Around the region

декабря 22, 2009 - 7:07 пп

Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany said Tuesday the conference is going to explore options over the next 12 to 18 months for expanding the league. The league’s presidents and chancellors decided this month that the timing is right to study adding a 12th school.

The Big Ten said in a statement it also looked at expansion in 1993, 1998 and 2003. Penn State was the last team to join in 1990, and Notre Dame rejected an offer in 1999.

The league, whose offices are in suburban Chicago, said no action on expansion is expected soon. It said it hopes to gather information before engaging in formal discussions with any schools.

The conference actually has 11 schools, despite its name.

* Doctor linked to Woods under investigation: A Canadian doctor who has treated golfer Tiger Woods and many other pro athletes is under a joint U.S.-Canadian investigation for possibly providing performance-enhancing drugs, a U.S. official said.

The official familiar with the investigation said Canadian authorities have been investigating Dr. Anthony Galea, who was arrested Oct. 15 in Toronto, and the FBI has been brought into the case.

* Illinois man admits to stalking Andrews: An Illinois insurance executive pleaded guilty Tuesday to secretly shooting nude videos of ESPN reporter Erin Andrews, who repeatedly called her stalker a sexual predator in court and said she hopes he “never sees the light of day.”

Michael David Barrett pleaded guilty to interstate stalking after Andrews urged the judge to give him a harsh sentence and not allow him out on bail. A plea deal filed last week says prosecutors and Barrett agreed to a 27-month prison sentence. But the judge will decide how long he actually serves and how much restitution he will have to pay Andrews.

* Alabama gets six All-Americans: A record six players on top-ranked Alabama, including Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram, made The Associated Press All-America team released Tuesday. Ingram was a unanimous choice, as was linebacker Rolando McClain. Defensive tackle Terrence Cody was voted to the team for the second consecutive season. Cornerback Javier Arenas, guard Michael Johnson and kicker Leigh Tiffin also were on мыслью

* Indy 500 to cut schedule: The Indianapolis 500 will cut one week out of its traditional schedule in May. The track will open May 15, a week later than normal, and there will be only two days of qualifying instead of four. Pole Day will be May 22. Bump Day will be May 23. The race week schedule will remain unchanged.

* Bigbie inducted into Ball State HOF: Hobart native and former major league baseball player Larry Bigbie will be inducted into the Ball State Athletics Hall of Fame on the weekend of Feb. пять-шесть. The induction dinner is on Feb. 5 and Bigbie will be introduced at a Ball State basketball game on Feb. 6. To purchase tickets or for more information, call (765) 285-4190.

* Youth softball team hosts fundraiser: The Indiana Raiders, a girls fast pitch softball team, is hosting a fundraiser on Friday to help the children of parents who have been mortally wounded or injured while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. The event is being held at Woodland Park’s Oakwood Hall, 2100 Willowcreek Road in Portage from 7 p.m. to midnight. Tickets are $3.

* Merrillville tennis camp on Saturday: Merrillville High School is holding a tennis camp for students in grades 1-12 at the Fieldhouse from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The cost is $10, cash only. For any questions e-mail jsimon@mvsc.k12.in.us.

* VHS hosts ‘Meet the Vikes’: Valparaiso’s girls basketball team is hosting “Meet the Vikes” night on Friday immediately following the varsity game.

* Gary Biddy Basketball Tourney begins this weekend: The Gary Biddy Basketball Holiday Tournament will be held from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at Wirt/Emerson High School and on Sunday at Bailey Junior High School from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

* Pumas top Central State: In men’s basketball, Mark Lake scored a game high 23 points as St. Joseph’s College defeated Central State 70-62 on Monday. Andrew Helmer and Michal Horton were also in double figures with 13 and 11 points, respectively, for the Pumas (4-3).

* VU softball camp starts Jan. 17: The Valparaiso University softball team will be conducting a hitting camp on Jan. 17 and a pitching camp on Jan. 24, for youths ages 8-18. The cost of the camp is $55 for those campers who register in advance. Registration forms are available at valposoftballclinics.com. For more information call 464-5047 or by e-mail at Randy.Schneider @valpo.edu .

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