When the Indians were 15 games behind Chicago, it appeared that our best-team honors would go to the summer-league champ at Wickliffe Lanes. But since then, the Tribe’s been hotter than a stolen haba–ero, chasing down the White Sox and posting the best record in the majors. They’ve done it with a string of breakout performances: Travis Hafner’s 30-homer, 100-RBI season has garnered league-MVP talk. Grady Sizemore has become one of the league’s most potent leadoff men. And Jhonny Peralta has rendered Omar a faded memory. The way this fall is shaping up, the Tribe might outlast the Browns.

BEST AMATEUR TEAM: TRI-C MEN’S BASKETBALL

• BEST OF CLEVELAND
• 2005
• SPORTS & RECREATION

Cuyahoga Community College was never much of a sports powerhouse — until last year, its only championship team was a 1970s wrestling squad. But of late, Tri-C has emerged as a serious contender in the two-year-college hoops set. In 2004, it won the national championship. And this year, it almost repeated, going 25-8 before bowing out in the semifinals. Perhaps Tri-C could offer certain local pro teams a refresher course on winning.

BEST ATHLETE: TIM MACK

• BEST OF CLEVELAND
• 2005
• SPORTS & RECREATION

Yes, LeBron James is a phenom, but Tim Mack has won it all. The Cleveland-born pole-vaulter – yes, pole-vaulter – won Olympic gold in 2004. He was a national indoor champion in 2002, and he won the Goodwill Games in 2001. Now, at age 33, he’s still hanging around the track-and-field circuit, where 33-year-olds get their protein shakes at the senior-discount rate. He battled a calf injury this year, but scraped his way to a seventh-place finish at the U.S. outdoor championships. And if all goes as planned, he’ll be fighting for more hardware in 2006. So until LeBron brings home a ring, Tim will remain the Mack Daddy.

BEST-LOOKING ATHLETE (MALE): ANDERSON VAREJAO

• BEST OF CLEVELAND
• 2005
• SPORTS & RECREATION

This crazy Brazilian burst onto the scene last season, wooing female fans with his unruly hair and wild smile. When Andy shows up at his favorite haunt – downtown’s Brasa Grill, a Brazilian steakhouse – heads crane upward to meet his boyish glance, which hovers at almost seven feet. Confronting that rare combination – the massive size to protect, the gentle eyes to nurture – ladies can’t help but swoon. We’re not sure, but Andy sure looks like he’s enjoying his new country.

BEST-LOOKING ATHLETE (FEMALE): DIANA MUNZ

• BEST OF CLEVELAND
• 2005
• SPORTS & RECREATION

Maybe it’s the reflection from all her medals, but this 23-year-old swimmer positively glows. Munz, from Chagrin Falls, won bronze in the 2004 Olympics for the 800-meter freestyle, a nice complement to her gold and silver from the 2000 Games. More important, she has the flowing blond hair of a princess, or one of those hotties from the WB. Her broad, gleaming smile makes grown men shiver. And her bright, friendly eyes make her appear utterly approachable, despite her clearly being out of our league. Oh, and needless to say, she looks good in a Speedo.

BEST COACH: LARRY KEHRES, MOUNT UNION COLLEGE

• BEST OF CLEVELAND
• 2005
• SPORTS & RECREATION

Division III college football is a world long forgotten by ESPN, a place where players don’t get scholarships and fans come at a premium. But Mount Union has stolen at least one element from big-time college sports: an iconic head coach. Now in his 20th season, Larry Kehres has led the Purple Raiders to more than 100 straight regular-season wins. The best of the Rust Belt’s D-3-caliber athletes flock to the battered industrial town of Alliance, where they keep winning national championships – seven since 1993. Kehres is known for his mild demeanor and his disdain for overexposure, but he’s no secret to opposing coaches. “How does he win all the time?” a veteran rival once asked. “I wish I knew, because then I might beat him one day.”

BEST INDIAN: TRAVIS HAFNER

• BEST OF CLEVELAND
• 2005
• SPORTS & RECREATION

Wherever the Indians go, it’s designated hitter Travis Hafner who takes them there. The Tribe started slower than a packed bus, largely because Hafner’s bat was still in hibernation. He hit just one home run in April, but when he caught fire by summer, so did the Indians. “Pronk,” as he’s known, hit .345 with 29 RBI in June en route to Player of the Month honors, and he has yet to look back.

BEST INDIANS PROSPECT: ADAM MILLER

• BEST OF CLEVELAND
• 2005
• SPORTS & RECREATION

The Tribe’s first-round pick in 2003, Miller quickly showed why he had scouts salivating like a lineman at Morton’s. At just 19 years of age, he burned through Class A Kinston in 2004, fanning 46 hitters in 43 innings, while amassing an ERA of 2.08. He soon moved to Lake County, the Tribe’s high-level Class A team, and continued his domination. In 19 games in Erie, he struck out 106 batters in 91 innings, giving up just 79 hits and winning seven of his starts. He ran into elbow trouble in 2005 and bounced around the Tribe’s farm system. But Baseball America, the Bible of minor league baseball, still considers Miller the Indians’ best hope for the future, thanks to his nasty slider and his voodoo-like command of the baseball. With several other minor league pitchers ready to break in, Miller could soon be the anchor of one of the league’s deepest young pitching staffs.

BEST HOPE FOR THE INDIANS: THE BOYS IN BUFFALO

• BEST OF CLEVELAND
• 2005
• SPORTS & RECREATION

When the minor league all-star teams were selected in June, Indians AAA pitcher Fernando Cabrera was a no-brainer. In 23 games for the Buffalo Bisons, Cabrera had pitched almost perfectly, going 6-0 with three saves, a 0.92 ERA, and 55 strikeouts in 39 innings. But then Cabrera got called up to the bigs. Major League Baseball needed to replace him for the Futures Game, so where did they turn? Why, Buffalo, of course, for Cabrera’s teammate, Fausto Carmona, who in 21 innings had allowed only 21 base runners. So if the Tribe still has a few holes to fill, pitching won’t be one of them.

BEST BROWN: PHIL DAWSON

• BEST OF CLEVELAND
• 2005
• SPORTS & RECREATION

In another year, another era, we hope not to be handing out awards to – ahem – a kicker. But last season, Phil Dawson’s steady right foot was just about the only thing Browns fans could rely on – not counting bad play-calling and post-game bellyaching. Since breaking into the NFL in 1999, Dawson has quietly emerged as one of the league’s most trusted kickers, hitting more than 80 percent of his field-goal tries – despite working in the Siberian frontier that is Browns Stadium. Last season was one of Dawson’s best: He nailed 24 of his 29 field-goal attempts and all of his 28 extra-point tries. He also booted seven field goals from beyond 50 yards, often providing the Browns with their only chance for a score. With a new coach and a new roster, there’s hope that next year’s honor may go to someone who sees the field more than a few times a game. But either way, it’ll be nice to have Dawson’s trusty foot around.

BEST SPORTS HIGHLIGHT: THE HIRING OF ROMEO CRENNEL

• BEST OF CLEVELAND
• 2005
• SPORTS & RECREATION

The Cleveland Browns. One of the NFL’s most storied franchises. Smash-mouth football. Ugly brown-and-orange uniforms. Seventy-three thousand hammered guys cheering them on. Some are even wearing dog masks. Does it get any more beautiful than this? But while Pittsburgh is led by a badass sociopath, and Philly has a genius fat guy, Cleveland was coached by a junior executive from Enron. Or so Butch Davis seemed. He was more at home lying to subordinates than commanding a hardass Rust Belt football team. All of which made cheering on the Browns like rooting for a Republican congressman from Texas. Fortunately, Davis has been evacuated to Florida. Taking his place is Romeo Crennel, the perfect head coach for Cleveland. At age 57, he’s finally getting his shot as a head coach. Much like Cleveland itself, he’s spent his career outside the limelight, building things — namely, defenses that appeared in six Super Bowls. And in just a few short months, he’s restored the no-bullshit approach demanded by Browns fans. Crennel didn’t inherit a cargo vessel of talent. But regardless of how he does, he’s brought rootability back to the Browns. And that may be even better than winning.

BEST HOPE FOR THE BROWNS: SKILLED SKILLS PLAYERS

• BEST OF CLEVELAND
• 2005
• SPORTS & RECREATION

Don’t get us wrong: Hiring a coach players actually like was a good start. But in the end, it’s players who make a team suck, and this year, the suck-factor on the Browns’ roster is way down – especially among players who actually get their hands on the ball. Antonio Bryant, the explosive receiver who came from Dallas last year, emerged during training camp as a legitimate No. 1 threat. The team’s two top running backs – Lee Suggs and Reuben Droughns – will challenge each other for carries and give each other much-needed breathers, especially against rivals in the slog-it-out AFC North. And at quarterback? Trent Dilfer has been a model of mediocrity his entire career, and this year should be no different. But after last season’s subpar, four-win season, mediocrity would be an improvement.

BEST CAVALIER: LEBRON JAMES

• BEST OF CLEVELAND
• 2005
• SPORTS & RECREATION

This may seem a no-brainer, but with Anderson Varejao’s hair and Ira Newble’s fun-to-say name, it was closer than you would think. However, in the end, James’ native abilities won out. It’s not just his skills, although the fact that he was among the NBA’s top three players in no fewer than 11 different categories last season – including scoring, minutes, and steals – certainly attests to his many talents, as does the fact that he single-handedly almost snuck the Cavs into the playoffs. But perhaps more important than LeBron’s prodigious abilities is his aura – his flash, his youth, and his history with Northeast Ohio. It all puts butts in the seats and will likewise attract top-quality supporting players to help LeBron achieve his potential, which right now seems limitless.

BEST HOUSE-CLEANER: DAN GILBERT

• BEST OF CLEVELAND
• 2005
• SPORTS & RECREATION

After buying the Cavaliers in January, new owner Dan Gilbert fit right into the ranks of fickle pro-sports owners. Before he had time to redecorate his new office, Gilbert started firing people like a smaller, less combed-over version of the Donald. Head Coach Paul Silas – You’re fired! GM Jim Paxson – Pack your bags! Even the guys serving peanuts started looking over their shoulders. Gilbert also initiated some much-needed improvements at the Gund, beefing up arena security and vowing to improve in-game entertainment, with help, of course, from part-owner Usher. He also ordered a new, over-the-top scoreboard that does everything but set picks. Hopefully, with all Gilbert’s changes, it will rack up some points too.

BEST HOPE FOR THE CAVS: HEAD COACH MIKE BROWN

• BEST OF CLEVELAND
• 2005
• SPORTS & RECREATION

When the Cavs introduced Mike Brown as their new head coach, the collective Who? could be heard from Gund Arena to Guantanamo Bay. But it’s since become clear that owner Dan Gilbert’s willingness to think beyond big names might pay off. Brown learned from two of the league’s best coaches: Greg Popovich in San Antonio and Rick Carlisle in Indiana, where Brown was in charge of one of the league’s best defenses. He has credibility with high-profile stars like Tim Duncan and Jermaine O’Neal, which should win him favor with LeBron James. So sure, LeBron will be hailed for carrying the team. But it’s Brown who will be holding the flashlight and reading the Mapquest directions.

BEST RADIO SPORTS TALKER: KEVIN KEANE, WTAM-AM 1100

• BEST OF CLEVELAND
• 2005
• SPORTS & RECREATION

There can be no talk of Kevin Keane without addressing the allegations of homerism. Yeah, sure, okay – he’s guilty, there’s no whiff of doubt. Those who prefer more balanced sports talk, please point out a more rigorous local option. All the rest of us want is a yakker who feels our pain – and Keane, a lifetime Clevelander who indeed feels the full depth of our plight, does this better than everybody. When the Indians lose, he picks you up with a little perspective; when they win, you need a spatula to pry him off the ceiling. Such are the highs and lows of any dogged fan – why would the one on the radio sound any different?

BEST BASEBALL ON A BUDGET: LAKE COUNTY CAPTAINS

• BEST OF CLEVELAND
• 2005
• SPORTS & RECREATION

Tribe games are fun and all, but if you don’t feel like taking out a second mortgage to pay for tickets and beers, try a night in Eastlake. The Indians’ Class-A farm team, the Lake County Captains, features baby-faced players earning paltry salaries and scratching to make it to the majors. Even if the baseball isn’t the best, the entertainment is. There are fireworks every Friday and boatloads of giveaways – bobblehead dolls, baseball bats, etc. – every weekend. And it’s dirt-cheap. Tickets range from $5 to $8. A hot dog and a 21-ounce beer will run seven bucks even. At these prices, it’s a steal.

BEST GOLF COURSE YOU’VE NEVER PLAYED, BUT SHOULD: BOULDER CREEK GOLF CLUB

• BEST OF CLEVELAND
• 2005
• SPORTS & RECREATION

Buried in the thick trees and brush outside Kent, Boulder Creek is among Ohio’s best-kept golf secrets. Clumps of tall, unforgiving trees make golfers feel as if they’ve ventured to the fabled Monterey Peninsula. Water comes into play on seven holes, rewarding the disciplined and ruining the careless. And the course boasts enough sand to build its own beach. But the greens are generous, and there are tees for every skill level, so most golfers can escape without losing their balls – or their minds. A complete and well-kept practice facility and charming log-cabin clubhouse complete the experience. Not convinced? Freakin’ Golf Digest named it one of the country’s best new courses in 2003.

LOCATION DETAILS

• Boulder Creek Golf Club 9700 Page Rd., StreetsboroKent/Portage County330-626-28281 articlehttps://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyAn9y3TKaxTjdDs6jzat4JHZbuugJ3E5xo&q=Boulder%20Creek%20Golf%20Club%2C%209700%20Page%20Rd.%2C%20Streetsboro%2C%20OH%2C%2044241&center=41.25456,-81.32596&zoom=16

BEST PLACE TO RUN: POLO FIELDS, SOUTH CHAGRIN RESERVATION

• BEST OF CLEVELAND
• 2005
• SPORTS & RECREATION

There’s a reason the Polo Fields are the favored running spot of the Northeast Running Club, which meets there every Sunday morning for its weekly jogs. The dirt trails are relatively flat and kind to your knees, the low-hanging branches provide protection from the sun, and the horses that gallop through the park provide a needed distraction from the run. Conveniently, the trail also has markers every quarter-mile. Perhaps most important, the park also offers port-a-potties and water fountains, two essentials for the long-distance runner.

To read more news, click here.