The Tennessean from Nashville, Tennessee • Page 7

TSSAAto add assistant executive director AREA DIGEST Compiled by stuff reports Jenkins says Fame is worth a fortune Also, the BOC will entertain a proposal requesting the TSSAA's Involvement with the regulation of middle-school athletics. Coach tabbed: Trevecca College assistant basketball coach Mark Nichols was named girls basketball and boys cross countrytrack coach at Beech during the Sumner County Board of Education meeting Tuesday night Nichols, who helped Trevecca to a 25-9 mark last season, will Inherit relatively young track and crosscountry programs. The basketball team, though, Is coming off its first losing season after three straight Class AAA state tournament berths. Net signing: Tonya Keen, a vital member of Brentwood High's back-to-back state volleyball tournament squads in 1989 and 1990, has verbally committed to Middle Tennessee State. Hoop slgnlngs: Motlow State women's basketball coach Mike Holt announced seven commitments which will round out his 1991 recruiting campaign.

Tullahoma's Estelle Williams and Latessa both inked with the Lady Bucks, bringing the number of signers at the Tullahoma-based Junior college to 13. and Bob Baldridge currently oversee the day-to-day operations of the state's prep athletics governing body. Other than filling the new position, the meeting's agenda Is light The Board of Control is expected to act on proposed modifications for the state cross country meet including a later start, four races rather than two and awarding medals to the top 15 Individual finishers In each of the two existing classifications rather than overall. Tonight's game The Tidewater Tides, the Trlple-A affiliate ol the New York Mets, meet Nashville tonight at 7:35 p.m., at Greer Stadium In the opener of a three-game series. Left-hander Eric Hillman, 0-7 with a 3.63 earned run average, Is to hurl for the Tides while right-hander Tim with a 3.24 ERA, Is the Sounds' scheduled starter.

By ANDY HUMBLES Spori Writer Ferguson Jenkins, who never got to go to a World Series during his major league baseball career, hopes his induction into the Hall Fame makes up for It. "The Hall of Fame is my World Series," said Jenkins, who will be at the Vanderbllt Stadium Club today to sign autographs at theUne-Up'91 Baseball Card Show. "It's a great honor to know that what I did was significant and it gives you a feeling JENKINS of immortality." For a time In his career, Jenkins seemed immortal on the mound. He won the 1971 Cy Young Award with the Chicago Cubs and for six consecutive seasons won 20 games. He later set the Texas Rangers record with 25 wins in 1974.

But he's been out of baseball for two seasons. His last baseball Job was as pitching coach with Oklahoma City of the American Association In 1989. He hopes that will change and has been in contact with several big league clubs about returning as a I -f'5K By MAURICE PATTON Sports Writer The Tennessee Secondary Schools Athletic Association will name a third assistant executive director during this weekend's Board of Control meeting in Pigeon Forge. The four finalists for the position are Greg Bell, baseball coach at Springfield High School; Helen Berry, athletic director and volleyball coach at St. Cecilia Academy; David LeMarbe, a Hendersonvllle official; and Gene Menees, baseball coach at Davidson Academy.

Executive Director Ronnie Carter and assistants Gene Beck Valenzuela returns to big leagues ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) Nine days after Orel Hershiser, his good friend and former teammate, returned from a forced retirement, Fernando Valenzuela did the same thing last night. However, Valenzuela viewed the comebacks as totally different "I think it will be like a regular game for me; I don't think it will be as emotional for me as it was for Hershiser," Valenzuela said of his first appearance for the California Angels. The 30-year-old left-hander, released by the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 28, signed with the Angels on May 20 and, after three minor league starts, pitched against the Detroit Tigers last night at Anaheim Stadium. Valenzuela and Hershiser were members of the Dodgers starting rotation for many years until early last season when Hershiser was disabled because of reconstructive surgery on his pitching shoulder.

Hershiser, who pitched for the first time in 13 months on May 28 against the Houston Astros, recalled Valenzuela's no-hitter against the St Louis Cardinals last June 29. On the night that my close friend Fernando Valenzuela threw his no-hitter, I was at a Janet Jackson concert," Hershiser said. "When I learned of his feat the next morning, I rushed out and framed the LA. Times front sports page and gave it to him that day during a rare clubhouse visit" The no-hitter was one of the few highlights for Valenzuela in 1990. He finished the season with a 13-13 record and a 4.59 ERA.

In spring training this year, he was worse, going 1-2 with a 7.80 ERA. The Dodgers, overloaded with starting pitchers, decided to let him go. Valenzuela kept pitching after his release, and it finally paid off when he was signed by the Angels, which led to his return Friday night "I'll probably be a little nervous the first inning," Valenzuela said before the game. "But I know I won't try to over-throw. That's what happened in Palm Springs.

I got that out of the way. "I don't expect anything special except I'm going to try my best to win." In his three minor league starts the first with Palm Springs of the Class A California League and the next two with Midland of the Class Smith grabs Belle Meade Junior title Steven Smith of Kingsport, Tenn. shot a 3-under par 69 to clinch the 11th Annual Belle Meade Junior Invitational golf tournament yesterday. Chuck Chitty claimed the second-place, shooting a two-day total of 149. Smith, a University of Tennessee signee who prepped at Dobyns-Ben-nett, was happy with his performance.

He shot a two-day total of 1 4 1 "It feels real good," said Smith, Stint In Class AA aids Sounds' Vasquez Luis Vasquez says he has learned a step backward can be a progressive move. Vasquez, Nashville's scheduled starting pitcher tomorrow night says his demotion to Chattanooga a month ago actually helped him. "It was best for me, even though I didn't think so at the time," Vasquez said yesterday. "I worked very hard and I think it has helped me." Vasquez record in four starts at Chattanooga was 1-0, and he managed a 2.25 earned run average. "I've got to put up good numbers this year," Vasquez said.

"I'll be a free agent after this year. "My first start for Chattanooga was in Orlando. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't good. I went seven Innings at Jacksonville In my second start and then had nine innings my last time out I beat Greenville (S.C), gave up four hits, walked one and struck out five. And I went 3-for-4 with an RBI." Vasquez said Chattanooga pitching coach Mike Griffin, a former Sound, helped his delivery.

"He did a lot of work with my mechanics," Vasques said. "I was not getting good arm extension and he got me going there so my fastball Is staying down better than it was. "He also got me staying in with my left shoulder better. I'm not flying open as much." -LARRY TAFT Four Bisons are baseball All-Americans pitching coach. Eventually Jenkins aspires to work In an organization's front off-Ice and has hopes of someday becoming a general manager.

With a lack of opportunities In the past for minorities in front office positions In baseball, Jenkins feels race Isn't as much the factor anymore as breaking through baseball's Inner circle. "Owners are naturally going to hire people they know and whose opinion they trust," said Jenkins. "The key for anybody is getting your foot in the door. Once you can do that and show you can do a good job, the opportunities will be there." The memories Jenkins most cherishes are the players he played with and against. "I had the opportunity to play with guys like Banks, Yastremskl and Fisk and pitch against guys like Aaron, Mays and Mantle," said Jenkins.

"Everytlme I took the mound It was against a Gibson, Seaver, Carlton, Marichal or Niekro. "You just don't see those kind of matchups anymore, expansion has diluted the talent" Jenkins will sign from noon-3 p.m., for 9. Admission to the show Is $2.50. On Sunday, also at the Stadium Club, former pro football star Tony Dorsett will autograph from noon-3 p.m., for $11 per signature. Admission is $2.50.

who birdied four of the last nine holes. "I've been trying to win this tournament for the past three years." Brad Burkeen, a Goodpasture junior, won the age 15-16 division. "I played real well," Burkeen said. Mark Mallard, a Gallatin senior, finished second with a 151. Michael Trallor outlasted Ben Reese to clinch the age 13-14 division, shooting a two-day total of 171.

were Britt junior outfielder Brent McNutt and senior pitcher Scott Shannon of Lexington, Ky. Britt had a .333 batting average and led the team with 56 RBI while McNutt batted .366 and led the team with 51 runs scored. He also successfully stole a base on 19 of 21 attempts and was perfect in fielding percentage. Shannon posted a 10-1 record with 74 strikeouts and a 2.85 ERA. in a single season and once posted 19 strikeouts in a single game.

He also scored 2,010 career points in basketball, getting over 40 points in 12 games. "Brent has compiled some very impressive statistics over his high school career, both at the plate and on the mound," MTSU Coach Steve Peterson said. District meet chwell, who goes to East Middle School and has a record of 8-1 after six months on the PAL team. From the Lavergne Club Knockout team are Richie Stuard, 13, Shawn Stuard, 10, and Adam Richards, 10. Victories here would send the Nashvillians onto the nationals State athlete rebounds at Westmoreland and 18 points, six rebounds and shot 72 from the free throw line.

"Glenn is a really talented player and will be an asset to our team," said Cumberland Coach Dale Leever. lege in Bradenton, to a second-place finish in the juco nationals. He is the sixth UT signee, including Nashville pitcher Brandon Miller, who played at Vol State. Junior catcher Stephen Brltt of Mount Juliet, Is one of four Lipscomb University baseball players who have been accorded NAIA All-American honors. Senior outfielder Dwayne Snider of Lawrenceburg, was the only Bison voted on the first team.

Snider batted .407, had 13 homers and was the team MVP this past season. Earning honorable mentions -i mmm, i- Presidents strengthen commitment Vow to remain with I-AA football TOM WOOD Sporlt Writer BRENTWOOD, Tenn. In a show of strengths, Ohio Valley Conference presidents yesterday directed an overt message toward affiliation questions recently posed by wavering member Middle Tennessee State. On Thursday, an MTSU task force noted concerns over its future affiliation with the OVC and recommended to university president James Walker to open negotiations with the Southern Conference. Walker meets with OVC Commissioner Dan Beebe next Thursday and said he would make a decision on future affiliation in wwo weeks.

Yesterday, the OVC presidents countered some of those task force concerns by reaffirming a strong commitment to Division I-AA football and voted In other measures in what appeared to be an effort to placate MTSU. "The conference reaffirms our strong support to staying Division I-AA football and the leadership should continue to pursue and aggressively seek Divisiori I members as new members of the Ohio Valley Conference," said Morehead State president Nelson Grote, chairman of the OVC planning and develr opment committee. Perhaps in further hopes of swaying MTSU to stay in the conference, the OVC presidents also voted to add a third umpire in baseball, Increased the football travel squad to 56 for conference road games arid Increased to 70 the complimentary tickets for men's basketball. "I perceived the action taken by the conference to be a positive move in some of the areas where MTSU has had concerns for a number of years," MTSU's Walker said. "I saw some things in the right direction, but nothing that specifically answers some concerns of the task force." Beebe and other presidents said yesterday's statements about staying In I-AA football weren't necessarily directed at MTSU, but toward the conference as a whole plus other potential new members.

"I wouldn't limit it to one institution's constituents. We are a strong conference, we are the best-ranked I-AA basketball conference, we are committed to upgrading baseball," Beebe said. "Everybody's in the same boat we're not just trying to service Middle Tennessee." Tennessee Tech president An-gelo Volpe added: "We are just stating our position. I don't know If it is geared toward anybody, but we are reaffirming our commitment to football at this level and toward seeking new membership. It's a strong, vibrant conference and all the new presidents are a tremendous addition to the conference." 1 Austin Peay president Oscar Page said he hopes MTSU will decide to stick with the OVC "We are saying as a conference we basically are focusing on some the strengths of the conference and on a commitment to playing in Divl sion I-AA," Page said.

"They're ia member of the OVC, a very active member, and we want them to be a member of the OVC Also, the league will explore the idea of a neutral site for the men's basketball tournament, currently hosted by the regular-season champion. Louisville, is reportedly interested in hosting It. Meanwhile, the OVC formally expanded to eight yesterday as league presidents formally approved Southeast Missouri State of Cape Girardeau, for membership beginning Aug. 15. The Division II school will be reclassified Division I-AA on Sept.

1. i OVC presidents also passed a constitutional change in OVC bylaws allowing the addition of men's track and women's softball to meet minimum NCAA requirements. They also changed championship dates so none conflict with final exams. MTSU signs Tri-Cities baseball star Trlple-A-Alllance American AuoclatioA Eotom DtviiMn CI IndpolH (Ekpoj) 50 Stt -Burlaw (Piralej) 71 MI 1 NaWivM (RMt) 23 21 5l1 LounviN (Cwh) 2) 11 .411 I Weilem Otvrwen owt(Cutn) 33 20 .423 -Denver (Brewen) 24 27 .471 I Oman (Rovrt) 24 .441 0. Glv (Rengert) 2 1 31 .404 II mlwal Lueue Eatiem Offtu Pel.

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Asked if he expected the "Fer-nandomania" fans who followed his career during 10 years with the Dodgers to follow him to Anaheim, Valenzuela said: "I'm with a new team and a new league. But I do hope some of the old people will still come out to watch me." in clouds be in NBA Finals averaged 21.1 minutes, 8.8 points and 3.7 assists in 82 games, all as a substitute. He scored 10 more points in 240 fewer minutes than John Paxson, the player he usually replaced. In the first three playoff series, Armstrong still was effective, averaging 6.9 points and 3.2 assists in 19.6 minutes. Then came the NBA Finals.

In the opener, he had six points and three assists in 10 minutes. In Game 2, with forward Scottie Pip-pen guarding Los Angeles guard Magic Johnson, Armstrong's activity dropped to seven minutes had no points and one assist. But he still fits into coach Phil Jackson's plans as Chicago's first guard off the bench. "I'm on a championship club," Armstrong said. "I'm a young player.

I'm Just trying to fit In." clown or a good tennis player, that he had a bit more than many players. Today he came over and realized how close he was to losing net many do that they usually go out and say they are the greatest. I call that class." Not to be outdone, Courier and Stich also walked off center court with arms around each other's shoulders, talking about the match. Agassi has won four of his professional matches against Courier, though Courier won 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 in their last meeting this winter in California. Armstrong has head Not starting for Bulls, but he's happy to MURFREESBORO Brent Greer, an all-around athlete from Tri-Cities Christian School In Blountville, has signed a baseball grant with Middle Tennessee State.

Greer was primarily a shortstop and pitcher. He batted .560 for his career, including .714 one season, had 87 career RBI, 29 stolen bases Four area boxers in DECATUR, Ala. Terrance Churchwell of the Police Athletic League and three other amateur boxers from Lavergne, will compete in the Junior Olympic district tournament tonight. "I've been training hard and I know I've got a good chance of winning," said the 14-year-old Chur Cumberland inks Vol LEBANON, Tenn. Cumberland University has signed Glenn Tuttle, who prepped at Westmoreland, High School and played basketball the past two years at Volunteer State Community College.

Tuttle averaged 22 points and 12 AA Texas League Valenzuela did not allow an earned run in 17 Innings. "It's a dream come true Just to get back to the big leagues, and I'm very glad I get to stay in Southern California, too," he said. Valenzuela's arrival at Anaheim Stadium had an impact at the gate, with a substantially larger crowd Los Angeles Lakers vs. Chicago Bulls Best of 7. All games on Channel 4.

Series tied 1-1. Game 1: Lakers 93, Bulls 91 Wednesday: Bulls 107, Lakers 86 Last night: at L.A. Tomorrow: at Los Angeles, 6 p.m. June 12: at Los Angeles, 8 p.m. June 14: at Chicago, 8 p.m.

June 16: at Chicago, 6 p.m. if necessary go Bulls backup point guard, a first-round draft choice from Iowa in 1989. In both the regular season and the Bulls' first three playoff series, Armstrong was fifth on the team In scoring and third in assists. During the regular season, he him on a good day," Agassi said. "A few points went my way.

He said he wasn't right and that I played well and deserved to win." Becker was remarkably complimentary in his post-match remarks about Agassi. "I have played him seven times, and he has always been a fair player whether he lost or won," Becker said. "I remember the Davis Cup in Munich (in 1989), when he had a chance to beat me and I won, and he didn't have any bad words or feelings. "That showed me he wasn't a Tennessee inks catcher from Kentucky INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) When boyish-looking B.J.

Armstrong first came to Chicago, he decided to go to the top of the skys-craping Sears Tower. "I wanted to see the skyline and get a feel for the city," he said with a laugh. "I think it was 16 and under and they Just charged me for that It was funny. They didn't even ask me my age." So Armstrong, then 21, paid his dollar for the view from the top without complaint. Now he's just one level below the top of the NBA, and his reduced playing time in the Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers is a small price to pay.

The reward is much richer than finding landmarks from the clouds. "The bottom line is I'm one of 24 guys who are here and everyone else is on vacation," said the Chica- ago that poor manners and bad sportsmanship were in fashion on the men's tennis circuit. But there was Becker, after a frustrating loss In the French Open semifinals, putting his arm around victorious Agassi and later describing him as "class." There was Agassi, not long ago viewed by the tennis establishment as an unkempt upstart brimming with cordiality and modesty. What did he and Becker say when they embraced after Agassi's victory yesterday? "I told him that he could have won it this year, and that I caught Agassi, Courier gain French Open finals KNOXVILLE Scott Corman, a catcher from Lexington, has signed to play baseball at the University of Tennessee. Corman led Manatee Junior Col Americans 1980s.

The semifinal victories showed their common tennis heritage, with each lashing winners off both the forehand and backhand sides. Agassi, who lost in the final last year to Andres Gomez, was the epitome of steadiness, forcing Becker into a baseline battle. "I knew that the longer the rallies went the more it favored me because that's more my game than his," Agassi said. "I kept it deep. I kept him on his heels.

I kept him frtyn coming in a lot. I didn't let him play his game." Becker, seeking the No.l world ranking and the only Grand Slam title he has never won, was left screaming at himself in German and muttering about missed opportunities. If he had won, Becker would have passed Stefan Edberg atop the rankings even if he had lost in the final. Instead, it became Becker's third semifinal loss at Roland Garros in five years. Yesterday's semifinals had court-side observors wondering where have all those brats and bad boys gone? It seenre only a year or two.