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Kramer kicks her way into Marion record book

Mon - 25 Apr Written by Jim Ecker

Kristin Kramer has been a goal-scoring machine since she joined the Marion High School soccer team last year as a junior.

She collected three more goals Monday in a 5-0 victory at Mount Vernon and smashed the school record for most goals in a career with 39.

She topped the old Marion High School mark of 37 goals, set by Jami Sunderman in 2003.

Kramer played varsity soccer at Xavier as a freshman and sophomore, then transferred to Marion to join relatives and friends there. She broke Marion's single-season record with 30 goals as a junior and has nine goals in just four games this year.

"Honestly, I really just go into each game with the mentality that I'm just going to do whatever I can to help my team," she said. "They made some great passes today and we really work well as a team. It's been a fun year."

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Xavier's Kimmy Askelson pumps her fist after sinking a putt on the ninth hole to complete her round at 36 Monday at Ellis golf course. Askelson was medalist and the Saints won the team title of the Cougar Invitational. (Photo by Ken Gilchrist)

Askelson's 36 leads Saints at Cougar Invite

Mon - 25 Apr Written by Metro Sports Report

Kimmy Askelson shot a 36 Monday to help Xavier win the Cougar Invitational girls golf meet at Ellis Golf Course.

Xavier nipped Western Dubuque, 183-185, for the title.

Megan Furnish of Jefferson finished second with a 38.

Julie Pople had a 44 that led Linn-Mar to third place.

Ali Lindo's 44 led Kennedy.

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When official walks everyone loses

Sun - 24 Apr Written by Mark Dukes

When an official walked off the court and effectively cancelled a youth basketball game earlier this month, a healthy debate about responsibility ensued.

In Iowa City at the Spring Fling tournament, an official became upset about the rough play and apparent trash talk between the Iowa Barnstormers and Wisconsin Force out of Madison. As the official left the court, he looked toward the Force bench and said, “I’m not dealing with it. You guys can’t play basketball. You don’t deserve to be here.’’

With that, the game was over with 3:07 left in the first half and the Barnstormers’ 17-and-under team leading, 20-15. The two teams exchanged handshakes and backslaps and one player was heard saying, “Well, it was fun while it lasted.’’

I did not attend the game but I have seen enough video to draw a couple conclusions.

For one, this is AAU basketball, a broad description of competition outside of high school. Many of these teams belong to the Amateur Athletic Union and compete under its auspices, but many others do not. AAU basketball often is highly competitive and, in the case of 17-and-under players, involves boys and girls competing for college scholarships. It can be very intense competition, indeed.

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Blue Jays put Kellen Sweeney on extended path

Sun - 24 Apr Written by Jim Ecker

Kellen Sweeney wakes up by 6:10 a.m. and gets to the ballpark by 7, even though stretching won't start until 9 or 9:30.

"You like to get there early," he said.

Sweeney, 19, is a professional baseball player now and doesn't want to miss a thing or miss an opportunity to accelerate his rise with the Toronto Blue Jays.

He's currently in extended spring training with the Blue Jays in Dunedin, Fla., less than a year after being selected in the second round of the 2010 draft and about nine months after signing for $600,000 and college tuition.

Sweeney was an all-state shortstop at Cedar Rapids Jefferson High School, but he's a third baseman now and learning a new position. "I actually like it a lot," he said.

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Piche leads Metro parade to Drake Relays

Sat - 23 Apr Written by Jim Ecker

Linn-Mar senior Amanda Piche has regained her confidence, just in time for the 2011 Drake Relays.

Piche has struggled in the discus this spring, but she uncorked a winning throw of 140 feet, 8 inches at the West Delaware Invitational on Thursday and is ready to defend her title at Drake.

"Yeah, it did boost my confidence," she said Saturday. "I'm also kind of relieved that I finally threw it, because I knew I should have thrown that far. I've been disappointed in the past couple of meets before that with my performances. I'm glad I finally hit 140."

Piche won the discus title at the Drake Relays last year with a toss of 136 feet, 9 inches. Her personal best is 143-5, thrown last year, so she's almost regained the form that made her one of the top throwers in the state in 2010.

Piche tops the list of Metro girls and boys who have qualified for the 2011 Drake Relays. Linn-Mar, Washington, Prairie, Jefferson, Xavier and Kennedy all will be represented in the prestigious meet in Des Moines April 28-30. The official entry list was released Saturday.

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Metro Sports Report

Kramer kicks her way into Marion record book

Askelson's 36 leads Saints at Cougar Invite

When official walks everyone loses

Blue Jays put Kellen Sweeney on extended path

Piche leads Metro parade to Drake Relays

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