Web gem: LSU Tigers outfielder Raph Rhymes is among just 30 college baseball players named as finalists for the NCAA’s 2013 Senior CLASS Award, which annually goes to a Division I student-athlete “with notable achievements in four areas of excellence—community, classroom, character and competition.” The list of finalists will be narrowed to 10 midway through the regular season, and those names will be placed on a ballot that will be distributed to media outlets, coaches and fans across the country. The winner will be announced during the 2013 NCAA College World Series in Omaha June 15-26. Learn more about the award and find the full listing of finalists here.
Sleds and shoes: Lolo Jones will miss the food. Her first season as a member of the U.S. national bobsledding team brought her three medals, some much-needed peace of mind, and a newfound appreciation for things that aren’t exactly staples in the world of track and field. Like, for example, ice cream, pizza and chocolate. The World Cup sliding season is now over, and Jones—a two-time Olympic hurdler for the United States—is back in training on a track that isn’t covered by several inches of ice. Her competitive hurdling season is slated to start in April. Read The Associated Press’s complete feature here and 225 magazine’s February cover story on Jones here.
Another dimension: LSU Athletics has introduced a new virtual seat-viewing online tool that gives fans a three-dimensional look at Tiger Stadium. This system, called “Seats 3D,” assists fans with the purchase of single-game tickets. It also includes an interactive parking map where fans can plot a course to LSU Football GameDay reserved parking lots on campus. Check it out here. A feature to be added to the system this summer will be an online relocation tool with which renewed season-ticket holders and wait-list members can check availability, switch seat locations or make new purchases.
