Article: College Football: NCAA Football Preview - Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Article: Suhr chases greatness Case star looks to become first three-time champ; ATHLETES TO WATCH Heather Suhr, sr., Racine Case: Won second straight WIAA state title last year and led Eagles to team title. Was named Golf Foundation of Wisconsin's female junior golfer of the year for the '97 season. Emily Hendricks, jr., Arrowhead: Began the season with two impressive victories at the Watertown Invitational and the Mukwonago Invitational. Also won the Culver's Wisconsin PGA Junior Tournament of Champions at Tripoli earlier this month with a 78. Terri Taibl, sr., Brookfield Central: Overcame serious back problems to finish seventh individually at WIAA state tournament last year. Was also named second-team all-state by Wisconsin High School Golf Coaches Association. Has started off this season solidly. Jackie Walsh, sr., Watertown: Was most consistent golfer for the Goslings toward the end of last season. Her two-day total of 178 was best on team, 10th-best individually and helped Watertown to fourth-place finish at the WIAA state meet. Annie Redfearn and Julie Christensen, srs., Racine Park: Will be top two golfers for yet another solid Panthers squad this season. Shot 185 and 187, respectively, to lead Park to third-place finish at state last year. Redfearn's freshman sister, Molly, will be a pleasant surprise. Megan Tarrolly, jr., Homestead: Was a first-team Greater Metro Conference selection last season and has been playing well this year. Took fourth individually at Watertown Invitational.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel;  August 28, 1998 ;     700+ words ......win a third next year." Suhr already has...opening her and Case's season at the Mukwonago...state for the third year in a row, obviously...obstacles again this season, however, as there...a consistent '97 season only to fall apart...strokes. So far this year, she has shaved 5-...

Article: Challenges confront Brookfield East; Athletes to Watch Jim Albert, sr., Racine St. Catherine's: A 6-foot-4 all-state forward, Albert is a legitimate Division I college prospect. Excels in the open field and his size allows him to go up and over opponents. Blake Bostwick, sr., Port Washington: A forward who excels at ball handling, Bostwick has been tabbed first-team all-North Shore Conference since his sophomore season. He also earned all-state honors last season. Scott Dombrowski, sr., West Allis Hale: An all-around player who was named all-state, Dombrowski was the Southeast's leading vote-getter in all-conference voting last season. He finished with 17 goals and 13 assists. Sean O'Brien, jr., Hartford: A midfielder, O'Brien was the lone sophomore to be named to the all-state team last season. He possesses superb speed and ball control. B.J. Swalve, sr., Cedarburg: A first-team all-North Shore midfielder, Swalve was terrific last season for a team that advanced to the Division 1 state title game. With another year under his belt, he should be even better. Joe Henkey, sr., Racine St. Catherine's: This all-state midfielder also boasts terrific size and skill. Another Division I prospect. Scott Repa, sr., Racine Prairie: An all-state forward, Repa did everything last season to help lead Prairie to the WISAA Division 2 title game. Kevin Wiebe, sr., Grafton: Was the lone junior defender named to the all-state team last season. Should provide Grafton with superb play and leadership this season.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel;  August 22, 1996 ;     700+ words ......somewhat of a rebuilding season," first-year coach Lito Zabala...No. 1 ranking last season) are still in the...accomplished last year," he said. "But I...National Coach of the Year by the NSCAA and Umbro following last season. St. Catherine's...

Article: PRE PREVIEW: GIRLS CROS COUNTRY Memorial adjusts to altered lineup Young Crusaders face test in new conference; ATHLETES TO WATCH Shannon Carney, jr., Kenosha Tremper: Came out of nowhere at the end of last season. After finishing 22nd at Southeast Conference meet, Carney ran away with a 7-second victory in sectionals and finished eighth at state in 15:18. Jaime Krofta, jr., Kettle Moraine: Finished with a flourish last year. Following a fifth-place finish in Southeast Conference meet, Krofta came in ninth at state, just behind Carney at 15:18. Jenny Fancher, soph., Arrowhead: Talented young runner finished strong last year. Opened some eyes with a 17th-place finish at state (15:29), by far the best performance by a freshman in Division 1. Also finished second in Southeast meet. Tricia Ehlen, jr., Burlington: Was an impressive 10th at state last year in 15:19. Needs to step it up even more to improve on such a high finish. Christina Gamzer, sr., Whitnall: Reliable runner who finished second in Parkland Conference meet last season and 31st at state. Took sixth in 3,200 at state track meet in June. Meghan Walker, jr., Arrowhead: Another in a long line of talented young Warhawks. Followed up a fourth-place finish in Southeast Conference meet by finishing 39th at state. Should improve on that with another year under her belt. Melissa Foley, jr., Waukesha West: Finished 21st at state last year in 15:33, following up an eighth-place finish at Southeast meet, which helped Wolverines to conference crown. Jackie and Jessie Swan, srs., West Allis Central: A 27th-place finish by Jackie and a 44th-place by Jessie at last year's state meet were crucial in team's fifth-place finish. Will be key contributors for Bulldogs again this year.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel;  August 21, 1997 ;     597 words ......Andacht enters this season with unbridled...as we will this year, which will be...also enters this season as somewhat of...cross country last year, will be tested...be tested this year as it enters the inaugural season of the Classic...

Article: PREP PREVIEW: GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY Memorial adjusts to altered lineup Young Crusaders face test in new conference; ATHLETES TO WATCH Shannon Carney, jr., Kenosha Tremper: Came out of nowhere at the end of last season. After finishing 22nd at Southeast Conference meet, Carney ran away with a 7-second victory in sectionals and finished eighth at state in 15:18. Jaime Krofta, jr., Kettle Moraine: Finished with a flourish last year. Following a fifth-place finish in Southeast Conference meet, Krofta came in ninth at state, just behind Carney at 15:18. Jenny Fancher, soph., Arrowhead: Talented young runner finished strong last year. Opened some eyes with a 17th-place finish at state (15:29), by far the best performance by a freshman in Division 1. Also finished second in Southeast meet. Tricia Ehlen, jr., Burlington: Was an impressive 10th at state last year in 15:19. Needs to step it up even more to improve on such a high finish. Christina Gamzer, sr., Whitnall: Reliable runner who finished second in Parkland Conference meet last season and 31st at state. Took sixth in 3,200 at state track meet in June. Meghan Walker, jr., Arrowhead: Another in a long line of talented young Warhawks. Followed up a fourth-place finish in Southeast Conference meet by finishing 39th at state. Should improve on that with another year under her belt. Melissa Foley, jr., Waukesha West: Finished 21st at state last year in 15:33, following up an eighth-place finish at Southeast meet, which helped Wolverines to conference crown. Jackie and Jessie Swan, srs., West Allis Central: A 27th-place finish by Jackie and a 44th-place by Jessie at last year's state meet were crucial in team's fifth-place finish. Will be key contributors for Bulldogs again this year.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel;  August 21, 1997 ;     597 words ......Andacht enters this season with unbridled...as we will this year, which will be...also enters this season as somewhat of...cross country last year, will be tested...be tested this year as it enters the inaugural season of the Classic...

Article: The grand finale:Best and worst of '05; Off the field, an unforgettable season Quote of the year; Best hotel accommodations; Worst hotel accommodations; Best team pet; Injury of the year; Disappearing act of the year; Non-impact player of the year; Best media relations award; Worst media relations award; Best finish; Worst finish; Random NBA TV announcer spotting; Random NBA TV announcer caught in a white lie; Money-making stunt of year
Concord Monitor;  September 4, 2005 ;     700+ words ......simply was not to be this year. In wrapping up the second season of the Fisher Cats Notebook, this week we offer up our year-end awards. Please keep in...here. Whittaker started the year with New Hampshire, played...Dunedin for the rest of the season. Of course, Whittaker was twice as ...

Article: Knowles to play NPSL delays suspensionof Wave defender; Wave Player Profiles The Milwaukee Wave's 1996-'97 roster: James Danaher, midfielder, third season in NPSL, second with Wave. Played in all 40 games last season with 27 points and 21 blocks. Patrick White, forward, second season in NPSL, second with Wave. Joined team after start of last season. Played in 28 games with 29 points and 13 blocks. Steve Morris, midfielder, sixth season in NPSL, fifth season with Wave. Played in 37 games last season with 75 points and 26 blocks. Michael King, forward, 11th season in professional indoor soccer, fourth season with Wave. Played in 35 games last season. Led Milwaukee in scoring for third straight year with 148 points. NPSL all-star. Ricky Mobley, defender, fifth season in NPSL, fifth season with Wave. Played in 40 games last season. Led the Wave in blocked shots with 109, second-best in NPSL. Jason Gould, forward, second season in NPSL, second with Wave. A developmental player last season, appeared in five games. Giuliano Oliviero, midfielder, second season in NPSL, second with Wave. Played in 37 games last season with 89 points. Was second in voting for NPSL rookie of the year. Victor Nogueira, goalkeeper, 14th season in professional indoor soccer, fifth with Wave. NPSL all-star and the league's co-MVP. Is the Wave's all-time winningest goalkeeper (84-57). Matt Knowles, defender, seventh season in NPSL, fifth season with Wave. The NPSL's defender of the year last season, he also had the best offensive season of his career with 47 goals and 36 assists for 123 points. Jason Burdge, goalkeeper, third season in NPSL, first season with Wave. Played with the Chicago Power the past two seasons. David Moxom, defender, rookie season in NPSL. Had played a season with Pittsburgh in the Continental Indoor Soccer League. Jason Rienzi, midfielder, rookie season in the NPSL. Sign a developmental contract as a free agent from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Michael Richardson, midfielder, eighth season in the NPSL, second with Wave. Did not play in the 1995-'96 season after suffering a torn knee ligament. Steve Keller, defender, rookie season in NPSL. From Indiana University, acquired as a free agent. Played outdoor two seasons with Rockford in the USISL. Eric Cherveny, defender, rookie season in NPSL. From St. Louis University, a fourth-round Wave pick in 1995 NPSL draft. All-state player at Cedarburg High School. Mark Manganello, forward, second season in NPSL, first season with Wave. Played with the Chicago Power last season and outdoors with the Cape Cod Crusaders in USISL. Steve Provan, midfielder, fourth season in NPSL, first season with Wave. Former Marquette University star, played with Canton Invaders and Cincinnati Silverbacks.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel;  October 25, 1996 ;     700+ words ......Soccer League's defender of the year last season, had resigned himself to missing...Steve Morris, who had the best season of his five-year career with 21 goals and 31...runner-up as the NPSL rookie of the year last season. They are returning to a league...

Article: PREP PREVIEW: BOYS CROSS COUNTRY Arrowhead keeps goals high, cockiness low Warhawks seeking third successive state title; ATHLETES TO WATCH Brett Angel, jr., Racine Case: Finished 13th in Division 1 at the WIAA state championships last year (16:33), best time among returning runners in the area. Clete Willems, sr., Kenosha Tremper: Placed 18th at state last year in 16:35. Consistent runner who will be counted on heavily. Nick Minderman, sr., West Bend West: Always among the leaders in big races, Minderman placed 25th in Division 1 at state last year in 16:38. Sal Impellitteri, jr., Whitefish Bay: Should improve on an impressive showing at state, where he finished 32nd in Division 1 at 16:48. Marshall Finnegan, sr., West Allis Central: Finished a disappointing 44th last year at the state meet after an 11th-place finish in 1995. A third-place finish in the 1,600 and sixth-place finish in the 800 at state track meet could get him back in form. Brad Groff, sr., Wauwatosa West: Finished season in style last year. Ran a gutsy race to finish third in Division 2 at state meet in an impressive 16:24. Won Pewaukee sectional prior to state in 16:33 and Woodland Conference meet in 16:27. Kyle Fraser, sr., Nicolet: After winning the Menomonee Falls sectional in 16:18, finished 75th at state in 17:13. Disappointing finish which will serve as motivation this season. Dan Hart, sr., Racine St. Catherine's: Won WISAA Division 1 individual title last year in 16:16, improving greatly on third-place finish at Metro Conference meet (16:41).
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel;  August 21, 1997 ;     623 words ......saying about us this year. That's going to...competition for most of the season. The Warhawks placed...independent of this season. It really doesn't matter what you did the year before when you toe...all too well this season as they enter the...18th at state last year, will be among ...

Article: SOFTBALL PREVIEW Pitching rules in the Southeast The conference favorites are Muskego, Oak Creek; Players to Watch Jena White, jr., Muskego: Over the past two seasons, White has pitched 1852 3 innings and walked just 13 batters. Last season, White went 11-2, striking out 79 batters, walking just 11 and posting an earned run average of 1.00. Opposing batters hit just .212 against White. Nicole Ottaviani, sr., Muskego: She went 7-0 last season, striking out 41 batters while walking just seven. She finished with a 0.93 ERA and held batters to a .174 average. Ottaviani also does her damage at the plate; she hit .407 last year. Rachel Lockwood, sr., Oak Creek: The player of the year in the Southeast Conference last season, Lockwood went 11-1 with a 0.59 ERA. In those 11 victories, Lockwood compiled 118 strikeouts and just three walks. Kelly Albrecht, sr., Milwaukee Bay View: Finished with a 16-4 record last season, striking out 155 batters while posting an ERA of 1.05. Albrecht fired two no-hitters, four one-hitters and four two-hitters and 10 shutouts, and threw shutouts against Greendale, Greenfield and South Milwaukee. She also hit .412 for the Redcats with 28 RBI. Michelle Hedrick, sr., Greenfield: The Woodland Conference Player of the Year last season, Hedrick hit .433 overall last season with 18 runs batted in. A converted third baseman, her most valuable asset is her defense: she has a cannon arm and keeps base runners honest. Cindy Prochnow, sr., Greenfield: Prochnow went 12-3 overall last season for the Hawks, striking out 72 in 99 innings and posting a 1.69 ERA. She went 10-1 in the Woodland Conference to lead Greenfield to a share of the title. Katy Lockwood, soph., Oak Creek: As a freshman, the younger Lockwood went 6-2 with a 0.65 ERA. She struck out 50 while walking just 3 on the season.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel;  March 28, 1996 ;     700+ words ......tabbed player of the year last season in the Southeast...co-champion from last season, Greenfield (10-1...Conference player of the year Michelle Hedrick...leadership along with four-year starter Stacey Witters, who hit .423 last season. Thomas More (11...

Article: Little Ten boasts big-time girls volleyball presence; Athletes to Watch Marcie Bomhack, jr., Waukesha Catholic Memorial: A first-team all-conference player last year, she will do the lion's share of her team's hitting. She also stands to break a number of school records. Shelly Draeger, soph., Wisconsin Lutheran: She spent half a season on the varsity last year as a freshman. An exciting player, coaches say. Crystal Gassner, sr., Slinger: A 6-foot middle blocker-outside hitter, she had nearly 90 stuff blocks last year. Look for her to be a dominant presence at the net in the Parkland Conference. Trish Greenmeier, sr., Milwaukee Bay View: A versatile player, she will split time between setting and outside hitting. Kerri Holz, sr., Waupun: A strong setter, she has two championship seasons under her belt. Her leadership, experience and consistent setting are key to another championship quest. Hayley Jones, sr., Milwaukee Pius: A 6-1 senior, she had an impressive club season. She should be one of the best hitters. Katie Klink, jr., Milwaukee DSHA: Although this is her first year on varsity, she should be a force, providing a powerful swing and great defense, not just at the net but in the back row. Katie Maschman, sr., Germantown: A talented senior, she should improve her hitting and also step up her blocking. Abby Zielke, sr., Menomonee Falls: Many coaches say she might be one of the most dominant players in the North Shore conference. She is a strong hitter and has a powerful serve that generates plenty of aces. Sarah Zuzinec, soph., Kenosha Tremper: She is a 5-7 setter. Look for this talented sophomore to set with quick efficiency and accuracy, and also to function as a strong blocker.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel;  August 22, 1996 ;     700+ words ......Division 1 state champion. Last year, Wisconsin Lutheran ended Milwaukee Pius' nine-year hold on the title. However...has no illusions about this year. "In our conference and our...Sowinski. Kargus spent her club season setting, which, in turn, could...Sowinski were key hitters last year. ...

Article: BASEBALL PREVIEW City teams come out swinging Gold Division race shapes up as a fight to the finish; Players To Watch Andy Baumgart, sr., Shoreland Lutheran: A 6-foot-3 pitcher-infielder who hit .537 last year and drove in 34 runs. Elvis Correa, sr., Milwaukee South: This talented senior had a 3-1 record with a 0.59 ERA last year. Brian DeLorenzo, sr., Waukesha Catholic Memorial: The left-hander was 5-3 last year with a 3.22 ERA. David Fellin, soph., Whitewater: One of the top players in the southern half of the state, he led the team with a .435 average and has the school record for hits in a season with 37. Jason Ganter, sr., Thomas More: The leftfielder hit .390 last season. Jon Gorr, jr., Beaver Dam: As a sophomore, Gorr lead Beaver Dam with 16 runs batted in while batting .299. Tyler Herbst, sr., Beaver Dam: One of the best infielders in the conference, he batted .311 and committed just five errors in more than 80 chances. Steve Jahnz, jr., Milwaukee Pius: As a sophomore, he went 7-1 with a 2.00 ERA and was the top pitcher in the junior varsity ranks. Joe Milroy, sr., Catholic Central: A 6-2 pitcher, he was 6-1 with a 1.10 ERA, striking out 65 in 32 innings. He also hit better than .500 last season. Nate Ottow, jr., Milwaukee Juneau: In the Blue Division last year, the 5-9 pitcher was 3-1 with a 1.85 ERA. He also plays the infield. Curt Pyral, jr., Milwaukee Juneau: The catcher-pitcher hit better than .410 last year.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel;  March 28, 1996 ;     670 words ......who was 6-3 last year with a 1.70 ERA...plate full time this season and has improved...had a 1.34 ERA last year. Beaver Dam may have...Rivera was 4-3 last season with a 2.32 ERA...who was 8-2 last year with a 1.70 ERA...just one game in two seasons. Coach Dave Roehl...

Article: SUMMERTIME SEASON'S GREETING CAME A LITTLE EARLY THIS YEAR
Post-Tribune (IN);  June 25, 1995 ;     32 words ...THIS ELECTRONIC VERSION MAY DIFFER SLIGHTLY FROM THE PRINTED VERSION. Editorials/Our opinions - OUR VIEWS Summer officially arrived at 3:34 p.m. Wednesday. So what season were we sweating through last weekend?

Article: This is getting serious Wrestling programs depend on dedication; WRESTLERS TO WATCH Jason Strupp, sr., Hartford: Defending state champion in the WIAA Division 1 119-pound class. The three-year letter-winner was 36-3 last season and is 96-11 overall. Was named Wisconsin Little 10 Conference wrestler of the year. David Topp, sr., Waukesha Catholic Memorial: Was 39-5 last season and won the WISAA state title at 125 pounds. As a sophomore, took third at state at 112 pounds. Led his team in almost every category last season. Brad Kamrath, sr., Waterford: Was 31-4 last season and the Division 2 WIAA state champion. Brian Shaw, sr., Oconomowoc: Took third at state last year at 103 pounds. Won the conference, regional and sectional titles in his weight class, but this year will move up to 112. Spencer Dominguez, so., Waukesha North: Took fourth at state last season and was 34-2. Was the conference, regional and sectional champion at 119 pounds as a freshman. Dave Neumyer, sr., Port Washington: Heavyweight took fifth at state last season and finished with a 32-2 record. He also took eighth place in a junior national tournament in July. Ryan Lewis, jr., Waukesha South: Wrestling in the 152-pound class this season. He was 38-3 last season at 152 and took fourth place at state. Rob Jankowski, sr., West Bend West: State qualifier last season at 112 pounds, he is 63-6 the last two years. Will move to 119 pounds this season. He has never lost a conference match or a dual-meet match. Terry Stephan, sr., Germantown: State heavyweight runner-up last year, finishing 34-2. He is out with a broken fibula suffered during football season, but is expected to return sometime in January. Nick Komater, sr., Waukesha West: State qualifier and sectional champion last year. Went 31-8 at 130 pounds.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel;  December 1, 1997 ;     574 words ......state semifinals a year ago, and yet is still...of a new wrestling season, two themes seem...qualified for state last season. Waukesha West, a...state finalist a year ago, returns four...wrestler from last season. The Southeast Conference...Woodland champion last year, thrown into ...

Article: Racine schools face rebuilding Case, Horlick, Park must replace major players; ATHLETES TO WATCH Pat Bomhack, jr., Milwaukee Marquette: Bomhack has unlimited potential as a setter but has the power to hit away. At 6-7, he could be one of the top recruits next year. Brandon Ferguson, sr., Wauwatosa East: One of the best setters in the area, coaches say he has sharpened his mental game in the last year. Chris Goers, sr., Racine Horlick: Goers, 6-2, has been a setter for Horlick, but he will begin hitting more this season. Will Hand, sr., Milwaukee Marquette: Hampered by foot and hitting-hand injuries last season. His jumping ability has returned and the 6-5 outside hitter will be one of the toughest in the area. Mark Mathews, sr., Shorewood: A 6-4 outside hitter who has the ability to play all around. Mike Moser, jr., Milwaukee Pius: Expect the 6-4 outside hitter to be one of the top attackers in the area. Scott Landisch, jr., Wauwatosa East: A second-team Greater Metro all-conference selection last season, the 6-5 outside hitter should be even harder to stop this year. Jeff Schmitz, sr., West Allis Central: Coaches say the 6-4 outside hitter is a player with the ability to carry his entire team. A strong hitter, Schmitz was named an All-American during the USA Volleyball club nationals.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel;  August 28, 1998 ;     620 words ......1990s. Don't expect a Racine repeat this year. `I don't even know who's left after...Racine schools were facing a rebuilding year. `I graduated six starters,` Sorensen said. `It'll take some voodoo this year. Those who are out for the team are working...

Article: Ahead of her time Lipinski has burst onto skating scene; WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SKATING CAPSULES Women Tara Lipinski, United States: The new American champion is on a hot streak, winning the Champions Series final for two straight over last year's champion, Michelle Kwan. . . . Has all the jumps, including a rare triple loop-triple loop combination. . . . Still 14, she has never won a senior competition in Europe and was just 15th in last year's worlds after bombing in the short program. Michelle Kwan, United States: Last year's U.S. and world champion was nearly infallible until the last two competitions. . . . Vows to come back and skate up to the form she showed to win the '96 world title in a close decision over Chen Lu. . . . Strong jumper and was improving on artistry, but needs a good performance to regain confidence heading into the Olympic season. Chen LU, China: The Olympic bronze medalist and 1995 world champion is a fine jumper and very artistic. . . . Has kept a low profile this season due to various disputes with Chinese federation and injuries. . . . Narrowly lost to Kwan last year, but the long layoff from competition may hurt her more than anything. Others to watch: Two-time European champion Irina Slutskaya of Russia, third last year. . . . Nicole Bobek of the United States, the 1995 U.S. champ making a comeback and trying to shed the bad-girl image that follows her. . . . Maria Butryskaya of Russia, always near the podium, but never a world medalist. Men Elvis Stojko, Canada: The 1994 and 1995 world champion wants to regain his title and a quadruple-triple combination helps. . . . Still lacking in artistry, but maybe another quad in his program will make him unbeatable technically. . . . Missed out on a medal last year after failing in the short program. . . . Favored if he hits all his jumps. Todd Eldredge, United States: The U.S. champion and the defending world champ, but sprained his ankle last week, putting put him behind in training. . . . Probably the best spinner in the world and a strong jumper. . . . If on, can give a superb artistic routine, as he did last year to win the gold. Alexei Urmanov, Russia: The 1994 Olympic champion has had a spotty record until winning the European title in January. . . . Getting back confidence with huge triple axel and a quad for the first time in five years. . . . Classical long program, but uses hard-rock short program to show his different styles. Ilia Kulik, Russia: On again, off again. Which Kulik will show up at Lausanne? . . . When he's on, he's superb 1995 European champion at 17, just barely lost to Eldredge for the world title last year. . . . Probably the most stylish jumper in the men's field. . . . Moved to Massachusetts to train with Tatiana Tarasova, who improved his artistry. . . . Nailed his first official quad at the Champions Series final. Others to watch: Viacheslav Zagorodniuk of Ukraine, who took European crown in 1996 and had it again until the complicated scoring dropped him from first to third this year. . . . Michael Weiss of the United States is sure to try a quad to the music of Santana. Maybe it will count this time after U.S. officials belatedly took it away at Nashville? . . . Alexei Yagudin of Russia turns just 17 during worlds, but overshadowed by his teammates. He also has the quad. Pairs Oksana Kazakova and Artur Dmitriev, Russia: Back on the Russian team after being fourth at their nationals. . . . A good performance at the Champions Series final and improved programs put them in a contending position. . . . Both regaining top form after early- season problems. . . . He won an Olympic and two world titles with Natasha Mishkutienok and the 1996 European title with Kazakova. Mandy Woetzel and Ingo Steuer, Germany: Earned the world's sympathy when she fell and cut her chin at the 1994 Olympics and he carried her, bleeding, off the ice. . . . Won Europeans in front of home crowd in Dortmund in 1995 and barely lost Europeans the past two years. . . . Their long program is a mood piece, full of flow and unison, but perhaps not to everyone's taste. It worked for Champions Series win. Marina Eltsova and Andrei Bushkov, Russia: 1996 world champions in a close decision. . . . Won the European title again, four years after their first. . . . Elegant program and have all the tricks, but still not the reputation to be considered strong favorites. Others to watch: Jenni Meno and Todd Sand, United States: Bronze medalists in worlds last two years, but lost the U.S. title and both had injuries this season. . . . Majestic, European-style performance. . . . Too inconsistent this season. Ice dance Oksana Gritschuk and Evgeny Platov, Russia: World and Olympic champions won the European title after being reinstated on the Russian team after a mixup at their national championships. . . . Their Arabian routine is mesmerizing. . . . Now training with Tatiana Tarasova after they claimed they were being ignored by the coach who helped them win the Olympic gold. Shae-Lynn Bourne and Victor Kraatz, Canada: Upset second-best Russian ice dancers in Champions Series final, but that was in Canada and worlds are in Europe. . . . Big-band beat with snazzy moves. Angelika Krylova and Oleg Ovsiannikov, Russia: World runners-up last year. . . . Favored by coach Natasha Liniciuk, who works in Delaware. That led to Gritschuk and Platov moving away. . . . Have flowing free program to "Masquerade" waltz. Others to watch: Sophie Moniotte and Pascal Lavanchy, France: Recovered from her injury that kept them out of competition last year. . . . Elizabeth Punsalan and Jerod Swallow, United States: Rising quickly with the help of a Russian coach.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel;  March 16, 1997 ;     700+ words ......Lipinski, of course, isn't like any other 14-year-old and the necklace isn't just jewelry...to improve on her 15th-place finish last year. "I know that everyone's going to be trying...said. "She's accomplished so much this year that I don't care. Whatever comes, we'll...