Metro Sports Report

Derby dream waits, but here's the picks

During this siege of rehabbing, I've had a chance to look down the road I have traveled and am sure that along the way I have had regrets and disappointments, plus all the highs and lows that go along with covering sports in Iowa for a long period of time.

It's timely to come to one of my regrets, which is very timely in the fact that I have never covered the Kentucky Derby. Always wanted to, never did.

I have had the behind-the-scenes tour of Churchill Downs, have seen the spires and the wood and the boiler and the track, but never experienced Derby week. And with that regret in mind, it's a good time to give you the winning horse for Saturday's Run for the Roses.

Former Metro preps in pro baseball

RYAN SWEENEY (Xavier, Boston Red Sox) --  Started in right field Saturday and was 1-for-4 with a double, RBI and run scored in Boston's 8-2 loss to Baltimore. Ryan leads the majors in doubles (13) and is fourth in the AL in batting (.354). Year to date: BA -- .354 (28-79), R -- 8, RBI -- 9, 2B -- 13, 3B -- 1, HR -- 0, SB -- 0.

KELLEN SWEENEY (Jefferson, Lansing (MWL, Blue Jays) -- Did not play Saturday in the Lugnuts' 2-0 win over West Michigan. Year to date: BA -- .185 (15-81), R -- 5, RBI -- 7, 2B -- 2, 3B -- 1, HR -- 0, SB -- 0.

SCOTT SCHEBLER (Prairie, Great Lakes (MWL, Dodgers) -- Started in left field Saturday and was 1-for-3 with an RBI single and run scored in the Loons' 6-1 win at South Bend. Scott is tied for the league lead in triples (4) and tied for fourth in RBIs (19). Year to date: BA -- .245 (27-110), R -- 15, RBI -- 19, 2B -- 9, 3B -- 4, HR -- 1, SB -- 1.

U.S. Cellular Center not available for 2012 state volleyball

The U.S. Cellular Center in downtown Cedar Rapids will not be ready to host the girls state volleyball tournament this November, city officials told members of the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union on Thursday.

Four top officials of the IGHSAU took a guided tour of the arena Thursday and met with city officials, including Mayor Ron Corbett and City Manager Jeff Pomeranz.

"We were officially told the arena will not be finished and will not be open for November of 2012," said Mike Dick, the executive director of the IGHSAU.

The U.S. Cellular Center is being remodeled and is currently closed for business. The 2011 state volleyball tournament was held at the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena on a temporary basis and city officials have offered the Ice Arena as an alternate site again for the 2012 tournament. Dick did not rule it out, but was non-committal.

"We at least know the Ice Arena did work as a substitute venue," he said. "We know how it can be done and know it can work."

Marion boys win Wamac track title

VINTON - The Marion High School boys track team continued its strong performances this spring by claiming top honors at the Wamac Conference meet Thursday in Vinton.

Lukas Mees sparked the Indians by claiming the 1600 and 3200 meter runs. Derrick Williams captured the 100 meter dash for Marion.

Williams placed second in the 200, Greg Sam ran second in the 800 and the Indians also took second in the 4x200 relay.

Marion won the meet with 121.5 points. DeWitt Central finished second with 99.5 points.