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 - -- -- -- -- -- " " COOKIESr Enjoy the Game with 1 Mrs. Peabodyfs1 Voted Ann Arbor's Best Cookie 1 Gifts shipped anywhere in US e 6 1 Call orders 761-CHIP .010 * 715 N. University .... .. .. .. ..-- . .-...... *1 F^* } ..f and so many other smart functions. We've spent years with students like you and edu- cators like your professors to develop the TI-68 and the TI-81. That's why they're so highly recommended. For engineering students, The TI-68 solves up to five simultaneous equations, provides complex number functions and offers formula programming. That's power. 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