The Elevator

Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2005 | 9:08 a.m.

Who's headed toward the penthouse on the local sports scene -- and who's getting the shaft:

GOING UP

Pat Hill: The former UNLV assistant under Tony Knap nearly shocked the college football world -- again -- as his Fresno State Bulldogs frightened the BCS out of No. 1 USC before losing 50-42 in an instant college football classic. I don't know how Hill keeps doing it on such a limited budget. Must be the Fu Manchu.

Shane Steichen: The UNLV quarterback finally returned to the lineup for the season finale and nearly guided the Rebels to an upset victory over Colorado State with his running and passing. He'll make a fine backup for USC transfer Rocky Hinds next season.

Keenan McCardell: If the former UNLV wideout grew a beard, he would look like Grady from "Sanford and Son." Despite pushing middle age, McCardell (six catches, 88 yards, one touchdown against the Bills) continues to catch everything that is thrown his way for the San Diego Chargers.

GOING DOWN

TCU basketball: The Horned Frogs lost 68-59 to something called Tarleton State over the weekend. Good thing it's still/ always football season in Fort Worth.

San Diego State: The Aztecs lost 66-63 to something called Illinois-Chicago over the weekend. Actually, I've heard of Illinois-Chicago. But if the class of the Mountain West, according to the preseason forecast, can't beat Illinois Chicago on a neutral floor in Fairbanks, Alaska, it's going to be a long, cold and dark winter for the MWC.

U.S. House of Representatives: We keep hearing lip service from the feds about how boxing needs a federal regulatory commission. So then the House votes down the bill to establish one by a 233-190 margin. The Sun scorecard had it 10-9 for Sen. John McCain.

Gov. Kenny Guinn: We keep hearing lip service from the state politicos about how Nevada needs a strong athletic commission that will protect the welfare of its fighters. So instead of reappointing Dr. Flip Homansky, whose heart was always in the right place on these matters, Guinn gave his spot on the board to Reno businessman T.J. Day, whose wallet was in the right place come campaign time.

Ron Kantowski can be reached at 259-4088 or at ron@lasvegassun.com.