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Baker wins national defensive award

MUNCIE, Ind. — Sean Baker, a graduate of Canfield High School and a defensive back at Ball State, was named the Walter Camp Foundation National Defensive Player of the Week.

In a 41-24 win at Akron, Baker, a redshirt freshman, tied a Ball State record with three interceptions plus he recovered a fumble and returned it 33 yards for a touchdown.

He also recorded nine tackles and a pass breakup.

Baker leads the team with 24 tackles including a tackle for loss and two pass breakups.

The Cardinals are 3-0.

Champion’s Mast seventh in SLC

SALT LAKE CITY — Craig Mast of Champion placed fourth in the BMX Park final of the AST Dew Tour-Toyota Challenge Sunday.

In the action-sports event at Energy Solutions Arena, Mast registered 91.83 points for his runs. He followed winner Daniel Dhers of Venezuela (93.33), Miami’s Mike Spinner (93.00) and Garrett Reynolds of Toms River, N.J. (92.00).

Mast is seventh in season point standings with 216. Dhers leads with 400 points.

One stop remains on the AST Dew Tour: the PlayStation Pro in Orlando on Oct. 16-19.

Showcar Thursday

AUSTINTOWN — The Nationwide NASCAR Series Showcar will be at the Quaker Steak & Lube Thursday, from 3-9 p.m.

A racing simulator will be available for fans to test.

Donations will be accepted on behalf of the Potential Development Inc.

Football at noon

COLUMBUS — The Big Ten opener between Ohio State and Minnesota on Sept. 27 at Ohio Stadium kicks off at noon.

Ohio State announced the start time on Monday. The game will be televised by the Big Ten Network.

The noon start means that the Buckeyes’ first four home games this season will all begin at that time. No. 13 Ohio State hosts Troy this Saturday at noon, and earlier home games against Youngstown State and Ohio both started at noon.

The only other confirmed times for games are 8 p.m. at Wisconsin on Oct. 4 and 8 p.m. at home against Penn State on Oct. 25. All other start times will be determined by whatever television network carries the games, working in conjunction with the schools.

Buckeye basketball schedule released

COLUMBUS — The Ohio State Buckeyes men’s basketball team opens Big Ten play on New Year’s Eve against Iowa and will play non-conference games against Notre Dame, Miami and West Virginia.

The schedule was announced Monday.

The Buckeyes, who return one starter from last season in David Lighty, will be a young team with 12 players who have played only one college season or are first-year players.

They open play on Nov. 20 at home against Delaware State and also have home non-conference games against Bowling Green, Samford, Butler, Jacksonville, Iona, UNC-Asheville and West Virginia.

Coach Thad Matta’s team also plays at Miami in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge on Dec. 2 and against Notre Dame on Dec. 6 in Indianapolis.

nation

Indians sign lease

CLEVELAND — The Indians have committed to playing in Cleveland through 2023.

The club signed a new lease with the Gateway Economic Development Corp. on Monday.

The previous lease was set to expire in 2013.

The Indians began play at Progressive Field, then called Jacobs Field, in 1994.

As part of the new lease with Gateway, the Indians will be permitted to play up to five home games at sites outside of the U.S. and Canada over any five-year period.

Vindicator staff/wire reports