Sports - The Salt Lake Tribune

Ron McBride joins Utah Blaze coaching staff (video)

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 07:58:52 MDT

Ron McBride joins Utah Blaze coaching staff (video)

By Kyle Goon The Salt Lake Tribune

Published Feb 14, 2012 07:58AM MDT

Even at the age of 72, even in his retirement, there was a coaching bug that kept gnawing at Ron McBride. He worked in radio. He tried yoga. He schedule a two-week Hawaiian vacation for himself, and was set to go golfing and sailing. But instead of those pursuits, the former University of Utah and Weber State coach decided to come back into football — this time accepting an offensive line coaching position with the Utah Blaze. The Arena Football League franchise announced McBride’s hiring in a M...

Copyright 2012 The Salt Lake Tribune. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Jazz throw away progress, fall 86-80 to lowly Hornets

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 07:55:08 MDT

Jazz throw away progress, fall 86-80 to lowly Hornets

By Brian T. Smith The Salt Lake Tribune

Published Feb 14, 2012 07:55AM MDT

New Orleans • Disappointment. Shock. Embarrassment. And that was just the start. Less than 24 hours after capturing their best and most meaningful win of the season, the Jazz were humiliated Monday by one of the NBA’s worst teams, as the long-struggling Hornets downed Utah 86-80 at New Orleans Arena. New Orleans (5-23) entered the game having lost eight consecutive contests, 23 of 25, and playing with just nine active athletes. Chris Paul and David West were long gone. Five of the Hornets’ best ...

Copyright 2012 The Salt Lake Tribune. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Day in the NHL: Pavelski leads Sharks past Capitals, Holtby 5-3

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 23:16:02 MDT

Day in the NHL: Pavelski leads Sharks past Capitals, Holtby 5-3

The Associated Press

Published Feb 13, 2012 11:16PM MDT

Washington • Joe Pavelski had two goals and two assists against a goalie playing in the NHL for the first time in nearly a year, leading the Sharks past the Capitals 5-3 Monday. It was San Jose’s 16th victory in its past 17 games against Washington. Patrick Marleau added two goals, and Brent Burns also scored on Braden Holtby, who was brought up from Hershey of the American Hockey League earlier Monday to make a surprise start for Washington. Hurricanes 5, Canadiens 3 • In Montreal, Jaroslav ...

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

BYU basketball: Cougars discover their shooting touch, roll past Pepperdine

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 23:05:43 MDT

BYU basketball: Cougars discover their shooting touch, roll past Pepperdine

By Jay Drew The Salt Lake Tribune

Published Feb 13, 2012 11:05PM MDT

Provo • The Cougars and their fans can calm down, loosen up and chill out a little bit, BYU basketball coach Dave Rose said. The team that couldn’t shoot straight from 3-point range finally did on Saturday afternoon, at least in the first half, and that was more than enough marksmanship needed to rout overmatched Pepperdine 86-48 in a West Coast Conference game in front of 19,008 relaxed onlookers at the Marriott Center. For link to the box score, go here: http://bit.ly/wEycts “I think ...

Copyright 2012 The Salt Lake Tribune. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

BYU Football: Cougars finalize 2012 schedule

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 23:05:43 MDT

BYU Football: Cougars finalize 2012 schedule

By Jay Drew The Salt Lake Tribune

Published Feb 13, 2012 11:05PM MDT

Provo • Coach Bronco Mendenhall has said BYU’s 2013 football schedule will be the most difficult in school history, but the 2012 schedule — officially released Monday night by the school — is not bad, either. Games against Notre Dame, Boise State, Utah and Georgia Tech — all on the road — highlight the 2012 docket. The Cougars will play host to Oregon State and Washington State of the Pac-12 at home. Once again, the last month of the Cougars’ schedule will be considerably weaker than the first ...

Copyright 2012 The Salt Lake Tribune. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

NBA: Utah Jazz defeat Memphis Grizzlies, 98-88

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 23:04:53 MDT

NBA: Utah Jazz defeat Memphis Grizzlies, 98-88

By Brian T. Smith The Salt Lake Tribune

Published Feb 13, 2012 11:04PM MDT

Memphis, Tenn. • The pregame messages rang out. Stick together. Stand strong. Don’t give in. And no matter what happens, don’t fall apart. By the time the Jazz had fought off the Memphis Grizzlies 98-88 on Sunday at the FedExForum, Utah had another message: What did you expect? Jazz-Grizzlies box score: bit.ly/AtZ2US Every time the Jazz (14-12) have shown signs of cracking or falling down this season, Utah has risen up. And every time this year’s Jazz team has flirted with turning into the dis...

Copyright 2012 The Salt Lake Tribune. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Jazz Notes: Utah’s Favors, Kanter learning how to control paint together

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 23:04:53 MDT

Jazz Notes: Utah’s Favors, Kanter learning how to control paint together

By Brian T. Smith The Salt Lake Tribune

Published Feb 13, 2012 11:04PM MDT

New Orleans • Raja Bell compared it to an NHL team. A few Jazz players go out, a few more come in. The action never stops, and Utah’s opponent never gets a breather. That’s what happened to Memphis on Sunday during the Jazz’s pivotal 98-88 road win, which tipped off a back-to-back-to-back away series. Grizzlies center Marc Gasol became worn out, Utah center Al Jefferson said, and Memphis rarely found a rhythm. With key Jazz athletes such as Bell and Jefferson allowed to recharge on the bench and...

Copyright 2012 The Salt Lake Tribune. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Organizers hopeful Salt Lake Marathon will continue

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 23:01:36 MDT

Organizers hopeful Salt Lake Marathon will continue

By Lya Wodraska The Salt Lake Tribune

Published Feb 13, 2012 11:01PM MDT

The 2012 Salt Lake City Marathon might take place after all, just not on its original date. In an effort to ensure the race takes place this year, Salt Lake officials told representatives of U.S. Road Sports — a group that reportedly is buying the marathon from embattled longtime owner Chris Devine — they might have to hold the event at a later time than originally scheduled. Mayoral spokesman Art Raymond said Salt Lake City officials had encouraging initial talks with representatives from U.S. ...

Copyright 2012 The Salt Lake Tribune. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Utah gymnastics: Utes happy to have top spot another week

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 23:01:36 MDT

Utah gymnastics: Utes happy to have top spot another week

BY Lya Wodraska The Salt Lake Tribune

Published Feb 13, 2012 11:01PM MDT

As much as they understand rankings are rather meaningless at this point in the season, Utah’s gymnasts conceded Monday they were a little relieved to see they maintained their spot at No. 1 for a third straight week despite having a disappointing meet at Arizona State. The Utes, who beat the Sun Devils 196.15-194.0, have a 196.855 average, just better than No. 2 Florida in the rankings. The Gators have a 196.833 average, which received a boost this weekend after they beat LSU 197.85-196.85. “It...

Copyright 2012 The Salt Lake Tribune. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Utah offensive line coach Tim Davis joins Florida staff

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 22:18:03 MDT

Utah offensive line coach Tim Davis joins Florida staff

By Lya Wodraska The Salt Lake Tribune

Published Feb 13, 2012 10:18PM MDT

Utah offensive line coach Tim Davis’ time with the Utes has turned out to be almost as short as Norm Chow’s. Davis, who was hired prior to the 2011 season, is leaving the Utes to join Florida’s staff as the offensive line coach. Davis was expected to coach the tackles and tight ends in 2012 since Utah coach Kyle Whittingham recently hired Dan Finn, a graduate assistant from 2004-06, to coach the centers and guards. Finn will now coach the offensive line. Davis’ departure, combined with that of...

Copyright 2012 The Salt Lake Tribune. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Utah gymnastics: Utes win despite struggling at Arizona State

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 22:18:03 MDT

Utah gymnastics: Utes win despite struggling at Arizona State

By Lya Wodraska The Salt Lake Tribune

Published Feb 13, 2012 10:18PM MDT

Tempe, Ariz. • Even the best teams can have bad days. At least in the case of Utah’s top-ranked gymnastics team, bad days don’t always translate into losses. The Utes had their worst performance of the year Sunday, but still managed to beat No. 25 Arizona State 196.15-194.0. The Utes (4-1) struggled on the uneven bars and had to count a fall on the floor as both freshman Georgia Dabritz and Stephanie McAllister fell, leaving the Utes with a season-low 48.55 on an event in which they ranked No. 1...

Copyright 2012 The Salt Lake Tribune. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Mountain West, Conference USA to form new league in 2013

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 22:12:18 MDT

Mountain West, Conference USA to form new league in 2013

The Associated Press

Published Feb 13, 2012 10:12PM MDT

DALLAS • Members of Conference USA and current and future members of the Mountain West are on their way to forming a new conference that will begin in 2013. The 16 schools announced their plans Monday. “This is an exciting development that will stabilize the current conferences and create the first truly national conference with members in five time zones and television viewership from coast to coast,” UNLV President Neal Smatresk said in statement. “We are moving our plans forward rapidly and e...

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

State colleges: SUU falls despite three players with double-digit scoring

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 21:40:03 MDT

State colleges: SUU falls despite three players with double-digit scoring

Combined news services

Published Feb 13, 2012 09:40PM MDT

SUU gave up a halftime lead to fall to Western Illinois 76-70 on Monday night. Despite 20 points from Carli Moreland, 15 from Andrea Jones and 12 from Kimie Hawkins, the Thunderbirds fell to a 6-19 record. Men’s golf Southern Utah University, led by Brad Millard with a 5-under 67, took the first-round lead at the Pat Hicks Thunderbird Invitational. Utah State finished the first round in seventh, with Tanner Higham finishing fourth overall. Weber State finished Monday in ninth place, with Jor...

Copyright 2012 The Salt Lake Tribune. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

MLB notes: David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox avoid salary arbitration

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 21:24:02 MDT

MLB notes: David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox avoid salary arbitration

The Associated Press

Published Feb 13, 2012 09:24PM MDT

David Ortiz and the Boston Red Sox avoided salary arbitration by agreeing Monday to a one-year contract worth $14,575,000. The deal for the slugging designated hitter was midway between the $16.5 million he asked for last month and the $12.65 million submitted by the Red Sox, which matched his 2011 earnings. Ortiz became a free agent after the season then passed up a chance to go elsewhere when he accepted Boston’s arbitration offer on Dec. 7. “I feel happy since I avoided going to arbitration,”...

Golf • Pebble Beach shows Tiger Woods still has a long way to go

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:56:03 MDT

Golf • Pebble Beach shows Tiger Woods still has a long way to go

By DOUG FERGUSON The Associated Press

Published Feb 13, 2012 08:56PM MDT

Pebble Beach, Calif. • Tiger Woods keeps saying his game is close. Standing on the 18th green at Pebble Beach, he never looked so far away. Woods watched Sunday as Phil Mickelson made one more birdie putt for an 8-under 64, the final touch of a six-shot comeback to win the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. The white scoreboard behind the 18th green was telling. The first stunner was seeing Mickelson go from a six-shot deficit to a two-shot lead in just six holes. Then he poured it on with a magnifi...

NFL notes: Randy Moss plans NFL comeback

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:45:03 MDT

NFL notes: Randy Moss plans NFL comeback

The Associated Press

Published Feb 13, 2012 08:45PM MDT

Charleston, W.Va. • Randy Moss once said, “I play when I want to play.” Six months after retiring, the veteran NFL wide receiver wants to play again. Moss announced on a webchat Monday — his 35th birthday — that he’s planning a comeback. His agent, Joel Segal, wouldn’t go into his client’s available options. “Randy and I have discussed it,” Segal said of Moss coming out of retirement. “He still has his fire and he’s looking forward to playing football. He’s excited.” Moss posted on his Twitter p...

Final: New Orleans Hornets 86, Utah Jazz 80

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:08:07 MDT

Final: New Orleans Hornets 86, Utah Jazz 80

By Brian T. Smith The Salt Lake Tribune

Published Feb 13, 2012 08:08PM MDT

New Orleans • Chris Kaman’s game-high 27 points and 13 rebounds led the Hornets to an 86-80 victory against the Jazz on Monday at New Orleans Arena. Derrick Favors’ 14 points topped Utah. It was the Hornets’ (5-23) first win in nine games and only their third in 26. New Orleans had just nine active players and played without Eric Gordon, Jarrett Jack and Emeka Okafor, among others. The Jazz (14-13) fell to 1-1 on their back-to-back-to-back road trip and face NBA-leading Oklahoma City on Tuesday...

Join our Utah Jazz vs. New Orleans Hornets chat

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:35:01 MDT

Join our Utah Jazz vs. New Orleans Hornets chat

Published Feb 13, 2012 06:35PM MDT

Join our Utah Jazz vs. New Orleans Hornets chat below: <freeform> <iframe src=”http://www.coveritlive.com/index2.php/option=com_altcaster/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=e9d293de4d/height=550/width=470” scrolling=”no” height=”550px” width=”470px” frameBorder =”0” allowTransparency=”true” ><a href=”http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php/option=com_mobile/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=e9d293de4d” >Utah Jazz vs. New Orleans Hornets chat</a></iframe> </freeform>

Utah State basketball: Clifford’s surprising success helping Aggies

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:00:04 MDT

Utah State basketball: Clifford’s surprising success helping Aggies

By Tony Jones The Salt Lake Tribune

Published Feb 13, 2012 06:00PM MDT

Logan • Ben Clifford wasn’t supposed to be a key member of coach Stew Morrill’s rotation this year. Heck, he wasn’t even supposed to be a big member of the Utah State basketball team. As a 6-foot-8 redshirt freshman, Clifford was supposed to be stuck on the end of the bench, watching and learning behind Brady Jardine, Kyisean Reed and Morgan Grim. He was supposed to be the fifth member of a four-man rotation. But things changed drastically for the former star from Bingham High. Heading into Tues...

Kragthorpe: Ron McBride welcomes honor from Utes, who fired him

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:40:34 MDT

Kragthorpe: Ron McBride welcomes honor from Utes, who fired him

By Kurt Kragthorpe Tribune Columnist

Published Feb 13, 2012 05:40PM MDT

Nothing is surprising about Monday’s news that Ron McBride will coach the Utah Blaze’s offensive line, three months after supposedly retiring. Mac is a football lifer. And at age 72 — even if he recognized in November that Weber State’s program needed the jolt that only a new voice could deliver — McBride is becoming a better coach all the time. The latest evidence comes from the University of Utah. The school that once fired McBride is now inducting him into the Crimson Club Hall of Fame. That...