Springfield HOF to induct 12 members

January 7, 2017 at 12:05a.m.

NEW MIDDLETOWN

The Springfield Local Athletic Hall of Fame is inducting 12 members into its ranks. They will be honored at Springfield’s boys basketball game on Friday and at a banquet on Jan. 15 at St. Paul’s Church in New Middletown. The inductees are Lyndsay Johnson, Justin Kosek, Carrie (Davis) Palmer, Reed Metzka, Butch Metzka, Nick Panezich, Tim Withers, Mitch Evan, Rick Hogg, Jeff Dyer, Dan Schuler, Tracy Kemp. For more information, call the Springfield athletic department at 330-542-3626 ext. 128.

Browns mull changing defensive coordinators

CLEVELAND

The Browns are contemplating a major change on defense after a miserable 1-15 season.

Cleveland has discussed firing defensive coordinator Ray Horton, who rejoined the club on coach Hue Jackson’s staff after being dismissed after the 2013 season.

One of the possible replacements for Horton is Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams.

While nothing is official and no decision has been made, signs point to the Browns making a move in the near future. Earlier this week, Jackson left open the possibility of a staff shake-up and said he planned to look at everything to improve the NFL’s worst teams.

The Browns had their worst season in club history and Horton’s defense was painfully bad, ranking 31st in yards allowed, 30th in points and 31st in rushing.

Rookies highlight All-Pro team

Three rookies among 17 first-time selections highlight The Associated Press 2016 NFL All-Pro Team, led by Dallas running back Ezekiel Elliott and Kansas City’s Tyreek Hill, a unanimous choice as punt returner.

One star not on the team announced Friday: Tom Brady, who was stellar after a four-game suspension, but was edged by Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan.

For the first time, the nationwide panel of 50 sports writers and broadcasters who regularly cover the NFL voted for specific positions on the offensive line, a flex player on offense, a fifth defensive back, and a punt returner and special teamer.

Tennessee right tackle Jack Conklin was the other rookie. Other newcomers included Arizona running back David Johnson (flex); Denver cornerback Chris Harris Jr. (DB); and New England’s Matthew Slater (special teamer).

One other unanimous pick was Baltimore placekicker Justin Tucker.

Moore, Thomas share lead in Hawaii

KAPALUA, Hawaii

Ryan Moore and Justin Thomas finished strong Friday and shared the lead going into the weekend at the SBS Tournament of Championship.

Moore birdied four of his last five holes, ended with a lob wedge that settled a foot from the cup on the par-5 18th for a 6-under 67. He played in the same group with Thomas, who closed with two birdies for a 67.

They were at 12-under 134 and were one shot ahead of Patrick Reed (65) and Jimmy Walker (70).

As many as six players were tied for the lead at one point. One of them was Hideki Matsuyama, going for his fourth straight victory, until he took double bogey on the 17th. He settled for a 68 and was three behind.

Gophers hire P.J. Fleck as football coach

MINNEAPOLIS

Rocked by a threatened player boycott of a bowl game over the handling of a sexual assault investigation and struggling with lagging attendance at its shiny stadium, the Minnesota football program badly needed of an injection of energy and optimism.

They don’t come any more exuberant than P.J. Fleck.

Minnesota hired Fleck on Friday, hoping that “Row the boat” mantra that worked wonders at Western Michigan can unite a deeply fractured program.

“I’m not here to change the tradition,” Fleck said at his introductory news conference. “I am here to change the culture.”

Staff and wire reports