Sports

AVONDALE, Ariz. — William Byron will start from the pole at Phoenix Raceway, trying to win his first Cup Series championship and give the famed No. 24 Chevrolet its first title since Jeff Gordon in 2001.

CINCINNATI — Joey Votto’s $20 million option for 2024 was declined Saturday by the Reds, making the first baseman a free agent and likely ending his career with Cincinnati after 17 seasons.

CLAYTON — New Bremen claimed a Division IV volleyball championship with a 25-15, 25-21, 15-25, 26-24 win Saturday against Fort Loramie at Northmont.

ELIDA — Two teams entered the Elida Fieldhouse on Saturday afternoon, only one would leave with a berth in next Friday night’s state semifinals.

TIFFIN — Ottawa Glandorf secured its third consecutive state appearance Saturday afternoon, defeating Eastwood 3-0 at Tiffin’s Frost-Kalnow Stadium.

OHIO STATE FOOTBALL

The passing of Bob Knight has produced a flood of articles and testimonials recounting his legendary basketball coaching career. His success was undeniable. He was the architect of three basketball national championships at Indiana University, an Olympic gold medal (the last US team to win it with only collegiate players on the roster) and was the first NCAA basketball coach to reach 900 career wins. He was a brilliant strategist who had a profound effect on the way the game was played.

In the big business that major college football has become it doesn’t take much before a coach is declared to be on the hot seat.

QUARTERBACKS

TROY — Troy defensive lineman Devon Strobel was the MVL’s Defensive Athlete of the Year for a reason.