Page 10-The Michigan Daily- Wednesday, September 11, 1991
I
L
T- HT- E
SPORTING VIEWS
Connors finds youth
in exciting U. S. Open
Mitch Rubenstein
Daily Sports Writer
It was well after 1 o'clock in the morning, Wednesday, August 28,
when a brash American named James Scott Connors - with the body of a
39-year-old and the heart of a lion - capped one of the greatest comeback
victories in U.S. Open tennis history.
As he raced toward the net, his hands raised high in the air, 20 years
seemed to roll off his life in a matter of seconds.
A few thousand exuberant tennis fans stood and cheered inside the sta-
dium court at the USTA National Tennis Center. They had just watched a
rallying victory that only the gutsy street-fighter from Illinois could have
made.
Connors' opponent on that magical night bore a surname of greatness.
One whose influence on American tennis was equal to that of his own. It
was young Patrick McEnroe who had just experienced firsthand the sting
of the Connor's bite that had sunk its teeth into Patrick's older brother
John so many times before.
Down two sets to love and a break of service, Jimmy ignored all the
variables that were working against him. The aging warrior should not
even have been there that night. His health had failed him in recent months
and his ranking had slipped all the way to No. 998 in the world at the start
of the year. Only a wild card bid into the tournament allowed him his
chance at a real-life fairy tale.
With the match approaching midnight, it appeared as if his Cinderella
story was about to end. This time, however, the story was a little different.
Connors allowed the cotillion to continue long enough for him to win and
win and win. Five times all together en route to the semifinals. Cinderella
not only got to marry the prince, she got to marry him five more times.
Once again, in the round of sixteen, Connors outfought fellow U.S.
baseline basher Aaron Krickstein of Grosse Point, Mich. Krickstein, like
young Mac, was forced to deal with the wrath of 'Con'-nors. This time
Connors prevailed, winning the decisive set, 7-6.
Jimbo is part of a dying breed that has seen its sport become almost en-
tirely dominated by an elite group of young tennis junkies. Spoiled kids
with dollar signs twinkling in their baby blue eyes.
But for twelve glorious days, Connors showed that a "meat and pota-
toes" guy can still get the job done. And he can get it done with a tremen-
dous flair for the dramatic.
Jimmy Connors proved that youth doesn't always mean more than
experience and determination. Connors advanced to the semi-finals of
the U.S. Open before being eliminated by fellow American Jim Courier.
0
WHAT'S
HAPPENING
GRIDDESI.n w~
NY Mets pitcher Dwight Gooden ponders his Griddes choices
for this week after a recent workout. This has been a disappointing
season for Doc and Mets fans around the country, so he has
turned to football in hopes of some success. Not that he's gam-
bling, or anything. 'Game No. 3, Iowa vs. Iowa State at Ames? ...
Hmmmm.'
We don't know who he picked, but you can win a $10 gift
certificate to O'Sullivan's Eatery & Pub with your choices if you
have selected the most winners. Circle your picks and drop off this
ballot by Friday at the Daily, 420 Maynard, on the second floor of
the Student Publications Building.
1. Notre Dame vs. Michigan
2. Central Michigan vs. Michigan St.
3. Iowa vs. Iowa St.
4. Louisville vs. Ohio St.
5. Missouri vs: Illinois
6. Rice vs. Northwestern
7. California vs. Purdue
8. Western Illinois vs. Wisconsin
9. San Jose St. vs. Minnesota
10. Penn St. at Southern Cal.
11. Western Michigan vs. Florida State
12. Alabama vs. Florida
13. UCLA vs. Tennessee
14. Baylor vs. Colorado
15. Colorado St. vs. Nebraska
16. Georgia Tech vs. Boston College
17. Mississippi vs. Auburn
18. LSU vs. Texas A&M
19. Syracuse vs. Maryland
20. North Texas St. vs. Oklahoma
Tiebreaker: Total points Notre Dame vs. Michigan:
Name:
Phone:
RECREATIONAL SPORTS
Intramural Sports Program
SLOW PITCH SOFTBALL
Entries close: Friday September 13, 1991
11:00am-4:30pm .,IMSB
SOFTBALL OFFICIALS
Clinic Begins: Tuesday Sept 17, 1991
7:00pm IMSB
CALL 763-3562 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- -- -- -- -- -- " "
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