The Tennessean from Nashville, Tennessee • Page 72

2C Wednesday, August 1,2001 THE TENNESSEAN www.tefwessean.com SPORTS: PAGE2 ii II What do you think of South Carolina's chances in the SEC this season? tm Fanfare Who should play left comerbackforlhe Titans with the departure of Denard Walker? Michael Booker 17.2 Andre Dyson 16.4 fluke, they're heading for a big fall. c. They'll do about the same as last season. a.WithLouHoltzatthe helm, the Gamecocks can do even better than last season. DeRon Jenkins 29.7 Donald Mitchell 18.7 Dainon Sidney 17.9 b.

Last season was a Vote at tennessean.comsports 390 votes as of 9:20 p.m. yesterday Sat 4 Aug. 11 Aug. 17 vs. vs.

at St. Louis, Indianapolis Chicago, 7 p.m. (scrrnrnage), 7 pm 10-30 am sip Maurice Patton's Titans Radio: 1 04.5-FM Tickets: 565-4200 Wed.1 Thurs.2 Fri.2 Minor Leagane testier at at at Fresno, Fresno, Fresno, 9:15 p.m. 9:15 p.m. 9:15 p.m.

Sounds personnel leaving Sounds Rypien returns, signs with Colts Tamesscan News Services Former Super Bowl MVP Mark Rypien is back in the NFL Three years after leaving football so he could care for his ill son and wife, Rypien signed a one-year contract for the minimum salary plus incentives with the Indianapolis Colts yesterday. Rypien joins a roster that currently lists four quarterbacks, including starter Peyton Manning. Rypiea 38, has not played in the NFL since 1997 when he was with the St Louis Rams. He was named MVP of the 1992 Super Bowl, where Washington beat Buffalo 37-24. He suffered a shoulder injury the next seasoa Vikings' Stringer hospitalized: Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Korey Stringer was hospitalized after workouts conducted in extreme heat in Mankato, Minn.

Vikings trainer Chuck Barta said Stringer was taken by ambulance to Immanuel St. Joseph's Hospital after morning conditioning drills. Barta didn't elaborate on Stringer's condition but did refer to it as "serious." Cox to Patriots: The New England Patriots shored up their linebacking corps by signing Bryan Cox. Cox, 33, enters his 11th season as the sixth-leading active career tackier among linebackers in the AFC. Playing for the New York Jets before breaking his leg, Cox made 81 tackles and six sacks last seasoa Carter signs with Redskins: Ki-Jana Carter, the oft-injured running back who was drafted No.

1 overall by Cincinnati in 1995, signed with Washingtoa He did not play last season because of a knee injury, and has gained only 732 yards in 32 career games. Radio: 560-AM Tickets: 242-4371 Wed.1 Sat 4 Sat 11 vs. vs. at 'Atlanta, Charleston, Milwaukee ffwffi 7pm 7pm 7:30 pm Metros Tickets: 832-5678 Fri.3 Aug. 11-12 Aug.

19 Quartertinals, Semifinals Arena Bowl jfifes 7p.m. XV, 2 p.m., Radio: 99.7-FM Tickets: 254-KATS Sounds statistics Through July 30. Batters Player AVQ GP-GS AB 2B 3B HP. RBI Anoyo, Branson .273 4-4 11 0 3 0 1 0 1 Bakett.Andy .255 67-58 212 35 54 12 0 6 37 BerrJnger.Jeff .267 5-4 15 2 4 0 0 1 1 Cota, Humbert) .293 81-67 263 43 77 15 2 8 44 Figueroa, Luis .303 80-78 297 40 90 11 1 4 28 Guy, Brad .000 2-1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 Haad.Yamid .238 42-33 122 13 29 3 0 2 8 Haverbusch, Kevin .316 26-16 79 16 25 4 1 3 16 .240 92-83 321 50 77 15 5 10 49 Hernandez, Alex .315 69-65 276 38 87 16 0 6 32 LoiseHe.Rich .000 1-1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 McConnel.Sam .263 11-9 19 2 5 0 0 0 0 McOade.Neal .000 1-0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Moody, Eric .250 6-3 8 0 2 0 0 0 2 Nelson, Bryant 226 17-15 62 5 14 0 0 0 6 O'Connor, Brian .167 6-6 12 3 2 1 0 0 1 .000 1-0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Radmanovioh, Ryan .378 11-10 37 10 14 1 0 4 7 Secret. Reed .312 71-63 218 37 68 14 0 10 37 Sparks, Steve .091 7-7 11 1.1 0 0 0 0 VKsngert, Don .050 11-11- 20 2 1 0 0 0 3 Wood.

Jason .250 92-81 312 42 78 15 1 6 33 Totals 277 108-108 3684 620 1019 184 27 87 478 Opponents 265 108-108 3626 623 962 182 16 106 483 PrrcHERS Player ERA W-L APP GS CQ SV IP ER BB SO Anoyo, Branson 3.69 4-1 6 6 2 0 46,1 42 '19 10 32 Donaldson, Bo 0.90 1-1 8 0 0 0 10.0 9 1 5 13 Guy.Brad 2.66 0-1 9 1 0 0 20.1 18 6 4 14 Loiselle. Rich 9.82 0-2 13 1 0 0 18.1 22 20 16 11 McConnell.Sam 6.51 4-9 20 17 1 0 102.1 124 74 26 73 McDade, Neal 300 1-0 7 0 0 0 12.0 9 4 7 7 Moody, Eric 3.14 4-3 32 4 1 0 71.2 68 25 7 34 O'Connor, Brian 5.75 5-4 31 10 0 1 76.2 82 49 38 45 Pavlas.Dave 1.88 1-4 36 0 0 6 38.1 29 8 7 35 Smith, Brian 2.86 1-1 21 0 0 6 22.0 18 7 2 22 5.06 3-5 31 10 1 3 742 77 42 64 63 Wengert.Don 3.13 7-4 15 15 0 0 100.2 107 35 15 56 Totals 4.39 61-57 108 108 7 25 938.0 982 458 311 633 Opponents 4.30 5741 108 108 1 32 9392 1019 449 292 736 Home games shaded SPORTS AM Tenmssean News Services Any appearance of a connection between Glenn Yaeger's recent promotion to chief operating officer of the Nashville Sounds and three subsequent front-office resignations is purely coincidental Right Yaeger, who has served as chief financial officer for AmeriSports the Sounds' majority owner since the franchise was purchased from Larry Schmittou was named as the virtual point man for the organization about a month ago. Since then, Robin Towe, Kristin Taylor and Keisha Felton have announced plans to leave their respective positions as corporate events coordinator, marketing managerpromotions director and box-office manager; Towe, in fact worked her last day on Friday, with Taylor and Felton set to leave by mid-August "It's just a mess," Towe said. "A lot of people are unhappy over there." Indications are that a lack of communications between the Chicago-based majority ownership of Al Gordon and Yaeger and those in the so-called decision-making positions with the Sounds has made the situation less than ideal, and that Yaeger effectively becoming the general manager adds to the gap. Still, Felton and Taylor are adhering to the company line as they head toward the door.

"It's hard because you love your job and the people you work with," said Felton, 26, a Tennessee State graduate. "But you come to a time in your life when you just want to try different things. You get attached to the people you work with, get close to them, but you want to expand I just want to pursue some other options." Friday Pro football Tennessee Titans practice with Indianapolis Colts, MetroCenter, 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Tomorrow Pro football Tennessee Titans practice with Indianapolis Colts, MetroCenter, 8:30 a.m.

and 3:30 p.m. Event Time BASEBALL Atlanta at St. Louis 6 p.m. Station FoxSN, ESPN, 1450-AM ESPN2 Pierce signs extension with Celtics Paul Pierce, the Boston Celtics' leading scorer last seasoa has agreed to a six-year contract extensioa The Boston Globe reported yesterday. The exact amount of Pierce's extension can't be determined until next summer, when the league sets the salary cap, but he could earn up to $85 millioa Last seasoa Pierce averaged 253 points, eighth in the league in scoring.

Other deals: Vince Carter is close to signing a six-year contract extension with the Raptors worth about $94 million that would keep him with the team through 2008, Toronto newspapers reported Carter averaged 24.6 points a game in his first three seasons with the club. Free agent Danny Manning has agreed to sign a two-year deal with the Dallas Mavericks, team owner Mark Cuban told The Dallas MomingNews. Manning, a 13-year pro, played for the Utah Jazz last seasoa The 6-foot-10 center-forward averaged 7.4 points a game. ESPN Oakland at Cleveland 6 p.m. GOLF Par-3 Shootout 9 p.m.

TENNIS ATP Montreal Noon WUSA Boston at Atlanta 6 p.m. ESPN CSS TTT i Langenbrunner re-signs with Stars Station Event Time BASEBALL Right wing Jamie Langenbrunner signed a one-year contract with the Dallas Stars yesterday, accepting a reported $L4 million offer. Langenbrunner, a restricted free agent, scored 12 goals and had 18 assists last seasoa He added two goals and two assists in 10 postseason games. Oakland at Cleveland Atlanta at St. Louis Nashville at Fresno 6 p.m.

Fox Family 7:05 p.m. TBS, 1450-AM 9:15 p.m. 560-AM released from the Pittsburgh Pirates' organization earlier this spring, was recently signed by San Francisco and assigned to the team's Class A affiliate in the California League, San Jose. In eight games with the Sounds this year, Ah Yat was 1-4 with a 930 ERA. Newcomer Ryan Vogelsong, acquired from the Giants' organization Monday in the trade that sent Jason Schmidt and John Vander Wal to San Francisco, will make his first start for the Sounds tomorrow against his old team, the Fresno Grizzlies.

Vogelsong went 0-3, 5.65 in 13 relief appearances for the Giants this year, but was 3-3, 2.79 in 10 starts for Fresno. CoJd be worse While the Sounds have enjoyed moderate success during their four-year affiliation with Pittsburgh, at least the Pirates have known who was involved in their trades. When the Chicago White Sox recently swapped former Sounds pitcher James Baldwin to the Dodgers, they thought a 22-year-old pitcher named Jon Berry was among the three minor leaguers they were receiving in return. But the Sox brass asked for Jeff Barry a 32-year-old journeyman outfielder who earned the pitching victory for Colorado Springs in the Sounds' 15-inning home opener three years ago.1 Maurice Patton covers the Nashville Sounds for The Tennessean. He can be reached at 259-801 8 or by e-mail at mpattontennessean.com.

maternity leave yesterday was her last day, she'll be out for two months and certain staff members that would be reporting to her will now be reporting to me," he said. "When she returns, she'll report to me. But I don't envision any change when she comes back. I think the staffhas speculated, but in no way is this a demotion for anybody." Towe disagrees. "Glenn told Sharon her position was no longer in effect; when she comes back, she'll be a sales representative," Towe said 'Tm just going by what Sharon told me.

I haven't spoken to Glenn, but I have no reason not to believe Sharon. What they did to her was awful, and for Glenn to lie about it makes it even worse." Burns' only comment regarding the changes was: 'It's a huge departure from what Fve been doing." As for the departures of Felton, Taylor and Towe, that's just life in the minors, according to Yaeger. 'Tve been around minor league baseball for five years now, and ifs very common to have significant turnover," he said. "WeVe got qualified, competent people to step in and take their places. WeVe hired, retained and cultivated employees to take their places." If Towe's comments are accurate, Yaeger should hope he has plenty of replacements.

"I wouldn't be surprised if you see more resignations over the next four to six weeks," she said. Back to work: Paul Ah Yat, FISHING BassMasters Classic 5 p.m. ESPN2 GOLF Women's British Open 1 0 a.m. Buy.com Tour Omaha Classic 11:30 am. U.S.

Women's Amateur 2 p.m. PGA The International 3 p.m. Sting denies Sol playoff berth Allison Feaster and Andrea Stinson combined for 33 points and hit consecutive 3-pointers durjng a key first-half run as the Charlotte Sting beat the Miami Sol 63-45 last night in WNBA actioa Feaster had 18 points and Stinson added 15 for Charlotte (12-14). Miami (15-11) lost for just the second time in 11 games and failed to clinch a playoff berth. ESPN GOLF ESPN USA I think its been a good two years," Taylor said.

"It's been a little bumpy sometimes. But for me, at this stage of my life and my career, I think ifs time to make a change. I want to do something different, maybe in or eut of basebalL" None of the three has definite employment plans at this time. Yaeger discussed the organizational restructuring recently, saying: "The biggest change is all the Nashville employees report directly to me. It really only affects people like Chris Snyder ticket director, Sharon Bums vice president of sales, marketing and communications and Jason Hise resalebaseball operations director.

They were reporting to both Al and me; now, they're only reporting to me." Although Burns was in basically a co-GM position at the beginning of the seasoa along with Tommy Moncrief, who was previously dismissed, Yaeger refused to call his appointment a demotion for the former Nashville Kats executive. "Obviously, with Sharon on TENNIS ATP Montreal Noon ESPN i WNBA Sacramento at Los Angeles 9 p.m. ESPN2 Listings are supplied by the stations and networks. The Tsnnessean is not responsible for changes. Agassi ousted by qualifier Andre Agassi was upset in the first round of the Masters Series-Canada yesterday in Montreal, beaten by Croatian qualifier Ivan Ljubicic 6-2, 6-4.

The match came two days after Agassi beat Pete Sampras in the final of a tournament in Los Angeles. AREA DIGEST Teimessean Staff Reports 3 C' .1, An occasional review of what's new, fun or thought-provoking in the wide world of sports. Get set for a bumpy ride What MX2002 featuring Ricky Carmichael by THQforRayStation2. Where: Most electronics retailers. When: Available now.

The skinny: This is not your average racing game. This is full-throttle motorcycle riding that lets you take it easy or take it seriously. MX2002 is an production made especially for those X-Gamers who like a flip here or trick there. If you want to do well, this is one of those games where practice truly pays off. "i The game is just as it is billed a motorcross game that takes you to through different make-believe tracks around the world.

You will be inclined to try the different stunts this game has to offer right off the bat. Take a little reality check first and avoid disaster. -cVs-v i it i Ti 1-in i tm i 1 1 ii -Jt 1 i-Ir- Battle of Bighorn fight for survival Prime-time match produces poor play AssmkteJ Press PALM DESERT, Cali Tiger Woods invited British Open champion David Duval and the, best two women golfers into his prime-time arena The only thing missing was the kind of golf that has made each of them a star. "I would like to do it again," Woods said after he and Annika Sorenstam won in 19 holes Monday night over Duval and Karrie Webb. "Hopefully, we can play a little better next time." That shouldn't be too much to ask.

The foursome of major championship winners managed only five birdies in the alternate-shot format Eight of the 19 holes were won with a par. Woods and Sorenstam left each other in such bad shape off the tee that on consecutive holes, each had to invert chibs because their only option was to play the shot left-handed Webb ran a 25-foot birdie putt a mere 60 feet by the hole. Sorenstam had a 25-foot birdie putt than ran 30 yards into the fairway. When it finally ended at 1120 am CDT, about the same time as most Monday night football games, the Battle at Bighorn was more like a fight for survival. Trailing by two holes with only three to play, Woods and Sorenstam rallied with only one memorable stroke a 10-foot birdie putt by Sorenstam on the 18th hole that extended the match and caused the lights at Bighorn to burn for another 25 minutes.

"Overall, it was just a really tough day," Woods said Despite the ragged play, the Battle at Bighorn still delivered the largest audience to watch women play golf, over 6 million viewers. "I see it as a great opportunity," Sorenstam said EIrod joins Cumberland staff Wes Efrod a veteran Nashville high school football coach, has joined Coach Herschel Moore's staff at Cumberland University as offensive line coach. EIrod coached six different high schools in Metro for 28 years, including 23 at McGavock. He compiled an overall record of 173-81-2. He is a member of the the NTL-Nashville Football Hall of Fame.

The Bulldogs open the season Aug. 30 at Jacksonville State. The Middle Tennessee State University ticket office begins selling tickets for the football season opener against Vanderbilt at 8 this morning. Tickets may be purchased in Murphy Center or at the southwest corner of Floyd Stadium. To order by phone, call 898-2103 or 1-888-YES-MTSU.

Basebal: Hit after Hit defeated Georgia Sports Tech 9-5 and then suffered its first loss at the CABA 18-and-under tournament in Homestead Fk, falling to the East Cobb Tigers of Georgia 12-1 in the second round Hit after Hit will play at 10 am. CDT today in an elimination game. GoK Erik Lundblad of Chattanooga shot a pair of 3-under-par 69s at Stonehenge Golf Club to win the state Assistant's Championship. He will represent the Tennessee Section PGA at the National Assistant's Championship from Oct 25-28 in Port St Lucie, Fla. Todd Jenkins of Old Hickory was the lowest local finisher at 1-under par (tie for sixth).

Defending champion Kelvin Burgin of Old Hickory finished 12th at 3 over par. Tennis: Nashville's Bryan Fisher won the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Section 4 singles tournament in Greensboro, N.C. over the weekend Fisher, a sophomore at LSU, won six matches. In the final on Monday, he edged UT sophomore Wade Orr of Clarksville 6-4, 2-6, 10-7 (10-point tiebreaker). Lacrosse: Montgomery Bell Academy placed four players on the Tennessee Scholastic Lacrosse Associ ation All-State first team: seniors Adam Brooks (goal), William Liles (defense), Leighton Liles (defense), and Mathew Mcintosh (midfield).

Two University School players were first team Juniors Zac Cypress (attack) and KeriCatron-Walden (midfield). Father Ryan senior midfielder Jimmy McMahon was first team. AP Jake Paine, 3, of Rancho Santa Margarita, shows the ball that he used to score a hole-in-one. One young golfing ace Three-year-old Jake Paine swung his Snoopy driver and watched his golf ball soar 40 yards in the air, roll 25 feet and drop into the sixth hole at Lake Forest (Calif.) Golf and Practice Course. "Daddy, I got a hole-in-one!" the little boy told his father, Bill, after the ball dropped in Monday.

Jake's shot may be a record. The Guinness Sports Record Book published in 1997 said the youngest person to get a hole-in-one was 5. Jake, of Rancho Santa Margarita, called it a "Tiger shot," referring to his hero, Tiger Woods, who got his first hole-in-one when he was 6. The youngster ended up shooting 48 on the nine-hole, par-29 course. As he left the course for the day, Jake yawned and told his dad, "I'm sleepy.

I can have more Tiger shots tomorrow." -ASSOCIATED PRESS Learn how to ride a cycle in this game, unless you really want to see your rider go "splat" on the course over and over again. There is no question this game has a very real feel to it. Try the different views available for your rider. Get used to going over moguls. Get the hang of accelerating out of a 50-mph turn.

Then you should try the midair tricks. Beware, though. The game has a built-in boredom factor if you get tired of becoming road kill too often. If you have the patience to overcome that, then this game is for you. If you want to get the hang of the handlebars quicker, then maybe you should look around.

Worth It retails fa $49.99. It has its moments, but it doesn't seem to have the lasting power to make you want to load the game machine over and over. -BILL BRADLEY, AMESPORTS 3.