Local News

Hayden tops all-Metro baseball team

Alex Hayden of Kennedy has been named the Athlete of the Year on the 2012 All-Metro Baseball Team, as selected by the Metro coaches.

Hayden excelled for the Cougars this season as a pitcher, second baseman and hitter as Kennedy compiled a 32-6 record and qualified for the Class 4A state tournament.

Cody Bell and Chico Lizarraga from Kennedy joined Hayden on the first team.

The Linn-Mar Lions, who will face Kennedy in the first round of the state tournament Wednesday night, also landed three spots on the first unit with Jake Stolley, Michael Redmond and Austin Stroschein.

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5 Metro stars ready for Shrine Bowl

The 90 players in the Iowa Shrine Bowl had one week to practice, learn all the plays and get ready for Saturday night's football game at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames.

It's a lot of material to absorb in a short period of time, but they always seem to grasp the basics in a hurry and put on a good show for the fans.

"We have some top-notch athletes," said Kennedy strong safety Josh Jahlas, who will play for the North squad. "They're really smart, so they'll be able to get it down."

The players are selected for their athletic ability, leadership and academic performance, and all three factors are necessary to learn a new offense and defense in just a few days.

"These are the best football players in Iowa," Jahlas remarked earlier this week. "They'll get it eventually."

The kickoff of the 40th Annual Shrine Bowl is scheduled for 7 p.m.

This will be a special game for all the players, but it's extra special for Jahlas because he'll be joining the Iowa State Cyclones in a few weeks. He'll be playing on his future home field Saturday night in Ames and the ISU coaches will be in the stands watching.

Jahlas is joining Iowa State as a walk-on and undoubtedly will be redshirted this season as a true freshman, but he's hopeful of earning playing time and a scholarship as time goes by.

Jahlas will be joined on the North team Saturday night by quarterback Mark Atwater from Linn-Mar, receiver Flynn Heald from Cedar Rapids Washington, defensive back Jordan Weber from Xavier and linebacker Jake McDonald from Marion High School.

The annual North-South Shrine all-star game has raised more than $2 million for Shriner's Hospitals Children during the past 39 years, and one of the highlights each year for the players is visiting a Shriner Hospital and spending time with the young patients.

The players attended a pre-game banquet in Ames Friday night. The North leads the all-time series, 20-18-1.

Former Metro players in pro baseball

Schebler collects 26th double and two RBIs

RYAN SWEENEY (Xavier H.S., Boston Red Sox) -- Sweeney went 0-for-3 with a walk and a run scored Friday night in Boston's 3-1 victory over the Rays. His average dropped to .279.

SCOTT SCHEBLER (Prairie H.S., Great Lakes Loons, Midwest League) -- Schebler went 1-for-4 with a double and two RBIs Friday as Great Lakes lost to the Cedar Rapids Kernels, 8-3. It was his 26th double this year. Schebler is hitting .263 with five homers and 49 RBIs.

KELLEN SWEENEY (Jefferson H.S., Vancouver Canadians, Northwest League) -- Sweeney did not play Friday as the Canadians beat Boise, 7-4. He is hitting .173 with two homers and 12 RBIs.

Chad Christensen will return to Nebraska

Chad Christensen could not agree to contract terms with the Miami Marlins on Friday and will return to the University of Nebraska for his senior campaign with the Cornhuskers.

"I'm going back to school," he told the Metro Sports Report on Friday night.

Christensen, who starred at Cedar Rapids Washington High School, was picked in the 35th round of the Major League draft on June 6 as the 1,067th player selected overall.

The signing deadline was Friday at 4 p.m. "I talked to them the whole time and talked to them today," said Christensen. "I appreciate the Marlins taking me in the draft and giving me a chance."

He declined to reveal what the Marlins offered and what he wanted in terms of a financial package. "I don't really want to talk about that too much," he said.

Christensen hit .311 for Nebraska this season with 10 homers and 48 RBIs. He played mostly shortstop for the Cornhuskers, but was drafted as an outfielder and anticipates playing the outfield at Nebraska next season.

Christensen will be eligible for the Major League draft again next year.

Christensen plans to get his degree in finance. He'll get another chance to play on the same college team with his brother Austin, who was redshirted at Nebraska this past season as a true freshman because of an arm injury.