Metro Sports Report

No.12 Saints spike Lions, 3-0

The Xavier Saints won't have to beat the biggest schools in Iowa to reach the state volleyball tournament this year, but they don't think that gives them an advantage.

The IGHSAU created an extra class for girls volleyball this season, putting the 40 largest schools in Class 5A, but the Saints think they'll have plenty of competition in 4A.

"There are still just as many good teams in the class that we're in, so it's still going to be tough," senior Melissa Everett said Tuesday night. "But we're pretty determined."

The 12th-ranked Saints opened the 2012 campaign Tuesday with an impressive 25-21, 25-12, 25-21 verdict at Linn-Mar, which is unranked in Class 5A.

Rodenkirk eyes Jefferson baseball job

Kyle Rodenkirk has big ideas about how to improve the Cedar Rapids Jefferson baseball program.

He'd like to boost the Junior J-Hawk feeder system, build a clubhouse at the field, install a sprinkler system in the outfield, fix the slope behind shortstop, work with the community to increase enthusiasm for Jefferson baseball and get more good athletes at the school to join the team.

Just imagine what the former all-conference catcher at Jefferson might do if he actually becomes the school's new coach.

Former Metro preps in pro baseball

RYAN SWEENEY (Xavier, Boston Red Sox) -- Was placed on the disabled list July 31 after undergoing surgery for a broken knuckle on his left pinky finger. He is expected to be out until late September. Year to date -- BA - .260, AB - 204, R - 22, H - 53, RBI - 16, 2B - 19, 3B - 2, HR - 0, SB - 0.

SCOTT SCHEBLER (Prairie, Great Lakes Loons (Dodgers), Midwest League) -- Started in left field Tuesday and was 0-for-3 in the Loons' 6-5 win over Lake County. Year to date -- BA - .264, AB - 500, R - 67, H - 132, RBI - 66, 2B - 32, 3B - 8, HR - 6, SB - 17.

KELLEN SWEENEY (Jefferson, Vancouver Canadians (Blue Jays), Northwest League) -- Did not play Tuesday in Vancouver's 9-1 loss at Yakima. Vancouver totals -- BA - .232, AB - 228, R - 32, H - 53, RBI - 29, 2B - 15, 3B - 2, HR - 5, SB - 5.

Deam sees better days ahead for Jeff

There have been some big changes at Cedar Rapids Jefferson in the past eight months. Seismic changes, almost.

Jim Womochil, saddled with a 22-game losing streak, quit as the football coach last January.

Larry Niemeyer, battling health issues, stepped aside as the girls basketball coach, then wasn't rehired as the softball coach.