The local firm also renovated the Pro Football Hall of Fame

Exterior view of Cleveland Browns facility in Berea in 2008. Marvin Fong, The Plain Dealer

The Browns have selected Cleveland-based Westlake Reed Leskosky to design renovations for the Berea complex. Team CEO Joe Banner said last month he wanted almost all the team’s personnel working under one roof. The Browns currently have some employees stationed at FirstEnergy Stadium.

“Our goal is to create a vibrant, high energy space that maximizes the ability of every one of our employees to perform at the highest level,” Banner said in a release Tuesday.  “We want to establish an environment that supports the excellence of the people in our organization and our business partners.  We look forward to working with Westlake Reed Leskosky during the course of this project.”

Westlake Reed Leskosky recently served as architect, engineer, and technology designer for major expansion and renovation of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.

The Berea complex, built in 1991, is located on 13 acres of land. It was previously renovated in 1999 and 2009. The latest renovation will start in March with hopes of being completed by mid-July.

Another intelligence test and more fan access among the additions to this year's combine.

Defensive back Prince Amukamara, then of Nebraska, prepares to run the 40-yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine in 2011. He eventually landed with the New York Giants, who took him 19th overall. NFL Combine 2013 will be held over the next several days in Indianapolis. AP file  

Not even all NFL coaches attended the week-long event in Indianapolis. Former Atlanta Falcons coach Jerry Glanville, the eccentric who clad himself in black and left tickets at will call for Elvis, refused to witness the “Junior Olympic” workouts.

“I don’t believes you pick your team in underwear,” Glanville told NFL Films in 1993. “I look at players playing football . . . What’s more important to me is what does the player do when his headgear is on. So I have been an anti-underwear workout guy for a lot of years.”

Two decades later, everyone who’s anyone in the NFL converges on Indianapolis for the combine, which began in 1982. More than 300 top draft-eligible players will run, jump, pass, catch and submit to questioning from the 32 league franchises.  

Nearly 800 media members will report from Lucas Oil Stadium, according to an NFL.com report. The workouts, which begin Saturday and run through Tuesday, attracted 6.51 million viewers for NFL Network last year – up from 3.7 million in 2007 – the report states.

During the early years of the combine, franchises liked the fact that workouts were privately conducted. No media. No fans. But like everything else involved with the draft process, there is an appetite for public consumption.

A year ago, a sampling of fans was allowed to attend one day of the event. This year, the league is enabling about 250 fans into the stadium for two days through a contest.

Here's a primer for this year’s combine:

Workout and television schedule: Saturday -- tight ends, offensive linemen, special teams. (NFL Network 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.)  Sunday -- quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers. (NFL Network 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.)  Monday -- defensive linemen, linebackers. (NFL Network 9 a.m. – 7 p.m). Tuesday -- defensive backs. (NFL Network 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.).

Workouts and drills: 40-yard dash, bench press (225 pounds, unlimited reps), vertical jump, broad jump, three-cone drill (tests athletes’ ability to change directions at high speeds), shuttle run (measures lateral quickness and explosiveness in tight areas).

There also are position drills for offensive and defensive players. A league source said it plans to start using regional combines to experiment with new workouts and drills. The NFL is expected to conducts tests at the Atlanta regional combine (March 16-17) geared toward hybrid defensive ends-outside linebackers.

Taking It Easy: Not all combine invitees will work out for the scouts, due to injury. Among the notables who will miss part or all of the workouts are USC quarterback Matt Barkley (shoulder) and Alabama running back Eddie Lacy (hamstring). Both are borderline first-round picks. Lacy suffered a small hamstring tear last week, ESPN reported. Barkley, who sustained a shoulder injury last season, won’t throw, but he could participate in some agility drills.

Let’s talk: Teams can interview up to 60 players during the week for 15-minute segments. It gives clubs a small window into a player’s psyche and also allows them to grill candidates about potential character issues.

This week, Notre Dame’s Manti Te’o (girlfriend hoax), LSU’s Tyrann Mathieu (failed drug tests) and Georgia’s Alec Ogletree (DUI) are among the players with explaining to do. Others might get surprised by the line of questioning.

New England coach Bill Belichick has been known to bring a candidate into a hotel room, barely say hello turn the lights off and start rolling his college tape at a spot in a game where the player was performing badly, according to a CBSSports.com report. Belichick would ask the candidate to start explaining what was going on and make the guy squirm just enough to either explain or blame someone else for the situation. One player, according to the report,  started ripping his coach for the situation on the tape and when he did Belichick turned on the lights, thanked him for coming and rejected him.

Medical wonders: The combine was created three decades ago in large part to allow teams access to medical testing so they could make a more informed choice on draft day. The medical testing and player interviews are still considered the two most important components of the combine.

One of the most important medical evaluations this week will surround a player potentially on the Browns radar. Georgia outside linebacker Jarvis Jones could be a top-10 selection – the Browns pick at No. 6 – if everything checks out medically. He has been diagnosed with spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the open spaces within the spine. His medical report at this week’s combine could play a major factor in where he gets drafted.

That smarts: The combine is adding a companion to the Wonderlic test this year. The new exam measures a wide range of competencies, including learning styles, motivation, decision-making skills, responses to pressure or unexpected stimuli, and core intellect, according to a league document obtained by NFL.com. It was conceived after discussions with current and former league executives such as Ernie Accorsi, Thomas Dimitroff, John Elway, and Jerry Reese. The goal is to gain a more a comprehensive evaluation of a player's “non-physical capabilities.”

The usefulness of the oft-criticized Wonderlic test, developed by the late Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry, has been a topic for years.

Would the football Buckeyes have gone 12-0 if one-quarter of their schedule was against top nine teams - like Alabama, Texas A&M and Florida?

COLUMBUS, Ohio - During football season, Ohio State fans want the Big Ten to improve. During basketball season, apparently, they want the Big Ten to get worse.

Because when you play in the best conference in America, what's happening to Ohio State right now is sometimes the result.

The Buckeyes are 18-7 and 8-5 in Big Ten play, in fifth place in the conference. They are 1-5 against teams currently ranked in the top nine in the nation – No. 1 Indiana, No. 4 Michigan State, No. 6 Duke, No. 7 Michigan and No. 9 Kansas.

The Buckeyes are flawed and they admit it. Players Sam Thompson and Lenzelle Smith spoke Tuesday about the Buckeyes embarrassing the program, the university and even, according to Smith, the university president, with their listless 22-point loss at Wisconsin on Sunday. So, sorry Dr. Gee.

Now, they'll try to bounce back, starting at home against Minnesota on Wednesday.

But remember, there was another flawed team in Columbus this season. And it went 12-0.

Offensive coordinator Tom Herman called the Buckeyes maybe “the most flawed undefeated team” in college football history last week when talking to reporters at an OSU basketball game. And it's hard to argue.

But Ohio State had time to work out its problems and still win. The nonconference season could have been a mess with a tougher schedule. Tight Big Ten wins over Indiana and Purdue could have been a lot different if the opponents were – well, anyone other than Indiana and Purdue.

Ohio State basketball has played 25 games, and six of them, or 24 percent of the schedule, has been against top-nine teams. What if the football team had played 24 percent of its schedule, or three of its 12 games, against top nine teams?

Say, No. 1 Alabama, No. 5 Texas A&M and No. 9 Florida?

Sure, the Buckeyes could have and probably would have done better than 0-3 against that crew. But would anyone still bet on 12-0?

As it turned out, the highest-ranked OSU opponents in the final AP top 25 were No. 24 Michigan and No. 25 Nebraska.

Consider this a reminder that you can't complain about your lousy conference in one sport and then not understand when it's great in another sport. I think we'd all like Big Ten football to look like Big Ten basketball. And then all OSU fans, obviously and understandably, still want the Buckeyes to be on top of the standings, as the basketball Buckeyes have been the last three years.

But it can't happen every year. Not when the league is good.

The football Buckeyes had a great year, one to be proud of. The basketball Buckeyes aren't playing up to the standard they've set for themselves, and Sunday's terrible outing couldn't be ignored and brought out a lot of questions.

But Ohio State football and Ohio State basketball probably have more in common this season than you realize. It's the conference that's the biggest difference.

James, who can become a free agent in the summer of 2014, was impressed with Irving during All-Star Weekend. Cavs are getting trade offers for Marreese Speights. More Cavaliers story links.

View full size Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving during the 3-point contest he won on Saturday night as part of All-Star Weekend in Houston. Associated Press  

Cleveland then won't play again until visiting the Orlando Magic on Saturday night and the Miami Heat on Sunday evening.

No games on Thursday and Friday doesn't necessarily mean no activity by the Cavaliers. The NBA trade deadline is Thursday at 3 p.m. The Cavs have flexibility in trade talks, because they are well under the salary cap. Yet, the team is probably careful to not jeopardize its strong salary cap situation for the next off-season or two.

Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Cavaliers coverage includes Jodie Valade's story on how Cavs point guard Kyrie Irving's name recognition is growing after his impressive All-Star Weekend; Bill Livingston's column on how he's come to the point that he would welcome LeBron James' return to the Cavaliers.

Akron native James played seven seasons for the Cavs before leaving them to join the Heat in July, 2010. James can opt out of his contract after next (2013-14) season, and there's speculation he could return to Cleveland.

James got an extended look at Cavs point guard Kyrie Irving's talents during All-Star Weekend.

Joseph Goodman writes for the Miami Herald that rumors about James returning to Cleveland are becoming quite a topic:

One of the most memorable moments of All-Star Weekend was watching LeBron James celebrate the three-point championship of Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving.

For a growing number of NBA players, executives, reporters and fans around the country, it was more circumstantial evidence that James’ days in Miami might be numbered. A prominent national story line has been brewing for some time that James wants to return to Cleveland and play with Irving after next season.

The subject was so prominent in Houston it was impossible to ignore, and James’ effusive praise for Irving during the weekend only served to fuel speculation.

For now, the future of the Heat involves James, but the story of his impending contract decision isn’t going away. Just like his final two seasons in Cleveland, James’ future with the Heat will be major news from now until the summer of 2014.

Heat president Pat Riley wooed James in 2010. His next great task will be keeping him in Miami.

It's almost time for the Cavaliers to make a decision on whether they will trade forward-center Marreese Speights. (By Sam Amico, FoxSportsOhio.com)

The Cavaliers are getting trade offers for Marreese Speights, but so far -- at least the Cavs are letting on -- none of the offers are good enough. (By Rick Grayshock, WaitingForNextYear)

Ten key NBA players who are most likely to be traded prior to Thursday's deadline. (FoxSportsOhio.com)

The Cavaliers should move guard Dion Waiters into the sixth man role. (By Greg Swartz, Bleacher Report)

Video: Coach Byron Scott talks with the media after practice on Tuesday. (nba.com/cavaliers)

Video: Marreese Speights is interviewed following Tuesday's practice. (nba.com/cavaliers)

Nobody had a better weekend of all-star events than the Cavs' Kyrie Irving. (By Ben Golliver, Sports Illustrated SI.com)

Kyrie Irving, back with the Cavaliers, talks about his All-Star Weekend. With videos. (By Bob Finnan, News-Herald and Lorain Morning Journal)

Trade talk around the NBA. (Sports Illustrated SI.com)

More people know about Kyrie Irving after the All-Star Weekend. (By Jason Lloyd, Akron Beacon Journal)

Top All-Star Weekend memories include Kyrie Irving's performance. (By Jeremy Bauman, sheridanhoops.com)

106 pounds: Louis DeMarco (Hawken-So.) 39-4, Paul Petras (Padua-So.) 39-7, Tony DeCesare (Nordonia-Fr.) 38-8, Brandon Neikirk (Cardinal-Fr.) 36-7, Noah Baughman (Wadsworth-Fr.) 34-10, Nick Orr (Cuyahoga Heights-Jr.) 33-7, Andre Lowery (Shaker Heights) 29-5, Joey Bowan (Manchester-Fr.) 28-7, Joe Tromba (Villa Angela-St. Joseph-Fr.) 28-7, Aaron Kelly (Rocky River) 26-7, David Brunner (North Olmsted-Jr.) 26-9, Rick Rudd (West Geauga-So.) 25-5, LJ Bentley...

Maple Heights senior Richard Robertson Jr. leads all area wrestlers at 170 pounds with a 41-1 record this winter. He is pictured wrestling St. Ignatius' Anthony McLaughlin in a 1-0 sectional win last Saturday at North Royalton. - (Joshua Gunter, The Plain Dealer)

106 pounds: Louis DeMarco (Hawken-So.) 39-4, Paul Petras (Padua-So.) 39-7, Tony DeCesare (Nordonia-Fr.) 38-8, Brandon Neikirk (Cardinal-Fr.) 36-7, Noah Baughman (Wadsworth-Fr.) 34-10, Nick Orr (Cuyahoga Heights-Jr.) 33-7, Andre Lowery (Shaker Heights) 29-5, Joey Bowan (Manchester-Fr.) 28-7, Joe Tromba (Villa Angela-St. Joseph-Fr.) 28-7, Aaron Kelly (Rocky River) 26-7, David Brunner (North Olmsted-Jr.) 26-9, Rick Rudd (West Geauga-So.) 25-5, LJ Bentley (St. Edward-So.) 25-6, Jarrett Hylton (Clearview-Fr.) 25-13, Josh Whitelaw (Aurora-So.) 22-9, Terrell Grant (Archbishop Hoban-So.) 21-12, Jacob Ressler (Lutheran West-So.) 20-10.

113: Ryan Bennett (Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy-So.) 37-7, Jake Zernaitis (Crestwood-Jr.) 35-3, Andre Stowers (Maple Heights-Fr.) 34-12, Evan Collier (North Ridgeville-Jr.) 33-3, Andrew Coghill (Nordonia-Jr.) 32-15, Collin Dees (Perry-Jr.) 31-4, Ebrahim Elbagory (Euclid-Jr.) 31-7, Dominic Meehan (Brooklyn) 30-7, Montori Armstrong (Collinwood-Sr.) 30-14, Armando Torres (Elyria-Jr.) 28-4, Reginald Lowery (Shaker Heights) 28-5, Mike Santillo (St. Edward-Fr.) 28-5, Andre Herron (North Royalton-Jr.) 27-9, Bobby Bowen (Manchester-Jr.) 26-8, Andrew Wallace (Kent Roosevelt-So.) 25-8, Dan Mahoney (Rocky River) 25-8, Zach Klima (Avon Lake-Fr.) 25-10, Bobby Sherman (John Adams) 24-16, Brad Taton (Lake Catholic-Jr.) 23-9.

120: Nick Collica (Nordonia-So.) 41-10, Sammy Gross (Beachwood-Jr.) 40-2, Nathan Tomasello (CVCA-Sr.) 39-0, Tony Becker (Padua-Sr.) 35-8, Walker Chieffe (University-Jr.) 35-9, Conner Nemec (Crestwood-Jr.) 34-5, Dan Bartinelli (North Royalton-Sr.) 34-5, Tim Mecklenburg (Lutheran West-So.) 32-6, Brandon Thompson (Solon-Sr.) 33-2, Jacob Spino (Independence-So.) 33-6, Drew Dickson (North Ridgeville-Sr.) 32-2, Connor Gray (Wadsworth-So.) 31-8, Andrew Petersen (Aurora-Jr.) 30-9, Brandon Francik (Maple Heights-Jr.) 32-12, Jeremy Adkins (Euclid-Jr.) 28-9, Garrett Carter (St. Vincent-St. Mary-So.) 28-12, Tyler Workman (Parma-So.) 29-8, Tom Palisin (Fairview-Fr.) 27-16, Brad Sprau (Rocky River) 23-13, DaVonte Clark (John Adams) 23-13, Ben Darmstadt (Elyria-Fr.) 22-4, Micah Shorts (Shaker Heights) 22-7, Corey Pastva (Southeast-Fr.) 22-7, Alec Lunney (Midpark-Jr.) 20-6.

126: Mike Hollingsworth (Clearview-Sr.) 38-7, Josh Gunter (Coventry-So.) 35-11, Nate Frye (Cuyahoga Heights-Jr.) 34-7, John Williams (Bedford-Jr.) 34-8, Anthony Tutolo (Lake Catholic-Jr.) 32-3, Michael Peters (Cardinal-Sr.) 31-5, Evan Francis (Kirtland-So.) 29-5, Joey Bernosky (Avon Lake-Fr.) 29-7, Darrion Overall (Elyria-So.) 27-6, Mike Rix (SVSM-Sr.) 27-1, Eric Fasnacht (Padua-Fr.) 27-16, Nick Foster (Holy Name-Jr.) 26-8, AJ Vetturini (West Geauga-So.) 26-13, Lewis Roginsky (Brooklyn) 25-3, Josh Decatur (CVCA-Sr.) 25-5, Alec Benedetti (North Royalton-Jr.) 25-5, Chayse Csongedi (Parma-Jr.) 25-8, Chris Wymer (Solon-Jr.) 25-12, David Glayesaid (Rocky River) 24-11, Stephan Clark (John Adams) 24-14, Mason Harsar (Elyria Catholic-Jr.) 22-6, Chance Driscoll (St. Edward-Sr.) 22-11, Tj Malkus (Berkshire-Jr.) 26-4, Tyler Biggs (North Olmsted-So.) 20-11.

132: Shawn Williams (Bedford-Jr.) 42-5, Nick Boggs (Riverside-Jr.) 39-5, Matt Hollingsworth (Clearview-Sr.) 39-7, Casey Johns (Cardinal-Sr.) 37-4, DeJon Moss (Maple Heights-Jr.) 34-4, Heath Phillibert (Nordonia-Jr.) 32-12, Sonny Shump (Barberton-Sr.) 30-1, Cody Vander Maas (Berkshire-Jr.) 30-8, Andy Dobben (CVCA-So.) 30-9, TJ Levitsky (Parma-Sr.) 29-1, Walter Gibson (SVSM-Jr.) 29-8, Luke Roginsky (Brooklyn) 29-9, Josh Hillier (Crestwood-Sr.) 28-13, Nathan Gregory (Hudson-Sr.) 25-5, Samuel Matzek (North Olmsted-So.) 25-9, Antonio Gardner (Shaw-Sr.) 25-11, Adam Salti (Olmsted Falls-Jr.) 24-8, Kevin Swaney (Hoban-So.) 24-8, Dean Heil (St. Edward-Sr.) 24-2, Nick Wrobel (Lake Catholic-So.), Alex Netzband (Twinsburg-Jr.) 20-12.

138: Kyle Kaminski (Padua-So.) 44-3, Mathias Zollinger (Wadsworth-Sr.) 41-2, Clayton Davidson (Kirtland-So.) 41-5, Dylan Kager (Crestwood-Sr.) 39-1, Mike DeCesare (Nordonia-Jr.) 39-8, Graham Montague (Independence-Sr.) 38-7, Zack Lake (Coventry-So.) 38-9, WD Hudson (VASJ-Jr.) 33-6, Cody Charvat (Berkshire-Jr.) 31-7, Ryan Skonieczny (SVSM-Jr.) 31-8, TJ Yurick (Olmsted Falls-Sr.) 30-10, Jesse Orantek (Elyria-Jr.) 29-7, Darsheed Mustafa (Euclid-Sr.) 29-7,Jim Hiller (Twinsburg-Sr.) 29-9, Michael Robertson (Maple Heights-Sr.) 31-10, Colin Heffernan (St. Edward-Sr.) 28-4, Kyle Workman (Parma-Jr.) 28-4, Ricky Simonelli (CVCA-Jr.) 28-8, Sean Kilbane (Elyria Catholic-Jr.) 28-8, Jake Taylor (Fairview-Jr.) 26-13, David Cozat (Warrensville Heights-Sr.) 21-3, Nick Marquard (St. Edward-Jr.) 21-5, Charlie Drain (West Geauga-Jr.) 20-12.

145: Ian Standen (Brookside-Jr.) 38-9, JJ Driven (Waterloo-Sr.) 37-0, Melvin Johnson (Maple Heights-Sr.) 37-5, Alec Fetzer (Revere-Sr.) 37-9, Jairod James (Bedford-Jr.) 36-1, Dave Docherty (Parma-Jr.) 35-6, Jake Urich (Nordonia-Jr.) 33-10, Alex Angersola (Beachwood-Sr.) 32-8, Tyrone McGuinea (Twinsburg-Sr.) 31-2, Dominic Monaco (University-Sr.) 31-4, Brian Evans (Aurora-Jr.) 31-12, Edgar Bright (St. Edward-Sr.) 28-2, Drew Brasiel (Manchester-So.) 28-18, Jason Kaser (Berkshire-Sr.) 28-11, Michael Belknap (Hoban-Sr.) 26-5, Keenan Davis (Coventry-So.) 24-7, Jeff Hojnacki (CVCA-Jr.) 23-7, Ricky Gordi (North Ridgeville-Sr.) 23-11, Joey Ciacchi (St. Edward-Jr.) 21-7, Seamus Kilbane (Rocky River) 20-10, Louis Marrone (Benedictine) 20-14.

152: Tom McNulty (Padua-Sr.) 43-4, Seth King (Hawken-Jr.) 40-5, Deshon Johnson (Maple Heights-Sr.) 39-6, Derrick Foster (Clearview) 38-5, Nate Pruitt (John Adams) 38-12, Anthony Collica (Solon-Sr.) 35-1, Chris Weber (Midpark-Sr.) 33-8, Robbie Bosley (Wadsworth-Jr.) 33-11, Garrett Gerardi (Crestwood-Sr.) 33-11, Connor Rigsby (Riverside-Jr.) 31-13, David Monturi (Wickliffe-So.) 31-7, Ross Torgerson (Cuyahoga Heights-Sr.) 29-8, Matt Dobben (CVCA-Sr.) 28-8, Brandon James (Southeast-Sr.) 27-3, Markus Scheidel (St. Edward-Sr.) 27-4, Matt Ludwig (Lake Catholic-So.) 27-8,Aaron Miller (Kent Roosevelt-Sr.) 26-6, Rob Alcorn (West Geauga-Jr.) 26-15, Tyler Mayer (Avon Lake-So.) 25-13, Max Furst (Benedictine) 24-16, Cameron Mayell (North Royalton-So.) 20-13.

160: Ryan Harris (Beachwood-Jr.) 42-0, Zeck Lehman (Revere-So.) 38-8, Michael Coleman (Hudson-Jr.) 34-4, Alec Schenk (Perry-Jr.) 34-5, Mitch Minnich (Fairview-Sr.) 33-12, Alex Keller (Twinsburg-Sr.) 29-8, Jake Denman (Riverside-Sr.) 27-8, Shane Mast (Wadsworth-So.) 27-9, Jerot Schill (Elyria Catholic-Jr.) 26-4, Adel Shoman (North Olmsted-Sr.) 26-7, Deandre Mills (Kent Roosevelt-Jr.) 26-9, Colin Riley (North Ridgeville-Jr.) 26-12, Ryan Taylor (Nordonia-Jr.) 25-18, Nick Schondel (Hoban-Sr.) 24-12, Robbie Cramer (Benedictine) 23-11, Thomas Gabyak (Highland) 22-5, Michael Meadows (CVCA-Jr.) 21-16, Dionte Childress (Warrensville Heights-Sr.) 20-5.

170: Richard Robertson Jr. (Maple Heights-Sr.) 41-1, Tim Knipl (Wadsworth-So.) 37-8, Ahmad Khatib (Revere-Jr.) 37-11, David Eippert (West Geauga-Jr.) 36-5, Tre'Von Madison (John Adams) 35-14, Tevin Harvey (Barberton-Sr.) 34-6, Marquise Copeland (Bedford-So.) 31-7, Rocky Calvert (Kirtland-Sr.) 30-10, Brandon James (Southeast-Sr.) 32-4, Tyler Maclellan (CVCA-Jr.) 29-11, Josh Zeck (Parma-Sr.) 26-7, Andrew Liese (Lutheran West-Sr.) 26-8, Julius Henderson (Shaw-So.) 26-9, Chris Azzarello (Benedictine) 26-9, Ralph Johnson (Lakewood) 25-9, Shaquille Morehouse (Solon-Sr.) 23-12, Kaz Struna (Lake Catholic-Jr.) 23-13,Ryan Sill (Perry-Sr.) 22-4, Ja'von Tolliver (Shaker Heights) 21-5, Anthony McLaughlin (St. Ignatius-Jr.) 21-8, Felipe Valadez (Clearview-Sr.) 21-12, Jacob Jones (North Olmsted-So.) 20-12.

182: Stephen Suglio (Revere-Sr.) 41-2, Tevin Ray (John Adams) 40-7, Hunter Thorton (Barberton-Sr.) 37-8, Alex Stotter (Hawken-Jr.) 36-8, Alexander Belaia-Martinouk (North Olmsted-Sr.) 31-4, Eric Claren (Nordonia-Jr.) 34-8, Brad Simon (Berkshire-Sr.) 31-9, Kenny Jackson (Crestwood-Jr.) 30-6, John Spurney (Kent Roosevelt-Jr.) 29-4, Justin Halaska (Parma-Sr.) 28-4, Jake Hartman (Padua-Jr.) 26-11, Domenic Abounader (St. Edward-Sr.) 25-0, Roy Moore (Shaw-Sr.) 25-12, Larenz Robertson (Maple Heights-So.) 25-16, Aaron Adkins (SVSM-Jr.) 22-6, Nick Monachino (Benedictine) 21-13, Chad Ely (Riverside-Jr.) 21-16, Divante Holt (Clearview-Sr.) 20-10.

195: Evan Brettrager (Kirtland-Sr.) 43-1, Aaron Tschantz (Barberton-Sr.) 42-3, Marquise Copeland (Bedford-So.) 38-8, Jerek Cropper (Coventry-Fr.) 36-9, Adam Kluk (Highland) 34-4, Nick Bina (Nordonia-So.) 34-13, Austin Kuchta (Elyria Catholic-Jr.) 31-3, Nick Dzurnak (Padua-Sr.) 30-16, Jim Szep (Lake Catholic-Sr.) 29-3,Josue Corales (Rhodes-Sr.) 27-3, Tyler Keating (Fairview-Sr.) 27-6, Nick Havener (CVCA-Sr.) 27-7, Antoine Barbee (Shaw-Sr.) 26-6, Gabe Dzuro (St. Edward-Jr.) 23-5, Bryan Jones (Cuyahoga Heights-Jr.) 23-12, Bobby Upshaw (Cleveland Heights-Sr.) 22-2, Bryan Jones (Cuyahoga Heights) 22-9, Phillip Jagers (Solon-Sr.) 22-11, Conor Kilbane (Benedictine) 22-13, Zack Vehar (Hudson-Sr.) 21-5, Alex Vetre (Holy Name-Sr.) 20-7.

220: Vern Rowe (Barberton-Sr.) 42-3, Mark Weddell (Coventry-So.) 36-10, Evan Rosborough (Riverside-Sr.) 35-2, John Hoffman (Midpark-Sr.) 35-6, Jake Totten (Revere-Sr.) 34-8, Adam Kuchta (Elyria Catholic-Jr.) 31-2, Alex Scotton (Independence-Jr.) 31-7, Garrett Snyder (North Royalton-Jr.) 31-7, Caleb Fry (Cardinal-Sr.) 30-3, Alex Woicehovich (Nordonia-Jr.) 28-6, Micky Carrasco (Aurora-Jr.) 26-13, Devin Revels (Maple Heights-Sr.) 25-0, Parker Knapp (St. Edward-So.) 21-8.

285: Travis Gosnell (Coventry-Sr.) 41-4, Salvador Sanchez (John Adams) 39-9, John Hoffman (Midpark-Sr.) 35-6, Billy Miller (Perry-Jr.) 33-2, Daryk Maki (Wadsworth-Sr.) 33-6, Paul Deely (Independence-So.) 32-7, Jake Hanzel (Manchester-Jr.) 31-2, Kostas Parrish (University-Jr.) 29-8, Josh Burger (Aurora-Fr.) 28-10, Allen Viancourt (Benedictine) 27-7, Drek Brumley (SVSM-So.) 26-5, Deion Arnold (Clearview-Sr.) 26-8, Nick Bailey (North Ridgeville-Jr.) 25-8, Ralph Nichols (St. Edward-Jr.) 24-8, Antonio Witherspoon (Maple Heights-Jr.) 24-12, Ian Long (Lutheran West-Jr.) 22-12, Andre Torres (Elyria Catholic-Fr.) 21-15.

Attention wrestling coaches: Wrestling coaches are asked to e-mail top individual records each week to Gary Kanaga at Gary.Kanaga@nordoniaschools.org. Send the wrestler's first and last name, school, year in school, win-loss record and weight class. The minimum for next week's list is 25 wins. Each week, the e-mail must be received by 10 p.m. on Monday.

On today's episode of Sports Insider, The Plain Dealer's Dennis Manoloff joined cleveland.com's Glenn Moore to talk Cavs and Kyrie Irving. Watch video

 

The Heat's title was the beginning of the healing process for many Cavs fans, and too much good could be gained by a Cleveland comeback, writes Livingston..

View full size The Miami Heat's LeBron James paints a home during the Rebuild Together NBA Cares All-Star Day of Service project on Friday in Houston. James and hundreds of other volunteers painted, landscaped, and did other repairs to five homes in the neighborhood. Would James want to mend fences with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the team that launched his NBA career? AP  

CLEVELAND, Ohio - First of all, coming to the place I've reached regarding LeBron James was not easy.

I'm Scots-Irish. "Grudge holders and score settlers," a Sports Illustrated story about Pat Summitt, the former women's basketball coach at Tennessee, called such people.

We don't give a big hug to people who treat us badly.

I have been as big a critic as anyone in the country of James. I saw it as a professional duty to fight the whitewashers and apologists by reminding them how despicable was the way he left and how vast was the harm it caused a franchise that gave him, if anything, too much consideration, that bent too quickly to his every whim.

Even in Monday's column, saying it only makes business sense for the Cavaliers to be open to James' return as a free agent 1 1/2 years from now, I referred to his "abdicating" on the court.

I brought up all the secret, manipulative ways he did incalculable damage to the franchise by his manner of leaving. Some I didn't even mention -- not signing a maximum contract, so free agents might come and not recruiting free agents actively, as he did in Miami.

Many players in the NBA, not just those of the older generation like outspoken TNT analyst Charles Barkley, thought James acted badly. Not everyone believed the world is a place of instant gratification and shortcuts, and that James was entitled to behave as badly as he did. Only the sycophants and front-runners thought that.

After Miami won the last NBA championship, being carried to it by James, I wrote a column that gave him his due as the great player he had finally become. In it, I tried to advance the narrative by chiding Cavs owner Dan Gilbert for being too petty to congratulate James by name.

I think Miami's championship was the beginning of the healing process for many Cleveland fans, too. Feeding on spite and rooting against someone, pulling for his failure more than for the success of your own team (or school), is slow poison. It doesn't do one any good. In fact, it embitters the person who indulges in it. Such sentiments are called "sour grapes" for a reason.

Also, anyone who likes basketball has to appreciate James' concept of the game and his overpowering execution of it this season. It is foolish to begrudge him his accomplishments now.

If James wants to come back, the Cavaliers should try to make it work. It would make the franchise relevant again and give some of us who love the game a renewed stake in covering or rooting for excellence with a local team.

That's how I got to where I am now, anyway. Too much good is at stake for the businesses around The Q and the fans who buy tickets to let the toxin of old wrongs damage his chance for redemption and our chance for reconciliation with him

To reach Bill Livingston:

blivingston@plaind.com, 216-999-4672

On Twitter: @LivyPD

The NFL Scouting Combine has grown over the years.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The NFL Scouting Combine has grown since its days of guys just running around in shorts.

It has now blossomed into nearly 800 media members, just about every coach from around the league and live television.

Reporter Tom Reed writes on Cleveland.com how during the early years of the combine, franchises liked the fact that
workouts were privately conducted. No media. No fans. But like
everything else involved with the draft process, there is an appetite
for public consumption:

Traveling party: All the Browns top football executives such
as Joe Banner and Michael Lombardi will spend the week in Indy. Coach
Rob Chudzinski and his staff also will attend the workouts, along with
team scouts.   

Medical wonders: The combine was created three decades ago in
large part to allow teams access to medical testing so they could make a
more informed choice on draft day. The medical testing and player
interviews are still considered the two most important components of the
combine.

Reed's story also has all the details, times and position assignments for the combine, which starts Thursday. Keep up with the latest before, during and after the combine as The Plain Dealer's Reed, Mary Kay Cabot and Branson Wright join Cleveland.com's Glenn Moore in Indianapolis.

More Browns and NFL news

Five myths about 49ers QB Alex Smith, who may be on the market (sacbee.com)

Here are the AFC North grades from last year's NFL Draft (ESPN).

Teammate says Steelers LB LaMarr Woodley was awful in 2012 (USA Today).

Mel Kiper Jr. has the Bengals taking a safety (Cincinnati.com).

Notre Dame's Manti Te'o is on the Ravens' list (Baltimore Sun).

A female kicker will compete at the NFL regional combine (NFL.com).

Do the Browns have their eyes on this pass-rush project (Yahoo.com)?

Joe Flacco has leverage, but not getting a deal would be a mistake (CBSSports.com).

These players are set to become free agents next month (Ohio.com).

Monday and Tuesday are big for the Browns in Indianapolis (CantonRep.com).

The Browns' 2013 offseason preview (SI.com).

Jim Brown receives Doak Walker Award (Cleveland.com).

Who is the best player in this year's NFL Draft? With the NFL Combine set to get underway in Indianapolis, this is Chris Fedor's ranking of the top 25 draft-eligible players in the draft.

While he is not yet a finished product, West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith has all the tools to be a franchise quarterback in the NFL. Associated Press

Who is the best player in this year's NFL Draft? With the NFL Scouting Combine set to get underway in Indianapolis, this is my ranking of the top 25 draft-eligible players in the draft.

The Big Board will change throughout the process. After the combine testing there will also be Pro Days that can have an impact on a player's ranking. This is how they stack up before the combine.

1. Luke Joeckel - Offensive Tackle, Texas A&M

Joeckel was Johnny Manziel's blind-side protector this past season for the Aggies and did a nice job keeping the Heisman Trophy winner's jersey clean. Joeckel, a three-year starter in College Station, is technically sound and has all the ability to make his quarterback feel comfortable in the pocket for the next decade.  

2. Chance Warmack - Offensive Guard, Alabama

Warmack is a big and powerful mauler. While he is a known as a road-grading offensive lineman, Warmack also excels in pass protection and is pretty athletic for someone his size. The two-year starter is the best guard to come along in a while and is even better than the Steelers' David DeCastro last year.

3. Star Lotuleilei - Defensive Tackle, Utah

Although Lotuleilei has to learn how to play all four quarters with the same effort, he shows a unique combination of quickness, power and movement skills for the position. Disruptive in both the running game and the passing game, Star can't be blocked by just one player.  

4. Damontre Moore - Defensive End, Texas A&M

"DaMonster" is big, strong and athletic. He's also a hard worker with a motor that never stops. Even though he doesn't have the elite physical traits of some of the other pass-rushers in the draft, it's hard to see Moore not being able to put pressure on the quarterback at the next level, the same way he was able to in the SEC.

5. Dee Milliner - Cornerback, Alabama  

When cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick left Alabama for the NFL last year, it looked like the Crimson Tide were going to have a huge hole in their secondary. It was filled by Dee Milliner. Even though Milliner lacks elite top-end speed for the next level, he has shown that he is clearly the best cornerback in the draft thanks to his good technique, instincts and ball skills. The fact that he was coached by Nick Saban only helps his transition to the next level and shows that he doesn't mind getting physical.

6. Bjoern Werner - Defensive End, Florida State

Werner has a bad habit of taking some plays off but when he flips the switch, the ACC Defensive Player of the Year is a dominant pass-rusher. The "Germinator" has a very good first step but he also uses his hands well to create space and get after the quarterback. Werner is still learning the game but shows good natural awareness.

7. Eric Fisher - Offensive Tackle, Central Michigan

While Eric Fisher didn't play against top-notch competition on a weekly basis in the MAC, he showed at the Senior Bowl that he belongs in the conversation as a Top 10 player in the draft. His nimble feet, balance and size make him a future blindside protector at the next level.  

8. Jarvis Jones - Outside Linebacker, Georgia

Jarvis Jones led the NCAA in sacks this past season. However, there are some concerns about him at the next level. Not only is the first-team ALL-SEC player a bit undersized but he will also have to go through a variety of medical tests after being diagnosed with spinal stenosis in 2009. It nearly cost him his career. If he gets clearance from NFL team doctors then Jones will be a pass-rushing force at the next level thanks to his speed, explosiveness and effort level that he brings to every play.

9. Geno Smith - Quarterback, West Virginia

It looked like a Heisman Trophy was in Geno Smith's future until he stumbled late in the season. Despite the late struggles, Smith still had an extremely productive senior campaign at West Virginia and is the best quarterback in this class. While not a finished product, Geno Smith has all the tools to be a franchise quarterback.

10. Barkevious Mingo - Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, LSU

There are lots of things to be concerned about with Mingo. Right now he is more of an athletic marvel than a football player. He is extremely raw, doesn't yet use his hands well and he will need to get stronger at the next level but his combination of athleticism, speed, length, and explosiveness can't be taught. Mingo didn't have the same production as some of the other pass-rushers in the draft but he still found a way to disrupt plays in the Bayou and with some coaching, "Keke" can be a quarterback's worst nightmare.

11. Dion Jordan - Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Oregon

Dion Jordan arrived in Eugene and he had his choice of either being a tight end or a defensive lineman. He ultimately chose the latter and it was the right call. Like Mingo, Jordan's production wasn't there the past two seasons but there is no denying his freakish ability. Staying healthy has been one of the biggest concerns for the former tight end and he may need to bulk up a bit before he gets to the next level but he has the length, speed, athleticism and explosiveness to keep defensive coordinators up late at night trying to figure out ways to contain him.

12. Shariff Floyd - Defensive Tackle, Florida

Shariff Floyd made the move from defensive end to defensive tackle this past season in the Swamp and that was all he needed to realize his immense potential. Floyd is powerful and athletic. He's a force on the interior of the defensive line.

13. Sheldon Richardson - Defensive Tackle, Missouri

Richardson has just one year of major college football experience, but it was quite the year. Despite playing defensive tackle, Richardson was second on the Tigers in tackles and earned first-team ALL-SEC honors at Missouri. He is extremely athletic for a defensive tackle but he needs to play every down the same way to live up to his massive potential.  

14. Cordarrelle Patterson - Wide Receiver, Tennessee

The former JUCO player is the best offensive skill position player in the draft. He has a unique combination of size, speed and athleticism and is electric in the open field. While Patterson is unpolished and needs to fine-tune his game, he's difference maker whose best football is still ahead of him.

15. Lane Johnson - Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma

It's scary to think that Lane Johnson is still learning to play offensive tackle but he is. He played quarterback, tight end and defensive end before finally making the move to left tackle for one season with the Sooners. While Johnson is still raw and needs to add some strength, his athleticism is off-the-charts for someone his size. If you want to know how good Lane Johnson already is just ask Texas A&M defensive lineman Damontre Moore. Johnson made Moore a non-factor in this year's Cotton Bowl.

16. Ezekial Ansah - Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, BYU

Ansah came to BYU with a basketball and track background. He gave football a try in 2010 and now looks like a future star. He is raw, he needs to be coached up but his closing speed is exceptional and he has a unique combination of size, length and athleticism. The fact that he lined up all over the field with the Cougars will just be a bonus when smart NFL defensive coordinators are dreaming about how they plan to unleash this potential defensive monster.

17. Alec Ogletree - Inside Linebacker, Georgia

On the field, there is no denying the talents of this former safety. Ogletree is still learning how to play linebacker but he has a rare combination of size, speed and athleticism and he flies around the football field with bad intentions. Off the field is where he become an enormous risk. Alec Ogletree was suspended four games this past season for failing a drug test and recently was arrested for a DUI. Any team that selects Ogletree will be taking a huge risk but given his talent, the juice is worth the squeeze.

18. Xavier Rhodes - Cornerback, Florida State

Rhodes was the picture of consistency during his time with the Seminoles. His college career ended with first-team ALL-ACC honors. While he doesn't have the elite speed that teams look for at the position, Rhodes is extremely physical, tall and long. He can very much hold his own in coverage.

19. Kenny Vaccaro - Safety, Texas

Vaccaro is exactly the kind of safety that NFL teams are looking for. He is versatile and athletic while at the same time physical. The former Longhorn needs to be a much more reliable tackler in the back-end of the defense but he can play wide receivers in the slot, he can line up with tight ends out wide and he doesn't mind coming up in the box and supporting the run.

20. Keenan Allen - Wide Receiver, California

When Keenan Allen left high school, he was one of the most coveted prospects around. Allen nearly went to Alabama to play safety for Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide. He went to California instead and even though he had awful quarterback play during his time there, he still found a way to be productive. Allen has everything teams wants in a potential No. 1 wide receiver with the exception of elite speed.

21. Jonathan Cooper - Offensive Guard, North Carolina

Cooper is a four-year starter that comes into the NFL ready to make an impact right away on someone's offensive line. Cooper paved the way for running back Gio Bernard, the second best running back in the class, this past season and showed athleticism and mobility that is not often seen from an offensive lineman. He needs to get stronger at the next level but was a steady performer for the Tar Heels and there is no reason he can't be the same on an NFL roster.

22. DeAndre Hopkins - Wide Receiver, Clemson

"Nuke" may not have the best size for the position and he may not have elite speed, but it doesn't change the fact that he finds a way to make plays. Hopkins has strong hands, attacks the ball in the air and an underrated burst allows him to run away from defenders after the catch. While his upside may be limited, he is the most polished wide receiver in the class and has a good understanding of the position.

23. Tavon Austin - Wide Receiver, West Virginia

Austin is the small package that good things come in. The former West Virginia star made plays all over the field. He lined up in the backfield, at receiver and made plays in the return game as well. His skills as a receiver still need to be developed but Austin has excellent change of direction skills and has the ability to change the complexion of the scoreboard every time he touches the ball.

24. Manti Te'o - Inside Linebacker, Notre Dame

Manti Te'o had as good a regular season as any linebacker in college football has ever had. He led his team to an undefeated regular season, he finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting and took Notre Dame back to the top of college football. Then it all went downhill. It started with his awful play in the National Championship game where he was swallowed up by Alabama offensive linemen and it looked like he was tackling air or just hugging his fake girlfriend. Te'o will be placed under the microscope leading up to the draft but he is a solid player whose football smarts, instincts, awareness and leadership should lead him to a long NFL career if he can put the past behind him.  

25. Johnathan Hankins - Defensive Tackle, Ohio State

After a really good 2011 season in Columbus, there were high expectations for Hankins in 2012. He didn't live up to them at all. Even though he had a down year, his talent can't be denied. Big Hank is a massive defensive lineman that occupies space and creates opportunities for others on the defensive side of the ball to make plays. The only way he will live up to his immense potential is if he starts playing with the same effort every time he steps on the field.

"If Carrasco can throw his curveball without pain, the Indians have at the very least a number 3 starter, perhaps even a number 2." - MyTribe

If Carlos Carrasco can bounce back, he can be a top of the rotation starter, says one cleveland.com reader.  

"I was listening to the Yankee announcers when Carrasco pitched one of his most dominant games against them in 2011, they said his stuff was the best they had seen all year, (I think the game was in late May).

If Carrasco can throw his curveball without pain, the Indians have at the very least a number 3 starter, perhaps even a number 2."

Carlos Baerga and John Hart have will be inducted into the Indians Hall of Fame on June 22.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Second baseman Carlos Baerga and General Manager John Hart have been selected to the Indians Hall of Fame. They will be honored June 22 at Progressive Field.

Baerga will go into the player's section and Hart into the non-uniformed section.

"Carlos and John are responsible for some of the best memories in Cleveland Indians history," said Mark Shapiro, Indians president. "We're proud to honor their contributions."

Baerga, in spring training as a guest instructor, played for the Indians from 1990 through 1996 and again in 1999. He was acquired in a trade with San Diego, along with catcher Sandy Alomar Jr., on Dec. 6, 1989 for Joe Carter. The deal set the foundation for Hart's clubs that played in two World Series and dominated the AL Central for much of the 1990s.

In eight years with the Indians, Baerga hit .299 (1,097-for-3,666) with 104 homers and 565 RBI. The switch-hitting native of Puerto Rico represented the Indians in three All-Star games and won two Silver Slugger awards.

In the 1992 and 1993 seasons, Baerga became the first second baseman since Rogers Hornsby to have consecutive seasons in which he had 200 hits, 20 homers and 100 RBI.

View full size John Hart shows the Indians' David Justice his batting stance during spring training in 2000. Hart was named a new member of the Indians' Hall of Fame today. PD file  

Hart was the Indians general manager from 1991 through 2001. He's the sixth man elected to the Distinguished Hall of Fame for non-uniformed personnel.

He joined the Indians in 1989 as a special-assignment scout under GM Hank Peters and ended that season as interim manager.

Under Hart, the Indians went 870-681 (.561), won six AL Central Division titles and two AL pennants. They went to the World Series in 1995 and 1997, losing to in six games to Atlanta and seven games to Florida, respectively.

The Sporting News named Hart its Baseball Executive of the Year in 1994 and 1995. He currently works as an analyst for MLB Network.

Hall of Fame members are selected by a 17-member panel of Cleveland baseball historians.

Eldon Spearman is the elder statesman at Northfield Park. The 87-year-old horseman from Green Valley, Ohio, has owned, trained and driven trotters and pacers for more than 50 years.

The elder statesman among the horsemen racing at Northfield Park, Eldon Spearman, 87, of Green Valley, Ohio gets his 8-year-old trotter, Uplaythegametowin, ready to race at Northfield Park. D'Arcy Egan, The Plain Dealer  

 

NORTHFIELD, Ohio - On a wet, chilly Wednesday night at Northfield Park, Eldon Spearman went about the business of harness racing. It's something he's been doing for more than a half-century. 

Spearman, 87, wasn't showing his age as he briskly handled prerace chores.

There was little doubt he was the elder statesman of the harness track's paddock area, where horses and drivers gather before each race. Every few minutes, an old friend or another youngster in white racing pants and jacket emblazoned with their personal racing colors would stop to visit.

"How you doing, Eldy?" asked Dan Kennedy, one of the veteran drivers. "How are you feeling? How's your horse been racing?"

Spearman was upbeat. He was keeping his fingers crossed that his 8-year-old trotter, Uplaythegametowin, would get back on track after going off stride in a couple of recent pari-mutuel races.

Wearing his brown, tan and gold racing jacket, Spearman attached a sulky to Uplaythegametowin, checked every strap and buckle once again, then slid onto the seat and guided his trotter onto the tight, banked half-mile race track. Spearman jogged Uplaythegametowin a couple of miles, then turned him around and picked up speed for a counter-clockwise pre-race mile.

Eldon Spearman, 87, is the elder statesman at Northfield Park, owning, training and driving trotters and pacers for more than a half century. D'Arcy Egan, The Plain Dealer  

 

Spearman seemed happy as Uplaythegametowin trotted smoothly during his warmup. Horse and driver headed back to the paddock to wait for the night's opening-race field to be called back to the track.

Spearman has only a couple of horses in his stable these days, and he races sparingly at the pari-mutuel tracks and in low-key, free-for-all events at the Ohio county fairs.

Ron Laymon, 62,  is married to Spearman's daughter, Candy. Laymon helps out with Uplaythegametowin, who won three of 31 starts last year. Spearman said Laymon is also good company on the almost two-hour, truck-and-horse trailer drive from home. They live in Green Valley, a stone's throw from the Knox County Fairgrounds, where Spearman has trained trotters - and a few pacers - over many years.

"My wife, Avanelle, and I had a dairy farm, milking Holsteins twice a day. It was hard work, keeping the cows fed and mucking out the barns. For fun, I had some ponies my daughters liked to ride, and that I raced for a while."

Spearman got into the harness racing game in 1956 with a horse named Pete Abbe. He had big dreams then, but these days harness racing is only a hobby.

"Racing keeps me young," he said. "Every morning, I'm the first one at the fairgrounds, though I'm a little sore and stiff until I get warmed up. The shoulders hurt a bit, and so does the knee I had replaced a few years ago. It was after an accident at the Coshocton County Fair. A horse went down in front mine and we took an awful spill.

"I might have quit already if it wasn't for Uplaythegametowin's groom," said Spearman, wearing a sly smile as he motioned toward his son-in-law. Laymon doesn't want to quit racing just yet, either.

Spearman isn't the oldest driver in the country. There are a few drivers in their 90s sprinkled around harness racing, according to the U.S. Trotting Association. Long ago, it was common for horsemen to own, train and drive their trotters or pacers, as Spearman still does. These days, the top reinsmen focus on driving. Spearman could turn over the duties to a younger driver, but has a ready excuse.

"I favor trotters, and you really have to get to know each trotter before you drive them," he said. "I still like to drive in races, too, and these days there isn't enough purse money to share."

His all-time favorite was a trotter he bought at a yearling sale in November 2006 for a paltry $700. The youngster was named Boy Meets Grill. Spearman saw something special in the youngster and worked his magic.

"Boy Meets Grill was a tough horse," said Spearman. "He won his first three races, all out of the No. 10 post position."

Two years later, Spearman was offered $50,000 for the trotter. It was a big payoff for a retired farmer trying to balance the books. Boy Meets Grill was still racing in 2012. The 9-year-old had won $188,673 with a career-best 1:55 mile.

"He was some kind of horse," said Spearman, remembering the thrills of campaigning a top-notch trotter.

After checking his watch a half-dozen times, Spearman finally heard the judges announce that the first-race field should head out on the track. Spearman and Uplaythegametowin settled into the No. 1 post behind the starting gate. When the gate pulled away from the field, Spearman tried to stay in front of the pack.

Before they reachrf the first turn, however, Uplaythegametowin mistepped and began to gallop. Spearman reined in his trotter, guided him to the outside and tried to get him back on stride. For Spearman and Uplaythegametowin, the race was over far too early.

It would be a long ride back to Green Valley. You knew, though, Spearman would be back, trying to parlay many tedious early-morning workouts into yet another chance to visit the winner's circle. 

Has the perception of the Dolans changed since they opened up the checkbook this offseason? Who will be the Opening Day starter? The Plain Dealer's Tribe beat writer Paul Hoynes answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast.

Has the perception of the Dolans changed with their expensive offseason? Paul Hoynes answers this question and more during his weekly podcast. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)  

Has the perception of the Dolans changed since they opened up the checkbook this offseason? Who will be the Opening Day starter?

The Plain Dealer's Tribe beat writer Paul Hoynes answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast.

Among other topics discussed:

• Will we see any more moves prior to the season?

• How has Carlos Carrasco looked this spring?

• Can the Indians compete for a playoff spot?

• Can the Indians overtake the Tigers?

You can download the mp3 or listen with the player to the right.

Be sure to follow Hoynes on Twitter.

"It would be stupid to trade him. Who would want him?-the Lakers, but we already own one of their NO 1s and were not sure of getting it, though if Speights played well and the Lakers make the playoffs, we'd get their NO one, but will we get a player as good. Doubtful. A keeper for sure in an area of weakness." - saintsjoe

Trading Marreese Speights would be a mistake, says one cleveland.com reader. (AP Photo/Chris Young)  

"It would be stupid to trade him. Who would want him?-the Lakers, but we already own one of their NO 1s and were not sure of getting it, though if Speights played well and the Lakers make the playoffs, we'd get their NO one, but will we get a player as good. Doubtful. A keeper for sure in an area of weakness."

Meet this week's top performers in high school basketball, wrestling and gymnastics.

Esa Ahmad 

Shaker Heights 

Sport:Basketball Class:Sophomore 

Age:16 Ht:6-7 

Wt:210 

What Esa did last week:Forward tallied 24 points, 10 rebounds, five blocked shots and three steals in upset of then-Plain Dealer No. 1 Mentor, followed by 18 points, 13 rebounds, seven blocks and three assists in win over Medina. 

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About Esa:Favorites include the Miami Heat and LeBron James, “Next Friday” movie, “Family Guy” TV show, ESPNU.com, “NBA 2K13” video game, “Through the Fire” book, Wasabi Steak & Sushi restaurant, Nike clothes and English class. Would like to visit the Bahamas. 

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Derek Sloan 

St. Ignatius 

Sport:Basketball Class:Senior 

Age:18 Ht:6-5 

Wt:210 

What Derek did last week:Forward averaged 17.5 points, including making 18 of 22 free throws, seven rebounds and two blocks in wins over two Plain Dealer Top 10 teams, Cleveland Heights and Villa Angela-St. Joseph. 

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About Derek:Favorites include Miami Heat, Tracy McGrady, “Inside Man” movie, “NCIS” TV show, “NBA 2K” video games, pizza, Red Robin restaurant and economics class. Best school memory was playing against St. Edward at 2010 regional tournament at Cleveland State. 

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Kristen Confroy 

Solon 

Sport:Basketball Class:Junior 

Age:16 Ht:5-8 

What Kristen did last week:Wing had 18 points, seven rebounds, five assists, three steals and one block in comeback win over Mentor. Totaled 26 points, five rebounds and five assists in win over Stow. 

About Kristen:Maryland recruit will major in sports medicine. Also plays soccer and softball. Favorites include the Yankees and Derek Jeter, math class, mashed potatoes, Hibachi Restaurant, “Finding Nemo” movie, “Dexter” TV show and “Outliers” book. Would like to try playing paintball. 

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Lizzie Wilkinson 

Woodridge 

Sport:Basketball Class:Senior 

Age:17 Ht:6-0  

What Lizzie did last week:Center had 15 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks in win over Copley. Had 27 points, 10 rebounds and 10 blocks in overtime loss to Waterloo. Collected 20 points, four rebounds and four blocks in sectional semifinal win over Buchtel. 

About Lizzie:Senior class officer enjoys four-wheeling. Favorites include math class, chicken nuggets, The Cheesecake Factory restaurant, track athlete Lolo Jones, “Step Brothers” movie, “Pretty Little Liars” TV show and “Safe Haven” book. 

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Markus Scheidel 

St. Edward

Sport:Wrestling Class:Senior 

Age:17 Ht:5-8 

Wt:152 

What Markus did last week:Was the 152-pound champion at Southview sectional and helped Eagles win team title. Had a pin in 2:34, followed by technical falls in semifinals (21-6) and final (22-7). Is 30-4 this season, including five pins. 

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About Marukus:Plans to attend Columbia and study business or healthcare. Member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and National Honor Society. Favorites include “Build Me Up Buttercup” song, “Rugby Challenge” video game, “Trailer Park Boys” TV show and pottery class. 

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Mackenzie Miller 

Hudson 

Sport:Gymnastics Class:Sophomore 

Age:15 Ht:5-6 

What Mackenzie did last week:Won the all-around championship at West Geauga sectional with score of 36.2. Placed second on vault (9.025), third on beam (9.275) and second on floor exercise (9.275). 

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About Mackenzie:Member of track team and Relay for Life. Is a football cheerleader. Wants to study pre-med. Favorites include “Stick It” movie, Pinterest.com, pomegranates, Olive Garden restaurant and math and chemistry classes. Wants to try skydiving. 

The Buckeyes' football and baskebtall coaches got high marks, and the reviews showed no issues with NCAA compliance.

View full size Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith, left, walks in with Urban Meyer at the press conference to introduce Meyer as the school's new head football coach on Nov. 28, 2011. Smith gave Meyer a performance review in 2012, and Meyer received high marks, The Plain Dealer has learned through a public-records request. Lynn Ischay, The Plain Dealer  

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Sure, winning games is important. But what do your bosses think of you?

In their last performance reviews (which are available at bottom of this post), both Ohio State football coach Urban Meyer and men's basketball coach Thad Matta earned high praise from their OSU supervisors.

The Plain Dealer was recently provided with the reviews following an open-records request. The intent was to get a picture of whether Meyer and Matta are meeting the school's expectations in leading their teams and in complying with NCAA regulations.

They are.

After Jim Tressel's ouster in 2011, requests for past reviews found that Tressel had been judged as lacking in NCAA compliance issues on his review from 2005-06. That served as a reminder that it's worth keeping tabs on the people in charge of the Buckeyes' most high-profile and profitable sports programs.

The reviews are fairly old. Both were conducted last summer, as part of a required annual review.

Meyer's review was a face-to-face personal review with athletic director Gene Smith, a practice Smith had instituted with Tressel. It requires less specific paperwork than a written review. But there is a one-page written summary of the verbal review, which hasn't always been available in the past.

It came before the 2012 season, so it dealt primarily with Meyer's transition into the job after his hiring on Nov. 28, 2011. The paperwork was signed on Aug. 1, 2012, after the review was held on July 25.

It mentions a meeting Meyer and Smith had with Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany.

“You handled the transition into the athletic department and oversight of the football program as well as I could have expected. You did an outstanding job,” Smith wrote. “Your communications with me in particular is exceptional. Besides the obvious, the discussions we had in our joint meeting with the Big Ten commissioner in Chicago last week should give us comfort considering how we operate.”

Matta's review, from June 28, 2012, was conducted by senior associate athletic director Miechelle Willis in written form. An Ohio State spokesperson told The Plain Dealer that Matta is now reporting directly to Smith, so his review for 2013 will match the form used for Meyer.

View full size

Ohio State head basketball coach Thad Matta
AP




 

Matta's performance covered the Buckeyes' run to the Final Four last season, so there wasn't much to quibble with there. His rating was “Exceeds Expectations” in that area.

As for directing the program in compliance with university, Big Ten and NCAA rules, Matta was “proficient,” which is the middle of three possible ratings.

A spokesperson pointed out that “simply means he is doing what he's supposed to be doing. He is on point and doing what is expected in these areas.”

In eight specific categories under “compliance & Personal Conduct,” Matta had four ratings of “exceeds expectations” (including knowing, understanding and adhering to NCAA and Ohio State rules); and four of “proficient,” (including creating a strong compliance environment.)

Overall in all individual categories, Matta has 32 ratings of “exceeds expectations,” 15 of “proficient” and one of “opportunity for improvement.”

That came under the heading of “Assures student-athletes participation in SAAB and life skill programs.”

SAAB is the “Student-Athlete Advisory Board,” which includes a representative from all 36 varsity sports and organizes community activities and discusses issues affecting athletes.

Here are what blogs from Cleveland and around the country are saying about the Browns, Cavaliers and Indians. Featured today are Dawgs By Nature, Did The Tribe Win Last Night? and Buckeye State Sports.

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

Should the Browns bring back Josh Cribbs? (John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer)





 

"What the Browns Should Do: Cribbs made $2.688 million total in the final year of his contract. The difficult thing is this: how much do you pay a guy like Cribbs? He's only 29, so he should still have a couple of years left in the tank. Jacoby Jones signed a two-year deal at the start of the 2012 season for Baltimore, and his cap hit for 2013 is scheduled to be $4.9 million. Leon Washington from the Seahawks will make $2.875 million in 2013. Devin Hester from the Bears will make $2.94 million in 2013.

If the Browns want Cribbs back, he would probably look to make at least $2.5 million, which is what he averaged over the past three years. Back in 2010, he thought an offer of $1.4 million was "insultingly low." I would be happy to have Cribbs back for several more years. Although Travis Benjamin offers a lot of intrigue on punt returns, there is no reason why the Browns can't creatively utilize both guys on punts. Yes, at some point, the Browns need to move on and find a new special teams leader, but Chris Tabor, one of the few coaches retained, should not completely have his Pro Bowl unit scrapped in 2013."

All eyes are on Dice-K this spring training. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)





 

"If Matsuzaka can find the command and health he previously had before undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2011, he could be a surprise piece to stabilize the Tribe’s starting rotation. Currently, the Indians rotation is the team’s biggest weakness and reason some feel they still cannot compete for a playoff spot despite all their offseason roster improvements.

But a healthy Matsuzaka could catapult the Tribe into serious contention. It’s why his first bullpen session was monitored by not just Pitching Coach Mickey Callaway and Tribe Manger Terry Francona, but also Indians General Manager Chris Antonetti, Assistant General Manager Mike Chernoff and team trainers. Antonetti likes the possibility Matsuzaka’s newfound health could provide the Tribe."

Will Chris Grant make another move before the trading deadline? (David I. Anderdsen/The Plain Dealer)





 

"While Speights and Ellington would likely end up on a playoff contender, Gibson, Walton and Casspi will likely be headed to a team in need of cap relief. After scouring NBA salary figures and comparing them to the team’s current place in the standings, these five players may be available for the Cavs’ taking with any combination of those expiring contracts:

Thaddeus Young, SF, Philadelphia 76ers

At 24-years old, Philadelphia just gave Young a five-year, $42 million contract extension in December of 2011. They paid the youngster pretty well, and have enjoyed a 14.9 point and 7.4 rebound per game average from him this season. It is unlikely Philadelphia would move Young, but if they think his contract which escalates to $8.6 million next year, $9.1 million the year after and $9.7 million the year after that would hinder their ability to rebuild—don’t be surprised if the Cavaliers come calling."

SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio - Keith Abood was a standout for Shaker Heights'  1979 state runner-up hockey team and holder of numerous school records. He went on to play at Kent State, earning a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, and was on the coaching staff of St. Ignatius' 2010 state championship team that beat Sylvania Northview, 5-1, in the final....

Former Shaker Heights hockey standout Keith Abood is giving back to the sport he loves. - (Special to The Plain Dealer)

SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio - Keith Abood was a standout for Shaker Heights'  1979 state runner-up hockey team and holder of numerous school records. He went on to play at Kent State, earning a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, and was on the coaching staff of St. Ignatius' 2010 state championship team that beat Sylvania Northview, 5-1, in the final.

He attended officer's candidate school for the United States Marines, but never accepted a commission and was honorably discharged.

"(Present Shaker Heights coach) Mike Bartley was in his first year of coaching during my freshman year (1976),'' said Abood, a Willoughby resident with wife, Lisa, and their two sons and two daughters. "Mike is a great coach, we're still very close and we communicate regularly.''

Abood, 52, has been in the transportation and logistics business since 1989.

He's been a salesperson for Vitran Trucking since 2002 and keeps active in the sport he loves, serving as hockey director at the Cleveland Skate Club the past 16 years.

"I'm in the best shape I've ever been in because I'm on the ice seven days a week,'' said Abood, who has coached hockey for 25 years.

He spends about 25 hours a week at the skate club.

"We have between 100-150 skaters in our development program,'' said Abood, who also plays in adult hockey leagues in Mentor and Kent.

"We presently have six players competing in Division I college hockey, not including the ones we have at the other collegiate levels."

Not only does Abood help coach in the club's five-division youth hockey program, he also works closely with high school coaches in helping develop their players as well as other area boys and girls players.

"I love it,'' said Abood.

Send suggestions on people or stories we should update for the weekly “Whatever happened to . . . ?” series to Metropolitan Sports Editor Kristen Davis at kdavis@plaind.com, or call 216-999-6163.

Johnathan Hankins, John Simon, Etienne Sabino, Jake Stoneburner, Zach Boren and Reid Fragel also will be in Indianapolis.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – There was a time while coming back from his knee surgeries that Nathan Williams wondered if he should start looking for a job. Now he'll be on some major job interviews in Indianapolis for the next several days.

Making the switch from defensive end to outside linebacker, Williams is one of seven Buckeyes invited to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis this week. He'll join potential first-round pick and defensive lineman Johnathan Hankins, offensive tackle Reid Fragel, defensive lineman John Simon who is also making the shift to outside linebacker, fullback Zach Boren, linebacker Etienne Sabino and tight end Jake Stoneburner.

It's an interesting crew for OSU. Hankins was projected as a potential top 10 pick during the season, but many draft analysts now question his stamina after seeing him as inconsistent during the 2012 season, and he is viewed more often as a pick in the 20s or lower. Fragel has great upside after playing just one year at tackle in Columbus, Simon was Urban Meyer's favorite player but is in the midst of a position switch, Boren could have ideal fullback tools but played the second half of 2012 at linebacker, Sabino fought through an injury in 2012 and Stoneburner was more like a receiver in 2012 after playing traditional tight end his first three seasons.

As for Williams, “I actually feel like a whole new man, to be honest with you.”

He has been working out in Scottsdale, Ariz., since Dec. 16, along with Fragel and Stoneburner, save for a week at the East-West Shrine Game. After missing the 2011 season following microfracture surgery on his left knee, then playing the 2012 season and dealing with soreness after being unable to work out in the offseason to prepare, Williams is relieved to feel like he's got it all back together.

“I feel like my career has really just taken off,” Williams said by phone from Arizona on Tuesday. His plan was to arrive in Indianapolis on Thursday morning. “I'm peaking at the right time, like I'm supposed to do.”

Much of that is physical. Williams has been able to work out consistently for the first time since before the 2011 season. But some of it is feeling more comfortable as a linebacker after spending his career in Columbus at the Leo spot, Ohio State's rush end that does drop into coverage sometimes like a linebacker. Williams did roam the defense to look for weaknesses, moving behind the defensive line, but he often lined up on the line of scrimmage. As a linebacker, he'll work more in space, with more coverage responsibilities and fewer calls to rush the passer.

“I'm 240, 245 pounds, and that's my natural position,” Williams said of linebacker. “In college, I probably played out of position a lot. They really needed me at Leo, and I dropped back in coverage a lot, but I don't know, I'd feel out of the play because the play wouldn't necessarily be run my way.

“The good thing, the great thing, about the National Football League is you have the best coaches who know exactly what to do with each player. They're going to see me at the combine moving fluidly with the other linebackers, and hopefully I can show them I'm better than most.”

Williams was happy with the way he played linebacker at the East-West Shrine Game. And despite the injuries, he was happy with how his five-year career unfolded at Ohio State.

He mentioned the chance to play with great players like James Laurinaitis, Malcolm Jenkins, Cameron Heyward, John Simon and Johnathan Hankins. He mentioned playing for his first defensive line coach, Jim Heacock, whom he called one of the best coaches he knows, who taught him to be relentless. And he mentioned playing for his new defensive line coach, Mike Vrabel, who also taught him a lot.

And he mentioned the chance now to try to prove he's more than the player the scouts saw on gamedays in scarlet and gray.

“It feels great to finally not have to overcome an obstacle, where one day you have a good day, and the next day you're so sore you can't even move,” Williams said. “It's a relief to just concentrate on developing your skills and becoming a better football player.”

MENTOR, Ohio - Timing is everything and Mentor couldn't have picked a better time to head into the postseason. The top-seeded Cardinals, who will play 11th-seeded Brush in Friday's Division I sectional title game at Perry, wrapped up the regular season with a 64-52 Northeast Ohio Conference Valley Division upset win over Hudson.

Mentor's girls basketball team won a confidence-building game against Hudson.

MENTOR, Ohio - Timing is everything and Mentor couldn't have picked a better time to head into the postseason.

The top-seeded Cardinals, who will play 11th-seeded Brush in Friday's Division I sectional title game at Perry, wrapped up the regular season with a 64-52 Northeast Ohio Conference Valley Division upset win over Hudson.

"Defense and rebounding carried us through,'' said Mentor coach Steve Thompson, whose team was a 64-56 loser at Hudson on Jan. 5. "We scored a signature win against Walsh Jesuit and led Solon heading into the fourth quarter the second time we played them before losing, but we finally put it all together on Hudson.

"We played a full four quarters and it was a real confidence builder.''

Guards Kayla Gabor and Katelyn Zdanowicz, wing Lauren Stefancin and Courtney Schutz have been providing most of the offense, respectively averaging 13.2, 4.9, 15.0 and 9.7 points.

"We can get 15-20 points a game from either Lauren, Katelyn or Kayla,'' said Thompson, "and (6-1) Lacey Miller (6.9 rpg) and Christine Dawson (7.6 rpg) are beginning to make their presence felt in the post and Miller doesn't even start.''

Miller, along with Natalie Pachinger and Emily Strayer, are part of an eight-player rotation that gives the Cardinals depth.

"It's been a gradual process,'' said Thompson. "Our goal at the beginning of the season was to be competitive in the NOC and I feel we were, though our (3-7) record doesn't show it. "But we're now making teams, which used to blow us out, work for their points, so we're finally getting to where we want to be.''

Arcs ace is done: Brush will open its postseason without standout Aeriyelle Perrin. The 5-10 senior, who was averaging 14 points, seven rebounds and two steals, is academically ineligible.

"It's a shame,'' said Kevin Glenn, the Arcs' third head coach in as many years. "Aeriyelle's the most talented player I've ever coached.''

Glenn, a former head coach at Highland and assistant at Regina and Shaker Heights, has gotten solid play from Imani Dulin (9 ppg, 3 spg), Tyra Turk (8 ppg, 5 apg, 2 spg) and Jamaya Shabazz (14 rpg).

The Arcs (9-13, 9-1) clinched the Northeast Ohio Conference Lake Division but failed to win a nonleague game.

"We came close,'' said Glenn. "We played well in losses to Chardon, Gilmour Academy, Chagrin Falls and West Geauga.''

Lions roar: St. Martin dePorres won the first Lake Effect Conference Tournament with a 36-21 victory over Horizon Science Academy. The Lions (18-3, 11-0), who overcame a 14-12 halftime deficit, were led by freshman Corrione Cardwell's 17 points, nine steals, eight rebounds and six assists.