Times Colonist from Victoria, British Columbia, Canada • 18

8 VICTORIA DAILY TIMES, APRIL 2, 19G9 7 4 I I -l SPORTS Editor: Doug Peden SUPER STAR Binger Belter Blooms Trophy-winners Anne Langdale and Rick Johnson receive congratulations from Jim Finks. Pot Wakely nil Moiiwedl By MILTON RICIIMAN TAMPA, Fla. (UPI) Baseball's newest golden boy is a pleasant, pink-cheeked kid from Binger, whose biggest regret is that he never got to see Mickey Mantle play. "The closest I ever came was last spring," says Johnny Bench, Cincinnati's red hot 21-year-old catcher for whom the Reds wouldn't take a million bucks in cold cash right now. "The Yankees came over here for an exhibition game with us but Mickey didn't play that day." There are three reasons why Bench would feel more of a kinship with Mantle than usually exists between one ball player and another.

Both come from Oklahoma, Binger- being even smaller than Commerce; Bench already is being pegged as the brightest, most exciting prospect to hit the scene since Mickey and it was the ex-Yankee superstar who triggered the baseball career of Cincy's new No. 1 boy. Strictly by accident. "I was five years old aM watching a ball game on TV when I saw Mickey Mantle and heard he was from Oklahoma," Bench recalls. "I made up my mind right there I was going to be a ballplayer and make the major leagues." Johnny Bench made it even bigger his first year than Mickey Mantle did.

They sent Mantle back to the minors hs Sporftsmami off Year Receiving main award from Lieutenant-Governor Nicholson is Don Wakelyn. VEITCH THROWS BLOCK Rangers Building Edge AT CITY FOOTBALL FANS By DOUG PEDEN There were famous sports personalities aplenty at the Empress Hotel Tuesday night, but the man-of-the-hour was Don Wakelyn. Jim Finks, Dewey Soriano, Herb Capozzi, Jim Champion, Irene Piotrowski, Frank Barroby, Edo Vanni, Tom English, Al Kennedy and Denny Veitch all had their moments front-and-centre during Victoria's second annual Sports Celebrity Dinner. As Playoff Optimists spotlight spotlight Yet the shone brightest and the applause was Denny Veilch, general manager of the Canadian Football League's British Columbia Lions, threw a block at Victoria football fans at the Sports Celebrity Dinner Tuesday at the Empress Hotel. The Lions' general manager disclosed that the Lions would "not likely be able to train here" as they did last season.

"I talked today to officials from both Royal Roads and the University of Victoria," said Veitch, "and the situation does not look promising." "And another thing, I don't think there will be any cable-vision coverage (of British Columbia home games). There are some problems with the CBC and CTV to be worked out." year, gymnast Rick Johnson was the winner of the men's the loudest for Donald William Wakelyn, who for almost 20 By The Canadian Press award and Victoria Maplettes, national senior women's basketball champions, received the years has labored quietly, usu HOCKEY TRAIL If confidence can win hockey games. New York team trophy. Rangers should be a shoo-in to win the Stanley Cup. ally away from the glare of publicity, to keep the wheels turning in an amazing number Selection rules dictate that no WESTERN I.EAGI'K Vancouver 7.

Seattle 1 (first eame of Both the coach and players of person can win the same award best-of-seven semi-final). of city 'athletic programs. of this series will win the Stan the Rangers have expressed in successive years, but Mary It was Don, receiving what he ley Cup, said before his team confidence that they will take AMERICAN LEACIE Buffalo 3, Quebec 4. CENTRAL I.EAGI Kansas Citv 0. Omaha 7 (Omaha wins left New York for Montreal their quarter-final playoff series Coutts, winner of the women's trophy last year, again earned a part in the festivities.

called his "best-ever" present one day after his 44th birthday, who was called up to accept against Montreal Canadiens and best-of-five quarter-final 3-1). "We're playing the best and whichever team remains healthy then go on to win the Stanley INTERNATIONAL I.EAGI Muskeeon 2. Toledo 4 (first eame of Cup. Best-of-seven quarter-finals will be the best." best-of-five semi-final). Amateur King Tries Medallist Mrs.

Coutts had another standout season for the Maplettes as they won their second straight national crown from Lieutenant-Governor John Nicholson the event's main award as Victoria's "sportsman of the year." open in both divisions of the National Hockey League tonight. WESTERN CANADA Winninesr 0, Flin Flon 4 (Flln Flon We ve got a real good chance," said Don Marshall, a leads best-of-seven quarter-final 3-2, one game tied). bmile Francis, New York former Canadien. under coach Jack Lusk. Other Athletes also shared in the coach and general manager, ONTARIO JUNIOR Catharines 6, Niagara Falls 6 (Niagara Falls leads best-of-seven semi members of the team were "I like our chances because honors as deputy provincial said in Montreal Tuesday night Judy Bourne, Gail Bonner, final 2-1.

one game tied). I think we have an edge in Renate Krueger, Marilyn John WESTERN ONT. Jl'NIOR GuelDh 4. Brantford 1 (best-of-seven defence and goalkeeping. If we can do the forechecking we are secretary Lawrie Wallace presented trophies to the city's too performers of the past 12 months.

Track star Anne Langdale semi-final tied 1-1). Chatham 5. St. Thomai 3 (best-of- ston, Angie Radanovich, Arlene Wallwin, Doreen Lusk, Diana Brozuk, Sylvia Campbell, Marge Medallist Don Billsborough of Uplands will face 1968 citv amateur champion Al MacLeod of Gorge Vale seven semi-final tied 1-1). we're rolling as we start the playoffs," said veteran defence-man Harry Howell.

"I'm quite optimistic about these playoffs," said Ron Stewart. "Only a major injury or two might keep us from going all the way." capable of, we can take the series. I know this club is a lot in a match that highlights the first-round pairings in Foreman and Irene Smith. QUEBEC SENIOR Chloutimi 0. Victoriaville 2 (Vlctnrla-ville wins best-of-seven final 4-1).

was named female athlcte-of-the- stronger than our last playoff the Times Vancouver Island Upen match-play cham teams." Francis, convinced the winner Anne Holds Two National Marks pionship. the award were Barbara Dalli- GOLF DRAW Player Awards Hoop Highlight Habs' Coach Shows Restraint more, Canadian junior hurdles champion, who holds a national will be televised nationally on Draw and starting times for junior record and a Canadian the CBC, starting 5 p.m. (PST). Earl Sandwith, of the Saanich- during his first season but Bench made the all-star team last season and was named National League Rookie-of-the-Year. Some argued that Jerry Koosman, the Mets' 19-game winner, should have gotten the rookie accolade, but when consider Bench batted .275, knocked in 92 runs, hit 15 homers and set a major -league record for most games caught by a rookie, 154, Koosman's 19 wins come out exactly the way they did second best.

If you line up all the unbelievable comments made about Bench end to end, he could retire right now with the biggest one-year scrap-book in history. He has no intention of doing so. He's a nrity in this day and age in that he can handle all the raves. They don't go to his head. He's succeeding at the toughest job of all.

Tougher yet than coping with that good major league pitching. He's keeping his equilibrium and some of the game's greatest stars had trouble doing that in the past. Only the other day, Rune Walker, the Mets' coach, noticed Bench across the field and said to one of the Reds' coaches: "There goes the first S200.0OO ballplayer." first round matches in the The Rangers seem to have the ton bantam boys' club, won the Miss Langdale, a 16-year-old Mount Douglas High School student, established herself as a bright prospect for future international track titles during a record-breaking 1968 season. Anne easily won her events in the Vancouver Island and provincial i school meets, cracking 220 and 440-yard Times Vancouver Island Open Don Reese Memorial trophy for edge in goalkeeping. In Ed Gia-comin, they have the top net- match-play championship, to be open indoors mark; and Anne Jeffrey, member of Canada's national women's volleyball team who last month was named the University of Vic sportsmanship at the annual Peninsula Basketball League's played Sunday at Victoria Golf minder in the Eastern Division Club: Claude Ruel, coach of the defending Stanley Cup champion Canadiens, was more restrained in predicting the outcome of the series.

"With these two teams there's no doubt it will be a skating series," he said Tuesday. "But the difference could be in the goalkeeping." In the other Eastern Division game tonight, Toronto Maple He appeared in 70 games during windup jamboree. toria's best female athlete. HANDICAP DIVISION Other sportsmanship trophies The first round will be played Sunday at Victoria Golf Club with 16 championship matches moving off the tee in seven-minute intervals starting at 11:20 a.m. Campaigners in the handicap scramble for the Hugh Francis Trophy start their marches at 9:.10.

The 20-year-old Billsborough, Uplands' assistant pro, captured medal honors last Sunday by posting a par 73 at Gorge Vale. Former champions figure in other first-round matches of note. YOUNO CONTENDERS Two-time winner Laurie Carroll, now a driving-range in (GM) vi A. 30 a.m. Alex Young record for Islanders and setting went to Laurie Atkinson (Cor the season, finished with a 2.55 goals-against average.

Gump Worsley, formerly a Ranger is expected to start for the Cana Johnson, 20, who succeeded Olympic hurdler Bob McLaren Vanyo (GV). a new 440-yard mark at the B.C. 9:37 Marty Smith (U) vs Ted Wllks dova Bay bantam girls) and (Cow). as winner of the men's award, event, where she was named Jim Sprinkling (Cordova Bay 9:44 Urban Allen (GV) VI Rick Batn got away to a disappointing the outstanding athlete. (GV).

bantam boys). 9:51 Tom Murray (GV) VI L. Ware diens. He appeared in 30 games for a 2.26 mark while Rogatien Vachon worked in 36 games and Unbeaten at 440 yards in her (U). Saanichton teams captured season last year atter a spectacular campaign in 1967.

He placed third in B.C. champion 9:58 D. McKerns (GV) vi R. Oak- man (GV). had a 2.87 average.

girls' and boys' pre-midget, midget girls' and bantam boys' 10:05 J. Harrii (GV) vi A. Smith Leafs meet the Bruins in Boston in a series expected to be rough and hard-hitting. In the Western Division, Philadelphia Flyers ships but then hit his stride to (CHI. age class, Miss L.angaaie sei B.C.

and Canadian midget-division records for the distance with a time of 57.4 seconds and established a national juvenile The Bruins, who haven't won the Stanley Cup since 1940-41. titles during playoff games. A. Bryan (GV) vi R. Dlnney win the Canadian junior champ (GV).

View Royal won the midget open in St. Louis against the are out to end their 28-year 10:19 Bob Herbertson (CH) vi T. Ker- ionship at Quebec City after rone tCnw), boys' crown and Cordova Bay ticht battle with his Victoria mark of 57.0. Emery (RC) Mike Ott drought after finishing a close second to Montreal in the regu structor but playing out of took the bantam girls honors. (CV.

Blues, division champions and Stanley Cup finalists last year, and Los Angeles Kings meet the YMCA clubmate Darryl Howe. Other finalists in voting for Murray (GV) vi J. Short. Gorge Vale, will meet 16-year- lar season and setting an NHL repn iuv). old Robbie Ferguson of Gorge 10:38 B.

Aylesworth (GV) D. Boon team-scoring record of 303 second-place Seals In Oakland. Impressive Array at Head Table (GV(. goals. Vale.

The Montreal-New York game 10 45 Wei Green (GV) vi A. Curran Cosmos Capture Peewee Honors (GV). Young challengers also line up Finks, general manager of 10:52 Georse Moon (GV) Ian An. derson (U). About Bruins, Punch Not Positive 10:59 A.

Marshall (GV) vi A. For gainst other ex-champions Bill McColl of Oak Bay and Cowichan's Norm Boden. ward (Cow). The Maple Leafs just made MORE SPORT PAGES 19, 20 Grycan (GV) vi Reg Clarkson (GV). 11:13 Ron Saxon (CH) vi Bill Shvetz Johnson, who placed third in his age-class at the provincial meet only a few months after starting gymnastics training in 1959, and Howe were selected as members of Canada's first touring gym team.

Cosmopolitan Club captured the Victoria Minor Hockey Association peewee pup champ have been involved in brawls during the season. In the West, Philadelphia, which lost only two of its last 15 games in its drive for a playoff McColl, who won the Times Trophy in 1955, has been paired Btrainst Gorge Vale's Brian ionship Tuesday night by blank (GV). CHAMPIONSHIP 11:20 a.m. Don Blllsboroueh (U) Al MacLeod (GV). ing Esquimalt reps 3-0 In T.inrlsav while Boden.

the 1961 Memorial Arena. titlist, was drawn against Brian Other finalists in voting for 11:27 Ab Robertson (GV) vi Jim Mc Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League; Soriano, president of baseball's Seattle Pilots of the American League, and Capozzi, former manager of the B.C. Lions football club, were main speakers as the interesting event moved briskly, but smoothly, under the direction of MC Gorde Hunter. ALso at the head table and speaking for shorter periods were Jim Champion, head coach of the B.C. Lions; jockey Frank Barroby, sprint champion Irene Coll (GV) Cosmos won the two-game, Gandy of Cedar Hill.

the male athlete were Paul Fisher, winner of the B.C. total-goal series 8-1. the playoffs with a fourth-place finish, but Boston coach Harry Sinden is not taking the Leafs lightly. "We expect a close-checking series, typical playoff hockey," Sinden said. Leaf coach Punch Imlach, known for his positive thinking, says he feels the Bruins have the edge because of their scoring punch, their regular-season finish and home-ice advantage.

George Friz, Dave Rands and 11:34 George Murphy (GV) vi Dick Austin (GV). Kolb (GV) vi Dick Sllver-berg (GM). Brown (U) vi Bert Wright (Cow). 11:55 Doug Munro (V) vi Hal Jacob-sen (GM). Murray McComb scored' the Pilot Outfielder Dealt to Royals men and Canadian junior figure skating titles, and Ron Grahame, all-star goaltender with the Victoria Cougars and winning goals while Steve Han WRESTLING VICTORIA CIVIC ARENA April 5, 8:15 p.m, JACKET MATCH Dean HIGUCHI vs.

Dutch SAVAGE LADY WRESTLERS Betty NICOLI vs. Jean ANTONE Karl Maynnrd v. R'B shield! Ktiy Mrt'larlty vs. Krlc KroHlrh Tlrkrt and rwrvatloiw at AKKN. Box Office, 384-I52J.

Z.UU. 1.S0, I.JJ. Inder II, loc. na recorded the shutout. berth, hopes to keep its momen-1 turn against St.

Louis. 1 Oakland, the team that mov ed from a last-place finish in 19G7-! 68 to second place this season, may have trouble with Los An- geles Kings, their rivals on the West Coast. It was not until the last two games of the regular season1 that the Seals managed to beat the Kings. The second games in all series will be played Thursday. 12:02 Wayne McDonald (GV) vi Lex! ace linebacker with the Saanich TEMPER, Ariz.

(AP) Seattle Sutcllffe (GV). 12:09 John Carlow (GV) vi Dick (Chew Excavating) Hornets, MEADOWS WINNERS Flanagan (V). provincial bantam football Piotrowski, professional golf Fred Church and Eleanor 12:16 Norm Boden (Cow) vi Brian Gandy (CH). champions. The Bruins, the most penal Coulter captured men's and 12:23 Gord Whan (Cow) vi Bob Mal official Al Kennedy, lacrosse commissioner Tom English, Edo Cougars, B.C.

junior hockey colm (RC). Pilots Tuesday acquired out-l fielder Steve Whitakcr and right-handed pitcher John Gel-nar from Kansas City Royals In exchange for outfielder Lou Piniclla. Whitaker is expected to start ized team this season, and the Maple Leafs play a similar type women's honors, respectively, in a novelty competition at Glen 12:30 Bob Hunt (U) vi Art Bridge kings, and Hornets, were Vanni, ticket representative for 12 37 Mike Gray (U) vi Cec Ferguson of game bruising and aggres Meadows Golf Club. Rubbers-up were Allen Gray and Edna Hay. sive and players of both teams McColl (V) vs Brian Llnd sav (GV).

runners-up to the Maplettes in the Pilots, and Denny Veitch, team selections. I general manager of the Lions. Wakelyn an Organizer 'By Accident' the season with the Pilots while 12-51-Tcd Langloii (GV) vi Clem Petm (I1C). Carroll (GV) vi Roh Gelnar will report to Pilots Pacific Coast League affiliate Vancouver. Ferptison (GV).

Milei (GV) vi Warren I asKed if there was any tameron (GV). other place they could play," he Referendum Carries Uvic Sports Future said. "When tliey said no, we went to work and organized club for them." OWNERS UNHAPPY That was the start of Wake- lyn's 19-year career as an official with a flock of local teams and organizations. His oycott Denied have been many, running from billetting chairman, to coach, to director, to manager For Wakelyn, who is nearing 20 years of service with the Metropolitan Board of Health, selection for the main trophy was a reward for many years of toil to assist teams and athletes, particularly youngsters, in the Victoria area. Arriving from Calgary at the age of seven, Don found his first athletic love in soccer and although he tackled several sports with the dedication that has marked his efforts as an official, he never attained stardom.

It was in 1950 that Wakelyn turned to the other side of sports and quickly became a valued friend of young athletes. "It was quite by accident," Dm recalled Tuesday as he told of watching players being selected for a soccer club and noticed the dejected appearance of other boys who had been trying out for the team. and president, and sometimes he was handling three or four of them at the same time. conference members, despite greater travelling expenses. The representative assembly allots its budget in the fall whereas the athletic program generally must be finalized in the spring.

The WCIAA is the only conference offering a chance for Canadian collegiate chrmpion-ships. Uvic captured three titles in its debut year but had to withdraw from two sports for lack of funds. Pam Harris, intramural sports chairman, said that, if the referendum passes, students will be admitted to all regularly-scheduled inter-varsity contests by free passes. University of Victoria students are going to the polls on Thursday to vote on a referendum, which if passed, will aid Uvic's finances as a full member of the Western Canada Intercollegiate Athletic Association. The representative body is petitioning students to approve establishment of a separate athletic fee of $6 while reducing the Alma Mater Society fee from $30 to $26.

Uvic students now contribute $3.71. each to athletics from the AMS fee. The current lee reportedly is $5 below the average for the other nine "Slow down. I bet $2. on number Basketball, hockey, figure skating, lacrosse, baseball, service clubs; he's been involved with them all and his achievements are many, as were those of last years' award winner Rumors of a threatened boycott by owners and trainers during the opening of the B.C.

thoroughbred racing season Saturday at Sandown Park have been discounted by a spokesman for the B.C. Jockey Club. The Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association has expressed its dissatisfaction with the size of purses at B.C. tracks but "will continue negotiations" with the Jockey Club. Exhibition Park opens its 101-day racing season in Vancouver, May 7 and the club, operators of the track, and the 1IBPA, still haven't agreed on a purse structure, Sandown Park near Sidney opens Saturday for 10 days but 11RPA secretary Walter Gregory naid the same purse structure hi In past years will prevail, Minimum purse will be $630.

SANDOWN PARK Opens Sat. Doug Fletcher. Sports affiliations have taken away most of his leisure time, but Wakelyn has "never regretted a moment of it." I'araitn To Thn Vmi 1:15 p.m, April S. 11, 12, IK, III, 2,1, 2B, May 2. 3, 8.

Scaxnn Ticket $..