LOCAL

LOCAL
Springfield's Panezichqualifies for nationals
NEW MIDDLETOWN -- Nick Panezich qualified for the AAU national meet after his performance last weekend in regional competition in Charleston, W.Va.
A Springfield High junior, Panezich won the javelin throw (136 feet), and he recorded a personal best throw in the discus (179 feet, 6 inches), for second place. He also finished second in the shot put (52-1).
Panezich will compete in the national meet at the end of July in Ypsilanti, Mich.
In the coming weeks, Panezich also will compete in the USA Youth Athletics meet in Buffalo and will be a member of the USA National Team when it competes in an international event in Canada.
Ursuline's Millerchooses Ashland
YOUNGSTOWN -- Amber Miller, a recent graduate of Ursuline High, has received a scholarship to Ashland University where she will run track and major in sports management.
Miller, who also played basketball for the Irish, placed sixth in the 100-meter hurdles, 300 hurdles and 4x400 relay at this year's state meet. She was also a member of National Honor Society at Ursuline.
Lencyk Masonrygoes undefeated
STRUTHERS -- The Lencyk Masonry men's soccer team went undefeated through 25 games to win the Tri-County Sports Complex Indoor championship.
On the team are Larry Lencyk, Renex Urrita, Khabib Imashot, Aaron Wagner, David Wagner, Andre Repucci, Pano Hazimihalis, Paul Kuboff, Paul Stanko, David Fenstermaker, Kyle Countryman, Kenny Huber and Jim Kautz.
Baseball rescheduled
STRUTHERS -- Monday the Class B baseball league could not conclude its regular season due to unplayable field conditions at Cene Park.
Those games will be played tonight following the original schedule and playoffs will now begin Wednesday.
REGION
Wizards hire Grunfeld
WASHINGTON -- Ernie Grunfeld was hired as president of basketball operations of the Washington Wizards, taking the job that Michael Jordan held the last two seasons.
The hiring came a day after Grunfeld was released from his contract as general manager of the Milwaukee Bucks.
He inherits a team that went 37-45 in the two years Jordan held that position while playing his final two years in the NBA. Washington owner Abe Pollin decided he no longer wanted Jordan.
Anaheim's Kariyabecomes free agent
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- The Anaheim Mighty Ducks declined to make team captain Paul Kariya a qualifying offer, allowing the seven-time NHL All-Star to become an unrestricted free agent.
The Ducks hope to return Kariya to the team, but did not want to match his $10 million salary.
Red Wings retain Hasek
DETROIT -- The Detroit Red Wings said they have exercised their $8 million option for 2003-04 on goaltender Dominik Hasek.
He retired in 2002 after leading Detroit to the Stanley Cup, but the 38-year-old recently expressed interest in returning to competition.
Rangers deal Leetch
NEW YORK -- The New York Rangers traded the rights to free agent Brian Leetch to the Edmonton Oilers after being unable to sign the defenseman before the Monday midnight deadline.
Tim Montgomerywithdraws
LAUSANNE, Switzerland -- World-record holder Tim Montgomery withdrew from a 100-meter showdown with Olympic and world champion Maurice Greene following the birth of his son.
Cowboys player shot
DALLAS -- Dallas Cowboys defensive back Keith Davis and a security guard at a topless club were hospitalized after receiving gunshot wounds.
Davis said he expects to be ready for training camp later this month.
Vindicator staff/wire reports