AUSTIN (AP)

Scott and White announced Tuesday it will unite its hospital, clinic and health plan into one organization."We are moving into the second century of excellence in healthcare," said Alfred B. Knight Jr., who is in charge of leading the unification and will become chief executive officer when the union is complete.Knight said the union will diminish Scott and White bureaucracy because the different parts will allow work under the direction of one board of directors."We can now align all our resources together," he said.

Athletic directors and football coaches of the new District 13-5A held their first meeting Tuesday, and nothing about the 2000-02 district realignment surprised them

The University Interscholastic League realignment announced Tuesday left Troy coach Mike McMurtry a little perturbed."They want us to spend time and work hard in our athletic programs," he said. "I wish they'd do the same when they work on realignment."McMurtry's Trojans have once again been elevated to the Class 3A level, which is where they were two years ago. However, that's not the part that upsets McMurtry."It was kind of expected," he said of being moved up. "We're always going to be one of those teams on the bubble, so being moved back to 3A wasn't a big surprise." by Marcus Hood

Three Houston Astros stroked consecutive signatures in the early going of an autograph session at Temple Mall Tuesday, giving the Astros a decisive win over the Texas Rangers in the battle of off-season publicity tours in town this week.Okay, so it wasn't an official competition. But had it been, the Astros would have won easily, considering the long line of fans seeking autographs from Astros infielder Tim Bogar, outfielder Lance Berkman, pitcher Jose Lima and Hall of Fame broadcaster Milo Hamilton.A similar event by the Rangers Monday drew fewer fans and less excitement. Of course, their owner doesn't hail from Temple, like the Astros' does. by John Eubanks

ST. LOUIS (AP)

COPPERAS COVE

The Temple Wildcats got back into winning form Tuesday night, pasting the Copperas Cove Bulldogs 72-55 at Wildcat Gym.The Wildcats were relentless on the boards and in the paint behind junior post Matt Williams, who scorched the Dawgs for 34 points, 21 of them in the first half."Matt played an outstanding game for us tonight," said Temple coach Bruce Etheridge, whose team improved to 22-6 overall and remained tied atop District 8-5A at 5-1. "It was an awesome performance by him