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Alexander: Steady, solid top grade racer

At only 8 months old, Bella Alexander caught the eye of Dennis Blair on his Kansas farm.He even named him after Alexander The Great."Alexander was always my dad's favorite," owner David Blair said. "He saw something special in him at a very early age."Since coming to Wheeling in late 2006, Bella Alexander - a May 2005 greyhound out of Craigie Whistler-Bella Fabulous - has been a solid top grade sprinter. In 116 career starts at Wheeling, he has 26 wins, 13 seconds, 23 thirds and 12 fourths - a 64 percent mark on the pay sheet."He's been a steady, consistent greyhound throughout his ...

Semifinalists set in $100,000 Invitational stake

Three greyhounds remain undefeated after two rounds of the $100,000 Wheeling Island Invitational.In the second round Wednesday, Flying Mancini (Flying Eagles-Miner Kennel), Flying Westover (Flying Eagles-Miner Kennel) and Kiowa WW Brother (Wayne Ward Kennel) posted their second consecutive victories to lead all qualifiers with 30 points each. Also capturing second round victories were Gable Twinkie and Flying Fabian.The original field of 40 will be cut to 24 for Monday's semifinal round. The championship final will be contested during the matinee card on Saturday, Oct. 18.In addition to ...

OSU suffers through hangover; defensive unit picks up slack

COLUMBUS - Maybe the Buckeyes were still hungover from that last-second win at Wisconsin one week earlier.Whatever the case may be, their offense engaged in an all-day funk here Saturday, leaving OSU's fate in the hands of its defense.Jim Tressel expressed considerable concern after the 16-3 outcome - as well he shoud have. "I think everyone in (this room) realizes we have lots of work to do," Tressel revealed.Not exactly what Scarlet and Gray fans were hoping to hear in week seven of a 12-game season.How much credit does Purdue get for its part in the proceedings? Some, perhaps. But ...

Saints Club, Friends Church Scramble winners announced

The St. Clairsville Saints Club held its inaugural golf scramble a few weeks ago on the rough course at Belmont Hills Country Club.The tournament - which was spearheaded by 2000 St. C. High graduate Chris Baugh - featured 18 teams taking part in the scramble, best-ball event.The title went to four familiar players in Ohio Valley scrambles. The team of Eric Gay, Adam Gay, Derek Gaudio and Shawn Monroe teamed to win the title in a playoff.They outlasted Paul Foster, Jerry Foster, Tom Stillmack and John Campbell. Both teams carded 15-under rounds after 18 holes.Settling for third place was ...

Valley football shifting into a Purple Haze

It seems like it was many moons ago.But way back in Week 1 of the prep football season the Martins Ferry Purple Riders took one on the chin at the hands of Buckeye Local. Needless to say, that score sent rippes through the Ohio Valley when it was announced on public address systems.However, that was many moons ago. The Martins Ferry Purple Riders aren't the same team. Most of the same kids are playing, but they have become more and more comfortable with the spread type of offense head coach Dave Bruney and offensive coordinator Dirk Fitch implemented this year due to the amount of ...

Flying Mancini breaks Wheeling sprint mark

When Lewis And Wax set the Wheeling Island sprint mark in 2005, trainer Ricardo Pacheco got goosebumps.When Flying Mancini shattered the record Monday in the semifinal round of the $100,000 Wheeling Invitational, it took Pacheco's breath away.Back in Wheeling less than a month after making the final of the 3/8 American Derby at Twin River (Lincoln) in Rhode Island, Mancini smoked a 29.34 to break Lewis And Wax' mark of 29.37 set in July 2005. She went box-to-wire from the two hole in a 9-length romp."We knew Mancini had track record speed since she schooled a 29.62 when she returned from ...