Local Sports

Disagreement among teams on new SEC schedules

Wed, 30 May 2012 15:44:16 -0500

DESTIN, Fla. (AP) - With the addition of Missouri and Texas A&M, the Southeastern Conference is tweaking its football and basketball schedules.

Football coaches are having a much tougher time deciding on what changes to make.

They are debating whether to play an eight- or nine-game conference schedule and whether to maintain cross-division rivals like Alabama-Tennessee and Auburn-Georgia.

The hoops coaches seem to agree on an 18-game league schedule that would keep all 14 teams together instead of moving back to divisions. Teams would play everyone at least once (13 games) and have one annual home-and-home series with a designated rival. Those rivalries are Kentucky-Florida, Tennessee-Vanderbilt, Georgia-South Carolina, Alabama-Auburn, Mississippi-Mississippi State, Arkansas-Missouri and LSU-Texas A&M.

The remaining four games each season would be filled by the other 12 teams on a rotating basis.

Judge pushes Harvey Updyke's trial back a week

Wed, 30 May 2012 14:47:49 -0500

OPELIKA, Ala. (AP) - A Lee County judge has agreed to push back Harvey Updyke Jr.'s trial date by at least a week.

The Opelika-Auburn News reports (http://bit.ly/LTbsq8) that Circuit Court Judge Jacob A. Walker III moved it from June 11 to as early as June 19 on Tuesday.

Updyke is accused of poisoning Auburn's two Toomer's Oak trees. Prosecutors are scheduled to videotape the deposition of a key witness, who won't be available during the trial because of a scheduling conflict, on June 18. The witness is a Mississippi State University analyst who studied samples from the trees for signs of poisoning.

Defense attorneys had requested more time to consult with independent experts on the analysis.

Updyke was not in court Tuesday. He has pleaded not guilty to charges including felony criminal mischief.

Offense Foils Stars Winning Streak

Mon, 28 May 2012 06:44:27 -0500

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - The Barons got all the offense they needed in the second inning. Designated hitter Damaso Espino doubled to lead off the frame and advanced to third on a single by left fielder Kenny Williams Jr. Both runs scored after a ground ball off the bat of shortstop Tyler Saladino prompted a throwing error at first by Stars starting pitcher Kyle Heckathorn to put Birmingham on the board 2-0.

Unfortunately for the Stars, the only scoring they'd be able to manage was in the bottom half of the second as designated hitter Domnit Bolivar hit a solo home run to lead off the inning. For Bolivar, it was his first round-tripper of the season.

Huntsville was silenced the rest of the way by a slew of Birmingham arms that were led by starting pitcher Pedro Hernandez. The southpaw improved to 6-1 on the year after giving up just one run on five hits through six innings. Reliever Dan Remenowsky also pitched two scoreless innings and closer Ryan Kussmaul earned his fifth save of the season with a smooth ninth inning.

The Stars offensive struggle wasted a strong effort by Heckathorn, who fell to 2-4 on the year after giving up just two runs (one earned) in five innings pitched while striking out six. Reliever Dan Merklinger also pitched well, giving up just one run on a solo shot by Barons second basemen Erik Morrison in the ninth inning while striking out five in four innings of work.

Stars Squeak Out Third Straight Win

Mon, 28 May 2012 06:40:30 -0500

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - For the third consecutive night, it was the Stars who got out to the initial lead. In third inning, following a leadoff triple by left fielder Lee Haydel, an RBI single by Josh Prince brought home the first run of the game. Then, two batters later, second baseman Scooter Gennett hit his 10th double of the season to bring home Prince and make the score 2-0.

Overall, Huntsville got another strong start from RHP Tyler Thornburg, who's only blemish on the night was giving up a two-run home run to Birmingham center fielder Jared Mitchell which tied up the score at two apiece in the fifth inning. With the win, the Brewers 4th ranked prospect in the organization improved to 6-0 on the season after giving up just two runs and six hits through 6.1 innings while striking out five.

For Thornburg, he was able to earn the win when the Stars were able to retake the lead in the bottom of the sixth inning. To begin the inning, Gennett singled, advanced to second base and then third on two wild pitches by Barons starter Nestor Molina, and catcher Jason Jaramillo walked. Then, two straight RBI singles by designated hitter Jay Gibbons and right fielder Kentrail Davis drove in both runners to give the Stars a two-run lead.

The victory, however, would not come without drama. After relievers Mitch Stetter and Brandon Kintzer silenced the Barons bats once Thornburg exited with one out in the seventh, RHP Jesus Sanchez came on to close out the ninth. In a rare struggle for Sanchez, he walked both second basemen Jose Castro and shortstop Tyler Saladino and hit Jared Mitchell with a pitch to load the bases with two outs. Then, with third basemen Corey Smith at the plate, Sanchez threw a wild pitch that not only scored Castro third, but as Saladino tried to score from second, he was thrown out at the plate to end the game.

For Sanchez, the dramatic ending clinched his fourth save of the season. The win also gave the Stars their first series win in their last three and helped Huntsville improve to a SL-best 15-5 in one-run games.

Alabama women win NCAA golf crown

Fri, 25 May 2012 20:03:48 -0500

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (AP) — Alabama won its first women's golf title Friday, holding off two-time champ Southern California by a stroke at the NCAA Division I championship on the 72nd hole. Chirapat Jao-Javanil of Oklahoma won the individual title by four strokes.

The Crimson Tide gave coach Mic Potter his first national title and first for a program in its seventh trip to the national tournament when senior Brooke Pancake rolled in a 4-footer for par on No. 18. Alabama finished at 6-over 294 in the fourth round for a 19-over 1,171 total.

Southern Cal trailed Alabama by 14 strokes after 36 holes and by two going into the final round. The national champs in 2003 and 2008 tied the Crimson Tide five times atop the leaderboard and led by five strokes before losing the lead on the back nine.

Jao-Javanil, ranked 59th by GolfStat, and shot a 2-under 70 to finish at 6-under 282.

Stars’ Morris Named Brewers Minor League Player of the Month

Fri, 25 May 2012 06:48:39 -0500

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – He might not win the upcoming mayoral campaign for Huntsville, but Huntsville native and Huntsville Stars first baseman Hunter “The Mayor” Morris won the campaign for the Milwaukee Brewers Minor League Player of the Month for April.

The 23-year-old lefty hit .303 (30-99) with 12 doubles, two home runs and 11 RBIs in April. He led the Southern League in doubles and was tied for second in all of Minor League Baseball in that category. He also ranked eighth in Minor League Baseball in at bats (99) and 11th in hits (30) for the month. He was tied for the team lead in hits (30) and tied for second on the team in home runs (2) and RBIs (11). Morris continues to lead the Southern League in doubles with 19, and is still tied for second in all MiLB.

He spent most of the 2011 season with the Brewers High-A Affiliate Brevard County, where he hit .271 in 126 games. While at Brevard County, he set a single season franchise record for home runs with 19. He was also ranked third in the Florida State League in total bases (231). Morris was promoted to Huntsville mid-season where he played 4 games with the Stars and hit .353 for a combined .274 in the 2011 season.

Morris was named an MiLB.com Organizational All-Star in 2011 and was named the Best Power Hitter in the Brewers organization for the second consecutive season by Baseball America.

Huntsville Stars Baseball Camp Dates Announced

Fri, 25 May 2012 05:57:00 -0500

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - The three-day camp runs from 9 a.m. to noon all three days and is open to the first 150 participants ages 6-14. The goal of the camp is to provide children with valuable baseball instruction from some of the top talent in the Minor Leagues on both the coaching and playing side.

In addition to receiving instruction from top prospects and former Major Leaguers, participants will receive a souvenir baseball, an official baseball camp t-shirt, a youth season pass card and an autograph session at the end of the day with the players and coaching staff. Lunch will be provided. The youth season pass gives the campers the opportunity to come out to every remaining home game during the 2012 season and cheer on their camp coaches. The cost of the entire camp package is $100.

Payment and registration for this event is due no later than June 6. Registration forms are available on the Stars website (www.huntsvillestars.com) and at Joe Davis Stadium. You can email, fax or drop off the completed registration form at the stadium. The fax number to the stadium is (256) 880-0801. If you have any questions in regards to this event please contact Sydney at Sydney@huntsvillestars.com or call (256) 882-2562. Space is limited so make sure to register today!

For more information on the Huntsville Stars, visit huntsvillestars.com or call (256) 882-2562. Don’t forget to keep up with the Stars on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and their official newsletter!

Burger Bytes: Mayor Battle vs. Mayor Morris

Wed, 23 May 2012 22:07:00 -0500

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- There may be a dark horse candidate for the up-coming mayoral election in August. But there is no secret if you're a Huntsville Stars baseball fan.

If you’ve been to a Stars game, when stepping to the plate, first baseman Hunter Morris is introduced as “Hunter ‘The Mayor’ Morris”.

The Grissom High School product is the hometown hero, playing in front of fans that he played in front of his entire life.

He was quickly saddled with the nickname, “The Mayor”.

“After we came back from our ten game road trip, I was talking to lots of reporters before our home opener,” Morris said. “Out of nowhere someone just said it. It came to somebody and I’m stuck with it for at least the next 3-4 months.”

“I was joking with him the other day, 'if I get pulled over in Huntsville can you get my ticket fixed since you're the mayor of Huntsville?',” Stars outfielder Josh Prince said. “He just started laughing. 'He said it depends how fast you're going over the speed limit.'

Morris has no political experience. He never ran for a student government position at Grissom High School. But his teammates think he can be mayor, and not just mayor of Joe Davis Stadium

“I'd vote for him,” Prince said without hesitation. “He’s a solid dude, great guy, he's got great parents, comes from a great family. He’s just a loving caring guy. Not only to his wife and kid, but he's a great teammate.”

Mayor Tommy Battle is well-aware of Morris' sky-rocketing popularity.

“I told him I heard he was running for mayor and there is an election this august,” Mayor Battle said. “He said he was hoping to be very busy playing baseball. I think we squashed that rumor pretty quick.”

Business partner of former Auburn coach indicted on fraud charges

Wed, 23 May 2012 17:34:58 -0500

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - A business partner of former Auburn University football coach Tommy Tuberville is scheduled for trial Oct. 1 on charges accusing him of illegally selling securities and defrauding his clients.

John David Stroud of Auburn has been indicted on 21 total counts, including sale of securities by an unregistered agent, fraud in connection with the sale of securities and theft of property in the first degree.

The Alabama Securities Commission says Stroud is accused of misusing more than $5 million in investor funds and stealing more than $500,000 from his clients.

Tuberville and Stroud face a separate civil lawsuit by seven plaintiffs that alleges the two defrauded investors of more than $1.7 million.

Raiders' McClain apologizes for bad publicity

Tue, 22 May 2012 16:55:22 -0500

ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) - Oakland Raiders linebacker Rolando McClain has apologized for bringing bad publicity to the team following his recent conviction.

McClain was convicted last week by a judge in Decatur, Ala., for threatening to kill a man and firing a gun next to his head in a fight last November. He was charged with third-degree assault, menacing, reckless endangerment and discharging a firearm in the city limits.

He was sentenced last week to 180 days in jail and fined $2,000. His lawyer, Harvey Steinberg, said he will appeal to Morgan County Circuit Court and seek a jury trial. McClain is out on bail.

McClain spoke briefly after practice Tuesday and said he appreciates the support he's received from coach Dennis Allen and teammates.

Alabama to kick off 2012 on WAAY 31

Tue, 22 May 2012 14:58:33 -0500

DALLAS, TX (WAAY) - The Alabama Crimson Tide are hoping to defend their 2011 BCS National Championship in 2012. They begin the season taking on the Michigan Wolverines in Dallas.

Tuesday, it was announced that the big game will be on ABC-TV live on September 1st. Coverage of the game will begin at 7:00 p.m. Central time.

Alabama will be considered the home team, while Michigan is the away team. The officials will be from the Big 12 conference.

Alabama has faced Michigan three times in the past - all in bowl games.

Michigan defeated Alabama 35-34 in overtime in the 2000 Orange Bowl. In 1997, Alabama won the Outback Bowl over Michigan by a 17-14 score. The teams first met in the 1988 Hall of Fame Game, where the Wolverines won 28-24.

Updyke seeks another trial delay

Tue, 22 May 2012 09:31:21 -0500

AUBURN, Ala. (AP) - Lawyers for a University of Alabama fan accused of poisoning the iconic oaks at Toomer's Corner in Auburn are seeking to delay his trial.

The Opelika-Auburn News reports that defense attorneys for Harvey Updyke Jr. say more time is needed to review data about damage to the trees.

Updyke, a University of Alabama fan, is accused of poisoning the trees with a powerful herbicide shortly after the 2010 Iron Bowl. He has pleaded not guilty to multiple felony and misdemeanor counts in connection with the case.

His trial was scheduled for the criminal term beginning June 11, but Updyke's attorney Everett Wess requested more time for independent analysis of data.

Stars open 5 game homestand against Barons Tuesday

Tue, 22 May 2012 06:51:28 -0500

Huntsville, Ala. - The Huntsville Stars welcome the third-place Birmingham Barons (Double-A, Chicago White Sox) for a five game homestand starting Tuesday, May 22 at 6:43 p.m. The Stars are currently three games out of first place. This series matches the league leader in team batting, the Stars, against the struggling Barons. Birmingham is also bringing shortstop Drew Garcia, who is ranked fifth in the league in batting average and pitchers Jose Quintana and Pedro Hernandez, who both rank in the top 10 in league pitching. This kind of matchup is one baseball fans are sure to enjoy!

Tuesday, May 22 - 6:43 p.m. - Dew for Tuesday
Bring your Mountain Dew bottle caps out to "The Joe" for Dew for Tuesday sponsored by Buffalo Rock. With two bottle caps you will receive $2 parking and $2 admission. Inside the park, enjoy Johnsonville hot dogs, 20-ounce Pepsi products, 16-ounce draft beers, popcorn and peanuts, all for $2!

Wednesday, May 23 - 6:43 p.m. - AT&T Real Yellow Pages Bingo Night
Get your markers ready! Every Wednesday night is bingo night with the Stars, thanks to AT&T Real Yellow Pages. The first 500 fans will receive a bingo card with a chance to win a special prize.

Thursday, May 24 - 6:43 p.m. - Thirst-aid Thursday, State Employee Recognition Night
Help the Stars honor Alabama state employees while enjoying $2 Bud Light products through the seventh inning! All state employees will receive free admission simply by showing their badge at the ticket office.

Friday, May 25 - 6:43 p.m. - Jack's Night
Close out the week with Stars baseball! Jack's will be in the stadium handing out coupons to fans. Gates open at 6 p.m. for game four of the series against the Barons.

Saturday, May 26 - 6:43 p.m. - McDonald's Youth Sports Saturday
Bring the kids to "The Joe" for the last game of the homestand. Any child 12 and under wearing a youth sports or scout uniform will get free admission! Stick around after the game to run the bases!

Gates open at 6 p.m. for every game this series. The fun kicks off right away with Happy Hour! Fans can enjoy 20-ounce Pepsi fountain drinks and select 16-ounce draft beers until the first official pitch of the game. For more information on the Huntsville Stars, visit huntsvillestars.com or call (256) 882-2562.

Alabama fan pleads not guilty to sexual assault

Mon, 21 May 2012 11:28:32 -0500

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - The Alabama fan, seen on a video apparently committing sexual battery on an unconscious LSU fan after the BCS championship football game, has pleaded not guilty in Orleans Parish Criminal Court.

Thirty-two-year-old Brian H. Downing, of Smiths Station, Ala., was arraigned Monday on one count each of sexual battery of a male victim and obscenity.

A video that went viral on the Internet appeared to show someone in a University of Alabama jacket abusing an unconscious Louisiana State University fan after Alabama beat LSU for the BCS football championship on Jan. 9.

A man appears to perform a simulated sex act on the LSU fan.

UNA eliminated at South Regional

Fri, 18 May 2012 19:54:20 -0500

ST. LEO, Fl. (WAAY and Times Daily) - Again, UNA struggled to get its bats going. When they finally did in Friday's South Regional tournament elimination game, the Lions couldn't stop Lynn's.

The result was a 10-4 loss to the Fighting Knights at an off-site location at St. Leo University, ending UNA's baseball season with a 38-18 record and a two-and-out stint in the NCAA Division II tournament.

It was the second game of the day for Lynn (35-14), which avoided elimination after losing a 9 a.m. game to UAH, 2-0.

The fell in a 5-0 hole while managing one hit and one ball out of the infield in the first four innings against Lynn's hard-throwing right-hander Ryan Gibbard (7-2).

Drew Humphrey beat out an infield single to shortstop in the fourth inning before J.P. LaMunyon broke the seal on UNA's postseason scoring drought with a leadoff home to left field in the fifth.

It was the first run scored by the Lions in 22 innings dating back to the Gulf South Conference tournament.

UNA went on to load the bases with one out in the fifth but failed to score further, leaving them full to maintain a 5-1 Lynn lead.

Lynn added two runs in the top of the seventh for a 7-1 lead before the Lions rallied for three in the eighth after Gibbard left the game to make it a three-run game.

Daniel Korpi stretched a ground ball to left field into a one-out, pinch-hit single before Jake Sloan lined a two-run homer to right.

LaMunyon (2-for-4) and Josh Carpenter then strung together consecutive two-out singles before Andrew Almon delivered an RBI double down the left-field line to make it 7-4.

The Lions stranded two runners in the inning, though, and after three runs with two outs in the top of the ninth, UNA, left two more on base in its final at-bat.

Johnny Hornbuckle (7-7) took the loss for UNA, allowing four earned runs on seven hits and two-run homer in the third, while striking out one in three innings.

Brantley Claunch gave up three earned runs on six hits, including a three-run homer in the fourth, while striking out two in 3 2/3 innings of relief.

Andrew Hillis then pitched 1 1/3 no-hit innings of scoreless relief before Ben Seabrook allowed three earned runs on three hits in the ninth.

Dre Kirkpatrick signs with Bengals

Fri, 18 May 2012 12:15:31 -0500

CINCINNATI (AP) - The Bengals have signed cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick of Alabama, their top pick in the draft. It's the fastest they've gotten a top pick under contract since 2003.

Kirkpatrick was the first of Cincinnati's two picks in the opening round, going 17th overall. He's expected to compete for a starting job, teaming with Leon Hall at cornerback. Hall is recovering from a torn Achilles tendon but is expected back.

It's the fastest Cincinnati has reached agreement with its top pick since quarterback Carson Palmer was the first overall pick in 2003, allowing the Bengals to negotiate a deal before the draft.

The Bengals got the extra pick in the first round by trading Palmer to Oakland last season.

Cincinnati now has six of its 10 picks under contract.

Big 12 / SEC bowl game set

Fri, 18 May 2012 12:14:02 -0500

The Big 12 and the Southeastern conferences have announced a deal that will pit their football regular-season champions against each other in a bowl game for five years beginning in 2014.

The agreement between two of the most successful BCS conferences was announced Friday.

If one or both of the league champions are selected to play in what is expected to be a four-team national championship playoff, another team would be selected for the Big 12-SEC matchup.

SEC Commissioner Mike Slive says a new January bowl tradition has been born. Incoming Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby says he's excited by the prospects for the game.

Specific details, including host sites, will be announced at a later date.

NFL to review Rolando McClain case

Thu, 17 May 2012 19:17:49 -0500

DECATUR, Ala. (WAAY and Decatur Daily) - Oakland Raider Rolando McClain was sentenced to 180 days in jail and fined $2,000 Thursday afternoon, but more punishment could come from his employer.

The NFL is reviewing the case under the league's personal conduct policy, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said in an email response to The Daily.

The policy, issued in 2010, was drafted after a number of high-profile players were convicted of violent crimes. The first point under the "Standards of Conduct" heading would apply to McClain's case: "The use or threat of violence; domestic violence and other forms of partner abuse; theft and other property crimes; sex offenses; obstruction or resisting arrest; disorderly conduct; fraud; racketeering; and money laundering."

The burden of proof for discipline through personal conduct policy doesn't require legal action.

"Persons who fail to live up to this standard of conduct are guilty of conduct detrimental and subject to discipline, even where the conduct itself does not result in conviction of a crime," the policy states.

The Raiders also released a statement to The Daily Thursday evening.

“The Raiders are well aware of the proceedings in the Alabama courts today. The team will continue to closely monitor the legal process, understanding that when appropriate the NFL will review the situation under its personal conduct policy.”

McClain was convicted this afternoon of third-degree assault, wrongful discharge of a firearm inside Decatur city limits, menacing and reckless endangerment.

After McClain bonded out following the conviction, defense attorney Harvey Steinberg promised there will be an appeal.

Alabama meets West Virginia in 2014 season opener

Thu, 17 May 2012 19:10:24 -0500

ATLANTA (AP) - National champion Alabama will face West Virginia in the 2014 Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game at the Georgia Dome.

Chick-fil-A Bowl officials made the announcement Thursday. The Aug. 30, 2014, game will mark the first meeting between the teams.

The Crimson Tide is becoming a regular in the season-opening series, winning the first two games against Clemson (34-10 in 2008) and Virginia Tech (34-24 in '09).

This season, there will be opening games on back-to-back nights, with Tennessee facing North Carolina State and Auburn taking on Clemson. Alabama returns in 2013 for a repeat meeting with Virginia Tech, then will take part in another doubleheader the following season. The Chick-fil-A Bowl already announced that Mississippi will face Boise State in 2014.

Alabama fan indicted in sexual assault on LSU fan

Thu, 17 May 2012 13:40:56 -0500

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Brian H. Downing, the Alabama fan seen on a video apparently committing sexual battery on an unconscious LSU fan after the BCS championship football game, has been indicted.

An Orleans Parish grand jury Thursday handed up the indictment against the 32-year-old Downing, formally charging him with one count each of sexual battery of a male victim and obscenity.

A video that went viral on the Internet is believed to have been taken at a fast-food restaurant in New Orleans after Alabama defeated LSU on Jan. 9.

A man - said to be Downing, of Smiths Station, Ala. - wearing Crimson Tide attire appears to perform a simulated sex act on the LSU fan.