In brief: Tulsa’s Kragthorpe takes Louisville job

The University of Louisville introduced Steve Kragthorpe as its new football coach, less than 48 hours after Bobby Petrino left for the NFL.

Tulsa’s Kragthorpe and Louisville athletic director Tom Jurich agreed to a five-year, $1.1-million deal that runs through the 2012 season. The contract was approved by the Louisville Athletic Association’s Board of Directors on Tuesday afternoon.

“Fresh off a 13-0 season and victory over Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl, Boise State University has been given approval by the state Board of Education to fix up Bronco Stadium.

“Former Georgia Tech guard Ray Beck, who played with the New York Giants, died after an extended illness in Cedartown, Ga. He was 75.

“Rice extended football coach Todd Graham’s contract through 2012 for leading the Owls to their first bowl game in 45 years in his first season.

“Jody Schrage, the wife of Notre Dame baseball coach Dave Schrage, died in Houston following a six-week battle with cancer. She was 45.

Baseball

Johnson deal finalized

The Arizona Diamondbacks made it official: Randy Johnson is back.

The Diamondbacks announced that they reacquired the Big Unit in a trade with the New York Yankees, one day after he passed his physical.

After two difficult seasons in New York, Johnson returns to Arizona with a two-year, $26 million contract.

“St. Louis Cardinals center fielder Jim Edmonds had surgery in Charlotte, N.C., to correct a foot ailment that led him to have a daily numbing injection during the postseason.

“Ken Griffey Jr.’s broken left hand should be fully healed before the Cincinnati Reds start spring training next month, his agent said.

Motor sports

IROC start delayed

The all-star International Race of Champions will not run at Daytona (Fla.) next month, because series officials have not secured sponsorship.

IROC pits 12 drivers from different auto-racing disciplines in equally prepared cars.

The four-race series usually begins at Daytona International Speedway the Friday before NASCAR’s season-opening Daytona 500.

“Motorcyclist Elmer Symons died in a crash at the Dakar Rally. The 29-year-old South African was killed on the fourth stage from Er Rachidia to Ouarzazate in Morocco.

Miscellany

Barbaro progresses

Barbaro’s right hind leg is improving and a cast has been placed on the Kentucky Derby winner’s laminitis-stricken left hind foot to help realign a bone.

Dean Richardson, chief surgeon at the New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, Pa., also said that tests on Barbaro’s right hind leg showed improved alignment and continued healing.

“The son of former New York Mets baseball star Bud Harrelson pleaded guilty in Riverhead, N.Y., to hindering prosecution in a case in which his friend was convicted of killing his stepfather with a samurai sword.

“The U.S. soccer team will play Guatemala in an exhibition game March 28 in suburban Dallas as part of its preparation for regional tournaments this year.

“The freestyle skiing world championships have been postponed by more than a month because of a lack of snow in Madonna Di Campliglio, Italy.

“Men’s World Cup ski races scheduled for Jan. 20-21 in Chamonix, France, were canceled because of warm weather.