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Firestone High School graduate Mark Gangloff tries to make his third U.S. Olympic swimming team: Trials notebook

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Firestone grad Mark Gangloff aims for his third Olympic team Tuesday night in a 100 breaststroke final filled with veterans.

gangloff.jpgView full sizeGold medalist Mark Gangloff of Munroe Falls.

OMAHA, Neb. -- Since the last Olympics, one beat cancer, one retired and unretired, and one had a daughter. The grand old men of the breaststroke have done some living in the past four years, and in a sport where teenagers often make a splash, the 100 breaststroke final tonight at the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials should come down to three guys who have seen some stuff, in and out of the pool.

Mark Gangloff, a 30-year-old Akron Firestone grad, welcomed daughter Annabelle, with his wife Ashley, in 2009. Gangloff is a two-time Olympian, with two relay gold medals, who made the Olympic teams in 2004 and 2008 by finishing second in the 100 breaststroke at the trials. He enters tonight off the third-fastest time, a 1:00.22, in the semis Monday night, a race in which he said he felt "great" while smiling after his swim.

"I think I'm a different person than I was four years ago, and certainly different than eight years ago," Gangloff said. "I'm a father now. I was just a kid the first time, and I think I have a different outlook on life in general. I'm at peace with everything I'm doing, so as I'm progressing through this, I'm certainly not getting as nervous as I was before."

Brendan Hansen, 30, retired after the 2008 Olympics, rediscovered his competitive juices in triathlons and slipped back in the pool a little less than two years ago. He had to remember how to race but has found his old form and said Monday he's swimming better than ever. Hansen is a two-time Olympian with four medals, including two golds, and he won the 100 breaststroke at the past two trials, just ahead of Gangloff. He will start in lane 4 tonight after posting the fastest time, a 59.71, in the semis.

Eric Shanteau, 28, is the one who beat testicular cancer, which was diagnosed between the trials and the Olympics four years ago. The 2008 Games were his first, and he's without a medal, after finishing a distracted 10th in the 200 breaststroke in Beijing. He enters the final with the fourth-best time in the semis, a 1:00.27.

"With Brendan coming back, it's kind of the same old guys," Shanteau said.

Shanteau and Hansen are the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds in the 200 breaststroke, so they'll have another chance Friday, while this is Gangloff's only real shot at the team.

All three, none of whom giggle while answering questions, understand there's more to life than swimming. And that, they say, is better for their swimming.

"There is a maturity level when you get older and you start to appreciate stuff," Hansen said. "I look back on the 2004 trials, and I was 21 years old, and I was all talent and runnin' and gunnin'. I felt like I had something to prove. Now, eight years later, I feel like I don't want to wish these two months away too fast."

"When you go through something like cancer at the Olympics," Shanteau said, "you say, 'Hey, swimming is not that big a deal anymore. It should be fun. I chose to do this, I'm not being forced to do this.' So racing gets a whole lot more fun."

Buckeyes start fast: Ohio State reached two goals on the first day of the trials, as OSU junior Shannon Draves and former Buckeyes swimmer Elliott Keefer each reached an evening semifinal after finishing in the top 16 in the prelims.

Draves, seeded 31st in the 100 butterfly, advanced with a morning swim that was 15th, though she wasn't sure at the time it would be enough.

She only knew an evening swim would be "awesome," and she couldn't stop smiling after finishing last in her semifinal, but dropping time.

"It was so neat, the energy was crazy," Draves said. "I was actually a lot less nervous than I was this morning. I got the jitters out this morning, so I figured I had nothing to lose."

Draves credited OSU teammate and Lakewood High grad Kelsey Moran with swimming well in the morning before Draves and letting her know what was out there.

"It got me excited, and everyone else excited," Draves said.

Keefer, seeded No. 5 in the 200 breaststroke later in the week with a real chance to make the team, called his semifinal advancement in the 100 breaststroke "icing."

"The swim went exactly as I wanted it," said Keefer, who was seeded 25th and swam 12th. "This is going to help my 200 a lot. Now I get a second swim to get better."

He finished last in his semi in that swim, but he still did what he wanted to do.

High schoolers learn: Hawken School senior-to-be Sarah Koucheki survived her first trials experience, finishing 154th in the prelims of the 100 butterfly.

"I was shaking up on the blocks," Koucheki said. "I was nervous going in, but getting the first race out of the way will help me for the next race in the 200 fly."

Akron Firestone junior Katie Miller, exhausted after her 400 IM swim, finished a strong 40th.


Tuesday, June 26 television and radio sports listings for Cleveland and Northeast Ohio

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Highlights include Indians at Yankees.

justin-masterson9.jpgJustin Masterson gets the start for the Indians against the Yankees tonight in New York. The 7:05 game will be televised on SportsTime Ohio and broadcast on WTAM/1100-AM.

CLEVELAND, Ohio

Today's TV and radio sports listings

BASEBALL 

7 p.m. AKRON AEROS at Altoona, AM/1350 

7 p.m. LAKE COUNTY CAPTAINS at Dayton, AM/1330 

7:05 p.m. INDIANS at New York Yankees, SportsTime Ohio; AM/1100 

8 p.m. Detroit at Texas, MLB Network 

COLLEGE BASEBALL WORLD SERIES FINALS 

8 p.m. Game 3*, Arizona vs. South Carolina, ESPN 

*-if necessary 

GOLF 

4 p.m. Professional National Championship, Golf Channel 

SWIMMING 

6:30 p.m. U.S. Olympic Trials, qualifying heats (tape), NBCSN 

8 p.m. U.S. Olympic Trials, finals, WKYC 

TENNIS 

7 a.m. Wimbledon, early round, ESPN2 

WNBA 

7 p.m. Seattle at Washington, ESPN2 


Sprinter Tianna Madison shares her experiences at Olympic Trials

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Sprinter Tianna Madison shares how she felt after making the Olympic team.

tiannamadisontrains2006.jpgSprinter Tianna Madison has rededicated herself to the principles of honor, integrity and self-respect.

Olympic sprinter Tianna Madison of Elyria is blogging about her U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials experience exclusively for The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com. Madison, 26, qualified for the London Olympics when she placed second in the 100 meters at the Trials last Saturday. Her trials are not over. She competes in the 200 meters, which will be Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and she is entered in the long jump, Thursday and Sunday. A 2003 graduate of Elyria High School, Madison was the 2005 world long jump champion.

Nine months ago, I rededicated my life to three principles: honor, integrity, and self-respect. Honor for my profession and the sport of track and field, integrity for my work ethic and the way I train, and respect for myself, my body, and my social presence. My focus has been on living out these three principles and never, ever cutting corners. EVER. This has permanently changed my life. I am at peace for the first time and I am happy.

I would like to tell the readers what I experienced Sunday, the day after I made my first Olympic team in the 100-meter dash. I was asked by USATF [USA Track & Field] and the USOC [U.S. Olympic Committee] to go through team processing and it lasted four hours. This is where it hit me. I immediately was humbled by the treatment I received by both organizations as they prepared me for London and the Olympic Games. I thought, "Why am I so lucky to experience this? Everybody should have the chance to experience this."

I thought of all the everyday people that never get recognized for the hard work they do . . . mothers, factory workers, bus drivers -- why me? I'm just an ordinary, everyday person, too. They should have the opportunity to feel this, experience this. It's overwhelming.

The final, most moving experience was getting fitted by a professional tailor for my opening ceremonies outfit. I was brought to tears. Wow. Humbling. Overwhelming. I am honored.

Over the next few days I will share with you what I am experiencing as I prepare for two more events here at the Olympic Trials, the 200-meter dash and the long jump.

I would like to thank everyone for their overwhelming support. You'll hear from me soon.

-- Tianna Madison

Travis Hafner could begin rehab assignment this week: Indians Chatter

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Tribe DH Travis Hafner could start a rehab assignment later this week. Manager Manny Acta said Hafner ran the bases Monday at Progressive Field to test his right knee. He will do sliding drills today.

Travis HafnerTravis Hafner hasn't played since May 23.

Tribe DH Travis Hafner could start a rehab assignment later this week.

Manager Manny Acta said Hafner ran the bases Monday at Progressive Field to test his right knee. He will do sliding drills today.

“If he comes through that all right, he could start his rehab in a couple of days,” said Acta.

Hafner is recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his knee. His most recent game was May 23. The Indians were 12-16 with Hafner out of the lineup entering Monday’s series opener against the Yankees.

Time is running out: Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera and second baseman Jason Kipnis were fourth in the final update of fan voting for the July 10 All-Star Game. Voting at ballparks is done, but fans still can vote online at MLB.com until 11:59 p.m. Thursday.

Monday’s results had Cabrera with 1,063,137 votes and Kipnis at 852,325. Players, managers and coaches cast their votes over the weekend.

Stat of the day: In the three-game series against Houston, the Indians hit .167 (15-for-90) with four runs and three extra-base hits. They hit .200 (3-for-15) with runners in scoring position.


Northeast Ohio Amateur Golf: Jeff Mallette, Norton Brick take titles; Doug Hauenstein in hospital

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Elyria Country Club’s 6,736 yards did not have everyone’s undivided attention Monday during the final two rounds of the 82nd Annual Northeast Ohio Amateur golf tournament.

noga northeast ohio golf association logo

Elyria Country Club’s 6,736 yards did not have everyone’s undivided attention Monday during the final two rounds of the 82nd Annual Northeast Ohio Amateur golf tournament.

Officials from the Northern Ohio Golf Association and many in the field of 60 — especially eventual winners Dr. Jeff Mallette and Norton Brick — had thoughts of veteran competitor Doug Hauenstein.

Hauenstein, from Aurora, was supposed to have taken a one-shot lead into the final round of the Championship Division after posting identical rounds of 72 on the West Course at Firestone Country Club and Boulder Creek Golf Club, respectively, last week.

Instead, the 51-year-old was confined to a hospital bed and prevented from perhaps winning a record sixth straight NEO Am title after suffering a fall and breaking three vertebrae in his back Saturday at his home.

“Doug and I are good friends, and it’s just unbelievable to think that something like that happened to him,” said Mallette, who came from two shots back on a blustery day to win his first NEO Am title with rounds of 71 and 74 for a 72-hole score of 292 and a four-shot win. “Obviously, it would have made a big difference to have him here, and it’s too bad he wasn’t.”

After winning his second Senior Am title and third overall in a five-hole playoff with Dr. Marc Fried, Brick sent Hauenstein a text message wishing him a full recovery.

Brick, of Elyria, and Fried, of Solon, tied at 224 in regulation play — the seniors played just 54 holes — and each parred the first four holes in the playoff. Brick, who began the final rounds seven shots behind, won it by making a 13-foot birdie putt on the 415-yard 10th hole.

“I was all ready to go home,” Brick said of his comeback. “Never thought I’d be able to make up that kind of ground.”

Mallette, who has qualified for five U.S. Amateurs during a sparkling career, pulled past leaders Jeff Barber, of Willoughby, and Nick Blackburn, of Westlake, by shooting a 1-under 71 during the morning 18 holes. He took a three-shot lead over those two and Strongsville’s Kevin Pikus into the last 18 holes.

“Nothing fancy,” said Mallette, who bogeyed two of his first four holes during the final round but birdied the 346-yard seventh and the 507-yard eighth to maintain his margin. He added another birdie on the 170-yard 13th by making a 12-footer.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: trogers@plaind.com, 216-999-6163

On Twitter: @TimRogersPD


Captains, Clippers win: Minor League Report

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RF Trevor Crowe (.286) and DH Russ Canzler (.274) each homered for host Columbus in an International League victory against Lehigh Valley (Pa.) on Monday.

trevor crowe headshot carouselTrevor Crowe

AAA Columbus Clippers

Clippers 7, IronPigs 3

RF Trevor Crowe (.286) and DH Russ Canzler (.274) each homered for host Columbus in an International League victory against Lehigh Valley (Pa.) on Monday. 3B Jared Goedert (.273) doubled, singled and scored a run for the Clippers.

AA Akron Aeros

Curve 13, Aeros 8

RF Thomas Neal (.289) hit a three-run homer, 1B Adam Abraham (.241) also went deep and LF Jeremie Tice (.353) drove in two runs, but Akron lost an Eastern League contest in Altoona, Pa. Aeros LHP T.J. House (3.71) allowed five runs in three innings.

Advanced A Carolina Mudcats

Keys 1, Mudcats 0 (8 inn.)

RHP Michael Goodnight (2-8, 4.50) struck out seven and gave up just one run in seven innings, but host Carolina lost a rain-shortened Carolina League game to Frederick (Md.).

A Lake County Captains

Captains 8, Dragons 3

SS Francisco Lindor (.278) singled, walked, stole his 17th base of the season and scored three runs as Lake County won a Midwest League contest in Dayton. C Alex Monsalve (.258) had two hits and two RBI for the Captains.

A Mahoning Valley Scrappers

Crosscutters 3, Scrappers 2

RHP Luis DeJesus (0.82) struck out eight, and he allowed only three hits and one run in six innings, but host Mahoning Valley lost a New York-Penn League game to Williamsport (Pa.). In two starts with the Scrappers, DeJesus has given up one run in 11 innings.



Westlake's Colton Buffington is Plain Dealer's Boys Tennis Player of the Year

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Colton Buffington has to retire the hat. The sweat-stained Westlake High baseball cap, given to him by Demons pitcher and friend Kevin Neumann and worn backward during four years of varsity tennis matches, will have to be put to rest next to the Division I state championship trophy.

Westlake's Colton Buffington capped his senior season with a perfect 30-0 record by bringing home the title during Memorial Day weekend in Columbus. - (Allison Carey, The Plain Dealer)

Colton Buffington has to retire the hat.

The sweat-stained Westlake High baseball cap, given to him by Demons pitcher and friend Kevin Neumann and worn backward during four years of varsity tennis matches, will have to be put to rest next to the Division I state championship trophy.

Buffington is The Plain Dealer's Boys Tennis Player of the Year, also earning that distinction in 2010.

Buffington capped his senior season with a perfect 30-0 record by bringing home the title during Memorial Day weekend in Columbus. When he put away three-time runner-up Zach Mueck of Lakota East in the final, it was the culmination of more than four years of preparation.

"I didn't win it that day, I won it the 2,000 days before that," said Buffington, who will play tennis and pursue a marketing degree at Louisville. "It was about not going out, doing extra sit-ups and push-ups, running more stairs. It was the grind of every day.

"It taught me that if you work hard every day, you can do it."

It was also about all the hours of tennis practice, including a year at a tennis academy in South Carolina when he was an eighth-grader. And it was about overcoming bitter disappointment. After making it to Columbus as a freshman, he finished third as a sophomore. That set up expectations of a huge junior season that saw him go 29-0 before losing in the 2011 quarterfinals.

"I won the district as a junior and kind of had a target on my back," said Buffington. "Senior year, I had some mixed emotions. I had signed for college and was having fun.

"But I also felt the pressure was on. Good players can make it all four years. Great players win it."

Pushing himself on and off the court to excel, Buffington did achieve that elite status. He's in the process of breaking in his new chapeau. "I have a Louisville hat I've been wearing," he said. "It's already a little beat up."

Related story:Plain Dealer High School Boys Tennis All-Stars

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: jmaxse@plaind.com, 216-999-5168

On Twitter: @JoeMaxse

Plain Dealer High School Boys Tennis All-Stars

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PLAYER OF THE YEARCOLTON BUFFINGTON, WestlakeSenior, SinglesCollege: Louisville.Notable: He has lost only one match the past two seasons, going 30-0 this year to win the Division I state championship. It was the first Division I singles title for a Northeast Ohio player since 2002. He made the state tournament all four years, finishing third as a sophomore when he...

Colton Buffington, Westlake

PLAYER OF THE YEAR
COLTON BUFFINGTON, Westlake
Senior, Singles
College: Louisville.
Notable: He has lost only one match the past two seasons, going 30-0 this year to win the Division I state championship. It was the first Division I singles title for a Northeast Ohio player since 2002. He made the state tournament all four years, finishing third as a sophomore when he also was The Plain Dealer Player of the Year.

Related story: Westlake's Colton Buffington is Plain Dealer's Boys Tennis Player of the Year

OTHER ALL-STARS

MAX KAN, Orange
Junior, Singles
College: Undecided.
Notable: Won the Division II state singles championship, going 13-0 during the postseason and 17-0 overall. First Division II state titlist from Northeast Ohio in 15 years and first Orange champion since Mark Rothchild in 1985. Lost a year of eligibility after attending tennis academy in Houston and will not be allowed to play high school tennis next year.
AARON SANDBERG, Walsh Jesuit
Sophomore, Singles
College: Undecided.
Notable: Finished third in Division I singles, losing to eventual champion Colton Buffington in semifinal. Came back to win third- place match against Jeffrey Schorsch of Perrysburg. Finished season at 30-5.
SIDDARTH AHUJA, Hawken
Sophomore, Doubles
College: Undecided.
Notable: Teamed once again with Daniel Lubarsky to win sectional and district titles, then went 4-0 at state to win the Division II championship. It was the second straight year Northeast Ohio prevailed in doubles, Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy winning in 2011. Went 12-3 in singles.
DANIEL LUBARSKY, Hawken
Senior, Doubles
College: Brandeis.
Notable: Won the Division II doubles state championship, going 12-0 during the postseason. Returned with partner Siddarth Ahuja after being eliminated in first round in 2011. Went 14-1 in singles during the regular season.

WESTON NOALL, Gilmour
Sophomore, Doubles
College: Undecided.
Notable: After losing in 2011 first round, returned with teammate Mike Ri-
ley to finish third in Division II by defeating Toledo Maumee Valley Country Day. Went 11-2 in singles during the season.
MIKE RILEY, Gilmour
Senior, Doubles
College: Lake Forest.
Notable: Teamed with Weston Noall for second straight year and went 9-3 during tournament play for third place. Only losses were to eventual state champion Hawken in sectional and district play and returning 2011 finalists from Lima Central Catholic in semifinals. Went 10-2 in singles.
COACH OF THE YEAR
JEFF MANNIES, Westlake
Notable: Mannies, 53, completed his fourth season with the Demons, who won the Southwestern Conference title for a fourth straight year. Westlake advanced two singles players and two doubles teams to the Division I district tournament. The native of Muncie, Ind., played tennis at Wittenberg University. He is a teaching professional with his SRO Athletics. He coaches at Magnificat in the fall.

About spring All-Stars

The 2012 spring All-Stars were chosen by The Plain Dealer's high school sports staff.

Selections were based on many factors, including reporters' firsthand knowledge and observations made while covering competitions, statistics, input from area coaches, and characteristics such as sportsmanship and leadership.

Consideration was given to athletes who were overwhelmingly among the best but were unable to compete the entire season because of injury.

However, the athlete must have performed at the highest level for a substantial portion of the season. In team sports, reporters also considered strength of schedule and performance in key games.

In individual sports, the biggest factor was performance in state tournaments.

 

 


Bud Shaw tells 92.3 The Fan that the Tribe needs fewer lefties in lineup

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Plain Dealer columnist Bud Shaw joined Kiley and Booms on WKRK FM/92.3 The Fan this morning to talk Tribe baseball and the NBA draft.

bud-shaw.jpgBud Shaw
Plain Dealer columnist Bud Shaw joined Kiley and Booms on WKRK FM/92.3 The Fan this morning to talk Tribe baseball and the NBA draft.

Bud said it’s time for the Tribe to make a move, and the Kevin Youkilis deal could come back to haunt them. Bud also discussed the Cavaliers’ plan for Thursday’s draft, which may include trading Anderson Varejao.

Each weekday, Plain Dealer reporters and writers will share their insights on sports topics on The Fan. You can also catch their views on SB TV on the Starting Blocks blog.

Tribe needs to have better approach at the plate - Comment of the Day

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"The Yankees showed the proper way to work the count against Tomlin. It's not to just run up a pitch count. It's about getting a better pitch to hit. The Yankees consistently fouled off pitches that weren't to their liking, forcing Tomlin to come in with some fat pitches. And the Yankees know what to do with fat pitches!" - capmjh

indians.JPGView full sizeIt was a rough day offensively for the Tribe last night against the Yankees.
In response to the story Cleveland Indians' left-handed batters can't hit New York Yankees' right-hander Hiroki Kuroda, cleveland.com reader capmjh says the Indians need to be patient at the plate. This reader writes,

"The Yankees showed the proper way to work the count against Tomlin. It's not to just run up a pitch count. It's about getting a better pitch to hit. The Yankees consistently fouled off pitches that weren't to their liking, forcing Tomlin to come in with some fat pitches. And the Yankees know what to do with fat pitches!

On the Tribe side, the entire offense looked lost at the plate. They needed to take a page out of the Yankee hitting manual and foul off the pitches they didn't like from Kuroda, until he gave them one to their liking. Instead they were swinging (and missing) and hitting weak pop ups."

To respond to capmjh's comment, go here.

For more comments of the day, go to blog.cleveland.com/comments-of-the-day.

Bobcats coach says trading No. 2 pick make sense: NBA Draft news and rumors

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One intriguing potential trade partner for the Bobcats could be the Cavaliers, who own picks No. 4 and 24.

Bradley BealWould the Cavaliers trade up to No. 2 to take Florida guard Bradley Beal?

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — New Charlotte coach Mike Dunlap says the idea of trading down from the No. 2 spot in the NBA draft to acquire extra picks "makes a lot of sense" for a young team like the Bobcats.

After finishing 7-59 and with the worst winning percentage (.106) in NBA history, the Bobcats have a variety of holes to fill this offseason.

Dunlap recognizes that.

That's one of the reasons he said the Bobcats are taking a "hybrid thinking" approach to Thursday night's draft, which means evaluating the talent available at No. 2 while simultaneously looking into the feasibility of moving down and picking up an additional first-round draft pick.

He said the option of trading down "is on the board."

"I think anybody in our situation would have that on the board," Dunlap said. "(Our) people are very smart up top. So options and thinking of your variables is a very smart thing to do."

Dunlap said the decision on whether to remain at No. 2 or move down will be up to his bosses — general manager Rich Cho and director of basketball operations Rod Higgins. As of right now they're not talking about the draft, although both are expected to address the media at a pre-draft press conference Wednesday.

The New Orleans Hornets won the NBA lottery and have the No 1 pick.

It would be a major surprise if they don't take Kentucky's Anthony Davis, considered by many a franchise-type player.

The No. 2 pick is a bit more complicated.

There's no consensus pick for that spot with opinions varying on whether Kansas forward Thomas Robinson, Florida guard Brandon Beal, Kentucky swingman Michael Kidd-Gilchrist or North Carolina forward Harrison Barnes might be the next best player available.

Dunlap says the front office has "definitely reduced" the number of candidates in consideration for the No. 2 pick should the team stand pat.

"That's their job," Dunlap said of Cho and Higgins. "And I'm a resource. But those guys have done a wonderful job all year long of evaluation, so I think they have a clear idea of scenarios. There are many variables, but they have it down."

One intriguing potential trade partner for the Bobcats could be the Cleveland Cavaliers, who own picks No. 4 and 24.

If the Bobcats trade down it might allow them to acquire an outside shooter.

That's what Dunlap considers the team's most pressing need.

"The ability to make the three is important because it allows you to play inside the 3-point line," Dunlap said. "What happens is a defense collapses and it gets crowded in there. I would say that is safe to say that we need to do that. And we need to do a better job with our spacing, too. But as far as the roster goes it's always nice to have guys who can shoot a basketball."

Latest NBA Draft rumors:

Wolves to send No. 18 pick to Rockets; Houston reportedly acquiring assets to make run at Dwight Howard (ESPN)

Golden State Warriors are shopping all four picks (Bleacher Report)

Are Bobcats juicing value of No. 2 pick by floating trade rumors? (Sporting News)

The Bobcats worked out four players on Monday including Vanderbilt's John Jenkins, who fits the bill as an outside shooter after shooting 48.3 percent from beyond the arc last season.

Although he's not considered a top 10 pick, he could be an option for the Bobcats with their second round pick (31st overall). The others that worked out Monday in Charlotte were Missouri's Kim English, Virginia Tech's Dorenzo Hudson and High Point's Nick Barbour.

"I think it's a good draft and I also think there are a lot of guys out there that will be in that top 20 who have won a lot of basketball games," Dunlap said. "They kind of know the expectations. I also think you'll see a lot of wheeling and dealing with teams moving down or up."

While Dunlap could have some input on draft day decisions, his primary focus has been on developing the players he has on the roster.

He's dove head-first into the challenge.

Known as a no-nonsense coach, Dunlap spent more than two hours Monday working with a handful of Bobcats players including Byron Mullens and last year's rookie lottery picks Kemba Walker and Bismack Biyombo. The practice was fast-paced and intense in nature.

"Their work ethic and their willingness to learn has been good," he said. "I hope so, it's the honeymoon and there's nothing at stake right now."

Dunlap, who previously worked as an assistant at St. John's, has also been working on assembling an assistant coaching staff, although nothing is imminent.

"We're going to take our time," Dunlap said. "As they say in the business, hire slow, fire fast. I know that one."


Looking forward to having Travis Hafner back in the lineup - Tribe Comment of the Day

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"What does a middle of the order masher do for the rest of the line-up? Yes, his best mashing days may be behind him. Yes, other teams don't fear him as much. But there are alot of teams that still respect his ability to change the tide of the game. He effects 2 hitters before and 2 hitters after. His biggest effect is we will be to push Damon down in the order and he will get Carlos better pitches. I look forward to getting Travis back." - ncarolinafan

hafner.JPGView full sizeAdding Travis Hafner back to the lineup would help struggling offense.
In response to the story Travis Hafner could begin rehab assignment this week: Indians Chatter, cleveland.com reader ncarolinafan says he looks forward to having Travis Hafner back in the lineup. This reader writes,

"What does a middle of the order masher do for the rest of the line-up? Yes, his best mashing days may be behind him. Yes, other teams don't fear him as much. But there are alot of teams that still respect his ability to change the tide of the game. He effects 2 hitters before and 2 hitters after. His biggest effect is we will be to push Damon down in the order and he will get Carlos better pitches. I look forward to getting Travis back."

To respond to ncarolinafan's comment, go here.

For more comments of the day, go to blog.cleveland.com/comments-of-the-day.

Dumping Colt McCoy to avoid controversy, Chris Perez is right, growing debates on NBA draft and Omar can dance: Blog Roundup

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Here are what blogs from Cleveland and around the country are saying about the Browns, Cavaliers and Indians. Featured today are Waiting For Next Year, Pro Football Talk and Did The Tribe Win Last Night.

Here are what blogs from Cleveland and around the country are saying about the Browns, Cavaliers and Indians.


mccoy.JPGShould the Browns dump McCoy to avoid controversy?
Cleveland Browns


Mike Florio over at Pro Football Talk says the Browns should dump Colt McCoy to avoid any controversy.
"The problem is that, by keeping McCoy for too long, the Browns may inadvertently maximize his standing among the fans and the local media, sparking claims that maybe he should be the primary backup to Weeden — or that maybe McCoy should still be the starter.


While most of the names have changed since 2007, the Browns desperately need to avoid any situation in which McCoy would be playing and Weeden would be watching. When Derek Anderson got the nod five years ago after Charlie Frye (another former third-round pick) was traded after a disastrous Week One showing against the Steelers, Anderson felt zero pressure because everyone assumed he was holding the spot until first-rounder Brady Quinn was ready to play. And then Anderson, who wasn’t forced to look over his shoulder and could relax and play football without obsessing over whether the next incompletion would be his last one, played very well."

chris perz.JPGChris Perez: Agree or disagree with what he has said?
Cleveland Indians


Christian Petrila of Did The Tribe Win Last Night says Chris Perez is only telling the truth.
"The excuses for not supporting the Indians need to stop, Cleveland. There is absolutely no validity behind any of the excuses. All you’re doing is enraging one of the brightest spots on the Indians. He leads the league in saves and is purely dominant, but what good is it if the fans are only driving him away? If he leaves Cleveland, only the unappeasable fans are to blame. I know it seems harsh, but it’s true.


Basically, the choice is yours, Cleveland. Either support your team and accept the harsh truth brought upon by one of the most dominant bullpen guys in the league, or continue to be ignorant and be prepared to watch him and potentially others ride off into the sunset like so many other Indians have."

AX243_3F2E_9.JPGHarrison Barnes or Michael Kidd-Gilchrist?
Cleveland Cavaliers


Scott Sargent at Waiting For Next Year goes over some of the debates concerning the players available at No. 4 for the Cavaliers.
"Until recently, Kidd-Gilchrist has seen his name penned into the No. 2 spot on many mock drafts. He also happens to be a target of many Cavalier fans who were relatively disappointed to land the fourth-overall pick. Being among the best in his peer group at getting to the rim, Kidd-Gilchrist averaged nearly half a free throw attempt per possession in 2011-12. Boasting a true shooting percentage of 58.0, his lack of range is easily trumped by his efficiency. His 9.5 rebounds per-40 minutes and 3.3 offensive rebounds per-40 minutes easily leads his peer group. Factor all of this in with the salient points that not only will the ball will likely be in the hands of one Kyrie Irving more often than not, and Byron Scott’s Princeton offense is predicated upon ball movement and slashing to the rim, having a wing player who doesn’t require the ball to be in his hands but can still make a large impact is integral.


Barnes, on the other hand, ranked dead last among his peer group when it came to assist-to-turnover ratio, rarely looking to create shots once the ball was placed into his hands. Certainly his rebounding totals would have been a bit better if not for the big men in Chapel Hill, but lets not forget that Kidd-Gilchrist played along side the best big man in the nation."

Feel Good Video Of The Day


Former Tribe shortstop Omar Vizquel apparently likes to dance in the rain, which is evident in the video below. Vizquel was caught on camera dancing during a rain-delay in Boston. (H/T: Sox & Dawgs)

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Dennis Manoloff on 92.3 The Fan that players shouldn't be muzzled

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Plain Dealer reporter Dennis Manoloff joined Bull and the Fox on WKRK FM/92.3 The Fan this afternoon to talk about Chris Perez's comments.

AX002_28B5_9.JPGDennis Manoloff
Plain Dealer reporter Dennis Manoloff joined Bull and the Fox on WKRK FM/92.3 The Fan this afternoon to talk about Chris Perez's comments.

Manoloff also discussed about the fans, his acceptance of letting athletes speak out, the lack of excitement beyond this coming out of the Indians’ clubhouse, Perez’s desire for the Indians to succeed, his background coming from a baseball town, angst with the front office and more.

Each weekday, Plain Dealer reporters and writers will share their insights on sports topics on The Fan. You can also catch their views on SB TV on the Starting Blocks blog.

Indians at Yankees: Twitter updates and game preview

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The Yankees took the first game of the three-game set against the Tribe last night in New York. The Indians will look to wake up the offense tonight. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Get game updates on Twitter from Paul Hoynes, @Hoynsie.

The Yankees took the first game of the three-game set against the Tribe last night in New York. The Indians will look to wake up the offense tonight. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Get game updates on Twitter from Paul Hoynes @Hoynsie or click here for a live game box score. You can also download our Cleveland Indians app for Android to get Tribe updates on your mobile device. Read on for a game preview.

Note: Hit reload for latest Tweets


tomlin.JPGView full sizeThe Indians will look to even up their three-game series tonight in New York against the Yankees after losing 7-1 last night.
(AP) -- Robinson Cano remains red-hot, but the New York Yankees middle infielder in the spotlight Tuesday night will be his double-play partner Derek Jeter.

Jeter will celebrate his 38th birthday as the Yankees seek a fourth straight win and continue a three-game home set against the Cleveland Indians.

Cano has homered in six of his last eight games, hitting his 17th of the year Monday in a 7-1 victory. The second baseman is 10 for 28 with nine RBIs during his surge.

"I think it's just Robby being Robby in a sense," manager Joe Girardi said. "He's a guy that can carry your club."

Jeter, meanwhile, continues to lead the AL with 93 hits. His 3,181 career hits are the third-highest total for a player prior to turning 38 behind Ty Cobb (3,666) and Hank Aaron (3,272).

"To think about that he's still doing it at that age is truly amazing," Girardi said.

Jeter is hitting .318 (14 for 44) with eight runs scored and seven walks while never homering in 11 games on his birthday. He is three hits shy of matching Cal Ripken Jr. for 13th place on the all-time list.

New York (44-28) hasn't needed much power from its captain with a major league-high 115 homers. Along with Cano, Nick Swisher and Dewayne Wise also homered Monday.

The Yankees own the best record in the majors after winning 13 of 16.

"You can always debate whether winning causes fun or fun causes winning," Swisher said. "I feel like we have both of that right now, and when we come to the ballpark we feel we're going to be successful every single day."

The Yankees have never gone deep against Justin Masterson (4-6, 3.98 ERA), who is 2-1 with a 2.08 ERA in four starts against them while also posting an 8.10 ERA in four relief appearances.

Jeter and Cano have fared best among New York regulars against him. Jeter is 6 for 15 and Cano 5 for 13.

Masterson has gone 20 consecutive innings without allowing an earned run. He struck out nine and walked none in a three-hitter for his fourth career complete game Wednesday to cruise to his second straight win, 8-1 over Cincinnati.

"He pounded the strike zone with that heavy sinker," manager Manny Acta said. "It was going down like a bowling ball."

The right-hander is more vulnerable on the road, going 1-3 with a 7.07 ERA in five starts.

Although Masterson received plenty of support his last time out, Cleveland (37-35) provided him with two runs or fewer in each of his previous eight outings.

Minimal support may be expected again Tuesday with the Indians having totaled three runs during a three-game slide.

Asdrubal Cabrera has the lone Cleveland homer in the skid, but his club could break out as it faces Phil Hughes (7-6, 4.94). The Yankees right-hander has allowed the second-most homers in the majors with 19.

Hughes, 2-1 with a 3.52 ERA in four career starts against the Indians, gave up four homers among six runs Wednesday over 4 1-3 innings in a 10-5 defeat to Atlanta. He went 3-0 with a 1.69 ERA over his previous three outings.

Alex Rodriguez will likely be back in the Yankees lineup after a night off Monday.


ESPN's Jay Bilas think Cavs should move up to draft Bradley Beal at No. 2

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ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Bilas thinks the Cavaliers should move up to take Florida shooting guard Bradley Beal

florida-beal-drive-vert-2012-ap.jpgFlorida freshman Bradley Beal brings an accurate 3-point shot to this summer's draft, but also plenty of raw edges that need finishing.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Bilas likes forwards Harrison Barnes and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist of Kentucky. But he loves shooting guard Bradley Beal of Florida. According to Bilas, Beal is the second-best player in Thursday's NBA draft, after Kentucky forward Anthony Davis, who will go No. 1 to the New Orleans Hornets.

If Bilas was the general manager in, say, Cleveland, he'd trade up to make sure he got Beal at No. 2.

"I wouldn't hesitate,'' Bilas said in a conference call with reporters on Tuesday. "I think he's the second-best prospect in this draft behind Anthony Davis. Reasonable minds can differ on that, but that's the way I look at it.

"How could you not need a guard who's got that kind of of ability? I think he's terrific. He'd be a great backcourt mate for Kyrie Irving. If Cleveland moved up to No. 2 -- Charlotte has been talking to people about trading down into the draft -- that would be a terrific combo. There's very few teams he wouldn't work well with a good point guard. He's tremendous.''

Many have compared Beal to Celtics star Ray Allen, and Bilas sees why.

"There's a smoothness to his game and also to his demeanor,'' Bilas said of Beal. "They have a dignity on the floor -- on and off. Both carry themselves with class and dignity.''

Bilas could not say enough good things about Beal. "He's a really good young man, so you're working with a young man who's got very good character,'' he said. "He went into Florida this last year -- that was a team that had been to the Elite Eight, the guards were experienced and had been there awhile -- and he walked in there and blended right in, yet was still the best player.

"He's an excellent athlete. He can defend. He's a very good guard rebounder. He rebounds at a high rate for a two-guard, and he shoots very well.

"His shooting numbers wouldn't wow you. You look at the overall numbers and he shot 34 percent from 3-point range. But toward the end of the year, his last six or seven games he shot 43 percent, and in the NCAA tournament, he shot it great. I thought he came into his own toward the end of the year, not only in SEC play but in the NCAA tournament.

"I think he's a tremendous young prospect. His ability to guard people, his ability to rebound, and he can shoot it, put the ball on the floor, attack in transition and gets to the free-throw line, knocks his free throws down. There's very little he's not capable of doing. He just needs to get older, strong ... he's going to be really good.''

Bilas was almost as complimentary about Barnes and Kidd-Gilchrist, although for Cavs fans trying to decide which of the two the team should take if it comes down to that, Bilas did not provide much separation.

"Barnes has probably suffered from the fact that he was so highly rated in high school. When I saw him in high school, I thought he was a guy who always makes the right play. I thought he was a tremendous athlete. And his only two years of college, I started to question if he was as good an athlete as I thought.

"Well, he went to the NBA combine and he tested athletically, literally, off the charts. He had a 38-inch standing vertical leap. You just don't see that. That's phenomenal. His agility drills and speed were fabulous, especially for a guy his size. He's got the complete package. ... I really think that he's going to be a better pro than a college player. ... He'd be a terrific pick.

"The only reason you'd take him over Gilchrist is because of his scoring ability. But Gilchrist ... they don't make 'em like him very often. He's got a relentless attitude and work ethic that you just don't see that often.

"He's great in transition. He gets to the rim. He gets to the free-throw line. He's an elite defender because he can guard multiple spots. You can put him on a point guard, you can put him on a four-man. He just doesn't score. He's going to get his points off of energy. He can make a shot, but he's not a terrific shooter. ... His shot mechanics are not very good....He's never square to the basket. His arm flies. He needs to fix that. He'll have plenty of time to work on it. He's capable of doing it.

"I don't know any coach in the NBA who would say, 'Nah, I don't want him on my team.' Anybody would covet Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. He's all about winning. He's a great kid, and he's absolutely relentless. That's not something that you can teach.''

On the other hand: Seth Davis of SI.com compiled and summarized off-the-record comments on draft prospects from a half dozen unnamed general managers, coaches and scouts, who were not impressed by Ohio State guard William Buford.

According to Davis, the general consensus was, "He looked a little heavy at the combine, didn't shoot it real well, so he probably hurt himself. I wouldn't draft him. I don't think he likes to play. I don't think he has enough toughness."

To read the whole story go here.

Few cities feel a draft (NFL or NBA version) more than Cleveland: Terry Pluto

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With not that much to cheer locally, Northeast Ohio is always awaiting the next draft.

cavs-fans-2011-draft-q-vert-jg.jpgView full sizeA year ago, the Cavaliers' draft party at The Q attracted fans eager to embrace the team's future with Kyrie Irving. In Cleveland, says Terry Pluto, fans -- with seldom a better option -- always embrace the future.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- It's draft time again, and the Cleveland sports fans seem to love it. This time, it's the Cavaliers on the clock for Thursday night's NBA draft.

Most fans know the Cavs have four picks: 4, 24, 33 and 34. Most fans believe this is "one of the most important drafts in the history of the franchise." If you haven't thought that, many of us in the media will do it for you.

In Cleveland, we are the masters of turning drafts into monumental events with Western Civilization hanging in the balance. The Browns just had one of those earth-shakers in April. The Cavs had one in June of 2011. The Browns had another in 2011.

Cleveland is a sports town always waiting for the next draft. It's like that when there have been no championships since the 1964 Browns. Or when Cavaliers fans have to watch LeBron James win a title ... in Miami.

Or when Indians fans need an economics degree to fully comprehend what the team can and can't do -- or at least, it seems that way.

Yes, the Indians draft each June, but most fans don't pay much attention. Baseball drafts are a special species, as hardly anyone knows the names of the top players. But I did receive some emails from fans who are sure the Tribe messed up by taking outfielder Tyler Naquin in the first round. Most of those critics didn't actually see Naquin play at Texas A&M.

How many people in Northeast Ohio watch Texas A&M play baseball? Who can even name the Texas A&M coach? I can't. So I have no opinion on Naquin, other than Baseball America listed him as the best pure hitter and the outfielder with the best arm in the draft.

But the "Bible of minor league and college baseball" also said Naquin was probably drafted too high, which has led to some of the local second-guessing.

Drafts such as NBA are far more fun. Think back a year ago, when the Cavs had the No. 1 and No. 4 picks. It does seem those fans who were sure the Cavs were wrong to take Kyrie Irving over Derrick Williams with the top pick in 2011 have developed amnesia. Well, I still can find some of those emails, as I favored Irving.

But I also was shocked at the pick of Tristan Thompson at No. 4. I wanted another Thompson, this one named Klay at that spot. Some media members and fans preferred a few of the foreign players -- and they were a bigger mystery than Tyler Naquin.

Teams are wrong on drafts. Media are wrong on drafts. All of us are wrong on drafts. However, selective memory can make us seem a lot more right when looking back in memory's rear view mirror.

That's what makes it fun.

Many fans have been debating with me about Harrison Barnes. I'm not sold on the North Carolina forward as a top-five pick. I prefer anyone from Thomas Robinson to Bradley Beal to Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.

Then again, I absolutely hated MarShon Brooks in 2011, and he had a strong rookie season for the Nets, given he was a No. 25 pick.

This draft, I love Andrew Nicholson of St. Bonaventure at No. 24. Scouts talk about him as they did Norris Cole last season -- saying the Cleveland State guard was a four-year player, and didn't have much "upside." Well, Cole had enough to help Miami in the playoffs.

Finally, there is one thing those of us in the media and fans like better than drafting -- it's trading on draft day.

And I really believe the Cavs just may do that.

Browns will benefit in having Phil Taylor for second half push this season - Comment of the Day

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"Get well Phil, don't push it too soon, no set backs and you will be back before November hopefully. Then we will have a fresh big man to help us make a push in the second half of the season." - champssoon

taylor.JPGView full sizePhil Taylor will be important for a possible second half push by the Browns, says one cleveland.com reader.
In response to the story Cleveland Browns' Phil Taylor gives no timetable on his return from an injury; visits former Baylor teammate Robert Griffin III in Berea, cleveland.com reader champssoon says Phil Taylor will be important for a possible second half push by the Browns. This reader writes,

"Get well Phil, don't push it too soon, no set backs and you will be back before November hopefully. Then we will have a fresh big man to help us make a push in the second half of the season."

To respond to champssoon's comment, go here.

For more comments of the day, go to blog.cleveland.com/comments-of-the-day.

There's plenty of work to be done on 'rest days': Tianna Madison's Olympic Trials blog

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Elyria native talks about how she prepares for the Olympic sprints.

tianna-race-closeup-2012-trials-ap.jpgView full sizeTianna Madison is building toward competitions in the 200 meters and long jump this week at the Olympic Trials.

(Editor's note: Olympic sprinter Tianna Madison of Elyria is blogging about her U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials experience exclusively for The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com. Madison, 26, qualified for the London Olympics when she placed second in the 100 meters at the trials last Saturday. She competes in the 200 meters, which is being held Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and the long jump Thursday and Sunday. A 2003 graduate of Elyria High School, Madison was the 2005 world long jump champion.)

EUGENE, Ore. -- What I'm experiencing: Today was my second rest day. We have to go through "treatment," which is a combination of deep massage, stretching and fascia recovery. It's mainly done by a professional physical therapist at the track under big tents. It's also very painful. Typically, I'm very sore two days after I compete, so the rest is needed.

Today, I'm back on the track and start "strides." Strides are slower technical runs that focus on form first, speed second.

We had my [100-meter] final analyzed and what we found was in the last three meters of the race I broke form. My shoulders lifted and I decelerated because it forced my legs back instead of forward. It's that complicated.

The 100 meters is a very technical race that involves rhythm. Let's talk about it. That way if you're watching and following me you'll know what I'm actually thinking about and going through at the time.

First, when I'm getting ready to get set on the line they announce each one of us. Most of the other incredible ladies wave and acknowledge the crowd. Sometimes I'm misunderstood because if you notice me my hands are on my knees and I'm staring down the track. I'm extremely focused. For goodness sakes, I'm about to explode and concentrate, so it's only natural to be unbelievably focused. I don't mean to offend anyone.

When they set us on the line, I go away in my own mind. I think of two things. One, I try to hear the official's finger squeeze the trigger of the starting gun. Two, I'm concentrating on sweeping my foot through quickly to explode out of the blocks. Sweep forward and close to the ground.

As I come up, my head and angle of my body is down as I go through the "drive phase." This is the power stage through the first 40 meters.

As I rise up, I reach my speed phase of the race. I know exactly where I am and I focus on "turn over." As my feet hit the ground the natural thing to do is push back, but this is wrong. I'm actually punching the ground with extreme force and driving my knee forward in a punch technique. Pop, pop, pop, I am concentrating and trying to hold this position through 80 meters.

The last 20 meters takes crazy concentration. The race is won or lost here. I'm trying to relax. Yes, believe it or not, relax. It's counter intuitive, but I'm hoping that even my lips are bouncing and I'm gliding. If I tighten up or don't stay relaxed, I will decelerate. If I do it right, it's an amazing feeling -- almost effortless. If I do it wrong . . . well, it really hurts.

So it's kind of neat if you don't really know what goes on in 10 to 11 seconds. For me, it's slow motion. I literally go through all of that and make adjustments in that short amount of time.

Oh, if I get through the tape and I'm first or second (like a few days ago) and make the Olympic team, I'm screaming. The other day I released my mind and I actually ran off the track to get to my team behind the fence. Oops.

So, today I'll give you another update as I go into Thursday and start competing in the 200-meter dash.

By the way, can anyone say a prayer so it will stop raining out here?

Thank you, again.

-- Tianna Madison

Off The Green ... with Mayfield Sand Ridge GM Ned Welc

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The chief operating officer of Mayfield Sand Ridge Country Club talks about Monday's fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House.

welc-mug-ogreen-2012.jpgView full sizeSand Ridge GM Ned Welc.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Nine questions with Ned Welc, general manager and chief operating officer of Mayfield Sand Ridge Country Club, the site of the fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House, conducted for the 33rd consecutive year on Monday.

Approximately 140 players were joined by PGA Tour members Ben Curtis, Jason Dufner, Todd Hamilton and Boo Weekley, the LPGA's Amanda Blumenherst and television commentators Andy North, Kelly Tilghman and Frank Nobilo.

1: The event is obviously very important to the Ronald McDonald House. How did it get started?

A: Many years ago a group of Cleveland's movers and shakers realized what a tremendous asset the McDonald House is to the community. They also realized it was under-funded. The event raises a large portion of the McDonald House operating budget.

2: Who are some of the Tour pros that have participated over the years?

A: It's a who's who ... Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Greg Norman, Hunter Mahan, Nancy Lopez, Annika Sorenstam, Natalie Gulbis. Most of them are clients of the International Management Group, but not all.

3: How much has the event raised over the years?

A: I think close to $200,000 per year would be an accurate figure.

4: How do the Tour players generally react when they get on site?

A: They couldn't be any more accommodating, helpful or more happy to be here.

5: The day includes a dinner. Who picks the menu?

A: That's a great question. We have a committee that polls all the players after the event and we ask what could be done better, etc. They listen to all suggestions. They take that information and plan the menus.

6: How is it decided who plays with whom?

A: A blind draw.

7: An event such as this takes a number of people to pull off. Who has been involved heavily over the years?

A: Charlie Wood, our director of golf. Charlie has been involved since the beginning and puts in an enormous amount of time and energy to help us pull this off. He's been invaluable.

8: What is the biggest challenge? Is it the logistics of getting the players in town?

A: The event is a fund raiser. The biggest challenge is getting volunteers, donations, sponsors and generating support for the program.

9: Do you have a favorite memory from over the years?

A: Every year we have one of the parents who have used the McDonald House while their child was undergoing serious treatment. They talk about how important it was for them to have a facility like the McDonald House while their child was undergoing such treatment. It always makes me realize that this is more than a golf tournament.

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