Waters does not want folks to forget that the difference between the Vikings and their Horizon League rival is not that great.

Lonnie Timmons III / The Plain DealerSenior point guard Norris Cole will be counted upon to be a floor leader for Cleveland State as the Vikings hope to rebound from a disappointing 2009-10 season.

• Cleveland State's 2010-11 schedule

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- While college basketball's national focus is bright on the Butler Bulldogs, Cleveland State coach Gary Waters does not want folks to forget that the difference between the Vikings and their Horizon League rival is not that great.

"Two years ago, we were the best team in the league, from the beginning," Waters said this week as he prepared for Friday's first day of practice. "But Butler didn't take a step back."

The Vikings did last season, finishing 16-17 overall, 10-8 in the HL and tied for fourth. Butler went to the national title game against Duke and came within a half-court heave of winning.

In 2008-09, CSU won the Horizon League Tournament and defeated Wake Forest in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. Now, CSU wants to get back in step with the Bulldogs, and Waters should have a team capable of doing it.

With two seniors and five starters returning -- including a headliner in point guard Norris Cole (16.3 ppg) -- Waters said this team will look to be in near-midseason form from the opening tip. The Vikings open Nov. 12 against Bryant in the World Vision Classic in the Wolstein Center. CSU fans can get their first look at the team Saturday from 4-7 p.m. during Viking Madness at Woodling Gym.

"Normally what happens is the first day of practice you start on the basics and get ready to compete," Waters said. "They're ready to compete already. ... Offensively, we will be into things that would probably take halfway through the season to get to. We're going to have those things ready to go the early part of this season."

CSU can do this with a slew of veterans starting with Cole, a returning first-team all-league pick; plus junior guard Jeremy Montgomery (12.8 ppg), junior guard Tre Harmon (10.5) and senior guard D'Aundray Brown (8.6). Proven swingman Tim Kamczyz (3.7) and post player Aaron Pogue (6.3) also return.

It will take everything the Vikings have to level the playing field with Butler again.

"I don't expect them to take a step back," Waters said. "They have their program at a level we're trying to reach, and teams in the league are trying to reach."

It's hard to embrace the Browns' trade of a playmaker, even a disgruntled one, on a team that has so few, Bud Shaw writes in his Spin column.

Rick Osentoski / Associated PressMike Bell was a productive runner for the Super Bowl Saints a year ago, but has been anything but for the Eagles prior to Wednesday's trade to Cleveland. Bud Shaw says that entitles Browns fans to wonder exactly what the benefit was in letting Jerome Harrison out of Eric Mangini's dog house all the way to Philadelphia.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Giving Pittsburgh one less reason to worry...

New Browns' running back Mike Bell averaged 5.6 yards rushing this season in Philly.

Per game, not carry.

It's difficult to embrace the trade of a playmaker, even a disgruntled one, from a team that has so few, especially when the return on Jerome Harrison is a journeyman back like Bell.

To be fair, Bell played pretty well for New Orleans last year. But there has to be a good reason beyond Harrison's drop in production, right? Well, the deal that sent Harrison to Philly for Bell smacks of concern that Peyton Hillis' quad injury won't allow him to stay on the field.Hillis barely made it through against Atlanta. If Hillis can't break tackles against Pittsburgh, Eric Mangini decided he'd better find someone who can. There's been no recent evidence Harrison is that guy.

Mangini's dog house became an appropriate spot for Harrison, who rolled over and all but played dead Sunday. Harrison didn't act as if he had effort left to give the Browns, let alone the kind of star performances of last December.

Harrison's frustration was understandable after his finish to the 2009 season seemed to make absolutely no difference to Mangini. Or Tom Heckert, for that matter.

As good as Harrison was in those final four games, it's easy to see the attraction of Montario Hardesty's size and speed and Hillis' power and determination. But Bell? Much less so.

Now with Hillis hobbled, Mangini obviously didn't feel good about turning to Harrison, who rushed for six yards on six carries Sunday. Mangini, by the way, has denied Harrison was in his dog house.

Right.

Whatever you want to call it, Jerome Harrison is gone five weeks into a season that's becoming more of an uphill climb by the day.

"Lost in Translation," starring Shin-Soo Choo?

Chuck Crow / The Plain DealerThe Korean press (and Shin-Soo Choo, for that matter) can swing away all they want about wanting a "transfer," but there's absolutely no reason for the Indians to take this week's story about their right fielder particularly seriously, says Bud Shaw.

A report in a Korean newspaper says Choo, the Indians' best player, hopes to "transfer" to a winning team.

Meanwhile, I would prefer if women routinely mistook me for a Calvin Klein model, as opposed to, you know, only occasionally. My chances are at least as good as Choo moving elsewhere anytime soon.

The quotes attributed to Choo are so tortured they seem suspect. Beyond that, the Indians control Choo for three more seasons.

"If I could move to a better team, I could generate a better record and improve more," Choo said in the report.

Huh?

(I once saw a hungry American reporter in Moscow try to ask a Soviet where he could get something to eat. He did so by pointing to his mouth. The man led him to a room and motioned for him to sit down. It was few minutes before the reporter realized he was sitting in a dentist's office.)

I'm not saying there was that much lost in translation. Choo is no doubt frustrated with losing. But he's in for more root canal before he can think about leaving here.

Choo is eligible for arbitration. The Indians would like to sign him to a long-term deal.

They are not in any danger of losing him. Unless he wants out of Cleveland so badly he transfers to a job in the Demilitarized Zone, there's no immediate reason to worry about him going anywhere.

What has Santonio Holmes done to make people question his judgment and character, except lots?

Bill Kostroun / Associated PressPlenty of athletes have supported agent Josh Luchs' claims about prospective pro talents receiving cash from Luchs and other agents while they were in college. Santonio Holmes is disputing the claims -- and there's no reason to disbelieve the former Buckeye, is there?

Former Ohio State wide receiver Holmes denies the claim of former sports agent Josh Luchs, who says he offered Holmes money in 2005 but that Holmes told him he'd already been taking money from another agent for a couple of years.

Some players contacted by the magazine confirm Luchs claims about his dealings with them. As for Holmes, he's quoted in the story telling Luchs, "Listen, I want to save you the time. We don't need to meet. I've been taking money from [an agent] the last couple years, and he's been taking care of my family, too."

Holmes' history of legal issues don't make him guilty in this case. But if a suspended agent comes across more believable than you, you need an image consultant.

Now, if he can only remember which calf to put the protective sleeve on...

According to a published account, Miami Heat fans "gasped" when LeBron James grabbed his leg and left the court with a cramp Tuesday.

Where have these people been? Sean Penn didn't turn in as convincing an acting performance in "Dead Man Walking" as the Drama King did here for the last seven years.

SPINOFFS

The Chilean miners emerged from two months underground and issued a joint statement saying they felt "blessed" to have been rescued in time to take the Steelers and give the points this week...

Brett Favre hawking "real comfortable jeans" for Wrangler? Suddenly, that's a real uncomfortable commercial...

The headline said the Browns might have to go with "caveman football" against Pittsburgh. Like they were playing Jedi football against Atlanta?...

Give credit where it's due. Atlanta manager Bobby Cox showed great restraint in not getting ejected from his farewell ceremony...

YOU SAID IT

(The Expanded Mid-week Edition)"Bud:

"I'm just curious. Have you ever seen Eric Mangini and Eric Wedge in the same room together?" -- Martin M

Other than on stage at Hilarities, no.

"Bud:

"If you duff a shot in golf, follow up with a superb recovery shot, then make par, would you call it a 'Shaw's Shank Redemption'?" -- Big Al

I've only been golfing for 20 years and am unfamiliar with this term "par" you use.

"Hey Bud:

"Who stole Mangini's red flag? I bet it was that damn LeBron." -- Ed DiFiore

Give him a break. He needed it to wrap his elbow.

"Bud:

"Making the Browns as a fourth-string quarterback can't be too hard. What do you think?" -- Tom Hoffner

All you need is a cell phone and a little luck, like Brett Favre not sending you pictures when the Browns call.

"Bud:

"Do people in other NFL cities know that Cleveland has the best football fans?" -- Jason B

They would first have to know that Cleveland has football.

"Bud:

"Instead of a 'separated at birth,' how about a 'would you rather' for this week? Would you rather ... watch a replay of the 1999 Browns opener vs. Pittsburgh or watch the Browns game this week?" -- Tom, Parma

Is this meant for me or Colt McCoy?

"Bud:

"I saw an article that the Indians gave promotions to their front office personnel even though the team lost 90 games for the second year in a row. I must have missed the article about Frank Russo buying the team." -- Edward

First-time "You Said It" winners receive a T-shirt from the Mental Floss collection.

Repeat winners receive a T-shirt from the FBI collection.

It hasn't been an easy preseason for Anderson Varejao, who has lost his grandfather, dealt with a lingering sprained ankle and the absence of good friend Zydrunas Ilgauskas.

Joshua Gunter / The Plain DealerAnderson Varejao is expected to be a focus of Byron Scott's motion offense -- by passing the ball from the pivot instead of worrying too much about scoring. "I think he's going to have a lot of fun in the offense," says Scott.

CAVALIERS VS. SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Tipoff: Thursday, 7:30 p.m. at Petersen Events Center, Pittsburgh
TV/radio: No TV; WTAM AM/1100
Notable: Cleveland is 3-1 in the preseason. ... The Cavaliers lead the league in rebounding, averaging 50.5 through four preseason games. They are 26th out of 30 teams in field goal percentage, averaging .397. ... San Antonio is 2-1. ... Cavaliers forward Anderson Varejao is hopeful to make his first preseason appearance, after missing time to return to Brazil after the death of his grandfather. ... Guard Daniel Gibson is averaging 13.0 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 24.3 minutes in the preseason.
— Jodie Valade

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- Losing his best friend was difficult enough. Still, Anderson Varejao was prepared to begin his first full season in Cleveland without Zydrunas Ilgauskas, flanking him both on and off the court.

Losing full mobility of his right ankle in an August world championship warm-up game was a setback he figured he'd have overcome by now, though it's proven more troublesome than he thought.

Losing his grandfather, the 94-year-old anchor of his close-knit family in Brazil, was a blow that struck Varejao to the core two weeks ago. It's why he's still struggling to combat the first two losses as the Cavaliers ready for their fifth preseason game.

This has not been the easiest preseason for Varejao, to say the least.

But the sixth-year Cavaliers forward is finally back on the court, and endured a full practice Wednesday with his new coach's offense that prominently features his position. He hopes to play Thursday night against San Antonio in Pittsburgh.

He's still trying to move beyond the death of the grandfather, Maximo Vieria Varejao, who was "everything" to his family. He's not sure he's ready -- either mentally or physically -- but he hopes he is.

"I believe I'm OK," Varejao said Wednesday. "Sometimes you think you're OK, but you're not. But I believe I'm OK. I'm back here and have to focus on what we've got to do here and be ready for the start of the season."

What he's got to do with the Cavaliers is learn new coach Byron Scott's Princeton offense, which relies heavily on the center -- where Varejao is slated to start -- to begin the chain of screening, cutting and passing.

An active, mobile center plays the position best, and though Scott has only seen Varejao in limited doses, he's already excited about the possibilities of the energetic player.

"I think he'll be great at it," Scott said. "What [the offense] requires is a guy who has a good basketball I.Q., No. 1, and No. 2 a guy who is a very good screener, a very good pick-and-roll type guy, and a guy who can pass the ball. Andy does all those things pretty well. I think he's going to have a lot of fun in the offense."

Varejao, who returned to Cleveland a week ago and has been working on conditioning ever since, calls the offense "good for [my] game." But learning how to maneuver it without Ilgauskas, his best friend in the NBA, by his side will be tougher. It is the first time Varejao will learn how to navigate something in the league without the 7-3 Lithuanian's help.

His one-time partner in crime, the fellow foreign big man defected to Miami to join a certain former teammate. Ilgauskas might be gone, but he's certainly not forgotten. Varejao's locker stall at The Q still has two miniature photos of Ilgauskas affixed to either side of the wild-haired forward's name plate.

"He helped me to be a better person," Varejao said. "He was a guy I could count on in the bad times. I know I'm going to miss him, but I have to focus on this season."

That includes rehabilitating the right ankle sprain he suffered over the summer. Varejao concedes the ankle still is not fully healed, but hesitated to say how much the injury is hindering his play.

"Sometimes I feel like I'm 100 percent because I don't feel anything," Varejao said. "But if I get a hit or something, if I move a little bit faster, then I feel it a little bit. I'm not sure where I am."

Scott was impressed with Varejao's trademark infectious energy in Wednesday's practice.

"I was real happy to see him out here," Scott said. "I thought his energy was contagious. He was kind of flying all over the place like Andy does, getting a lot of offensive rebounds and a lot of loose balls."

Some things, at least, Varejao hasn't lost at all.

Back on the court: Mo Williams participated in his first full practice of the preseason. The guard has been sitting since the start of training camp, resting an injured right groin suffered in workouts. Scott said Williams won't play Thursday against San Antonio, as the Cavaliers hope to ease him into play -- with plenty of conditioning -- gradually.

"He looked very good," Scott said. "Surprisingly, his wind was better than what I expected, even better than what he expected, he said."

Still hospitalized: Longtime radio broadcaster Joe Tait remained in a Houston hospital Wednesday, recovering from a bout of pneumonia that sent him there during the Cavaliers' road trip through Texas over the weekend.

If all goes according to plan, the Cavaliers are expecting Tait to return to Cleveland within the week. Until Tait has regained good health, his duties will be handled by a rotating crew of local TV and radio personalities that thus far includes Mike Snyder, Fred McLeod, Austin Carr and Campy Russell.

Jackson, Mitchell cut: The Cavaliers waived guard Cedric Jackson and forward Tasmin Mitchell, reducing the current roster to 17. Jackson played six minutes over two games in the preseason while Mitchell did not appear in any games.

A statue of former Wisconsin coach and current athletic director Barry Alvarez stands outside the Badgers' stadium. If Ohio State were to similarly honor a football or track legend, who would it be?

Plain Dealer Which famed Buckeye would be most deserving of having a statue in his honor outside Ohio Stadium?

Cleveland, Ohio -- Ohio State, the nation's No. 1 ranked team, plays at No. 18 Wisconsin on Saturday night.

Those watching the game on ESPN with the volume turned down might wonder, "Who's that?" if they see the statue just outside the Badgers' Camp Randall stadium.

The answer would be Barry Alvarez, certainly a success as Wisconsin's football coach from 1990-2005, and the school's athletic director since.

But could have there been a Wisconsin sports great more deserving than Alvarez of being honored with a statue? After all, though the Badgers had some noteworthy moments with Alvarez, they were 118-73-4 during his 16 seasons as coach, including 65-60-3 in Big Ten games. They didn't win 49 percent of the Big Ten games that Alvarez coached!

Just to name a few, how about football legends Alan "The Horse" Ameche or Elroy "Crazylegs" Hirsch, or football/baseball great and former Wisconsin athletic director Pat Richter with a statue instead of Alvarez?

There is no statue of an Ohio State athlete or coach outside Ohio Stadium, for reasons likely to be covered in a story by Plain Dealer OSU beat writer Doug Lesmerises in Friday's paper. But the absence of a state begs the question: If Ohio State would choose to honor a former athlete with a statue outside the Horseshoe, who would it be? Only athletes or coaches who competed in Ohio Stadium -- football or track and field standouts -- are eligible for our poll. We have nine football candidates and one track candidate.

Either the Pittsburgh Steelers didn't get the memo that Colt McCoy will more than likely start at quarterback for the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, or they believe coach Eric Mangini is faking them out. Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reporter Mark Kaboly writes that the Steelers are preparing for Josh Cribbs. They know he can return punts, kicks and play wide receiver. They...

Joshua Gunter/The Plain DealerPittsburgh Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger

Either the Pittsburgh Steelers didn't get the memo that Colt McCoy will more than likely start at quarterback for the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, or they believe coach Eric Mangini is faking them out.

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reporter Mark Kaboly writes that the Steelers are preparing for Josh Cribbs. They know he can return punts, kicks and play wide receiver. They also know Cribbs can play a little quarterback.

Well, with the instability of the Cleveland quarterback situation heading into Sunday's game at Heinz Field against the Steelers, nothing can be disregarded.

"Well, he did it last year and damn near killed us," linebacker James Farrior said.

Although Cleveland coach Eric Mangini is leaning toward rookie Colt McCoy starting at quarterback because of injuries to Seneca Wallace and Jake Delhomme, Cribbs may be the Browns' best option against the Steelers.

Cribbs tells reporters that he could get plenty of time running Wildcat plays. Last year against the Steelers, Cribbs took 13 snaps from center. He'll probably take more this time around.

 "He's done pretty well against us in the past," linebacker James Harrison said. "We haven't really had a solid answer for it yet. We are expecting to get that."

Can Cribbs take every series under center, either by choice or by necessity?

"Heck, yeah," safety Ryan Clark said. "It would be tough to play him like that, but it would be fun. I don't know about throwing, but I know he can break enough tackles and make enough plays to keep you honest."

Blocking for Ben

Big Ben is back and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Ed Bouchette writes how the offensive line must make the necessary adjustments for Ben Roethlisberger.

Bouchette writes Roethlisberger has been sacked more than any quarterback over the past four seasons (189 times). His 50 sacks last season just missed Cliff Stoudt's club-record 51 in 1983, likely because Roethlisberger missed playing against Baltimore. Dennis Dixon played that game and was not sacked.

Their assignments do not change with Roethlisberger at quarterback, just the awareness they need.

"It's one of those things, you're blocking, but you also have to feel the defensive lineman, where his movement is," Starks explained. "You know he's looking at the quarterback and he's trying to get there, so his movements will dictate that.

"You're blocking, you're blocking, you kind of feel him start drifting away and you're like, 'Why is he drifting away?' You don't hear the crowd yelling or ahhhing, so it's like 'Oh, God, Ben's coming this way so let me adjust and get him in front.'

Not overlooking Colt

Although the Steelers are preparing to see plenty of Josh Cribbs on Sunday, they are not counting overlooking Colt McCoy, writes ESPN's James Walker.

No one is giving McCoy much of a chance on Sunday. The Steelers are not overconfident.

"He's a quarterback in the NFL," Steelers Pro Bowl linebacker James Harrison said Wednesday. "That means he has the ability to do it. So we're not lighting up about anything."

And wide receiver Hines Ward found room to give the Browns some credit.

"We're talking about the Browns; you guys [the media] are talking about Ben," Steelers receiver Hines Ward said. "Even though their record doesn't indicate it, they're still playing good football. A play here and there, and their record could easily be 3-2 or 4-1 the other

 

Top-ranked Buckeyes get ready to pay a visit to the No. 18 Badgers at their rowdy home stadium.

View full sizeMarvin Fong,
The Plain DealerZach Boren leaps over an Indiana defender in the Buckeyes' 38-10 win last week. Next hurdle is Wisconsin, on the Badgers home turf on Saturday night.

It would not be a shocker if there were a new No. 1 after this week with Ohio State going on the road to Wisconsin. The Badgers will challenge the Buckeyes with their running tandem of John Clay and James White and there will be a raucous crowd awaiting at Camp Randall Stadium.

No. 1 Ohio State at No. 16 Wisconsin, 7 p.m.: The left thigh of Terrelle Pryor will be the biggest factor in this game. With limited mobility, Pryor had no yards in three carries against Indiana last week. OSU needs his running threat or the Badgers could beat a top-ranked team for the first time since 1981. Ohio State 24, Wisconsin 19.

"People said he was only getting a scholarship because of me - whatever," Justin said. "He got here, and I knew he was going to prove himself. I knew he was going to play right from the get-go. He's just an amazing athlete. He does whatever needs to get done."

Zach won the lineman of the week award for his blocking at Illinois. With quarterback Terrelle Pryor hobbled by a strained quadriceps, the Buckeyes still were able to grind out rushing yards in the fourth quarter to secure a 24-13 victory.

Last Saturday against Indiana, Boren got to showcase his wild side, making a one-handed catch in the flat, then turning upfield and hurdling over cornerback Adrian Burks for a 15-yard gain.

"I guess I took on a different role this week," Boren said afterward. "I guess they call the fullback a glorified offensive lineman, so I guess I got to get a little glory today by catching a pass."

I think UW is going to lose Saturday -- that is a change from my view before the season began -- but it is clear the UW players believe they are capable of handing the Buckeyes their first loss of the season.

(The Badgers) suffered a humbling loss in their league opener at Michigan State, which remains unbeaten and appears stronger than most had expected, showed some improvement last week against the Gophers but to date have yet to put together a solid, 60-minute performance against an FBS program.

Anything less than an outstanding effort for four quarters won't cut it against the Buckeyes. I have my doubts this UW team is capable of putting together such a complete game (offense, defense and special teams) on Saturday.

Yet it is clear the players and coaches think otherwise.

Saturday night should be interesting.

Thus far in 2010, Pryor has lived up to every bit of the hype, throwing for 1,349 yards, 15 touchdowns and only three interceptions, good for a 170.47 quarterback rating. On the ground, the Pennsylvania native has gained 354 yards on 57 carries (6.2 yards per) and has rushed for 3 touchdowns. Impressively, Pryor has zero fumbles this season, a testament to improving on his turnover-ridden 2009 campaign.

“This year, I would say he’s a whole lot smarter than he was last year,” (safety Aaron) Henry said. “He isn’t making lazy throws like he was last year, but it’s still a whole bunch of opportunities there. A lot of announcers have announced him as one of those guys to go out there and make plays. He’s become a better passer, and I think he’s become a better passer because the wide receivers, they put him in good situations.”

"It (his strained left quadriceps muscle) has gotten a lot better," Pryor said. "Last week it was still a little tender, and we had a passing plan during the game and we didn't have to run the ball with me. This week it's full go.

"Any time you get injured you're never 100 percent. I'd be lying to you if I told you that. But it's enough to carry as much as I have to carry the ball and do what I have to do to try to help the team win."

Apparently all Medina's girls soccer team needed was a little adversity. The Battling Bees headed into Wednesday night's Northeast Ohio Conference Valley Division contest against Hudson facing an ugly truth. Anything other than a win would take them from a No. 1 ranking in the nation by ESPN Rise to a possible third-place finish in the league in less...

Apparently all Medina's girls soccer team needed was a little adversity.

The Battling Bees headed into Wednesday night's Northeast Ohio Conference Valley Division contest against Hudson facing an ugly truth. Anything other than a win would take them from a No. 1 ranking in the nation by ESPN Rise to a possible third-place finish in the league in less than a month.

Bees center midfielder Jillian Graff ended the suspense in what became a 1-0 Bees win. The Florida recruit was awarded a penalty kick after Hudson keeper Hannah Durak took her down near the right post with 4:03 remaining in the first half.

Graff collected herself and froze Durak on the penalty kick, pocketing the ball to the left.

"It's a big accomplishment," Graff said. "We haven't won [the league] in so many years. Strongsville had won it a couple years in a row. It feels awesome to kick them off the roll they were on."

The win gave Medina (11-1-3, 4-0-1) their first conference crown since 2006. It also ended an impressive streak by Strongsville. While the Mustangs (14-1-1, 4-1) beat Brunswick, 7-0, on Wednesday, they found themselves without a league title for the first time since 2004.

Not that Medina coach Doug Coreno minded.

"The win was huge," he said. "There was a lot of pressure tonight. A tie and we're not the conference champs. We knew we had to come out and win this game.

"We just approached it like a playoff game. It was win or go home. Hudson's a good program. They came in with a nine-game winning streak and had an outside chance of winning [the league] for themselves. Both teams had a lot to play for and we played some great soccer."

The reigning Division I champion Bees controlled action most of the evening against Hudson (11-4-1, 3-2) and put together a game worthy of the victory.

It was only the team's second win in the past six games.

"This means a lot to our team," Medina keeper Taylor Burke said. "It's something really cool to win this year since we won state last year, but didn't win the conference. It's a great accomplishment for us."

Hudson had two chances to tie it 10 minutes into the second half -- the Explorers had only three shots on goal in the game -- but All-Ohioan Burke was there to stone both attempts and pick up her 12th shutout of the season.

Brad Bournival is a freelance writer in North Royalton.

HINCKLEY, Ohio -- The order changed, but the schools stayed the same atop the team competition of the Division I boys district golf tournament at Pine Hills on Wednesday. Playing under ideal conditions -- the slick putting surfaces notwithstanding -- Medina, St. Ignatius, Uniontown Lake and Stow earned qualifying spots for the 85th annual state tournament on the Scarlet...

Chardon High’s Mike Maxwell knocks his second shot onto the seventh green Wednesday at Pine Hills in Hinckley during the Division I boys district golf tournament.



-

(Chuck Crow / The Plain Dealer )

HINCKLEY, Ohio -- The order changed, but the schools stayed the same atop the team competition of the Division I boys district golf tournament at Pine Hills on Wednesday.

Playing under ideal conditions -- the slick putting surfaces notwithstanding -- Medina, St. Ignatius, Uniontown Lake and Stow earned qualifying spots for the 85th annual state tournament on the Scarlet Course at Ohio State next week.

The same four teams qualified last year. Only the order of finish was different. And, this time, Stow did not need to win a scorecard playoff against Massillon Jackson in order to advance.

"Welcome to Pine Hills, gentlemen," said tournament manager John Jasin in reference to the course's greens, which some players said were like putting on a pool table.

This was Medina's year after the Bees won the school's first district championship in six years with an 18-over 306, led by junior Mike Bishop's 2-over 74. It marks the third straight trip to the state tournament for Medina, which finished third last year with a score of 316.

With junior Beau Titsworth also shooting a 74, St. Ignatius finished second at 308 after winning the school's 11th district title last year with a score of 310.

Lake, paced by medalist Jake McBride's 72, finished third at 312. The Blue Streaks were second last year at 313 and will make their fourth state appearance.

Only Stow duplicated its finish of a year ago. The Bulldogs finished fourth with a total of 319 as senior Cody Nickson shot a team-leading 77.

Area players also earned the final two of four available individual qualifying spots as Mentor's Cory Vinborg (75) and St. Edward's Zach Champa (76) slipped in behind Canfield's Boo Timko and Marlington's Ryan Headley, each of whom shot 74.

Junior Bobby Koch (75), sophomore Sean Sherman (76) and junior Austin Schreiber (81) completed Medina's scoring.

"This is awesome," said Bishop, who teamed with Koch to produce 10 birdies. "St. Ignatius got us last week at the sectionals, but I'd rather win the districts. It looks better."

Koch stressed the Bees' concept of team golf.

"Not once has it been an individual sport for us," he said, before grabbing Bishop in a bear hug. "We are a team."

St. Ignatius, third in last year's one-day -- because of inclement weather -- state tournament, got a big lift on the back nine by junior Matt Gerard. After coming in with an uncharacteristic 7-over 43, Gerard turned things around with three consecutive birdies on the back to finish at 77. Junior Christian Wagner (78) and senior Connor McCafferty (79) completed the Wildcats' scoring.

"We didn't play our best but the idea is to get out," said Titsworth.

Freshman Ian Holt (78), juniors Brandon Nixon (79) and Max DeCheco (85) backed Nickson's 77 as Stow advanced for the third straight year.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: , 216-999-5169 trogers@plaind.com

The emergence of Peyton HIllis and the need for a bigger back complement to him were the motivators to trade for Mike Bell, coach said

 BEREA: Browns coach Eric Mangini said Jerome Harrison's unhappiness with his role had nothing to do with the trade of the running back to Philadelphia.

 "Our decision is not going to be based on that," Mangini said. "This decision and any of these decisions are going to be made on what we think will help us move forward as a team."

 Mangini said that Mike Bell, the big back acquired from the Eagles, is a better fit in the downhill run schemes that have been tailored to feature back Peyton Hillis.

 "I think as Peyton's role has expanded and the things he's done, the plays we have for him have expanded and Mike Bell's a guy we liked in free agency and really complements and is more a fit for the plays we have for Peyton," Mangini said. "And Jerome was a good fit for them, so it worked out well."

 Hillis will miss his second day of practice today. Mangini said he still expects Hillis to be able to play Sunday in Pittsburgh.

 Also, Mangini gave a satisfactory report of rookie quarterback Colt McCoy's first practice and he continues to lean toward giving McCoy his first NFL start against the Steelers.

 "I'd say the lean is more pronounced today," Mangini said.

"I hate this trade. Harrison was a rare talent with great speed and vision. He was the perfect complement to Hillis' downhill running style. I would add to my concern about Mangini and Heckert trading to their old teams a concern that they are also unable to deal with upset players and tough personalities." - rhbole

View full sizeAP Photo | Jim PrischingJerome Harrison was unable to build off his performance in the final games of 2009.

In response to the story Former Cleveland Browns RB Jerome Harrison on lack of chances before trade to Philly: "It was mind-boggling'', cleveland.com reader rhbole isn't a fan of the trade. This reader writes,

"I hate this trade. Harrison was a rare talent with great speed and vision. He was the perfect complement to Hillis' downhill running style. I would add to my concern about Mangini and Heckert trading to their old teams a concern that they are also unable to deal with upset players and tough personalities."

PD columnist says the 18th-ranked Badgers aren't as good as voters think they are.

Associated PressThe Wisconsin Badgers and coach Bret Bielema, shown running out of the tunnel last Saturday against Minnesota, aren't as good as the poll ranking indicates, says PD columnist Bill Livingston.

Welcome to today's edition of Starting Blocks TV, our Web video show about what's going on in Cleveland sports. Today's show is hosted by Chuck "Hopalong" Yarborough and Branson Wright.

Let's go to the highlights:

• Plain Dealer Ohio State beat writer Doug Lesmerises will have a story posted tomorrow about Big Ten stadiums that have statues outside them. For example, Illinois has a statue of Red Grange outside Memorial Stadium; and Wisconsin has statues of Barry Alvarez and former AD Pat Richter outside Camp Randall Stadium.

Ohio Stadium has no statues at this time, but if the school were going to add a former athlete or coach, which one should it be? Cast your vote in today's Starting Blocks poll.

Today's guest, Plain Dealer columnist Bill Livingston, says he would vote for two statues, legendary coach Woody Hayes and track great Jesse Owens, a Cleveland native.

Livy also says the Buckeyes will win, 31-21, against the Badgers on Saturday night.

SBTV will return Friday with PD Browns reporter Tony Grossi answering questions from his weekly Hey, Tony! feature.

And don't forget to play our You Pick the Winners Contest where you can outpick Chuck and Branson each week and earn an appearance on SBTV, a $25 gas card and a chance at a $250 gift card.

"Nothing spells sleeper better than a team no one gives a chance to with a chip on their shoulder being coached by a real basketball coach and trained by that coach in an almost military-esque training camp. I don't know how the Cavs will finish this season, but they will surprise people and win games people say they shouldn't. They'll probably lose a few they shouldn't, as well. But they will not be as bad as I've heard some people say." - 1oldrocker

View full sizeAP Photo | Amy SancettaCan the Cavaliers and their new backcourt of Daniel Gibson, Mo Williams and Ramon Sessions surprise in 2010-2011?

In response to the story Anderson Varejao rejoins the Cleveland Cavaliers after a difficult summer of transition, cleveland.com reader 1oldrocker doesn't think the Cavs will be as bad as some pundits say. This reader writes,

"Nothing spells sleeper better than a team no one gives a chance to with a chip on their shoulder being coached by a real basketball coach and trained by that coach in an almost military-esque training camp. I don't know how the Cavs will finish this season, but they will surprise people and win games people say they shouldn't. They'll probably lose a few they shouldn't, as well. But they will not be as bad as I've heard some people say."

"Make no mistake about it - this game against Wisconsin could not possibly be a better example of D-I college football at its best. This game will be decided by who controls the line of scrimmage for most of the game. Championship football teams have got to have three things: a dominating defensive front, a dominating offensive line and a good and sound and experienced QB." - mittymjs

View full sizeAP FileJim Tressel and the Buckeyes face a stiff test Saturday night against Wisconsin.

In response to the story Ohio State's defensive line hopes to avoid a Badger bashing from Wisconsin's offensive line, cleveland.com reader mittymjs can't wait for Saturday night. This reader writes,

"Make no mistake about it - this game against Wisconsin could not possibly be a better example of D-I college football at its best. This game will be decided by who controls the line of scrimmage for most of the game. Championship football teams have got to have three things: a dominating defensive front, a dominating offensive line and a good and sound and experienced QB."

Colt McCoy will more than likely make his NFL debut on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and ESPN's James Walker writes how McCoy will have plenty of reasons to look forward to more playing time. Walker writes that McCoy's contract more than doubles if he plays 35 percent of the snaps as a rookie. For example, his fourth-year base...

Lisa DeJong/The Plain DealerQuarterback Colt McCoy (12)

Colt McCoy will more than likely make his NFL debut on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and ESPN's James Walker writes how McCoy will have plenty of reasons to look forward to more playing time.

Walker writes that McCoy's contract more than doubles if he plays 35 percent of the snaps as a rookie. For example, his fourth-year base goes from from approximately $500,000 to $1.15 million.

How attainable is McCoy's contract escalator? Let's break it down.

A 35-percent share of a 16-game season is 5.6 games. With the way injuries are for Browns veteran quarterbacks Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace -- who both have severe ankle sprains -- McCoy could start the next 2-3 games. With future injuries and/or solid play, it's not inconceivable for McCoy to approach the 5-6 game range in 2010.

 

 

McCoy makes debut?

News-Herald reporter Jeff Schudel writes how several of the Browns are making Colt McCoy feel at home, several days before he makes his first start.

Teammates razzed McCoy in the locker room before practice Wednesday.

 "You tell 'em, Colt," one player on his way to his locker shouted to McCoy, who was surrounded by reporters.

"Can I have your autograph, Colt?" another said.

"Guarantee a win, Colt," special teams star Blake Costanzo barked.

The Colt McCoy Show isn't going prime time, but 1 p.m. Sunday is close enough for the former Texas Longhorns star.

Mangini knows it may not look for McCoy to begin his career against one of the best defenses in the league.

"I view this as an exciting time," Mangini said. "We get to go to Pittsburgh, a divisional game, a tough opponent.

Eagles pleased with deal

The Browns traded Jerome Harrison to the Philadelphia Eagles for Mike Bell. Eagles GM Howie Roseman says:

"Mike Bell can fit their scheme. They're looking for a downhill runner between the tackles. . . . For us, Jerome, he's a quicker guy, he's athletic, [and] he can catch the football."

The Browns don't play in a West Coast-style offense as the Eagles. Philly.com writer Jeff McClane writes that Roseman expects Harrison to be a quick study. Bell never quite fit into the Eagles' offense.

Independence, Ohio _ Anderson Varejao and Mo Williams took part in this morning's practice at the Cleveland Clinic courts, but they will not play in tonight's preseason game against San Antonio in Pittsburgh, coach Byron Scott said. "I'm really happy with their progress, but we're being a little more cautious.'' Varejao, still recovering from an ankle injury suffered in...

Independence, Ohio _

Anderson Varejao and Mo Williams took part in this morning's practice at the Cleveland Clinic courts, but they will not play in tonight's preseason game against San Antonio in Pittsburgh, coach Byron Scott said.

"I'm really happy with their progress, but we're being a little more cautious.''

Varejao, still recovering from an ankle injury suffered in the world championships last summer, was gone almost two weeks after the death of his grandfather in Brazil. Williams is recovering from a groin injury.

Scott was not ready to announce his starters for tonight's game. Check back here for a pre-game update.

Cavaliers Hall of Fame broadcaster Joe Tait remains hospitalized in Houston with pneumonia but is improving and hopes to return to Ohio in the near future. In his absence, Fred McLeod and Campy Russell will broadcast tonight's game against San Antonio in Pittsburgh.

Mike Snyder and Jim Chones will handle Saturday's radio broadcast against CSKA. Snyder and Russell will handle Tuesday's game against Philadelphia at Cincinnati, and McLeod and Austin Carr will handle the pre-season finale against Milwaukee at Columbus on Oct. 21.

Boys What, when, where: The 41st annual boys Division II and Division III state championships, today and Saturday. Play begins daily at 9 a.m. Division II will be held at the Scarlet Course, Ohio State University, 3605 Tremont Road, Columbus. Call 614-459-4653. Division III will be held at the NorthStar Resort, 1150 Wilson Road, Sunbury. Call 740-524-4653.

Hathaway Brown sophomore Ashley Yarbrough helped the Blazers post the best district score in the state last week.



-

(Tim Harrison/Special to The Plain Dealer)

Boys

What, when, where: The 41st annual boys Division II and Division III state championships, today and Saturday. Play begins daily at 9 a.m. Division II will be held at the Scarlet Course, Ohio State University, 3605 Tremont Road, Columbus. Call 614-459-4653. Division III will be held at the NorthStar Resort, 1150 Wilson Road, Sunbury. Call 740-524-4653.

Admission: $9 per day.

What to watch in Division II: Most people see this as a four-team race between Canton Central Catholic, University School, Archbishop Kettering Alter and Canal Fulton Northwest. While two-time state champion CCC looms as the favorite, US, led by seniors Scott Smith, Will Reitan and Steve Kelly, has as good a chance as anyone and is looking to improve on last year's third-place finish. That threesome has played in a combined eight state tournaments. The US program has won five state titles, including three in a row from 2006-08, and is making its sixth consecutive trip to the state tournament. Smith, making his fourth appearance, has been the rock of the program with a stroke average of 74. Reitan and Kelly are averaging 77 and junior John Coughlin and sophomore Sam Bentz are around 79. CCC shot 307 to win the district at Windmill Lakes, followed by US at 315 and Northwest at 316. Archbishop Kettering Alter won its district with a score of 313. Interestingly, three of Kettering Alter's five players are left-handed. Individually, Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy senior Jacob Forsythe is the lone area representative after finishing second in the district by two strokes to Waynedale senior Grant Weaver. The Scarlet Course plays to a par of 71 over 7,043 yards.

What to watch in Division III: Gilmour Academy senior Alex Andrews is the reigning state champion and hopes to lead his teammates to the school's first team title since 1994. The Lancers, who won the district title at Seven Hills with a score of 315, have five players capable of breaking 80 in Andrews, fellow seniors Greg Calabrese and Matt Oliver, junior Duncan DeFino and sophomore Andrew Bieber. The Lancers' winning district total was 12 shots better than any other district champ and their biggest competition should come from Lima Central Catholic, which was third last year. Lake Ridge Academy, which finished second to Gilmour in the district, is making its first appearance in the state tournament. Senior Spencer Scheeler led the team with a 79 and senior Nick Nemetz, junior Mitchell Rice and freshman Ryan McCarthy were in the 80s. The area's lone individual qualifier is Trinity junior Jimmy Wild, whose 77 at Seven Hills was the fourth-best district score posted in the state. Minster, last year's state team champion, did not qualify this season. NorthStar plays to a par of 72 over 6,796 yards.

Girls

What, when, where: The third annual girls Division II state championship, today and Saturday, 9 a.m. start both days, Gray Course, Ohio State University, 3605 Tremont Road, Columbus. Call 614-459-4653.

Admission: $9 per day.

What to watch: Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin is the defending state champ but the Lions were bested by Hathaway Brown and Poland Seminary in last week's district at Tam O'Shanter. Hathaway Brown's total of 345 was the lowest winning score of any of the district champions but the Blazers can expect a challenge from NDCL, Poland, Huron and St. Paris Graham. Four of NDCL's players -- seniors Danielle Misencik and Nikki Sarkisian, junior Talia Trovato and sophomore Emily Jereb -- were part of last year's team that set a tournament record of 658, and Misencik, Trovato and Jereb all broke 90 in the second round when the team shot 326. That was nine shots better than anyone else and enabled the Lions to overtake first-round leader Poland Seminary. Hathaway Brown finished fourth last year and has just two returnees from that team in sophomores Ashley Yarbrough and Nia Marshall. But the Blazers have been bolstered by the addition of senior two-sport star Sydney Kirby, who shot a team-best 79 in last week's district. Poland has two big-time players in senior Allison Mitzel and junior Maria Mancini. The twosome finished 1-2 in last week's district with scores of 75 and 76, respectively. Huron has three returnees from last year's team and St. Paris Graham returns two. Individually, Columbus Academy's Morgan Ranson returns after finishing as the runner-up last year with a total score of 147. Orange junior Brynn FitzGerald and Bay senior Sarah Balch are the lone area representatives. The Gray Course has a par of 70 and will play to 5,560 yards. 

A degree of notoriety comes with being a defending champion. People like to keep an eye on a defending champ. How are they doing? Can they repeat? Will they become unseated? Is it harder to win once, or twice? A defending champion is shown an added touch of respect. Fellow competitors might become intimidated. Others take it as an...

Gilmour Academy senior Alex Andrews hopes to join Jack Nicklaus and Ben Curtis on the list of Ohio high school golfers who have repeated as individual state champions.



-

(Gus Chan/The Plain Dealer)

A degree of notoriety comes with being a defending champion.

People like to keep an eye on a defending champ. How are they doing? Can they repeat? Will they become unseated? Is it harder to win once, or twice? A defending champion is shown an added touch of respect. Fellow competitors might become intimidated. Others take it as an added challenge.

As the reigning Division III boys golf state champion and the reigning Plain Dealer golfer of the year, Gilmour Academy senior Alex Andrews has taken all of that into consideration.

He knows where he stands.

In the 84 years the Ohio High School Athletic Association has conducted a state golf tournament, only 14 players have been able to repeat as individual champion and that can be a humbling revelation for an 18-year-old. The list includes Jack Nicklaus (Upper Arlington, 1956-57) and British Open champion Ben Curtis (Delaware Buckeye Valley, 1994-95).

"I'm honored to be in this situation," said Andrews, who will try to become the third player from Greater Cleveland -- Willoughby's Bob Shave Jr. (1953-54) and Ravenna's Yank Heisler (1965-66) are the others -- to repeat as individual champions when the Division III state tournament begins today at the NorthStar Resort in Sunbury. "Sure, it adds a little pressure, but that will help me stay focused and live up to the vibe. That can be a good thing."

Andrews might be the only player in the field of 72 -- 60 in the team competition and 12 competing as individuals -- who might be rooting for inclement weather, and no one can blame him.

Playing in conditions more suitable for indoor activities, Andrews not only won the 2009 state championship, he dominated. He shot consecutive rounds of 1-over 73 at the Ohio State Scarlet Course and won by seven shots, an uncharacteristically high margin of victory, while leading the Lancers to a fourth-place team finish. Knowing he can play well in foul weather is a bonus.

"I like playing in bad weather," said Andrews, who helped the Lancers win last week's district tournament at Seven Hills Country Club. "It helps keep me focused. I know that most guys don't like to play in bad weather and they stand a chance of screwing up. So, I'm pretty confident when playing in poor conditions. It's a challenge."

Not only has Andrews grasped the concept of playing in poor weather, he has wrapped his arms around golf as a team sport.

"I love the concept of it," he said. "Playing and practicing as a team, having fun with all your teammates, is the best part."

Andrews averaged 37.2 strokes in nine-hole events this fall and around 75 for 18 holes.

Meanwhile, Gilmour is seeking a fifth state title, but its first since winning four in a row from 1991 to '94. The school is making its 20th appearance in the state tournament.

"We really want to win it," Andrews said of the state title. "We have mostly seniors on the team and we want to go out as champions."

Andrews, who transferred to Gilmour after his freshman season at Kirtland, will be joined by fellow seniors Greg Calabrese and Matt Oliver, junior Duncan DeFino and sophomore Andrew Bieber, whose round of 76 paced Gilmour to a 17-stroke victory over runner-up Lake Ridge Academy in last week's district when Andrews shot 43-35--78.

Gilmour coach Charlie Tremont, who was the captain of the first Gilmour team to reach the state tournament in 1970, said Andrews has shown strong signs as a team leader.

"He is a quiet leader with a competitive spirit," Tremont said. "He channels his competitiveness into his game. He leads with his clubs and has earned the respect of his teammates."

Not to mention the respect of others around the state.

Off the ice with Julian Talbot

OFF THE ICE WITH . . . Monsters center Julian Talbot

Shoots: Left.

Ht/Wt: 6-0, 185.

Born: March 24, 1985, Wahnapitae, Ontario, Canada.

Acquired: from St. Louis for T.J. Hensick on June 17, 2010.

PD: Favorite sport other than hockey?

JT: Tennis.

PD: Favorite athlete growing up?

JT: [Hockey player] Doug Gilmour.

PD: Most exciting sporting event you've ever been a part of?

JT: I played for the Ottawa 67's of the OHL in the Memorial Cup in London, Ontario.

PD: Smartest person you've ever met?

JT: My parents.

PD: Wildest thing you've ever witnessed in hockey rink as fan or player?

JT: When I played in Alaska my first year as a pro, a player on the other team fell on the ice and another guy skated over his wrist. His tendons were cut, blood was squirting all over.

PD: Where were you when it happened?

JT: Right next to the guy. I saw it happen. It was pretty disgusting.

PD: Did the injured player turn out OK?

JT: Yes. They didn't think he'd ever play again, but he's playing now.

PD: While in Alaska, did you do any fishing. If so -- best catch?

JT: My older brother Joe and I caught a halibut that took us a couple of hours to bring in. It was taller than we were.

PD: Highlight of hockey career so far?

JT: The Memorial Cup.

PD: Favorite vacation spot?

JT: Australia. I went there two summers ago, and it was pretty awesome.

PD: Favorite off-ice activities?

JT: Playing tennis and golf and watching movies.

PD: Favorite hockey movie?

JT: "Youngblood."

PD: Not "Slapshot" or "Miracle"?

JT: No. I don't know why, I just like "Youngblood" a lot.

PD: Best hockey advice received as youngster?

JT: Keep the stick on the ice.

PD: Historical figure you would have liked to meet?

JT: I can't think of one off the top of my head.

PD: Toughest part of playing pro hockey?

JT: The travel.

PD: Best part?

JT: Your job is to play a game you love.

PD: Where did you develop your intensity and toughness?

JT: I'm the youngest of four boys. My brothers picked on me a lot growing up.

PD: Worst hockey injury ever suffered?

JT: Concussion.

PD: No broken bones?

JT: No. (Three knocks on table)

Monsters prepared for busy trip.

Technically, the Monsters' mega-trip began last Saturday in Syracuse, N.Y. But the Crunch game essentially was self-contained because the Monsters immediately returned home and practiced in Strongsville this week.

Now comes the real road work. The Monsters begin a stretch of six games in nine days Saturday night in Oklahoma City against the Barons. Here is a rough sketch of the Monster itinerary:

Friday -- Fly to Oklahoma City.

Saturday night -- Play the Barons.

Sunday morning -- Fly to San Antonio, Texas.

Sunday afternoon -- Play the Rampage.

Monday -- Fly to Oklahoma City.

Tuesday night -- Play the Barons.

Wednesday morning -- Fly to San Antonio.

Wednesday night -- Play the Rampage.

Wednesday night/Thursday morning -- Bus to Austin, Texas.

Friday night, Oct. 22 -- Play the Stars.

Saturday, Oct. 23 -- Bus to Houston.

Sunday afternoon, Oct. 24 -- Play the Aeros.

Monday morning, Oct. 25 -- Fly to Cleveland.

"We're going to find out a lot about this team in a short period of time," Monsters coach David Quinn said. "It's going to be tough -- especially the quick turnarounds against San Antonio -- but every team goes on long trips. These guys know the drill, and they're eager to get after it."

The Monsters put themselves in excellent position to face the challenge. In the season opener Oct. 8, they came from two goals down to beat Syracuse, 3-2, in front of 12,524 at The Q. The next night, they beat the host Crunch in a shootout, 2-1.

Lake Erie is one of four AHL teams with a 2-0 record.

"I can't say enough about our effort in the first two games," Quinn said. "I loved the stick-to-itiveness, if that's a word. We've talked about wanting to be relentless, fast and physical. That's our identity. When we're skating, we want to dictate the tempo and establish the pace. That's what happened, for the most part, in the first two games.

"We've only played one team, so it's tough to gauge how we stack up against the rest of the league. I'm not concerned about that, though. I like what I've got to go on so far."

Quinn wanted the Monsters to be fast and physical last season -- his first as a pro head coach. But for a variety of reasons, it did not happen with any degree of regularity. Quinn thinks this season will be different because his players bought in from day one of camp.

"I haven't questioned our pace or work ethic once," he said. "I haven't had to skate them once, condition them once, because our practices have been so fast-paced. The conditioning is within the practice, which is the way it should be."

Between the pipes: The Monsters are convinced they have one of the best goalie tandems in the league, veterans Jason Bacashihua and John Grahame. Bacashihua won the opener and Grahame won the second game.

"We didn't give up a ton of shots in either game, but we gave up some tough shots that each guy stopped," Monsters General Manager David Oliver said.

As of now, the goalies are Nos. 1 and 1A.

"They both knew the situation coming in, and I give them credit," Oliver said. "Their attitude has been great. This type of situation is going to bring out the best in both of them."

Numbers game: Based on the 30 rosters submitted to the AHL office before opening weekend, the average age of an AHL player to begin the 2010-2011 season was 24 years, 3 months. The rosters featured a total of 747 players.

Other nuggets provided by the AHL communications department include:

The youngest player in the league on opening night was Jeremy Morin, 19, a forward with the Rockford Ice Hogs. Morin, a second-round draft pick by the Atlanta Thrashers in 2009, was acquired by the Chicago Blackhawks in an off-season trade. As of Oct. 8, there were 309 AHL players who were 22 years old and under; 495 players were under age 25.

The Abbotsford Heat (23 years, 0 months) is the youngest team in the league, featuring a 25-man roster that included nine rookies and four second-year pros.

AHL rosters were made up of 56.6 percent Canadians and 31.2 percent Americans. Swedes (3.5 percent) make up the largest contingent of European-born players.

Brian Sipe of playoff-bound Browns passes for 349 yards and four touchdowns -- the last one a game-winner to Ozzie Newsome -- against a Steelers team missing five future Hall of Famers with injuries.

David I. Andersen, The Plain DealerUsually, things clicked between Browns receiver Dave Logan (85) and quarterback Brian Sipe (17), like in the 27-26, 1980 win over the Steelers, when Logan caught eight Sipe passes for 131 yards.

By Mike Peticca, Plain Dealer Reporter

Game story by Russell Schneider, Plain Dealer

Cleveland, Ohio -- All four teams in the American Football Conference Central Division championship race were in contention when the Pittsburgh Steelers visited the Cleveland Browns on Oct. 26, 1980.

Plain Dealer reporter Russell Schneider wrote the story (to follow) describing the Browns' 27-26 win.

Going into the game, the Steelers had won 13 of the last 15 contests between the teams. The Browns' two wins were by five and two points. In the Steelers' 13 wins, they scored an average of 31.5 points and held the Browns to an average of 16.

The Browns had not been to the playoffs since 1972. Since then, Pittsburgh had won four Super Bowls: in the 1974, 1975, 1978 and 1979 seasons.

But, the Browns had at least a couple things going for them.

Quarterback Brian Sipe, leader of the Browns' "Kardiac Kids," was in the midst of a season for which he would be named the NFL's MVP. This game would be one of his greatest.

And, amazingly, the Steelers would play the game without five injured players who would make the Hall of Fame. 

Three weeks later, on Nov. 16, 1980, the Browns lost at Pittsburgh, 16-13; Pittsburgh having all but one of the injured, future Hall of Famers back.

The Browns went on to win the Central Divison with an 11-5 record. They lost to the eventual champion Oakland Raiders, 14-12, in a divisional playoff game on Jan. 4, 1981: the infamous "Red Right 88" game when Oakland's Mike Davis intercepted a Sipe pass in the Raiders' end zone with 49 seconds left. 

Pittsburgh finished 9-7 and didn't make the playoffs for the first time since 1971. 

The Plain Dealer's Browns history database features PD stories on every Browns regular season and playoff game in the team's history. Click on to the highlighted game result for The Plain Dealer game stories. Click on to highlighted dates, players and teams for game box scores and player and team details, via Pro-Football-Reference.com.

The game story, as the Browns defeat the Steelers, 27-26, on Oct. 26, 1980: 

By Russell Schneider

The Plain Dealer

Oct. 26, 1980

Sam Rutigliano says he now knows the Browns are "pointed in the right direction." And there were 79,095 fans at the stadium yesterday - plus the Pittsburgh Steelers - who would have to agree.

In another amazing comeback that overcame several costly mistakes, the Browns beat the Steelers, 27-26, to remain in a tie - with Houston - for first place in the Central Division of the American Conference.

The Oilers beat Cincinnati, 23-3, so now Houston and the Browns are tied with 5-3 records. Pittsburgh is third at 4-4, and the Bengals are 3-5.

Brian Sipe, the intrepid Browns quarterback who has been nothing less than sensational for most of this season, engineered the victory. It was the Browns' third in a row and only their first over the Steelers in seven games dating back to 1976.

Sipe passed for 349 yards and all four touchdowns. He completed 28 of 46 aerials behind splendid protection by the Browns' offensive line.

Dave Logan and Greg Pruitt were the leading receivers, each hauling in eight passes, Logan for 131 yards, and Pruitt for 71 yards and two touchdowns. Pruitt was starting for the first time since suffering a knee injury that required surgery a year ago today.

The Steelers played without five regulars, including quarterback Terry Bradshaw. Cliff Stoudt, who grew up in Oberlin and starred at Youngstown State, replaced Bradshaw. And despite Bradshaw's ability, it's doubtful that he could have done a better job then Stoudt this time.

Stoudt completed 18 of 37 passes for 310 yards, and was effective until the final minutes of the bruising battle, played on a soggy field that was made muddier by a cold rain that fell most of the day.

Other regulars who could not play for the Steelers were fullback Franco Harris, middle linebacker Jack Lambert and wide receivers John Stallworth and Lynn Swann.

Their replacements performed creditably, especially Jim Smith and Theo Bell, who played in place of Stallworth and Swann and caught eight passes for 200 yards between them.

Sipe suffered another injury, this one to his right shoulder. But it should not cause him to miss any playing time.

When it was over, Sipe breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Beating the Steelers is like getting something very important out of the way. It should make us an even better team.

"We've just beaten probably the best team in the National Football League and are right where we want to be. We have picked ourselves up after a rough start and we've earned the position we're in.

"Now, I really don't think there's any team that can stop us."

As for his "relief," Sipe said, "We kissed off a lot of opportunities, but we fought back from adversity, and that makes this (victory) all the sweeter."

Indeed, the Browns didn't help themselves in the early going, which is what Rutigliano meant when he said, "We did a number of things where somebody would look back and say 'We should have won a lot easier.' "

The Steelers turned a pass interception by Ron Johnson into a 7-0 lead, and then capitalized on a bad snap from center Gerry Sullivan to punter Johnny Evans for a field goal that made it 10-0 in the first quarter.

The Browns fought back with a touchdown early in the second period, but Matt Bahr kicked another field goal to give the Steelers a 13-7 halftime margin.

A fumble by Mike Pruitt opened the door to another Pittsburgh touchdown six minutes into the third quarter, increasing the Browns' deficit to 20-7 - and dimming the hopes of most of the fans, if not the Cleveland players who have grown accustomed to Sipe's ability to pull games out of the fire.

The two teams traded touchdowns before the third period ended, but the Browns still trailed by 12 points, 26-14, as the fourth quarter got underway.

Then, so did the Browns' comeback, first on a 73-yard drive that culminated in Greg Pruitt's second touchdown pass reception, a 7-yarder at the 5:39 mark. The game-winner was an 18-yard aerial from Sipe to Ozzie Newsome with 5:38 left on the clock.

It turned out that Bahr's missed conversion after the Steelers' last touchdown was critical. The ball hooked off Bahr's foot and hit the left upright of the goal post, falling outside.

Don Cockroft's extra-point kick, following the Browns' second-last touchdown, also missed. But he was perfect after Newsome's touchdown to break the 26-26 tie.

But the victory wasn't achieved without an outstanding, last-minute effort by the defense, spearheaded by cornerback Ron Bolton.

The Steelers took over on their own 16, following the kickoff after Newsome's go-ahead touchdown. Stoudt was incomplete with three passes and the Steelers had to punt.

Now the Browns got the ball on their own 49 with 4:52 to go, but couldn't sustain a drive and also had to punt after three plays. So the Steelers got another chance from their own 20 with 3:53 on the clock.

Now Stoudt connected on three passes for 20 yards. But Bolton made a good play on a second-and-5 situation, and then intercepted the next aerial by Stoudt. It was intended for Smith. Bolton picked it off at the Cleveland 41, and the Browns were in command once again with 1:57 remaining.

They tried to wind down the clock, and did so until only 24 seconds were left. Then Evans, who had a good day, punted from the Steelers' 42 into the end zone, and Stoudt was given two more chances.

He was sacked on his first attempt, though it appeared that Bolton had made another interception on the play. And then, with the clock down to four seconds, Stoudt found Smith on a 34-yarder - but the Browns stopped him, and the game ended with the Steelers at their own 47.

Bedlam broke loose and the Browns whooped and hollered all the way into their locker room.

"The time you know you are pointed in the right direction is when you have to go uphill as we did today," said Rutigliano afterward. "And this is just the beginning for us. We've got a helluva long road ahead of us, and we've got to take them one at a time and savor this one."