Leading Off

Four Hand
North Dakota defensive back Adam Stratton (26) breaks up a pass intended for Grand Valley State's Micah Staley during the Division II championship game last Saturday in Florence, Ala., which Grand Valley won, 10-3, for its second straight title, prompting a celebration (inset) by offensive linemen Josh Bourke (75) and Drew Burton.

On Frozen Pond
With help from the stick blade and the knee of a Kings player (obscured), Blues right wing Dallas Drake takes a header last Saturday in St. Louis. This shot came courtesy of a hole in the boards (inset) that was being used by SI staff photographer David E. Klutho to shoot the ice, not the game. But that's another story....

Back Spin
Will Lowe, the world's top bareback rider in 2003, hangs on to Dippin Dusty Dan at the 45th Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas last Saturday, while Frank Thompson (inset) wrestles with a tough steak.