Streak runs out of steam
It's a question that Paul Konerko has a hard time answering. On one hand, he doesn't want to disrupt the flow that has been taking place during his absence: an 11-6 record since he went on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left oblique muscle.
Blackhawks won close race to fish Campbell from Sharks
The Blackhawks won't introduce their biggest free-agent catch to Chicago until next week, but Brian Campbell is feeling a few pangs about leaving San Jose. The defenseman with the new eight-year, $56.8 million contract told The Sporting News that "a part of me feels bad and a little guilty" about parting with the Sharks, whose general manager is Doug Wilson, a great defenseman in his playing career with the Hawks from 1977 to 1991.
Cubs take strong hand into St. Louis showdown
The Cubs' season gets reborn on the Fourth of July. At least that's their hope as they head into this weekend's showdown with the hated - and second-place - St. Louis Cardinals, led by ace Carlos Zambrano's charge off the disabled list to open the series tonight.
Rose gets comfy in new threads
DEERFIELD -- After a week of talking about what it would be like to put on a Bulls uniform, Derrick Rose finally got the opportunity Thursday - albeit a reversible black-and-white practice jersey.
Pierzynski reigns
There is very little room to stumble at this point. As a matter of fact, the way Ozzie Guillen sees it, there is very little room to even breathe. Sitting down to address the media Wednesday, hours before the first pitch against the Indians was thrown, there it was, staring the White Sox manager in the face on the scoreboard: MIN 7, DET 0.
Cubs' big pieces starting to come back together
The tide should start rolling back in for the Cubs by the time they finish their series by the bay tonight, with center fielder Reed Johnson due off the disabled list and third baseman Aramis Ramirez due back from his family trip to the Dominican Republic.
Dealing aces could shift balance of power
CHICAGO -- U.S. Cellular Field, the fortress beside the Dan Ryan Expressway, may lack the corner-bar charm of Clark and Addison, but that doesn't make it any less of a draw for scouts and executives looking for pitching.
Rose era tips off on court
Derrick Rose will have his first full practice with the Bulls tonight when the summer-league team tips off a four-day minicamp at the Berto Center. It will be the first of five practices to prepare for league play, which begins Monday in Orlando, Fla.
Federer mows down another foe, makes semis
WIMBLEDON, England -- Lest anyone forget that Roger Federer indeed has lost at Wimbledon, the BBC filled time during a rain delay Wednesday by rolling tape of his first-round exit against Mario Ancic in 2002.
Source: Favre wants to return
GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Brett Favre is considering coming out of retirement, according to an ESPN report.
Bears reach agreement with new starter Forte
LAKE FOREST -- The Bears agreed to a four-year deal with second-round draft pick Matt Forte, the former Tulane running back expected to replace Cedric Benson in the lineup.
Sox beat Indians with extra-inning comeback
The exploding scoreboard at U.S. Cellular Field figured to get a night off Tuesday, silenced by two of the best pitchers in baseball.
Cleveland's Cliff Lee and his 2.34 ERA and White Sox lefty John Danks and his 2.62 ERA didn't disappoint.
Edmonds proves durable surprise
Who would have thought when the Cubs signed him, that Jim Edmonds would become the team's ironman at a time its ranks have been thinned the most? Nobody knew what the center fielder had left in the tank, much less whether his oft-beaten body would hold up. And since signing seven weeks ago, he has developed a nagging arch injury and turned 38.
Tallon shows claws with free-agent signings
It was no secret the Blackhawks were looking for a puck-moving defenseman when the NHL's free-agent signing period started Tuesday. The last thing they seemingly needed was another goaltender, what with starter Nikolai Khabibulin returning and up-and-comers Corey Crawford and Antti Niemi projected to battle for the backup job.
'I think... I can lead the team'
It was the presence of Tyrus Thomas as much as the single stem roses found throughout the United Center news conference Monday which suggested the blossoming of a new era for the Bulls.
Sox maintain intensity, down Indians
Hangover? What hangover? Sure, back-to-back weekends spent forcefully drinking-up the Cubbie blue Kool-Aid found all around town, only to be able to finally spit it out following the three-game sweep of the North Side rivals Sunday night, set the stage for an emotional letdown against the Cleveland Indians on Monday.
DeRosa, Lilly get Cubs back on track
Mark DeRosa and Ted Lilly got the Chicago Cubs back on track Ñ DeRosa with two fine swings and Lilly with another impressive outing.
Tiger says knee has always been problem
BETHESDA, Md. -- Tiger Woods does not know when he can play golf again, but he said Monday his rebuilt left knee has been sore his entire PGA Tour career and he looks forward to playing on two good legs.
Serena, Venus Williams move on at Wimbledon
WIMBLEDON, England -- Wimbledon has already lost its top-four seeded women's players, while the Williams sisters keep rolling toward another sibling final. Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are also closing in on another title matchup.
South Side sweep men
First it was only an exhibition contest for baseball bragging rights, games that once featured baseball player Michael Jordan as a highlight and that counted most for the local charities that received the proceeds.
Season moves back after hype leaves
If you're bored at the office and looking to kill time this morning, or hoping to change the subject because your team just got swept, visit YouTube and search for Cubs-White Sox brawl.
Park becomes tourney's youngest winner
Two weeks away from her 20th birthday, Inbee Park became the youngest winner of the U.S. Women's Open on Sunday by closing with a 2-under 71 as everyone around her faded away at Interlachen.
DeScenza reaches 100 butterfly final
OMAHA, Neb. -- Naperville native Mary DeScenza qualified Sunday for the finals in the first event she swam at the U.S. Olympic trials.
North football wins election
The Naperville North football team proved it has plenty of fight
left in it, surging to a late victory in The Sun's election to choose
the best prep sports story of the school year.
Guillen wins this manager showdown
CHICAGO -- There were plenty of heroes in the White Sox's 6-5 victory Saturday against the Cubs at U.S. Cellular Field - from Carlos Quentin, who hit the tiebreaking home run in the seventh inning; to Jermaine Dye, whose two-run homer in the first erased the Cubs' early 2-0 lead; to Joe Crede, who stabbed a liner off the bat of Geovany Soto to thwart the Cubs' bases-loaded threat in the third.
Fire draws third straight blank in scoreless tie
Despite once boasting the hottest offensive group in the league, the Fire is suddenly trudging through a cold streak that's now the most pressing issue at Toyota Park.
Heads up, Bulls fans - Rose will bloom before your eyes
You spent all season with your head down in shame. By the time 33 wins rolled around, you'd already doused that Kirk Hinrich jersey you bought with lighter fluid and fired up the Char-Broil. Drinking your Old Style and watching the flames flicker before your eyes, the tears turned to rage as you wondered how such a promising season fell apart.
Sky breaks five-game losing streak
CHICAGO -- Candice Dupree scored 18 points, Jia Perkins and Dominique Canty each had 14, and the Chicago Sky snapped a five-game losing streak with a 76-59 victory over the Detroit Shock on Saturday night.
Bulls pluck a Rose
Bulls general manager John Paxson called Derrick Rose "a perfect fit" Thursday, minutes after Paxson selected the former Simeon standout and Memphis guard as the top overall pick in the NBA draft.
Crosstown talk reaches West Coast
The White Sox have shown over the last week that while their play on the field isn't always consistent, their ability to win a smack-off with the Cubs is unquestioned. So it was only fitting Thursday - on the eve of Cubs-Sox, Round 2 - that right fielder Jermaine Dye sent a little message of his own.
You can take the boy out of Naperville ...
Ryan Bukvich doesn't speak with an immediately recognizable accent, though traces of a Mississippi twang slip out. But on Thursday morning, hours before an 11-4 Cubs loss, he sounded like just another dude in Wrigleyville, talking about his bachelor party a few years ago.
Injuries, O's have Cubs sucking wind
CHICAGO -- After all that talking by the White Sox last weekend at Wrigley Field, here come the Cubs, ready to face the rats on the other side of town.
YOUTH SPORTS Editor's note: Because of space limitations, some recently submitted items will not appear in this space this week. If space permits, they will be published in a future edition.
Oh watches the birdies to tune of Open lead
EDINA, Minn. -- Korean Ji Young Oh surged to a two-stroke lead Thursday in the first round of the U.S. Women's Open, using seven birdies to shoot a 6-under 67 in dry and calm conditions at Interlachen Country Club.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Championship caliber
The Challenge of the Champions lived up to its billing for the most part on Wednesday night as the all-star club team didn't have a lot of room for error against the private school from Nagasaki, Japan.
Rosey outlook or forward thinking?
When commissioner David Stern strides to the podium at Madison Square Garden tonight to begin the NBA draft, Derrick Rose is hoping the first envelope Stern opens, the one with the Bulls logo on it, will contain his name.
Injuries starting to become a pain for Cubs
Whenever he is asked about concerns surrounding his ballclub, Cubs manager Lou Piniella quickly gets to the point. "What I'm concerned about now is all the injuries we're encountering," he said Wednesday. "Our problem is we're starting to get a little thin."
Feeling his way through
In a lot of ways, the lesson John Mueller was giving Dale Larson last week was like so many others.
Sorenstam closing door as slowly as possible
EDINA, Minn. -- The practice range at Interlachen was filled with young players hitting balls under the late-afternoon sun, many of them playing in the U.S. Women's Open for the first time and soaking up all it offers.
Culture club
A few hours after arriving in Chicago from Japan, Hiroaki Inoue had his girls volleyball team practicing on Tuesday night at the Great Lakes Center in Aurora. There was little time to waste as Kyushu Bunka Gakuen High School has a match tonight against Sports Performance 18 Elite.
Young man's joy shone in community
Zamarri Doby told his mother to leave the McDonald's double cheeseburger and crispy chicken sandwich in the microwave - he would eat it once he returned home on Sunday night.
LOS ANGELES (AP) Ñ Teams facing Mark Buehrle often end up leaving the ballpark early.
Orioles snap Cubs' home win streak
CHICAGO -- The best deal the Cubs never made? Don't tell Brian Roberts or the Cubs that after their monthlong home winning streak came to an end at the hands of the Cub Who Might Have Been and his Baltimore buddies.
Shaq will lose special deputy badges after Kobe rap
PHOENIX -- Shaquille O'Neal will lose his special deputy's badge in Maricopa County because of language he used in a rap video that mocks former teammate Kobe Bryant.
Parker named female college athlete of year
Candace Parker threw down a dunk on one coast and picked up an honor on the other. Hours after becoming the second player to dunk in a WNBA game, Parker received the Honda-Broderick Cup on Monday as the nation's top female college athlete.
They got it write
It's a good thing for Lindsey Noble that she isn't rattled by expectations, unintentional or otherwise.
Sox 'have to do a better job' on the road
The surroundings of Dodger Stadium might be more aesthetically to their liking, but the reality is this for the White Sox: They need to find a way to feel comfortable away from home.
Home is where the wins are for Cubs
CHICAGO -- Maybe it's something in the water (which happens to drain much better now). Maybe it's the rats.
No Day 1 surprises at Wimbledon
WIMBLEDON, England -- Wimbledon began with a few surprises Monday. There was lots of sunshine, Serena Williams wore a raincoat anyway, and Roger Federer's changeover routine was interrupted by a friendly visit from his opponent.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Waubonsie athlete dies after basketball game
The Will County Coroner’s Office has confirmed it is investigating the death of a Waubonsie Valley High School student. An autopsy was performed today on Zamarri Doby, who died Sunday at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, although results were not immediately released pending toxicology testing, the coroner’s office reported.
Triathletes push skills to limit in celebration of life
For every competitor, Sunday's U.S. Women's Triathlon Series race through downtown Naperville had a different meaning. Approximately 2,000 competitors braved a one-hour weather delay before navigating the course that featured a 0.47-mile swim at Centennial Beach, a 13.8-mile bike ride and a 3.1-mile run. The event raised money for the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.
Chicago is center of baseball universe
The three-day block party, which spilled onto the crowded streets bordering Wrigley Field, officially ended at 10:11 p.m. They were dancing on Sunday night, singing "Go Cubs Go," soaking in a three-game sweep.
Can Federer grab sixth straight championship?
Bjorn Borg and Novak Djokovic say Roger Federer's reign at Wimbledon is in jeopardy. Pete Sampras and Rafael Nadal say Federer remains the man to beat on grass.
Rush clinch top conference seed in playoffs
ROSEMONT -- Russ Michna threw for 181 yards and had six touchdowns as the Chicago Rush clinched the No. 1 seed in the Arena Football League's American Conference with a 75-63 victory over the Dallas Desperados on Sunday.
ACL: Three letters that spell heartbreak
It was a simple pivot, one Waubonsie Valley's Bri Rodriguez performed countless times on a soccer field. But she'd never heard that noise before. Or felt pain flare up from her left knee like that. She buckled to the ground and crawled toward the sideline. Her anterior cruciate ligament had torn.
2007-08 SUN ELECTION
With the 2007-08 high school sports year finally in the books, The Sun sports staff pits the best stories from districts 203 and 204 in an ode to this year's historic presidential race.
Benet hoops coach calls it a career
Benet hoops coach calls it a career After 25 years as a high school coach - and 19 seasons leading Benet's boys basketball program - Marty Gaughan resigns in late March after watching his son Brian complete his prep career. Gaughan, who will continue as assistant athletic director, helps the school find his successor in May - former St. Patrick assistant Gene Heidkamp. Redwings claim boys lacrosse B state title Benet's Kyle Honn had a birthday to remember June 2 as he scores nine goals to lead the Redwings to a 14-7 victory over St. Ignatius in the Illinois High School Lacrosse Association "B" Lacrosse Cup contest.
More than a match
The future of United States wrestling appears it can hold its own
against international competition - at least at the local level.
Cubs' sizzling bats bring brooms into play
CHICAGO -- Before the brooms start appearing tonight at Wrigley Field, one of the hitting heroes of the Cubs' 11-7 victory Saturday against the White Sox has a word of caution.
Cardinals wrestler honored
North Central wrestler Adam Johnson was named the 2008 College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Man of the Year on Thursday.
It's time for the annual crosstown madness
Sitting on the South Side, not far from where Chicago's political machine was first constructed, Ozzie Guillen almost sounded like a member of the mayor's cabinet. "I think it's great for the city. Maybe we'll make a lot of money the next couple of weeks," Guillen said. "That's what we want.
Cubs swept by Rays, await word on Zambrano
The Cubs aren't sure yet how long they'll be forced to survive without Carlos Zambrano, much less how they'll do it. About the only thing they know for certain as their ace goes in for a detailed MRI-like exam on his shoulder today is that getting swept by the Tampa Bay Rays will be the least of their problems if Zambrano is headed for an extended stretch on the disabled list.
Sox sweep into weekend showdown
The Pittsburgh Pirates were the perfect sparring partner for the White Sox. They danced a little during the three-day warm-up, threw a few hard jabs, but in the end proved to be just the tomato can the Sox were looking for before the spotlight turns to the battle with the Cubs this weekend.
YOUTH SPORTS Editor's note: Because of space limitations, some recently submitted items will not appear in this space this week. If space permits, they will be published in a future edition.
Two seasons, one leader
With a Class 8A state football championship under his belt and a team-best 46 runs scored this spring, Naperville North's Jordan Tassio is The Naperville Sun's 2008 Male Athlete of the Year.
Give it a rest? No way
Waubonsie Valley's Rachel Bostick helped lead the Warriors to another unbeaten soccer season and a second straight Class AA state title. For that and two solid basketball seasons, she is The Naperville Sun 2008 Female Athlete of the Year.
Bears' Harris signs 4-year extension
Tommie Harris' the Bears' three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle, agreed to a four-year contract extension Thursday night, meaning he will remain in place through 2012.
Extending their reach
Neuqua Valley wrestler Alex Cizek is accustomed to competing against foes from Waubonsie Valley or Glenbard North. This summer, however, Cizek and a host of local wrestlers will have a chance to go up against international wrestlers.
Knee injury forces Woods to end season
Tiger Woods walked tenderly out of Torrey Pines with a U.S. Open trophy he was destined to win on a left leg worse than anyone imagined. A group of children called out to him and Woods looked over and waved.
All by instinct
With the help of his playing style, Neuqua Valley junior Ian Krol was nearly automatic this
spring. The junior left-hander coupled a 0.98 ERA with a .479 batting
average to claim the 2008 Sun Player of the Year award.
Cubs hold breath on Zambrano
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- The Cubs' season could hinge on the outcome of an MRI exam of Carlos Zambrano's pitching shoulder today in Chicago before the team finishes a painful road trip tonight against the Tampa Bay Rays.
A study in playoff fever
For about the cost of a new driver, Zachary Michael Jack bought himself a ringside seat to history.
Parker in running for national collegiate honor
Naperville Central graduate Candace Parker was one of five finalists announced on Wednesday for the Honda-Broderick Cup, which honors the collegiate female athlete of the year.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Update: Season-ending knee surgery for Woods
Woods revealed Wednesday he has been playing for at least 10 months with a torn ligament in his left knee, and that he suffered a double stress fracture in his left leg two weeks before the U.S. Open. He said he will have season-ending surgery, knocking him out of the final two majors and the Ryder Cup.
Things are looking up
Interleague play was one of the worst elements of the White Sox's 2007 season. Their four victories in 18 games were the fewest in the majors. The Sox surpassed that total Tuesday night with a 16-5 pounding of the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first of three meetings at U.S. Cellular Field.
Celtics roll to NBA title
On a new parquet floor below aging championship banners, the Boston Celtics won their 17th NBA title and a first one -- at last -- for Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen -- their Big Three for a new generation. After 22 long years, the NBA has gone green.
World Series preview? Cubs better watch out
If this is a World Series preview, the Cubs might want to rush Alfonso Soriano back in time to help try to win the All-Star game and home-field advantage in October.
Bulls work out Beasley, Rose next
DEERFIELD -- A couple of new faces were at the Berto Center on Tuesday, and at least one came away with a good impression.
Right place, right times
All things considered, two weeks after placing third at the IHSA Boys
Volleyball State Finals for the second year in a row, Neuqua Valley
senior Jake Blackman is in a good place.
Knee-knocker
Tiger Woods cradled the silver U.S. Open trophy in his right hand and limped toward the edge of the Pacific bluffs, each step as much a burden as the 91 holes he played at Torrey Pines for a major that might have been his most amazing yet.
Piniella has 'no regrets' about time in Tampa
More than anything else, Lou Piniella figures his three years managing the Tampa Bay Devil Rays gave him patience. Any more patience and he might not be in a Cubs uniform tonight when two of the top five teams in baseball open a three-game series tonight at the suddenly fearsome Tropicana Dome.
Improved Sox pitching is key to '08 success
CHICAGO -- It's natural for White Sox general manager Ken Williams to be defensive about his team's offensive capabilities, exalted when it packs a punch and excoriated when the air goes out of the punching bag.
Former Bear Colvin signs with Texans
HOUSTON -- Free agent linebacker Rosevelt Colvin signed with the Houston Texans on Monday, giving the team another pass rusher to pair with 2006 No. 1 draft pick Mario Williams.
Woods wins U.S. Open
With a throbbing knee and a pounding heart, Tiger Woods made one last improbable escape Monday in San Diego, winning the U.S. Open in a 19-hole playoff over Rocco Mediate. It was his 14th career major and maybe the most amazing of them all.
Here's Mr. Clutch
In a week of epic moments at the U.S. Open, Tiger Woods delivered the biggest one yet. It didn't bring him another major, just another chance.
No party yet for Boston
Pack up the championship trophy and book a flight back to Boston, the NBA finals aren't over yet. The Los Angeles Lakers are headed East to try a historic comeback of their own.
It's no day off for Cubs
TORONTO -- Hey, Chicago Cubs, you've got the best record in baseball, you've gone six straight series without losing one, and you just won two of three from the Toronto Blue Jays without Alfonso Soriano!
Loss least of White Sox's problems
CHICAGO -- Losing two consecutive games at home isn't a reason to worry in the course of a long baseball season.
A summer track meet of their own
A pattern has developed in the four years of the Midwest Distance Gala,
a track event for athletes previously without a summer showcase event. Each year, the gala has gotten more exciting and increasingly competitive.
Elite camp makes use of area talent pool
This was not just another summer football camp Saturday and Sunday at Naperville North High School. Football University, an invitation-only training camp for elite-level
youth and high school football players, drew more than 160 of the
region's top players for an intense weekend of training from former NFL
players and coaches.
Early Dallas goal keeps Fire at bay
FRISCO, Texas -- Kenny Cooper scored in the 17th minute to lift FC Dallas to a 1-0 win over Chicago on Sunday.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Captain's choice
Bri Rodriguez, a junior midfielder for Waubonsie Valley, has not only been a star player but has grown as a leader in her third varsity season.
Screaming eagles
SAN DIEGO -- The U.S. Open went prime time, and so did Tiger Woods.
Marquis gaining strength since stern talk
TORONTO -- Jason Marquis says it's not because of that one-sided, throw-(expletive)-strikes conversation he had with manager Lou Piniella on the mound in San Diego almost two weeks ago.
CHICAGO -- A No. 17 jersey hung in the White Sox dugout Friday and Saturday, a good-luck charm reminder of minor league hitting instructor Daryl Boston, who was with the team throughout its last home stand.
Force QB imposes his will on Rush
DULUTH, Ga. -- Chris Greisen threw six touchdown passes to help the Georgia Force clinch a playoff spot and the Southern Division title with a 50-47 victory over the Chicago Rush on Saturday night.
Simply wunder-ful
Naperville Central's junior pitcher and The Sun's 2008 Softball Player of the Year can't quite remember the name of the last Redhawks pitcher to accomplish as much as she has in a season. After all, it's been 19 years, longer than Wunderlich has even been alive.
2008 Softball All-City Team
The Sun's sports department reveal their choices for the 2008 Softball All-City Team.
Grrreat start for this Tiger
Thick rough or not, something about Torrey Pines Golf Course agrees with Kevin Streelman. The 29-year-old PGA Tour rookie and Wheaton Warrenville South graduate shot a 3-under-par 68 on Thursday, tying him with Justin Hicks, another golfer who has toiled on the minitours for years, as the first-round leaders in the 108th U.S. Open.
Piniella reminds team challenges lay ahead
If you thought the Cubs' first day of the rest of their lives without Alfonso Soriano was tough, get a load of the way manager Lou Piniella sees the next week or two.
