Sports Digest || YSU running back makes Payton list

YSU running back makes Payton list

Philadelphia

Youngstown State junior tailback Jamaine Cook is one of 20 Football Championship Subdivision standouts on the preseason watch list for the Walter Payton Award, sponsored by fathead.com.

The award honors the the top Offensive Player in the FCS. Cook is one of seven running backs on the preseason watch list, which includes 11 quarterbacks and two wide receivers.

Cook had a breakout campaign in 2010 as a sophomore. A second-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference selection, he rushed for 1,276 yards on 241 carries and scored 11 touchdowns.

Marko added to YSU staff

YOUNGSTOWN

Youngstown State University head baseball coach Rich Pasquale has added Ed Marko as the Penguins’ pitching coach and recruiting coordinator for the 2012 season.

Marko, who was most recently serving as an associate scout for the Colorado Rockies, has experience coaching in the collegiate and summer ball ranks.

Marko has coached a national championship team at the junior college level while producing two NJCAA All-America pitchers, seven all-conference pitchers and four all-region pitchers.

NASCAR racers set at Speedway

Hartford

NASCAR Sprint Cup racers Tony Stewart, Kasey Kahne and Dave Blaney will be among tonight’s competitors at Sharon Speedway for the Third annual Lou Blaney Memorial.

The Midwest All Star Sprint Series and the Big-Block Modifieds are scheduled beginning at 7 p.m.

The Sprint Cars will be under the Midwest All Star banner running for $3,000 to-win, $300 to-start.

Sharon’s ground-pounding big blocks will be running for one of their season’s biggest purses with $2,000 to-win, $200-start. An “open tire rule” will be in effect for the Modifieds with any 92” circumference tire permitted.

Stewart, Kahne and Blaney will again be competing in the Sprint Car division along with all of the region’s top talent including Lou’s youngest son Dale Blaney, who won the Ohio Sprint Speedweek event less than three weeks ago for his 80th career All Star victory.

Adult admission costs $20. Tickets for students ages 9-13 cost $8. Pit passes are available for $35. For ticket info, call the office at 330-772-5481.

Soccer Officials training sessions set

NILES

The Mahoning Valley Soccer Officials Association will sponsor Ohio High School Athletic Association referee training sessions at the Niles Wellness Center.

Cost for those with USSF grade 8 is $120. Dates and times are: July 26 and July 28, 6-9 p.m.; July 30, noon-3 p.m.; and Aug. 3, 6-9 p.m.

Those without USSF grade 8 will be charged $145. Dates and times are: July 26 and July 28, 6-9 p.m.; July 30, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Aug. 1-2, 5:30-9:00 p.m.; and Aug. 3, 6-9 p.m.

To register contact: Paul Fennema, 330-853-8729, or Tony Kolonichm 330-856-1786.

Football HOF presenters set

CANTON

Shannon Sharpe has chosen his older brother, former star receiver Sterling Sharpe, as his presenter when he is enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame next month.

The Hall announced the presenters for the Aug. 6 ceremony on Monday.

Bears defensive end Richard Dent picked Joe Gilliam, his coordinator at Tennessee State.

Marshall Faulk and Deion Sanders selected their agents: Rocky Arceneaux and Eugene Parker, respectively. Former Redskins linebacker Chris Hanburger and NFL Films founder Ed Sabol chose their sons. Steve Sabol succeeded his father as president of NFL Films.

Jon Richter will represent his late father, Los Angeles Rams linebacker Les Richter, who is being enshrined posthumously.

Staff/wire reports