Star-Phoenix from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada • 14

B2 Sports Thursday, August 23, 1984 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Star-Phoenix De Wit $5-miilion man in ring? Sportscope CALGARY (CP) Willie de Wit, winner of an Olympic heavyweight boxing silver medal, will sign a professional contract with a group of Texas businessmen, the Calgary Herald said Wednesday. The Herald, referring to unnamed sources, said the contract is thought to be worth more than $5 million and will tie de Wits professional career to a syndicate headed by Ben Tamney, an oil and cattle millionaire from Midland, Tex. De Wit, 23, his family and his boxing camp, have all refused to make any comment about his pro- fessional plans before todays scheduled news conference at his hometown of Grande Prairie, Alta. Tamney could not be reached for comment, but his office confirmed he was en route to Canada. The Herald said de Wit, the reigning world amateur heavyweight champion, his family and trainer Harry Snatic will soon move to Burnet, a town of about 3,000 located about 70 kilometres northwest of Austin, Tex.

According to Herald sources, de Wit will receive a lump payment up front, then receive a salary and expense money. Some of the Playbill Today RUGBY Saskatoon Union: Gophers vs Wild Oats, 7 p.m. at field on Avenue South by Holiday Park golf course. SOFTBALL Canadian Senior Women: Ontario vs Prince Edward Island at 12 noon, Nova Scotia vs Alberta at 1:30 p.m., B.C. vs Quebec at 3 p.m., Harmony Centres vs Newfoundland at 7 p.m.,-Lashburn Bluebirds vs Alberta at 8:30 p.m., all at Gordon Howe Park.

BASEBALL Saskatoon Amateur: Shockers vs Dodgers, 7:30 p.m. at' Cairns Field. Labatts Men: Weldons Yankees vs Grey Ghosts, best-of-three final series Harris waiting by earnings will come in deferred payments. the syndicate will have a four-man board of directors Tamney, Snatic, de Wits father, Len, and one other unnamed member. The Texas syndicate was chosen over groups from New York and Calgary.

The Herald also said de Wits first six professional fights have been contracted to an American television network, said to be ABC. An network would not confirm any contract. CorpSport International, the Edmonton marketing firm which also handles hockey player Wayne Gretzky, has been award- phone Harris a new, less-lucrative offer. But Beier doubts the Steelers will negotiate again with the fullback who gained 11,950 yards for them in 12 seasons. Dan Rooney told us Monday that his decision was irrevocable, said Beier.

There were rumors Tuesday that Atlanta Falcons might be in-terested because of an injury suffered by star back William Andrews, but Falcons general manager Tom Braatz said he is satisfied with his backups. Youre talking about a big-money guy with a minimum amount of future, said Lynn Stiles, Philadelphia Eagles per1 sonnel director. The season is starting. He might not fit into the scheme of a new team. The Steelers do things differently.

They run a lot of traps and things for him that other teams dont do. Because of the dollars involved, teams wont take him unless theyre in a disastrous CityProvincial PITTSBURGH (AP) Franco Harris, who cant break the National Football Leagues rushing record unless he gets a football job, sat by his telephone again Wednesday, for a call some team executives speculate may never come. Unfortunately, it could be the end for Franco, said Dick Steinberg, player personnel director of New England Patriots. Harris, after boycotting training camp for a month, was released Monday by Pittsburgh Steelers after turning down a one-ear contract offer that would ave paid him almost $600,000. Harris went unclaimed Tuesday by the rest of the NFLs 27 teams and now is a free After Harris cleared waivers, Bart Beier, the Pittsburgh lawyer who became his agent several months ago, talked with Montreal Concordes of the Canadian Football League, but coach-general manager Joe Galat said Harriss salary is too high for the CFL.

ed de Wits world marketing rights. One major change in de Wits camp will be the absence of Man-soor Esmail of Calgary, who had handled his conditioning the last two years. Right now we dont need him. said ae Wits father. Willie had some problems at the Olympics.

I think he was overtrained, in fact I know it to be true. De Wit looked sluggish throughout the Olympic tournament that he was heavily favored to win. He lost the gold-medal final by a unanimous decision to American Henry Tillman. Franco Harris Cleveland coach Sam Rutigli-ano said: These ballplayers have really priced themselves out of the market. To be honest, I think Franco has priced himself out of the market.

Hes a great ballplayer, but the boat has sailed away from us. And Harris isnt exactly a spring chicken. either of financial problems or the risk of opposing the NFL, Simmons replied. As far as Im concerned, theyre all in the league right now. Also left in doubt after Wednesdays announcement was the fate of the leagues television deal with ABC.

That network carried USFL games in both of the leagues first two seasons, but retains broadcast rights only from the months of January through July and opposed a fall schedule, said Trump. However, noting, that ABC had no professional football telecasts in the fall excepting Monday Night Football Trump expressed optimism the USFL would be able to negotiate a deal with ABC for the 1986 season. A package with that network already is in place for 1985. PolyesterSteel belted radial construction All seasons tread design for drywet frozen road traction Handsome white sidewall Eliminates springfall changeover Uniroyal's economy-priced all seasons radial USFL shifting to fall schedule in 86 One hundred thousand dollars would be a very big salary in the CFL these days (and) Franco would want a lot more, Galat said. Harriss eight seasons are an NFL record and he gained 1,007 yards last season.

But some NFL team executives wonder if there is a market for a 34-year-old back with questionable speed. Our interest in him is absolutely none, said Bill Davis, player personnel director of Cleveland Browns. I dont see any other teams being interested in him, either. George Young, New York Giants general manager, said: To me, if the Steelers cant sign him, how can we? Hes been a great player, a wonderful player. Hes going to the Hall of Fame.

It saddens me to see it occur this There has been speculation even among some Steelers players that the Steelers would reopen negotiations by making Personally, Im distressed to say goodbye to the fans who gave their hearts to this team, said Tanenbaum, one of six of the original 12 USFL owners. Its the wrong thing to do. Tanenbaum said he would retain ownership of the team, adding he already had conducted extensive discussions with Baltimore city officials about a move. The NFL Colts, who played in Baltimore for 30 years, moved to Indianapolis this spring. Philadelphia was one of several cities where scheduling fall games conflicts with an NFL or professional baseball team, presenting clear problems of survival to USFL franchises.

Donald Trump, owner of New Jersey Generals and one of the leagues strongest advocates of a fall season, conceded the USFL likely will shrink, possibly to 14 I I I I I CHICAGO (AP) United States Football League owners voted Wednesday to conduct one final season of spring football in 1985, but will shift to the fall in 1986 in direct competition with the older, more established National Football League, USFL commissioner Chet Simmons said. I think they (the NFL) really hoped wed stay in the spring and slowly drip away, said Simmons. The decision, he added, reflected a great amount of belief in this product, a belief in this league. After the announcement, Myles Tanenbaurfl, owner of league-champion Philadelphia Stars, said he would move his franchise to Baltimore in 1986 rather than compete against the NFLs Eagles and baseballs Philadelphia Phillies for use of Veterans teams in the very near future. But he insisted such an alignment would be stronger, and said he was confident the USFL could hold its own against the NFL in any competitive market by the 1986 season.

Three USFL teams Los Angeles, Washington and Chicago ran into serious financial problems last season and several others are said to be facing a cash crunch. Discussions on any mergers are set for the second day of league meetings today, said Simmons. The USFL began in 1983 with 12 teams and expanded to 18 for 1984. But failing franchises have prompted rumors of mergers, the most prominent being the consolidation of the Oklahoma and Oakland franchises. Asked whether some teams might leave the league as a result tied 1-1.

Game time at Cairns Field is 6 p.m. Friday HORSE RACING Thorough-, bred: Post time at Marquis Downs is 7 p.m. AUTO Racing Stocks: Time trials at 7 p.m., racing begins at 8 p.m. at Bridge City Speedway. SOFTBALL Canadian Senior Women: Tie-breakers if necessary in morning and afternoon.

Playoffs: Game No. 1 Qualifier five vs Qualifier seven, 7 p.m.; Game No. 2 Qualifier six vs Qualifier eight, 8:30 p.m., all at Gordon Howe Park. Bilodeau wins 5 Ron Bilodeau capped a five-win peformance Wednesday at Marquis Downs by riding longshot Remis Jet to victory in the 10th race and setting up a $7,572.30 triactor. Misty Summer Day and Lea Heir (1-6-3) completed the large payoff.

Remis Jet paid $32.10 to win while Misty Summer Day returned $29 to place. Bilodeau also won with Habitual Offender ($3.50) in the second, Baby Zest ($2.70) in the third. Lucky Polar ($12.20) in the sixth and Someday Son ($9.90) in the eighth. Centennial tops Centennial Plumbing and Heating downed Reconstruction 9-4 Wednesday to win the Carling OKeefe Mens Fastball League championship. Centennial won the best-of-three final 2-1.

Barry Barnstable was the winning pitcher, aided by home runs from Dennis Hagel, Ron Deutsch-er and Terry Redpath. Tom McCallum was the losing pitcher. Zasada fund The Saskatchewan Rowing Association has set up a Tony Zasada Memorial Fund to be administered jointly by the Provincial Association and the Canadian Amateur Rowing Association in consultation with the Zasada family. Zasada, a member of the Canadian Olympic Rowing team, died in an automobile accident Monday morning near Regina. The fund will be directed toward honoring the memory of Zasada and his contribution to the rowing community.

Anyone wishing to contribute to the fund can send their donations to the Tony Zasada Memorial Fund, Saskatchewan Rowing Association, 2205 Victoria Avenue, Regina S4P 0S4. Wall of Fame As part of the University of Saskatchewans 75th Anniversary celebration, the College of Physical Education is establishing an Athletic Wall of Fame to recognize the contributions of its outstanding athletes. The selection committee recently released the names of 12 of the 75 athletes that will be inducted. Athletes selected for induction from the 1920s and 1930s are: Charles Hay, hockey and football; Alf Bence, tennis and swimming; Orvald Gratias, track and field, football and basketball; Les Hutchison, track and field and soccer; John Logan, football, basketball and hockey; Ellis McMillan, tennis and basketball; Winnie Rowles, basketball and track and field; Dorothy (McKenzie) Walton, tennis, badminton, basketball and track and field; Dorothy (Rutherford) Logan, track and field and basketball; Phyllis Haslam, swimming; Balfour Kirkpatrick, track and field and basketball; Clarence Garvie, football, swimming and track and field. The Dinner and Induction Ceremonies will take place on Sept.

29, at the Ramada-Renaissance Hotel. Tickets ($30) may be purchased by contacting Val Schneider at the College of Physical Education (343-4893). Dodgers triumph Saskatoon Dodgers edged Saskatoon Shockers 3-2 to take a 1-0 lead in the Saskatoon Amateur Baseball League final Wednesday at Cairns Field. Tim Sawatzky drove in the winning run in the eighth inning. Winning pitcher Ward Edwards gave up only five hits and struck out seven in his nine-inning stint.

The hard luck loser was Ryan Vitti. who went the distance and threw a three-hitter with nine strikeouts. The second game in the best-of-three series will be played tonight, 7:30 p.m. at Cairns Field. Bamford fires 73 Brian Bamford of Saskatoon fired a 73 to lead Saskatchewan golfers as the Canadian mens amateur golf championship and Willingdon team' trials opened Wednesday at Halifax.

Warren Sye of Toronto holds the lead with a 66. Kirk McGregor of Regina shot a 74, while Kent Adams of Prince Albert and Doug Mader of Regina shot 77. Rod Bulmer of Melfort finished with a 79. Ontario leads the team competition with a 206 while Saskatchewan is eighth at 224. Adams, Bamford, Mader and McGregor comprise the Saskatchewan team.

Nancy Moen of Swift Current was the top Saskatchewan shooter with an 81 at the womens championship in Calgary. Jill Himmel-man of Halifax, Judy Medlicott of Calgary and Deborah McHaffee of Las Vegas share the lead at 73. Ontario leads the team competition with a 221, while Saskatchewan is eighth at 251. Saskatoon golfers included Meredith Richert at 82, Barb Danaher at 84 and Gerry Street at 88. Ron Janes of Riverside shot a 72 in the first round of the CPGA club professionals tournament at Fredericton.

Tom Irwin of Sydney, N.S., leads with a 68. Molsons win Saskatoon Molsons dowtled Waldheim Valley Merchants 3-1 to win the Special Mens Division of the Saskatoon Amateur Softball Association on Wednesday in Waldheim. Molsons took the best-of-five final three games to one. Saskatoon struck for three unearned runs in the first inning and coasted to victory. Centre fielder Larry Pavloff accounted for two of Saskatoons three hits and scored one run.

Gene McWillie was the winning pitcher, allowing four Waldheim nits while striking out 11. Bryan Wiebe shouldered the loss, allowing only three hits. Adams honored Jack Adams of Saskatoon was inducted into the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association of America Hall of Fame in conjunction with the recent world horseshoe pitching championship in Huntsville, Ala. Adams joined his father Arthur E. Adams in the Hall, marking the first occasion a father and son have been so honored.

Jack Adams is also the president of Horseshoe Canada. Hockey smarts Goaltender Greg Holtby and left winger Todd McLellan of the Saskatoon Blades has been named to the Western Hockey league first all-star scholastic team. Holtby registered a 69 per cent average while taking classes at the University of Saskatchewan while McLellan attained a 79 per cent average in Grade 11. Others making the first team were defencemen Ken Baumgartner of Prince Albert Raiders and Gord Hynes of Medicine Hat Tigers, and forwards Tim Ian-none of Regina Pats and Terry Perkins. Portland Winter Hawks.

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