Bill Powell, black golf pioneer, dies at 93
Bill Powell, the first African-American to build, own and operate a golf course, died Thursday. He was 93. The PGA of America said Powell died at Aultman Hospital in Canton, Ohio, following complications from a stroke.
Bill Powell
, the first African-American to build, own and operate a golf course, died Thursday. He was 93.
The PGA of America said Powell died at Aultman Hospital in Canton, Ohio, following complications from a stroke.
"Bill Powell will forever be one of golf's most unforgettable American heroes," PGA of America president Jim Remy said. "Bill made us appreciate the game and each other that much more by his gentle, yet firm example."
In August, Powell received the PGA Distinguished Service Award, the association's highest annual honor. In November, he was inducted into the Northern Ohio PGA Hall of Fame and honored as the Person of the Year by the Ohio Golf Course Owners Association.
"My father made a mark," said daughter Renee Powell, the second black player to compete on the LPGA Tour. "And, I believe that God wanted people to know the mark that he made on this nation."
The grandson of Alabama slaves, Powell created Clearview Golf Club after returning home following World War II. While serving in Europe, he earned the rank of Technical Sergeant in the U.S. Eighth Air Force Truck Battalion.
Powell was preceded in death by wife, Marcella, and son William. In addition to daughter Renee, he's survived by son Larry, who has served for more than 30 years as superintendent at Clearview Golf Club. Funeral arrangements are pending.
College Football
* Fired Texas Tech coach Mike Leach says he did not mistreat a player after a concussion. Leach spoke to the New York Times and ESPN about his firing. He was dismissed Wednesday, two days after his suspension.
The school was investigating his treatment of sophomore receiver Adam James, who said Leach twice confined him to a small, dark place after his concussion diagnosis. Leach told the Times and ESPN that James was lazy and acted as if entitled to special treatment.
* East Carolina has suspended running back Jonathan Williams and defensive back Leonard Paulk for today's Liberty Bowl against Arkansas. Coach Skip Holtz said the suspensions stemmed from a Thursday "incident." He didn't elaborate other than to say "both players were equally wrong."
* Boise State coach Chris Petersen has agreed to a 5-year contract through 2014. Petersen is 48-4 in four seasons at Boise State (13-0) and the sixth-ranked Broncs will face No. 3 Texas Christian on Monday in the Fiesta Bowl.
Sport Stops
* American snowboarder Kevin Pearce was in critical condition at a Utah hospital after suffering a head injury while training in Park City. Pearce's condition at University of Utah hospital in Salt Lake City hasn't changed since having surgery Thursday.
* Thousands gathered at the Obelisk in the center of Argentina's capital of Buenos Aires for the symbolic start of the Dakar Rally. Competitors embarked on a 215-mile drive to the city of Colon. The real racing on the 5,600-mile journey across Argentina and Chile begins today for more than 350 drivers in cars, motorbikes, quads and trucks. The finish is back in Buenos Aires on Jan. 16.
* Rafael Nadal won and Roger Federer lost in the semifinals of the season-opening Capitala exhibition tennis tournament in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Nadal beat Spanish Davis Cup teammate David Ferrer to secure a place in the final against Robin Soderling, who beat the top-ranked Federer.