Friday, December 12, 2025

Take a peek behind the curtain and test drive the NEW StateNews.com today!

Sports

FOOTBALL

Spartans beat Iowa 31-28 in Homecoming game

Eric Lacy
October 13, 2001

The Spartans may have slipped by Iowa 31-28 in today’s Homecoming game at Spartan Stadium. But MSU played like MSU - it topped off its big plays with even bigger turnovers. Senior defensive tackle Josh Shaw had the first crowd pleaser in the opening series, intercepting a pass from Hawkeye quarterback Kyle McCann, who had four interceptions in the loss. Three plays later, sophomore Jeff Smoker connected with senior receiver Herb Haygood on a 47-yard slant that placed the Spartans on the Iowa 1-yard line.

BASKETBALL

First practice is Motown LoDown

Aaron Johnson
October 12, 2001

The first step toward another winning basketball season begins tonight and the Spartans aren’t too proud to ask for some support.The MSU men’s and women’s basketball teams officially begin their seasons with the Motown Lo’Down at 10:30 p.m today in Breslin Center.Players will be available to sign autographs, and prizes will be given away before the teams are officially introduced with Motown tunes blasting in the background.At midnight, the first official practice for both teams will begin, giving fans a sneak look at the Spartan teams.For the men, that team will be drastically different than last year’s.The team lost five seniors after they graduated (including starters Charlie Bell, Andre Hutson and David Thomas) and said adios to guard Jason Richardson and forward Zach Randolph, who left early for the NBA.That mass exodus has put a tad bit of pressure on the remaining players and new freshmen to follow four years of Big Ten Championships, three straight Final Four appearances and the 2000 National Championship.“The (freshmen) have to step up, they don’t really have a choice,” junior forward Adam Ballinger said.

ICE HOCKEY

LSSU begins two-game stint at Munn tonight

James Jahnke
October 11, 2001

The unknowns of christening a new hockey venue are now in MSU’s rearview mirror, but the Spartans still don’t know exactly what to expect in their next series.After tying Michigan 3-3 in “The Cold War” at Spartan Stadium on Saturday, top-ranked MSU (0-0-1 overall, 0-0-1 CCHA) returns to Munn Ice Arena for a two-game set with Lake Superior State today and Friday.

SOCCER

Team downs Oakland 4-1, U-M next

Aaron Johnson
October 11, 2001

Despite the menacing weather, a crowd of 245 gathered to watch the MSU men’s soccer team down the Oakland Grizzlies 4-1 Wednesday at Old College Field. The game started slow with neither team creating many chances for themselves. The Spartans (7-2-1, 2-1 Big Ten) went into halftime 1-0, but both teams only had two shots on goal for the half. But Oakland (4-3-2) came out a little flat as well, allowing the Spartans to remain in the game with their subpar performance. “Both teams played sloppy soccer for half an hour,” head coach Joe Baum said.

ICE HOCKEY

Limited playing time motivates scratches to improve play

James Jahnke
October 10, 2001

MSU junior left wing Steve Clark said Saturday was “maybe the biggest disappointment” of his career.It seems like an odd statement considering Saturday was the day the top-ranked Spartans hosted “The Cold War,” broke the world hockey attendance record and tied archrival Michigan 3-3 in Spartan Stadium.Many of Clark’s teammates actually called Saturday one of the best, most memorable days of their lives.

FOOTBALL

Secondary gets rearranged

Justin A. Rice
October 10, 2001

MSU head coach Bobby Williams played musical chairs with his lineup after both of his starting cornerbacks suffered injuries in the bye week.Both senior DeMario Suggs and freshman Jason Harmon broke an ankle and are out eight to10 weeks.As a result, Williams shuffled his players and even dipped into his offensive resources.

SOCCER

Kickers can build on Buckeye win against Oakland

Aaron Johnson
October 10, 2001

Soccer in the United States may not cause the uproar among fans like the Manchester United or Liverpool can.But East Lansing soccer hooligans will have a reason to cheer tonight as the MSU men’s soccer team takes on a diversified Oakland University team at 4:00 p.m.

SPORTS

Team takes two first-place finishes at Head of Ohio over weekend

Aaron Johnson
October 9, 2001

The weather provided a challenge, but the MSU women’s crew team found a way to succeed as they traveled Saturday to Pittsburgh to compete in the Head of the Ohio. The regatta included 117 organizations and Big Ten rivals Penn State, Ohio State and Michigan. The Spartans entered boats in four races - open pairs, club eight, open four and open eight - and came out with two first-place finishes. Junior Kate Gay and senior Krista Buzzel won the first race of the day, the open pairs, with a time of 17:01.60. Sophomore coxswain Michelle Fix, junior Stacey Atkinson, junior Amy Silder, sophomore Amy Pennington, senior Beth Kaupa, senior Kate Yauk, junior Laura Thomas, junior Ty Middleton and senior Laurie Kozlakowski won the club eight race in 15:22.80.

ICE HOCKEY

Injuries, talk of sequel follow Cold War

James Jahnke
October 9, 2001

MSU head coach Ron Mason and Michigan head coach Red Berenson didn’t just leave the door open for the possibility of another massive outdoor hockey game occurring - they all but took it off the hinges. After “The Cold War” set the world record for hockey attendance (74,554) and basically went off without a hitch Saturday night, the long-time coaches said a follow-up was inevitable. But where will it happen next? “The world of professional hockey and the world of college hockey will both look at it,” Berenson said.

VOLLEYBALL

Ankle sprain in game two doesnt sideline Hartley; comes back to inspire team to 3-1 at Purdue

Dan Woike
October 8, 2001

When senior outside hitter Erin Hartley landed on the foot of junior middle blocker Angela Morley and went down with a sprained ankle in the second game Saturday at Purdue, it was reason to be worried. “She’s the primary player on our team and it takes a lot away from us,” Spartan head coach Chuck Erbe said. But when Hartley returned midway into the same game, it was reason to be inspired. “We got a big lift when Erin came back into the game, and she played great,” junior outside hitter Kyla Smith said.