AL HAMNIK: Some can't miss tips for filling seats at U.S. Steel Yard

The RailCats are hovering around .500 in the American Association standings and struggling at the ticket window, so it's time for drastic measures.

AL HAMNIK: Popovich, 'boring' Spurs on verge of fifth NBA championship

We're a spoiled society.

AL HAMNIK: No hard feelings between Peyton Manning and Colts' brass

Sports ownership is seldom beloved and waiving the face of your franchise will get the angry villagers lighting torches quicker than anything.

AL HAMNIK: The region loses another athlete to the heavenly hall of fame

Tim Keough, a jolly old soul while retired and living in Arizona, told friends in Northwest Indiana that he often was "booked" making appearances as Santa Claus at the local stores during Christmas.

AL HAMNIK: Ryan Grigson brings his 'mental toughness' to revitalized Colts

WEST LAFAYETTE | The term “mental toughness” in sports today is so often watered down.

AL HAMNIK: East Chicago's E'Twaun Moore picking Spurs to win NBA title

For an insider's scoop on the San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat, ask E'Twaun Moore.

AL HAMNIK: Harbor lights show the way for East Chicago's Mirko Blesich

John Baratto's East Chicago Washington basketball teams produced several great players, but the movie credits didn't end there.

AL HAMNIK: Purdue football hire Hazell not ducking the issues

I like new Purdue football skipper Darrell Hazell. He avoids the ho-hum coach speak that puts you to sleep.

AL HAMNIK: Purdue's Cardinal found his niche among NBA's freaks and phenoms

You watch LeBron James take off at midcourt for a windmill dunk or Kevin Durant pull up for a 3, then fall backwards into the third row.

West Side sprinter Jonvae Johnson

West Side junior sprinter Jonvae Johnson has qualified in four events for today's Valparaiso Regional.

AL HAMNIK: Gary athletics need to regroup for 2013-14 school year

The athletic programs in Gary have become a joke, like the hapless victim who unknowingly has a "KICK ME!" sign taped to his back at the workplace.

AL HAMNIK: Pacers heating up their series with Miami

Name calling and organized sports go together like buttered popcorn.

AL HAMNIK: In the case of LeBron and MJ, the ring's the thing

You have the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft and money to burn.

Kenneth Lloyd, EC Central HJ

E.C. Central senior high jumper Kenneth Lloyd has already cleared a school record 6-10 indoors and 6-8 outdoors this season.

AL HAMNIK COLUMN: Bulls bracing for the end and probably know it

CHICAGO | What do you do, what do you say, when the end is inevitable?

AL HAMNIK: Bulls' checklist holds the key in Game 4 with Heat

CHICAGO | You can't stop Sasquatch with spitballs.

AL HAMNIK: Shorthanded Bulls haven't lost the chip on their shoulder

CHICAGO | Coach Tom Thibodeau says we're missing the real story.

Tim Loughmiller

North Newton track and cross country coach Tim Loughmiller, 2013

Austin Olive on North Newton track

North Newton's Austin Olive is closing in on the school's 30-year-old 110-meter high hurdle record, held by his uncle.

Austin Olive holding 2 hurdles

North Newton senior Austin Olive follows his father and uncle as one of the top hurdlers in school history.

AL HAMNIK: Forget what's his name and focus on active Bulls

Quit dumping your vitriol on Derrick Rose, OK?

AL HAMNIK: Nate Robinson's epic quarter not of this world

CHICAGO | Nate Robinson isn't human.

AL HAMNIK: Noah doubt whatsoever who Bulls' MVP has been this season

CHICAGO | Free spirit Joakim Noah has undergone an amazing transformation from clown to All-Star since joining the Bulls.

Tommy Bolanowski, honors student

Munster distance star Tommy Bolanowski is an honors student who carries a 4.25 grade point average.

Munster's Tommy Bolanowski

Munster junior Tommy Bolanowski has the team's best times for the 800 (2:06.9), 1,600 (4:26.0) and 3,200 (10:17.0) and was a state qualifier in the mile last season.

AL HAMNIK: Urlacher's golf game should get plenty of work

Besides growing up together in cozy Lovington, New Mexico and being best friends, the bond between Brian Urlacher and Brandon Ridenour is as basic as milk.

AL HAMNIK: Sidelined Derrick Rose facing damage control as well

Fans will turn on a professional athlete faster than a rabid dog. It's their nature as paying customers.

AL HAMNIK: Splash party planned for Hammond Civic Center on Saturday

Batiste Haywood has a plan, a pretty good one at that.

Jordan Kelly sitting in pit

Crown Point's Jordan Kelly vaulted 14 feet, 6 inches at the Hoosier State Relays Indoor Finals in March, good for third place.

Jordan Kelly with pole

Crown Point senior Jordan Kelly placed ninth downstate in the pole vault last season and is shooting for 16 feet, if only the fickle weather would cooperate.

AL HAMNIK: Gary's Mary McGee picks her time to be 'merciless'

Mary "Merciless" McGee has literally been a fighter all her life.

AL HAMNIK: Boston Marathon bombing called 'outside the box'

You could sense the shock and deep sadness in Carey Pinkowski's voice as if he were sitting next you at a Starbucks, baring his soul.

AL HAMNIK: U-M's McGary, GR3 need to stay put another year

An open letter to Michigan's Glenn Robinson III, Mitch McGary and Spike Albrecht:

AL HAMNIK: Derrick Rose soap opera running out of gas

CHICAGO | Cover your children's ears. Don't touch the Derrick Rose poster in their bedroom, though purple bunting taped across it might be appropriate.

Matt Stewart, high jump

Hobart's Matt Stewart, who stands 6-foot tall, has cleared a personal best 6-8 in the high jump, which he shows in this photo.

AL HAMNIK: Little Jack Hoffman's story warms up all of America

Feel-good stories are as rare as a Cubs winning streak.

AL HAMNIK: EC's Tim Stoddard shared NCAA spotlight in 1974

Next to the Super Bowl, the NCAA men's basketball championship is the most popular sporting event in this country.

AL HAMNIK: Jerome Harmon now operating on auto pilot

It was once believed Jerome Harmon could fly.

AL HAMNIK: East Chicago's Moore making a point in Orlando

CHICAGO | Now at power forward for the Orlando Magic, No. 55, E'Twaun Moore.

Austin Jamerson, leaning on weights

Merrillville senior Austin Jamerson credits his weight room regimen for his track success in the high jump, long jump and low hurdles.

Austin Jamerson, inertia split squat

Merrillville track standout Austin Jamerson prepares to lift 500 pounds in the inertia split squat used to strengthen calves and quads.

AL HAMNIK: McDonald's All-American Game should focus on the complete player

CHICAGO | How sad that a high school player's future can be summed up with flashy one-liners and comparisons to an NBA star.

AL HAMNIK: Kevin Ware injury handled with class on social media

Occasionally, social media gets it right.

AL HAMNIK: Gary's Campbell following Marc Trestman's lead

If Erik Campbell was an assistant for Marc Trestman last season, he might be on the Bears payroll in 2013-14.

AL HAMNIK: Miami vise tightens on postseason hopes

CHICAGO | I took the bait. I feel so dumb.

Ian Hardy, Seth Hardy closeups

Highland brothers Ian Hardy, left, and Seth Hardy are the 1-2 punch on this year's track squad. Ian has cleared 14 feet in the pole vault and Seth is a 6-4 high jumper.