State sports briefs

— Giants, Petrus agree to terms

The New York Giants agreed to terms with fifth-round draft pick Mitch Petrus of Arkansas on Wednesday.

A walk-on in college, Petrus played fullback, both guard positions, tight end and was on the kick coverage unit in his four seasons with the Razorbacks. He was academically ineligible for the 2008 season. He was the only offensive player taken by New York in the draft.

The Giants have five of their seven draft picks under contract. Safety Chad Jones, the third-round pick, signed last week. Linebackers Phillip Dillard of Nebraska and Adrian Tracy of William & Mark, the fourth and sixth round picks, respectively, agreed Tuesday. Punter Matt Dodge of East Carolina also signed Wednesday.

Red Wolves to open 2011 season at Illinois

Arkansas State Athletic Director Dean Lee announced Wednesday that Illinois has been added to the 2011 football schedule. The game will be the Red Wolves’ season opener Sept. 3 at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Ill.

With a capacity of 62,870, Memorial Stadium will have the potential to draw one of the top crowds to watch an ASU football game.

Illinois is the third nonconference opponent announced for the 2011 season, with Arkansas State receiving an $850,000 guarantee for the game. The Red Wolves will host Memphis on Sept. 10 in a home-and-home series that will continue through at least the 2013 season, and Arkansas State will travel to Virginia Tech on Sept. 17 for its fourth all-time matchup against the Hokies.

ASU kicks off its 2010 season Sept. 4 at Auburn, with the home opener scheduled for Sept. 18 against Louisiana-Monroe.

BASEBALL

UCA players receive academic honors

Three Central Arkansas baseball players were named to the Southland Conference All-Academic team Wednesday.

Senior Tye Throneberry was named to the first team for a second consecutive season, while junior Zack Dickson and sophomore Blake Roberts were second-team selections.

Throneberry, a center fielder from Pine Bluff, graduated with a degree in biology in May. He carried a 3.67 grade-point average for his career. Throneberry finished in the top 10 in several career categories at UCA, including games played and hits.

Dickson, a junior third baseman from Oakville, Ontario, was the Bears’ fourth-leading hitter this season with a .320 average. He carries a 3.67 grade-point average in mass communications.

Roberts, a sophomore first baseman from Springdale, led the Bears with six home runs and was the second-leading hitter at .341 in 52 games. Roberts carries a 3.66 grade-point average in business.

ODDS & ENDS

UCA coaches sign contracts

Three Central Arkansas head coaches have signed new contracts, according to Athletic Director Brad Teague.

Football Coach Clint Conque and women’s basketball Coach Matt Daniel have signed five-year contracts, while men’s basketball Coach Corliss Williamson signed a three-year contract.

Conque is entering his 11th season at UCA and is second in career victories with 73. He led the Bears to a first-place finish in the Southland Conference in 2008. In just his second season, Daniel led the Sugar Bears to a 21-8 record last season, a Southland Conference record turnaround of 15 victories from the previous year.

Williamson, a former NCAA champion at Arkansas and NBA champion with the Detroit Pistons, took over the UCA men’s basketball program in March.

Sports, Pages 23 on 06/24/2010

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