Waldon blossoms for USF
The junior forward adds the missing ingredient of leadership to his repertoire.

Bucs/NFL
Christensen likely to get nod
Bucs QB coach in line for offensive coordinator after Tony Dungy tells Chris Palmer he'll pick from inside.

New rumor, new denial: no Parcells
TAMPA -- One day after confirming that the Bucs are not for sale, the franchise had to deal with rumors that Bill Parcells had been contacted about becoming coach.

Coaches beckoned back to school
With salary nearing NFL levels, many find the security and autonomy at college alluring.

Golf
Palmer upset as controversy over Callaway driver persists
Golfers love the long ball. They are enamored with the prospect of splitting fairways and going deep, salivating over the latest and greatest technology that seemingly will allow them to do so.

Tennis
Capriati in first Slam final
She beats Davenport in straight sets, will play Hingis for Australian Open title.

Shorts
Baseball briefs
Umpires practice with a new strike zone

Sports briefs
Another football star says no to Penn State

Tonight: N.C.State at FSU
Tonight: USF vs. Depaul

Women's college basketball briefs
FSU ends long drought vs. UVa

Men's college basketball briefs
UNC tops UVa, wins 13th straight

NBA briefs
Refreshed Heat dumps Raptors as Carter sits a lot

NHL briefs
Victory is pure Mario for Penguins

NFL briefs
Niners assistant to coach Detroit

World Boxing League takes first step tonight
The new circuit's only two members, Tampa Bay and Atlanta, meet.

Motorsports
Track owner's pull makes NTRA shift
Frank Stronach's power trip might be a boon for the rank and file of the industry.

Lightning
Passengers, prepare to depart
In dire straits, the Lightning gets serious about players shaping up or shipping out.

Tonight: Lightning vs. Senators
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30; Ice Palace, Tampa

Preps
USA speeds to easy win over Europe
CLEARWATER -- Seminole coach Sam Roper said he didn't know what to expect when his USA football team, comprised of all-stars from Pinellas County, played Europe on Wednesday night.

With its wide-open offense stifled, Japan falls victim to Canada's size
CLEARWATER -- Japan assistant coach Nakazawa Kazunari showed off the thick offensive playbook his team planned to use during the Global Junior Championship V this week in Clearwater.

Big second half propels Gators
WESLEY CHAPEL -- Land O'Lakes coach Dave Puhalski said Wesley Chapel was an improved team after Wednesday's 77-49 win over the Wildcats.

Semifinal pairings set
The East Bay girls and Gaither boys earned the top seeds for the Western Conference Championships.

Rookie leads rally as Pirates get win
ZEPHYRHILLS -- Pasco coach Mark DeAugustino had a surprise waiting for Zephyrhills on Wednesday. Before their meet, DeAugustino said his 140-pounder, Devon Bryant, was ready for a breakthrough.

Area's best orally commits to Notre Dame
TAMPA -- As Gaither running back Lydell Ross weighed his college options, Notre Dame's stock rose and fell, along with that of Florida, Auburn, Tennessee and Ohio State.

Bucs fall behind but beat Tigers
TAMPA -- One is a sophomore whose poise belies his age; the other a senior whose coach says he should have known better.

Armwood pair make decisions
TAMPA -- Armwood's Keith Watts and Josh Chilsom grew up in small towns. When it came time to choose colleges, they opted to return to those surroundings.

In A-9, everyone makes playoffs
Well, it helps that there are only two teams (one that is 2-18) in the district.