LOCAL

LOCAL
Fitch seniorshoots 31
LAKE MILTON -- Fitch senior Mike Johnson tied his season-best round on Wednesday, shooting a 31 at Lakeside Golf Course to lead the Austintown Fitch High golf team to a 149-185 victory.
It was the lowest score for the Falcons (8-3) this season. Johnson was one shot away from qualifying for the state tournament last season.
Steel Helmettradition continues
CAMPBELL -- The tradition of presenting the "Steel Helmet" to the winner of the Campbell-Struthers football game will continue in 2005 and will again be sponsored by National City Bank.
The trophy, originated in the early 1970s by the Gridiron Clubs of Campbell Memorial and Struthers, was won last year by Struthers, 19-12.
National City Bank's Campbell and Youngstown-Poland Road branches are again sponsoring this year's game Friday at 7:30 p.m. at John Knapick Memorial Stadium.
The winner of the game will receive the "Steel Helmet" trophy.
In addition, each branch is collecting individual customer donations by selling "Spirit Posters" representing each school.
All proceeds will be donated to each school's athletic departments.
REGION
Blue Jackets' Nashinjured in scrimmage
COLUMBUS -- Blue Jackets forward Rick Nash sustained what appeared to be a sprained ankle after hitting the boards feet-first during a scrimmage Wednesday, general manager Doug MacLean said.
Nash, who tied Atlanta Thrashers forward Ilya Kovalchuk for the NHL lead in goals two years ago, was helped from the ice and taken to Grant Medical Center, where X-rays revealed no broken bones, MacLean said.
Results of an MRI exam should be available today, MacLean said.
Nash, who had 41 goals in 2003-04, re-signed with Columbus in August, agreeing to a five-year, $27 million contract.
The 21-year-old left wing was a restricted free agent. He was the first overall pick of the 2002 draft.
In 2003, Nash had 17 goals and 39 points.
He played with Davos of the Swiss league during the NHL lockout last year, finishing with 27 goals and 47 points.
NATION
Ravens sign Stewart
OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Kordell Stewart worked diligently to stay in shape this summer, hopeful some NFL team would give him the opportunity to extend his career.
His effort was rewarded Wednesday. The Baltimore Ravens signed Stewart to play behind Anthony Wright, who will replace an injured Kyle Boller as the starter Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.
Stewart, 32, is a perfect fit with the Ravens. The 10-year veteran served as their backup last season while Wright recovered from shoulder surgery, and although Stewart never threw a pass, he is quite familiar with the Baltimore offense.
Carr wantsanother chance
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Michigan coach Lloyd Carr doesn't want the Big Ten to turn into NFL Jr. At the same time, he'd like the chance to ask to have plays reviewed -- just like pro coaches do.
"If some things are reviewed and some aren't, then you have controversy and the whole purpose of this thing was to avoid controversy," Carr said after Saturday's 17-10 loss to Notre Dame.
Carr didn't disagree with two plays that were overturned in the final minutes. A review of one play showed that quarterback Chad Henne had fumbled the ball at the goal line. A second review determined that Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn's knee was down before he fumbled.
Carr believed that Henne scored on an earlier play, but since coaches aren't permitted to request a review the play stood.
"I certainly would have asked for that play to be reviewed," Carr said.
Michigan's student section tossed water bottles and other debris on the field after the reviewed plays went against the home team.
WORLD
Slow ticket sales for Turin
ROME -- With less than 150 days to go until the opening ceremony, organizers of the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin have sold almost half their tickets but are still struggling to generate interest among Italians.
Of the 460,000 tickets sold so far, only 100,000 have gone directly to the public. The rest have been taken by sponsors, corporations, sports federations, broadcasters, national Olympic committees and ticketing agencies.
Vindicator staff/wire reports