Albuquerque Journal from Albuquerque, New Mexico • 15

i ALBUQUERQUE JOURNAL AMAZIM' MET Steve Trachsel pitches a one-hitter 1 -if- HCZ2LED tli HOUSTON Texans fullback and ex-Lobo Jarrod Baxter, is out for the season cz Section. against the Rockies as last-place New York wins its sixth straight C3 Business 5 Stocks 6 tV, i i nrrl Father and Son 'Shopping' More on Baylor One opinion: The Bears should disband team, leave, the Big 12 C2 Sports Speak llpl Predictably, readers blast disgraced coach Dave Bliss C2 UNM before transferring to Baylor. In the wake of the scandal at which includes the shooting death of Guinn's teammate Patrick Dennehy and the resignations of coach Dave Bliss and athletic director Tom Stanton, Guinn has decided to pursue other collegiate Guinn's father, Richard, had said Sunday that New Mexico was on his son's short list, but he didn't know how they would afford tuition without a schol-. fcrship. Richard said he has been living primarily on Social the former Lobo's return to UNM.

However, with no scholarship to give, New Mexico coach Ritchie McKay said if unlikely Guinn will again fire jumpers in the Pit at least not in a Lobos uniform. "We're hot recruiting him," McKay said. "Given what I know about the background of student-athletes who have a level of difficulty affording college, I would highly doubt this would be a likely scenario." Guinn, who graduated from Albuquerque's Valley High, played his freshman season at He said Monday he still would send UNM a copy of his son's scholarship release, if the Lobos wish. But he said "we're waiting to hear from schools. Well send (the release) to a bunch of people.

We're shopping right now." Richard said he and his son will "definitely make a decision by the end of the week," and that San Diego State and Arkansas are high on list If Guinn chooses SDSU, he would return to the Pit after all. The Aztecs play at New Mexico on Feb. 28. Guinn's. Baylor teammate, junior-to-be Lawrence Roberts the team's leading scorer and rebounder last season announced his transfer to Mississippi State on Monday "At least six others will be gone as well," Richard Guinn said.

Despite the possible defections, Robert Sloan, Baylor president, said hi an online discussion Monday with Bears fans the university was committed to remaining in the Big" 12 Conference and having a team this season. Guinn also acknowledged in a telephone interview with the See GUINN on PAGE C2 R9CHASD hit ton will leave Baylor By Mark Smith Journal Staff Writer How would long-lost son R.T. Guinn be received upon returning to the University of New Mexico men's basketball program? Lobos fans, in all likelihood, will never know. On Monday, Guinn received his release from Baylor University, opening the door for Security recent years. AWsh For Colburn, It's Weight and See List Fit for a King JAKE SCH0ELLKOPF FOR THE JOURNAL UNM Tackle Has Bulked Up to 305 By Greg Archuleta Journal Staff Writer Twenty-five pounds is a lot of pancakes.

Justin Colburn, a senior offensive tackle on the University of New Mexico football team, reported to preseason camp 25 pounds heavier than his playing weight of 280 last year. The added weight, Colburn says, will help him put a few more defenders on their backs this season hence the term "pancake." "Pancake blocks, that's our statistic as offensive linemen," Colburn says. "When you get those, that's when the game is fun." The 6-foot, 4-inch, 305-pound Colburn took a lot of weight supplements, ate plenty of protein "No McDonald's," he says and worked out like a fiend over the summer to shed his "runt" image on the Lobos' massive offensive line. Senior 6-5 tackle Jason Lenzmeier has trimmed down to 305 pounds. Senior guards Claude Terrell (6-3, 330) and Calvin McDonald (6-4, 323) and sophomore center Ryan Cook (6-7, 325) comprise the rest of the beef upfront.

Colburn, however, didn't gain the weight only to keep up with his line mates. "I just want to help us win a conference championship," he Justin Colburn gained 25 pounds over the summer, which put the UNM senior tackle at 305 pounds. Season opener Aug. 30: Texas State-San Marcos at New Mexico, 6 p.m., University Stadium. Radio: KKOB-AM (770) Monarchs star running back Rodney Ferguson wants it all in the 2003 season By Ken Sickenger Journal Staff Writer Rodney Ferguson knows he's facing a mine field this football season).

The rewards for a successful crossing could be dazzling, but Manzano's all-state running back can't afford to stumble. The goals he seeks are both numerous and lofty: 2,000 rushing yards, a starting spot in the Monarchs' defensive backf ield, contending for district and state championships, keeping his grades up and securing a Division I football scholarship. Put simply, Ferguson wants it all. Last season's State Farm Albuquerque Metro-area Player of the Year sometimes has been tripped up by obstacles in the past. But under the guidance of his father and the Monarchs' coaching staff, Ferguson is trying to keep his eyes and feet on the path.

"I feel like this could be a great season for me," Ferguson says, "as long as the team wins. "I don't care if I get 10 yards or 100 or 1,000, as long as we win more. My biggest goals are to get to the playoffs and make a run at state. This is Manzano's last year in (District 4-SA), so it's kind of now or never for us." The goals won't be easily achieved. District rivals Carlsbad, Clovis, Eldorado and Hobbs figure to be formidable playoff obstacles.

But the Monarchs do have the firepower to battle for a playoff spot. And Ferguson, who wears No. 21 on his purple-and-white jersey, unquestionably is weapon No.l. The 5-foot, 11-inch, 195-pound back enters his senior season having already rushed for 3,373 yards and scored 42 touchdowns. "He hasn't graduated yet?" Clovis coach Eric Roanhaus asks with an appreciative tone.

"He was a man when he was a sophomore. He's got to be one of the premier running backs in the state now." Manzano coach Aaron Ocampo expects Ferguson to rack up plenty more yards and See MANZANO'S on PAGE C3 says. "If we're not conference champs this season, I can't hold my head high." If UNM wins the Mountain West Conference, it's a good bet that the offensive line returning intact from 2002 will have See COLBURN on PAGE C2 ''V'iV'V Loss Drops 'Topes Into First-Place Tie JIM THOMPSONJOURN' Rodney Ferguson, the 2002 State Farm Albuquerque Metro-area Player of the Year, enter hit senior season having already rushed for 3,373 yards and scored 42 TDs. GREG SORBER JOURNAL Manzano's Rodney Ferguson (21) runs away from a La Cueva defender to gain a chunk of hit 1,858 yards last season. Ferguson wants to break the barrier In 2003.

AOOLPHE PtERRE-LOUISJOURNAL Scott Sanders came off the disabled list to give the Isotopes a solid start, but they couldn't hold a 4-0 lead. By Dennis Latta Journal Staff Writer If the Pacific Coast League played seven-inning baseball games, the Albuquerque Isotopes would be running away with their division. But because the games last nine innings, the Topes are fortunate to be tied for first place. The Omaha Royals scored two runs in the ninth inning to beat Albuquerque 5-4 at Isotopes Park on Monday night in front of a crowd of 11,153. The Royals have scored 11 ninth-inning runs the last two nights, taking a comeback win each time.

With Monday's loss, the Isotopes drop into a tie for first with Colorado Springs in the Central Division of the PCL with 14 games left in the regular season. And now they start a grueling, 10-game road trip against teams in the division, starting with five games at Iowa and then five more at Omaha. The Topes finish the season with four home games. "We're tied for first," said Albuquerque manager Dean Treanor. "It's still in our hands.

We may have a talk. We fought to get to where we are. We've got some more adverse situations to go through." Albuquerque's bullpen is hurting, and things got worse Monday. Vladimir Nunez and Allen Levrault both went on the disabled list, and the Pacific Coast League also informed the Topes that Juan Alvarez has been given a four-game suspension that begins today. Alvarez was ejected from Henson Feeling Strong, Will Goach Monday Omaha 5 Albuquerque 4 Today 1 Albuquerque at Iowa.

6:05 p.m. Radio: KNML-AM (610) met with the media in an effort to calm concerns. 'I don't feel ill at alL The strength is still there." Henson and his wife Mary have maintained a very positive attitude since the lymphoma was discovered during a physical "I just had a routine physical," Henson said. "At least I thought it was routine. It didn't turn out that way." After the cancer was discovered, Henson went to the ILD.

Anderson Medical Center in Houston for more testing and diagnosis. His treatment started there. Tm on chemo now," Henson explained. 1 had the first one done at Aggies' Boss Getting Treatment for Cancer By Dennis Latta Journal Staff Writer LAS CRUCES Lou Henson looked healthy and strong Monday, but be was talking about an unhealthy situation. Henson, 71, if the bead men's basketball coach at New Mexico State.

In July, be was diagnosed with noo-Hodgkins lymphoma, cancw of fee lymph system that affects the production of cells. "I fed strong," said Henson, be M.D. Anderson. My others will be done here. I have one each month.

It's for three days. It should go for four to six months." Henson has full intentions of continuing as head coach of the Aggies. "You need to be busy," be said. "If I cant do it, I wouldn't do it I see no problem. My assistants (Tony Stub-blefield and Chris Crutchfield) are already doing much of the work.

I recruited in early July, and they took over after that" Henson admitted that when be first beard be had cancer, it took awhile for him to accept it "I think we'd all be shocked," he Set HENSON cm PAG! C2 Saturday's game by umpire Brian Knight When Alvarez reached the dugout he threw a ball bag, a bat and a ball at Knight He also was Fined an undisclosed amount "He counts on my roster," Treanor said of Alvarez. "He can work out and then has to leave the premises." Craig House was taken off See SXEUNd PACK C3 HENSON: The 71-year-old NMSU men's basketbafl coach was dlagnoeed In Jury wtth nor-Hodgkln.