The inflection in Lucas Robinson’s voice has been wavering for the past 17 minutes. Conversation has jumped from family to tattoos to rivalries to grades to war to future plans.

I lost one of my best friends, Gary Bird, in the second tower of the World Trade Center on 9/11. I was so excited to hear Pat Tillman felt a higher calling to volunteer, leaving a multimillion dollar NFL contract, to join the Army Rangers to serve and protect his country from terrorists. I felt it was Pat Tillman against Osama Bin Laden (Gary’s murderer), and I would bet on Pat.

 The Chandler Spotlight Dinner on Tuesday provided an inspiring conclusion to the high school football careers of players from Chandler’s high schools.

Chris Baloney: CB (6-0, 180, Jr./ College of the Sequoias; Visalia, Calif.) — Signed with ASU last year but left the team in August due to personal issues. Rated one of the top 10 junior-college cornerbacks in the nation in 2005.

At Arizona State’s spring practices, one watcher frequently has joked that Mike Nixon will soon be the first player in college football history to snap, hold and kick an extra point — all at the same time.

At Arizona State’s spring practices, one watcher frequently has joked that Mike Nixon will soon be the first player in college football history to snap, hold and kick an extra point — all at the same time.

An early look at what to watch in Division I this season:

The world moves too fast these days to allow us much time for reflection, reminiscing or wishful thinking. It’s not what we’ve done, only what we’ve done lately.

Are you ready for some football? It’s about that time, as Desert Vista kicks off the season in the Sollenberger Classic on Saturday, and almost everyone else begins on Aug. 24. Here are the Tribune’s preseason rankings for every division:

NEW YORK - The second "American Idol" charity event is set for April 9, with a lineup that includes Bono, Brad Pitt, Miley Cyrus, Fergie, Chris Daughtry and Carrie Underwood.

Chandler Hamilton defensive back Gerell Robinson and running back Covaughn DeBoskie were on the losing side at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl high school all-star game Saturday in San Antonio.

January 20, 2005

From colonial days, the glue that has kept America from coming apart at the seams is tolerance. Sure, we have our share of intolerant cusses within our borders, and we darn near came apart during the Civil War, but for the most part this is a live-and-let-live land.

Sam Hairston faced Satchel Paige, mentored a young Willie Mays and became the first American black to play for the White Sox in 1951.

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — Mariah Carey will join "American Idol" as a judge next season, Fox announced Monday, bringing her star power to the show that remains a ratings leader but has seen its viewership and pop culture status diminish.

Arizona State freshman outfielder Kaitlin Cochran has been named to the 2006 Louisville Slugger/NFCA NCAA Division I All-American softball first team.

Arizona State freshman outfielder Kaitlin Cochran has been named to the 2006 Louisville Slugger/NFCA NCAA Division I All-American softball first team.

They are perhaps the most odd pairing of “American Idol” finalists in the six-season history of “American Idol.”

Man’s best friends are taking over University of Phoenix Stadium this weekend for the Great Arizona Dog Show. Mike Doty, cluster chairman for the dog show, said the event really has something for everyone.

Man’s best friends are taking over University of Phoenix Stadium this weekend for the Great Arizona Dog Show. Mike Doty, cluster chairman for the dog show, said the event really has something for everyone.

“I don’t think I’ve been more angry, and I’ve had some bad-ass days since I’ve been here, believe me,” Arizona coach Dennis Green, after the Cardinals’ 16-14 loss to St. Louis Sunday.

The sounds of the football practice echo from the field, and on the sideline, the father is watching his son.

Mesquite Wildcats