The Indianapolis News from Indianapolis, Indiana • 14

Thursday, January 9, 1992 THE INDIANAPOLIS NEWS B-6 Jackson makes quick recovery SPORTS TALK NFL PLAYOFFS Hoosiers land Seymour back BLOOMINGTON, Ind. Seymour senior running back Michael Batts recently announced his intention to play football at Indiana. Batts is the eighth player to commit himself to the Hoosiers. Batts, 5-foot-11 and 196 pounds, set Seymour career records in rushing (3,413 yards), per-carry average (7.9) and rushing touchdowns (38). The Owls went 12-2 last fall and lost in the Class 4A state final.

Other oral commitments to I.U. came from Ritter running back Shane Thomas, running back Kenyatta Williams of St. Louis Vashon, junior-college all-America punter Shannon Rutledge, Richmond defensive end Nathan Davis, Noblesville tackle George Batalis, Boonville linebacker Darin Ward and Hobart kicker Bill Manolopoulos. 4 1 Denver receiver wants to face Bills The Associated Press Either Mark Jackson is some kind of medical marvel, or season-ending injuries aren't what they are cracked up to be. When the Broncos' wide receiver dislocated his right wrist in a game against Seattle on Nov.

24 and had surgery the next day, the prognosis was that he was lost for the season. Doctors said it would be February before he could begin using his wrist again. But Jackson, a former Purdue player, not only was using his wrist on Wednesday, he was catching passes and oozing confidence that he would be activated for Sunday's AFC championship game at Buffalo. Coach Dan Reeves, as stunned as anyone by Jackson's quick recovery, said Jackson will be evaluated in practice this week. If he shows no ill effects, he likely will play on Sunday.

"That would give us a lift," Reeves said. "He was our leading receiver when he got hurt. He's a guy who can get open and make big plays. If he can catch the ball and do it without pain, sure, we'd love to have him back." Jackson passed his first test. He caught several passes Lovat may return From Staff and Wire Reports Former Colts offensive line coach Tom Lovat, who was fired by Phoenix last week, has been in Indianapolis for an interview in the past two days, according to a source close to the team.

It is believed that Lovat is very close to returning to coach the Colts' offensive line, and a decision could be made in the next few days. Colts general manager Jim Ir-say added to the speculation when he said Wednesday that the team was keeping a close eye on the movement of NFL assistants. Irsay, however, would not confirm that Lovat is a candidate. "I wouldn't rule out a situation where we might add a person or two even before we name a head coach if there's an excellent assistant out there that we like," Irsay said. "We will continue to explore our options." According to the source, the Colts are certain that Lovat's ap- stability during the workout, said he felt comfortable.

"The only problem was the pad was taped on too tight and it was kind of throbbing," he said. Jackson had 33 catches for 603 yards for the season when he took a hard hit from Seattle safety Eugene Robinson. Jackson, who said he has stayed in running condition since the injury, was assured by doctors that any reinjury would not be permanent or career-threatening. "My grip is really strong," he said. "The doctors said It healed faster than they thought, and it has responded to treatment.

An injury of that type normally is in a cast for three months; I was out in five weeks. "I know the doctors said so. but I never thought I was out for the season. When you go to training camp, you go with the aim of getting into the playoffs. Now that we're here, I don't want to miss it.

I'm a competitor. I want to play." Fontes dislikes itinerary As if the Lions aren't battered enough. Now, the NFL is putting an additional burden on them. The league wants the Lions in Washington on Friday, almost 48 hours before their NFC championship game with the Redskins. Detroit coach Wayne as Colts place John Robinson as their head coach.

It will be Knox's second tour with the Rams, but it comes with a twist. He was also named vice president and put in charge of football personnel, giving him more power than any coach in the club's recent history. Knox, 59, signed a four-year deal, reportedly worth at least $700,000. Executive Vice President John Shaw said the contract is "very comparable" to the deal Knox had in Seattle, which reportedly paid him $950,000 a year. Bucs say no to Parcells This time, Tampa Bay Buccaneers owner Hugh Culverhouse had the last word.

Jilted by Bill Parcells when the former New York Giants coach turned down a lucrative offer to take over the Bucs 12 days ago, Culverhouse paid the two-time Super Bowl winner back by rejecting Parcells' bid to WALES OPEN At Sydney, Australia (seedings in parentheses) MEN FIRST ROUND Jakob Hlasek d. Carl-Uwe Steeb, 6-3, 6-3. SECOND ROUND Thomas Muster d. Todd Woodbridge, 6-4, Aaron Krickstein d. Cristiano Caratti, 4-6, 6-3, 6-3.

Emilio Sanchez (7) d. John Fitzgerald, 6-4, 6-4. Guy Forget (3) d. Javier Sanchez, 6-2, 6-4. David Wheaton (8) def.

Olivier Delaitre, 6-4, 6-3. Christian Bergstrom d. Petr Korda (4), 6-3, 2- 6, 6-1. Omar Camporese d. Magnus Gustafsson (5), 6-3, 7-6 (7-3).

Jakob Hlasek d. Richard Krajicek, 6-4, 6-4. QUARTERFINALS Guy Forget (3) d. Aaron Krickstein, 6-1, 6- 4. Emilio Sanchez (7) d.

Thomas Muster, 6-3, 6-3. David Wheaton (8) d. Jakob Hlasek, 3-6, 6-1, 7-5. Omar Camporese leads Christian Bergstrom, 7-6 (6-3), darkness. WOMEN SECOND ROUND Gabrieia Sabatini (1) d.

Manon Bollegraf, 6-0, 6-1. Helena Sukova (10) d. Debbie Graham, 7-5, 6-4. Jana Novotna (3) d. Patty Fendlck, 7-6 (7-3), 2-1, retired.

Anke Huber (8) d. Isa belle DemongeoL 7-5, 8-1. Gigi Fernandez (15) d. Rachel McQuillan, 6-1, 7-5. Kimiko Date d.

Nicole Provis, 6-4, 6-0. Julie Halard (13) d. Larisa Savchenko-Neiland, 7-6 (8-6), 6-1. Barbara Rittner d. Radka Zrubakova (16), 6-2, 3-6, 6-3.

Mary Joe Fernandez (4) d. Carrie Cunningham, 7-5, 6-3. THIRD ROUND Gabriels Sabatini (1) d. Sabine Hack, 6-1, 6- 0. Arantxa Sanchez Vicario (2) d.

Barbara Rittner, 7-5, 6-0. Jana Novotna (3) d. Julie Halard (13), 6-2, 7- 5. Mary Joe Fernandez (4) d. Helena 8ukova (10), 6-4, 6-4.

Conchlta Martinez (5), d. Amy Frailer, 6-4, 6-4. Anke Huber (8) d. Taml Whitllnger, 6-3, 6-4. Leila Meskhi (9) d.

Kimiko Date, 4-6, 6-3, 6- 2. Gigl Fernandez (15) d. Zlna Garrison (7), 7-6 (7-5), 8-7, 6-3. NEW ZEALAND OPEN At Auckland (seedings in parentheses) SECOND ROUND Alexander Voikov (3) d. Leonardo Lavalle, 6- 2, 4-6, 7-5.

Jaime Yzaga d. Francisco Clavet (4), 8-4, 7- 6 (7-4). Markus Zoecke d. Paul Haarhuis (5), 6-3, 3- 6, 7-6 (7-2). Markus Naewie d.

Javier Frana, 6-2, 6-3. Mallval Washington (7) def. Shuzo Matsuo-ka, 6-3, 6-4. Andrei Cherkasov (2) def. Andrei Olhovskly, 8-2, 6-3.

Grant Connell d. Jacco Eltlngh, 4-6, 6- 3. Kelly Evemden d. Christian Miniussi, 6-3, 6-3. Award.

The honor, which goes to one male and one female U.S. competitor in each of the Olympic games, recognizes Olympic athletes for fair play and community service. A native of Rochester, Johannson was on the 1988 U.S. Olympic hockey squad and is competing for a spot on this year's squad. He was the captain of the U.S.

team that won the silver medal in the 1990 Goodwill Games. Johannson, 28, has been active in the Ice's Say No to Drugs program. Goalie Ray LeBlanc also is on loan from the Ice, trying to make the Olympic team. In tennis Pete Sampras survived a match point and beat John McEnroe 6-7 (4-7), 7-6 (7-4), 6-3 in the Rio Challenge round-robin exhibition tournament today at Adelaide, Australia. The match was marked by several confrontations McEnroe had with chair umpire Steve Foreman in the second set.

Defending champion Monica Seles said today she was nursing a neck injury that has hampered her preparations for the Australian Open. In baseball Bryan Harvey, who set a California record last season with 46 saves, agreed to a $15.5 million, four-year deal with the Angels that makes him the highest-paid relief pitcher. Utility infielder Tim Teufel agreed to a guaranteed, two-year contract with the Padres for $1.45 million. Outfielder Mike Felder and the Giants agreed to a one-year contract worth $600,000, a raise of $350,000. Free agent Steve Lyons, who played with the Red Sox last season, agreed to a $650,000 one-year contract with the Braves with an option for 1993.

Elsewhere Richmond High School athletic director Roland Fletcher has been reassigned to a new position, director of co-curricular activities. A new athletic director is expected to be named later this week. Dominic Dobson was named to drive a Lola-Buick for the Concept Motorsports team in the 500-Mile Race and events on the CART circuit. Ohio State Junior defensive end Alonzo Spellman said he will give up his final year of eligibility and enter the NFL draft. Two-time Olympic gold medalist Edwin Moses is divorcing his wife of nine years, Myrella.

The agent for disgruntled St. Louis center Adam Oates said his client would refuse to play after the NHL all-star game unless the team moved to break his contract stalemate. Sports birthday BART STARR (58) Former Packers QB From Staff and Wire) Reports NCAA toughens standards ANAHEIM, Calif. NCAA schools, over the bitter objection of black educators charging discrimination, voted for the toughest academic standards in the history of college sports. Drawn up by the NCAA Presidents Commission, the rules will strengthen both freshman eligibility requirements and the standards athletes must meet beyond their freshman year.

They were adopted overwhelmingly by Division I schools. Schools voted to raise the number of core courses by one to 13, adding either English, math or science, and then raised the required grade-point average from 2.0 to 2.5 with a sliding test score index. At the opening of the 86th annual NCAA convention, the Presidents Commission suffered a rare defeat when schools voted to restore a full-time Division I-A assistant football coaching job abolished the year before. Skating champ might pull out ORLANDO, Fla. Todd Eldredge's doctor and coach both want the two-time national champion to get immediate rest for his ailing back.

That would mean withdrawing from the U.S. Figure Skating championships. It would not necessarily mean the end of his 1992 Olympic dreams. Eldredge planned to skate today, then decide whether to drop out of the event, which basically serves as the Olympic trials. If he pulls out, the U.S.

Figure Skating Association's International Committee has the power to place him on the Olympic team, but it would mean bumping one of the top three finishers at nationals. Other skating Defending champions Natasha Kuchiki and Todd Sand easily won the original program portion of pairs competition In the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. Jenni Meno and Scott Wendland finished second and Calla Urbanskl and Rocky Marval were third. Indianapolis-based ice dancers Kate Black and Kevin Spada won the national novice dance title at the Orlando competition.

Kate, 13, and Kevin, 17, train at the Indiana World Skating Academy. Kate lives in Troy, Ohio, and Kevin linves in Palatine, 111. Kelley Morris and Donald Adair are their coaches In Indianapolis. Matt Kessinger, a Lawrence North Junior, won a silver medal In the novice men division. Kimberly Hartley and Michael Sklutovksy, skating for IndianaWorld Skating Academy, were In fourth place after the first phase of the junior dance competition.

Johannson nominated NEW YORK Jim Johannson. a forward on loan from the Ice to the U.S. national hockey team, is a nominee for the Personal Best CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS SUNDAY'S GAMES Denver at Buffalo, 12:30 p.m., WTHR 09 Detroit at Washington, 4 p.m., WISH SUPER BOWL SUNDAY, JAN. 28 At Minneapolis AFC champion vs. NFC champion, 6 p.m., WISH PRO BOWL SUNDAY, FEB.

2 At Honolulu AFC vs. NFC Fontes asked for a waiver, but was denied. During the regular season, teams generally arrive the day before a game. The 48-hour rule applies only to conference championships. The Lions have a long list of walking wounded.

Many of them take treatment every day, including early on game day. Fontes worries that living in a hotel for two days will disrupt that routine. "I wish we didn't have to go so early," Fontes said. "We really need to treat these football players. They'll have to give me a place to practice and a place to treat my players.

"Unless they give me a second airplane. One with a big Red Cross on the side of it." assistant be reconsidered for the job on Wednesday. Elsewhere Former Colts assistant LARRY KENNAN has been hired as the new offensive coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks. coach TOM FLORES announced Wednesday. Kennan spent last season as head coach of the London Monarchs of the World League of American Football, guiding them to an 11-1 record and the league championship.

Kennan replaces JOHN BECKER, another former Colts assistant, who was let go after CHUCK KNOX left as coach Dec. 27. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported today that Steelers assistant JOE GREENE, Cowboys defensive coordinator DAVE WANNSTEDT and 49ers offensive coordinator MIKE HOLMGREN seem to be th prime candidates for the head coaching vacancy in Pittsburgh. AMERICAN LEAGUE CALIFORNIA Agreed to terms with Bryan Harvey, pitcher, on four-year contract and Dave Johnson, pitcher, on a one-year contract 1U NATIONAL LEAGUE ATLANTA Agreed to terms with Steve Lyons, infielder, on a one-year contract CHICAGO Agreed to terms with Jamie Moyer, pitcher, on a minor-league contract COLORADO Named Rick Matthews pitching coech for their rookie league team. HOUSTON Agreed to terms with Rsfael Ramirez, shortstop, on a minor-league contract PHILADELPHIA Agreed to terms with Rick Schu, third baseman, on a minor league contract Acquired Darrin Chapin, pitcher, from the New York Yankees for a player to be named later.

SAN DIEGO Agreed to terms with Tm Teufel, Infielder, on a two-year contract SAN FRANCISCO Agreed to terms with Mike Felder, outfielder, on a one-year contract CONTINENTAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION BIRMINGHAM Activated Michael Antley, forward. Waived Larry Houzer, forward. Placed Leonard Allen, forward, on the suspended list. SIOUX FALLS Traded Kurk Lee, guerd, to the Oklahoma City Cavalry for a 1992 fourth-round draft pick and future considerations. Traded Matt Roe, guard, to the Rapid City Thrillers for a 1992 fourth-round draft NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE L.A.RAMS Named Chuck Knox coach.

SEATTLE Named Larry Kennan offensive coordinator. PROFESSIONAL SPRING FOOTBALL LEAGUE PSFL Named Kris Crenwelge public relations director. SOCCE3 NATIONAL LEAGUE FRIDAY'S GAMES Harrfsburg at Canton Dayton at Milwaukee Kensas City at Tulsa MAJOR LEAGUE FRIDAY'S GAMES Dallas at Baltimore Wichita at Cleveland SOLWUL1 TAXLCS Plsn your days so that you will be fishing In good territory or hunting in good cover during these times ft you wish to find the best sport thst eech dey hae to offer. The major periods lest 1 Vfc-2 hours. The minor periods are somewhat shorter.

Time given allow 8 minutes to set up. A.M. P.M. Minor Moor Minor Major Jan. 9 6:10 2:00 6:55 2:40 Jan.

10....... 9:10 2:55 9:40 3:25 Jen. 11 9:55 3:45 10:25 4:10 Jan. 12... 10:46 4:35 11:10 4:55 Jan.

13.. 11:35 5:25 5:50 Jan. 14 12:05 60S 12:15 6:35 Jan. 15 12:50 6:55 1:05 7:25 Jan. 18...

1:40 7:50 2:00 8:20 Jen. 17 2:35 8:50 3:00 9:25 Jan. 18 3(35 9:45 3:55 10:2 Jan. 19 4:35 10:45 4:65 11:18 King Features Syndicate KCnSE RACING Mark Jackson Aims to play despite wrist injury Wednesday during practice, which was held In the Broncos' indoor facility to the accompaniment of crowd noise blaring on loudspeakers, designed to simulate the conditions the Broncos will face in Rich Stadium on Sunday. Afterward, Reeves said Jackson "looked good.

He caught the ball really well. We'll see how it goes over the next couple of days." Jackson, who wore a splint along the back of his wrist for NFL NOTES pointment would be welcomed by any of the top three current head coaching candidates. Lovat, 53, has spent 11 seasons as an NFL assistant, including stops in Green Bay, St. Louis, Indianapolis and Phoenix. He was with the Colts from 1985 to 1988.

The Colts' current offensive line coach Bill Muir is rumored to be one of four assistants that management has given permission to talk to other teams, a courtesy that is usually another way of telling someone that his services will not be retained in the upcoming season. Rams name Knox coach Reaching into the past and moving into uncharted waters at the same time, the Los Angeles Rams made it official Wednesday, naming Chuck Knox to re WEDNESDAY'S ENTRIES FIRST RACE (7 p.m.) MelsHot 122 Silver Buss 115 Golusks 122 a-MadmCrtc 122 a-NrthStrTw 122 The Phantom 122 Summer Grey 122 b-Sea Abyss 122 b-ShesOtfKey 122 DiptomatcMs 122 Touchofxdnc 122 Red Peak- 122 Julies Jabber 122 Unesa 115 Falcons Best 122 MissE 122 Coupled. b-Coupled. SECOND RACE Anna Jane 116 Debbie Sue 122 Myawetpmcs 116 Donns Agrvtn 116 BefAirBabe 116 Brick ft 116 Bacasumada 116 Swifty Lsts 116 Criticize 116 Sloans Odysy 116 MissMnyLdr 116 Maggie Glass 116 Grumpage 119 Battle Hat 116 Carolina Nile 116 CourtnysChc 115 THIRD RACE a-AubumWah 122 b-Fleet Jessie 115 a-Dvlsh Intnt 122 YsndersBegn 122 Shush 122 BerrysBest 122 CathysHalo 122 Yukonnette 122 Tapiz Blade 122 Recunae 122 Tapping Lassi 122 b-lnPursutOf 115 a -Coupled. b-Coupled.

FOURTH RACE DntMsWthLz 116 Miss Rejoice 116 Silk Vendetta 116 Royal Roquet 119 BoWNChldsh. 109 Cutty Sock 122 I Dream 116 No Tide 116 Ghost Believr 122 MomngMndt 119 FIFTH RACE Mighty Oops 114 Combs Affair 114 Cutlass Envy 116 Raise An Aggi 116 Change TheSt 116 CruskitSprng 118 AlwysBLcky 116 KajerStar 120 MissEncontr 116 Gaily Luck 114 Girlish Wish 116 Sunbonnet 116 SIXTH RACE Timeless Girl 122 TakeMeHghr 122 Mythical Hop 122 Boca Maison 122 South ChinaS 122 Cranbrylslnd 122 Princes KkP. 122 August Fashn 122 Meryl Myth 122 Annies Dresd 122 Motel Model 122 Aloud 122 MyPrizedJul 122 ForBrgrsTO 122 JetawayGal 117 SEVENTH RACE Balthazar B. 121 Grumpy Mlllr 112 BwanaBear 112 Eternal Cadet 112 Ohiya 112 PasngThMnt 112 Mister Gallia 112 Chromster 112 Litfey Lad 115 EIGHTH RACE Carry Out 119 SerenadMntn 113 Rockford 113 BigDaddyQn 113 Retlrng Withy 113 Bounty Hunt 116 NINTH RACE Sailing Onlce 116 Sure Buck 113 Soul Train 113 Pike 113 a-PrairiOtlw 113 Intriguing Str 113 Jeffs Comnd 113 Niarchos 113 Rowdy Bear 113 ThreRssOnly 113 a-NomDeBck 113 Code 113 FindTheSprk 116 Lively Lark 116 Dugeon 113 Coach Fox 108 a-Coupled. CCA CONTINENTAL ASSOCIATION TONIGHT'S GAMES Rapid City at Tri-City Grand Rapids at Yakima FRIDAY'S GAMES Rockford at Albany Oklahoma City at Fort Wayne Quad City at Birmingham Columbus at La Crosse Omaha at Tulsa TURFWAY PARK WEDNESDAY'S RESULTS FIRST Conrazon (Stacy) 65.20 17.60 6.20, Got The Blade (Nazareth) 9.20 3.80, dq-Crosscountry Brett (Johnson) 2.60.

SECOND Shot Block (Bruin) 3.40 3.40 2.60, Buck The Trend (Miller) 7.00 6.20, Talk Dirty (Rivera) 9.40. Daily Double (5-9) paid $161.40. Exacts (9-8) paid $38.40. THIRD P.R. Spy (Neagle) 43.00 14.20 6.60, Historic Midway (Bartram) 5.20 2.80, Icy Wisdom (Miller) 2.80.

Exacts (2-4) paid $246.80. FOURTH Water Fight (Wydick) 17.20 7.80 5.20, Artie Vicky (Bass) 6.40 4.20, Ten Foil (Bartram) 6.60. Exacta (3-6) paid $109.00. FIFTH Arasanne (Knott) 11.60 6.80 3.60, Viking Fury (Bruin) 11.60 8.20, Agriculture (Parsley) 3.40. Exacta (10-4) paid $281.60.

Trifecta (10-4-1) paid $1,276.60. SIXTH Cozy Colony (Hebert) 3.80 3.00 2.40, Foxy Grand (Wydick) 4.80 3.20, January Girl (Neagle) 3.00. Exacta (4-9) paid $13.60. PickThree (3-10-4) paid $257.60. SEVENTH Fit To Reign (Razo) 42.20 11.20 6.80, Star Lilly (Parsley) 4.00 3.20, Fanny's Flying (Bass) 5.80.

Exacta (4-2) paid $153.00. EIGHTH Rapid World (D'Amico) 9.40 2.60 2.40, Powerseeker (Bruin) 2.20 2.20, Robert's Choice (Rivera) 4.60. Exacta (1-5) paid $27.60. PlckSix (2-3-10-4-4-1) No Winner. 4 Wins paid $524.80 (3 Tickets).

Carryover $7,810. NINTH Aggresive Jay (D'Amico) 9.40 7.60 S.40, Cornaskra (Wydick) 13.00 6.60, Plumbago (Parsley) 8.60. Daily Double (1-4) paid $54.20. Exacta (4-5) paid $152.20. Trifecta (4-5-6) paid $850.00.

PickThree (4-1-4) paid $2,160.40. Attendance 3,343. Handle $1,153,590.00. COYLIIIC PBA AC-DELCO CLASSIC At Torrance, Calif. SECOND ROUND 1.

Marshall Hofmsn, Msdford, 2,984. 2. Dan Natarelll, Mission Hills, 2,809. 3. Dave Wodka, Las Vegas, 2,773.

4. Dsve Ferraro, Kingston, N.V., 2,768. 6. Eric M. Forkef, Chstsworth, 2,726.

6. Jimmy Johnson, Columbus, Ohio, 2,714. 7. 8.Wunderllch, 8t. Charles, 2,709.

6. Rick 8teelsmlth, Wichita, 2,706. 9. Marc McDowell, Madison, 2,706. Wayne Webb, Beaumont, Texas, 2,706.

11. Bruce Hamilton, Seattle, 2,702. 12. Mark Williams, Beaumont 2,683. 13.

Tim Weisbrod, Cincinnati, Ohio, 2,679. 14. Scott Myers, Denver, 2,669. 15. Del Ballard Richardson, 2,662.

OTHER 19. MARK THAYER, Lafayette, 2,651. 33. SCOTT DEVERS, Richmond, 2,596. 34.

MIKE AULBV, Indianapolis, 2,589. GDA GLOBAL ASSOCIATION TONIQHT'8 GAMES Mid-Michigan at Huntsville Greensboro at Raleigh Memphis at Wichita TONIGHT BASKETBALL (Coll.) Michigan at Iowa 7:30 p.m. ESPN-Cable Minnesota at Indiana 8 p.m. WTTv Houston at Texas 9:30 p.m. ESPN-Cable BASKETBALL (NBA) Dallas at Atlanta 7:35 p.m.

WTBS-Cable FRIDAY BASKETBALL (NBA) Portland at Detroit 8 p.m. TNT-Cable GOAF Tournament of Champions 4 p.m. ESf N-Cable second round 1 1.