Published: Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Local Sports Digest
SteelHounds
YOUNGSTOWN — The Youngstown SteelHounds traded defenseman Kris Mallette to Central Hockey League champion Laredo (Texas) in exchange for future considerations.
Mallette was the SteelHounds' first selection in the CHL's expansion draft. Last season, he played 56 games, scoring two goals with eight assists, and a team-leading 271 penalty minutes.
"Kris will always be a part of the SteelHounds history," said general manager Joe Gregory. "We wish him all the best in Laredo. It's a class organization and he will definitely be a contributor."
Scrappers
NILES — Len Barker, who pitched a perfect game for the Cleveland Indians May 15, 1981, will throw out the first pitch when the Mahoning Valley Scrappers take on the Batavia Muckdogs Aug. 20 at 3:45 p.m. at Eastwood Field.
Barker will be in town to help raise funds for the Potential Development Program and the Help Hotline Crisis Center.
Tickets for the game can be purchased through Potential Development Program at (330) 746-7641 or the Help Hotline at (330) 747-5111.
Proceeds from ticket sales and donations will benefit both organizations.
Suburban x-c
AUSTINTOWN — Coaches who are hosting a Suburban Cross Country League meet can pick up their awards and supplies at 6:45 p.m. at Fitch High Thursday.
There will also be a rules meeting for the Greater Youngstown Track and CC officials at 7:15 p.m. at Fitch.
Niles passes
NILES — Niles City Schools has passes to athletic events available for senior citizens, families and students.
Seniors passes are $10, family tickets are 20 for $75, and student passes are 20 for $40.
The passes are available for purchase in the high school's athletic office.
Gymnast
VIENNA — Hannah Toussaint, a freshman at Mathews High School, is competing in the national gymnastics championship meet in St. Paul, Minn., through the end of the week.
Toussaint competes as a junior international elite athlete and trains at Olympic Dreams.
There are 36 gymnasts competing at the junior elite level.
Judge to rule on
Solich's request
ATHENS — A judge will decide within the next few days if Ohio University football coach Frank Solich will get another chance to argue he did not drive drunk but was slipped the drug GHB.
Attorneys for Solich presented testimony Tuesday from experts who say the coach was slipped a dose of GHB before he was arrested last November, slumped over the steering wheel of his vehicle.
Solich, 61, pleaded no contest after his arrest but asked to withdraw his plea not long after. Athens Municipal Judge William Grim could grant Solich a new trial or let the plea stand.
Cincinnati tennis
MASON — Top-ranked Roger Federer survived an early scare as he began defense of his Western & Southern Financial Group Masters title with a straight-set win Tuesday night.
Federer beat Paradorn Srichaphan 7-5, 6-4 on one day's rest after winning the 40th title of his career Sunday in Toronto. He is 55-0 in North America since a first-round loss in this Cincinnati-area tournament in August 2004.
Rafael Nadal, the No. 2-ranked player in the world, also struggled while beating 18-year-old Sam Querrey 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4.
Nineteen-year-old Andy Murray beat Tim Henman for the second week in a row, 4-6, 6-4, 7-5, and ninth-seeded Andy Roddick beat Daniele Bracciali 6-7 (6), 7-6 (4). 7-6 (5).
Also, fourth-seeded Ivan Ljubicic beat Greg Rusedski 6-3, 6-4, No. 7 Tommy Robredo beat Richard Gasquet 7-5, 7-5, 13th seed Fernando Gonzalez beat Nicholas Massu 6-4, 6-4 and Tommy Haas beat Fernando Verdasco 6-3, 6-4.
Landis' former team to cease operations
ZURICH, Switzerland — The cycling team Phonak shrugged off its share of scandal in recent years, clinging to its sponsor money and racing license while one doping case after another pulled down its prized riders.
Then came Floyd Landis, the straw that broke Phonak's back. The disgraced Tour de France winner's former team, unable to find a buyer since Landis was busted for doping, will shut down at the end of the season.
Vindicator staff/wire reports
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