Boller no stranger to Tahoe

STATELINE -- Former University of California quarterback Kyle Boller only got into the 14th annual American Century Championship following a series of late pull outs. But he made it clear after his practice round on Tuesday at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course that visiting Lake Tahoe is nothing new for him.

"I used to come up here all the time with my ex-girlfriend because she had a house in Zephyr Cove," said Boller, who was picked 19th overall in the 2003 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens. "I came up here almost every weekend in college. I love it here, Tahoe's the best. I've never golfed here before but this course is so beautiful."

Boller and 77 others will tee off Friday in the first round of the 54-hole tournament, which features some of sports' biggest names. Boller will be making his first appearance at the popular event. But he didn't come without proper credentials.

He was a second team All Pac-10 selection in 2002 after passing for 2,815 yards and 28 touchdowns in leading Cal to its first winning season in nine years. Baltimore desired the promising quarterback so much that it made a trade with the New England Patriots to acquire the 19th pick, which it used on the 22-year-old quarterback.

The 6-foot-4, 225 pound Boller used to back up former University of Nevada quarterback David Neill when they were both attending Hart High in Newhall, Calif. When he was a junior, Boller backed up Neill. As a senior, Boller put together one of the best prep seasons in California high school history.

He was named California Player of the Year after leading Hart to the Southern Section Division IV title with a 13-1 record. Boller, who was rated the nation's top quarterback by several publications, passed for a state record 4,838 yards and 59 touchdowns. At the time he was considered the best prospect to come out of the San Fernando Valley, which is located near Los Angeles, since John Elway graduated from Granada Hills High School in the late 70s.

MAVERICKS' OWNER TO HOLD FUND-RAISING EVENT

Mark Cuban, the charismatic owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks, and former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman will be among the celebrities signing autographs on Thursday at the Horizon Casino Resort in Stateline.

The autograph session will start at 4:30 p.m. and all proceeds will go to help raise money for The Fallen Patriot Fund, which will benefit families of soldiers lost in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The event will be held in the Aspen Lounge adjacent to the main casino. Children and adults are welcome and there is a minimum donation of $20.

WEEKLY LINEUP

Today players will be participating in practice rounds and a select few will be in the Caesars Pro-Am Tournament at Edgewood. Today is probably the best day for autograph seekers. Thursday will be the American Century Celeb-Am Tournament. Admission costs for today and Thursday's events is $10 per day. Friday is the beginning of the 54-hole tournament, which will run through Sunday. Daily admission for the tournament is $20. Gates open at 7 a.m. each day.

TELEVISION COVERAGE

The first round of the tournament will be broadcast tape delay by ESPN from 3:30-6:30 p.m. NBC will broadcast the tournament live on both Saturday and Sunday. Live coverage on Saturday will be between 1-3 p.m. and 12-3 p.m. on Sunday.

NEW TROPHY FOR WINNER

As well as a $100,000 check for the tournament winner, he/she will also hoist a new trophy this year. Scott Kay, one of the leading designers of fine jewelry, has designed a 1-foot tall trophy that is made up of sterling silver and platinum.