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Sports | Basketball Men's 1000

SPORTS

Flights around sports stadiums banned by FAA

The Associated Press Washington - The government has banned all aircraft from flying within three miles of major professional and college sporting events and any other large open air gathering. The Federal Aviation Administration’s notice to pilots became effective at noon Thursday, said spokeswoman Laura Brown.

FOOTBALL

Smoker, Van Dyke play video games, share a pad, agree its all about support

Roommates Jeff Smoker and Ryan Van Dyke couldn’t wait to give the video game, NCAA Football 2002, a shot this summer.The two quarterbacks, who shared playing time during the Spartans 35-21 victory over Central Michigan last week, flicked on the television screen, loaded up their Sony PlayStation 2 and were amused at what they saw.Smoker, a sophomore, was listed as MSU’s starting quarterback, while Van Dyke, a senior, was depicted as backup with one noticeably inaccurate quality.“I’m just the backup, and I don’t appreciate that they have me left-handed too,” joked Van Dyke, who’s right-handed.

SPORTS

Toloff, team prepares for Spartan invite

Chris Toloff isn’t labeled with any of the question marks that usually hover around true freshmen competing in Division I athletics.The rookie runner for the MSU men’s cross country team is strong (he says he prefers courses with more hills to utilize his power), he’s talented (finishing second overall in MSU’s first race of the season), and he’s confident.“I expect big things for myself this year,” Toloff said.

ICE HOCKEY

Hockey ticket goof-up angers students

A rude awakening greeted several Spartan hockey fans Monday morning when their student season tickets weren’t available as scheduled in the Athletic Ticket Office in Jenison Field House. The tickets were supposed to be available at 8 a.m.

SPORTS

Weekend sporting slate shredded as NFL, major leagues take days off

By Howard Fendrich The Associated Press General management sophomore Chesare Hill is wondering what Saturday will be like without the scheduled football game. After announcing Wednesday the home game against Missouri was on, MSU and Missouri officials decided to cancel the game Thursday, because of unusual travel logistics following the terrorist attack Tuesday.

VOLLEYBALL

Knopps turns into major hitter for team

Surprises have surrounded sophomore outside hitter-turned-defensive specialist Stephanie Knopp all year.A pre-season chat with MSU head coach Chuck Erbe left Knopp thinking she had to improve if she wanted to play, she said.