An American Indian historian who objects to the Indian mascot nickname used by South Bend St. Joseph’s High School will meet with Catholic diocese administrators to air his concerns, a diocese spokesman said.
The diocese’s school superintendent, the school’s principal and historian Brian Collier will meet Friday. The South Bend Tribune reported Wednesday that the meeting will be “private and preliminary,” according to Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend spokesman Vince LaBarbera.
Collier, who has two children attending Catholic school, said he didn’t think the Indian nickname and mascot was appropriate for the 800-student high school.
Collier said he was pleased that school and diocesan officials had agreed to meet with him. One reason for his objections: signs held by fans of opposing sports teams.
“They have signs that say ‘Kill the Indians,’ ‘Scalp the Indians,’ ” said Collier, who works for the Alliance for Catholic Education at Notre Dame.
While neither of the Catholic high schools in Fort Wayne – the Bishop Luers Knights and Bishop Dwenger Saints – has an Indian nickname, some schools in northeast Indiana do, including the North Side Redskins, Bellmont Braves, Woodlan Warriors and Wawasee Warriors.
AUTO RACING
IRL won’t race at Homestead in 2011
A person with knowledge of the decision says Homestead-Miami Speedway will not play host to an Indy Racing League event in 2011. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the IRL isn’t unveiling next year’s schedule until Friday. It has long been expected that Las Vegas would take over for Homestead as site of the season finale.
BASKETBALL
Buckeyes add 20th home game
Ohio State coach Thad Matta announced that Oakland University will play the Buckeyes on Dec. 23 in Columbus. The Buckeyes had previously released their schedule, but then added the Oakland game, a record 20th at home.
Ex-Michigan star Robinson convicted
Rumeal Robinson, who led Michigan to the NCAA men’s basketball championship in 1989 and later played in the NBA, was convicted in federal court of borrowing more than $700,000 for a sham business deal and then spending the money on a condominium, expensive furniture and cars. A jury found Robinson guilty of 11 counts, including bank bribery, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud and making a false statement to a financial institution. He faces up to 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine on each count. A date for sentencing hasn’t been set.
FOOTBALL
Bellmont QB out for season
Bellmont starting quarterback Forrest Fullenkamp is done for the season, assistant coach Greg Meyer said. Fullenkamp was diagnosed Tuesday with a torn ACL, torn meniscus and fractured knee joint, injuries suffered Friday in a 21-14 loss at Columbia City. Fullenkamp will have surgery and will likely miss at least the first two months of the basketball season. Fullenkamp will be replaced by his cousin Brian Fullenkamp.
Ingram doubtful for Penn State
Alabama coach Nick Saban said tailback Mark Ingram is unlikely to play for the top-ranked Crimson Tide against No. 19 Penn State on Saturday. Saban said that last season’s Heisman Trophy winner was able to run Tuesday and his left knee is “improving every day,” but he probably won’t play against the Nittany Lions.
HIGH SCHOOLS
Lawmakers raise concussion issue
Two New Jersey congressmen are pushing for more funding for high schools to raise awareness about the dangers of concussions among athletes. Rep. William Pascrell Jr. has authored a bill that addresses the issue. Some studies say the number of reported concussions among children has doubled since the late 1990s. However, medical personnel receive reports of as few as one in 10 concussions.
HOCKEY
Red Wings sign veteran Maltby
The Detroit Red Wings have signed forward Kirk Maltby to a one-year contract. The 37-year-old Maltby has been a Red Wing since the 1995-96 season. Maltby scored just four goals and had two assists in 52 games last season and will likely be on the fourth line if he makes the team this year.
