The Mail-Journal, Volume 21, Number 28, Milford, Kosciusko County, 25 July 1984 — Page 8

THE MAIL-JOURNAL - Wed., July 25,1984

8

Sports

Former Indy 500 winner Sneva honored by Palace of Sports

By TOM CHARLES Sports Editor Fresh from a second place finish in the Michigan 500 Indy : car race on Sunday, Tom Sneva was in North Webster on Tuesday to be crowned the 1983 King of Sports at the International Palace of Sports. Sneva, the 1983 Indianapolis 500 champion, was officially inducted into the Palace Hall of Fame by Marilyn Thrasher. IPS director, and Hilliard Gates. IPS Prince of Heraldry. The ceremonies were conducted in the Palace throne room. As a symbol of his newlybestowed title. Sneva was adorned with a crown, robe and bronze scepter. An oil portrait of Sneva was also unveiled at the ceremonies. It. along with a wax sculpture of Sneva which has yet to be delivered to North Webster, will be on permanent display in the Palace. Sneva is the 11th athlete to receive the title of “King of Sports" since Olympic swimming star Mark Spitz was crowned as the first king in 1972. Sneva joins A. J. Foyt as the second race car driver to be honored by the Palace. According to Mrs. Thrasher, the Palace will provide SB,OOO worth of scholarships for youths around the country this year. These scholarships will be given in Sneva s name as a part of the Palace s ongoing effort to promote better citizenship among young people by helping them to identify with sports champions. Several dignitaries accompanied Sneva to the induction

Milford \ Merchants -XZS

The Milford Merchants won three ot four games recently to raise their record to 17-8 overall and 12-4 in league play. The Merchants downed Thermogas 7-5. shutout Lyon Greenleaf 11-0. beat Kreiger Brothers 16-6. and lost to Chucks Brew Crew 8-6 Milford Merchants \ 16 Kreiger Brothers 6 Player AB H K S Troup 4 2 2 D Troup 423 L Kaiser 4 11 D Kinney 4 3 2 B Richardson 4 2 2 T Yoder 423 P Stichter 3 2 1 I) Lechlitner 2 0 2 M Sumpter 4 3 2 Milford Merchants 11 Lyon Greenleaf 0 Player AB II R S.Troup 4 4 3 D Troup 4 2 1 L Kaiser 4 2 1 D Kinney 4 3 1 B Richardson 2 11

Agricultural. Commercial, Industrial R. 1 Box 4 * No. Webster, IN ~ ~ — Mon.-Fri. 8 A.M.-SP.M Ph. 219-834-4448 C l I AR SPAN BUILDINGS Ml MM « z-. fc'.tTTX'" NORTH WEBSTER CONST. INC. *C&€M3CMin}GNS}^9QCd I C9OG}OOCiKBMBMaM3CSKSMai)CaM3MHMa9 l C^ 1 Ice Cream Social Calvary United Methodist Church SR 13 South Syracuse Saturday, July 28 5 To 8 P.M. Homemade Pies Homemade Cakes Beverages

ceremonies. Among those in attendance were Mari Hulman George, vice president and public relations director of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway; Jack Martin, curator of the Indianapolis 500 Museum; and David Cassidy, concessions manager at the Speedway. Following the induction ceremonies, Sneva was honored with a luncheon at the Tippecanoe Country Club. Race Results Although the induction ceremonies were the order of the day, racing was still on the minds of most who were in attendance. Specifically, the favorite topic of discussion was the recent Michigan 500. Engaged in a tight duel with Mario Andretti for the last 20 laps of the race. Sneva eventually had to settle for second place by .0014 seconds. But Andretti’s driving tactics prompted criticism from Sneva — something he repeated on Tuesday. “I wasn't very impressed with Mario’s driving tactics late in the race,” Sneva said. “It is hard to understand that happening at this level of racing.” "I tried tapass him both high and low. but he cut me off,” Sneva added. “I don’t think that I could feel good about winning a race in that way.” Sneva s criticism of Andretti stems in part from the fact that drivers today are racing at speeds in excess of 200 mph. At such high speeds the margin for error is quite slim and drivers have to allow each other room to operate. According to Sneva. this is what Andretti failed to do at Michigan. >

P Stichter 3 11 D Lechlitner 4 4 2 M Sumpter *• 3 0 0 T McDowell 3 11 L Kammer 2 1 0 Milford Merchants 7 Thermogas 5 Player * AB II It S Troup 4 0 0 D Troup 4 3 2 L Kaiser 5 2 1 J Kaiser 5 2 1 B Richardson 4 3 0 T Yoder 4 2 1 P Stichter 4 0 0 D Lechlitner 4 3 1 M Sumpter 4 2 1 Chuck's Brew Crew ’ 8 Milford Merchants 6 Player AB H R S Troup 2 2 1 D Troup 4 0 0 L Kaiser 3 12 J Kaiser 4 2 2 D Kinney 4 1 0 B Richardson 3 2 1 T Yoder 420 P Stichter 4 4 1 D Lechlitner 4 0 0 M Sumpter 3 0 0

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Sneva has been one of the few Indy-car drivers who have spoken out on the dangers of the high speeds which have characterized this year’s races. Although setting an Indianapolis qualifying record of 210.029 mph this year, Sneva says the high

r- i A ■■ f Kt V ▼ sox V- . X NORTH WEBSTER SOX — Pictured alfiove are members of the North Webster T-Ball League’s Sox. In the front row are Kara Jaers, Greg Martin. Matt Topin, Yen Tran, Billy Heckleman and Jeremiah Ward. In the second row ar'eCoHeen Hoffert. Scott Lawrence, Scott Richey, John Oswald and Jeremy Gasahorn. Not pictured is coach John Ward.

Area athletes place in White River Park Games

Dawn Firestone and Julie Gunn brought home diving medals to headline a group of area athletes who fared well at the White River Park State Games in Indianapolis last weekend. Firestone, daughter of Butch and Lou Firestone, r 3 Syracuse, captured first place in both the one-meter and three-meter competitions in the girls’ 10 and under age group. Last year, she placed fourth in the same events. Gunn, daughter of Robert and Jackie Gunn, r 1 Cromwell, placed third in the one-meter diving in the girls’ 11-12 age group. She also participated in the Games last year. According to Rex Rymers. Wawasee High School diving coach, the girls performed very well to earn their honors. "Dawn really outclassed everyone in her age group.” Rymers said. “We were pretty .sure she was going to win before she went down to Indianapolis.” Gunn, on the other hand, had to face some stiff competition at the finals. According to Rymers, her age group was one of the toughest at Indianapolis. “She was just tremendous,” Rymers noted. “She had an outstanding performance — i>y far the best she’s ever had. She was very consistent with her dives.”

TOM SNEVA

speeds could be a danger to the sport. “I think the speeds are too high,” he noted. “If anything, my thoughts were reinforced by the Michigan race (which featured several spectacular crashes). The cars need to be modified to

Firestone will be a sixth grader at Syracuse Junior High next year Gunn will be a seventh grader at the same school.Other Winners Julie’s older sister. Jeanine, brought home a silver medal in the high jump. The Wawasee junior-to-be leaped 5-2, one inch short of the winning jump. Area athletes also scored well in the sailing competition. Jeffrey Schmahl. Syracuse, and his crew of Julie and Stephen Schmahl won the

DAWN FIRESTONE AND JULIE SCHMAHL

ad more driver protection.” But drivers are far from unanimous in their public comments on newer, faster cars. Sneva credits that to the fact that many drivers do not want to risk offending their sponsors by taking a controversial stand. “Drivers are an insecure group of people,” he said. “Not many of the top 100 drivers want to cause any waves and jeopardize their rides. Some of the younger drivers just want to convince people that they are macho.” With the ever-increasing technology in auto racing, sponsors have become more important. No driver, regardless of ability, can afford to cover the cost of maintaining an Indy-type car. In fact, it isn’t always the best drivers who get out on the track, it is the one’s who can get the financial backing. “There is something wrong with the sport when you get on the track based on your backing and not on your ability,” said Sneva. “That’s a little like me approaching Tom Landry and asking him how much it would cost me to throw a few passes in the Super Bowl.” “We need to find away to get the best drivers on the track,” he added. Sneva s racing career has included many highlights. He has competed in 11 Indianapolis 500 s, finishing first in 1983 and second in three other races. He is a three-time USAC National Champion and has been the fastest Indianapolis qualifier three years. So far this year, Sneva has finished 16th at Indianapolis, first in the Rex Mays 150 in Milwaukee and second at Michigan. He and his wife, Sharon, and two children, Joey and Amanda, reside in Paradise Valley, Ariz.

overall title in the Lightning Class. Gold Fleet. That crew placed first and second in individual races. Richard Tillman and his crew of Linda Tillman won second place in the Snipe Class, Gold Fleet. That team placed first and third in individual races. Brad Traviolia, Syracuse, was also a silver medal winner. The Wawasee junior-to-be picked up his prize in the 154 pound class of the Elite Division of the wrestling competition.

T ~- — 1 i'm I ’ j TENNIS CHAMPIONS — Jim and Lucy Hiatt, Ligonier, were the winners of the first Cindonway Shores Tennis Tournament last weekend. Barb Tully, Elkhart, and Tim Strombeck, North Webster, were runners-up in the 16-team, mixed doubles competition. Teams from as far away as Fort Myers Beach, Fla., participated4n the event. Pictured above are Barb Tully, Tim Strombeck, _Lucy Hiatt and Jim Hyatt.

Sports shorts

Warriors begin football practice

Although sports fans have their eyes focused on the baseball races these days, it will not be long until they turn their attention to the gridiron and the sight of high school students playing football. Wawasee High School gridders, under the direction of head coach Myron Dickerson, have been involved in conditioning drills for the past month. Now, as August rolls around, it is time for the beginning of official practice sessions. Aug. 6-7 The Warriors will begin their workouts with two days of non-contact practices on August 6 and 7. Sessions will run from 3-4:30 p.m. find 6:30-8 p.m. each day. Full contact practices begin on Wednesday, Aug. 8. With the exception of Saturday. Aug. 11, all sessions from Aug/ 8 to Aug. 14 will begin in the early morning and run into the late afternoon. Players will have periodic rest breaks during the all-day practices. The annual “Soap Game” will be played on Saturday, Aug. 18, at 7 p.m. The first varsity contest is .scheduled for Friday, Aug. 24, against North Wood. Frosh. Meeting An organizational .meeting for those students interested in playing freshmen football will be held on Thurs., Aug. 2 in the WHS PE. Annex. Parents of prospective players are also encouraged to attend. Practice schedules will be handed out at the meeting. In addition, Dickerson and freshmen coach Rob Hansen will be present to explain the freshmen program and answer questions. Baseball old timers in Indy Some of baseball’s greatest stars will assemble in the Hoosier Dome on Friday, July 27, for an “Old Timers Game.” The seven-inning contest will feature one of the largest groups of Hall of Fame players ever assembled. The game, which will start at 7:30 p.m., will be proceeded by a home run slugfest at 7 p.m. Among the old timers scheduled to participate in the contest are Bob Feller, Whitey Ford, Brooks Robinson, Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks, Willie Mays, Ron Santo and Billy Williams. The American League team will be managed by Gene Mauch. Ex-Cubs’ manager Herman Franks will skipper the National League squad. Tickets may be purchased at any Ticket Master outlet.

Cincinnati Sixties August 18-19 CUBS - REDS - BEACH BOYS ( For Details Call: \I*Q/ Warsaw Travel _ Elkhart Travel 269-6771 ** 262-4451

Dickerson also plans to offer a freshmen clinic later in the summer. Information on the clinic will be available at the organizational meeting. According to Dickerson* the freshmen program is in need of people who are willing to assist Coach Hanson. Anyone who would like to help should contact Myron Dickerson at Wawasee High School, 457/1147. Volleyball to begin August 10 The first practice for the 1984-85 Wawasee volleyball team will take place Friday, „ August 10, at 8 a.m. in the Wawasee High School gym. In making the announcement Wednesday, July 24, Coach Barb Brouwer said that players must have their physicals completed prior to practice. Forms are available from the office at the. high school Pistons to play Pacers in Fort Wayne Isiah Thomas and the Detroit Pistons will return to Fort Wayne on Sunday, Oct. 7, at 7 p.m*. to face the Indiana pacers in an NBA exhibition game at the Allen County Memorial Coliseum. Last year, the Pistons scored a 106-100 victory before a packed house. Proceeds from this year’s game will be used in the Indiana-Purdue Fort Wayne scholarship fund. Along with Thomas, the Pistons feature Tony Campbell of Ohio State, former Indiana stars Kent Benson and Ray Tolbert, and former Irish standouts Kelly Tripucka and Bill Laimbeer. Among the Pacers expected in Fort Wayne are Purdue’s Jerry Sichting and former Indiana stars Jim Thomas and Butch Carter. Tickets will go on sale Monday, Sept. 3, and are priced at $6 and $9. Children under 12 receive a $2 discount and groups of $25 or more receive a $1 discount for each ticket. John McEnroe to face Bjorn Borg Reigning Wimbledon champion John McEnroe and fivetime Wimbledon king Bjorn will square off in an exhibition tennis match on Sept. 12 in Kansas City, Mo. Borg, who has been in retirement for the past three years, has not faced McEnroe since the two met in the 1981 U.S. Open at Flushing

Mepdows, N.Y. McEnroe won this year’s Wimbledon singles final in three sets over Jimmy Conners. He was also the runnerup in the French Open, losing to Ivan Lendl in a five-set final. WHS swimmers ’ report Aug. 6 Wawasee High School girls’ swim coacb Tim Caldwell has announced that all girls interested in trying out for the fall team should report to the WHS pool at 9 a m. on August 6. According to Caldwell, the practice session will last from 9 am. until noon. All girls must have their physical examinations completed by the practice session. Forms for the physical exams can be obtained at the high school office between 8 a m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays. WHS tennis begins Aug. 6 Wawasee High School boys’ tennis coach Scott Siler has announced that the team’s first practice will be held on Monday, Aug. 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. All those interested in trying out for the team should be present at the practice session. Students must have physical examinations and insurance coverage before participating in practice sessions. FFA holds golf‘tourney Earlier this month the Wawasee Future Farmers of America Chapter held its annual summer golf outing. This year’s tournament was held at the Maxwelton Golf Club. Taking the medalist trophies were Todd Roberts and Debra Schafer. Other low scores were posted by John Zimmerman, Jeff Young, Rich Karst, Kent Nulf, Ken Schafer, Mitch Stidams, Scott Barker and Mark Scott. Stichter wins in Goshen race Former Wawasee High School standout Grace Stichter, now a student at Bail 'State University, captured the \ women’s championship of the Parade 5,000 run in Goshen on Sunday. Stichter, a Milford resident, completed the course in 20:44, two minutes faster than her closest female competitor. Fran Quigly, Indianapolis, was the overall winner with a time of 16:02. Paul Hasse, Syracuse, was fourth in the men’s 35-39 age group with a time of 19:38.