THE ELEVATOR

Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2006 | 7:30 a.m.

Who's headed toward the penthouse in the world of local sports (and occasionally beyond) - and who's getting the shaft:

GOING UP

Shane Steichen

Five crucial touchdown passes against New Mexico. Four costly turnovers. Say this about the Rebels' overachieving backup/starting quarterback: When he gets into a game, he sure makes it interesting.

Frys.com Open

The Las Vegas Founders, the chief benefactor of the Frys.com Open, on Monday made a second donation of $500,000 to the Nevada Cancer Institute. This is why amateurs play with pros here. And this is also why it is important to keep our PGA tournament alive, regardless of who plays or doesn't play.

Shelter from the storm

Cimarron-Memorial was leading Mojave 27-7 when their prep football game was suspended by lightning Friday night. It won't be resumed. While we applaud those who made the decision in the name of safety, it can also be assumed they weren't watching Monday's Bears-Cardinals game.

GOING DOWN

Rocky Hinds

If UNLV's starting quarterback position were an elected office, the once highly regarded Southern Cal transfer would be the one frowning in the grainy black-and-white photograph this week. Paid for by the committee to erect a competitive football program.

Mike Tyson

Requiem for a Heavyweight II - aka Mike Tyson's World Tour - begins in Youngstown, Ohio, this weekend with Iron Mike talking about getting into the ring with a woman. Quick, somebody call Mountain Rivera, before it's too late.

Dennis Green, the Arizona Cardinals, Larry Coker, Don Strock, the University of Miami and Florida International football teams, Miami broadcast analyst Lamar Thomas ...

... and anybody else who suffered a meltdown that would have done the Wicked Witch of the West proud and made the office water cooler the place to be this week.

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