Metro Sports Report

A terrific week of golf

Thu - 02 Aug Written by Bob Brooks

The Metro area got its golf fix for the summer with the Greater Cedar Rapids Open competition at Hunters Ridge last weekend and the Zach Johnson Foundation Classic at Elmcrest on Monday, plus the gala dinner and auction for Zach's event that was held Sunday night at the Cedar Rapids Marriott.

Both golf events were remarkable.

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Former Metro preps in pro baseball

Sun - 05 Aug Written by Metro Sports Report

RYAN SWEENEY (Xavier, Boston Red Sox) -- Sweeney was placed on the disabled list July 31 after undergoing surgery for a broken knuckle on his left pinky finger. He is expected to miss eight weeks. 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) -- Schebler went 2-for-4 Sunday and scored two runs as Great Lakes lost to Dayton, 11-5. He also collected his 16th stolen base. Year to date -- BA - .267, AB - 420, R - 58, H - 112, RBI - 56, 2B - 28, 3B - 6, HR - 5, SB - 16.

KELLEN SWEENEY (Jefferson, Vancouver Canadians (Blue Jays), Northwest League) -- Sweeney went 2-for-5 with a double, triple and two RBIs as Vancouver blanked Eugene, 4-0, in 11 innings Sunday. Vancouver totals -- BA - .206, AB - 155, R - 22, H - 32, RBI - 21, 2B - 10, 3B - 2, HR - 3, SB - 2.

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Goodall will help Kennedy hoops team, too

Thu - 02 Aug Written by Jim Ecker

Cedar Rapids Kennedy High School has found a clever way to steer more of its volleyball players onto the girls basketball team.

The Cougars have finally persuaded volleyball coach Michelle Goodall to serve as an assistant basketball coach as well, which could lead to more multi-sport athletes at the school.

Several girls basketball coaches in the Metro area have gotten frustrated in recent years as more and more talented athletes picked volleyball over hoops. Now Kennedy has found a smooth way, perhaps, to help alleviate the trend.

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In this 2010 file photo, Cedar Rapids Prairie football coach Craig Jelinek talks with quarterback Chaz Boots. Jelinek retired from teaching and coaching, but he will return prep football this fall as a volunteer assistant coach at Cedar Rapids Xavier.

Jelinek joins football staff at Xavier

Wed - 01 Aug Written by Jim Ecker

Craig Jelinek's retirement as a high school football coach lasted exactly one season.

Jelinek, 60, will serve as a volunteer assistant coach this year with the Xavier Saints, working primarily with defensive backs and tight ends.

The move reunites Jelinek with Xavier head coach Duane Schulte, an old friend and one of Jelinek's former students at LaSalle High School more than 30 years ago.

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Jefferson assistant girls track coach Emily Thomson (left) and head coach Bill Calloway competed in the Mount Evans Hill Climb in Colorado on July 21. The 27.4-mile race starts at 7,540 feet and finishes at the summit of Mount Evans, 14,264 feet above sea level. Thomson finished first among amateur women in the race. (Photo courtesy of Emily Thomson)

Champion cyclist urges Jeff runners to reach a higher gear

Tue - 31 Jul Written by Sher Jasperse

Jefferson High School assistant girls track coach Emily Thomson loves to climb hills – on her bike, and in life.

“I’m okay if the world is uphill,” she says.

It’s an attitude that has propelled her to the mountaintop – literally, as the women’s amateur champion at this year’s Mount Evans Hill Climb in Colorado, one of the toughest bicycle races in America.

It has also shaped her coaching philosophy, as she helps her athletes climb methodically to their personal heights.

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