Austin American-Statesman from Austin, Texas • 8

Sports ffi Austin American-Statesman C2 Wednesday, April 10, 1990 Fresh faces give H-T baseball new life 1 one of the baseball players Huston-Ill TUlotson senior catcher Joel Velasco I played with as freshman are still on the team. But while a revolving door on the clubhouse can be discouraging, Velasco and the Rams are enjoying the current 'We're more enthusiastic (this season). We play more for fun than any pressure. Joel Velasco, Huston-Tillotson crowd. I Huston-Tillotson's 14 wins are more than the program had all of last I i season and the Rams Rams' 13-win team of a year ago either transferred, have eligibility problems, are no longer interested or as Coach Alvin Moore puts it, "fell in love." Sophomore Eugene Williams leads the conference with a .465 average.

Other Rams in the conference's top 15 are Rick Yza-guirre (.378) and Jeff Patterson Huston-Tillotson doesn't lead the conference in power numbers, but increased its power significantly from last season. Twenty-five percent of its hits are for extra bases, including 15 home runs, five by Williams. Williams, a sophomore designated hitter from the Virgin Islands, takes his job seriously. He's never too far from his bag of bats. He sits with his arms crossed, concentrating on the game.

The intense attitude is reflected not only in his batting average, but also in runs scored (32), stolen bases (13), runs batted in (32) and doubles (10). The pop of the bat is what the Rams need this season with a young pitching staff. "Pitching is sort of our rough spot," Velasco said. "We literally have to outscore people. We have to get big runs, big leads.

I don't want to knock them. They're out there trying. It's our job to back them up on de remaining, are on pace to have their first 20-win season since 1987, when they were 23-17. "I've seen six new arms every season," Sarah horxaday fense and score some runs." NOTES Former University of Texas baseball player Chad Blessing was named Big State Conference player of the week after hitting .714 last week. Blessing, who transferred to Houston Baptist this season, is leading the team in runs (47), doubles (14), stolen bases (28), batting average on-base percentage (.496) and total bases (69).

Saakita Allen is transfering to Texas Lutheran College to play women's basketbalL Allen, a point guard who averaged 10.2 points per game and led Angelina College in field-goal percentage and assists, will join the Bulldogs next fall with two years of eligibility remaining. Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference baseball leader Southwestern (25-2 overall, 9-2 SCAC) faces second-place Trinity Saturday and Sunday in San Antonio before returning to Georgetown at 2 p.m. Tuesday for its final home against Austin College. Sarah Homaday writes about area colleges every Wednesday. neau (5-1).

The top four teams make the conference tournament "We're not a big-time program. This is just a chance to play college ball," Velasco said. "We're more enthusiastic (this season). We play more for fun than any pressure." The only pressure is what the players put on themselves, as when Velasco predicted the Rams would sweep Wiley College at Downs Field Friday and Saturday. "The pressure's on us now," he said.

"I said it Now I can't take it back." The team has developed a chemistry, despite having only four returning starters from last season. Fifteen players from the said Velasco, who played at Manor High School. "I'm glad I'm ending out with these guys. (Making the Big State Conference playoffs) is what I've wanted to do since I've been here." The Rams didn't uncover the next Roger Clemens or the next Albert Belle, but they are winning and could make the playoffs. Huston-Tillotson, 3-3 in conference, is third behind Houston Baptist (6-0) and LeTour- flrvin: don't have a drug problem Gaww-awww-lly A 1 toLr Stankowski Woods "In this world, where we say you're innocent until proven guilty, my clothes make me guilty? My smile makes me guilty? Somebody asks me for an autograph and I sign it that makes me guilty? I think it makes me a person.

"I swear to you and I don't know how bad this comes off, how bad this will sound I'd rather be locked up as Michael Irvin than free, pretending to be somebody I'm not" Despite his staunch denial of a drug problem, the NFL has told Irvin he must enroll in the first stage of the league's substance abuse program. Associated Press DALLAS Michael Irvin, speaking at length for the first time since being indicted on drug charges, told ESPN on Tuesday he won't be suspended from the NFL because he doesn't have a drug problem. "I think suspension is for somebody with a substance abuse problem and I don't have it. I definitely don't have it," the Dallas Cowboys receiver said. Irvin could not speak specifically about his case because of a gag order, but he did apologize for the March 4 incident in which police say he was in a motel room with two topless dancers, cocaine and marijuana.

"I regret being in that room. I regret being in that situation," Irvin said. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry to all the people that have backed me and love me, the people who know my character. I apologize to them wholeheartedly." Irvin said he's more upset about hurting the people who are close to him than he is concerned with having tarnished his image.

The bad publicity reportedly could cost him around $1 million in endorsements. "Your image is what others make you out to be. My character is what I am. The people that love me and know me know my character. I apologize to them.

That hurts. It hurts more than anything," he said. Angela Renee Beck was arrested immediately when she said the drugs were hers. After a grand jury investigation, Beck, Irvin and the other woman, Jasmine Nab-wangu, were indicted April 1. The 30-year-old All-Pro receiver is charged with felony possession of four or more grams of cocaine, which is punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

He's free on $5,500 bond. No trial date has been set Irvin created another stir when he showed up for his grand jury appearance in a fur coat and derby hat, then stopped to sign autographs, including one for a security guard. Many people considered his appearance and demeanor arrogant. "I dress like that every day," Irvin said. "For me to say, OK, now I should go in here and dress like I'm not usually dressed would almost say I'm guilty when I'm saying I'm not.

I got to be myself. It was early Monday afternoon and 26-year-old Paul Stankowski, the last player in the field by virtue of his stunning playoff victory Sunday in the BellSouth Classic, had just arrived at Augusta National to play in his first Masters. His neck hurt from sleeping in the wrong position, but not enough to prevent him from swiveling his head back and forth in awe as he got his first view of the player's locker room. "Look at that," he said, looking at a picture of the 13th green. "I'll be on that green this week.

I hope I see those shadows on the weekend. It'll be late in the day when the leaders get there." His first day as the latest first-time winner on the PGA Tour had been a whirl of activity. He and his wife, Regina, left their Atlanta hotel at 11:30 a.m. and began a drive he'd dreamed of making all his life. As they approached Interstate 20, they saw the sign with an arrow pointing toward Augusta.

They had six frames left in their disposable camera and stopped to take a picture of that sign. On his first drive down Magnolia Lane to the clubhouse, Stankowski stopped in front of the sign that reads "Augusta National, Members Only." He posed, and Regina snapped. Later in the locker room, he bumped into Scott Simpson, one of many players to walk up and offer congratulations. "This sure is neat in here," Stankowski said to Simpson. "Hey, I can just take my putter and go and walk on the practice green, can't "You can go wherever you want this week," Simpson said.

"Cool," Stankowski said. Texas ex Dronett signs with Falcons SUWANEE, Ga. The Atlanta Falcons, in another move to bolster their defense, have reached agreement with four-year NFL lineman Shane Dronett on a two-year contract. The 6-foot-5-inch, 275-pound Dronett was an unrestricted free agent. He was a second-round draft choice out of the University of Texas in 1992 and had spent four seasons with the Denver Broncos.

Wake Forest's Odom agrees to extension Wake Forest basketball coach Dave Odom, who has led the De-'mon Deacons to consecutive Atlantic Coast Conference titles, agreed to a contract extension with the school Tuesday. Terms of the contract were not disclosed by the private university. However, Odom and Athletic Director Ron Wellman said they would like Odom to remain a Demon Deacon until he retires. Odom, the ACC coach of the year in 1991, '94 and '95, has compiled a 142-72 record in seven seasons at Wake Forest Odoam has led the Demon Deacons to the NCAA tournament six straight seasons, including a win over the University of Texas in the second round of this year's tournament. Odom's 66 percent winning percentage at Wake Forest is the best at the school since 1922.

NFL The former Cleveland Browns moved to Baltimore despite meeting just one of three key NFL guidelines for a franchise move, The Plain Dealer reported Tuesday. The newspaper said it had obtained a copy of NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue's confidential report on whether the Browns met league guidelines for moving. Three of the league's nine guidelines for a franchise relocation were detailed in the report and the Browns met just one: the deteriorating condition of Cleveland Stadium made it unsuitable for long-term use by the team, the newspaper said. On the issue of fan support, the report said the Browns have some of the best backers in the league. And on the issue of finances, the report said the team had faced cash-flow problems but didn't have losses that would jeopardize its future.

Howard Cross, one of the NFL's best blocking tight ends, got his wish and remained a member of the New York Giants by signing a four-year, $5.2 million contract. Cross, who has started for the Giants since 1991, received a $1.25 million signing bonus as part of the deal which was reached late Thursday. The Kansas City Chiefs are on the verge of re-signing running back Marcus Allen, which would keep almost intact the team that led the NFL with 13 regular-season wins last year. College Softball The University of Texas plays it final home game of its inaugural season today against Texas-Arlington. The 5 p.m.

doubleheader will be played at the East Austin Youth Complex. Texas is 1-19. UTA is 23-23. Texas' only win was against Incarnate Word on March 2. College football The Southwest Junior College Football Conference, formerly the Texas Junior College Football Conference, will add Northeastern Oklahoma (NEO) next season.

NEO joins national champion Blinn College, Cisco, Kilgore, Navarro, Ranger, Trinity Valley and Tyler in the league. Michigan quarterback Brian Griese was suspended from the football team and appeared in court Tuesday for arraignment on a felony charge stemming from a weekend incident in which he allegedly smashed a bar window. An athletic department spokesperson said the matter is being treated as alcohol-related, which mandates suspension. Michigan Coach Uoyd Carr said he suspended Griese indefinitely. Griese, the son of NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Bob Griese, is barred from spring practices, which have already started.

Carr plans additional, unspecified penalties. Griese became the Wolverines' starting quarterback five games into last season after Scott Dreisbach broke his thumb in a practice. The two are expected to vie for the starter's spot this season. Basketball Dallas Comegys, the former NBA player who was shot outside a Turkish nightclub, was transferred by helicopter to an Istanbul, Turkey, hospital to continue his recovery from lung surgery. He was transferred from Bursa, where he was operated on Thursday after a shooting sparked by a nightclub dispute.

Bursa is 150 miles southwest of Istanbul, and the transfer was made at Comegys' request. Comegys, 31, was leading the Turkish League in rebounding, averaging 12.3 a game for Istanbul's Fenerbahce club. Another American who plays in Turkey, Larry Spriggs, was wounded in the back and a Turkish businessman was killed in the incident From news reports "He's gotten better," Norman said. "I played with him 10 months ago and he's got his iron play more under control. He's exceptionally long I think he's longer then John Daly, I really do.

He's just going to become a better and better player." On the 435-yard fifth hole Tuesday, Woods' tee shot was 60 yards ahead of Norman's and Couples'. Woods teed off first, and as soon as he hit his ball, the gallery emitted a "whooooooooooeeeeee" gasp of delight at how far it went and how long it stayed in the air. His playing partners said nothing. They didn't have to. Gentleman of the green Arnold Palmer, as usual, attracted a large following as he prepared for his 42nd Masters.

During a practice round, Palmer moved from the seventh green to the eighth tee and a young woman dashed from behind the ropes and asked if she could have her picture taken with him. Always the gentleman, Palmer stopped for a moment and said, "I'm not allowed to do that on the golf course, but I'll be happy to do it when I'm done. I'll see you at 18 if that's all right?" How 'bout an allowance? Baltimore Orioles Manager Dav-ey Johnson likes to scout clubs via television, something he did regularly while managing the New York Mets. He didn't so so with the Cincinnati Reds, however, because of owner Marge Schott's Scrooge-like policies. "We didn't have a TV, much less a satellite," Johnson said.

Compiled by Camilla Wheeler nnnnniifi F1 I aM Tyson accused of assault Associated Press AAdvantage 3 TRAVEL AWARDS PROGRAM 1000 Free Air Miles I I I I I I 1 3L Call for Details mat ST kmimh Tiger alert I Lifetime Guaranteed 2 Wheel Brake Service Muffler price $IQ QC baud Save $10 Call for Details Ask About Our Lifetime Guarantee application Free Inspection The showiest Masters practice pairing Tuesday was a foursome of Greg Norman, Fred Couples, Raymond Floyd and Tiger Woods. Before they played, with a huge gallery following every shot, Norman insisted he would not be surprised if Woods was among the leaders Sunday, or if he won. Computerized Clutch Service ALIGNMENT Labor included Most S. $19.95 and foreign car. We precision align caster, camber and loenn I where Save $25 Must Include Clutch, Pressure Plate Throw Out Bearing.

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Row Rook 44U-O0 Wm Cannon 8 Congrm IBDODDI TBS p.m. Phoenix Suns at Utah Jazz 7 MAJOR-LEAGUE BASEBALL WGN Chicago Cubs at Colorado Rockies 2 p.m. Cleveland Indians at Baltimore Orioles 6:30 p.m. ESPN 9:30 p.m. ESPN Atlanta Braves at Los Angeles Dodgers HOCKEY NHL; Philadelphia Fryers at New Jersey Devils a 6:30 p.m.

ESPN2 IHL Phoenix Roadrunners at Houston Aeros PRIME 7 p.m. in- tjj 3 CHICAGO Mike Tyson was accused by a 25-year-old Indiana woman of sexual battery in a bar on Chicago's South Side over the weekend. The allegation Tuesday comes just more than a year after Tyson was freed from prison on a rape conviction. The WBC champion, who is on probation, had not been charged as of Tuesday night. Chicago Police Detective Steve Glynn confirmed a police report was filed against Tyson and the matter is under investigation.

The woman, a beautician from Gary, said she was attacked Sunday night She was treated at a Chicago-area hospital and called police after she was released early Monday, said her lawyer, Jerry LeePeteetofGary. A security guard who answered the phone at Tyson's residence in Southington, Ohio, said there would be no comment from the boxer. Peteet said the woman, whom he would not identify, had gone to the bar, The Clique, with friends and had never met Tyson before. Peteet said his client accused Tyson of "sexual battery." However, Chicago police spokesman Paul Jenkins said there is no "sexual battery" charge in Illinois. Peteet said he was referring to the accusation by its Indiana term and said he believed the comparable Illinois offense would be sexual assault.

Peteet said his client called police to complain about Tyson on Monday and then followed up by filing a complaint in the Went-worth police station on Tuesday. "Right now what I can tell you is we are at this point here putting together a decent sort of case, if there is one, based on what we have from her," Peteet said. "There are certain things we have to be sensitive to for the sake of her privacy." Tyson was convicted in 1992 of raping Desiree Washington, a Coventry, R.I., college student then competing in the Miss Black America pageant 'zz'Z-zzzz rzzzzzz-' Vancouver Grizzlies at San Antonio Spurs (pregame 7 p.m.) 7:30 p.m. KVET-AM (1300); WOAI-AM (1200) major-league baseball San Francisco at Houston (pregame 1:10 p.m.) 1:35 p.m. tr: talk (a (4 KICK-FM (92.1) Sportsday with Jeff Ward and Bill Schoening 4 p.m.

KVET-AM (1300) Sportstalk with Ed Clements and Kirk Bonis 6:10 p.m. KLBJ-AM (590) Spurstalk 6:30 p.m. WOAI-AM (1200) college softball Incarnate word at Mary Hardin-Baylor, 3 p.m. UT-Arlington at Texas (DH), 5 p.m. horse racing.

Retama Park, Selma. simulcasting: Aqueduct, noon; Keeneland, 12:10 p.m.; Oaklawn Park, 1:30 p.m.; Golden Gate Fields, 2:45 p.m.; Santa Anita, 3 p.m.; Penn National, 6:30 p.m.; Garden State, 6:30 p.m. Manor Downs, simulcasting: Keeneland, noon; Oaklawn Park, 1:30 p.m.; Santa Anita, 3 p.m.; Garden State, 6:30 p.m. 1006 Longhorn Spring Game controlled scrimmage this Saturday at 1 1:30 am, preceded by: Psncaka Breakfast players coaches will serve breakfast from 9-1 1 am ($3 children) Autographs and Photos with your favorite players from 1 1 am proceeds eo toward services for UT students with disabilities all activities take place at the grass fields on Red River at 26th Street -Efl SrSS'ja Which NBA team played in the most playoff games in a season? Answer on Scoreboard, C6 To visit the Longhom home page on the World Wide Web: httpvwww.hookem.com.