LOCAL

LOCAL

New Castle Thunder
tops Mahoning Valley

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — Steve Cupec scored two touchdowns on runs of 15 and 4 yards and finished with 127 yards rushing in 14 carries, as the New Castle Thunder remained undefeated with a 21-0 win over the Mahoning Valley Tigers Monday at M. Kerr Thompson Stadium on the Slippery Rock University campus, in a North American Football League game.

The Thunder (2-0) also delivered a strong defensive show with four interceptions in the second half, and also limiting the Tigers to only 24 rushing yards overall while churning out 237.

Taz Savage scored the Thunder’s other TD by returning an interception 30 yards for a score.

Tigers’ quarterback Troy Duwe was 12-for-23 passing for 105 yards, but threw the four interceptions.

Levi Leigh named
to SEC service team

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — University of Florida freshman Levi Leigh was named to the Southeastern Conference’s community service team.

Leigh, a Mineral Ridge High graduate who won a Division III state title in the 110-meter hurdles in 2004, participated in Climb for Cancer sports camp to help raise awareness for cancer and visited Shands Children’s Hospital to raise the spirits of seriously ill children. Leigh also took part in a Goodwill Gators function at the Ronald McDonald House and the March of Dimes Gator Walk.

Summer archery
league to form

HOWLAND — The Summer Outdoor Archery League, sponsored by the Adapted Sports program of Forum Health Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital, begins July 2, and is open to all adults and children.

The outdoor archery range at the sports complex located behind Hillside at 8747 Squires Lane N.E., will be used. The registration fee is $25 per person and $10 for additional family members. Contact Colleen Connelly at (330) 841-3845.

REGION

LeBron James to play
for U.S. team

AKRON — LeBron James will wear the red, white and blue this summer after all.

Cleveland’s All-Star forward ended uncertainty about his status with the U.S. national team on Tuesday night by saying he will play in next month’s FIBA America’s Tournament, where the Americans will try to qualify for the 2008 Olympics.

“I’m going to play,” James told The Associated Press. “I’ve had enough time off, and knowing my body more than anybody, I’m ready to play. I don’t know how much I’m going to play or how extensively, but I’ll be ready.”

For several months, James had said he was “50-50” about playing for Team USA this summer. He and his girlfriend recently had their second son, and with the Cavaliers making it to the NBA finals, James may have wanted some extra time off after playing more than 100 games since last October.

However, the 22-year-old, who played on the U.S. Olympic team at the 2004 Athens Games and for the U.S. squad that won a bronze medal at last summer’s world championships, intends to honor his three-year commitment with USA Basketball.

“It was a long and tough year,” James said. “But for me, if I make a commitment, I want to keep it. I’m a loyal guy. I committed to three years and I’m going to hold up my end of the bargain.”

Browns announce
stadium policy

CLEVELAND — Creation of “The Family Zone” headlines several new initiatives that aim to improve the overall game day experience at Cleveland Browns Stadium.

The changes were formed through the feedback received from suite holders and season tickets holders, as well as state-law requirements.

In addition, Cleveland Browns Stadium is now a smoke-free facility.

Steelers HOF exhibit

CANTON — The Pittsburgh Steelers are having a grand opening ribbon cutting for its 75th anniversary exhibit at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Thursday at 8 p.m.

Pittsburgh Hall of Fame running back Franco Harris and former All-Pro linebacker Andy Russell and Jim Rooney will make remarks during the program.

The exhibit will open to the public on Friday and will remain through August.

Staff/wire reports