Sports Shorts 05/15/2008

Local AAU team
second in state
GRAND RAPIDS — The Michigan Mystics U-12 basketball team placed second in the state at the Michigan AAU Girls Basketball District Qualifying Tournament in Grand Rapids May 4. The Mystics defeated Courthouse Rage of Vicksburg but lost to four-time state champion Michigan Shock from Clinton Township. The girls are now qualified to compete at the national tournament July 4-12 in Minnesota.
The team is coached by Mark Barkman and assistant Kraig Brow and includes: Kacey Davidson (Clio), Kolbie Brow (Davison), Jacqueline Simpson (Burton), Breanna Pennington (Clio), Morgan Fly (Flushing), Darbie Barkman (Davison), Mariah Ferris (Davison), Emily Malin (Burton), Kara Puidokas (Grand Blanc), Georgia Gregoricka (Owosso) and Theresa Dray (Davison). ----- J.D.
McGuire completes season at Albion
ALBION — Traci McGuire, a Davison High School graduate, will receive a plaque to commemorate her third-year varsity letter award for the Albion College softball team.
Daughter of Benjamin and Sharon McGuire, McGuire made two appearances as a relief pitcher in games for the Britons this season. Albion head softball coach Katie Kelly recently announced the 19 women who earned varsity awards for their participation. — P.M.
Learn from the pros
DAVISON — The Davison Golf Academy will conduct its Junior Golf Program for children ages 8-16. The six-week program will be Fridays from 8 a.m.-noon starting June 20, and ending with the Junior Club Championship Aug. 22. The program is limited to 100 juniors, both members and non-members.
Golfers will be taught by PGA professionals and the program includes classroom time to learn rules and etiquette, skills competitions, lunch and prizes. Members: $100, non-members: $125. Call 810-653-5301 for details. — J.D.
Spring into cycling
FLINT — The Friends of the Flint River Trail is hosting two community bike rides to help promote Flint’s Smart Commute Week.
The Trails and Treats ride will take place May 16 at noon. Riders will embark on a lunch-hour ride with snack and drink stops along the route. The second annual “What’s Up Downtown” bike tour will be May 18 at 2 p.m. Bike riders are encouraged to attend to explore Flint from a new perspective.
Both bike rides will meet and start at Flint Farmer’s Market. Details: Jack Minore 810-235-2490, jacksonmin@aol.com. — P.M.
Detroit Lions
football camp
GRAND BLANC — Boys and girls ages 6-14 can learn the fundamentals of football including offense, defense and special teams at the 2008 Detroit Lions Youth Football Camp at Grand Blanc High School. This is a non-contact camp and is conducted by Chris Fritzching, Director of Detroit Lions Youth Football. Cost is $159 and includes T-shirt, current/former Lions player appearance, chalk talks and video sessions, skills contests, scrimmages and awards. Details: 313-262-2248. — J.D.
Support breast cancer awareness
LAPEER — The Polar Palace Arena Complex is encouraging area residents to attend a special open skate May 17 from 6:30-8:10 p.m. to help raise funds and awarenessof the fight against breast cancer.
A $1 donation from every admission ticket will be earmarked for the American Cancer Society. In a belated celebration of Mother’s Day, the first 25 moms to attend also will receive a gift, compliments of Flowers by Carol. — P.M.