The Gophers men's basketball team's bid to land power forward Rakeem Buckles is over after a second piece of bad news from the NCAA.
Buckles, a senior who hoped to follow head coach Richard Pitino from Florida International to the Gophers, had his waiver to be eligible immediately denied last week by the NCAA.
Minnesota appealed the decision, and that appeal was denied Tuesday. Buckles is not enrolled at the U and likely will stay at FIU.
Zahr suffers stroke
St. Thomas Academy activities director Jack Zahr suffered a major stroke Sunday morning at his home in Eagan and is hospitalized with a grave prognosis.
Zahr, 58, has worked at the all-boys Catholic school in Mendota Heights for 36 years, including 26 as activities director when the school rose in athletic prominence. He is the longest-serving AD in the school's 128-year history.
Swarm schedule set
The Minnesota Swarm announced its 18-game regular season schedule Tuesday. The Swarm will open their 10th National Lacrosse League season at the defending champion Rochester on Dec. 28. Their home opener will be 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19 against Philadelphia at Xcel Energy Center.
The Swarm will strengthen their roster with four first-round picks in the 2013 NLL entry draft, which will be Sept. 16.
Minnesota holds the first two overall selections as well as picks Nos. 5 and 7.
