Newsmakers

Introduced Saying he’s ready to take on a difficult task, Frank Martin was introduced as the new South Carolina coach on Tuesday. He leaves Kansas State after four NCAA tournament appearances in five years. Martin says while “some people run away from challenges,” he runs to them: “I always have.” He was given a six-year, $12.3 million deal.

• Alabama Birmingham introduced Jerod Haase as its new men’s basketball coach. The former Kansas and North Carolina assistant replaces fired coach Mike Davis.

Granted Connecticut center Alex Oriakhi has been granted his release from the basketball program. The 6-foot-9 junior, a key piece of UConn’s 2011 national championship run, informed coaches last week that he planned to transfer. His father said Oriakhi made the decision because Connecticut is expected to be academically ineligible for next season’s NCAA tournament.

Honored A new college football award named after Nebraska Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Rodgers will be given to the nation’s top return specialist.

Signed The Milwaukee Brewers signed catcher Jonathan Lucroy to a five-year contract with a club option for 2017. The 25-year-old Lucroy batted .265 with 12 home runs in 136 games last year.

Retired Three-time FIFA player of the year Birgit Prinz is officially ending one of the most illustrious careers in women’s soccer. The 34-year-old Prinz won two World Cup titles with Germany.

Recovering Trainer Bob Baffert was moved out of intensive care a day after having a heart attack and is expected to be released from the hospital by Thursday. Baffert was in the United Arab Emirates to train Game on Dude for the Dubai World Cup this week. Baffert is a three-time winner of the Kentucky Derby.