The Columbus Telegram from Columbus, Nebraska • Page 10

10--Columbus Telegram Columbus. Nebraska Thursday, April 7, 1977 COLIM BIS TELEGRAM SPORTS Hockey playoffs resume tonight By MARK FRIEDMAN UPI Sports Writer The Minnesota North Stars have never been recognized as a National Hockey League power since their inception in 1967. For the first half of this season they lived up to that evaluation. Prior to Dec. 25, the Stars won only eight games.

A trip to Bloomington was, for all intents and pur- poses, a night off for most clubs. As the new year rolled around, things suddenly changed for Coach Ted Harris and his North Stars. They started winning hockey games. At season's end, the Stars found themselves runnersup in the Smythe Division, heading for the playoffs against the Buffalo Sabres. In Tuesday night's game, only Rene Robert's empty-net goal with five seconds remaining finally put the wraps on the opener.

Robert was admittedly im- pressed. "There's no doubt in my mind they can skate with us," said the exhausted Sabre. "The only thing we've got on them-is experience and we've got to capitalize on their mistakes." Tonight's second game in Metropolitan Sports Center will show Harris what his team is made of. A loss sends them home; a win ships them back to Buffalo for the third and deciding game Saturday night. Harris hopes the novelty of playoff competition against a more experienced Sabre team will wear off quickly.

In other games, the New York Islanders "visit" the Chicago Black Hawks in their own building, Atlanta hosts Los Angeles and Pittsburgh visits Toronto. All four preliminary round series winners advance to the quarter-finals to join division i a Philadelphia, Boston and St. Louis in best-ofseven series starting Monday. THE SPORTS PARADE Yankee-Red Sox battle seen AUGUSTA, GA. Tom Weiskopf go.es over score card with his four-year-old son Eric as they await the start of play-off ac- tion in the par 3 competition Wednesday, a prelude to the Masters.

Weiskopf defeated Sam Snead and Bob Murphy on third hole of sudden death competition. (UPlWirephoto) Cuba repeats over U.S. Area track summaries How They Finished Osceola 81 Silver Creek 79 East Butler 17 LJ--1. Ron Vasalek, SC, 5.5 2. Scott Cave, SC, 5.49 3.

Dave Kadavy, EB, 5.48 He t. Lyndon Wleseman, 0, 5.4 M. Jim Pillen is moved to Husker first unit LINCOLN, Neb. (UPI) major changes in the Nebraska football defensive depth chart were announced Wednesday by Husker coach Osborne. Sophomore Kerty Wein- i last to play varsity' I football, moved ahead of Jeff to become the number middle guard.

The other 'defensive change involved Pillen, who has replaced 'Kent Smith as the number one back. Osborne said Weinmaster out over Pullen for the guard slot because he Iplayed "a little better" than during Monday's Scrimmage. The Husker football squad worked out in pads under warm sunny skies for more than two hours. The team will practice again Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 1000 M-l.

Jason Llss, SC, 2. John Zelasny, 0.10:51.18;3. Robert Hlnkle, SC, 4. Dave Gaedeke, SC, 12:01.9. 90 low hurdles--1.

Valasek, SC, 2. Dan Bond, 0, :12.8; 3. Russ Koza, sc, 4. Jim Kreshaw, SC, 13.57. Dlicus-- 1.

L. Wleseman, 38.89 AA; 2. Troy Johnson, 36.25 3. Rick Johnson, 0, 32.33 4. Duane Tonnlges, 0, 29.11 AA.

HJ--1. Ken Kuta, SC, 1.68 AA; 2. Greg Cliffords, 0, 1:58, 3. Scott Slpes, 01:58 4. Steve Peterson, 0, 1:52 AA.

Shot Put--1. Kelly Zeskrma, EB, 14.5 2. L. Wleseman, 0,13.47 3. Chuck Lemke, EB, 11.86 AA; 4.

Troy Johnson, 0, 11.43 AA. TJ-- 1. Valasek, SC, 11.91 AA; 2. L. Wlesman, 0, 11.44 3.

Darold Johnson, 0, 11.11. AA; 4. Cave, SC, 11.10 AA. Pole Cliffords, 0, 3.25 AA; 2. Peterson, 0, 3 3.

John Starostka, Sc, 2.5 AA. 200 (A--1. Bond, 0, :24.95; 2. Tim Johansen, 0, 25.02; 3. Kadavy, EB :25.08; 4.

Scott Jones, SC, :25.4. 100 AA-- 1. Bond, 0, 2. Johansen, 0, :11.77; 3. Jones, SC, :11.78; 4.

Kadavy, EB, :12.01. SC, :58.3;' 2. Tim :58.9; 3. AAlke Vcellk, 4. Greg Wleseman, 0, HAVANA, Cuba (UPI) Sen.

James Abourezk, visiting Cuba with a South Dakota basketball team, said today Cuban diplomats appear hopeful the game between Cuba and the United States will have a positive effect on normalizing relations bet- ween the two countries. A friendly, enthusiastic crowd of about 15,000 turned out Wednesday night for the second and final game bet- ween the Cuban all-star team and an American squad made up of players from South Dakota State and the University of South Dakota. The Cubans, who. took the first game, 91-72, won again Wednesday night, Abourezk said the major question coining out of the contest is what effect it will have on U.S.-Cuban relations. "The Foreign Ministry around here is talking about it," Abourezk said.

"They are wondering itself what effect it will have on normalization. They are hopeful." He said he and his fellow Democratic senator from South Dakota, George McGovern, plan to make a "courtesy call" tonight on Raul Castro, brother of Cuban President Fidel Castro. Abourezk said there was no indication that Fidel Castro, now in Moscow for talks wijh Kremlin leaders, would return before the U.S. team leaves Friday. The senator said reports from other diplomats indicate most Cubans on the street are extremely aware of the pre- sence of Americans.

"They understand the political significance of it," he said. "There is a lot of chatter all over Havana." One member of the 100- person U.S. group said Cubans on the street would often smile warmly and wave at the Americans. The U.S. team toured the University of Havana Wed- nesday and took a cool break on the sands of suburban Santa Maria beach.

"It's been terrific. Everybody 'has been super, frankly," he said. "Just glorious." "There was a lot of ex- citement, not so much as a game but over the fact that the Americans had come down to play." "Vlergutz, 0, :59.4; 1:01.13. no Llss, SC, 2. George Boruch, 3.

Greg Tworck, SC, 4. Jim Vlergutz, Sc, No Time. 55 AA high hurdles--1. Zeskrma, EB, 2. Kreshaw, SC, :9.88; 3.

Darold Johnson, 0, 4. Kuta, SC, 3200 AA Silver Creek, 2. Osceola, 10:08.6. 800 relay--1. Osceola, 2.

Silver Creek, 1:45.7. UOO AA reliy--1. Osceola, 2. Silver Creek, 3:50.4. SPORT HORTS Do you qualify fora TAX- SHELTERED ANNUITY? You do if you work for a public or private school or certain nonprofit organizations.

As an employee for such an organisation, you can deduct dollars from your taxable income and apply them to a qualified United of Omaha retirement annuity. Call me today for full details. Rick Kubler 563-1811 2718 13th St. Columbus Mutual Peoplt you CM count Life Insurance Affiliate' United of Omaha By PAUL ERNST With tab on area youngsters per- forming in Nebraska spring drills find several of them making good progress. Larry Valasek, who will be after his third letter next fall, is the No.

1 safety. Last year the Silver Creek speedster was a regualr at this spot. Jim Pillen, Lakeview graduate, has been promoted to the No. 1 monster man. Jim, who will be a junior next year, lettered as a so- phomore.

Allan Korte, CHS graduate, is fighting for a weakside linebacker spot. Dan Pensick, former Discoverer, is listed oh the third team. Dan Steiner from Scotus and Kelly Saalfeld from Lakeview are listed on the second offensive team. Steiner is at right guard and Saalfeld at right tackle. upi 04-07 n056spr anczcwydcynlydsu pin-limps 4-7 LOS ANGELES (UPI) Charging discrimination based on age, has disallowed a deal where Blue would go to the Rangers for six players and $2.5 million in cash.

At the same tune Kuhn allowed the Yanks to get Bucky Dent from the White Sox for practically nothing. I'm sure the A's need players and not money, but Finley lost millions through the free agent draft. YOUNG Ken Engel, just 12 years old, rolled a 206 Tuesday evening at the Humphrey Bowling Alley. Engel is the son of Mr. and Mrs.

Jim Engel and grand- son of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Stenger, who own the alley. Poor appears Charley Finley and Bowie Kuhn don't see eye-to-eye. It appears every time Finley has a trade or sale slated the Commissioner of Baseball steps in and says "you can't do that." Kuhn vetoed the second deal for Vida Blue today.

First time he wouldn't let the Yanks buy the lefthander and now he FonnerPark race results GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (UPI) Results of Wednesday's races at Fonner 1st Race: Oklahoma Crude 13.60, 7.20; Speedy Elf 4.80, 3.00; Go Afar 4.00. 2nd Race: Aplace 108.40, 43.40, 12.80; AAr. Zig 3.50, 2.80; Spy's Misty Dream 7.00. Daily Double: Nos.

4-6; paid 5548.00. 3rd Race: Lanyon Jr. 3.80, 2.80, 2.40 Triphibian 3.60, 2.20; Zeeke 2.20. 4th Race: Talked Out 5.40, 3.60, 3.00; Valiant Pappa 3.20, 3.00; Cribbling George 4.20; Exacta: Nos. 6-4; paid S32.10.

5th Race: Zip 'N Time 3.80, 2.20, 2.40 (cq); Lana Jane 3.20, 3.20; Rain Circle 3.80,2.20, 2.40 (paired with Zip 'N Time). 6th Race: Art's Legend 37.40,16.60, 4.80; Smart Off 17.80, 4.80; Iron Twister 2.40. Extacta: Nos. 6-1; paid $514.50. 7th Race: Tuller's Triumph 3.40, 2.60,2.20; Sweet Dlsarco 3.60, 2.80; White Russian 2.80.

8th Race: Aspercel 4.40, 3.00, 2.20; Full Circuit 5.60,2.80; Smart Jr. 2.20. 9th Race: Chad's Jet 10.60, 6.60, Carlero 3.00, 2.40; Independent Fox 3.00. Exacta: Nos. 6-3; paid S63.00.

Attendance: 4,277. Mutual 1389,023. 'datorily from' 'the American and National leagues after their 55th birth- days filed a suit in U.S. District Court Tuesday against the leagues and its presidents, Chub Feeney and Lee McPhail. The ex-umpires claimed in their action that they were dismissed under the language of a joint retirement income plan signed by the National and American circuits.

According to the suit, the former umpires said they be rehired after their dismissal but league officials turned them down. The plaintiffs sought reinstatement to their old jobs and payment of back wages. The case was assigned to U.S. District Court Judge Manuel Real. The suing ex-umpires were Augie Donatelli, Chris Pelekoudas and Mel Steiner of the National League and Ken Burkhardt, Ed Funge, Frank Umont, Larry Napp, John Rice, Flaherty and Jim Honochick of the American League.

By MILTON RICHMAN UPI Sports Editor NEW YORK (UPI) The New York Yankees, quite properly, feel they're the best team in baseball and they're not alone because most every- body else feels the same way. With the llth-hour addition of Bucky Dent as their new shortstop, the Yanks don't have a single weak spot. Pitching? They're loaded with it. Hitting? They've got sluggers coming out of their ears. Catching? Outstanding, and the Yanks have a sound defense and a strong bench as well.

Oddsmakers in Las Vegas make them lopsided favorites to dominate their division again this season, and the only contradictory note comes bx way of Boston where some of the Red Sox say isn't that nice how everybody and his brother is conceding the division title, the pennant and practically everything else to the Yankees, but there still is a little matter to consider, like 162 games. "All of us feel nobody wins the pennant until the last day is over," says Red Sox" cat- cher Carlton Fisk. "We won two years ago and as they told us last year, it's a lot harder to repeat than it is to win the first time." Nobody knows that better than Billy Martin. He has a standard answer for all thrjse who keep asking him how he's holding up under the pressure of feeling he must win now with all the talent George Steinbrenner and.Gabe Paul have provided him. "I don't feel any more pressure than I have with any other team," says Martin.

"I'm always under pressure. Everywhere I manage, there's pressure. For me, it's no different than it ever was. But I'm not the one who wins the ball games; the players do." Billy Martin learned well at the foot of the old master, Casey Stengel. Nonetheless, the battle lines between the Yanks and Red Sox were drawn last month at Fort Lauderdale during the fifth inning of a scoreless exhibition contest.

Ed Figueroa was pitching for the Yankees and was doing well'' enough until "Carl Yastrzemski hit one out''on him. George Scott followed that homer up with an even longer one to dead center. Fisk came up and Figueroa's next pitch was close to his head. That had to be more than sheer coin- cidence because Figueroa is a low-ball pitcher and his control had been excellent until then. For a moment, Fisk stood at the plate, then began walking toward Figueroa on the mound, yelling at nun to "get the ball over the plate." Figueroa hollered something back 'and in a scene reminiscent of last summer's rumble between these two same clubs, the Yankees and Red Sox players started charging toward each other.

The affair was broken up quickly and nobody was hurt, but looking back at the episode, Red Sox left-hander Bill Lee says, "They always pick on Fisk. What do they want from him? I had my sandals on or else I would've run out there," laughs the Boston southpaw who came up with an injury that put him out for the rest of the season during last May's brawl at Yankee Stadium. "I had that strange urge to jump on the field or go get a beer," Lee says about last month's confrontation in Florida. Fisk doesn't believe Figueroa was ordered to throw at him by Martin. He doesn't even have any hard feelings toward the Yankee pitcher.

"It was rather early in the spring and after Yaz and Scott hit those back-to-back homers off him, I'm sure Figueroa was just trying to justify his position," says the Red Sox receiver. So there it stands and it would be' wrong to conclude that some kind of feud is now between the two clubs over what took place in one of their exhibition games. By the same token, it would be perfectly right to infer th( Red Sox put the Yankees on notice they don't intend to lei New Yorkers walk all over them even if everybody else is so sure the Yanks will win in a breeze. Maybe they will, but thev still have to play those Ittf games, starting with that first one today against the Milwaukee Brewers. Before he died, Red Sox owner Tom Yawkey said he was convinced money could buy'a lot ofn things but not a pennant.

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