The Year In Sports

From the rushing heroics of LaDainian Tomlinson, NFL star, to the rushing heroics of Kendric Smith, Arkansas schoolboy ... and everything else that made 2006 special

PAGE 40
STIRRING IMAGES
In masks or on crutches, in Speedos or in snowsuits, on bikes or inwheelchairs, wearing spikes or running barefoot--athletes giving their all.

PAGE 68
THE BEST OF...
What could be better than back-to-back-to-back-to-back home runs? A rundown ofthat and other compelling feats, as well as predictions for 2007.

PAGE 101
THE WORST OF...
For the sixth year, Steve Rushin recaps the outrageous (T.O., a children'sauthor?), leaving no misdeed, miscreant, malaprop or liquored-up treeunturned.

PAGE 106
GAME OF THE YEAR
A high school running back scored nine touchdowns--yet his team lost. For thewinning school, it was the only victory of the season. Really.

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FINAL FAREWELL
The sports world lost such beloved figures as Celtics monarch Red Auerbach,golfing great Byron Nelson and two-time heavyweight champ Floyd Patterson.

FIVE PHOTOS

NIC BOTHMA/EPA; PAUL BUCK/EPA; JOHN UELAND; COURTESY OF EAST POINSETT COUNTY HIGH; RICH CLARKSON