted the thoroughbred tracks to develop non-competitive schedules and race at least 100 days each year. That would help to assure there would be horses available while each track is racing, as well as fans.

"Clearly, the horse population would be a significant concern," said Basler. "If Mahoning Valley were racing in summer, it would be competing with nearby ThistleDown and Presque Isle Downs (in Erie, Pa.) for horses. It makes more sense to race year-round in Ohio, rather than just the summer months."

Basler said racino revenue has already helped ThistleDown fill its racing cards.

"Last year, racino revenue increased purses significantly at Thistledown. The daily average (of total purses) increased to about $80,000," said Basler. "We expect to see that jump again this year to about $100,000 per day."

Basler said the size of the field in each race at ThistleDown also increased to 7.6 horses per race last year, about one horse per race better than in 2012. The larger fields help to increase wagering. The number of horses per race could go up again as purse increases should continue to attract more thoroughbred stables to Ohio.

The OSRC will rule on the agreement between ThistleDown and Mahoning Valley at its March 27 meeting. There should also be a decision on the amount of slots revenue dedicated to purses at Ohio's three thoroughbred and four harness racing tracks.

Northfield news: Ronnie Wrenn Jr. is back in the driver's seat as the top reinsman at Northfield Park. The North America's leading driver in 2013 with 714 victories, Wrenn started slowly this year following wrist surgery in January.

Wrenn has returned to his winning ways and slipped past young star Josh Sutton for the lead in the Northfield driving standings with 77 wins. He also moved up to fifth in the North American driving standings with 102 victories. Sutton has 71 wins, followed by Aaron Merriman (57), David Lake (37) and Robin Miller (37).

Calvin Hollar continues as Northfield's leading conditioner with 25 victories as he bids for his first training title. Chasing Hollar are Lake (18), Don Pfister and Harla Renae Loney (14), and Keith Kash Jr. and Barry Langley (13).

ThistleDown waking up: The barn area opens March 17 at ThistleDown Racino as the track gets ready for its 90th opener on April 18. There will be a few changes, including track announcer. Craig Braddick won't return, with officials searching for the new voice of ThistleDown.

The Ohio Derby will go to post on July 19 and, with a $300,000 purse, the track will attempt to regain graded stakes status for Ohio's premier thoroughbred race.

Ana Capotosto scores 21 to lead Toledo past Western Michigan in MAC Women's Basketball Tournament.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Toledo women's basketball team is an uncharacteristically pedestrian 16-15 -- but it is dangerous.

Ana Capotosto scored 21 on 8-of-10 shooting as the Rockets defeated Western Michigan, 72-61, Wednesday afternoon in a Mid-American Conference Tournament second-round game at The Q.

The sixth-seeded Rockets are 2-0 in the tournament, having beaten Ohio in the first round. They advance to face No. 3 Akron (20-9) on Thursday afternoon.

"Our focus, our mental status, is really good,'' Toledo coach Tricia Cullop said. "When we play together, anything can happen.''

On Jan. 30 in Toledo, Akron rolled, 82-62. It was the only regular-season meeting between the teams.

"Our players are excited for a rematch so we can show we're a better team than the last time we played,'' Cullop said.

The No. 7 Broncos (13-18) had defeated Toledo in their two previous meetings this season.

"The biggest difference from the first two times we played was their guards' ability to get into our defense,'' Western Michigan coach Shane Clipfell said. "They exposed us with the speed of their guards.''

Toledo's starting backcourt of Andola Dortch and Inma Zanoguera did not stuff the stat sheet, but the duo made numerous contributions at both ends with unselfish play and hustle. Dortch and Zanoguera repeatedly set up opportunities for teammates on offense and bothered Broncos shooters on defense.

Toledo relied much more on the zone than it had in the previous two games against Western Michigan. The Broncos were 25-of-66 (37.9 percent) from the field.

"I thought our zone stifled them, and, at the other end, we were more patient,'' Cullop said.

Broncos guard Alex Morton sank a 3-pointer to pull her team within 39-37 with 14:46 to play. Then Capotosto took over, drilling 3-pointers at 14:27 and 13:26 and a jumper at 11:50 to make it 47-37.

Western Michigan got no closer than eight the rest of the way.

Capotosto, a sophomore guard/forward from Saugatuck, Mich., made her first seven shots from the field -- four from beyond the arc. She entered averaging 10.0 points.

"I didn't rush any of my shots and I didn't hesitate,'' said Capotosto, a lefty. "It was fluid. I was able to get into a good rhythm.''

Five players scored in double figures for the Rockets, who led, 30-28, at halftime.

Toledo had early advantages of 9-4 and 13-6. Western Michigan pulled within 17-14 with 8:14 remaining.

Toledo led, 19-14, with 6:52 left. Western Michigan was 6-of-23 from the field at that point.

Broncos forward Marquisha Harris grabbed an offensive rebound and scored to give her team a 20-19 lead with 4:16 left. Toledo bowed its neck in the final minutes.

Broncos forward Miracle Woods scored a game-high 23.

The Browns' new additions say that there's no reason the team can't win right away, and that's what they intend to make happen.

BEREA, Ohio - Safety Donte Whitner and inside linebacker Karlos Dansby say they believe the Cleveland Browns can become winners right away, and that's why they couldn't wait to sign with the team as free agents.

The Browns introduced Whitner, Dansby and their third free-agent signee, defensive back Isaiah Trufant, Wednesday evening in a press conference.

Whitner, 28, will replace safety T.J. Ward, who signed with Denver. Whitner signed a four-year deal worth $28 million for an average of about $7 million a year.

In Whitner, the Browns are getting a hard-hitting two-time Pro Bowler, one who has made the all-star squad in each of the past two seasons.

Whitner said Wednesday that he expects the Browns to be one of the top defenses in the NFL.

"That's what we believe. That's why we came here," Whitner said. "I believe we can do it. Now we have to come together and put a lot of hard work in.

"Whenever you coming to a team that hasn't won, you have to change the culture in the locker room," Whitner said. 

"It starts with being sound fundamentally. . . then it's about being physical each and every play, and that starts with the defensive line, and the linebackers hitting guys and getting them on the ground, and then the safeties and corners and making it so guys don't want to come across the middle."

Dansby, formerly of the Arizona Cardinals, also signed a four-year deal with the Browns. His deal is reportedly worth $24 million, including $10 million the first year and $14 million guaranteed.

"I think there's something special about this city," Dansby said. "That's the reason I'm here. I'm going to take this opportunity and maximize it.

"Once I got the call from Coach Pettine, I said, 'I'm on my way.'

Dansby, 32, replaces linebacker D'Qwell Jackson, 30, who signed last week with the Colts. Dansby is two years older than Jackson, but is coming off the best season of his career, by far. If he plays anywhere close to last year, he'll provide new coach Mike Pettine with a formidable playmaker up the middle.

"He's got a strong reputation around here," Dansby said of Jackson. "I'm just coming in trying to do my part. . . I'm coming on a mission, and that's to win. That's all I know how to do is win.

". . . I think I might double my output here. . . I think it's one of the better schemes in the NFL. I'm on a mission to be the best player in the league. That's the mission I was on last season, and I came real close. In the toughest division in the NFL, if you can dominate, that says a lot about you. . . that you're a special player." 

In 2013, Dansby led the Cardinals with 122 tackles, 6.5 sacks, four interceptions -- including two returned for touchdowns -- 19 passes defensed and 12 tackles for a loss. He broke up more passes than cornerbacks Jerraud Powers (18) and Patrick Peterson (13). He also had 50 more tackles than anyone else on the team.

A second-team All-Pro last year, Dansby set his sights on being named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2013. It didn't happen, but he had a monster year nonetheless. 

On Wednesday, Dansby explained his mentality when he plays.

"Just have to try to raise the play of the guys around me. That's what I've been able to do all during my career . . . If I'm able to do that, I'll have a lot of success as well," Dansby said.

"Last year was my best in the NFL by far.. . . Here, I feel like it's going to be the same type of situation. We've got the hard hitting on the back end. . . We keep adding pieces and pieces, and we're going to do something special this season. 

"I didn't have any choice. I had to come (to Cleveland)."

Dansby, an 11th-year pro, spent his first six years in Arizona after being a second-round pick in 2004 out of Auburn, and helped the Cardinals to the Super Bowl in 2008. In 2010, he left to sign a 5-year, $43 million contract with the Dolphins, including $22 million guaranteed. At the time, it was the highest contract ever for an inside linebacker. But the Dolphins cut him after the 2012 season -- and he signed a one-year deal with the Cardinals worth $2.25 million.

He parlayed that homecoming into a blockbuster deal with the Browns -- $14 million more guaranteed for a total of $36 million guaranteed since 2010 -- by playing out of his mind last season.

Trufant is a former New York Jets cornerback and special teams veteran who is reuniting with Pettine. He received a two-year, $1.54 million deal that includes $1 million guaranteed, according to USA Today.

Trufant has played 193 snaps in the past two seasons – and has contributed regularly on special teams since joining the Jets in 2010. Last season, he registered 20 tackles and 13 more in special teams. Pettine is familiar with Trufant's game serving as the Jets' defensive coordinator from 2009-2012.

"The scheme will benefit what I do with my speed and quickness," Trufant said Wednesday. "Pettine is a great coach and I'm excited."

- Northeast Ohio Media Group reporter Tom Reed contributed to this report.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Get live updates and chat with fans during today’s 3 p.m. girls basketball state semifinal involving St. Vincent-St. Mary. Northeast Ohio Media Group reporters Stephanie Kuzydym and Mark Kern will be providing updates throughout the Division II state semifinal between SVSM and Millersburg West Holmes from press row at Ohio State’s Value City Arena.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Get live updates and chat with fans during today’s 3 p.m. girls basketball state semifinal involving St. Vincent-St. Mary.

Northeast Ohio Media Group reporters Stephanie Kuzydym and Mark Kern will be providing updates throughout the Division II state semifinal between SVSM and Millersburg West Holmes from press row at Ohio State’s Value City Arena.

Do you have a question for Kuzydym or Kern? Post it in the comments and they will answer you.

You will need a free cleveland.com community account to comment. It’s quick and easy to get an account. Click here for an account. Once you get an account you are able to comment on all stories on the website.

We also invite you to use the comments section as a place to interact with fellow fans.

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FINDLAY, Ohio — Six Northeast Ohio high school football players will represent the state in the inaugural Ohio-Michigan Border Classic on Saturday, June 14 at Donnell Stadium in Findlay. The Ohio High School Football Coaches Association and the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association selected 40 players from each state to compete in the all-star game.

FINDLAY, Ohio — Six Northeast Ohio high school football players will represent the state in the inaugural Ohio-Michigan Border Classic on Saturday, June 14 at Donnell Stadium in Findlay.

The Ohio High School Football Coaches Association and the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association selected 40 players from each state to compete in the all-star game.

Michigan released its roster last month.

Here’s the Ohio roster, with four spots left to fill, and college choices in parentheses:

Alex Backenstoe, DL, 6-1, 220, Hilliard Davidson (Air Force)

Nilijah Ballew, DB, 6-1, 180, Cincinnati Walnut Hills (Bowling Green)

Michael Barwick, DL, 6-1, 275, Cincinnati Summit Country Day (Indiana)

Josh Boquist, LB, 6-1, 210, Lima Senior (Malone)

Daniel Cage, DL, 6-3, 290, Cincinnati Winton Woods (Notre Dame)

Luke Callahan, OL, 6-4, 285, Powell Olentangy Liberty (Cincinnati)

Cody Callaway, QB, 6-3, 195, Midview (Bowling Green)

D.D. Clark, RB, 5-11, 185, Hilliard Davidson (Walsh)

Vayante Copeland, DB, 6-1, 185, Dayton Thurgood Marshall (Michigan State)

Sean Culler, P, 6-4, 205, Bryan (Ashland)

Jamal Davis, LB, 6-2, 225, Canton McKinley (Pittsburgh)

Nate Dever, OL, 6-5, 275, Massillon (Cincinnati)

Jalen Fox, DB, 5-10, 175, Cincinnati Wyoming (Ohio)

Noah Furbush, LB, 6-4, 240, Kenton (Michigan)

Isaiah Gentry, WR, 6-4, 185, Cincinnati Moeller (Minnesota)

Jake Hanzel, DL, 6-2, 280, Akron Manchester

Kaleb Harris, WR, 6-4, 200, Creston Norwayne (Marshall)

Hayden Hatten, LB, 6-0, 195, New Albany (Saginaw Valley)

Charles Holland, WR, 6-3, 180, Columbus West

Michael Knoll, K, 6-1, 210, Walsh Jesuit (Boston College)

Rick Kurz, OL, 6-2, 265, Cincinnati St. Xavier (Army)

Marshon Lattimore, WR, 6-0, 185, Glenville (Ohio State)

Parrish Martin, DB, 5-10, 175, Alliance

Isiah Moore, OL, 6-3, 280, Tiffin Columbian (Bowling Green)

Phillipie Motley, DB, 5-10, 175, Hilliard Davidson (Pittsburgh)

Martesse Patterson, OL, 6-5, 290, Columbus Marion Franklin (Purdue)

Colt Pettit, OL, 6-4, 260, Hamler Patrick Henry (Virginia Tech)

Gus Ragland, QB, 6-1, 205, Cincinnati Moeller (Miami, Ohio)

Devine Redding, RB, 5-10, 210, Glenville (Indiana)

Heath Reineke, DL, 6-3, 225, Ashland (Northwestern)

Nick Richardson, OL, 6-5, 285, Westerville Central (Kentucky)

Tre-von Richardson, DL, 6-3, 260, Canton McKinley

Tegray Scales, LB, 6-2, 210, Cincinnati Colerain (Indiana)

Erick Smith, DB, 6-1, 190, Glenville (Ohio State)

Chek Washington, WR, 6-0, 200, Mansfield Senior (Ohio)

Marcus Whitfield, WR, 6-2, 185, Massillon (Toledo)

Head coach: Mike Fell (Lima Senior)

Assistant coaches: Steve Daly (Steubenville Central Catholic); Aaron Hancock (Cincinnati Wyoming); Kevin Kline (Bryan); Troy Strock (Napoleon); Paul Yunker (Evergreen)

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.

Dray caught 26 passes for 215 yards and two touchdowns for the Arizona Cardinals in 2013.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Browns added depth at tight end Thursday signing Jim Dray to a free-agent deal.

The 27-year-old spent his first four NFL seasons with the Arizona Cardinals.

Known primarily for his blocking, Dray enjoyed a career year last season with 26 receptions for 215 yards and two touchdowns. According to ProFootballFocus.com, he did not have a dropped pass last season. But the site also ranked him 62nd out of 64 tight ends.

Dray agreed to a three-year, $5.62 million contract with $2.25 million in the first season, according to multiple reports. The 6-foot-5, 255-pounder was a 2010 seventh-round pick out of Stanford.

He joins a Browns roster teeming with six tight ends led by Pro Bowler Jordan Cameron. The club’s primary blocking tight end a season ago was Gary Barnidge. The previous management group also touted the potential of rookie MarQueis Gray, who also served as a wildcat quarterback.

Dray made a career-high 15 starts a season ago. In his career, he has caught 33 passes for 302 yards and two touchdowns in 55 games.

Browns waiting on Bengals' decision on WR Andrew Hawkins.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The NFL regular season does not start until the fall, but the Cleveland Browns may deliver the first blow with the free agent signing of Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrew Hawkins.

The Browns offered Hawkins about $12.2 million, with $5.3 million guaranteed, but the Bengals have five days to match or lose Hawkins to the Browns without compensation.

The big question for the Bengals, writes reporter Paul Dehner Jr., is should the Bengals match?

Dehner adds that there are legitimate arguments on both sides of the 50-yard line when the Bengals discuss their plan of action.

The average of $3.05 million would pay him in the top 50 receivers in the NFL and between Kansas City's Dexter McCluster and San Diego's Eddie Royal in terms of slot receivers. A player's market value is whatever a team is willing to pay him, but in the case of Hawkins' body of work, this sits as a realistic fit for him.

Looking at his last fully healthy season in 2012 he ranked in the top 10 in the NFL in yards after catch average (6.7), according to Pro Football Focus. Hawkins' 51 receptions that season for 533 yards came in a variety of forms from bubble screens and gadget plays to standard third-down receptions at the sticks.

Dehner also asks if it makes sense to pay a player – even one of Hawkins' caliber – in the top 50 of the league when he's currently the fourth receiver down the list?

Yet, in an NFL where receivers and defensive backs built for speed and not contact suffer injuries on a regular basis, think about the insurance Hawkins provides. If a single injury to Green, Jones or Sanu occurred, the team wouldn't skip a beat because Sanu can always move outside.

More Browns and NFL news

Cutting Weeden and Campbell opens the door for the Browns to add a vet and draft a rookie QB (Cleveland.com).

NFL Free Agency updates and latest news (Cleveland.com).

Donte Whitner lobbies for a reunion with Ted Ginn Jr. (Cleveland.com).

Free agents bring new mindset to the defense (Cleveland.com).

Browns are making push for Pats wide receiver Julian Edelman (Ohio.com).

New Cleveland Browns LB Karlos Dansby is confident and fired up (CantonRep.com).

Former Browns QB Seneca Wallace hopes to be in camp this fall (NFL.com).

Did the Browns show their free agent board during press conference (CBSSports.com)?

Indians manager Terry Francona met with reporters on Thursday morning and discussed the ramifications of Jason Giambi's injury, Carlos Santana's athleticism at third base, Jeff Francoeur's chances of making the Opening Day roster and more.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Indians manager Terry Francona met with reporters on Thursday morning and discussed the ramifications of Jason Giambi's injury, Carlos Santana's athleticism at third base, Jeff Francoeur's chances of making the Opening Day roster and more.

On how Giambi's broken rib -- expected to sideline him for three to four weeks -- could impact the roster:

"The good side of this is [Giambi] is fully engaged in getting better as quick as he can and in the meantime, he'll help everybody else like he always does," Francona said. "That's why we try to evaluate everybody to the best of our ability, so when things like this do happen, if you need a Plan B or a Plan C, you have it.

"Sometimes the challenge is not just what G is doing, but also putting a team together that the object is to be better than the other team and you have to be realistic that he's very special and we've talked about that a million times, but he's also in a position where he doesn't play a position and doesn't play all the time, so you have to make sure you complement that. I think we can do that for sure, but you have to think about that."

On where Francoeur fits into the roster picture:

"He has come as advertised," Francona said. "I think with [Francoeur] it's going to come down to obviously how we evaluate him, but then the fit on our team. As I told him the other day, we have a number of guys in camp like Nyjer [Morgan], Elliot Johnson, [Giambi] is a non-roster, [Francoeur] and they all can't make it. So I told him, 'Enjoy yourself, play as hard as you can and we'll tell you honestly how we feel and we'll be conscientious in doing it,' and I think he's doing a good job of that."

On the two plays made by Santana on Wednesday that caught Francona's eye:

"They were very athletic [plays]," Francona said. "He didn't let the game speed up. He moved his feet. He did everything. I don't know if a lot of third basemen can make those plays. So we know it's in there. Now, consistency in our game is huge, but it's nice to see that that's in there."

Joey Davis is 68-0 in his career at NDC heading into the NCAA Tournament at Public Hall, but could look to transfer after the season.

SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio – From coast to coast, Notre Dame University is a household name.

Notre Dame College in South Euclid? Not so much, especially in Compton, Calif.

“I had never heard of Notre Dame College,'' said Joey Davis, an unbeaten sophomore wrestler for NDC. “I thought it was the real Notre Dame calling me when they were recruiting me. I was so confused. It was real funny when (assistant coach Anthony) Ralph called me. Then I kind of ignored him. I kind of pushed them aside.''

There's no ignoring Davis and NDC now. Both are favored to win titles at the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships on Friday and Saturday at Public Hall.

Davis is a 174-pounder going for his second NCAA title, and owns a 68-0 career record. NDC has nine qualifiers, including returning champion Eric Burgey at 166 pounds, and the Falcons are ranked No. 1.

Davis, raised by strong parents in a gang-infested neighborhood, came a long way to Notre Dame and his journey is far from complete. He has a chance to make NDC a household name – at least in hardcore wrestling households – by helping the Falcons win their third national title. NDC won small-college championships in NAIA in 2010 and 2011 and transitioned to NCAA Division II last season, finishing third.

NDC, under veteran coach Frank Romano, could be on the verge of a long, successful run. Some of that will depend on Davis, who might not be long for NDC if he wins his second title Saturday. Davis said he could look to transfer to a Division I school.

Davis has dominated Division II. Romano said Davis did not surrender a takedown last season until the national finals. He was 33-0. Davis is 35-0 this season and has been taken down one time.

“I don't know if I want to transfer yet,'' Davis said. “But I would if I had the right kind of scholarship, and schools want me and it's working out well with a scholarship – a full ride. (Division I) is the best thing to do. If you want to be the best in wrestling, D-I is the best. We have our tough D-IIs, but D-I is the way to go. I do want to be a part of that if schools want me.''

Davis said he does not have any specific Division I schools on his radar yet.

Davis being at NDC at all is a reflection of Romano's and Ralph's tenacity and scope as recruiters. Only two of their national qualifiers are from Ohio – returning All-American Maurice Miller of Canton McKinley and first-time qualifier Brian Hauser from Brush.

Davis was a sure-fire Division I recruit coming out of Compton. Davis said he had a 2.3-grade point average in high school and was two classes short of meeting NCAA Division I clearinghouse requirements for a scholarship, so he had to look at smaller schools. Davis won two California high school state championships at Santa Fe, an especially difficult feat because California wrestling is not split into divisions. He was 109-2 his last two seasons and twice won the FloNationals postseason tournament.

“They had to educate me a lot about Notre Dame, and they talked to my dad (Joey Davis Sr.) almost every day,'' Davis said. “When (Ralph) came to my house, I made the decision. My dad said, 'This is the place,' and I listened to him.''

Davis is from what he and Romano described as a rough section of Compton. Davis said gangs are prevalent in his neighborhood. He believes he had gang members' respect because he kept focused on playing football and wrestling.

“There were all kinds of gangs. Bloods and Crips – I have family on both sides,'' he said. “It's crazy because the kids that were trying to do something (positive), they left alone. They used to motivate me and protect me. If I was walking to the store, it was like they had their eye on me because I was trying to do something productive with my life. I didn't get bothered too much. I didn't really have trouble with the gangs.

“It was pretty rough growing up, but my dad kept me focused. I was always either practicing or going to work out or doing something productive. I wasn't really outside in my neighborhood. It was rough. I had to deal with a lot of stuff on my own and have the maturity a lot of other kids don't have. I'm kinda glad I was raised in that kind of environment because it it taught me lessons, so I can adapt.'' Davis is personable and polite with a big smile, and Romano said his energy fills the modest wrestling room in the basement of Harks Hall. Davis credits his father, a former Marine, for keeping him focused on his goals and not the paths to ruin that lay outside his doorstep in Compton.

“My dad stays on me to this day. He doesn't stay on me to the point where he's annoying me. He does it at the point when I'm listening,'' he said. “When I'm down, he's there. When I need to be told something, he's there. My mom is the prize. I've had the same girlfriend for five years, and my mom taught me how to treat women.''

Davis said having family nearby was a factor in choosing NDC. He has an aunt in Shaker Heights, an uncle in Cleveland and his older brother, Brandon, is an Air Force sergeant at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Fairborn. Joey is the fourth of five children, including three sisters.

Family has kept Davis grounded, and he said the family atmosphere on the wrestling team has the same effect. He's undefeated, but teammates will not allow him throw his weight around.

“My teammates never let me get too far ahead of myself,'' he said. “I can win this tournament, and they can tell me I can do better. I can be undefeated and hearing that can be frustrating, but they are keeping my head level.''

Romano said Davis has a similar impact on his teammates, and praised his positive demeanor, work ethic and mat presence.

“Things you cannot teach that any great athlete has,'' Romano said. “He has a lot of friends here. We're tickled to have him. He's happy here, and that bodes well for the whole team.''

No. 1-ranked Notre Dame College leads all schools with nine qualifiers, including returning champions Joey Davis and Eric Burgey.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Preview of the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships this weekend at Public Hall:

Where: Public Hall, 500 Lakeside Ave., Cleveland

Schedule: Friday, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Tickets: Sessions 1-3, $10 each; students $4; finals $10, students $4. All-sessions pass $28, students $12. Available at the door.

Link: www.clevelandsports.org/ncaa-wrestling

What to watch: No. 1-ranked Notre Dame College was third last year, its first season in Division II, and has the most qualifiers with nine. The Falcons are led by returning champions senior Eric Burgey (11-2 at 166 pounds) and sophomore Joey Davis (35-0 at 174). Davis is 68-0 in his career. Three other NDC All-Americans return: seniors Marty Carlson (27-11 at 133 pounds) and Brandonn Johnson (28-6 at 197) and junior Maurice Miller (23-5 at 141). NDC sophomore Jonathan Rivera (21-6 at 157) reached the placement round and lost last year. Each is ranked in the top seven at his weight this year. NDC senior Brian Hauser (25-10 at 125) and freshmen Andrew Bannister (20-8 at 141) and Garret Lineberger (21-5 184) are first-time qualifiers. Burgey won 174 pounds last year and Davis won 165. They switched weights this year. Defending champion and No. 2-ranked Nebraska-Kearney has six qualifiers. No. 3 Lindenwood and No. 4 Indianapolis each has seven qualifiers. No. 15-ranked Ashland has six qualifiers, including regional champ Michael Labry (Twinsburg), Brent Fickel (Padua) and Tyler Houska (Medina). Findlay four-time qualifier Adam Walters (West Geauga) is a two-time All-American and one of four Findlay qualifiers. Regional champ Zak Vargo (Stow) is one of four qualifiers for No. 20 Lake Erie. The others are Dylan Kager (Crestwood), Evan Rosborough (Riverside) and Chevez Farris (Ferndale, Mich.). Gannon regional runner-up Matt Turek is from Madison.

Watch Sports Insider where we discussed the Browns, the Indians and the Cavaliers.

What grade would you give the Browns' off-season? Can Corey Kluber be a solid No. 2 starter for the Tribe?

Get scoring updates and analysis from today as the Indians continue Cactus League play against the Kansas City Royals at Goodyear Ballpark. Join Indians reporter Zack Meisel in the comments section of this post at 4:05 p.m.

GOODYEAR, Arizona -- Get scoring updates and analysis from today as the Indians continue Cactus League play against the Kansas City Royals at Goodyear Ballpark. Join Indians reporter Zack Meisel in the comments section of this post at 4:05 p.m.

If you're viewing this on your mobile device, click here to get updates and comment.

Where to watch/listen: SportsTime Ohio and indians.com.

Today's pitchers: Royals RHP Jeremy Guthrie (0-0, 13.50) vs. Indians RHP Zach McAllister (1-0, 0.00). Also scheduled to pitch for Indians: Bryan Price, Scott Atchison, Vinnie Pestano, Blake Wood, Preston Guilmet

Indians lineup: Bourn CF, Swisher 1B Kipnis 2B, Santana 3B, Brantley LF, Murphy DH Francoeur RF, Sellers SS Treanor C

It's the third day of NFL Free Agency and plenty of key players are left on the board. Get updates throughout the day. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns introduced their first three free agent signings Wednesday evening in Berea as Donte Whitner, Karlos Dansby and Isiash Trufant official became Cleveland Browns.

Cardinals agree on 3-yr deal w WR Ted Ginn & 2-yr deal LB Matt Shaughnessy; release LB Dontay Moch

— MarkDalton (@CardsMarkD) March 13, 2014

Last yr for Panthers @TedGinnJr_19 was 36-556 receiving w 5 rec TDs & 15.4-yard avg (both career-highs)

— MarkDalton (@CardsMarkD) March 13, 2014

But if he winds up in Indianapolis with the Colts, he'd consider it a win.

On Thursday, Mack wouldn't reveal which teams are negotiating with him but he would consider the Colts a welcome suitor.

"Anytime a player has a chance to talk with a team with a proven record like the Colts, (with) a quarterback and other weapons of the caliber Indy has, it certainly catches your attention," Mack said in an exclusive interview with IndyStar.

Despite his ambiguity, The Indianapolis Star previously confirmed the Colts are one of four teams exploring the possibility of adding the two-time Pro Bowler. The Baltimore Ravens are reportedly one of the others. Negotiating with Mack involves many complexities because the Browns used the transition tag.

There's a new No. 1 in @MelKiperESPN's NFL Mock Draft 3.0. » pic.twitter.com/hDGOKr7qsm

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 13, 2014

Hangin with the next #browns WR @sammywatkins on the #panel. @TakeoSpikes51 pic.twitter.com/1xzT6QnBss

— Tim Couch (@timcouchtv) March 13, 2014

Newest member of the @Browns Jim Dray on @Browns_Daily NOW! @ESPNCleveland @viccarucci @NathanZegura pic.twitter.com/KHWt6SzAhQ

— Browns_Daily (@Browns_Daily) March 13, 2014

Jim Dray: "CLE is a great football town w/ great fans. I'm going to block the first day to the last. You don’t need to worry about that."

— Browns_Daily (@Browns_Daily) March 13, 2014

Dray, who spent the past four years with the Arizona Cardinals, recorded career highs last season in starts (15), receptions (26), receiving yards (215) and touchdowns (two). According to Pro Football Focus, he did not drop a pass in 2013.

A 6-5, 255-pound veteran in his fifth NFL season out of Stanford, Dray was originally a seventh-round pick by Arizona in the 2010 NFL Draft. Dray has started 18 of his 55 career games with the Cardinals. He has recorded 33 receptions for 302 yards with two touchdowns.

At Stanford, Dray started 39 games and caught 41 passes for 455 yards with seven touchdowns. As a senior, he honed his reputation as a solid blocker and helped the Cardinals finish 11th in the nation in rushing yards per game (218.2), an attack led by running back Toby Gerhart, who finished as runner up for the Heisman Trophy. A native of Paramus N.J., Dray attended Bergen Catholic High School.

NEWS: #Bengals have released LB James Harrison pic.twitter.com/ijrRojx8jl

— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) March 13, 2014

Clever Browns RT @AlbertBreer: B/c of the structure of Hawkins' offer sheet with the Browns, Bengals rethought things, now unlikely to match

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2014

The Browns apparently turned their attention to Edelman, 27, this week after news broke that the Bengals would match the Browns' four-year offer sheet to slot receiver Andrew Hawkins. Hawkins has signed the offer sheet, according to nflnetwork and the Bengals now have five days to match.

The Ravens were also interested in Edelman, but they are making a push now to sign former Panthers receiver Steve Smith, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.

Edelman, the former Kent State quarterback-turned-receiver, led the Patriots last season with 105 catches for 1,056 yards and six touchdowns. Tom Brady likes him so much he dubbed him "minitron.'' Edelman also returns punts and has played defensive back for Patriots coach Bill Belichick.

WR Hakeem Nicks just told me, "I'm flying to Indy tonight. The plan is to meet with the Colts tomorrow."

— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 13, 2014

I can report that former Steelers WR Emanuel Sanders spent Wed afternoon/evening meeting with Jacksonville. Spending Thurs with the Bucs.

— P. Schrager (@PSchrags) March 13, 2014

Now it's Official. @Revis24 has agreed to terms with the New England Patriots !

— John Geiger (@JohnGeiger_) March 13, 2014

Clemons will sign a four-year deal with the Jaguars.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 13, 2014

And now the Eagles have reached agreement with former Dolphins CB Nolan Carroll. Philly moving and shaking.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2014

Browns hope to sign Julian Edelman http://t.co/gekz8FJlPK

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 13, 2014

The departures of Weeden, 30, and Campbell, 32, came as no surprise. Weeden, the No. 22 overall pick in 2012 by the Mike Holmgren regime, went 5-15 in his two season here, including 0-5 last season. Campbell, who was due a $250,000 roster bonus on Thursday, went 1-7 in his lone season with the team after suffering a serious rib injury and a concussion.

Browns general manager Ray Farmer thanked both quarterbacks for their service.

Source: LB LaMarr Woodley is scheduled to visit with the Titans on Friday if no Oak deal. DE Antonio Smith will visit with the Titans today.

— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 13, 2014

James Ihedigbo will visit with Lions http://t.co/MukoGaI4B8

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 13, 2014

Akron Zips senior Hanna Luburgh was on fire in the first half against Toledo on Thursday afternoon.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Akron Zips led the Toledo Rockets, 57-37, at the half of their Mid-American Conference Women's Tournament third-round game Thursday at The Q.

Senior forward Hanna Luburgh put on a show, scoring 26.

Toledo scored the first two points of the game. Then Akron took over.

With 4:24 left, Luburgh drilled a 3-pointer to give her 20 points and her team a 45-24 lead. Luburgh finished the half 5-of-6 from 3-point range. She has scored in double digits in 36 straight games.

In last year's MAC Tournament, Luburgh scored 74 in three games. The Zips lost in the title game to Central Michigan.

On March 8, Akron lost at home to Bowling Green, 77-76, in the regular-season finale. Zips standout post player Rachel Tecca played just three minutes before leaving because of a knee injury.

Tecca, one of four players in MAC women's history with 2,000-plus points and 1,000-plus rebounds, was listed as day to day entering the tournament. She appeared to be fine in the first half.

Luburgh and Tecca entered the day ranked Nos. 1-2, respectively among MAC women's players in all games. Luburgh was averaging 22.9 points in 29 games; Tecca, 22.8 in 29.

Luburgh and Tecca were named to the All-MAC First Team on Monday.

Another warming trend is rolling through Northeast Ohio on Friday and Saturday, requiring ice anglers to be especially cautious when hard water fishing.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Another warming trend is rolling through Northeast Ohio, requiring ice anglers to be especially cautious when hard water fishing. The most dangerous area will be along the Western Lake Erie mainland, where strong southerly winds have a history of opening large cracks and stranding fishermen on the ice.

There were large areas of open water west of the Lake Erie Islands according to reports late Thursday afternoon, which will make for extremely dangerous ice fishing conditions all around Western Lake Erie. Reports of all-terrain vehicles and anglers going through the ice were growing late Thursday around the Lake Erie Islands.

The inland ponds and lakes are still covered with ice and the hard water fishing should continue to be good. Beware of areas where tributaries are flowing into ponds or lakes and eroding the ice. Drill holes while heading out to make sure the ice is thick enough to support a fisherman, or two.

The local rivers and streams are already opening from the Rocky River to Conneaut Creek, but stained and muddy waters will need time to clear. The upstream tributaries of the Grand River could be giving up some steelhead trout before the weekend is over.

RIVERS AND STREAMS

The Rocky River is flowing, with fair steelhead trout fishing expected once the muddy waters clear in a few days. Some steelhead trout could be caught late in the weekend if the snowmelt doesn't keep waters muddy. The Vermilion River is still covered with ice.

The majority of the Grand River ice cover is gone, and anglers expect fair steelhead trout fishing by the end of the weekend around the Grand River Landing area on the lower river and already-clearing tributaries such as Big Creek and Paine Creek. A bonus area for spring fishing is the new Beatty Park on Rt. 84.

The best tactics for cold-water steelhead trout are small spawn bags and small jigs tipped with maggots, waxworms and minnows.

LAKES AND RESERVOIRS

The winter storms have delayed the local trout stockings by the Ohio Division of Wildlife. The trout stocking at Veterans Park Pond in Mentor has been rescheduled for March 26. Trout will be released at Petros Lake in Stark County on March 27; Hinckley and Shadow lakes and the Westlake Recreation Center Pond on April 1; and Forest Hill Pond in East Cleveland and Painesville Recreation Park Pond in Painesville on March 4.

Stocked trout are still being caught in Cleveland Metroparks waters, with Wallace Lake in Berea and Hinckley's Ledge Lake the most productive. Some largemouth bass were caught from Wallace this week.

Mosquito Reservoir fishermen have been catching lots of crappie and some walleye. While the buoy line on the north end of the lake is still a favorite location, the best crappie fishing has been in deeper 16 to 23 feet of water off the cemetery on the south end of the lake. Crappie are taking ice jigs tipped with minnows, maggots or waxworms. Walleye are biting small 3/16- and 1/4-ounce Vib-E lures in blue and silver.

Pymatuning Reservoir anglers are catching crappie, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and some walleye through the ice, as well as a muskie in the Wilson's launch area.

Vib-E lures are also catching bass around the Portage Lakes. Turkeyfoot Lake and East Reservoir have been tops for crappie and redear sunfish, with some small perch also reported at East Reservoir. Small Pin-Mins and maggots or waxworms are taking panfish. There has been some open water along the shorelines of the Portage Lakes.

WESTERN LAKE ERIE

Gale force southerly winds and a warming trend will determine whether anglers can safely head out on the ice from Camp Perry to Crane Creek State Park. Ice cracks are showing up and open water was reported five to six miles offshsore after Wednesday's brisk winds.

The ice fishing along the west side of South Bass Island has been good, with many anglers focusing on the Rattlesnake Island area. The ice locked in the island triangle between Green, Rattlesnake and South Bass islands was reported in good shape, but fishermen should check before heading over to South Bass Island. 

Lake Erie anglers should wear float suits or thermal wear and life jackets when on the ice.

The Rodmaker's Shop Spring Show in Strongsville has famous fishermen, while the Ohio Deer & Turkey Expo in Columbus features hunting experts. Both events are being held this weekend.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Outdoors Calendar for March 13 on:

March 14-15: Vintage Decoy Show, free, Holiday Inn Westlake, 1100 Crocker Rd., Westlake. Show hours 9 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. Call Rick Wyczalek, 419-602-0643.

March 14-16: Ohio Deer & Turkey Expo, Bricker Building, Ohio Expo Center, Ohio State Fairgrounds, 717 East 17^th St., Columbus. Show hours: Friday, 2-9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission $14; two-day pass, $22; hunter education graduate 12-18 years old, $10; first-year hunter, free; ages 6-11, $4; five and under, free. For more information visit www.deerinfo.com/ohio.

March 15: Whitetails Unlimited Central Ohio Deer Camp Tour 2014, Crowne Plaza North, Columbus. Featured are dinner, raffles, exhibits, games and Travis "T-Bone" Turner of Michael Waddell's Bone Collector television show. For tickets visit www.whitetailsunlimited.com or call Joel Reynolds (614-205-1037), Jim Schlater (937-403-5811), WU (1-800-274-5471) or area director Denny Malloy, 330-507-9489. Tickets $35, which includes a WU Deer Camp shirt. Doors open at 5 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m.

March 15: 36^th annual Sandusky Bay Chapter of Ducks Unlimited Fundraiser, American Legion, 3615 Hayes Ave., Sandusky. Tickets $75, couples $90, greenwings 12 and under, $35. Contact Sherri Fischer, 419-626-2884, sherrilf2000@yahoo.com.

March 15-16: Spring Tackle Show, Rodmakers Shoppe, 29884 Royalton Rd., Strongsville. Fishing tackle representatives, angling exhibits and seminars. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1- a.m.-3 p.m. Call 440-572-0400.

March 16: All-Breed Hunter's Trial, 8 a.m., Columbia Game Club, 237 Route 224 (2.4 miles west of Route 301), Sullivan Township. Regular trial and youth trial. Entries close Thursday. Call Frank Reznik, 330-723-1679.

March 16: Youth Fishing Program Workshop to teach volunteers to become certified Passport to Fishing instructors with the Ohio Division of Wildlife, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., ODOW District 3 Headquarters, 912 Portage Lakes Dr., Akron. Free, with pre-registration required. All participants required to have a background check. Volunteers will learn to teach the basics of fishing and how to run a four-station fishing program. To pre-register contact Ken Fry, 330-245-3030.

March 16: Turkey Shoot at the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Breakfast begins at 6 a.m., shoot begins at 9 a.m. Visit www.scsasportsmen.com.

March 17: SCSA Youth Indoor Archery, basic archery instruction with emphasis on safety and basic archery techniques for boys and girls 6 to 15 years of age, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Sessions now full. To be put on a waiting list contact Patrick Martelon, 330-324-2705.

March 19: The Trout Club of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History dinner meeting featuring a fly fishing presentation by Clark Smyth of Rock Creek Anglers, Saddlestring, Wyo. Doors open at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m., program at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $35. Contact Karen Menn (216-231-4600 Ext. 3278) or visit www.cmnh.org.

March 21-23: Bowhunting Supershow, Columbus Convention Center, Columbus. Show hours: Friday, noon-9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission $15, $20 for the weekend. National Bowhunter Association members free. Visit www.bowhuntingsupershow.com.

March 22: Annual banquet of the North Coast Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, 5-10 p.m., Tom's Country Place, 3442 Stoney Ridge Rd., Avon. Tickets $45, couples $80, greenwings $25. Call Chris Wheaton, 440-821-4987, or visit www.ducks.org/ohio.

March 22: Annual banquet and gourmet game dinner of the Medina County Chapter of Pheasants Forever at South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, 5370 Erhart Rd., Chatham Twp. Admission $65, couples $95, includes membership in Pheasants Forever. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m. Call Dave Clements (330-722-5241) or Jim Helms (440-346-3316). Ticket deadline is March 15.

March 22: 53^rd annual Ohio Huskie Muskie Club Awards Banquet, Prime 93, 4215 Manchester Rd., Akron. Exhibits, vendors and raffles at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and awards. Swap meet open from noon-5:30 p.m. Admission $30, $15 for 12 and under. Send fee before March 13 to: OHMC, 10327 N.Bramblewood, Perrysburg, Ohio 43551.

March 22: Coyote Seminar featuring Todd Sullivan, 7 p.m., Leetonia Sportsman's Club, 311 E. High St., Leetonia. Fee $10, kids 15 and under free. For information, contact Bill Harding (330-822-0100, bharding37@comcast.net).

March 22-23: 3-D Archery Shoot, Lake Milton Fish & Game, 4374 Bedell Rd., Berlin Center. Registration opens at 8 a.m. Adults $10, cubs $5. Open to the public. For information visit www.lakemiltonfishandgameclub.com or call Dennis Dabney, 330-414-5795. Saturday is also an IBO qualifying shoot with a $20 fee.

March 23: All-Breed Hunter's Trial, 8 a.m., South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, 5370 Erhart Rd. (south of West Smith Rd.), Chatham Township. Regular trial and youth trial. Entries close Thursday. Call Mike Kristof, 216-663-6427.

March 23: Turkey Shoot at the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Breakfast begins at 6 a.m., shoot begins at 9 a.m. Visit www.scsasportsmen.com.

March 24: SCSA Youth Indoor Archery, basic archery instruction with emphasis on safety and basic archery techniques for boys and girls 6 to 15 years of age, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Sessions now full. To be put on a waiting list contact Patrick Martelon, 330-324-2705.

March 26: Firelands Fly Fishers meeting featuring Eric Lindstrom of the Backpackers Shop on fly fishing for warm water species from smallmouth bass to muskies, French Creek Nature Center, 6:30 p.m., 4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village. For information visit www.firelandsflyfishers.org.

March 27: Ohio Central Basin Steelheaders meeting, 7:30 p.m., Firehouse Pub & Grille 2768 Stark Dr., Willoughby Hills.

March 28: Whitetails Unlimited Big Buckeye Deer Camp, Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center, 7033 Glenn Hwy., Cambridge. Featured are a buffet dinner, raffles, exhibits, games and Travis "T-Bone" Turner of Michael Waddell's Bone Collector television show. For tickets visit www.whitetailsunlimited.com or call Chris Fausett (740-680-2119), WU (1-800-274-5471) or area director Denny Malloy, 330-507-9489. Tickets $30, which includes a WU Deer Camp shirt. Doors open at 5 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m.

March 28: Annual banquet for the Thundering Toms of Trumbull County Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Garden Brook Banquet Hall, 4820 Warren Rd., Cortland. Contact Richard White, 330-240-2415, drwhite96@aol.com.

March 28-30: Coyote Hunting Contest, Leetonia Sportsman's Club, 311 E. High St., Leetonia. Two-hunter teams, entry $30. Enter by 8 p.m. on March 27. For information, contact Bill Harding (330-822-0100, bharding37@comcast.net) or Jeff Cope (330-457-1212, jeffypop321@aol.com).

March 28-30: Morel Mushroom Seminars at Fin, Feather Fur Outfitters locaitions in Cleveland (March 28, noon-7 p.m.), Canton (March 29, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.) and Ashland (March 30, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.). Call 419-281-2557 or visit www.finfeatherfuroutfitters.com.

March 29: Buckeye Big Buck Club Free Scoring Day, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Fin Feather Fur Outfitters, Interstate-71 and Rt. 250, Ashland. Call 419-281-2557 or visit www.finfeatherfuroutfitters.com.

March 29: Annual banquet for the Portage County Callers Chapter of the National Wild turkey Federation, VFW, 6000 New Milford Rd., Ravenna. Contact Michael Bedilion, 330-281-7815, turk835@neo.rr.com.

March 29: 14^th annual Shreve Spring Migration Sensation, Shreve Elementary School, 598 N. Market St., Shreve. Fee $15, $20 for family. Registration opens at 7 a.m. Workshops, wildlife and wetlands displays, family programs and self-guided tours. Visit www.ShreveMigration.org.

March 30: Turkey Shoot at the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Breakfast begins at 6 a.m., shoot begins at 9 a.m. Visit www.scsasportsmen.com.

March 31: Deadline for applying for Castalia Trout Fishing lottery, Castalia State Fish Hatchery, Castalia. Visit www.wildohio.com and access Customer Center, Lottery Applications. Application fee is a nonrefundable $3. Successful permit winners may bring two people older than 16 and three youngsters under 16.

March 31: SCSA Youth Indoor Archery, basic archery instruction with emphasis on safety and basic archery techniques for boys and girls 6 to 15 years of age, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Sessions now full. To be put on a waiting list contact Patrick Martelon, 330-324-2705.

April 3: 8^th annual banquet for the Lakeshore Longbeards Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Port Clinton Elks Lodge, 231 Buckeye Blvd., Port Clinton. Contact Jim Frattaroli, 419-967-0149, jbfratt@aol.com.

April 4-6: Ohio Taxidermy Association annual show and awards, Roberts Centre, Interstate 71 (Exit 50), Wilmington. Wildlife Display open to the public on April 5 from 1-3 p.m. OTA membership open to amateur, youth taxidermists. Visit www.ohiotaxidermists.com.

April 5: 47^th annual Invitational Winner's Trial of the All-Breed Hunter's Trial Circuit, 8 a.m., Wayne Coon Hunters Association, 4900 Secrest Rd., Wooster. Entries closed. Open to the public.

April 5: The 36^th annual banquet of the Trout Club of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 1 Wade Oval, Cleveland. Tickets $80, $150 per couple. Silent and live auctions, raffles and dinner. Doors open at 6 p.m., dinner, live auction and raffle at 7:30 p.m. Contact Karen Menn (216-231-4600 Ext. 3278) or visit www.cmnh.org.

April 5: Annual Banquet of the Lake County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, 5-10 p.m., St. Noel's Banquet Center, 35200 Chardon Rd., Willoughby Hills. Raffles, exhibits, silent auction. Tickets $45, couple $75. Includes Ducks Unlimited annual membership. Call Time Cline, 440-749-5182.

April 5: Lake Erie Walleye Trail Tournament on Lake Erie at Magee East Marina & Campground. Two-angler teams. Sponsored by the Western Basin Sportfishing Association. For information visit www.wbsa.us or contact Joe Yingling, 419-621-4751, joe.yingling@yahoo.com.

April 5: 5^th annual Vance Outdoors Buckeye Lake Open Bass Tournament, Liebs Island Ramp, Buckeye Lake. Contact Ron Groves (rgroves@vanceoutdoors.com, 740-928-9474.

April 6: Turkey Shoot at the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Breakfast begins at 6 a.m., shoot begins at 9 a.m. Visit www.scsasportsmen.com.

April 9: Ohio Wildlife Council monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m., Ohio Division of Wildlife District One Office, 1500 Dublin Rd., Columbus. OWC will vote on proposed regulations, dates for 2014-2015 seasons. For information call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit www.wildohio.com.

April 9 Firelands Fly Fishers meeting featuring fly fishing expert Jerry Darkes and his new book, The Inland Seas, French Creek Nature Center, 6:30 p.m., 4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village. For information visit www.firelandsflyfishers.org.

April 10: Annual banquet for the Northcoast Limbhangers Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, North Olmsted Party Center, 29227 Lorain Rd., North Olmsted. Contact Shawn Dicket, 216-433-0565, sdickey@nwtf.net.

April 11: Annual banquet for the Huron River Fantails Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Elks Lodge 285, 120 E. Adams St., Sandusky. Contact Doug Johnston, 419-684-7158, dougmjmarcia@att.net.

April 12: Annual banquet of the Medina County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, 5-11 p.m., The Galaxy, 201 Park Center Dr., Wadsworth. Tickets $70, couples $100. Call Rick Hawk, 330-338-4871, or visit www.ducks.org/ohio.

April 12: Goodyear Hunting & Fishing Club Trout Derby, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Little Turtle Ponds, Firestone Metropark, 2400 Harrington Rd., Akron. Anglers 15 and under. A $1 cash prize for catching tagged fish. A limited number of rods and reels available. Worm available for purchase; minnows not allowed. Call 330-865-8065.

April 12: Doug Hanes Memorial Ice Breaker Bass Tournament, Moundwood Ramp, Indian Lake. Contact Bill Cochensparger (bluegillbill@woh.rr.com, 419-201-9031).

April 12-13: Traditional Turkey Archery Shoot, Geauga Bowmen, 12575 Sperry Rd., Chesterland. Registration opens at 8 a.m. Fee $10, kids $5. Call Mike Ballash, 440-227-6756 or visit www.geaugabowmen.com.

April 13: Great Lakes Largemouth Series Open Bass Tournament, Cullen Park Boat Launch, 4526 Summit St., Toledo. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact Craig Burwell (birdie2277@yahoo.com, 419-701-8440).

April 13: Turkey Shoot at the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Breakfast begins at 6 a.m., shoot begins at 9 a.m. Visit www.scsasportsmen.com.

April 13: 3-D Archery Shoot, Lost Arrow Archery Club, 3370 17th St. S.W., Massillon. Open to the public, crossbows allowed. Registration 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Fee $10, $5 for members. Visit www.lostarrowarcheryclub.com or contact Kandi Schane, 330-933-0980 or Janine Harman, 330-828-2372.

April 16: Youth Fishing Program Workshop to teach volunteers to become certified Passport to Fishing instructors with the Ohio Division of Wildlife, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., ODOW District 3 Headquarters, 912 Portage Lakes Dr., Akron. Free, with pre-registration required. All participants required to have a background check. Volunteers will learn to teach the basics of fishing and how to run a four-station fishing program. To pre-register contact Ken Fry, 330-245-3030.

April 17: Ohio Central Basin Steelheaders meeting featuring Dave Dyer on fishing Indiana's Trail Creek and Lake Michigan for Skamania trout in spring and early summer. Meeting from 7:30-9 p.m. at Ampol Club Hall, 4737 Pearl Rd., Cleveland. Visit www.ohiosteelheaders.com.

April 19: Ohio Mega Bass Tournament Trail, Buckeye Lake. For information visit www.ombtt.com.

April 19-20, 2014: Youth wild turkey hunting spring season. For information visit www.wildohio.com or call 1-800-WILDLIFE.

April 20: Turkey Shoot at the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Breakfast begins at 6 a.m., shoot begins at 9 a.m. Visit www.scsasportsmen.com.

April 20: South Cuyahoga Bowmen 3-D Archery Shoots, South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, 5370 Erhart Rd., Chatham Township. Registration 8-11 a.m. Rinehart targets featured. Crossbows welcome. Visit www.scsasportsmen.com.

April 21: Spring wild turkey hunting season opens through May 18, 2014. For information visit www.wildohio.com or call 1-800-WILDLIFE.

April 24-May 19: Walleye Spring Fling fishing derby, Ohio waters of Lake Erie. Entry $25. Derby begins at 12:01 a.m. on April 24 and ends at 8 a.m. on May 19. Sign-up session April 19 from 1-3 p.m. at Shine's Bait & Tackle, Cleveland. Awards party on May 23 from 6-9 p.m. at Elmwood Park Cabin, 600 Elmwood Rd., Rocky River. For information call Frank Murphy, 440-221-2822, visit www.lakeeriefishingderby.com or email lakeeriefishingderby@gmail.com.

April 25: 2d Amendment Freedom Dinner held by the Tinkers Creek Chapter of Whitetails Unlimited, Days Inn & Suites, 4742 Brecksville Rd., Richfield. Featured are dinner, raffles, exhibits, games and Travis "T-Bone" Turner of Michael Waddell's Bone Collector television show. Doors open at 5 p.m. Tickets $50, $30 for spouse or child. Ticket deadline is April 22. Call Matt McCann, 330-467-1729 or Denny Malloy, 330-507-9489.

April 26-27: 3-D Archery Shoot, Lake Milton Fish & Game, 4374 Bedell Rd., Berlin Center. Registration opens at 8 a.m. Adults $10, cubs $5. Open to the public. For information visit www.lakemiltonfishandgameclub.com or call Dennis Dabney, 330-414-5795.

April 27: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Central Lake Erie Division, Ottawa County Launch Ramp, West Harbor, Catawba Island. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact David Hoheisel (david@h2hsales.com. 614-361-5548.

April 27: Team Bass Xtreme/Central Ohio Division, Buckeye Lake. For information visit www.TeamBassExtreme.com.

May 2-4: Catawba Island Boat Show, Catawba Island Club, Catawba Island. For information visit lemta.com.

May 2-4: Lake and Trails Fishing Camp, FFA Camp Muskingum on Leesville Lake, Carrollton. Registration opens Feb. 15 for youngsters 9 to 17 years old. An adult must accompany youth attendees. For information or to sign up visit www.lakeandtrails.org or call Karen Metzger, 330-725-8747.

May 3: 14^th annual Mosquito Creek 60 Gun Raffle, Mosquito Creek Chapter of Whitetails Unlimited, Yankee Lake Ballroom, 1814 Rt. 7, Brookfield. For information, tickets contact Denny Malloy, 330-507-9489.

May 3: Lake Erie Walleye Trail Tournament on Lake Erie at Lakevue Marina, Lakeside. Two-angler teams. Sponsored by the Western Basin Sportfishing Association. For information visit www.wbsa.us or contact Joe Yingling, 419-621-4751, joe.yingling@yahoo.com.

May 4: National Field Archery Association Shoot, Lake Milton Fish & Game, 4374 Bedell Rd., Berlin Center. Registration opens at 8 a.m. For information visit www.lakemiltonfishandgameclub.com or call Dennis Dabney, 330-414-5795.

May 4: 3-D Archery League and National Field Archery Association League begin weekly shoots begin at Lake Milton Fish & Game, 4374 Bedell Rd., Berlin Center. Visit www.lakemiltonfishandgameclub.com or call Dennis Dabney, 330-414-5795. Leagues held each Sunday for 10 weeks.

May 4-June 28: Lake Erie FishCrazy Spring Walleye Derby. Visit www.lakeeriewalleyederby.com for rules. Entry $50, $10 for one-day entry. Weekly, monthly and overall winners.

May 10: Ohio Mega Bass Tournament Trail, Grand Lake St. Marys. For information visit www.ombtt.com.

May 10-11: Swap Meet and 3-D Archery Shoot, Geauga Bowmen, 12575 Sperry Rd., Chesterland. Bring outdoor-related gear to swap or sell. Shoot registration opens at 8 a.m. Fee $10, kids $5. Call Mike Ballash, 440-227-6756 or visit www.geaugabowmen.com.

May 11: MOMS 3-D Archery Shoot, Lost Arrow Archery Club, 3370 17th St. S.W., Massillon. Mothers shoot for free. Open to the public, crossbows allowed. Registration 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Fee $10, $5 for members. Visit www.lostarrowarcheryclub.com or contact Kandi Schane, 330-933-0980 or Janine Harman, 330-828-2372.

May 14: Fly Casting Night with Firelands Fly Fishers, Walker Road Park, Walker Rd., Avon Lake. For information visit www.firelandsflyfishers.org.

May 17: Lake Erie Walleye Trail Tournament on Lake Erie at Sandusky. Two-angler teams. Sponsored by the Western Basin Sportfishing Association. For information visit www.wbsa.us or contact Joe Yingling, 419-621-4751, joe.yingling@yahoo.com.

May 17: Walmart Bass Fishing League/Buckeye Division, Grand Lake St. Marys. For entries, information visit www.flwoutdoors.com.

May 23: 7^th annual Western Reserve Friends of NRA Banquet, LaMalfa Party Center, 5785 Hensley Rd., Mentor. Admission $130 ($120 before March 15). Doors open at 6 p.m., buffet at 7 p.m., gun raffles, games and prizes. Contact chairman@westernreservefnra.org.

May 24-25: 3-D Archery Shoot, Lake Milton Fish & Game, 4374 Bedell Rd., Berlin Center. Registration opens at 8 a.m. Adults $10, cubs $5. Open to the public. For information visit www.lakemiltonfishandgameclub.com or call Dennis Dabney, 330-414-5795.

June 7: Youth Fishing Program Workshop to teach volunteers to become certified Passport to Fishing instructors with the Ohio Division of Wildlife, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., ODOW District 3 Headquarters, 912 Portage Lakes Dr., Akron. Free, with pre-registration required. All participants required to have a background check. Volunteers will learn to teach the basics of fishing and how to run a four-station fishing program. To pre-register contact Ken Fry, 330-245-3030.

June 7: Ohio Mega Bass Tournament Trail, Indian Lake. For information visit www.ombtt.com.

June 7-8: Native American Fun Archery Shoot, Geauga Bowmen, 12575 Sperry Rd., Chesterland. Shoot registration opens at 8 a.m. Fee $10, kids $5. Call Mike Ballash, 440-227-6756 or visit www.geaugabowmen.com.

June 7-8: Championship of the Lake Erie Walleye Trail Tournament on Lake Erie at Huron Public Launch Ramps, Huron. Two-angler teams. Sponsored by the Western Basin Sportfishing Association. For information visit www.wbsa.us or contact Joe Yingling, 419-621-4751, joe.yingling@yahoo.com.

June 8: Team Bass Xtreme/Central Ohio Division, Alum Creek Lake. For information visit www.TeamBassExtreme.com.

June 8: 3-D Archery Shoot, Lost Arrow Archery Club, 3370 17th St. S.W., Massillon. Open to the public, crossbows allowed. Registration 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Fee $10, $5 for members. Visit www.lostarrowarcheryclub.com or contact Kandi Schane, 330-933-0980 or Janine Harman, 330-828-2372.

June 21-22: 3-D Archery Shoot, Lake Milton Fish & Game, 4374 Bedell Rd., Berlin Center. Registration opens at 8 a.m. Adults $10, cubs $5. Open to the public. For information visit www.lakemiltonfishandgameclub.com or call Dennis Dabney, 330-414-5795.

June 28: Walmart Bass Fishing League/Buckeye Division, Tanner's Creek on the Ohio River. For entries, information visit www.flwoutdoors.com.

June 28-29: Campout and Archery Shoot, Geauga Bowmen, 12575 Sperry Rd., Chesterland. Shoot registration opens at 8 a.m. Fee $10, kids $5. Call Mike Ballash, 440-227-6756 or visit www.geaugabowmen.com.

June 28-29: Ohio Archery Association Championship, Lake Milton Fish & Game, 4374 Bedell Rd., Berlin Center. Archers can pre-register at

www.OhioArchers.com. Walk-in reservations open at 8 a.m. Fee $40, 28 targets. visit www.lakemiltonfishandgameclub.com or call Dennis Dabney, 330-414-5795.

June 29: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Central Lake Erie Division, Ottawa County Launch Ramp, West Harbor, Catawba Island. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact David Hoheisel (david@h2hsales.com. 614-361-5548.

June 29: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Presque Isle Division, Marina Ramp, Presque Isle State Park, Erie, Pa. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or call Aaron Gast, 814-314-9847.

June 29: South Cuyahoga Bowmen 3-D Archery Shoots, South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, 5370 Erhart Rd., Chatham Township. Registration 8-11 a.m. Rinehart targets featured. Crossbows welcome. Visit www.scsasportsmen.com.

June 29: Ohio Mega Bass Tournament Trail, Alum Creek Reservoir. For information visit www.ombtt.com.

July 6: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Mentor Lagoons Division, Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve and Boat Ramp, Mentor Lagoons, Mentor. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact Joel Prince (jcprince193@gmail.com, 330-936-6434).

July 6: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Toledo Division, Cullen Park Boat Launch, 4526 Summit St., Toledo. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact Craig Burwell (birdie2277@yahoo.com, 419-701-8440).

July 6: National Field Archery Association Shoot, 28 targets, Lake Milton Fish & Game, 4374 Bedell Rd., Berlin Center. Registration opens at 8 a.m. For information visit www.lakemiltonfishandgameclub.com or call Dennis Dabney, 330-414-5795.

July 12-13: Cookout and Archery Shoot, Geauga Bowmen, 12575 Sperry Rd., Chesterland. Shoot registration opens at 8 a.m. Fee $10, kids $5. Call Mike Ballash, 440-227-6756 or visit www.geaugabowmen.com.

July 13: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Central Lake Erie Division, Ottawa County Launch Ramp, West Harbor, Catawba Island. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact David Hoheisel (david@h2hsales.com. 614-361-5548.

July 13: 6^th annual Catch A Dream 3-D Archery Shoot, Lost Arrow Archery Club, 3370 17th St. S.W., Massillon. Open to the public, crossbows allowed. Registration 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Fee $10, $5 for members. Visit www.lostarrowarcheryclub.com or contact Kandi Schane, 330-933-0980 or Janine Harman, 330-828-2372.

July 13: Team Bass Xtreme/Central Ohio Division, O'Shaughnessy Reservoir. For information visit www.TeamBassExtreme.com.

July 16: Ohio Wildlife Council monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m., Ohio Division of Wildlife District One Office, 1500 Dublin Rd., Columbus. For information call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit www.wildohio.com.

July 19: Walmart Bass Fishing League/Buckeye Division, Ohio River at Maysville. For entries, information visit www.flwoutdoors.com.

July 20: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Toledo Division, Cullen Park Boat Launch, 4526 Summit St., Toledo. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact Craig Burwell (birdie2277@yahoo.com, 419-701-8440).

July 20: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Presque Isle Division, Marina Ramp, Presque Isle State Park, Erie, Pa. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or call Aaron Gast, 814-314-9847.

July 26: Ohio Mega Bass Tournament Trail, Indian Lake. For information visit www.ombtt.com.

July 26-27: 3-D Archery Shoot, Lake Milton Fish & Game, 4374 Bedell Rd., Berlin Center. Registration opens at 8 a.m. Adults $10, cubs $5. Open to the public. For information visit www.lakemiltonfishandgameclub.com or call Dennis Dabney, 330-414-5795.

July 27: South Cuyahoga Bowmen 3-D Archery Shoots, South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, 5370 Erhart Rd., Chatham Township. Registration 8-11 a.m. Rinehart targets featured. Crossbows welcome. Visit www.scsasportsmen.com.

July 27: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Central Lake Erie Division, Ottawa County Launch Ramp, West Harbor, Catawba Island. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact David Hoheisel (david@h2hsales.com. 614-361-5548.

Aug. 2-3: Archery Clinic, Lake Milton Fish & Game, 4374 Bedell Rd., Berlin Center. Registration required before July 26. Open to the public. For information visit www.lakemiltonfishandgameclub.com or call Dennis Dabney, 330-414-5795.

Aug. 3: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/ Mentor Lagoons Division, Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve and Boat Ramp, Mentor Lagoons, Mentor. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact Joel Prince (jcprince193@gmail.com, 330-936-6434).

Aug. 3: National Field Archery Association Shoot, 28 targets, Lake Milton Fish & Game, 4374 Bedell Rd., Berlin Center. Registration opens at 8 a.m. For information visit www.lakemiltonfishandgameclub.com or call Dennis Dabney, 330-414-5795.

Aug. 7: Annual banquet for the Medina County Strutters Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Buffalo Creek Retreat, 8708 Hubbard Valley Rd., Seville. Contact Bill Suliks, 330-635-0878, bsuliks@aol.com.

Aug. 9: Walmart Bass Fishing League/Buckeye Division, Tanner's Creek on the Ohio River. For entries, information visit www.flwoutdoors.com.

Aug. 9-10: African Safari Archery Shoot, Geauga Bowmen, 12575 Sperry Rd., Chesterland. Shoot registration opens at 8 a.m. Fee $10, kids $5. Call Mike Ballash, 440-227-6756 or visit www.geaugabowmen.com.

Aug. 10: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Central Lake Erie Division, Ottawa County Launch Ramp, West Harbor, Catawba Island. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact David Hoheisel (david@h2hsales.com. 614-361-5548.

Aug. 10: South Cuyahoga Bowmen 3-D Archery Shoots, South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, 5370 Erhart Rd., Chatham Township. Registration 8-11 a.m. Rinehart targets featured. Crossbows welcome. Visit www.scsasportsmen.com.

Aug. 10: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Presque Isle Division, Marina Ramp, Presque Isle State Park, Erie, Pa. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or call Aaron Gast, 814-314-9847.

Aug. 10: 3-D Hunter Course Archery Shoot, Lost Arrow Archery Club, 3370 17th St. S.W., Massillon. Open to the public, crossbows allowed. Registration 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Fee $10, $5 for members. Visit www.lostarrowarcheryclub.com or contact Kandi Schane, 330-933-0980 or Janine Harman, 330-828-2372.

Aug. 17: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/ Mentor Lagoons Division, Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve and Boat Ramp, Mentor Lagoons, Mentor. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact Joel Prince (jcprince193@gmail.com, 330-936-6434).

Aug. 17: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Toledo Division, Cullen Park Boat Launch, 4526 Summit St., Toledo. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact Craig Burwell (birdie2277@yahoo.com, 419-701-8440).

Aug. 20: Ohio Wildlife Council monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m., Ohio Division of Wildlife District One Office, 1500 Dublin Rd., Columbus. For information call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit www.wildohio.com.

Aug. 23-24: 3-D Archery Shoot, Lake Milton Fish & Game, 4374 Bedell Rd., Berlin Center. Registration opens at 8 a.m. Adults $10, cubs $5. Open to the public. For information visit www.lakemiltonfishandgameclub.com or call Dennis Dabney, 330-414-5795.

Aug. 24: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Central Lake Erie Division, Ottawa County Launch Ramp, West Harbor, Catawba Island. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact David Hoheisel (david@h2hsales.com. 614-361-5548.

Aug. 30-31: Dog Days Archery Shoot, Geauga Bowmen, 12575 Sperry Rd., Chesterland. Shoot registration opens at 8 a.m. Fee $10, kids $5. Call Mike Ballash, 440-227-6756 or visit www.geaugabowmen.com.

Aug. 31: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Toledo Division, Cullen Park Boat Launch, 4526 Summit St., Toledo. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact Craig Burwell (birdie2277@yahoo.com, 419-701-8440).

Sept. 6-7: Fall Rendezvous Archery Shoot, Lost Arrow Archery Club, 3370 17th St. S.W., Massillon. Open to the public, crossbows allowed. Registration 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Fee $10, $5 for members. Visit www.lostarrowarcheryclub.com or contact Kandi Schane, 330-933-0980 or Janine Harman, 330-828-2372.

Sept. 6-7: Walmart Bass Fishing League/Buckeye Division, Indian Lake. For entries, information visit www.flwoutdoors.com.

Sept. 7: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Central Lake Erie Division, Ottawa County Launch Ramp, West Harbor, Catawba Island. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact David Hoheisel (david@h2hsales.com. 614-361-5548.

Sept. 7: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Presque Isle Division, Marina Ramp, Presque Isle State Park, Erie, Pa. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or call Aaron Gast, 814-314-9847.

Sept. 9: Youth Fishing Program Workshop to teach volunteers to become certified Passport to Fishing instructors with the Ohio Division of Wildlife, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., ODOW District 3 Headquarters, 912 Portage Lakes Dr., Akron. Free, with pre-registration required. All participants required to have a background check. Volunteers will learn to teach the basics of fishing and how to run a four-station fishing program. To pre-register contact Ken Fry, 330-245-3030.

Sept. 11-14: North American In-Water Boat Show, Cedar Point Marina, Cedar Point Amusement Park, Sandusky. For information visit lemta.com.

Sept. 13-14: Deer Archery Shoot and Corn Roast, Geauga Bowmen, 12575 Sperry Rd., Chesterland. Shoot registration opens at 8 a.m. Fee $10, kids $5. Call Mike Ballash, 440-227-6756 or visit www.geaugabowmen.com.

Sept. 13-14: 3^rd annual Ladies 3-D Archery Shoot on Saturday and Early Bird 3-D Shoot on Sunday, Lost Arrow Archery Club, 3370 17th St. S.W., Massillon. Open to the public, crossbows allowed. Registration 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Fee $10, $5 for members. Visit www.lostarrowarcheryclub.com or contact Kandi Schane, 330-933-0980 or Janine Harman, 330-828-2372.

Sept. 14: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/ Mentor Lagoons Division, Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve and Boat Ramp, Mentor Lagoons, Mentor. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact Joel Prince (jcprince193@gmail.com, 330-936-6434).

Sept. 14: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Toledo Division, Cullen Park Boat Launch, 4526 Summit St., Toledo. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact Craig Burwell (birdie2277@yahoo.com, 419-701-8440).

Sept. 17: Ohio Wildlife Council monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m., Ohio Division of Wildlife District One Office, 1500 Dublin Rd., Columbus. For information call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit www.wildohio.com.

Sept. 18: State Fish and Wildlife Hearing, 9 a.m., Ohio Division of Wildlife District One Office, 1500 Dublin Rd., Columbus. For information call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit www.wildohio.com. Public comments on season dates, regulations.

Sept. 20-21: 3-D Archery Shoot, Lake Milton Fish & Game, 4374 Bedell Rd., Berlin Center. Registration opens at 8 a.m. Adults $10, cubs $5. Open to the public. For information visit www.lakemiltonfishandgameclub.com or call Dennis Dabney, 330-414-5795.

Sept. 21: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Central Lake Erie Division, Ottawa County Launch Ramp, West Harbor, Catawba Island. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact David Hoheisel (david@h2hsales.com. 614-361-5548.

Sept. 21: Great Lakes Largemouth Series, Marina Ramp, Presque Isle State Park, Erie, Pa. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or call Aaron Gast, 814-314-9847.

Sept. 27: Ohio Mega Bass Tournament Trail, Delaware Lake. For information visit www.ombtt.com.

Sept. 26-27: Masters Walleye Circuit qualifying tournament, two-angler teams, Lake Erie at Huron, Ohio. For information, entries visit www.masterswalleyecircuit.com. MWC Championship to be held Oct. 8-11 at Devils Lake, N.D.

Oct. 11-12: Championship of the Great Lakes Largemouth Series, Ottawa County Launch Ramp, West Harbor, Catawba Island. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact David Hoheisel (david@h2hsales.com. 614-361-5548.

Oct. 15: Ohio Wildlife Council monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m., Ohio Division of Wildlife District One Office, 1500 Dublin Rd., Columbus. For information call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit www.wildohio.com.

Oct.16-18: Walmart Bass Fishing League/Buckeye Division Regional Championship, Kentucky Lake. For entries, information visit www.flwoutdoors.com.

Nov. 6: Youth Fishing Program Workshop to teach volunteers to become certified Passport to Fishing instructors with the Ohio Division of Wildlife, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., ODOW District 3 Headquarters, 912 Portage Lakes Dr., Akron. Free, with pre-registration required. All participants required to have a background check. Volunteers will learn to teach the basics of fishing and how to run a four-station fishing program. To pre-register contact Ken Fry, 330-245-3030.

HUNTING SEASONS

 Crow: June 6, 2014-March 7, 2015 (Friday, Saturday and Sunday only)

Youth spring wild turkey: April 19-20, 2014

Spring wild turkey: April 21-May 18, 2014

Coyote and wild boar: No closed season

Groundhog: Closed only during deer gun season.

Akron senior Hanna Luburgh scored 31 in a MAC Women's Tournament third-round victory over Toledo on Thursday at The Q.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Akron senior guard/forward Hanna Luburgh can't get enough of The Q.

Luburgh scored 25 in the first half to propel the Zips to an 83-69 victory over Toledo in a Mid-American Conference Women's Tournament third-round game at The Q. Luburgh finished with a game-high 31 points in 35 minutes.

In last season's MAC tourney, Luburgh scored 74 in three games at The Q.

Third-seeded Akron (21-9) will face No. 2 Central Michigan (20-10) on Friday afternoon. It is a rematch of the 2013 championship game, which Central Michigan won, 86-68.

In their only meeting this season, Jan. 9 in Akron, Central Michigan rolled, 109-83. This time, though, the Chippewas will be without MAC Player of the Year Crystal Bradford because of a knee injury suffered in practice Tuesday.

Luburgh, the MAC's leading scorer, put on a clinic in the first half as the Zips built a 57-37 lead. She went 9-of-14 from the floor, including 4-of-5 from 3-point range, and 3-of-4 from the line.

"Once I hit the first couple of shots, I was kind of feeling it,'' Luburgh said. "My teammates kept getting me the ball in good spots.''

During a timeout near the end of the half, Akron coach Jodi Kest turned toward Luburgh and asked: 'What do you want to run?'''

Luburgh suggested the play -- then she and her teammates executed it well. Her long jumper made it 57-37 with six seconds left.

"She got so hot,'' Kest said. "We just tried to make sure we kept finding her.''

Luburgh scored the first two of the second half. Akron eventually established a 25-point cushion, but the Rockets (16-16) rallied to within 73-61 at 6:27. Akron responded with a 5-0 spurt to remove any doubt.

"We knew Toledo would come out in the second half and fight,'' Kest said. "They did a phenomenal job in the second half. But I'm really proud of our kids because, when (the Rockets) made their run, we kept our composure.''

Akron was active defensively throughout. Toledo finished 22-of-65 (33.8 percent) from the floor.

"We've told the kids: 'If you want to win a championship here, you've got to play defense,''' Kest said.

Akron senior forward Rachel Tecca scored 11 points and grabbed five rebounds in 23 minutes. That Tecca played at all was great news for the Zips and their faithful. On March 8, Akron lost at home to Bowling Green, 77-76, in the regular-season finale. Tecca played just three minutes before leaving because of a knee injury.

Tecca, one of four players in MAC women's history with 2,000-plus points and 1,000-plus rebounds, was listed as day to day entering the tournament.

"I was a little rusty trying to get back into the swing of things,'' Tecca said, "but the knee felt good.''

Luburgh and Tecca entered the day ranked Nos. 1-2, respectively among MAC women's players in scoring (all games). Luburgh was averaging 22.9 points in 29 games; Tecca, 22.8 in 29.

Doug and Ari will provide updates from the Big Ten Tournament throughout the day Thursday. Watch video

INDIANAPOLIS - Greetings from Bankers Life Fieldhouse for the 17th Big Ten Tournament, where Ohio State will be attempting to reach the tournament title game for the eighth time in nine years and for the sixth straight season.

Here are six numbers to know as the No. 5 seed Buckeyes chase that goal. They aren't the only team we'll be covering. Check in all day for quick hits and videos from the games between No. 8 Indiana and No. 9 Illinois, No. 5 Ohio State and No. 12 Purdue, No. 7 Minnesota and No. 10 Penn State and No. 6 Iowa and No. 11 Northwestern.

• Games and TV schedule

Who will win the thing? We broke down the history and asked you to vote. As of Thursday afternoon, Ohio State was winning with 29 percent of the vote, followed by Michigan State at 26 percent, Michigan at 24 percent and Wisconsin at 11 percent.

Also, check this post for live updates and chat during the OSU-Purdue game, which started around 2:30 p.m.

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4:46 p.m.

Ohio didn't make that easy. The No. 5 seed Buckeyes advance to meet No. 4 seed Nebraska on Friday around 2:30 after beating No. 12 seed Purdue 63-61. Thad Matta made the right call to foul with Ohio State up by three points, but the Boilermakers got a great look at a game-winning 3-pointer off an inbounds with 1.2 seconds left.

Ari and I will be back with plenty more coverage after we're done talking with guys in the locker room.

3:54 p.m.

Purdue freshman forward Basil Smotherman took a fall and was helped off the floor with an apparent leg injury. His status for the remainder of the game is unknown, but he's back in the Boilermakers' locker room. 

A funny moment happened before Smotherman's injury. Matta was arguing a call on Smith, and he said, "So their guys are allowed to grab our guys?" Then Matta smiled and pointed at Purdue's Terone Johnson before saying, "Terone, you know you grabbed him." -- Ari 

View full sizeOhio State co-defensive coordinator Luke Fickell is sitting four rows behind the Buckeyes' bench at the Big Ten Tournament. Ari Wasserman

2:46 p.m.

Co-defensive coordinator Luke Fickell, his wife Amy and daughter Luca are sitting four rows behind Ohio State's bench. Fickell arrived early to watch Indiana-Illinois, but was sitting among Buckeyes fans during the game.

Fickell could be seen chatting up with fans in during the break while Ohio State warmed up. -- Ari Wasserman

The bracket for the Big Ten Tournament on the wall in the tunnel to the court here at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.Doug Lesmerises, Cleveland.com

2:05 p.m.

The streak continues - 17 years and no Big Ten Tournament titles for Indiana. No. 9 Illinois won the first game here in Indy, beating the No. 8 Hoosiers 64-54, to earn the right to face No. 1 Michigan at noon on Friday. Indiana really missed its chance last season when the Hoosiers were the No. 1 seed and regular-season champ and lost in the semifinals. Like Ohio State in 2008, the Hoosiers are taking a big step back after getting a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament the year before and then losing two players to the top four picks of the NBA Draft. In 2008, after losing Greg Oden and Mike Conley Jr., the Buckeyes missed the NCAA Tournament, then won the NIT. With this loss, the 17-15 Hoosiers, 7-11 during the regular season in the Big Ten, have kissed their last longshot NCAA hopes goodbye. -- Doug 

1:40 p.m.

The Ohio State pep band gets ready under the stands during the Indiana-Illinois game on Thursday.Doug Lesmerises, Cleveland.com

Quick poll. What is the best thing about the college basketball postseason? The only acceptable answer is pep bands. Ohio State's was getting ready under the stands during the Indiana-Illinois game. -- Doug

1:35 p.m.

The pregame notes for No. 5 Ohio State vs. No. 12 Purdue, the second game of the Big Ten Tournament.Doug Lesmerises, Cleveland.com

Ohio State is the No. 5 seed, and the No. 5 seed has advanced to the final once, when the Buckeyes did it in 2009. This is the third season that the No. 5 seed has been forced to play a first-round game, starting when Nebraska joined the conference, and the No. 5 seed has won both games so far. Purdue is a pretty solid No. 12 seed, though. -- Doug

1 p.m.

Here's the most surprising stat in the history of the Big Ten Tournament? Indiana has never won thing. This is the 17th year of the Big Ten Tournament. It's the ninth time it has been held in Indianapolis, down the road from Bloomington. Yet Indiana has never even made the tournament final when it has been held in its own state. The Hoosiers' best finish was in 2001, when as the No. 4 seed they lost in the tournament final to No. 6 Iowa in Chicago.

Indiana was the No. 1 seed last year and lost in the semifinals to No. 4 Wisconsin. This year, the Hoosiers looked maybe like an interesting darkhorse as the No. 8 seed, having put together some huge home wins in the Big Ten this year over Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio State and Iowa.

So in the first half of the opener the Hoosiers shot 34.8 percent from the floor and trail Illinois 30-28. Of course. When the Big Ten Tournament started would anyone have guessed that we'd be approaching 20 years and Indiana would have barely even sniffed a title? - Doug Lesmerises