Traverse City Record-Eagle

Sports

January 18, 2012

Local Sports in Brief: 01/18/2012

FROM STAFF REPORTS ----

TC-250 slated for Saturday

INTERLOCHEN -- I-500 veterans Scott Odom and Greg Town lead a field of 22 entries in Saturday's TC-250 vintage snowmobile race at the Bendon Eagles.

Odom posted the fastest time in last weekend's time trials. Town finished second.

The race will be divided into three segments -- 80 laps, 80 laps and 90 laps. There will be 20-minute breaks between segments.

All snowmobiles must have a 1975 or older chassis and a 1975 or older production fan-cooled motor.

The event begins at noon with a kids race. That will be followed by a women's race, then the 250.

The first-place prize is $1,000.

Some 28 sleds competed for the 22 openings during the time trials.

Town and partner Paul Barrett have won the 250 the last two years, but Barrett is not racing Saturday.

Alliance Rugby Club recruiting, practicing

TRAVERSE CITY -- The Traverse City Alliance Rugby Club -- a co-op team of Traverse City area high school boys -- is still recruiting players for the upcoming season.

And now the club is starting a 7th-8th grade program.

The club is holding practices on Saturdays throughout January and February at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Middle School off Three Mile Road.

Practice times vary, but this Saturday's practice will be from 3-5 p.m.

The Alliance high school team went 4-2 a year ago and return 11 players. Since the program was established in 2001, three players -- Gabe Gallagher, Angus MacLellan and Griffin Benson -- have received full scholarships to Davenport University, the defending Division 1-AA national champion. In addition, former player Nick Nussdorfer was captain of the West Pointe team while Phil Thiel is a hooker with the U.S. national team and represented the U.S. in last year's Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. Thiel will be in town later this month.

For more information on the team and practices, call coach Chuck Benson at 342-5085.

Pond hockey tourney Feb. 17-19

ST. IGNACE -- The U.P. Adult Pond Hockey Championship -- one of North America's largest pond tournaments -- will be held on Lake Huron Feb. 17-19.

Officials clear 16 acres by zamboni and divide the ice into 30 rinks near downtown St. Ignace for the four-on-four competition.

Now in its sixth year, the 160 tournament slots are nearly filled.

In its short history, the tournament has hosted entries from 46 of the 50 states, as well as Canada. This year teams are registered from 11 states. Kentucky, with two entries last year, has seven entries in February.

On Friday, Feb. 17, the Detroit Red Wings alumni will challenge a team comprised of pond hockey players to a game that will be held indoors at Little Bear East Arena at 7 p.m.

For more information about the tournament, call the St. Ignace Visitors Bureau at (800) 338-6660 or visit www.stignace.com.

Text Only