Associated PressHARTFORD, Conn. ó Connecticut coach Geno Auriemma told the fans who turned out at Sunday’s parade for his national champion Huskies not to expect another 39-0 season next year.
“The only reason I say that is because if we play every game and win ’em, I think we can go 40-0,” he said to thunderous applause.
A crowd estimated by police at 25,000 lined downtown streets on a sunny afternoon to celebrate the programs’ sixth national championship and third perfect season in 14 years.
Richard Machia, of Bristol, said he’s attended every victory parade since UConn won its first championship in 1995.
“I wouldn’t miss it,” the 62-year-old said. “With the recession the way that is, this shows there is some good in the world.”
ARCA
ROCKINGHAM ó Sean Caisse won his first career ARCA RE/MAX Series race, taking the lead and hanging on for the checkered flag when Ken Schrader’s car ran out of gas with three laps to go.
The 23-year-old Caisse led a total of 254 laps in five races last year with a best finish of second. He got a chance for this race in the same Venturini Motorsports car Joey Logano used to win the 2008 event, yet appeared destined to finish behind Schrader.
Schrader, the 53-year-old longtime NASCAR driver, led a total of 185 laps. He was ahead by more than the length of the front straightaway when his engine sputtered out of fuel as the final 88 laps were run under green.
Schrader wound up seventh in Sunday’s race.
TENNIS
MONACO ó Rafael Nadal knows he won’t stay on top if he doesn’t strive to get better, even when playing on clay, his favorite surface.
The top-ranked Spaniard overcame an upset bid by Novak Djokovic on Sunday, beating the third-ranked Serbian 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 for his fifth straight Monte Carlo Masters title after losing a set here for the first time since the 2006 final against Roger Federer.
MJ AUCTION
CHICAGO ó A locker used and autographed by Michael Jordan sold for $23,000 at a sports charity auction.
The wood-paneled locker was one of 13 items belonging to Jordan up for sale Saturday. The items were offered by the Bulls and Hunt Auctions.
The total proceeds for the Jordan items was almost $113,000.