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Compiled from Times wires
© St. Petersburg Times, published December 21, 2000
Colorado Rapids hire former Mutiny coach
Seeking to energize their offense, the Colorado Rapids hired former Mutiny coach Tim Hankinson as the franchise's fourth head coach.
Hankinson replaced Glenn Myernick, who was fired last month because of the team's flat play.
"We have to create excitement in the way we play," Hankinson said.
Hankinson, 45, coached the Mutiny for 21/2 seasons, leading it to a 39-38-4 record. The Mutiny, 0-4 in the post-season under Hankinson, were 16-12-4 last season and lost in the first round of the playoffs.
ARENAS: Philadelphia's city council approved a $1.01-billion plan to build stadiums for baseball's Phillies and football's Eagles.
HORSE RACING: Representatives of Tampa Bay Downs management and the Tampa Bay Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association were scheduled to meet this morning in another attempt to forge a contract for the ongoing live meet. The horsemen were to meet with Rick Hiles, president of their national organization, on Wednesday in preparation for another round of talks. The track Wednesday closed entries for its Saturday card; 74 horses were entered in nine races. Purses will be cut 40 percent, as they were Tuesday, reflecting a loss in simulcast money. The track cannot beam its simulcast signal out of state without a deal.
TICKETS: Up to a dozen businesses are being investigated for allegedly scalping tickets to the upcoming college bowl games and the Super Bowl, Florida state officials said. Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Bob Crawford said he is also warning merchants and ticket holders that it is illegal to resell tickets in excess of $1 above the face value.
COLLEGES: Florida State's breakthough season in women's soccer was capped with the school's first post-season national rankings and regional honors for its coach and one of its top players. The Seminoles, who reached the NCAA tournament for the first time and lost in the Sweet 16 to Clemson, were ranked No. 12 by SoccerBuzz magazine and No. 14 by the coaches association. Patrick Baker was named coach of the year, and Emma Breland was named freshman of the year in the southeast region by SoccerBuzz. ... Tampa's Preston Bokos won the 200 freestyle (1 minute, 46.29 seconds) and the 500 freestyle (4:53.98) in a dual meet victory against College of Charleston. The men's team also beat Shippensburg and lost to Auburn in a tri-meet. The women's team beat Charleston and Shippensburg and fell to Auburn.
SKIING: Hermann Maier's ban was lifted by the sport's ruling body, allowing him to compete in today's giant slalom in Bormio, Italy. ... Janica Kostelic won a World Cup slalom event in Sestriere, Italy, for her fourth consecutive victory. ... Mika Myllyla earned his first victory this winter, capturing the 30-kilometer race today at a World Cup cross-country event in Davos, Switzerland.
BOXING: Paul Ingle opened his eyes, moved his hand and was breathing on his own, four days after he had brain surgery and was placed in a drug-induced coma. "We're obviously very pleased with his progress," manager Frank Maloney said.
BOWLING: Bob Glass was named Senior Player of the Year.