Miscellaneous: The University of Texas, Pan American, has kicked off its annual fund drive with the what is known to be the largest donation ever made to the athletics department. Atlanta Hawks head coach Lon Kruger, who coached Texas-Pan American for four seasons and led the Broncs to a 20-8 record during 1985-86, will become the first charter member of the Bronc Athletic Foundation's Century Club, which will include individuals and corporations who contribute $100,000 or more to the foundation. "We're excited about the foundation, and the direction in which it is headed," said Kruger, who also coached at his alma mater, Kansas State University; the University of Florida; and the University of Illinois, Champaign. "I hope this will start something that other people will become involved with. I think it will be very positive for the program." As a charter member of the Century Club, Kruger will be honored in late August during a formal presentation on campus. The primary purpose of the Bronc Athletic Foundation is to provide scholarships, books, academic assistance and other financial aid to Texas-Pan American student-athletes ... University of Oregon head football coach Mike Bellotti and his wife, Colleen, saying they want to give something back to the university that has rewarded them in so many ways, have given $25,000 to the school's libraries. Both the Oregon athletics department and the school's College of Arts and Sciences have matched the Bellottis' gift -- creating a total gift of $75,000. The College of Arts and Sciences' $25,000 will be put to use immediately, while the other $50,000 will be placed in an endowment. "This university has been loyal to me and provided me with a great opportunity," said Bellotti, who has been at Oregon since 1995. "My family and I felt we were blessed and wanted to give something back to the university, both to the athletics department and to the university itself. We felt the library is something used by all students so maybe our gift could do the greatest good there." The Bellottis also are giving $50,000 to the Ducks' athletics department to be used toward the expansion of Autzen Stadium. "Mike's gift is one more confirmation of the kind of person he is," said Oregon President Dave Frohnmayer. "He believes the most valuable award his student-athletes can take away from here is not a Heisman Trophy or an entry in the record books but a college education." ... For the next three academic years (2002-05) the Sports USA Radio Network will be the exclusive national radio broadcast rights holder for the Big 12 Conference football championship game and men's basketball tournament. The Sports USA Radio Network, based in Simi Valley, California, will broadcast the 2002, 2003, and 2004 Dr Pepper Big 12 Football Championship and the semifinals and finals of the 2003, 2004, and 2005 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament. Additionally, the Sports USA Radio Network broadcasts will be aired internationally via Armed Forces Radio. "We are looking forward to working with Sports USA for the next three years with getting our football and men's basketball championships to the nation and world," said Big 12 Commissioner Kevin Weiberg. Formerly known as Pacific West Radio Sports, the Sports USA Radio Network will air 15 regular-season football games this fall and six postseason contests. The network's season starts with the August 24, 2002, Eddie Robinson Classic featuring Florida State University and Iowa State University at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.

-- Compiled by Gary T. Brown