The Des Moines Register from Des Moines, Iowa • Page 24

The Des Moines Register Dlvf Page 2C Saturday, October 4, 2003 CANADIAN MALE ATHLETE? Los Angeles Dodgers relief ace and Montreal native Eric Gagne is a leading candidate to claim the National League Cy Young award. The right-hander was 55-for-55 this year in save opportunities. WHO IS YOUR PICK Mike Weir, the first Canadian to win a major title (Masters), is a leading candidate to be the PGA Tour player of the year. What about the race for Canadian male athlete of the year? "That's a tough one," he said. PageTwo Newton racetrack plan unveiled Register Web Poll CAST YOUR VOTE AT DESMOINESREGISTER.COMSPORTS LAST WEEK'S QUESTION I -te? When Iowa and Michigan met in 2002, the Hawkeyes won, 34-9, in Ann Arbor, thanks to a strong game from Brad Banks.

What will happen in today's game in Iowa City? With more than 1,800 votes: -jsm r. -l r- i-BUW S-C 0 i Major concerts, IRL, NASCAR could boost economy by 2005. By TOM WITOSKY REGISTER STAFF WRITER Developers of a proposed $35 million motor sports racetrack and entertainment complex in Newton unveiled their architectural plans Friday and targeted 2005 for the opening of the facility. "We aren't talking about ground breaking specifically right now, but our plans call for the motor racing events to begin in 2005," Paul Schlaack, chairman and president of US. Motorsport Entertainment Corporation, said.

"We believe that this project like many other projects in central Iowa is designed to improve the quality of life here. It is good for our state." Schlaack, a former insurance executive with Equitable of Iowa is leading the effort by a group of Des Moines-area businessmen to build a state-of-the-art complex mostly with private money. Newton city officials also have approved spending $17.3 million to help in the development of the project. City money is to be spent on public improvements, assistance with purchase of 226 acres and for infrastructure. Plans call for the construction of a 78 mile asphalt oval Michigan tailback Chris Perry THIS WEEK'S QUESTION Kurt Warner, the NFL's two-time MVP from Iowa, is open to being traded, his wife, Brenda, said a couple of days ago.

What's the best move for Warner, who is currently a backup quarterback for St. Louis? Wait for another chance in St. Louis. Push for a trade to Dallas and play under coach Bill Parcells. complex in Newton would received a lot of positive response," Schlaack said.

"We decided this is the time to share these plans publicly so that everyone can see what our vision is." Schlaack said that his group is now in negotiations with various banks and other financial institutions to obtain sufficient capital to begin construction. Equity investors are also being sought. "We are finding positive response from both the financial institutions as well as potential equity investors," Schlaack said. 'We believe this project can be successful NASCAR Report Kansas 400, Kansas City, Kan. TIME: In the works: A new racing track facility with a permanent seating capacity of 42,020 that could be nearly doubled with temporary seating.

The track's design is to be developed with the assistance of NASCAR star Rusty Wallace and will carry his name on a number of its entertainment features. The plans released Friday were prepared by Paxton Waters Architecture, an Indianapolis-based firm that specializes in racetrack facility design. "We have been showing these plans to various potential investors and have SUNDAY'S RACE: on pole, CORPORATIONSPECIAL TO THE REGISTER one mile asphalt oval track received commitments from several racing sanctioning bodies to hold events at the facility, including American-Racing Club of America and, the American Speed Associ-, ation two stock car racing' governing groups and the United States Auto Club, an open-wheel organization. Schlaack said that his group has petitioned other! groups, such as the Indy Racing League, and NASCAR, but must wait until the facility is under construction before any decision would be made by those groups. Kansas Pes Moines Marathon Water teams in competition, too Michigan wins 42.9 Because the Hawkeyes struggle on offense.

Iowa wins 38.6 Because its defense shuts down Michigan. Michigan wins 11.7 Thanks to a big game from tailback Chris Perry. Iowa wins 4.5 Thanks to a strong rushing performance. Iowa wins 2.3 QB Nathan Chandler passes Hawkeyes to win. Push for a trade to Chicago and play under whoever the coach is.

Push for a trade as far away from Rams coach Mike Martz as possible. Schedule Today 8 a.m. Dick Beardsley Run, Capital Square 10 a.m. Kids' Run Registration, Capital Square Noon Kid's (385 yards) Marathon, Riverside Drive Noon D.M. Marathon Expo, Capital Square Sunday 7 a.m.

Early Bird Start 8 a.m. Half Marathon 8:05 a.m. Marathon 4:00 Awards ceremony The competition looks wide open as last year's winner, Friedrich's World Coffees, is sponsoring a station while Blazing Saddles which tied for second, is going for a muted presence. "This year we just wanted to go for bodies, so we're not dressing up," Rick Gubbels said. Gubbels, an officer with The Principal Financial Group, said his station's, "Wild, Wild, East" western theme of last year will be mothballed, and that the group is now named The Historic East Village, but the tenor of their support will remain unchanged.

"We'll be rowdy," Gubbels said. Mike Malloy Johnson Kenseth hits wall in jV-'i The 2003 Mediacom Des Moines Marathon is serious competition, especially for the people dressed like aliens. For the second consecutive year, marathon organizers have created a contest to add a little juice to the water stations. Sunday's water purveyors are encouraged to dress in attention-getting garb, and will be judged by their customers the runners after the race. The three most outrageous groups will each get a cash prize, with $300 going to the winners.

Darcy Kulver and her group from Iowa State Bank dressed as aliens for last year's inaugural year was the first time I'd been involved in a marathon," Kulver said. "When the first few (runners) went by I didn't think much of it, then all of a sudden there were thousands of runners on the street. It was awesome." Kulver, who is a trust officer when she isn't posing as a creature from the other side of the sun, isn't admitting what her theme is this year. I can't tell. I don't want someone to steal our idea," Kulver said.

Kulver has managed to maintain a high level of secrecy even under the intense questioning of race director Helene Neville. "I've been trying to get it out of her, but she won't tell," Neville said. like to see Matt go sliding wall," said Earnhardt, who in the standings, one spot Kevin Harvick. "We're still in but we dont sit there every wanting Matt to blow up or into the wall." Michael Waltrip won his second Busch series pole at 3-year-old Kansas Speedway with a record-setting qualifying run Friday. who won last Sunday's Cup race at Talladega Superspeedway, had a fast lap of mph in qualifying for today's Goodcents 300.

results In Sports Roundup "You always have to have a certain amount of luck to go along with your season," he said. "But the two things we've had go wrong the last two weeks are both things we can control. "We had parts break last week that probably shouldn't have broke. And I shouldn't have crashed today. Those are human mistakes." Dale Earnhardt Jr, who qualified third behind Johnson and Mike Skinner, said Kenseth is going to have to have a whole lot more problems in the seven remaining races if there is to be a championship race.

It's not something Earnhardt is counting on or openly rooting for. FROM REGISTER NEWS SERVICES Kansas City, Kan. Eighteen drivers, led by pole-winner Jimmie Johnson, broke the qualifying record Friday at Kansas Speedway, but Matt Kenseth was nowhere near them. The NASCAR Winston Cup points leader's air of invincibility took another hard hit when he smacked the wall in practice and lost his best car for the weekend. The best he could do in his backup Roush Racing Ford was to put it 37th on the grid for Sunday's Banquet 400.

While Kenseth's 354-pint lead still looks like a mountain to those chasing him, his difficulties Friday on the heels of a 33rd-place finish Johnson Kenseth last week at Talladega (Ala) Superspeedway have at least given those pursuers a glimmer of hope. But Kenseth, who failed to finish last week for the first time all season, said good luck didn't get his team to the top and bad luck isnt the issue now. U.S. MOTORSPORT ENTERTAINMENT have 42,020 seats on a nearly financially as well as providing another entertainment opportunity to the state." Other features of the proposed complex include the opening of a theme restaurant, an interactive racing exhibition and a band shell concert area. Schlaack said he would expect the facility to have six racing weekends each year from May through October and three annual concerts.

"Our goal is to make the racing experience as enjoyable and total for fans as we possibly can," he said. Schlaack said he has Noon TV: WHO surprise, in trade Around the League FREROTTE TO START: Quarterback Gus Frerotte will make his second straight start Sunday, replacing injured Daunte Culpepper when undefeated Minnesota visits Atlanta. The Vikings (4-0) have a bye the following weekend, which will give Culpepper more time to Frerotte heal after breaking three small bones in his lower back Sept. 21 against Detroit. QUICK KICKS: Jacksonville activated receiver Jimmy Smith, who had been suspended by the league, for Sunday's game against San Diego and waived Micah Ross.

Arizona guard Frank Garcia was activated after serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's drug policy. San Diego right tackle Solomon Page, who has a sprained left ankle, will miss his second straight game Sunday. Phil Bogle, an undratted rookie out of New Haven, will make his second NFL start. Tennessee tight end Frank Wycheck, who has missed the last three games because of continuing problems with a concussion sustained in the preseason, will not play against New England on Sunday, but he can expect to play again this season. "I don't into the sits third behind the mix, week smash straight Waltrip, Winston 178.365 Mr.

Qualifying Holmgren, much to Green's says Green's asthma factor CalendarTVRadio rmu. Report M. SPENCER GREEN ASSOCIATED PRESS college. So, if (Holmgren) says he was worried about it, maybe he was." Green said his asthma was better in Seattle, where it isn't as humid in the summer. He occasionally has flare-ups early in the season but usually misses only one series.

"I have to catch my breath," Green said. "My lungs, it's exercise-induced Once I catch my breath, I'm OK." D.M. Bucs Early momentum carries Des Moines Sioux Falls, S.D. Mike Neilon scored two first-period goals and Des Moines never trailed Friday night en route to a 5-2 United States Hockey League win over Sioux Falls at the Sioux Falls Arena. Neilon scored just under a minute into the game and added another goal at 15:26 for the Buccaneers (2-0).

"That was one of the keys, to get an early lead, and we were able to in" that first minute," Des Moines 1 coach Bob Ferguson said. It took the energy away from them." Sioux Falls (0-3) got to within 3-2 on a goal at 3:30 of the final period, but Marty Mjelleli scored his second goal at 17:48 and Samir Saliji finished the scoring for the Buccaneers a minute later. "For the most part we outplayed them," said Ferguson. "Their goalie kept them in the game." Brian Papcun stopped 23 shots for Des Moines, which pelted Sioux i Falls goalie Ross Cherry with 34. "Brian Papcun made the saves he had to make," Ferguson said.

"All we can ask is that our goaltender give us a chance to win, and he did that." The Buccaneers play at Waterloo in a 7:05 p.m. start today. 0 Summary In Sports Roundup Horse Racing MINESHAFT RETIRES: Mineshaft, the favorite for Thoroughbred racing's $4 million Breeders' Cup Classic on Oct. 25, was retired Friday. Empire Maker has also been retired, while Funny Cide, Candy Ride and Perfect Drift will pass the 5 Breeders' Cup.

i Assuming the filly Azeri stays within her sex and runs in the i Distaff, the top contenders for the Classic are Medaglia d'Oro, Congaree and Ten Most Wanted. Calendar Simpson Invitational HIGH SCHOOL 9:30 a.m. Simpson vs. FOOTBALL B0YS7EIRLS' Gfaceland 8:00 East at Roosevelt, CROSSCOUNTRY 2:30 Simpson vs. replay (D.M.

Cable 9:00 a.m. Urbandale, St. Olal Channel 22) Dowllng Catholic. HIGH SCHOOL GOLF Mason City (Girls) at VOLLEYBALL Noon PGA World Golf Clinton 8:00 a.m. Valley, Championship (WOI) 9:30 a.m.

Marshalltown Indianola. NHL PRESEASON at Eldora-New Marshalltown, 7:00 Chicago at Dallas Providence Invitational Johnston. East. Ames (fox Sports Chicago) COLLEGE FOOTBALL at Urbandale 1:00 Jacksonville at Invitational Rarfin Drake 8:30 a.m. -North, naUI 1:00 Simpson at Southeast Polk, AUTO RACING Central Ottumwa.

Fort Dodge, 2:00 NASCAR Busch 1 :00 Grinnell at Hoover at Lincoln Mr. Goodcents 300, Macalester Invitational KBGG-AM (1700) 1:30 Northern Iowa at 9:00 a.m. Mason City, MLB PLAYOFFS Illinois State Dowling Catholic at 3:00 Atlanta at Chicago 2:38 Michigan at Iowa Newton Invitational Cubs, KRNT-AM 6:10 Oklahoma at (1350) Iowa State Tplpuicinn COLLEGE FOOTBALL BOYS' GOLF mevisiun 12:30 -Michigan at 9:00 a.m. Ames, Valley. AUTO RACING Iowa.

WMT-AM (600), Newton at Ottumwa 1:00 NASCAR Busch KXIC-AM (800), Invitational Mr. Goodcents 300 WHO-AM (1040), HOCKEY: USHL (WHO) KJAN-AM (1220), 7:05 Des Moines at MLB PLAYOFFS KIAQ-FM (96.9), Waterloo Noon New York at KBOE-FM (104.9) and MEN'S SOCCER Minnesota (ESPN) network 1:00 Central at Loras Noon San Francisco at 12:30 Grinnell vs. 1:00 Buena Vista at Florida (ESPN2) Macalester at St. Paul, Simpson 3:00 Atlanta at Chicago KGRN-AM (1410) 1:30 Grinnell at (KDSM) 12:45 Jacksonville at Lawrence (Wis.) 6:30 Oakland at Boston Drake, KPSZ-AM (940) 2:00 -Grand View at (ESPN2) Penn at Iowa Wesleyan COLLEGE FOOTBALL Iowa Wesleyan, WOMEN'S SOCCER 11 a.m. Indiana at KBOE-AM (740) 11a.m.

Grinnell at Michigan State 1:00 Northern Iowa at Lawrence (Wis.) (KDSM) Illinois State, 3:00 Buena Vista at Coloradoat KRNT-AM (1350), Simpson Baylor (Fox Sports KXEL-AM (1 540) and 3:00 Central at Loras Chicago) network 4:00 Grand View at 2:30 Michigan at Iowa 4:15 Oklahoma at Iowa Iowa Wesleyan (WOI) State, KWMT-AM GIRLS' SWIMMING 2:30 Alabama at (540), KDLS-AM Dowling Catholic at Cedar Georgia (KCCI) (1310), KASI-AM Falls Invitational 3:30 Illinois at Purdue (1430), KXNO-AM COLLEGE VOLLEYBALL (ESPN) (1460), KWBG-AM Grinnell at Rhodes 6:00 Oklahoma at Iowa Tournament in State (TBS) (96.5), KSOM-FM Memphis, Tenn. 6:00 Florida vs. (96.5). KXIA-FM 7:00 Drake at Jackson State at (101.1). KCCQ-FM Northern Iowa Indianapolis (BET) (105.1), KOLS-FM 7:00 Northwestern at 6:45 Tennessee at (105.5) and network Iowa Auburn (ESPN) HOCKEY: USHL 7:00 Missouri at 10.00 Texas at 6:50 Des Moines at Iowa State Texas Tech (Fox Sports Waterloo, KBGG-AM Chicago) (1700) Condition hasn't hurt running back's play with Green Bay.

By ARNIE STAPLET0N ASSOCIATED PRESS Green Bay, Wis. Ah-man Green said he wasn't more motivated than usual against Mike Holmgren and the Seahawks. That was before he heard Holmgren's explanation for the trade that sent him from Seattle to Green Bay. Holmgren Green was dealt to the Packers in 2000 for corner-back Fred Vinson. Green was a short-yardage back and kick returner in Seattle.

The trade turned out to be one-sided. Vinson was hurt and never played for the Seahawks. Green became one of the NFL's top runners. With Seattle (3-0) playing Green Bay (2-2) at Lambeau Field on Sunday, Holmgren was asked about the trade. He cited the same reasons he has for years: Ricky Waiters already was his featured running back, and he needed a cover cornerback.

Then he brought up a factor he hadn't mentioned: Green's asthma. "He was having some 3 He's OK: Green Bay's Ahman Green plays despite asthma, which hasn't hindered his performances. asthma problems that I thought were fairly serious," Holmgren said. "I thought it was tough for him to stay on the field for any length of time." Green was puzzled. "That's a new one on me," he said.

"I'll tell my mom and dad that one. Hey, I've had this my entire life. Every coach I've ever played for knew about it, from little league to high school to 4-.