The Journal News from White Plains, New York • Page 37

THE JOURNAL-NEWS, THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 1990 D3 Taylor, Rice unamimous stars Susan Butcher captures her fourth Iditarod title NFL NOTEBOOK IN THE NEWS Tffl InbotandS 'J 69 Ifl Team of the 80s The NFL's team of the '80s, as chosen by 26 voters on the Hall of Fame panel with name and number of votes received: FIRST TEAM OFFENSE WR Jerry Rice San Francisco, 26; Steve Largent, Seattle, 22. TE Kellen Winslow, San Diego, 18W. Anthony Munoz, Cincinnati, 26; Jimbo Covert, Chicago, 8. John Hannah, New England, 25; Russ Grimm, Washington, 16. Dwlght Stephenson, Miami, 13.

OB Joe Montana, San Francisco, 24Vi. RB Walter Payton, Chicago, 23tt; Eric Dickerson, Los Angeles Rams-Indianapolis, 19. DEFENSE Reggie White, Philadelphia, 22; Howie Long, Raiders, 21. Randy White, Dallas, 22; Dan Hampton, Chicago, 12. ILB Mike Singletary, Chicago, 12.

OLB Lawrence Taylor, New York Giants, 26; Ted Hendricks, Baltimore-Green Bay-Raiders, 18. CB Mike Haynes, New England-Raiders, 13; Mel Blount, Pittsburgh, 9. Ronnie Lott, San Francisco, 23; Kenny Easley, Seattle, 11. SPECIALISTS Sean Landeta, New York Giants, 8. Morten Andersen, New Orleans, 12.

PR Billy Johnson, Houston-Atlanta-Washington, 13. KR Mike Nelms, Washington, TVi. Coach BiH Walsh, San Francisco, 19. The Associated Press ORLANDO, Fla. Wide receiv- er Jerry Rice of San Francisco, tackle Anthony Munoz of Cincinnati and linebacker Lawrence Taylor of the New York Giants were unani-rmous choices on the NFL's team of the '80s.

The team, selected by 26 voters on the league's Hall of Fame panel, "also included two repeaters from the team of the 70s, running back Walter Payton of Chicago and line-; backer Ted Hendricks, who finished -his career with the Los Angeles Raiders. S30 Francisco's Bill Walsh was picked as the coach. Rice and Seattle's Steve Largent -were the wide receivers; San Diego's Kellen Winslow was the tight end; Munoz and Chicago's Jimbo Covert the tackles; New England's John Hannah and Washington's Russ Grim the guards; San Francisco's Joe Montana the quar-v ter back Payton and Eric Dickerson lot the Los Angeles Rams and Indi- anapolis the running backs. Reggie White of Philadelphia -and Howie Long of the Raiders 'were the defensive ends; Randy White of Dallas and Dan Hampton of Chicago the tackles; Mike Sin-gletary of Chicago the inside linebacker, Taylor and Hendricks the outside linebackers; Mike Haynes of New England and the Raiders and Blount of Pittsburgh the cor-jnerbacks and Ronnie Lott and Kenny Easley of Seattle the safeties. Sean Landeta of the Giants was the punter, Morten Andersen of New Orleans the placekicker; Billy "White Shoes" Johnson of Houston, and Washington the punt returner and Mike Nelms of Washington the kickoff returner.

NFL NOTES: The NFL's crackdown on steroids intensified yesterday when Commissioner Paul Tabliabue announced a new policy that will randomly test players during the regular season, the of-II season and training camp. 'I'l "Most experts agree that the way to eliminate steroids is to test on an unscheduled basis," Tagliabue said in announcing the new plan, which replaces one instituted last only have two or three years in me now." Wilander's slump included a loss to Paolo Cane of Italy in the decisive singles match of the first round Davis Cup competition and a first-round loss to fellow Swede Janne Gunnarsson last week in the ATP tournament in Indian Wells, Calif. Soccer World Cup tuneups The United States, preparing for its first World Cup appearance in 40 years, will play Poland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland as part of its final training for the tournament. At a news conference announcing the final schedule, U.S. Soccer Federation president Werner Frick-er said he expects that Bob Gansler will remain as coach of the American team through the 1994 World Cup, the first scheduled for the United States.

The U.S. team also signed forward Eric Wynalda and midfielder Paul Caliguiri to one-year contracts on Wednesday. Caligiuri, who scored the goal against Trinidad and Tobago last November that put the United States in the World Cup, had been holding out for more money and better benefits. Wynalda, a 20-year-old from Westlake, scored against Colombia on Feb. 4 in his international debut.

Sixteen players have signed one-year deals with the U.S. team. FIFA secretary general Joseph Blatter flew to Moscow, following up on a letter he sent the Soviet Football Federation last month that strongly criticized "illegal activities" by the new Union of Football Leagues. FIFA has warned against independent contacts by the union in arranging for games abroad "without consulting the Soviet Plan free agent John Kidd of the Buffalo Bills. The Cleveland Browns signed 35-year-old cornerback Raymond Clayborn as an unprotected Plan free agent in an unusual attempt to rejuvenate their aging "Dawgs" defense.

Clayborn apparently will unseat Hanford Dixon, 31, as the Browns' starter at right cornerback, a job Dixon has held since he was a No. 1 draft pick in 1981. Cincinnati Bengals defensive back Skip McClendon is expected to take six to eight weeks to recover from a broken right foot he suffered in a charity race at a Cincinnati grade school. Jets' O'Brien passes medical tests Associated Press Susan Butcher and her dog team win mile Iditarod yesterday in Nome, Alaska. It was the fourth time she won the race.

doctors can look at them, we should have a report to issue tomorrow afternoon," Dambacher said. Gathers, 23, collapsed while playing in a West Coast Conference tournament game at Loyola Marymount and was pronounced dead less than two hours later at a nearby hospital. Tennis Wilander takes a break A tired and discouraged Mats Wilander is taking at least a month off from tennis, after a dramatic plunge from the No. 1 spot in the world rankings. Wilander, who swept three of the Grand Slam titles in 1988, dropped out of the top 10 after failing to win a single tournament last year.

The 25-year-old Swede is skipping the International Players tournament in Key Biscayne, starting tomorrow. He says he has been having problems concentrating on his game. "I'd rather wait half a year instead of forcing myself to compete and train again in a couple of weeks," Wilander said. But he said he was not quitting the pro circuit. "I promised to give myself another serious try," he said, "But I 3ttEl tflJt- Ot-ID i JEQTEDS EE Greeted by sirens, banners and shouts, Susan Butcher stormed into Nome, Alaska yesterday in sub-zero weather and record time to rack up her fourth victory in the past five years in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

Butcher was running about two hours ahead of defending champion Joe Runyan in a reversal of roles from the 1989 finish. Runyan won that race with a 65-minute cushion over Butcher. Butcher, who had to drop three of her veteran dogs including two leaders credited the unknowns among her team for the win. "This team has been absolutely incredible," she said. "I've never had a team go as strong as this.

Butcher joins Rick Swenson as the only four-time winner of the Iditarod, a marathon from Anchorage to Nome. Her official time was 11 days, 1 hour, 53 minutes and 23 seconds, more than 10 minutes better than her own 1987 mark of 11 days, 2 hours and 5 minutes, which was set on another route. The previous record for the northern route, set by Butcher in 1986, was 11 days, 15 hours and 6 minutes. She won $50,000 in first-place money plus another $20,000 from Purina Pro Plan, one of her sponsors. The rest of the $200,000 purse will be split among the next 19 finishers.

College Gathers autopsy report A coroner's autopsy showed that Loyola Marymount basketball player Hank Gathers died of heart trouble and was not using illegal drugs, it was reported yesterday. KNBC-TV, citing sources close to the investigation, reported that the cause of death will be listed as a defective heart. "The (coroner's) report will further state there was no substance abuse of any kind," the NBC-owned station reported. Results of the autopsy on Gathers, who died March 4 after collapsing on the court during a game, are expected to be made public today. Officials from the Los Angeles County Coroner's office were not immediately available for comment on the television station's report.

Bob Dambacher, a spokesman for the coroner's office, said earlier Wednesday that an announcement will be made Thursday if all toxico-logical and tissue tests have been completed and evaluated. "A lot of tests were ordered, and if they all come in and the BASEBALL From page D1 club officials confront picketers." "If there is a disturbance involving picketers, club officials should not become involved but should contact local police officials and Kevin Hallinan," baseball's director of security. "Under the labor laws, minor league players have the right to refuse to cross a picket line, and therefore, clubs should make no effort to require players to cross," the memo said. The union knew of no plans for players to picket those games. Only players on the 40-man roster of major league teams are in the union.

Lawyers from the players association and the PRC argued for three hours before Nicolau, the arbitrator who found owners guilty of collusion following the 1986 season. Players have won two collusion cases covered by the 1985 agreement and management admits the conspiracy against free agents cost players at least $51.6 million in 1987 and 1988. Management prefers to keep the money in its central fund, which teams may borrow from during the lockout, and argues that they shouldn't be required to pay until Nicolau makes a decision. The union says damages are as much as $130 million. During yesterday's hearing, Fehr and management negotiator Chuck O'Connor briefly discussed the current negotiations.

As for when the sides might get back together, Fehr said: "I have no idea." Corrections and clarifications It is the policy of The Journal-News to correct all errors of fact in news stories as soon as possible. Corrections in sports stories will appear here, and should be called to the attention of Sports Editor Bill Madden (578-2465). week's introductory camp at the University training complex, last year's quarterback passed recent diagnostic flying colors. O'Brien was sacked 50 three more than Green Bay's Don positive report on O'Brien's shoulder," said yesterday from Orlando, Coslet are attending the NFL's annual going to ask Ken not to throw during introductory camp. We may ask him to April passing camp.

The doctors say to throw by then. If not, definitely by going to push him." O'Brien and Tony Eason at the start of quarterbacks camp that they'll be starting competition for the No. 1 job. But Coslet is O'Brien, if the Jets can rebuild their line through Plan and the draft. shoulder ached most of last season, poorest season statistically since his year with the Jets.

By Jim Corbett Staff Writer The Jets received encouraging medical news for a change regarding quarterback Ken O'Brien's chronically sore throwing shoulder, which underwent arthroscopic surgery two days before the final game of last season. In addition, general manager Dick Steinberg will travel Wednesday to Penn State University, where he ii will work out star running back Blair Thomas to determine if Thomas is worthy of the Jets' first-round pick in the April 22 NFL draft. The Jets, coming off a 4-12 season, pick second in the draft behind the Atlanta Falcons, who are expected to select University of Alabama standout linebacker Keith McCants. Back to O'Brien, who as late as January wasn't expected to be able to throw in May minicamp, never mind next month's passing camp. O'Brien was examined by team doctors March 9 following a three-day quarterbacks camp with new Bruce Coslet.

Although doctors have recommended that O'Brien JERRY RICE LAWRENCE TAYLOR year by his predecessor, Pete Ro-zelle. That one included only a training camp test and resulted in 13 four-week suspensions. Work should begin immediately on renovation of the Los Angeles Coliseum and other steps necessary to attract a new NFL tenant, Mayor Tom Bradley said yesterday. Both the Coliseum Commission and Bradley's committee to support professional football in Los Angeles will hold special meetings today to discuss their options in the wake of Raiders owner Al Davis' announcement Monday that he plans to move his team back to Oakland. Mike Ditka doesn't want to give up his duties on the sidelines as the Chicago Bears' coach or on television as a commercial spokesman.

At NFL meetings here, the outspoken coach defended his many endorsements and sunk rumors that he's ready to leave the team he has coached for eight seasons. "What I'd like to do is coach" after the 1990 season, the last under his current contract, Ditka said. "That's probably what I will do. I probably do that better than making holes-in-one. Vernon Kirk, who attended the University of Pittsburgh, and Dan Stryzinski, a free-agent punter, signed contracts with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The San Diego Chargers, seeking the reliability in the punting game they have lacked since trading away former Pro Bowler Ralf Mojsiejenko, announced the signing BARRY STANTON ON BASKETBALL or N.C. State '83, the celebrated NCAA Cindys. Kansas, whose 11 losses in '88 were the most by an NCAA champ, had Danny Manning, the very best college player of his class. Villanova and N.C. State came out of the the Big East and the ACC, two of the biggest-time college basketball conferences.

That's why they were all seeded in the top-half of the field. The last team to come from nowhere to take the NCAAs was Texas Western in 1966, but the Miners were just unrespected, not untalented. They took a 23-1 record into that tournament. If you look back, even the Nowhere Teams who stopped a step or two short had a reason to believe. Indiana State in 1979 had Larry Bird and an undefeated record.

North Carolina-Charlotte in 77 had Cedric Maxwell. Jacksonville in '70 made it with Artis Gilmore. Princeton in '65? Bill Bradley. That theory fits this year's supper on La Salle, the 29-1 team powered by Lionel Simmons, the third-leading scorer in NCAA history. The Explorers are still a No.

4 not throw in next team's Hofstra most-sacked NFL tests with times last season, Majkowski. "We got a very Steinberg where he and meetings. "We're next week's throw some in our he should be able May minicamp. "But we're not Coslet told the recent off even in believed to favor decimated offensive O'Brien's resulting in his 1984 sophomore Boxing Mitchell defends Brian Mitchell successfully defended his WBA junior lightweight title with a unanimous 12-round decision over Jackie Beard, in Grosseto, Italy. It was the South African's 10th defense since winning the title in 1986.

The bout was a rematch of their meeting last July, which was stopped in the ninth round when Beard unintentionally head-butted Mitchell. Mitchell improved to 41-1-2 and said he would be interested in a unification bout with IBF champion John John Molina. 'pHflH 'UBtaattCMOI). HiflEn llEE HOI XV A First-round games tough on would-be Cinderellas GET UP TO 50,000 AND SAVE MONEY ON TAXES A UNION STATE HOME EQUITY LOAN. If you have to borrow money for a car, debt consolidation, a college education, a business investment or any other good reason, Union State has just the thing.

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But what about B.U.? "This is like the Alamo, like Custer's Last Stand," Jarvis said. "We're outnumbered 10 million to one." Well, then, Brigham Young. "Let's be realistic," BYU senior Andy Toolson said. "We're not even expected to beat Clemson. So every game is a monumental achievement." Hmmm.

Southern Mississippi no, forget it. In spite of all the talk that the field is wide open, only a handful of teams can win the tournament. Towson State, Robert Morris, Idaho? They're not some of them. Last year there were eight big upsets in the first round. Seven of the Cinderellas checked out in the second.

The Big East, the Big 10 you know, the "Big" guys are playing for the Final Four slots. The "little" guys know their place. But Clarence Weatherspoon, the 6-foot-7 sophomore forward for have-not Southern Mississippi, La Salle's first-round match, dared to dream. "There are better teams than we are," he said, "but you've got to believe, right?" Just have cab fare ready, Cinderella. When the clock strikes midnight, that royal coach turns back into a pumpkin.

Barry Stanton is a staff columnist for Westchester Rockland Newspapers. HARTFORD Have you ever tried to dance in glass slippers? It's, well, slippery. Maybe that's why those teams never make it past mid- hight in the NCAA tournament. Coppin State? Don't make me laugh, -v. The Eagles hands up, please, if you didn't know Coppin State was the "Eagles" might beat Syracuse tomorrow night.

But they're not going to win the national championship. One upset is an achievement. Two is a dream. Three is impossible. "Our goal is not to win the national championship," B.U.

coach Mike Jarvis said. "Our goal is to "win the North Atlantic Conference tournament and then to play as well "as we can for as long as we can after that. For me to say that my goal is to win the national championship is like a guy at the local McDonalds saying his goal is to be "president of the United States." Jarvis' team should be just so much hamburger tonight for UConn. The Huskies have been called Cinderella, too, but they are top-; seeded co-champs of the Big East -who knocked off Georgetown and Syracuse in the conference tournament. "We're not a Cinderella," sophomore guard Chris Smith said.

just a team that beats everybody." Real Cinderellas dance a tune or two, but they don't go home with the Prince. UConn doesn't qualify. But neither did Kansas '88, Villanova '85 No points No attorney fees No title insurance No bank closing costs Refundable application fee Fast approval and closing These loans could save you in excess of $1,200 in closing costs and the interest you pay may be fully tax deductible? For more information, and a Home Equity Loan application, stop in any Union State office. Or call (914) 623-9000. But don't delay.

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