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Northfield's Merriman, Wrenn, Sutton among best in country: Horse Racing Insider

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Aaron Merriman, Ronnie Wrenn Jr. and Josh Sutton are Northfield regulars and are among the top harness racing drivers.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Aaron Merriman, Ronnie Wrenn Jr. and Josh Sutton have become today's road warriors of harness racing, piling on the miles to drive horses and produce surprising numbers of winners.

All three have one track in common. They all head to Northfield Park to race on Monday through Thursday, the local track's four-day racing schedule for much of the season. Then it's off to the races somewhere else for the weekend.

"They are all really good guys, good drivers and ambassadors of the sport," said Ayers Ratliff, track announcer and publicist at Northfield Park. "When they're on the road, or have some down time, they tweet about racing, including the horses they'll be driving."

Sutton, a Kentucky native who also races at Miami Valley Racing in Lebanon, has been on fire this week at Northfield Park. He won six races on Monday, including both featured races, and added eight more wins on Tuesday night. While his first few winners were among the top picks, Sutton also scored with the Classic Z Tam ($21.60) in the 11th race and Moma Jean's Crown ($23.80) in the 14th race.

"Northfield Park fits my aggressive style like a glove," said Sutton. "I love racing on a half-mile track. And I love to win. Finish second and you're the first loser, and I can't stand to lose."

Merriman is often racing at The Meadows Racetrack in Washington, Pa., during the day and at Northfield Park at night. It has opened the door to competing in 1,083 races already this year, winning 181 starts to climb to the top of the U.S. Trotting Association's national standings.

Wrenn Jr. concentrates on Buffalo Raceway and Northfield Park, and is third in the country with 164 wins. Sutton is seventh in the national standings.

"We're all buddies, and were talking about how unique it was to have the No. 1, No. 3 and No. 7 drivers in the country all racing at Northfield Park," said Sutton. "That's pretty cool."

ThistleDown warms up: The relatively balmy weather has created a crowd of thoroughbreds on ThistleDown Racino's dirt track. With the track getting ready for the season to start on April 18, trainers are trying to get their horses in shape for the opening bell.

"We counted 81 horses working out (on Wednesday morning)," said Racing Secretary Patrick Ellsworth. "During the season, you'll generally see about 20 horses working out in the morning."

There's no time to waste. The first stakes race of the season is the $50,000 Dr. T.F. Classen Memorial on May 2, a six-furlong dash for older fillies and mares. It is being held the same day fans will flock to ThistleDown Racino for a simulcast of the rich Kentucky Oaks for three-year-old fillies.

The big day, of course, will be the Kentucky Derby on May 3. Fans who can't make it to Louisville can bet the race and watch the simulcast action at ThistleDown.

Horses competing on April 18 will be in the entry box in Ellsworth's office on Tuesday morning.

New Northfield series set: A trio of Spring Late Closing Series are being held starting April 24 at Northfield Park. The Wallflower Series is for filly and mare pacers; The Spring Break Series is for horses and gelding pacers; and The Gin Blossom Series is for trotters.

The four legs in each of the series will have $5,000 purses. The three championships will be $15,000 races.


See how the top teams from last season stack up this year: Boys Lacrosse Weekly Rundown

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Get caught up on what is happening in boys lacrosse throughout Northeast Ohio so far this season.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- With the coming of spring, boys lacrosse players throughout Northeast Ohio are fired up and ready to see how far they can take their respective teams this season. 

DIVISION I STORYLINES

Wildcats looking to get back to state playoffs

St. Ignatius went 17-2 last season and made it to the Division I state semifinals, where the Wildcats lost, 6-3 to Dublin Jerome. 

There are seven seniors to provide veteran leadership for this year's St. Ignatius team as the team looks to return to the late rounds of the Division I playoffs. 

Those players include Luke Bill, John Bodnar, Danny Brogan, Riley Ellis, Jacob Maruna, Kal Toth and Michael Vitale. 

Hudson hopes for another big year

The Explorers went 19-2 last season, which ended with a heart-breaking 11-10 loss to St. Ignatius in the Division I state quarterfinals. 

Hudson dealt the Wildcats their only regular-season loss, 17-11, last year. 

The Explorers are high on experience with 10 seniors, including Bo Lori, Mick Mougey, Logan Malson, Zach Nye, Cameron Haggerty, Erik Lindroth, Jacob Jesionek, Ohlen Rudy, Brent Zubal and Seth Wagner. 

The Explorers began their 2014 season with a pair of losses to Olentangy Liberty, 9-2, and St. Ignatius, 6-5, but bounced back well, defeating North Allegheny (Pa.), 18-8, on Saturday and Walsh Jesuit, 20-4, on Tuesday. 

Hudson will look to get its third win in a row on Friday against Massillon Jackson, which is off to a 2-1 start this year. Jackson also had its season ended by St. Ignatius last year when the Wildcats beat the Polar Bears, 10-5, in the second round of the playoffs. 

Comets off to a hot start

Solon is off to a solid start with a 4-game winning streak to begin the season. 

The Comets' offense has been potent early on, beating Toledo St. John's, 19-6 to start the season and then Erie-McDowell, 19-5, on the road in Pennsylvania, three days later. Junior Mario Caito scored eight goals in the season-opener and five against McDowell while sophomore Zach Mandry had four goals in that game

Solon is a relatively young team with only six seniors, including Ryan Heyman, Corey Berebitsky, Mike Krenn, Camden Pinney, Joe Even and Jake Schultz. 

Olentangy gave Solon a close contest on Saturday, with the Comets winning by a slim margin at 6-5 before going on to beat Medina, 16-9, on Tuesday. 

Solon went 14-5 last season and made it to the second round of the Division I playoffs last season where the Comets lost to Hudson by one goal, 17-16, similar to when the Explorers beat Solon, 12-11, earlier in the 2013 season. The two teams will meet for the first time this year on April 17 at Hudson. 

DIVISION II STORYLINES

Rocky River wants another shot at a state title

After coming just one game away from a Division II championship last season, the Pirates are hungry to see how far they can get this season. 

Rocky River lost to Mariemont, 10-6, in the state final last year to finish the season with a record of 15-3 overall. 

The Pirates have 13 returners from last year's team as well as a few new faces who coach Ted Dimond said, during the second-ever Inside Roll Podcast, that he is very excited about. 

He mentioned his four senior captains, Brock Reimenschnieder, Evan Jacob, Jack Gerlack and Jimmy Brown, as being the guys he will be looking to for leadership this year. 

The team is out to a good start as the Pirates have outscored their opponents, 53-21, through the first five games, including shutouts against Avon Lake, 11-0, on March 31 and Brecksville, 14-0, on Saturday. 

Division I Massillon Jackson handed the Pirates their only loss on the year so far, 7-5, on Friday. 

Chagrin Falls, University School both hungry to get back to postseason action

The Tigers were one of only three teams to beat Rocky River all of last year as Chagrin Falls compiled a 13-4 record and earned a trip to the Division II state quarterfinals where they faced University School. 

It was the Preppers, however, who got the best of Chagrin Falls and got a chance to face Rocky River for a chance to get to the state title game. US fell to the Pirates, 13-7, in the semifinals. 

Preppers ended last season with a record of 13-6. They won their season opener against Kenston, 12-3, on Saturday and are set to take on Division I Massillon Jackson today at 7 p.m.

Chagrin Falls began this season with wins against Bay, 19-7, Walsh Jesuit, 11-7, and St. Edward, 15-10 and will look to make it four consecutive victories when the Tigers take on Strongsville on Friday. 

Contact high school sports reporter Robert Rozboril by email (rrozboril@cleveland.com), Twitter (@rrozboril) or Facebook (www.facebook.com/rrozboril). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

Young 20-something golfers ready to take on Masters 2014 at Augusta National Golf Club

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A new wave of young players is taking golf by storm and ready to show they belong at the Masters.

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Jordan Spieth speaks with reverence when hanging out with the greats of the game at Augusta National Golf Club.

It's always "Mr. Watson" this, "Mr. Crenshaw" that.

But, in his first trip to the Masters, Spieth feels he's got as good a chance as anyone to capture a green jacket when play gets underway Thursday morning.

That's the way it is with these kids today.

They're not very patient.

A new wave of 20-somethings is taking golf by storm, eager to make their mark and not at all beaten down by the aura of Tiger Woods, who hasn't won a major championship since 2008 and isn't even at Augusta this week as he recovers from the latest in a series of injuries.

Nine players under the age of 30 have won PGA Tour events since the official start of the season last fall, including a pair of victories by brash 23-year-old Patrick Reed.

That list doesn't even include perhaps the best of the youngsters: Rory McIlroy, already a two-time major champion at age 24, and Spieth, who last summer became the youngest Tour winner since the Depression before he even celebrated his 20th birthday.

"It helps me when I'm on the course when I can see younger and younger guys winning golf tournaments," Spieth said. "I believe that it doesn't take as much experience as maybe guys would have thought five years ago, six years ago."

Arnold Palmer is certainly impressed with a group that also includes Webb Simpson, Dustin Johnson, Jason Day, Harris English, Chris Kirk, Scott Stallings, Russell Henley and Chesson Hadley.

"I've been watching these young guys," Palmer said Tuesday, "and it's amazing how they hit the golf ball, how well they play. I've never ceased to be pleased and surprised to see the physical conditioning that these young people are coming with, to see their ability, to see how they play the game.

"I look at them and you think about a 23, 22, 25-year-old, and you see the shots they are hitting and how far they are hitting the golf ball, I'm startled, surprised and pleased."

Spieth credits players such as Woods and Phil Mickelson for inspiring this new generation — and not just in the United States. Look at someone such as Japan's Hideki Matsuyama, who turned pro a year ago and, before the season was done, had tied for sixth at the British Open.

He's only 22, and getting ready for his first Masters as a paid player.

"Everybody in the field has a chance to win it," said Matsuyama, who was the low amateur at the 2011 Masters. "I feel like I'm one of those, too, that has a chance."

Spieth feels the same way, even though he's playing the Masters for the first time.

The last Augusta rookie to claim the green jacket was Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979. The only other ones to do it were the first two winners: Horton Smith in 1934 and Gene Sarazen in '35.

"It's getting younger," Spieth said, talking about the potential contenders. "The game is getting better, younger, and vastly spreading to different and more places. I think that we'll continue to see younger and younger players step up and be able to win early, such as we have."

Reed is as confident as anyone. He's won three times in seven months going back to last season, including a World Golf Championship, and declared on national television that he already feels like one of the top five players in the world.

For the record, the Masters will be his first major.

"It doesn't matter if you've played here once or if you've played here 50 times," Reed said. "When it comes down to it, it's just going to be one of those things that whoever is playing the best is going to walk away with the trophy."

Of course, if he was a betting man, he'd be betting on himself.

"Experience always helps," Reed said, "but at the same time, with how many young guys are coming out and winning and all that kind of thing, I feel like ... whoever it playing the best — whether you have experience or don't — is going to pull off a victory."

Woods' troubles — personal issues, a body that's starting to break down, the longest drought of his career in the majors — has certainly contributed to that new swagger among the youngsters.

There were plenty of talented players who came along at the same time as Woods, but they knew their chances of winning the biggest tournament were pretty much nil when he was on his game.

Now, there's no such roadblock standing in the way.

These guys feel like they can win any tournament.

"It's changed now," Spieth said. "With the younger guys not being scared to win, I think that can only be better for the game."


Masters tee times 2014 for Thursday, Friday rounds

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See tee times for the first two rounds of the Masters golf tournament.

AUGUSTA, Ga. - Here are tee times for Thursday and Friday for the Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. The a symbol denotes amateur.

Thursday-Friday

7:45 a.m.-10:52 a.m. — Stewart Cink, Tim Clark

7:56 a.m.-11:03 a.m. — Ian Woosnam, John Huh, Kevin Stadler

8:07 a.m.-11:14 a.m. — Ben Crenshaw, Y.E. Yang, Jonas Blixt

8:18 a.m.-11:25 a.m. — Mark O'Meara, Steven Bowditch, a-Jordan Niebrugge

8:29 a.m.-11:36 a.m. — John Senden, Boo Weekley, David Lynn

8:40 a.m.-11:47 a.m. — Craig Stadler, Scott Stallings, Martin Kaymer

8:51 a.m.-12:09 p.m. — Tom Watson, Billy Horschel, Brendon de Jonge

9:02 a.m.-12:20 p.m. — Mike Weir, Matt Every, Robert Castro

9:13 a.m.-12:31 p.m. — Angel Cabrera, Gary Woodland, Ian Poulter

9:24 a.m.-12:42 p.m. — Fred Couples, Webb Simpson, a-Chang-woo Lee

9:35 a.m.-12:53 p.m. — Graeme McDowell, Rickie Fowler, Jimmy Walker

9:57 a.m.-1:04 p.m. — Zach Johnson, K.J. Choi, Steve Stricker

10:08 a.m.-1:15 p.m. — Miguel Angel Jimenez, Bill Haas, Matteo Manassero

10:19 a.m.-1:26 p.m. — Hideki Matsuyama, Brandt Snedeker, Jamie Donaldson

10:30 a.m.-1:37 p.m. — Charl Schwartzel, Jim Furyk, Thorbjorn Olesen

10:41 a.m.-1:48 p.m. — Adam Scott, Jason Dufner, a-Matthew Fitzpatrick

10:52 a.m.-1:59 p.m. — Jordan Spieth, Patrick Reed, Rory McIlroy

11:03 a.m.-7:45 a.m. — Kevin Streelman, D.A. Points

11:14 a.m.-7:56 a.m. — Larry Mize, Branden Grace, a-Michael McCoy

11:25 a.m.-8:07 a.m. — Sandy Lyle, Matt Jones, Ken Duke

11:36 a.m.-8:18 a.m. — Jose Maria Olazabal, Lucas Glover, a-Garrick Porteous

11:47 a.m.-8:29 a.m. — Nick Watney, Stephen Gallacher, Darren Clarke

12:09 p.m.-8:40 a.m. — Vijay Singh, Thomas Bjorn, Ryan Moore

12:20 p.m.-8:51 a.m. — Matt Kuchar, Louis Oosthuizen, Thongchai Jaidee

12:31 p.m.-9:02 a.m. — Trevor Immelman, Graham DeLaet, a-Oliver Goss

12:42 p.m.-9:13 a.m. — Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano, Derek Ernst, Sang-Moon Bae

12:53 p.m.-9:24 a.m. — Bernhard Langer, Francesco Molinari, Chris Kirk

1:04 p.m.-9:35 a.m. — Jason Day, Dustin Johnson, Henrik Stenson

1:15 p.m.-9:57 a.m. — Bubba Watson, Luke Donald, Sergio Garcia

1:26 p.m.-10:08 a.m. — Joost Luiten, Marc Leishman, Hunter Mahan

1:37 p.m.-10:19 a.m. — Keegan Bradley, Victor Dubuisson, Peter Hanson

1:48 p.m.-10:30 a.m. — Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, Justin Rose

1:59 p.m.-10:41 a.m. — Harris English, Lee Westwood, Russell Henley


Cavaliers vs. Pistons: Get updates and post comments

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The Cavaliers look to keep their slim playoff hopes alive as they host the Detroit Pistons tonight at Quicken Loans Arena. Tipoff is at 7 p.m.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cavaliers look to keep their slim playoff hopes alive as they host the Detroit Pistons tonight at Quicken Loans Arena. Tipoff is at 7 p.m.

Where to find the game: TV: Fox Sports Ohio; Radio: WTAM 1100

Get updates from The Plain Dealer on Twitter @PDCavsInsider and post your comments during the game here.

Cleveland Indians lose despite strong work from RHP Trevor Bauer: DMan's Report, Game 2 Wednesday

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Indians righty Trevor Bauer allowed two runs (one earned) in six innings against the Padres in the second game of a doubleheader Wednesday.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians played the San Diego Padres on Wednesday in the second game of a doubleheader at Progressive Field. Here is a capsule look from The Plain Dealer reporter Dennis Manoloff:

Game: 9

Opponent: San Diego Padres.

Location: Progressive Field.

Time of day: Afternoon.

Result: Padres 2, Indians 1.

Records: Indians 5-4, Padres 3-6.

Quality performances: Padres -- LHP Robbie Erlin (6 IP, 4 H, R, 6 K), SS Everth Cabrera (2-for-4, 2 R). Indians -- RHP Trevor Bauer (6 IP, 4 H, 2 R, ER, 2 BB, 8 K), SS Asdrubal Cabrera (2-for-4, 2B).

Forgettable games: Indians -- Most hitters against Erlin, RF Elliot Johnson (0-for-4, 3 K).

Problematic homestand: Yes, it is early. Very early. But the Indians already have missed a golden opportunity, finishing a homestand against Minnesota and San Diego at 3-3. A team that made the playoffs last season, as the Indians did, should not be batting .500 against the Twins (1-2) and Padres (2-1) at home. It is a stretch that could come back to haunt.

The way the Indians swung the bats in Wednesday's doubleheader, they were lucky to secure a split. In the first game, they were out-hit, 6-5, but won, 2-0. In the second game, they managed six hits -- five singles and Cabrera's double.

San Diego's starters for both games were finesse lefties Eric Stults and Robbie Erlin. The Indians treated them as if they were Steve Carlton and Randy Johnson. Stults made a mistake to Jason Kipnis that resulted in a two-run homer. Erlin, who throws a tad harder than Stults, did pretty much whatever he wanted to do. He had Tribe hitters so far off-balance that they ended up being late on his "heater.'' Erlin benefitted from the Progressive Field late-afternoon shadows, but so did Bauer.

Bauer power: Bauer pitched well in his spot start. He featured a low-to-mid-90s fastball and complemented it with a variety of off-speed pitches. He threw 65 of 99 pitches for strikes.

Bauer has many different pitches at his disposal, but didn't rely on tricks or great defense. He leaned heavily on a legit fastball and curve in crafting the rotation's third consecutive quality start. The asterisk is that he faced a bad offensive team, but it shouldn't detract from what he accomplished.

Strange happenings: Bauer threw 21 pitches in an eventful first inning.

After getting two strikes on leadoff batter Cabrera, Bauer just missed high and outside with a fastball clocked at 95 mph. Cabrera eventually hit a full-count roller up the middle to shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, who skipped his hurried throw past Nick Swisher. Score it an error on Cabrera.

The next batter, Chris Denorfia, drove an 0-2 fastball deep to right. Bauer needs to make a better pitch in that spot, but he still appeared to have an out -- until Major League Baseball's new crackdown on transfers kicked in. Johnson tracked the ball, caught it in front of the fence and, after a full two seconds, dropped the ball as he pulled it out of the glove. First-base umpire Balkin' Bob Davidson emphatically signaled safe.

Last year, the play would have been a guaranteed catch. This year, though, MLB has told its umpires that the fielder must secure the ball in the throwing hand after the transfer in order for the catch to be considered complete. Indians manager Terry Francona challenged the call, but the challenge had no chance because of the revised definition of the play. (Denorfia was credited with a gift double.)

The 2013 version of Bauer might have unraveled. Instead, he gave up just one run. Seth Smith had an RBI grounder -- delivering San Diego's first first-inning run this season -- cleanup batter Yonder Alonso struck out swinging and Chase Headley grounded to first. The Alonso at-bat lasted eight pitches.

At that point, Alonso was struggling and Headley was really, really struggling -- but they are lefties who can get hot at any moment. For Bauer to retire both with a runner on third is impressive.

Pure filth: Bauer struck out the side in the second. He caught Jedd Gyorko looking at a curve (84) on the outer half, got Tommy Medica to swing through a curve (84) and got Alexi Amarista to flail at a curve (81) that resembled a palm ball.

Not quite: Bauer thought he had Rene Rivera, San Diego's leadoff batter in the third, struck out with a 79-mph hook. As Bauer walked away, plate umpire James Hoye called it a ball. Bauer's next pitch was 96-mph fastball with anger attached to it that Rivera fouled. Bauer then missed high with what turned into an 85-mph front-door curve; Rivera swung through it.

The speed variance on the final three pitches to Rivera is noteworthy. Even with Bauer's increased fastball velocity this season, he needs to be able to maximize that which can set him apart: an assortment of secondary pitches.

Still strong: The Tribe scratched across a run in the third to tie the score. The Padres regained the lead in the sixth when Headley got payback -- barely. With the bases loaded and one out, Headley fought off a first-pitch fastball and dumped it over short for a single. Headley notched his first RBI of the season.

Bauer had thrown 92 pitches and Bryan Shaw was warming. It would have been easy for Francona to hook Bauer, but Francona let his youngster try to mitigate the damage. Bauer rewarded his manager by getting Gyorko to pop out and Grandal to swing through a 96-mph fastball. It was Bauer's final pitch.

When Bauer reflects on the inning, the at-bat that undoubtedly will stand out is Smith's. With one out and a runner on first, Bauer got ahead of Smith, 0-2, but failed to put him away. A lot of it had to do with Smith, who fouled off four pitches, took a ball and got grazed by a fastball for a hit-by-pitch.

False start: Leadoff man Johnson, provided an opportunity to play because of the doubleheader, saved his worst for last. After Mike Aviles led off the eighth with a single, Johnson missed on three straight sacrifice-bunt attempts. The next two batters were out and San Diego remained in front, 2-1.

Gallery preview

Mike Brown not sure about challenging NBA officials: Cleveland Cavaliers Insider

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There are times Cavaliers coach Mike Brown wishes he could throw a challenge flag, but he worries about how challenges would slow the pace of the game in the NBA.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Did Brooklyn's Mason Plumlee block LeBron James' attempted game-winning dunk on Tuesday night, or did he foul him at the end of the Nets' 88-87 victory over Miami?

Did Indians rightfielder Elliot Johnson make that catch at the wall or drop it on the transfer?

Another day, another game, another sport, another replay controversy.

Cavaliers coach Mike Brown admitted there are times he'd love to have a red flag to throw to challenge a call, like NFL coaches do.

"I'd be in favor of that, to a certain degree," Brown said before Wednesday night's game against the Detroit Pistons at The Q. "It's tough, because you want to be careful slowing the game down. The one thing I know I enjoy, and I think a lot of people enjoy, is the speed of the game and the flow of the game. If you get into too much of that review stuff, to a certain degree it takes away from what the game is.

"It's a fast-paced game. It's exciting. As crazy as this sounds, and as frustrated as I get at times, you enjoy the human nature of having officials making calls. It's conversation. It makes it exciting.

"Selfishly, yeah, I'd like to be able to throw a red flag out there to argue a point. But I wouldn't push for it because I enjoy the speed of the game and I also enjoy as crazy as it sounds when you're watching games and you see a missed call and you're like, 'Oh, man. He blew that.' Then you talk about if for a while. That's pretty neat.''

Brown, who had three technicals this season going into Wednesday's game, was asked how many times a referee will admit to blowing a call.

"I might get killed by my peers, but for the most part I think our officials are pretty good,'' he said. "They will admit to me, 'You know what? I blew that call.' You like to hear that, but it catches you off guard. All you can do is say, 'OK, thank you.' That's it.

"Most of the guys … they're human. They are good guys. You have good conversations with them along the way. They're going to make mistakes, just like everybody else is. You get on them and hopefully they'll correct them or not make them again, especially at an important time of the game. But they're pretty good guys.''

Support for Gordon: Cavs All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving fully supported UMass sophomore Derrick Gordon, who announced on Wednesday that he was gay, becoming the first openly gay athlete in NCAA Division I men's basketball. Irving and Gordon went to high school together at St. Patrick's in Elizabeth, N.J.

"I never had a problem with homosexuality,'' Irving said. "You see guys in sports coming out now. It's just part of life. I'm not a judgmental guy, and I won't be. But I'm proud of Derrick and I'm proud of Jason Collins. It's a big step for not only youth but everybody in every generation.''

USA Basketball exhibitions: Irving is part of the pool for the USA Basketball men's national team that will play in the FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain Aug. 30-Sept. 14. On Wednesday, USA Basketball announced its training and exhibition schedule, which includes a game against Brazil at the United Center in Chicago on Aug. 16.

The USA squad will train in Las Vegas from July 28-31 and Aug. 14-15 in Chicago before the game against Brazil. Tickets for the USA game against Brazil will go on sale on May 16. The USA will train in New York from Aug. 17-22 and play two exhibition games at Madison Square Garden -- on Aug. 20 against Dominican Republic and Aug. 22 against Puerto Rico on Aug. 22. Tickets for those games will go on sale June 5.

Center fielder Michael Bourn eyeing a Sunday return: Cleveland Indians chatter

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The center fielder, sidelined with a left hamstring strain, will play Thursday and Friday with Double-A Akron. He'll receive an off-day on Saturday.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Seen and heard around Progressive Field on Wednesday.

Clubhouse confidential: Michael Bourn hopes to return to the Indians lineup on Sunday.

The center fielder, sidelined with a left hamstring strain, will play Thursday and Friday with Double-A Akron. He'll receive an off-day on Saturday.

Bourn played two games for Triple-A Columbus, but rainouts and damp fields threw a wrench into his original itinerary. He went 0-for-4 for the Clippers on Tuesday, but said he "felt smooth" running down to first base.

"I'll just continue to try to make strides on it," Bourn said, "take it one day at a time, strengthen it and hopefully be back to join the team."

In Bourn's absence, Nyjer Morgan has collected seven hits in 18 at-bats, for a .389 batting average. He has also compiled a .520 on-base percentage.

The Indians play in Chicago from Thursday to Sunday. They have Monday off before they head to Detroit for a three-game set.

"I'm trying to be patient and make the right decision and let my leg tell me what to do best," Bourn said. "It's still a long season. It's early. Of course I want to be back out there playing. I just like playing baseball."

Panama: As the song "Panama," by Van Halen, blared throughout the Indians' clubhouse on Wednesday morning, first baseman Nick Swisher sat at his locker and shouted the refrain. Swisher, of course, did the same from a bunk bed in a spring training video with local comedian Mike Polk, Jr.

Stat of the day: The Indians are 150-156 all-time in interleague play.



Curtis Samuel and Johnnie Dixon will play in the fall, Ohio State's spring game will be 'good on good': Urban Meyer quick hits

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Urban Meyer gave out a list of young players who have earned the right to play in the fall and previewed Ohio State's upcoming spring game during a meeting with the media on Wednesday evening.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Quick hits from Ohio State coach Urban Meyer's news conference from the Woody Hayes Center on Wednesday evening.

• Asked which younger players have stood out this spring, Meyer quickly brought up running back Curtis Samuel. Meyer said he was surprised Samuel has cracked the rotation at running back because he figured he was in the mold of Dontre Wilson, but the early-enrollee freshman has become a legitimate option who will see the field in the fall.

• Other young players Meyer said will likely play in the fall are linebacker Raekwon McMillan, wide receiver Johnnie Dixon and kicker Sean Neurnberger. Meyer did say kicker Kyle Clinton has a slight edge of Nuernberger.

• As far as Saturday's spring game is concerned, Ohio State will draft teams Thursday. Meyer said he expects the head coaches to be Stan Drayton and Kerry Coombs. Meyer also anticipates keeping complete units together -- "good on good," he said -- to make sure the game interesting. That means the first team offensive line will likely be on one team and will face the first team defensive line.

• Meyer said there isn't a finalized running back rotation, but right now Ezekiel Elliott is leading the way with Bri'onte Dunn, Samuel and Rod Smith behind. Smith has been limited recently as he tries to catch up on what Meyer said was a large school workload. Warren Ball is "a step behind" the group.

• Ohio State defensive end Jamal Marcus has also been held out as he tries to catch up with his academics.

• Tight end Marcus Baugh was brought up and Meyer was taken back that he spoke to the media because "players need to earn the right to do that." Baugh is trying to work back from two underage drinking incidents, but Meyer said he "isn't out of the woods yet."

• When asked about younger wide receivers like Michael Thomas and Corey Smith, Meyer again brought tight end Nick Vannett's vast improvement. Meyer said Vannett and starter Jeff Heuerman will be on the field at the same time, so wide receiver slots are limited.

• Meyer said Eli Apple had another good day Wednesday after stealing the show on Saturday during Ohio State's Student Appreciation Day. Meyer said Apple is right in the mix at cornerback with Armani Reeves and Gareon Conley. 

The fastest student competition will take place at halftime of the spring game. Dontre Wilson, Devin Smith and James Clark will all be racing the qualifying students. 


Indians outfielder Elliot Johnson on controversial play -- Video

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Elliot Johnson talks about his controversial play in the first inning of Wednesday's second game of the Indians' doubleheader

Indians outfielder Elliot Johnson fell victim to a new point of emphasis in Major League Baseball this season on Wednesday afternoon. It appeared Johnson caught a ball up against the wall in right field, but lost it in the transfer and it was ruled to not be a catch. Manager Terry Francona challenged, but the play stood.

Following the game, Johnson talked about the play and his thoughts on the call. He also talked about instant replay and the finetuning he believes it needs.

You can get complete coverage of today's doubleheader at cleveland.com/tribe.

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Mike Pettine could be adding veteran quarterback soon: Cleveland Browns Insider

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Coach isn't sure Brian Hoyer will be able to participate in 11-on-11 drills later in the month.

BEREA, Ohio – With Brian Hoyer potentially available on just a “limited basis” for voluntary minicamp, the Browns might acquire a veteran quarterback in the next few weeks.

Coach Mike Pettine said Hoyer remains ahead of schedule in recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament, but isn’t sure what restrictions will be placed on the quarterback come April 29 when the Browns begin a four-day camp. The only other signal caller on the roster is Alex Tanney, who’s never appeared in a regular season game.

In a conference call with reporters Wednesday, Pettine addressed the issue of having another veteran in Berea by time the first camp opens.

“I don’t think we’re at the point yet where that decision has to be made,” he said. “I think it’ll be made sooner than later. I think it’ll be done around the time of the first camp. But from all reports, (Hoyer) is ahead of schedule. We feel good about where he is. But certainly when you look at where he is and Alex Tanney being the only other quarterback, that is a position, as I’ve said before, that we need to address.”

Hoyer, who underwent knee surgery in October, has been throwing to receivers during the first three days of the off-season conditioning program. Pettine said he's confident Hoyer will be ready before the season starts. But the club isn’t going to push the quarterback this early in his recovery stage.

“I do know that he will be available at least on a limited basis, but to the exact extent of what he can do drill work-wise and whether we can extrapolate that out and have him do some 11-on-11 stuff, that question hasn't been answered yet,” Pettine said.

The Browns will select a quarterback in the draft (May 6-8). In the meantime, there’s a decent chance another veteran joins the roster. Among the possibilities: Matt Flynn, Josh Freeman and Rex Grossman.

Tight lipped

Pettine offered no updates on other players coming off injuries such as Dion Lewis (broken leg), Quentin Groves (ankle), Travis Benjamin (knee) and Charles Johnson (knee) other than to say, “they're all on track to be back.”

Quotable

Pettine on addressing players for the first time Monday:

“It was really a special moment for me to stand in front of them and introduce myself and the staff and just address them for the first time. I didn’t want that meeting to be long. Everybody introduced themselves and then I just kind of went through a (speech). It was more the philosophy and background and how we’re going to do things.

"I gave them a little bit of a history lesson on the state of the franchise and where we are. We looked back briefly and then told them we need to take the rear view mirror and break it off. We’re facing forward and that’s the direction we’re headed.”

Indians pitcher Trevor Bauer following his start Wednesday -- Video

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Trevor Bauer talks to the media following his 2014 debut

Indians starting pitcher Trevor Bauer made his 2014 debut on Wednesday afternoon. Bauer pitched six innings, allowing one earned run and striking out a career-high eight batters.

After the game, Bauer talked about his comfort level on the mound and what he had working for him. He also talked about how he was able to work out of trouble in the first and sixth innings.

You can get complete coverage of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Padres at cleveland.com/tribe.

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Cleveland Indians postgame show -- Recapping Wednesday's doubleheader

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Watch our postgame show as Zack Meisel and Dan Labbe discuss the Indians' doubleheader split against the Padres.

The Indians split a doubleheader with the Padres on Wednesday at Progressive Field, winning the first game, 2-0, and losing the second, 2-1. cleveland.com's Zack Meisel and Dan Labbe recapped the day on our Indians postgame show.

Zack and Dan talked about the pitching performances of Zach McAllister and Trevor Bauer, including when we might see Bauer pitch in an Indians uniform again. They also discussed the overall homestand, as the Indians took 2 of 3 from San Diego and lost 2 of 3 to Minnesota over the weekend.

For more postgame video and coverage of today's action, visit cleveland.com/tribe.

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Unconventional Cleveland Indians' pitcher Trevor Bauer does "a lot of encouraging things" in loss - Bill Livingston

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Just because you have a reputation as a flake in baseball doesn't mean it can't change into that of a quirky winner. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Oh, the times, along with the game played without a clock, they are a-changin'.

"Baseball's changed. I've had players who did that," Terry Francona said after the home opener, when asked about Nick Swisher's stately progression down the first-base line, admiring his home run, before flipping the bat away halfway to the bag.

But has the Indians manager had anyone do what Trevor Bauer does – heaving the ball in warmups on the fly, after a brief period of throwing shorter distances, from the warning track near the Indians' bullpen at Progressive Field to the left-field foul pole?

It's around 300 feet, or the length of a football field, minus the end zones. (Keep that football comparison in mind. It will resurface in a discussion of ball security on catches.)

Do other pitchers throw the first of their eight warm-up pitches before an inning on the run, starting from the back of the mound, to a release point far enough in front of the rubber to rival the bad ceremonial first pitch distance in the home opener. (I mention no names.)

Do Francona's former pitchers assert they have seven pitches, including every permutation of a slider except the Indians' mascot?

The 23-year-old Bauer pitched very well as a spot starter in a 2-1 loss to San Diego in the second game of a doubleheader Wednesday.

Asked what was working best, Bauer said, "Fastball was good, slider was good early, decent change, curveball, good split (finger). I didn't throw any sinkers or cutters today. Maybe next time I can work those in. It's very rare I can make use of all seven pitches in a game."

Just wondering, but what is the catcher's sign for the sixth and seventh pitches? He can't remove his mitt. That would sort of give it away.

In a jam with no outs and two runners in scoring position in the first inning, Bauer got out of it after only giving up a single run on a groundout. None of the mess was of his making, either. Asdrubal Cabrera's two-base throwing error and a by the book, to the letter of the law, interpretation of the rule regarding the transfer of the ball from right fielder Elliot Johnson's glove to his throwing hand turned an out into a double.

Francona loved the way Bauer reacted. "A lot of encouraging things," said the manager. "First inning, he gave up one run. The second one (in the sixth, when Bauer left the bases loaded), was on a broken-bat hit."

Bauer had to adjust his long-toss routine because of the short time break between games in a traditional doubleheader. "It wasn't a big deal," he said. He worked fast, pounded strikes (64 out 99 pitches), struck out a career-high eight, hit a batter and walked two.

"The first time through the order he worked ahead. The second time, he fell behind a few times but pitched himself back into the counts. With his stuff and the way he's trying to attack the zone, his progress is going to come quick," Francona said.

In a game in which the past, at least in pitch count and often in performance, becomes the prelude, someone who is decidedly unconventional is not automatically frozen in perception as a flake.

When Bauer is more hittable, he seems almost subversive -- with the unorthodox warmup methods, the history of making surprising changes in mechanics on the mound in a big-league game rather than ironing out the wrinkles in the minors, the how-dare-he story of shaking off the Arizona catcher before making his very first pitch in a big-league game.

If Bauer pitches close to this on a consistent basis, however, the Indians suddenly have some depth in the starting rotation, and his reputation as a stubbornly independent thinker moderates into that of a charming and productive eccentric.

Cleveland has a long history of celebrating flakes as long as they could hit and only try to steal first base once (Manny Ramirez) or don't flunk a drug test (Manny again, after leaving) or get guys out by doctoring the ball without being caught (Gaylord Perry) or try to make road pizza of petty vandals on Halloween (Albert Belle.)

Bauer marches to the beat of a different drum, but Wednesday it was beating fast.

"Pitching fast means you're confident. The way he pitches, why shouldn't he be confident?" said Francona.

Trevor Bauer delivers strong effort, but Indians fall to Padres, 2-1, to split doubleheader

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Cleveland and San Diego split the twin bill, with the Padres claiming the second tilt, 2-1, after the Indians logged a 2-0 triumph in the opener.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Before he could spit out a word, a smile spread across Terry Francona's face.

Even after a loss, the Indians' manager couldn't help but to soak in the joy of a strong showing from Trevor Bauer.

The results from Wednesday's doubleheader did little to the Indians' standing, but the effort on the mound might have eased some concerns.

The bats remained mostly dormant throughout the afternoon. As a result, Cleveland and San Diego split the twinbill, with the Padres claiming the second tilt, 2-1, after the Indians logged a 2-0 triumph in the opener.

Bauer, who said he felt more comfortable on the mound than he did in any of his previous eight big league outings, limited the Padres to two runs (one earned) on four hits over six innings in the second game. He tallied a career-high eight strikeouts and offered a glimpse of what he can achieve if he does, in fact, have his reconstructed delivery down pat.

"I thought he was really good," Francona said. … "With his stuff and the way he's trying to attack the zone, his progress is going to come quick."

Bauer posted a 10.29 ERA in four spring training appearances, as he surrendered nine runs (eight earned) on 12 hits and five walks in seven innings. In four spot starts with the Tribe last season, he compiled a 5.29 ERA, with 16 walks and 11 strikeouts in 17 innings.

He looked much sharper and more confident on Wednesday, even though his typical pregame routine, in which he throws the ball the length of the outfield, was expedited because of the quick turnaround between the two tilts.

The Padres broke a 1-1 tie in his final frame when Chase Headley plated the go-ahead run with a bases-loaded single. Bauer had packed the bags on a single, hit-by-pitch and walk. He ended the threat, though, when he fanned Yasmani Grandal on his 99th pitch, a 96-mph fastball. He strolled back to the dugout while pumping his fist.

"It's a close game and obviously a big situation," Bauer said. "A hit there kind of breaks it open. I'm a competitor, so I was just kind of in the moment. I got a big out and was kind of pumped up about it."

Bauer's effort marked the third quality start for a Tribe hurler in the last 24 hours. Corey Kluber held San Diego in check for six innings on Tuesday night and Zach McAllister blanked the Padres for 7 2/3 frames in Wednesday's opening contest.

San Diego plated its first run after a controversial call and review. With a runner on first in the first inning, Elliot Johnson caught a fly ball in right field, took a few steps, collected himself against the wall and dropped the ball while transferring it to his hand to throw it back toward the infield. First-base umpire Bob Davidson ruled that Johnson did not make the catch and the call was upheld after Francona issued a challenge.

Francona joked that he thought the umpires, if anything, would "call traveling" on Johnson, since he took a few strides after nabbing the soaring baseball.

"I made a good baseball move with two feet in and possession of the ball," Johnson said, "so I felt like it was a catch."

The ruling set the table for an RBI groundout by Seth Smith.

The Indians' bats remained mostly dormant throughout the afternoon. Cleveland managed only 11 hits all day.

Jason Kipnis' two-run home run in the first game provided enough backing for McAllister, but the Tribe couldn't solve Padres youngster Robbie Erlin in the second contest. The 23-year-old southpaw held Cleveland to one run on four hits in six innings.

Bauer didn't back down, though. The 23-year-old, the centerpiece of Cleveland's return in a nine-player trade that involved Shin-Soo Choo in December 2012, headed back to Triple-A Columbus following his outing. He left behind an encouraging reminder of his potential.

"He was lights out," said utility man Elliot Johnson. "He was a power pitcher today throwing gas right by guys. He was throwing his off-speed stuff for strikes.

"He was really, really impressive. He was a big leaguer today -- no doubt about it."



Castapalooza! and Goodyear kids trout derby on Saturday: Outdoor Calendar

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The fly fishing extravaganza called Castapalooza! is taking over Hidden Valley Reservation on the Grand River for its all-day event on Saturday. The Goodyear Hunting & Fishing Club will celebrate spring with its annual kids fishing derby on Saturday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Little Turtle Pond in Akron.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Outdoors Calendar for April 11.

April 11-13: Coshocton County Beagle Club hosts the 24th annual Hunting Beagle Nationals of the United Kennel Club. Spectators are welcome. Coshocton County Fairgrounds, 707 Kenilworth Ave., Coshocton. For information call Jan Myers (740-622-4877) of the Coshocton Visitors Bureau.

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: Castapalooza! A Celebration of All Things Fly Fishing, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Lake Metroparks Hidden Valley Reservation, Klassen Rd. (south of I-90 off Rt. 528), Madison. Free. Fly casting, fly tying and rigging demonstrations. Fly casting games and prizes.

April 12: Rainbow trout stockings by the Ohio Division of Wildlife at Little Turtle Pond in Akron; and Punderson Lake in Newbury. Both stockings have been listed as hosting youth fishing events on April 12, with adult fishing allowed afterward. For information visit wildohio.com.

April 12: Rescheduled 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 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 Pond, 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: Youth turkey lottery for Killbuck Marsh Wildlife Area hunts on Saturdays and Sunday from April 19-May 18. The drawing is at the East Holmes Sportsmen's Club, 2.5 miles southeast of Millersburg on Twp. Rd. 310. Registration opens at 8 a.m. Jakes Day events will be held before the 1 p.m. lottery.

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: Ottawa County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited annual banquet and fundraiser, Camp Perry Banquet Hall, Ohio 2, Oak Harbor. Tickets $60, couples $85, Greenwings $25. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., dinneer at 6:30 p.m., auction at 8 p.m. Visit www.ducks.org/ohio.

April 12: Ohio Boating Education Course, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Vermilion Boat Club, 5416 Liberty Ave., Vermilion. Pre-registration required. Call Brian Sullivan, 440-967-6634.

April 12: Ohio Boating Education Course, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., The West Woods Nature Center, Geauga Park District/Kinsman Rd., Russell. Cost $5. Pre-register at ashtabula.watercraft@dnr.state.oh.us or call 440-964-0518.

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: Rainbow trout stockings by the Ohio Division of Wildlife at Silver Creek Lake in Norton. For information visit wildohio.com.

April 15: America's Boating Course, Akron Sail and Power Squadron, Hudson High School, 2500 Hudson Aurora Rd., Hudson. Cost $35. Register with Lynn Dupay, 216-577-6299, lynn@ledupuy.com.

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: Spring Fling Walleye Derby pre-derby party, 1-3 p.m., Shines Bait & Tackle, 1287 East 55th St., Cleveland.

April 19: Ohio Boating Education Course, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Barberton Community Center, 500 W. Hopocan Ave., Barberton. $20, free for youth 17 and under. Call Barberton Community Center, 330-861-7138 to pre-register.

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 23: Black Bear Informational Program, 6-8 p.m., Ohio Division of Wildlife District Three Office, 912 Portage Lakes Dr., Akron. Topics include bear ecology, life history, population trends and current status, management. Free, pre-registration required at 330-644-2293.

April 23: Ohio Boating Education Course, second 4-hour session on April 30, 6-10 p.m., Kent State Recreation and Wellness Center, 1550 Ted Boyd Dr., Kent. Cost $30. Pre-registration required at 330-672-4732.

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. Signup party on April 19 from 1-3 p.m. at Shines Bait & Tackle, 1287 East 55th St., 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: Fishing Instructor Certification Workshop, Passport to Fishing program, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Ohio Division of Wildlife District Three Office, 912 Portage Lakes Dr., Akron. Pre-registration required. Contact Ken Fry, 330-245-3030, Kenneth.fry@dnr.state.oh.us.

April 26: Ohio Boating Education Course, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Great Outdoor Store, 6287 S. Main Rd., North Kingsville. Cost $5. to pre-register call 440-964-0518.

April 26: Ohio Boating Education Course, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Westlake Recreation Center, 28955 Hilliard Blvd., Westlake. Cost $5. Pre-register by calling 216-361-1212.

April 26: Rainbow trout stockings by the Ohio Division of Wildlife at Ohio Canal Lock No. 4, Canal Fulton. For information visit wildohio.com.

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: Walleye Madness Tournament, 7 a.m.-3 p.m., Mosquito Reservoir. Launch at Mosquito Causeway ramp. Two-angler teams, $150 entry. For information visit www.walleyemadness.net. Entry deadline April 21.

April 27: Ohio Boating Education Course, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mentor Municipal Center, 8500 Civic Center Blvd., Mentor. Cost $21, $16 for Mentor residents. To pre-register call 440-974-5720.

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.

April 27: Ohio Boating Education Course, Bouy Scouts of America/Sea Scout Ship 5510, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Krabill Shelter, 7597 Ballash Rd., Medina. Cost $40, $50 after April 13. To pre-register contact Alan Hallock, 330-722-3055, alan@hallockproperties.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: 14th 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: Ohio Boating Education Course, second 4-hour session on May 10, 12:30-5 p.m., Gander Mountain, 9620 Diamond Centre Dr., Mentor. Cost $10. Pre-register by calling 440-423-2052.

May 3: Ohio Boating Education Course, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Big Creek Nature Center, 9160 Robinson Rd., Chardon. Cost $5. To pre-register call 440-964-0518.

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: 30 Target 3-D Archery Shoot, Lone Eagle Bowmen, Seeman St. (off Battlesburg Rd.), Canton. Registration 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Visit www.LoneEagleBowmen.com.

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. Anglers can enter at Rodmakers Shop in Strongsville; Redneck Outfitters in Perrysville; Bad Boy Bait & Tackle in Vermilion; and Virgil Tent (216-408-0404) in Cleveland.

May 6: Ohio Boating Education Course. Second and third 3-hour classes on May 7-8, 6-9 p.m., Cleveland Watercraft Office, 1150 East 49th St., Cleveland. Cost $5. To pre-register call 216-361-1212.

May 10: Intro to Kayaking and Canoeing, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Silver Creek Metro Park Boathouse, 5171 S. Medina Line Rd., Norton. Learn about kayak and canoe safety, paddling techniques and proper equipment. Advance registration opens May 2. Call 330-865-8065.

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

May 10: Ohio Boating Education Course, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mentor Municipal Center, 8500 Civic Center Blvd., Mentor. Cost $21, $16 for Mentor residents. To pre-register call 440-974-5720.

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 12: Ohio Boating Education Course, second 4-hour class on May 19, 6-10 p.m., Environmental Learning Center, 7250 Alexander Rd., Concord Twp. Cost $15. To pre-register call Lake Metroparks, 440-358-7275.

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

May 16: Rainbow trout stockings by the Ohio Division of Wildlife at Ohio & Erie Canal, Cuyahoga Heights. For information visit wildohio.com.

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: Kids' Fishing, Firestone Metro Park/Little Turtle Pond, 2400 Harrington Rd., Akron. Kids 15 and under learn the basics of fishing. Some rods and reels available. Bait is provided. Adults are not allowed to fish. Call 330-865-8065.

May 17: Paddle the Parks, Tannery Park, 100 Stow St., Kent. Kayak or canoe 4.5 miles down the Cuyahoga River to Brust Park in Munroe Falls with certified instructors and Metro Parks naturalist. Learn the basic while observing wildlife, shoreline habitat. No experience needed. Registration required with Crooked River Adventures, 330-541-7467. Cost $20 for kayak, $30 for canoe.

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

May 17: Ohio Boating Education Course, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Old Firehouse Community Center, 100 Avon Beldon Rd., Avon Lake. Cost $5. To pre-register call 216-361-1212.

May 17: Ohio Boating Education Course, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Barberton Community Center, 500 Hopocan Ave., Barberton. Cost $20, free for youth 17 and under. To pre-register call 330-861-7138.

May 17-18: Cleveland Metroparks Kid's Fishing Derby. Saturday at Wallace Lake in Berea; Sunday at Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation in Cuyahoga Heights. Stocked rainbow trout and catfish. Youngsters 4-8 years old from 9 a.m.-noon; 9-15 years old from 1-4 p.m. Free, pre-registration not needed, kids-only fishing until 4 p.m. Prizes for biggest, smallest fish. Bring fishing tackle, coolers for fish.

May 21: Ohio Boating Education Course, second 4-hour session on May 28, Kent State Recreation and Wellness Center, 1550 Ted Boyd Dr., Kent. Cost $30. To pre-register call 330-672-4732.

May 23: 7th 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.

May 31: Introduction to Family Camping, 10 a.m., F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Campfire Area, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron. Learn the basics of family camping. Optional weekend in a Metro Park on June 13-15. Advance registration opens May 23. Call 330-865-8065.

May 31: Introduction to Backpacking, 2 p.m. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron. Learn about proper clothing, gear, food and first aid. Optional backpacking trips in a Metro Park, including a women-only trip in June and October. Ages 10 to adult. Advance registration begins May 23. Call 330-865-8065.

June 1: 30 Target 3-D Archery Shoot, Lone Eagle Bowmen, Seeman St. (off Battlesburg Rd.), Canton. Registration 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Visit www.LoneEagleBowmen.com.

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: Cleveland Lakefront Boating & Fishing Festival, Cleveland Lakefront State Park/East 55th St. Marina. Boating, water safety and fishing exhibits. Free. Fishing trips for yellow perch on the Holiday party fishing boat. Free boat rides and casting instructions.

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: 30 Senior Olympics Archery Shoot, Lone Eagle Bowmen, Seeman St. (off Battlesburg Rd.), Canton. Registration at 9 a.m. Visit www.LoneEagleBowmen.com.

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: Cleveland Hailers Chapter of Ducks Unlimited annual Family Fish Fry/Game Dinner Picnic, 1 p.m., home of Dave and April Blaylock, Cleveland. Tickets $35, couples $60, children $25. DU membership included. Reservations needed. Call 216-749-7758. Games, raffles, family swimming. Texas Hold'em tournament at 11 a.m. Entry $30.

June 28: Walleye Madness Tournament, 7 a.m.-3 p.m., Lake Erie at Geneva State Park launch ramp. Two-angler teams, $150 entry. For information visit www.walleyemadness.net. Entry deadline June 23.

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: Four man Team Archery Shoot, blind draw, Lone Eagle Bowmen, Seeman St. (off Battlesburg Rd.), Canton. Registration 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Visit www.LoneEagleBowmen.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: 6th 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: 30 Target 3-D Archery Shoot, Lone Eagle Bowmen, Seeman St. (off Battlesburg Rd.), Canton. Registration 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Visit www.LoneEagleBowmen.com.

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: 30 Target 3-D Archery Shoot, Lone Eagle Bowmen, Seeman St. (off Battlesburg Rd.), Canton. Registration 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Visit www.LoneEagleBowmen.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: 3rd 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. 13-14: Walleye Madness Tournament, 7 a.m.-3 p.m., Berlin Lake at Bonner Rd. Ramp. Two-angler teams, $150 entry. For information visit www.walleyemadness.net. Entry deadline Sept. 8.

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: Bowhunter Warmup Archery Shoot, Test and Tune Equipment, Lone Eagle Bowmen, Seeman St. (off Battlesburg Rd.), Canton. Registration 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Visit www.LoneEagleBowmen.com.

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.

2014-2015 HUNTING SEASONS

Youth spring wild turkey: April 19-20

Spring wild turkey: April 21-May 18

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

Coyote and wild boar: No closed season

Groundhog: Closed only during deer gun season.

Squirrel: Sept. 1-Jan. 31

Ruffed grouse: Oct. 11-Jan. 31

American woodcock: Oct. 11-TBA

Youth Small Game: Oct. 25-26 and Nov. 1-2

Cottontail Rabbit: Nov. 7-Feb. 28

Ring-Necked Pheasant: Nov. 7-Jan. 4

Bobwhite Quail: Nov. 7-Nov. 16 (16 counties only)

Fox, Raccoon: Nov. 10-Jan. 31

2014-2015 DEER SEASONS

Deer Archery: Sept. 27-Feb. 1

Deer Antlerless Muzzleloader: Oct. 11-12

Deer Youth Gun: Nov. 22-23

Deer Gun: Dec. 1-7

Deer Statewide Muzzleloader: Jan. 2-5

2014-2015 WATERFOWL

Mourning Dove: Sept. 1-TBA

Canada Geese: Sept. 1-TBA

2014-2015 TRAPPING SEASONS

Fox, raccoon, skunk, opossum, weasel: Nov. 10-Jan. 31

Mink, Muskrat: Nov. 10-Feb. 28

Lake Erie Marsh (mink, muskrat, skink, raccoon, opossum, weasel): Nov. 10-March 15

Beaver, Otter: Dec. 26-Feb. 28

SPRING 2015 SEASONS

Youth Turkey: April 18-19, 2015

Spring Turkey: April 20-May 17, 2015


Cleveland Browns appear to have gambled and won on Alex Mack, and should match Jacksonsville's offer: Terry Pluto

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The $18 million guaranteed in the first two years of Mack's offer from Jacksonville should not a be deal-breaker for the Browns.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Unless the Browns are convinced that Alex Mack wants out of Cleveland, they should match the $42 million offer sheet that the center signed with Jacksonville.

The deal will make Mack the NFL's highest-paid center, and allow him to opt out of the contract after two seasons. But it's not the salary cap-buster that I expected when I heard he was ready to sign with Jacksonville.

I thought the Browns took an unnecessary risk in making Mack a transition player, and wrote a column earlier Thursday saying it was the first real mistake of the new front office. In the end, the strategy seems to have worked. Give credit to General Manager Ray Farmer and his staff credit for that.

Rather than pay him the $11.6 million this season that I advocated by placing a franchise tag on Mack, it will be much less this season. In fact, it appears as if it will be less than the $10.1 million transition tag.

Early reports are that the first two years of the deal -- $18 million -- are guaranteed. Assuming that's the case, it comes out to $9 million a year. Then Mack can leave after the 2015 season, or he can remain with the Browns in 2016 for at least another $4 million guaranteed, perhaps more.

That's expensive, but not outrageous for one of the top centers in the NFL -- and a player who has not missed a snap since being drafted in the first round of 2009 by Eric Mangini.

Obviously, Mack has concerns about the Browns because he refused to sign an extension -- even after owner Jimmy Haslam led six front-office people and coaches to visit the center in California. That was not a good sign, because very few offensive linemen have been courted with the determination the Browns displayed to Mack.

Those close to Mack insist he is open to remaining with the Browns, though, and that he knew this deal with Jacksonville could end up being just the long, winding road back to Cleveland.

All of the details of the five-year, $42-million deal have not been made public. But there doesn't appear to be anything in the deal that should prevent the Browns from keeping their man.

Yes, the Browns can find a center who is pretty good and cheaper. But Mack is a Pro Bowler who joins All-Pro left tackle Joe Thomas to bring some stability to the line. I like the line better with Mack than with a rookie center or other veterans who are available.

So if Mack is open to playing here, the Browns should quickly match the offer.

Yes, the rarely used transition tag appears to have succeeded for the Browns -- something I never expected would happen.

Michigan State cornerback Darqueze Dennard: NFL Draft snapshot

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Cornerback plays a physical style that's in demand in the NFL.

BEREA, Ohio -- As the 2014 NFL draft approaches, we're spotlighting some of the top prospects who might be of interest to the Browns. Today's focus is Michigan State cornerback Darqueze Dennard, who helped lead the Spartans to a 13-1 record and Rose Bowl title. The player quotes below are from the NFL Network's coverage of the scouting combine in February.

Darqueze Dennard

The vitals

College: Michigan State

Ht./Wt.: 5-11, 199

Position: Cornerback

Draft projection: First round.

Twitter: @DDennard_31

Browns Need Scale

From 1 (low) to 5 (high): 4

The Browns are looking for a cornerback to play opposite Joe Haden. Buster Skrine had a decent year, yet is probably better suited for nickel. Leon McFadden had a tough rookie season.

Getting to know you

Dennard, Virginia Tech's Kyle Fuller and Oklahoma State's Justin Gilbert are the top three corners in the draft. Dennard should be aided by the fact teams want physical corners to copy the success of the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. He was a first-team All-American and won the Jim Thorpe award for the nation's top defensive back. His straight-line speed has been questioned, according to a CBSSports.com report, which likens him to the New Orleans Saints' Kennan Lewis.

JaMarcus Russell Bust Meter

Medium. He was very physical with receivers at the college level. Will he be able to adjust to the way the NFL game is officiated?

 

In his own words

Your team had a very aggressive approach at Michigan State.

"We had an aggressive style of play. (Defensive coordinator Pat) Narduzzi had a go-get-him attitude and me and the other corners were put on islands."

In the NFL, you can't get your hands on receivers as much as you did in college. How do you think you will transition?

"I think I will transition well. In the college game you are allowed to do that. It's in the rules, so I'm going to play to the rules. ... I know in the NFL it's a 5-yard radius. I can run with receivers and I can go get the ball. I don't need to be that aggressive and still play good ball."


Read previous NFL draft snapshots:

Greg Robinson

Khalil Mack

Kyle Fuller

Aaron Murray

Weston Richburg

Terrance West

Keystone baseball shuts out Lutheran West

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Keystone baseball defeated Lutheran West, 24-0, in five innings.

ROCKY RIVER, Ohio -- Keystone's baseball team shutout host Lutheran West, 24-0, on Thursday.

The game was played in five innings, after Keystone scored six runs in the second, third and fifth innings, two runs in the first and four in the fourth.  

Wildcats' Korey Horne went 3-for-5 with a double and five RBIs. Teammate Tyler Gullett went 3-for-5 with a double and five RBIs, while Marcus Gunter went 4-for-5 with a double and four RBIs.

Chardon baseball gets past Riverside, 3-2

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Chardon baseball defeats Riverside, 3-2.

PAINESVILLE, Ohio -- Chardon's baseball team defeated host Riverside, 3-2, on a ninth inning hit Thursday. 

Hilltoppers' Ben Kirsh hit the game-winner in the top of the ninth inning.

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