Newspapers / The Carolinian (Raleigh, N.C.) / Sept. 26, 1991, edition 1 / Page 23
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■SpO«TS 1 *"♦*>> * uutMl n OWENS FOUNDATION RECEIVES $100,000-Herbert P. 0—glas, Jr. (canter) president at IAAA and retired vlca president, SchlalMin A Somerset Co., importers of Heanossy Congnac and Moat Chandon Champagnes, presaats check In the amount of $100,000 to Ruth Owens, chairperson, Jesse Owens Foundation. Joining In the presentation Is John H. Johnson (2nd from left)), chairman and pubdsher, Johnson Publishing Company, Inc. and ScNofMn 1 Somerset Ca.’s J. Pann Kavanagh (far right)), president and CEO and William j. Richardson (far left), vice president, urban market development. ScMefMn & Samerset Co. has been the major supporter since the event’s Inception. Mark Thomas Feels Relief As He Makes Move Off Groves Stadium linit a fumkln *h>#I/1Ia Miinn/1 Marx rnomas Dreamed a sign oi relief last Saturday as he trotted off the Groves Stadium turf in Winston Salem. Thomas, a senior defensive tackle, and his N.C. State teammates had just picked up a tough ACC road victory by defeating Wake Forest, 30 3, running their record to a perfect 3-0 on the season. For that Thomas felt relief. But, quite possibly, Thomas was breathing easier because he knew he had finally put together a solid individual performance. Despite two shutout performances by the State defense in iU first two outings of the year, Thomas had been less than pleased with his plev. Against Wake Forest, he seems to have snapped out of his personal slump. “I Anally got my head straight and played better,” Thomas said. “I and, as a result, I wasn’t giving the best performances. I was a bit frustrated. But against Wake I was more relaxed and I think that made a difference.” Wolfpack fans are hoping that Thomas can find that focus again this week as State (3-0 overall, 1-0 in the ACC) plays arch-rival North Carolina (2-0, 0-0) in Carter-Finley Stadium. The game will be televised on the ACC Football Network with kickoff scheduled for 12:10 p.m. Thomas’ play against the Deacs definitely made a difference. The 6’5”, 252-pounder made four tackles on the day but two. of them caused Wake Forest turnovers. Thomas’ first hit, on a second quarter, third down situation at the state 31, was a sack of the Wake quarterback, Commfsrfoner Charge Discrimination In N.j. WOODBRIDGK, N.J. (AP)-A charity golf tournament sponsored by the agency that operates the Garden State Parkway will be held at the Upper Montclair Country Club over the objections of a commissioner about the club’s all-white membership, the agency’s executive director says. And the chairman of the New Jersey Highway Authority, Robert J. Jablonski, responded last week by asking the commissioner why he had not protested past tournaments at the golf club. In a seating letter, the chairman also told Commissioner Julian K. Robinson that about 40,000 senior citizens, school children and inner city youths would be denied free entertainment if the tourament was canceled. “I point this out to you because you do not seem to be well acquainted with the work of the Foundation or the free show program it finances,’’ Jablonski wrote. "Perhaps if you became more involved in this worthwhile program you would have a better understanding of just how important it is to the thousands of people who receive free entertainment.” Robinson, the only black member of the commission, last Monday criticized the authority, its staff, and Jablonski for not finding out whether the golf club, located in Clifton, had black or Hispanic members. Authority Executive Director David W. Davis said canceling the Sept. 30 event now would cost more than $40,000—$16,000 in cancellation fees and $25,000 in anticipated revenue. “Next year, we will thoroughly investigate the site,” David said, “but right now, I feel we should go ahead with the tournament.” The annual celebrity-amateur tournament is organized by the Garden State Arts Center Foundation, a charitable group. The group raises money to be used by the Garden State Cultural Fund Office for free Garden State Arts Center performances for the disadvantaged, said Dennis Ingoglia, authority spokesman. Besides the parkway, the highway authority operates the Garden State Arts Center in Holmdel. All seven commission members, who are nponinted by the ‘*o,,«rror are on the foundation's board, he said. The woman who first selected the Upper Montclair Country Club for the annual tournament five years ago, Florence Fuhri, no longer is affiliated with the foundation and no longer lives in New Jersey, Ingoglia said. Ingoglia said the cultural fund staff told him the language in the country club charter does not restrict membership in any way. The club's manager, Kenneth Dean, said that although none of the club’s 700 members are black, the club does not discriminate against anyone. "We’ve had no blacks petition for membership," he said. "I believe there’s one now, going through our normal membership process, but I'm not sure of that.” In a letter to commission chairman Jablonski, Robinson said neglecting to ask the golf club whether it has black or Hispanic members was deliberate. “I am incensed that as chairman of an important public agency (and as a golfer) you failed to ask such a question directly prior to scheduling our 1991 Celebrity-Amateur Golf Tournament at that facility," Robinson wrote. Ricky Logo recovered. Later, Thomas forced the issue as the Deacs tried to run the option, again causing a Deacon fumble. On the ensuing possession, the Wolfpack kicked a field goal to expand their lead to 16-3. “The big plays are n>ce,’’ Thomas said, “but it is more important that I was in the correct place in our defensive scheme. Our entire defense has been in the right place this season and that has resulted in a lot of turnovers. And, of course, making it tough for them to score and giving our offense some good field position." Thomas is referring to a State defense that has yielded a solitary field goal in its first three games this season. And his contributions total 11 tackles, one sack, one tacke for loss, three caused fumbles and two recovered fumbles. Not bad early season numbers for a guy who is playing his first full season at tackle. For two and a half seasons, Thomas excelled at outside linebacker, but moved to his new position halfway through the 1990 campaign. He finished last season in a standout fashion, with 41 tackles, including five quarterback sacks. “I was happy with the change in nositions. but I had to dedicate mvself to changing my body style, and working in the weight room,” said Thomas. “I like my new position because I am free to run more and I like being Involved in every play." Although Thomas appears as a hard-hitting player on the field, he likes to prepare for a game by relaxing with a tape of slow songs. “I love music, and I prepare for a game by listening to a tape that I made that relaxes me," he said. “A lot of guys get hyped up for the game by listening to loud music, and getting pumped up, but that gets me tight and nervous. I like to listen to the music, relax, and think about what I have to do in the game.” One question that Thomas usually fields from the media deals with his striking resemblance to Ted Hendricks, a former all-pro efensive end for the Los Angeles Raiders. Many question if Hendricks was a role model for him, and if he patterned his play after the former Raider. “I never really thought about any connection with Hendricks until my high school coach mentioned it," Thomas said. “When I first started playing at N.C. State, Lawrence Taylor was the one that I would watch to observe his style of play. I think that people connect us [Thomas and Hendricks] because we look alike, but I have watched film of him playing. Even though I watch that film, I do not think that I really pattern myself after any specific players." Thomas is an economics and business major with plans for a career in law enforcement. “When I was looking at schools, I was not only interested in the football programs, I was interested in the academic programs that each had to offer." Thomas said. "Coach Sheridan was very impressive, ana he had a strong reputation in my state. So, I really had an easy decision deciding where I was going to go. "Playing collet football at N.C. Slate has been an incredible experience for me. There is no feeling that I can compare to being out on that field playing in front of the large crowds with all the excitement and hype. And that's especially true since •»Uisu *ns • * •• }**¥?*&** 5» *&■■*** ** Giants Star Tayior Makes Open Question NEW YOKE, N.Y. (AP)-New York Giants star Lawrence Taylor was questioned last month by New Jersey officials Investigating possible organized-crime ties to his East Rutherford, N.J. bar and restaurant, according to published reports. The New York Post said the investigators are trying to determine whether Vincent Ravo, a 56-year-old Passaic, N.J. resident identified as a Genovese crime-family associate, has a hidden interest in LT’s Restaurant and Sports Bar. The Post said the establishment’s records have been subpoenaed. The newspaper said Taylor testified voluntarily in Trenton, N.J. on Aug. 26 before New Jersey’s State Commission of Investigation. Taylor’s partner, lawyer Alfred Porro, Jr., was also questioned. Porro told the Star-Ledger of Newark that he testified before the SCI in early 1990. He said he did not know why the matter was still being investigated. “I was given to believe after my testimony that the whole matter was closed. I don’t think that anyone at the SCI that looked at this in any way believed that Lawrence Taylor had any mob connections,’’ Porro said. Porro said his questioning by the SCI focused on his former ownership of another bar, the Bench in Carlstadt, N.J. The Post reported that the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control had accused Porro of having Ravo as a silent partner in the Bench between 1963 and 1987. Porro said Ravo was the manager of the Bench, but denied that Ravo ever had an interest in the establishment. The Post said Porro paid a $10,000 fine rather than have the business closed for 76 days. Porro told the newspaper that he and Ravo became friends with Taylor and other team members at the Bench. Ravo was sentenced to three years in prison in 1984 for possessing a stolen 9mm pistol. At the time, Taylor wrote a reference letter to the court praising Ravo’s character. Scouting Black Colleges: A Look At Basketball BY BARRY COOPER Bethune-Cookman College basketball coach Jack McClairen is making a remarkable pledge to his recruits these days. Players who sign with the school and tough it out in the classroom for four years are given a fifth year of study—for free—if they need it. This is big stuff. What B-CC is saying to its athletes is this: If at the end of your four-year athletic career you still haven’t graduated, we will pay for a fifth year of study. In this day of universities exploiting athletes and looking for ways to save money, that is an extraordinary offer, particularly for a small school such as B-CC. The Wildcats are a private school in Daytona Beach, Fla., of just 2,300 students and don’t receive any state money. Yet the school finds a way to make ends meet, and to offer just the right kind of incentives. Julious Grant, a starter for four years at B-CC, told the St. Petersburg Times that no other school showed as much sincere interest in him as did B CC. “When Coach McClairen recruited me, he pointed those specifics [about ac .demies] out to me and my mom,” Gt nt said. “There was no other school who said that if I didn't finish in four years, they were going to give me an extra year.” As it turned out, Grant needed extra time to complete his studies. He was a semester short of graduating when his basketball eligibility ran out, but McClairen kept him on scholarship. Today, Grant has his degree and is a retail account manager for a company in Miami. “We’re obligated to do that," McClairen aid of the emphasis the Wildcats place on education. “As black colleges, we have to do a better job.” Speaking of graduation rates, th< outlook remains bleak for black athletes who elect to enroll at big predominantly white colleges. Onlj about 26.6 percent of black athletes ir football and basketball eventuall] graduate, according to a recent study. The rate is twice that foi whites. Said Richard Lapchick director of the Center for Study o Sport in Society, “It takes virtually « heroic performance by a blacl athlete to graduate. When they com< into an alien atmosphere, onto i predominantly white campus tha has only seven percent blacl students, les. than 1.6 percent of thi faculty is black and the number o black employees in the athleti< department s about two pcrrent.” _ The Coaches Box BY JAMES L. GILES. SR. LEGENDARY HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS '‘SCORE” THREE NEW PLAYERS The legend continues. America’s Ambassadors of Goodwill, the Harlem Globetrotters, have added three new players to their all-star lineup for the coming 66th anniversary season. Donning the famous red, white and blue for the first time will be Timothy Price, 26 (Virginia Union University); Arnold Bernard, 22 (Southwest Missouri State); and Mark McCall, 24 (University of Texas at El Paso). This year’s invitation training camp, held at Moorpark College, California, attracted 12 eager athletes from throughout the United States. The three candidates selected will begin tours of Asia and Europe before beginning their domestic 1992 World Tour in December to more than 200 cities throughout North America. According to Harlem Globetrotter head coach Russell Ellington and Charles “Tex” Hrrison, who is also vice president of basketball forecast to rain. Sanders’ spirit wasn't dampened. He replied, ‘I know the location of a driving range with tee-box shelters.’” How much is an ambassador of goodwill supposed to do? "Whatever his endeavors, I support them,” said Sanders’ wife Jackie, a native of Rich Square and a 1979 graduate of N.C. State University in Raleigh who is also learning the game of golf. Going into his 16th year with the Globetrotters, Sanders’ basketball skills, his enthusiasm, and compassion for his teammates remains high. When he spoke of Clayton’s Don Sinclair, his voice raised with praises of the point guard, and dropped with reverence, speaking of team captain Clyde Austin. Austin, known as “Clyde the Glide,” a native of Richmond, Va. who played for the N.C. State Wolfpack, recieved a severe shoulder injury. “It’s doubtful if he returns,” said Sanders. According to Sanders, all three new players have the promise the GLOBETROTTERS ASSUME LOCAL FLAVOR—Top Left: Don Sinclair of Clayton; Bottom Left: Timothy Price, formerly of Viringla Union Unlvorsity; and right: James “Twiggy" Sanders of Raleigh. operations, the final rookie roster selection was made after hours of scrutizing and speculation. “These young men not only have the talent to contribute to the team, but equally as important, they possess the spirit of sportsmanship that is the hallmark of the Harlem Globetrotters,” said Harrison. "We’re sure that fans around the world are going to enjoy watching them in action.” The new addition of youth will add to the local Globetrotter flavor of Clayton’s Don Sinclair and Raleigh’s own James “Twiggy” Sanders. Sanders has been home here in Raleigh supposedly resting and vacationing with his wife Jackie and two sons, Jackson and Montgomery. However, he cheerfully found the time to mix with friends, fans and especially the youth during St. Augustine's College’s National Youth Sports Program, where Neighborhood Friday, a self-help concept, was first developed and implemented. In addition, Sanders is learning the game of golf and doing standup comedy. “Standup comedy is a natural progression to what I am doing with the Globetrotters,” said Sanders. “I love seeing people laugh.” Sanders continued, “When it comes to golf it’s a different challenge. “Of all the sports I have played, goU is the toughest.” Harvey Heartley, Jr., a longtime friend and golfing partner, added, “Twiggy has great enthusiasm for golf.” “He called me recently and asked to meet at Meadowbrook Country Club for a round. I replied that it was Globetrotters are looking for and wiu be a key in their show. Six-foot-seven-inch rookie forward Timothy Rice left his hometown of Cambridge, Mass., to attend Virginia Union in Richmond, Va. where he made the CIAA All-Conference Team. A journalism major, he has aspired to be a Globetrotter ever since he began playing basketball at the age of nine. Playing the guard position, Mark McCall earned All-Conference honors at the University of Texas at El Paso in his hometown where he ranked as MVP of district and city, in addition o receiving honors as All-City and All State scoring champion. In high school, he averaged 20 points per game and at UTEP his average held at 14 points. For the 6’2” Texas native, who majored in criminal justice, becoming a Harlem Globetrotter is his greatest accomplishment in sports to date. The youngest of the rookies, Arnold Bernard, is a 5’5” guard from New York’s Bronx who attended Southwest Missouri State in Springfield, Mo. He brings with him a long list of accomplishments—ranking All Ameican in junior college, All-City, sixth in the nation for assists and MVP state tournament champion. A • class clown in college, Bernard feels as though playing with the Globetrotters will allow him . the opportunity to bring smiles to young and old alike. , “Bernard is a very personable and congenial individual," said Sanders. < “He is a dribbler and brings that New - York style game to our 66th season of Play.” WORD WISE Q. The word “pupil” takes on two different meaning^ in the English language: the center of the eye, and a student. How can the same word have such different meanings? A. Their roots are ac tually quite close! Pupil, meaning the center of the eye, is derived from pu pilla, the Latin word for “little girl,” making a ref erence to the tiny doll like figures seen as reflections therein. Pupil lus, another Latin word, actually means “little boy.” More specifically, pupillus refers to a par entless child in a tutor’s charge, thus accounting for the student definition of pupil. Send questions or com ments for Word Wise to P.O. Box 4367, Orlando, Fla. 32802-4367. 1991. Tribune Media Services
The Carolinian (Raleigh, N.C.)
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Sept. 26, 1991, edition 1
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