IN BRIEF
PITTSBURGH — Steelers tight end Heath Miller passed his post-concussion neurological tests and was expected to return to practice today.
Miller sustained the first concussion of his career Dec. 5 on a hit by Ravens linebacker Jameel McClain. McClain was not penalized, but later was fined $40,000 by the NFL.
Miller didn't play against Cincinnati, but coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday he is set to go against the Jets (9-4) on Sunday.
SLIPPERY ROCK — Slippery Rock University junior forward Danielle Smith was named PSAC West Women's Basketball Player of the Week.Smith tallied 36 points, 22 rebounds and six steals in games against Pitt-Johnstown and Notre Dame (Ohio). She is averaging a team-leading 12.1 points and 8.0 rebounds per game.
BROOKINGS, S.D. — A day after winning the Gene Upshaw Award as NCAA Division II Lineman of the Year, Slippery Rock University senior center Brandon Fusco was named to the Daktronics All-America first team.The Seneca Valley graduate also was tapped for the American Football Coaches Association All-America first team.
TOLUCA, Mexico — Grove City College senior offensive tackle Pete Polesnak will play in the 2010 Tazon de Estrellas (Bowl of the Stars) at noon Saturday at Tazon de Monterrey Stadium.The two-time first team All-PAC selection will play for Team Stars and Stripes, which is made up of Division III players, against Mexican all-stars.
STATE COLLEGE — Penn State will get ready for the Outback Bowl in Florida at the spring training home of the Philadelphia Phillies.Coach Joe Paterno accepted Phillies president David Montgomery's offer over the weekend to have the Nittany Lions conduct nearly a week of practice at the Phillies' facility in Clearwater.Practices in Clearwater will begin Sunday and last through Dec. 24, when players and coaches will move about 20 miles east to the team hotel in Tampa.