The Record, Bergen County, NJ

Greer's Gamble Pays Off ; Passaic Star Wins 160 Title

Words escaped Tyjon Greer. The Passaic senior had just won the 160-pound title at the Passaic County wrestling tournament on Saturday at West Milford, by defeating top-seeded Passaic Valley senior Miguel Perez, 3-1, in overtime.

Hall of a Game On Tap ; the Pirates at Rutgers Suddenly Is a Hot Item

A week or so ago, a looming Seton Hall-Rutgers men's basketball matchup was as appealing as a visit to the dentist's office. Not anymore.

Kidd Wants Out of N.J., but Don't Hold Your Breath

Jason Kidd no longer wants to be a Net. The writing has been on the wall all season, but Kidd finally confirmed it Monday, telling ESPN.com, "We tried to make this work. We've found out it doesn't. It's time for us all to move on."

Trautwein, Molke Both Strike Gold

NEW YORK - Rob Molke and Christian Trautwein battled to the finish line in the 1,000-meter run at Monday's NNJIL indoor championships at the Armory Track Center with Don Bosco's Molke edging his Ridgewood counterpart, with both clocked in 2:35.9. Yet both runners earned gold medals in the three-division setting that is the NNJIL. Hackensack, Ridgewood and Don Bosco's boys and Clifton, Ridgewood and Immaculate Heart's girls won divisional titles in comfortable fashion with all divisions clinch...

Athletes of the Week

Perhaps it's only fitting that Raldaine McDonald, Englewood's junior track star, is into sleek, fast cars. It's just a case of speed being drawn to speed. "I'm obsessed with cars," said McDonald, who earned The Record's Male Athlete of the Week honor after dominant performances at the Bergen Relays and the Paul Schwartz Invitational. "Performance. The way they look. Their body. Their speed."

Sights & Sounds

Spotlight on: Giants' receiver Brandon London London doesn't dress for games and no, the wide receiver isn't even on the active roster. But the practice squad player has a huge role as the Giants' prepare for Super Bowl XLII because he takes the part of Randy Moss in practice. "The guys all say to me, 'Come on Brandon, we need you to help us get ready,' and they get on me if I don't do my best," London said. "Whoever the best receiver is on the other team, I'm ready."

Agent, Son Defend Clemens ; Report Refutes Notion Rocket's Career Fueled by Steroids

HOUSTON With Roger Clemens a no-show at the Houston Astros' training camp Monday, Koby Clemens spoke out in defense of his dad. Roger Clemens was accused by his former trainer in last month's Mitchell Report of using steroids and human growth hormone in 1998, 2000 and 2001, allegations the seven-time Cy Young Award winner vehemently denies.

Baseball Notes

Cano set to sign Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano will be traveling to New York in the next few days to finalize a contract that could net him $57 million over the next six years, according to a source familiar with the negotiations. The deal is pending completion of a physical.

Barbaro Memorial Near Derby Finish Line

LOUISVILLE, Ky. Barbaro's owners will return to Churchill Downs today to honor the 2006 Kentucky Derby winner on the first anniversary of his death. Neither the Jacksons nor Churchill Downs would elaborate on plans. The Kentucky Derby Museum, a few hundred feet from the finish line, has offered to set up a memorial for the colt in whatever manner the Jacksons deem appropriate.

Sports Ticker

BASKETBALL Stefhon Hannah, Missouri's leading scorer, could be out the rest of the season after breaking his jaw in a brawl outside a nightclub. * Connecticut guards Jerome Dyson and Doug Wiggins were ticketed by campus police last week for having alcohol, a day before coach Jim Calhoun suspended both players indefinitely. * The WNBA's player's union agreed on a six-year contract that will increase salaries and provide labor security through 2013. * Five-time All-Star Chris Webber is expected...

Devil's Welcome

State Should Keep Meet in Holmdel

It's not as dramatic as moving the Masters from Augusta or the Rose Bowl from Pasadena, but on the New Jersey cross-country scene, the shift of the State Meet of Champions from Holmdel Park to Thompson Park in Lincroft would be just as significant and just as shortsighted. This month, athletic directors and principals are voting whether to leave a course with more than 30 years of history and tradition for another with nothing to recommend it but no rent and a larger starting line.

Eli has Arrived ; Qb Needs to Believe He Can Pull Off Upset

PHOENIX - Eli Manning finally touched down in the desert Monday, and the dust storm that greeted Tom Brady the day before did not swirl about the football player who was born to avoid any public fuss. The credentialed photographers weren't seen making an all-out paparazzi's blitz of his right ankle. Just as he was the other quarterback in his own household, Eli arrived in the Giants' United charter as the other quarterback in the big game.

Giants to Keep It Strictly Business

CHANDLER, Ariz. The Men in Black hit the desert. The Giants' charter arrived late Monday at Sky Harbor International Airport, carrying the NFC's entry in Sunday's Super Bowl. And when the pod opened, out stepped about 40 players and other team employees dressed in black suits, most with black ties and black shirts.

Patriots Sidestep Topic of Brady's Ankle ; Left Tackle Sheds Light On 'Dirty' Play

PHOENIX The most famous ankle in football drew plenty of attention again Monday, as Patriots' quarterback Tom Brady and his heavily-taped right foot returned to the practice field for the first time since winning the AFC title a week ago Sunday. With news from the team practices here in Arizona now reduced to a pool reporter, the information on Brady was limited. And not surprisingly, Brady's teammates and head coach weren't looking to share additional details of how much Brady was able to d...

Proud Part of the Team ; Yorio Overcomes Disability to Bowl for Mahwah

OAKLAND Sitting in one of the chairs next to the scorer's table, Matt Yorio looks like anyone else at Holiday Bowl. Whether he's joining in the conversation with his Mahwah junior varsity teammates or focusing on his next frame, Yorio fits in here. He rises from his seat, picks up his bright orange ball with his left hand and proceeds to the foul line, where he pauses to line up his shot before releasing the 8-pound ball. Although his form is not traditional, it works for him. But it's after...

Honor Roll

103 1. Dave Della Torre, River Dell, 23-0

The Top 25

1. Bergen Catholic (12-5) 2. Don Bosco (9-2)

The Waiting Game ; Eastside Star Hopes for Word From Stanford

This is one in a series of stories on North Jersey football players leading up to National Letter of Intent signing day Feb. 6. **

Athletes of the Week

When Bryeanne Ravettine isn't swimming and that's not too often given her demanding aquatic schedule she likes to dabble in art. "It's something I can squeeze in when I want to," said the Immaculate Heart junior, who earned The Record Female Athlete of the Week honor after dominating three championship meets in one week.