If ever there was a group of athletes putting it all on the line for the love of the game, it would be the ladies of the Women's Professional Football League. Even though money, fame and glory on the gridiron seem reserved for the testosterone set, these mothers, daughters, corporate professionals and all-around Renaissance women don the pads for 10 regular-season games a year, getting after it with an intensity that doesn't give an inch to the men's game. Fresh off a 7-3 season and last year's trip to the American Conference Championship, the Arizona Knighthawks kick off the 2003 season at home against the Long Beach Aftershock on Saturday, August 9. Game time is 7 p.m. at Sunnyslope High School, 45 West Dunlap. For season or individual ticket information, call Michele Uribe at 602-957-6571 or visit www.arizonaknighthawks.org. - Craig Wallach
ROSE ENCOUNTERS
A legend comes to town
Sat 8/9
We don't know if God thinks Pete Rose should get into the Baseball Hall of Fame, but the all-time hit king may appeal to the Commissioner Upstairs when he signs autographs at North Phoenix Baptist Church this Saturday, August 9. Not that Rose -- or forgiveness -- comes cheap: Pete's autograph on paper: $49. Pete's autograph on your bat or jersey: $115. Seeing Charlie Hustle: priceless. The sports card and memorabilia show begins at 10 a.m. at the church, on the southeast corner of Central and Bethany Home. Rose signs from noon until 2 p.m.; admission is $1. For details call Jeff at 623-587-9766. - Kim Toms
Luck of the Irish
Take a hike in Cave Creek
Fri 8/8
Who knew that, during the Great Depression, money still burned a hole in Arizonans' pockets? Word is that a woman named Lelia Pearl Irish, a budding entrepreneur, bottled volcanic ash she collected from abandoned mines in the Cave Creek area and sold it as "Yndiol: Nature's Perfect Cure." At $5 a pound, she made money hand over fist. Bob Gaulden, interpretive ranger for the Cave Creek Recreation Area, says it was marketed for things like bleeding piles, ringworm, ulcers, hives and acne. On Friday, August 8, for a mere $5 fee, Gaulden will take you on a moderate 2.5-mile hike into the mine that Irish used and show you what's left of her laboratory. You should bring your own water and be ready to leave from the Overton Trailhead at 7 a.m. sharp. Call 623-465-0431 to let him know you're coming. - Maidi Terry
