The Lincoln Star from Lincoln, Nebraska • 65

SECTION Sunday, April 30, 1978, Lincoln, Neb Sports Sukup's confidence-builder peps Whites said. "Even if it is only spring, he faced (including two 52-yarders) and 27 of 29 get some opportunities. I'll be waiting and I'll still have another year (of Red White First downs 12 17 Rushes-yards 51-189 48-168 Rrtorn'yards. 66 "I 28-11-2 Punts 8-33 6-37 Fumbles lost 833 32 Penalties-yards 6-88 9-79 By Randy York Staff Sports Writer Judging by the victory celebration on the field, you would have thought Dean Sukup had just beaten Alabama. Actually, the redshirt sophomore from Cozad had just beaten hisown team- mates.

But in doing so, the former National Punt, Pass and Kick champion worked his way into the heart of Tom Osborne confidence, "I wanted to see if Dean could make the field goal if he needed to and that's why we didn't run our first team defense in there at the end," Osborne said after Sukup nailed a 30-yarder with 19 seconds remaining Saturday to give the Whites a 14-13 win over the Reds in the annual Spring Game before 16'500 at MemoriaI stadium. "You don't really know how valuable your second team kicker is until you need Osborne said. "You never know. Dean may be needed in a duplicate situation next fall. I was really in- -terested to see how he-would do." The Reds (the-Nos.

1 and 4 teams) gave Sukup time to think about it. They called a timeout right after the Whites Nos. 2 and 3 teams) had called a timeout to set up the dramatic windup. -i had t0 cnuckIe a utue about that," admitted Sukup, who at 6-1 and a paunchy-stomached 220 pounds is a dead- ringer physically for Fred Cox, the Minnesota Vikings great kicker who retired this past season, knew what they were trying to do, but I was pretty confident," Sukup said. "Thinking about it wasn't going to bother me.

It was fairly short and pretty easy. All I had to do was keep my head down." For Sukup, that was easy. The hard part was bracing himself for the exultation of his teammates. "I knew I had it right away," he said. "Since we had all planned on getting the kick along the sidelines, I knew I would be swamped." So Sukup drifted out of character a little.

Before the kick had been signaled good, he leaped high and gave his own salute of power. He was tackled by a happy teammate almost immediately thereafter and the subsequent pileup of celebrating bodies seemed to prove that the Huskers can play with emotion and love a winner four months before the season even starts. The kick meant a lot to Sukup. He can now ooze the confidence he felt during a brilliant freshman season. In 1975, he kicked five of six field goal attempts Sorley keeps positive attitude 5 TI i -w- ---Wj.

M.7,.,,.ym..,,...1 vmt 'm UN i'-lZ mibt -h jjfr -n iTjlVnii.IZ TZZ," TVuiZ "ar" i' H.UU.-X-4J i uww -w mmtr mr'mmmMym w'" -tv ff--w 'lhtfirlKT mr- 'gr-L'lr" i 1 4" 7 I 2 OOr. By Dave Sittler Staff Sports Writer Moments after Saturday's Nebraska Spring Game, Tom Sorley had a message he wanted to pass along to followers of the Big "You can tell the fans they don't have to worry about me. I'll be there when the bell rings next fall," Sorley said. When it comes to bells, Sorley qualified as somewhat of an expert Saturday. In a phrase athletes like to use when describing someone getting knocked unconscious, Sorley "got his bell rung" during the early stages of the contest won by the Whites, 14-13.

On just the 20th offensive play for Sorley 's Red team in the opening quarter, the senior quarterback rolled around left end for a five yard gain. White linebacker Dan LaFever applied the bellringing job when he stopped Sorley with a rugged tackle. "I got the beans knocked out of me if you wanna know what happened," Sorley said after the game. "I'm just now starting to remember what happened." What Sorley didn't remember was walking off the field after the play. He needed the aid of two trainers as his legs during his junior campaign when he shared the No.

1 signal-calling duties with Randy Garcia, was kayoed from the lineup more than once. Since coming to Nebraska, the.6-2, 200-pounder, has suffered a broken arm and a shoulder separation. "I think every time I've been injured, it's been because of very good shot to the upper part of my body," said Sorley. as he pointed to the large red mark on his helmet which was evidence of the blow he took from LaFever. "I think most people would have been injured in that situation." Because he has had problems with his arms and shoulders, Sorley has not been able to lift weights as much as he would like.

He plans to change that this summer. "I'm going to work on the weights this summer with Kelvin Clark and George Andrews." he said. "I think its going to help prevent some injuries to my upper body and will also improve my passing." His passing was on target before the injury as he drilled the five aerials for 53 yards. Sorley figured he could have completed quite a few more if he would have been around a little longer. "Alter being here 15 or 20 years like it seems I've been, I really felt the confidence out there today," Sorley said.

"That feels good when you have that going for you. "I just wish I could have played a little more. But I'm not worried about injuries. I'll be there next fall." All of which is sweet music to Nebraska football fans bells or no bells. Rose rips Mets a lot of pressure.

I would have liked that chance. It's got to mean a lot for your confidence in case the same situation comes up during the season." Tim Wurth's two-point conversion run following Nelson's touchdown proved to be a vital gamble for the Whites to position themselves for the win. Getting the ball on a sweep right, Wurth had to dive over linebacker Brent Williams to plunge into the end zone with only inches to spare. Todd appeared to have redeemed himself with a booming 57-yard punt with 1: 12 left in the fourth quarter. That put the Whites in a hole at their own 23-yard line, but an 18-yard Brad Humphrey to Anthony Branch pass, a tripping penalty against the Reds and a 20-yard Humphrey to Scott Woodard hookup FOOTBALL: Continued, page 4E STAFF PHOTO BY WEB RAY Whites, 15-14 in the annual Nebraska meet ends boosted RZ's 1978 earnings to $24,496.

As the 4-5 favorite with the crowd of Roman Zipper returned $3.60, $2.60 and $2.20. Rooter placed for $3.40 and $2.60 while Zorettis Revival, ridden by Perry Compton and 1'2-lengths behind Rooter showed for $3.80. O.D. Kemling who also saddled Shawn's Song ($4.00) to win the fifth race, added two wins to his meet-leading trainer's title. Kemling saddled 21 winners to score his second straight Fonner trainer's title.

Tom Greer won the jockey title with 42 wins as defending champion Williams finished second. Despite a disastrous opening weekened, Fonner recovered to show a mutuel handle gain. The final day's handle of $669,676 boosted the total mutuel handle to That's a 5.19 percent gain over last year. The average daily handle was a record $478,733 compared to last year's previous record of $455,124. The total attendance of 205,575 was down 2.86 percent from last year's total of 211.634.

The daily average attendance of 5.139 compared to last year's record of 5.290. Nebraska racing resumes Tuesday when Ak-Sar-Ben in Omaha begins its 60-day meet. Relays Cotton will have just two opportunities to vault outside before nationals the Doane Night Relays and the NIAC Conference meet in Lincoln. "The record at nationals is 15-6," Cotton said with a grin. "I want to kill that one." Other Nebraskans earning finishes in the relays included: Kearney State's Jill Stenwall who finisTied third in the shot put with a toss of Nebraska's Cindy Dixon finished seventh in the invitational 800 at 2:11:20.

Omahan Kim Keuter finished 15th in the marathon in 2:32.13. Relay places went to Nebraska's distance medley (8th), Doane's spring medley (5th), Kearney State's 4 400 women's (4th), UNO's women's 800 medley (5th) and Nebraska Wesleyan'i 4 400 7th). extra point tries. "I didn't have a very good spring last year," Sukup admitted. "I had a 21-yard field goal, but missed two PAT's.

I really needed this for my confidence." Even though he made all Nebraska road trips last season as the No. 2 kicker, Sukup only kicked twice, converting a pair of PAT's late in the rout of Kansas. "You have to have two good kickers," Osborne emphasized. "I realized that watching Houston and UCLA on TV last year. UCLA only took one kicker and was forced into a makeshift kicking game.

They missed three (easy) field goals at the end. The kicking game can really finish you off in a whale of a hurry." Sukup also kicked a 26-yard field goal in the opening two minutes of the game, but he's a realist about his spot on the team. Billy Todd will kick next year, I'm pretty sure," he said. "I'm just hoping I It's up and good as Dean Sukup boots Spring Game. Orville.

meanwhile, noted that Roman Zipper, who has always had foot problems, was a little sore last year when Fonner ended. "That's why he runs so much better on muddy and soft tracks. He ran all his races at Oaklawn Park without Bute so we know he isn't hurting that much." Owner Paul echoed Orville's thoughts. "He's probably as good now as he's ever been." said the Aurora horseman. "Physically, I think he's in better shape than a year ago at this time.

Schwartzkopf Does Ed Schwartzkopf know something about Nebraska's 1978 football schedule that others don't know? The University of Nebraska Regent says no, he's just guessing. But by the look of some of his campaign literature, Schwartzkopf appears to know when Nebraska and Alabama will face each other next fall. Running for re-election to the Regents, Schwartzkopf was handing out campaign cards at the Nebraska Spring Game Saturday with the Cornhusker football schedule printed on one side. While everyone is still waiting for Nebraska's Jeff Lee, who lists his hobbies as football and track, overcame a poor start to finish third in the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 14.25 behind winner Ricky Davenport (Southern) 13.96 and Oklahoma State's Jim Kelley at 14.13. "I got off to a very poor start," Lee said.

"Really poor. But there's no disappointment at all for me. I'm making a comeback right now and I'm very happy. I'm as healthy right now as I've ever been." Lee admitted doubling with Nebraska football as a split end in the fall and track in the winter and spring was difficult. "Football is in my heart," he said.

"It always has been. I've been thinking a little bit today about that spring game." -Hi 1 r-rt-nnjEiy i'n hit- ffj L.f rj' 1 ify' Mlfi" ''rt toUW I 'i i sg! iA ff, L.w.,.ii.ir'W"-ii,.' I h' L.ljl. eligibility) after he graduates." Todd showed Saturday that he hasn't lost any effectiveness. He booted a 40-yard field goal with 3:46 left in the first half to tie the game at 3-3, then kicked a 41-yarder early in the third quarter to stake the Reds to a 6-3 advantage. Todd, however, also found out what it's like on the other end of things.

With 17 seconds left in the third quarter and the Reds scrimmaging from their own 33-yard line, Derrie Nelson raced in from left defensive end to block a Todd punt. Nelson gathered the ball in at the four and his momentum carried him into the endzone for the touchdown. "It felt late and I saw them coming," Todd said, "but it was too late to hold up. The good, clean block was inevitable." Todd had praise for Sukup, his frierldly rival. "He had a lot to think about," he a 30-yard field to win the game for the as Fonner "I think his best races are at either seven furlongs or a flat mile neither are run at Ak-Sar-Ben." Kemling said.

Although he is nominated for Saturday's Beef State Handicap at Ak-Sar-Ben, Kemling said he probably wouldn't run Roman Zipper in that 5'2-furlong chase since it's too short a race. In scooting to a 1:42 2-5 clocking over the fast track, Roman Zipper scored his second victory this season with two seconds and two thirds in eight appearances. The $9,510 winner's share just guessing? ABC-TV officials to make up their minds if they want to telecast the Husker-Tide clash Nov. 25 or move it up to Sept. 2, Schwartzkopf's schedule said it would be Sept.

2. The schedule even went so far as to say the game would be a night game on television. But Schwartzkopf said during the game Saturday that he has no inside information. "It's just an educated guess," he said. "We haven't heard anything about it from them (ABC-TV) yet.

Neither has Bob Devaney. "I just had to put something on the card so that it what I put." Now, all of Lee's thoughts will be centered on catching Kelley in the Big Eight outdoor in Norman, Oklahoma. "I'm going to go out after Kelley," Lee said. "He's the man to beat. All my ef-' forts are going towards that race.

Vaulter Rick Cotton of Doane placed fourth in his specialty with a 16-6 effort despite his lack of outside work. Nebraska's Dean Ross finished sixth at 16- "Nationals might be the first time I get to vault outdoors," Cotton said. "But I didn't get what I wanted here." What Cotton wanted was a 17-foot vault in Drake's fieldhouse. "I wish my 16-6 vault would've been at 17- 0," Cotton said. "I really felt good over that one.

But I'm really pleased to get back over 16-6 again. I need to get back outdoors." Roman Zipper wins appeared as shaky as a bowl full of jello. Enjoying a superb day up to that point hitting five of six passes Sorley did not see any more action the rest of the afternoon except to hold on field goal attempts for kicker Billy Todd. "I could have gone back in and would have if it would have happened in a regular game," Sorley said. "But Coach (Tom) Osborne said there really wasn't any point since he knows what I can do." Everyone is aware of what Sorley can do on a football field.

He can play the game well enough to be a solid, clear cut choice as the Cornhuskers' No. 1 quarterback heading into fall camp. But a couple of lingering questions remain about the Big Spring, product: is he injury prone and can he stand up under the added beating he'll have to take should the Huskers utilize the Veer offense next season? "No and yes," Sorley answered the questions. "No, I don't consider myself injury prone and yes I'm sure I can run the Veer or any other offense we might use next year." Still, seeing the trainers assisting Sorley off the field Saturday, conjured up memories of the gritty Texan in a similar situations last season. Sorley, battling a shoulder problem by four or five runs, but Sparky's the boss.

I'm not going to argue with him." Of the approaching milestone, Rose said, "Look, I know I'm going to do it. But I'm not just going to get four hits and retire. I'm going to get 170 more hits this vear and I'm coming back next year and vho knows how many years." Trailing 6-1 in the nationally televised came, Cesar Geronimo, Rose, and Ken Griffey each hit solo homers off Mets starter Nino Espinosa in the fourth inning. Dan Driessen had delivered the Reds' first run with a homer in the second. The Reds rallied for five runs in the fifth off loser Mardie Cornejo, 3-2, to take the lead for good.

Geronimo's two-run double tied it at 6-6 and Don Werner's single drove in Geronimo with the go-ahead run. Rose, who extended his hitting streak to 10 games and is attempting to become the 13th major leaguer to reach 3.000 hits, then homered to give the Reds a 9-6 lead. Rose's home runs were his first of the season. Sporls Scene Rodeo Superstars Championship 3:30 p.m.,. C2C43).

Sportsworld Boxing, auto racing, diving, 3:30 p.m., CS. Wide World of Sports Gymnastics, billiards, auto racing, 3:30 p.m., Monday Baseball Monday Night Baseball, 7:30 p.m., (DC4. McMullen, an ex-Missouri sub-four minute miler running in just his second marathon, caught the Drake officials so much by surprise with his record 2:15.19 clocking, there wasn't time to set up the official finish line sign. That oversight didn't bother McMullen, who quit running four years ago after college, and just started again as a New Year's resolution bet with his father. "At 20 miles, I didn't care if I won or not," McMullen said.

"I just wanted to finish the race. I didn't care if anyone else was there with me." The German Shepard incident was a bit more on the serious side as it bit a competitor and a spectator before running loose in the infield for about a half hour. Then, on the first turn of the bell lap NEW YORK (AP) "I won't allow him to do it here," said Cincinnati Reds Manager Sparky Anderson. "If he gets three hits tomorrow, I'll yank him." Anderson was talking about Pete Rose, who collected three home runs and two singles in six times at bat Saturday against the New York Mets to move within four of the career 3000-hit total, an accomplishment reached by only 12 major leaguers. The Reds rapped out 20 hits and six homers in handing the Mets their sixth straight loss, 14-7.

"Pete is one of the greatest players of all time," said Anderson, who maintained that he would pull Rose Sunday even if his team was losing. "He was born and bred in Cincinnati and I want him to do it before the hometown fans. "We begin an eight-game homestand Monday night and it would be great if he could do it on national television then. This takes precedence over anything." Rose. 37, enjoying his first three-homer day in his 16 years in the majors, said, "I'd hate to come out if we're down -TV Basketball Washington vs.

Philadelphia, 12:30 p.m., Seattle vs. Portland, 2:45 p.m., 333). Tennis Alan King Caesars Palace Classic, 1 p.m., (SC4. Soccer New York vs. Tampa, 11 p.m., C8.

Fishing Championship Fishing, 12:30 p.m., CD. Golf Legends of Golf Tournament, 1:30 p.m., C2C5. American Sportsman 3 p.m., j)C4. By Alark Gordon Staff Sports Writer GRAND ISLAND Roman Zipper has never been better. That is the word from owner Paul Kemling, trainer Orville Kemling and rider Rob Williams, and if those three are accurate, that analysis spells trouble for opposing horses at Ak-Sar-Ben in Omaha.

"He's as good as he's ever been," said Orville after the 6-year-old gelding used his patented stretch rally to score a one-length triumph in the $15,850 Gus Fonner Handicap here Saturday at Fonner Park as the Third City oval closed its 40-day horse racing meeting. There was no doubt Roman Zipper was the star of the closing day. Held off the pace in the mile and 70-yard chase, Williams asked the Zip Line runner for his best in the stretch and he responded as usual. But he was getting tired at the end and it caused him to come somewhat over in front of second-place Rooter. That caused Rooter's rider, Fred Ecoffey, to claim a foul.

After some anxious moments, the' stewards ruled otherwise. "He was feeling weak down the stretch. He was running on all heart," Williams said. "When he came in a little, he was pretty tired." "He might have dropped down in close to him, but I don't think I brushed him," Williams said. Unplanned incidents, 9 records highlight Drake By Chuck Sinclair Staff Sports Writer DES MOINES, Iowa The skies were dark as usual, but the clouds shed only enough rain to force the high jump and pole vault indoors.

The marathon didn't come off exactly as planned forcing winner Charlie McMullen to share his glory with the second heat winner of the women's 800-meter medley relay. And a mangy German Shepard failed in its attempt to derail Prairie View anchorman Evans White from a victory in the college division sprint medley relay. Lumped together with legitimate performances that accounted for nine Saturday records, the 13th consecutive sellout of 18.000 attending the 69th annual Drake Relays was kept totally entertained. with White leading by 20 yards, he had to hurdle the canine barrier, but kept stride for the win and the dog exited up the stadium steps and out the tunnel. One outstanding performance was turned in by Wisconsin's Steve Lacy as he turned in a 3:42.08 1,500 meters to better the old mark of 3:47.31 set last year by Iowa State's Randy Myers.

Another came from Auburn's 400 meter relay team with Olympic gold medalist Harvey Glance leading a :39.31 clocking. And a pair from Prairie View, Texas women, a 1:28.89 800 medley time that bettered the existing American record and a 3:38.4 4 400 breaking the old mark by some seven seconds. Nebraska's top performances came from a hurdler with football in his heart and pole vaulter who has yet to compete outdoors this spring..