Sports briefs for June 22, 2004

Tuesday, June 22, 2004 | 10:07 a.m.

Henderson man 15th in Race Across America

Henderson firefighter Scott Dakus checked in this morning at time station No. 10 in Heber, Ariz., 553 miles into the Insight Race Across America and in 15th place in the men's solo standings.

Slovenian racer Jure Robic, the runner-up last year in the coast-to-coast cycling race, had taken a stranglehold on the event. He was at time station No. 14 in Socorro, N.M., this morning, more than 80 miles ahead of second-place Michael Trevino.

The 2,958.6-mile race began Sunday morning in San Diego and will conclude possibly as early as Saturday night on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City.

Kirk accepts honor

Stanford swimmer Tara Kirk accepted the Broderick Cup as the nation's collegiate woman athlete of the year. Kirk was among five finalists -- a group that included Diana Taurasi, who led Connecticut to three consecutive national championships in basketball, North Carolina soccer standout Catherine Reddick, Florida State softball player Jessica van der Linden and Southern California volleyball star April Ross.

Milk picks local winner

Robert Parker, who graduated this month from Palo Verde High School, was named today one of 25 national recipients of the Scholar Athlete Milk Mustache of the Year award. Parker will receive a $7,500 college scholarship and a spot in a milk-mustache magazine ad.

Charge dropped for Law

Miami prosecutors dropped a final charge Monday against New England Patriots cornerback Ty Law, who was arrested in April after he allegedly led police on a brief foot chase. Joel Hirschhorn, Law's attorney, said he previously discussed the case with prosecutors, who dropped the charge before Monday's hearing.

Hall honors two

Philadelphia Daily News writer Phil Jasner and Kansas announcer Max Falkenstien were chosen by the Basketball Hall of Fame to receive the Curt Gowdy Award given to media members.

Costa Rica fires coach

Former U.S. national coach Steve Sampson was fired today as Costa Rica's coach after his team struggled past traditionally weak Cuba in World Cup qualifying.