Some interesting developments happened in the last week on the pro soccer front. First, Mayor John Norquist said the proposal to build a 20,000 capacity soccer stadium in town interested him.

"I think there are a lot of details to be worked out, but I don't think there is any reason to fight them," Norquist said. "If they bring $20 million in equity and the capacity to borrow enough money to build a stadium, there's no reason to tell them to go away."

It's questionable considering developments over the last year or so if an endorsement from "hisoner" is something Tim Krause and his investors even want, but this writer has to agree with Norquist on this one.

Whatever happens on the stadium front, Krause and his group, called Wisconsin Sports Management, demonstrated they want to play a major role in soccer one day after Norquist's comments, when they announced they have bought the Milwaukee Wave indoor soccer team.

The deal to buy the Wave actually was announced in August, but the $5 million deal was completed last week.

Wisconsin Sports Management also reportedly is discussing the purchase of the Milwaukee Rampage, the A-League outdoor team in town. It's not known what will happen to that franchise if Krause is successful in building the stadium and getting a Major League Soccer franchise.

So, whether the sports establishment in Milwaukee goes along with Krause's proposal for a stadium or not, he and his investors look to be poised to be the soccer powers in this town. This writer hopes the group is successful.

I like the Admirals' Phil Wittliff's reaction to the possibility of the stadium and a Major League Soccer franchise. Wittliff basically said that whether a "machine shop or a soccer franchise" is added to the Milwaukee business scene he think the community benefits.

The Rampage start the A-League playoffs with a game at Nashville on Thursday and then play the Metros in a second game at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Milwaukee County Sports Complex.

The team that scores the most aggregate goals will advance in the playoffs. Both teams finished the regular season 14-10-2. The Rampage beat the Metros, 4-0, in their only regular season game.

You will have plenty of chances to watch the Bucks on TV this coming season. The team announced recently that they would offer 35 games on WCGV-TV (Channel 24) in addition to their 36 games on Fox Sports Net. Jim Paschke and Jon McGlocklin will again do the games.

The Bucks' camp opens in about three weeks. The annual Media Day has been set for Oct.1 and the pre-season schedule starts shortly after.

Look for regular reviews and the buzz about the Bucks in this column throughout the season.

Turning attention to Madison and Green Bay, don't fret Badgers' fans and don't get cocky yet Packers' fans. Fresno State is a solid, explosive football team that had beaten two excellent teams before taking the Badgers last Saturday.

If Barry Alvarez can get his young players to start playing more consistent football, the Badgers will still be a factor in the Big Ten.

The Packers looked very good and fans have reasons to be optimistic. But, Detroit is not a very good football team at this time. A better test will come next weekend when the Packers go to the Meadowlands to face the Giants.

At the same time, the play of Ahman Green was very encouraging, as was the defensive play. Feel good about it, but don't fall into a typical fan's trap of getting too high, too quickly.