Sports briefs for February 10, 2004

Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2004 | 9:50 a.m.

College van rammed; two players killed

A tractor-trailer rig slammed into a van carrying members of the Navarro College team Monday night in Paris, Texas, killing two players and injuring the seven other people who were riding in the van.

The dead players were identified as Pah Sarr, a 21-year-old native of Gambia, and 18-year-old Jason Rashard Trier of Giddings, Texas

The van was making a U-turn on the team's return trip to Corsicana, Texas, after playing a game against Paris Junior College. It was struck broadside by the rig.

Justice of the Peace Ernie Sparks said the van was "busted to pieces."

"The ones who were in there, I don't know how they survived," said Sparks. "All the windows were gone."

Newspaper reports today said the van was carrying eight players and a graduate-assistant coach, who was driving.

Navarro College, a school of 750 students about 60 miles south of Dallas, awaited word this morning on the others involved in the crash. According to a spokesman at Paris Regional Medical Center, one person remained in critical condition, four were in serious condition and two in fair condition. The critically injured player, identified as freshman Chris Gonzalez from Chicago, was airlifted to Parkland Hospital in Dallas.

Flyers trade for Burke

The Philadelphia Flyers acquired three-time all-star goaltender Sean Burke from the Phoenix Coyotes in a trade for promising center Mike Comrie and the rights to unsigned winger Ben Eager, the 23rd overall selection in the 2002 draft.

Boston alters race

Boston Marathon officials announced a change in the starting format for the 2004 race that will have the elite female runners leave Hopkinton 25 minutes early. The change most likely means the women's winner will cross the finish line 8-10 minutes ahead of the first man.

Foreman in training

Former heavyweight champion George Foreman, 55, told a Houston television station that he has resumed training in hopes of staging a one-fight comeback.

Wie skips Canada

Fourteen-year-old Michelle Wie notified officials in Canada that she would not accept a sponsor's exemption to compete against men in the Legends on the Niagara in July.

Bears add QB coach

Wade Wilson, a Pro Bowl quarterback with the Minnesota Vikings in 1988, was hired as quarterbacks coach by the Chicago Bears.