Metro Sports Report

The day I met Jackie Robinson

On Sunday, Major League Baseball celebrated the 65th anniversary of the day Jackie Robinson ran onto the grass at Ebbets Field to play his first game for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Players all over the league wore Jackie’s number 42 in his honor.

I, too, wear number 42. It’s on the back of a T-shirt given by a friend, and I wear it to bed proudly as a night shirt, for Jackie Robinson is my greatest hero. I share this admiration with many thousands, but unlike most of them, I had the chance to tell Jackie so in person.

It all started with a book.

Uthoff says Iowa, ISU on restricted list

Jarrod Uthoff said Saturday that he liked just about everything at the University of Wisconsin.

He liked the coaches, liked the sellout crowds at the Kohl Center and really liked going with the Badgers to the NCAA basketball tournament, even though he was being redshirted and couldn't play.

"It was a good time," he said about his first year at Wisconsin. "It was an exciting time, especially the tournament and especially going to the Sweet 16."

As it turns out, Uthoff's first year with the Badgers will also be his last. He met with Coach Bo Ryan this past week and has decided to transfer.

Former Metro preps in pro baseball

RYAN SWEENEY (Xavier, Boston Red Sox) -- Started in right field and was 0-for-3, snapping a seven-game hitting streak, Monday in Boston's 1-0 loss to Tampa Bay. Year to date: BA -- .357 (10-28), R -- 3, RBI -- 4, 2B -- 3, 3B -- 1, HR -- 0, SB -- 0.

KELLEN SWEENEY (Jefferson, Lansing (MWL, Blue Jays) -- Started at third base Monday and was 1-for-3 with a walk in the Lugnuts' 3-0 win over South Bend. Year to date: BA -- .242 (8-33), R -- 1, RBI -- 5, 2B -- 1, 3B -- 0, HR -- 0, SB -- 0.

SCOTT SCHEBLER (Prairie, Great Lakes (MWL, Dodgers) -- Started in right field Monday and was 0-for-4 in the Loons' 2-1 loss at Bowling Green. Year to date: BA -- .256 (11-43), R -- 5, RBI -- 7, 2B -- 6, 3B -- 2, HR -- 1, SB -- 1.

Ophoff notches 3 wins at Kennedy meet

Brandon Ophoff enjoyed another strong day for the Linn-Mar High School track team Saturday at Kingston Stadium.

Ophoff captured the 110 meter hurdles, the 400 meter low hurdles and ran on the championship shuttle hurdle relay to help the Lions finish in second place at the Draxton-Stiers Invitational hosted by Kennedy.

Josh Evans grabbed the 3200 meter run for Linn-Mar, Chase Grabau won the 1600 and the Lions also claimed the 4x400 relay.