YSU

YSU
Time change
YOUNGSTOWN -- The starting time of Thursday's softball doubleheader between Robert Morris and Youngstown State has been changed to 3 p.m.
YSU was scheduled to play host to Akron today at 2 p.m. in a doubleheader at McCune park on Shields Road in Canfield.
Coach search
YOUNGSTOWN -- Elaine Jacobs, the Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator, will be in charge of a seven-person search committee to hire a new women's basketball coach, YSU Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Ron Strollo said Monday.
Joining Jacobs on committee are Rick Bevly, Events Manager; Dr. Frank Bosso, Associate Professor for Human Performance and Exercise Science; Kathleen Feld, NCAA Faculty Athletic Representative and Professor of Health Professions; Dr. Jane Kestner, Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Rick Love, Associate Director of Athletics; and J.P. Daliman, Attorney at Law.
LOCAL
Smith to speakon cardiac death
YOUNGSTOWN -- Dr. Grace Smith, a pediatric cardiologist, will speak on "Sudden Cardiac Death in Sports" on April 22 and April 28 in St. Elizabeth Health Center's Finnegan Auditorium.
The program is free and open to the public. For details, call 1-877-700-4647.
More awards
FRANKLIN, Pa. -- Tri-City Speedway racers will have an opportunity to earn additional awards this season as the track is now part of the 2003 Valvoline Cup National Drivers Point Championship.
Open to all divisions at Tri-City, drivers are awarded points based on their performances. As a result, drivers from Tri-City will measure their success against that of drivers throughout the United States.
In 2002, eligible racers competing in the Valvoline Cup National Drivers Points Championship earned over $500,000 in awards. Among the award winners was Josh Skarzenski of Erie, Pa., who was the 2002 Schwab's Ford DIRT Modified track champion.
To enroll, drivers must contact Valvoline Cup officials at www.valvolinecup.com.
Also, for the eighth year in a row, the Schwab's Ford DIRT Modified division at Tri-City Speedway will be sanctioned by DIRT Motorsports.
With the affiliation, Tri-City's 2003 DIRT Modified track champion will be eligible for a $3,000 point fund award courtesy of Hoosier Tires and Sunoco Race Fuels. Defending Tri-City DIRT Modified track champion Josh Skarzenski of Erie, Pa., will return to defend his title against the likes of Dave Murdick, Kevin Bolland, Andy Priest, Del Rougeux Jr. and Skip Moore, who was the 2002 Most Improved Driver at the track. Skarzenski was also the 1999 DIRT Modified Rookie of the Year on the entire circuit.
Tri-City Speedway starts its eighth season April 27. Gates open at 4 p.m. and racing starts at 6 p.m. Adult grandstand admission is $10.
For more information, contact the track office at (814) 473-4038.
NATION
Puckett testifies
MINNEAPOLIS -- Kirby Puckett denied dragging a woman into a restaurant men's room and groping her, testifying that he had offered to escort her to the bathroom.
The Hall of Famer gave a markedly different account from that of his accuser on what happened Sept. 5 at Redstone American Grill in suburban Eden Prairie.
The woman testified last week that the former Minnesota Twins star forced her into a men's room stall and grabbed her breast, causing bruises on her breast, arm and ankle.
Puckett is charged with false imprisonment, a felony; fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct, a gross misdemeanor; and fifth-degree assault, a misdemeanor.
Hockey roundup
* DETROIT -- The NHL suspended Detroit Red Wings assistant coach Joey Kocur for two games for throwing a chair on the ice in the final minute Saturday against St. Louis.
* TORONTO -- Canadian billionaire Eugene Melnyk submitted a bid to buy the bankrupt Ottawa Senators.
His bid includes a commitment to keep the team in Ottawa, and he's seeking to complete the deal by May 5.
* DENVER -- Colorado's Patrick Roy added to his long list of accomplishments Monday night, becoming the first goalie in NHL history to eclipse 60,000 minutes played.
Roy reached the mark at 10 minutes of the first period against the San Jose Sharks. He received a standing ovation and raised his stick to the crowd after the public address announcer acknowledged the achievement.
Gash signs with Bills
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Fullback Sam Gash agreed to terms with the Bills, returning to Buffalo after spending the previous three seasons in Baltimore.
An 11-year veteran, Gash spent the 1998 and 1999 seasons in Buffalo before joining the Ravens. He appeared in 11 games with Baltimore last season, but did not have any carries or receptions.
WORLD
Tennis roundup
* CASABLANCA, Morocco -- Third-seeded Henrieta Nagyova of Slovakia advanced to the second round of the Grand Prix de SAR, beating Ruxandra Dragomir Ilie of Romaina 6-3, 6-4.
* SARASOTA, Fla. -- Ansley Cargill ousted third-seeded Patty Schnyder 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 in the first round at the Sarasota Clay Court Classic.
Vindicator staff/wire reports