Jeff Garcia signs with Eagles
PHILADELPHIA, March 16 (UPI) -- Free-agent quarterback Jeff Garcia Thursday signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.
In 2005, Garcia, 36, started five of his six games with Detroit after suffering a broken left ankle in the pre-season. He was 102-for-173 for 937 yards, three touchdowns and six interceptions.
"Garcia is a guy who's had a lot of success in the National Football League," said Eagles Coach Andy Reid. "He knows how to win football games and he's been to the Pro Bowl multiple times. He's a very smart player and is very familiar with our offensive system. He'll be a great back-up to Donovan (McNabb)."
In seven NFL seasons with San Francisco, Cleveland and Detroit, Garcia has completed 61 percent of his passes for 19,076 yards, 126 touchdowns and 71 interceptions. He 1,791 yards and 24 touchdowns on 370 rushing attempts.
Philadelphia will be his fourth team in as many years.
Gailey signs new contract at Georgia Tech
ATLANTA, March 16 (UPI) -- Head football coach Chan Gailey of Georgia Tech Thursday signed a new five-year contract that runs through the 2010 season.
In four years at the ACC school, Gailey has a record of 28-22 and has taken the Yellow Jackets to a bowl game each year. In 2005, Georgia Tech was 7-5, including a 5-3 conference mark.
"It's great to finally have this in place," the former Dallas Cowboys coach said on the school's Web site. "Obviously I'm very happy to be here. I came here, my expectation was to finish my career at Georgia Tech, and this is a big step in that direction."
The contract was agreed upon by Tech President Dr. Wayne Clough and outgoing athletic director Dave Braine and was authorized by the Georgia Tech Athletic Association Board in November.
Bryant and Wilson lead at Bay Hill
ORLANDO, Fla., March 16 (UPI) -- Bart Bryant and Dean Wilson share the first-round lead of the Bay Hill Invitational in Orlando after firing 6-under-par 66 in the first round.
"I seem to be putting a lot of rounds together where I hit the ball nice and give myself a lot of chances," said Wilson. "So far this year, I've done that a lot, so it's quite pleasing."
Former British Open champions Ben Curtis and Ernie Els both carded 5-under 67 and are tied for third place with Jason Gore, Lucas Glover and Bob Hope Chrysler Classic winner Chad Campbell.
A group of 10 players -- including Corey Pavin, Retief Goosen and Fred Funk -- came in at 3-under 69. World No. 1 Tiger Woods -- who won this event from 2000-2003 -- opened with a 2-under 70 and is part of a group tied for 23rd place that also includes Bernhard Langer, Tom Lehman and Geoff Ogilvy.
Ed Loar is a co-leader in China
SANYA, China, March 16 (UPI) -- Edward Loar of the United States and Liang Wen-Chong of China both shot 10-under-par 62 Thursday and share the lead after one round of the TCL Golf Classic.
The event is being played at Sanya, China, and the scores marked a course record. It broke Paul McGinley's 63, fired in the final round of last year's tournament.
Joakim Haeggman of Sweden, Andrew Buckle of Australia, and Warren Abery of South Africa all carded 9-under 63 to claim a share third place. England's David Howell shot 8-under 64 and is alone in sixth place.
In all, 30 players were 5-under or better in the first round, including defending champion Paul Casey, who beat McGinley in a playoff last year. Casey shot 7-under 65 and shares seventh place with three other players.
Just 35 players in a field of 155 were over par.
