University Daily Kansan / Thursday, November 5, 1987 Sports 11 San Diego catcher wins rookie award The Associated Press NEW YORK β€” San Diego catcher Benito Santiago was a unanimous selection as the Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year in the National League, the Baseball Writers Association of America announced yesterday. Santiago, who batted .300, hit 18 home runs, drove in 79 runs, hit safely in 34 straight games to establish a first-season record and stole 21 bases, received 120 points, while runner-up Mike Dunne, a pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, had 66 points, drawing 22 second-place votes. Pitcher Joe Magrane of the St. Louis Cardinals finished third with 10 points. Two writers from each of the league's 12 cities participated in the voting which was conducted at the end of the regular season. Points were awarded on a 5-3-1 basis. "I have to feel great because never in my life did I think that something would happen like today and be the rookie of the year," Santiago said yesterday at a news conference in San Diego. Santiago, a native of Puerto Rico, became the fifth National League rookie to be acclaimed unanimously. The others were Frank Robinson, Cincinnati, 1956; Orlando Cepeda, San Francisco, 1958; Willie McCovey, San Francisco, 1959, and Vince Coleman St. Louis, 1955 Mark McGwire of the Oakland Athletics was named American League Rookie of the Year on Tues. day he, too, was an unanimous selection Santiago broke Jimmy Williams's all-time rookie record of hitting in 27 straight games for the 1899 Pittsburgh Pirates. The modern record had been Guy Curtighr's 26 straight with the 1943 White Sox Santiago's streak was stopped on the last Saturday of the season by Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Orel Hershiser. "It's unbelievable. You have to feel great about that," Santiago said of the streak. Santiago also made 22 errors. Santiago also made 22 errors. Santiago is only the fifth catcher, and the first in 15 years, to be selected the top rookie. The others were Johnny Bench and Earl Williams in the National League, and Thurman Munson and Carlton Fisk in the American League. The only other Padre to win rookie honors was reliever Butch Mutzger in 1976, when he shared the award with Cincinnati right-hander Pat Zachary. "It's not surprising that he hit in so many straight, but the fact that he's a rookie catcher and has so many other things to worry about besides hitting is what made it more amazing," teammate Tony Gwynn said of Santiago. "The organization is proud of Benny and the job that he did this past season," General Manager Jack McKeon said yesterday. "He's already a standout at his position after just one year in the big leagues and we know he will continue to grow with prospects in the system, and they all have an example to follow in Benito." As much as he was impressed by Santiago's hitting streak, Manager Larry Bowa said he admired the rookie's composure as the streak continued. "He was unbelievable, the way he handled himself," Bowa said. "He always had time for people. The tough thing about it was how we were losing. I know he was frustrated when we lost." The Padres, who got off to a 12-42 in the National League West at 9:37. In the NL Central League West at 9:57. Santiago's streak, which started Aug. 25, was the second longest in the major leagues this year behind the 9-game mark by Milwaukee's Paul During the streak, Santiago batted .346, going 47-for-136 with five home runs and 18 RBI. KU outside hitter Jodi Oelschlager blocks a spike by Missouri's front line. The Jayhawks beat the Tigers in three straight games last night at Allen Field House. Volleyballers spike MU in three games By ROBERT WHITMAN Staff writer Matches like last night's three-game victory over Missouri at Allen Field House haven't happened often this year for the Kansas women's volleyball team. The Baywalk detected Mission 15-8, 15-11, 15-11 and improved their record to 10-16 overall and 3-6 in the Big Fight Conference. It was only the fourth match the Jayhawks have won in straight games this season. Two of those have been against the Tigers. Last year, the Jayhawks won 15 matches in straight games. It was really a fun match because every thing was working. ' - Elisa Woods KU volleyball player So, fun was the order of the night for Kansas. "It was really a fun match because everything was working." Kansas middle blocker Eliza Woods said. "Our passing was great, Monica (Spencer) was setting the ball well and, up until the last game, our passing was good. As long as our passing is good, we can run pretty much what we want." The first game of the night was probably the least fun. Missouri, 0-8 in Big Eight Conference matches, turned a 5-2 deficit into an 8-5 lead with the help of three service aces, prompting Kansas coach Frankie Albitz to call a timeout. After the timeout, the Tigers began to falter. Missouri's Sheri Chapman served the ball out of bounds. The Tigers then missed three straight spikes with the Jayhawks serving, tying the score at 8-8. Missouri called a timeout, but didn't turn things around. Instead, Kansas closed out the game without giving up another point. With Kansas leading 12-8, Spencer's dink gave the Jayhawks a sideout. Next play, outside hitter Judy Desch dinked over the Missouri blockers, next play, Missouri was unable to return the ball in three hits. Jodi Oelschlager and Desch combined to block a Tiger spike for the final point. In the second game, the Tigers slowly chipped away at an 11-3 Kansas lead. Missouri got to 14-11 and was serving before two spikes by Desch gave Kansas the game. "A lot of teams have trouble getting the final point," Albzit said. "The other team doesn't have a lot to lose and they get tougher. It takes time to adjust to that." The third game went much the same way. The Jahawks led 12-3 and 14-5 before the Tigers rallied to 14-11. A dink by outside hitter Shannon Ridgeway gave Kansas a sideout. Desch put the game and match away with a spike. "Tammy (Hill) played well, Monica played well and Jodi (Olechalski) played well at the net," Allbiz said. "Judy (Desch) is a big part of our team. When she got sick at the finals, we took tournament, we lost in the final. I have some things out of other players that I we've been trying to get out of them." Desch had been bothered by the stomach flu. Albitz made only three substitutions during the match. Early in the second game, she inserted Oelschlager for starter Michelle Klone. In the third game, Kristi Conway came in for Shannon Ridgeway. Ridgeway reentered later in the game. β€œIt's kind of the philosophy that if everything's going well, you leave it alone," Woods said. The Jayhawks' next two matches are Saturday, when they visit Regis College in Denver and Colorado in Boulder. Sunday, they play Northern Colorado in Greeley. Lovellette named as nominee to the Basketball Hall of Fame The Associated Press The Kansas Jayhawks' star center of the 1950s, Clyde Lovellette, was named Tuesday as one of nine nominees to the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass. Lovettleie was All-America in 1951, 1952 and 1953 and was named the Helms Foundation Player of the Year in the Jayhawks' 1952 NCAA championship season. Although he played only three years at Kansas, he was the school's all-time leading scorer for 35 years before being overtaken by Danny Manning last season. He also was a member of the 1952 Kansas team that won the Olympic gold medal, and he played 11 seasons in the National basketball Association. The Terre Haute, Ind. native was a member of the 1954 Minneapolis Lakers NBA championship team and the 1963 and 1964 Boston Celtics championship teams. The other three players nominated were Earl "The Pearl" Monroe, who scored more than 17,000 points in 13 seasons with the New York Knicks; John Moir, national player of the year in Notre Dame's 1936 national championship; and former Baltimore Bullets center Wes Useld, who was named Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year in the first of his 13 seasons with the Bullets in 1969. Former Kansas State basketball coach Jack Hartman was one of five coaches nominated. He retired in 1986 after recording 439 total wins. The other four oakes nominated were Indiana's Bob Knight, the coach of last year's national championship team; Kansas native Ralph Miller, who coached at Oregon State; Will Robinson, who was the first black basketball coach at a major college when he took over at Illinois State in 1970; and the late Phil Woodport, who led San Francisco to a record 60 consecutive victories from 1955 to 1957. The results of the hall's Honors Committee vote will be announced in early February. Jayhawk football team shuffles lineup By CRAIG ANDERSON Staff writer The Kansas football version of the depth chart shuffle was played yesterday at practice as the Jayhawks prepared for their game against arch-rival Kansas State on Saturday in Manhattan. Freshman Kevin Verdugo will start at quarterback against the Wildcats, replacing sophomore Kyle Donohoe. Verdugo came in for Donohoe in the Oklahoma game. Donohoe had thrown four interceptions in the first half. Verdugo played the entire second half, completing seven of 12 passes for 96 yards and an interception. He also threw a 30-yard touchdown pass to junior wide receiver Willie Vaughn in the fourth quarter. Kansas coach Bob Valente said he hoped Verdrug would be to continue his good performance against Kansas State. "We want to go with the man who has the hot hand right now," he said. ("Verdugo and Donhoe") are young quarterbacks who are still developing. Both need to be given their chance to perform." Because of injuries to defensive tackles Mark Konez and Tim Adams, senior defensive end Eldridge Avery moved to first team defensive tackle. Senior David White, who has been hampered by a groin pull, will start at the other defensive tackle spot. Senior Stacy Henson will move into Avery's vacated defensive end position. Henson has made 32 tackles this season, recovered two fumbles and caused two others. The Jayhawk defensive secondary will be making changes, much as it has been all season. Because of an ankle injury to freshman Michael Page, senior strong safety Milt Garner will start at cornerback. Senior strong safety Marvin Mattox, who strained his neck earlier in the week, returned to practice yesterday and will start against the Wildcats. Converted junior wide receiver Rodney Harris will make his first collegiate start at cornerback for Kansas "I'm excited but also a little bit nervous," he said. "I never played defense, even in high school. I wonder how I win." Valesente said he was confident that Harris would be able to get the job done against KSU quarterback Gary Swim and the rest of his Wildcat teammates. Swim ranks third in the Big Eight Conference in passing yards. "Rodney Harris has made some great strides in the past few weeks," he said. "We've had to adjust in the secondary just like we have had to do all year." Ex-KU sprinter training for 1988 Olympic team Bv MIKE CONSIDINE Staff writer Former Kansas All-American Cliff Wiley was planning to attend the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, and was looking into travel costs. Shortly after hanging up the telephone, he said, he realized he had the means to get there free of charge. Wiley, 32, is hoping to compete in the 400-meter run at the 1988 Olympics. Watching the 1987 World Track and Field championships gave him the desire to run again, he said. "First, I had to feel I could hold up (physically) and I found that out last spring when I ran some meets," Wiley said. "Then I had to feel I had a job, picked the world championship and that I saw was not overwhelming." "Clifford's general condition is so good; he doesn't have any extra weight, and he's such a competition player," Timmons said. "he'd be my nick." Timmons said. Kansas men's track coach Bob Timmons said that most runners couldn't return to the same level of competition after sitting out nearly two years. Wiley, he said, was an exception. Wiley, a 1980 Olympic team member, said that he planned to spend two or three days a week training at the university of Kansas to prepare for his goal. "I'm back in my comfort zone." Wiley said. "It's a good experience, working out in this area and on this track. I feel comfortable here. My body seems to understand what the weather's like here." Wiley ranked as one of the favorites for the gold medal in 1984 until KU basketball great to play for Sizzlers he strained a leg muscle a month before the Olympic trials. He couldn't advance past the quarterfinals. "I think what happened was that I didn't listen to my body," Wiley said. "I'm not the kind of athlete who can afford to run with aches and pains." Wiley said that six months of hard workouts should prepare him for the United States Olympic trials in mid-July. He is aiming for one of the top six places in the 400 meters at the trials, he said. In 1985, Wiley suffered an Achilles tendon injury in the 100-meter final at the Kansas Relays and vowed at that time never to run competitively again. Wiley, who received his undergraduate and law degrees at the University, opened a law office in Kansas City, Kan., about a month ago. He moved from Murray State University in Kentucky, where he was an assistant to the university general counsel and the president. "The most important thing is that I'm not caught up in a deal where I'm going for the gold." Wiley said. "Now I'd just like to be on the boat." He would have run in international competitions last year, but there was no indoor track to train on at Murray State, Wiley said. The Anschutz Sports Pavilion track at Kansas is the best in the United States, he said. Wiley said he would begin running selected meets during the indoor season. By spring, the two-time national champ said he was hoping to run the 400 in 44.6 seconds. "Age makes you more realistic" "I think my best is good enough." I make it. Fred Sadowski/KANSAN TOPEKA β€” Former Kansas and professional basketball star Jo JO White listens to questions shortly after announcing his signing of a contract with the Topeka Sizzlers. White made the announcement at a news conference yesterday at Landon Arena. By DARRIN STINEMAN Staff writer The Topeka Sizzlers will have a 41 year-old rookie playing for them this season. The rookie, former Kansas All-American point guard Jou Jo White, announced yesterday that he would join Kansas alumni Ron Kellogg, Calvin Thompson and Cedric Hunter as a member of the Continental Basketball Association team this season. White, who will be 41 on Nov. 16, returns to professional basketball as a player-coach after retiring from an illustrious 12-year NBA career seven years ago. He played for the Boston Celtics almost his entire career, and the team retired his jersey. Sizzlers coach John Killilea said White also would have some assistant coaching duties. "First of all, let me say that I'm proud for the opportunity the Sizzlers have given me to compete again against some of the finest talent in the country," the two-time All-America selection said at a news conference at Topeka's Kansas Exposcetion yesterday. "Awhile back, the only reason I retired was, for the first time, I had "I'd like to welcome Jo Jo as a great player and an old friend," Killilea said at the news conference. The injury, bone spurs on his left heel, was surgically repaired and, after almost three years of rehabilitation, White said he was completely healthy. the basketball team in White after he scored 23 points and had nine assists in an alumni game between Kansas and Kansas State on Sept. 30. Sizzlers owner Bernie Glannon said. "I have no reservations that it's physically possible that Jo Jo can do it." Killiela was an assistant coach for the 1974 and 1976 Celtic NBA championship teams for which White played. Whether it's possible for White, a seven-time National Basketball Association All-Star, to return to the NBA is another question. He said that he hoped to make it back to his old league someday. "Those are possibilities," he said. "As a rookie coming in, I still have things to prove to myself as far as whether or not I can still commete." "It told me that I could still compete with the caliber that's in the NBA right now," he said. "I have no reservations about talent, whether or not I have the talent to play. It's whether or not, after being out that long, I can come back and compete at that level." White said that his performance in the alumni game proved to himself that he still could compete at the game's highest level. White, who played for Kansas from the 1965 to 1969, said he looked forward to playing with Kellogg and Thompson, who played for the Sizzlers last season, and Hunter, who also is a rookie this season. White returned to Kansas in 1981 as an assistant coach under Todd Owens. He stayed on when Larry Brown was hired, but left the team in July of that year. "It's always a pleasure to see any of the ex-players who have come from the Kansas program and the comederarie that we have the times that I come back to Kansas," he said. "So I'm excited about the whole thing. I'm like a kid with a new toy."