New national champs: Blaine County Title
Representing Idaho and sponsor Blaine County Title of Ketchum, a men's slow-pitch softball team from the Gem State went 8-1 and walked off with a national championship in the Men's Over 60 class Oct. 18 at Phoenix, Arizona.
Blaine County Title averaged over 20 runs per game in winning its division during the Oct. 16-18 Triple A World Championship of Senior Softball. The team included Ketchum's Bob Sarchett, 65, the catcher and first baseman.
Sarchett said the Idaho team's fitness level was a factor in the unseasonably warm 102-degree temperatures. After losing 15-14 in the winner bracket final to the Georgia/Alabama Masters squad, Blaine County Title rallied to beat Georgia/Alabama twice 29-21 and 26-17 in the deciding games.
"We wore them down," said Sarchett.
In its 18-team division Blaine County Title also beat teams from San Antonio and Austin, Texas, from Denver, Colo., from New Jersey and from Fountain Valley, Ca. The Idaho champions won baseball shoes and bat bags, a trophy and championship rings.
Sarchett (.714 batting average) was one of four Blaine County Title players on the All-Tournament team. The others, mostly from the Boise area, were pitcher/outfielder Wayne Clark, 60 (.821, 17 HR, 34 RBI), outfielder/pitcher Scott Shumway, 61 (.738) and third baseman/Sun Valley resident Bob Hildeman, 70 (.722).
It was the 11-player team's fourth tournament of the 2009 season and its third victory to go along with first places at Bend, Ore. and in August's regional championship at Salt Lake City, Utah.
Dr. Alexander finishes first marathon
Dr. Charlotte Alexander of Sun Valley competed in her first-ever marathon in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, Oct. 25. She won her Women's 55-59 age group and vowed afterwards that it was her final marathon.
Talked into competing in the Marine Corps Marathon by triathlete daughter Amy Alexander (who promised to run the whole race with her mom), Charlotte (3.44:09) kept pace with Amy throughout the race with Amy providing constant encouragement. She placed first of 212 in her age group, 458th of 8,280 females and 2,456th of 20,936 overall.
Dr. Alexander is an orthopaedic hand surgeon who practices with her husband Herb at Alexander Orthopaedics in Ketchum.
Hockey referee clinic is Sunday in Sun Valley
Persons interested in officiating youth or senior ice hockey games can take part in the annual Hockey Referee Clinic Sunday, Nov. 1 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sun Valley City Hall. There will be on-ice sessions so bring full referee gear, or skates and helmet at the bare minimum, organizer Bobby Noyes said. The seminar is free, but officials will have to register with USA Hockey. Call Noyes at 720-1257 or 726-8557 with any questions.
Fall Cyclocross Series due
Road & Dirt's Billy Olson has announced details on his Web site about a Fall Cyclocross Series to be held Sunday mornings beginning Nov. 1 and running into early December.
Two venues are proposed—the Sagewillow Farms soccer fields in Elkhorn and The Community Campus, Hailey. Registration opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 10:50 a.m. each Sunday, with racing at 11 a.m. Cost is $15, licenses required. Call Olson at 788-9184 or email him at billy@roadanddirt.org.
Senior hockey registration
B League ($235 per person) and B+ League ($235) Hockey League registration and league fees are due on or before Oct. 30, league commissioner Terry Crawford said. Forms may be picked up and dropped off at Sturtevants in Ketchum or Hailey. The league will not accept any players after this date. For information contact Crawford at 720-0826 or terrykart@aol.com.
Final Valley Club tournament
The Valley Club wrapped up its golf tournament season Saturday, Oct. 24 with its Ballbuster tournament on the original Irwin course. Results:
Flight One—Gross: 1—Doug Hickey 74. 2—David Cropper 79. 3—Neal Bradshaw 82. Net: 1—Kurt Funkhouser 75. 2 (tie)—Rich Fabiano 76, John Baker 76 and Webb Craig 76.
Flight Two—Gross: 1—Jim Green 81. 2—Rob McGowan 91. 3—Marc Reinemann 92. Net: 1—Carl Harris 76. 2—Frank Fiaschetti 78. 3—Dick St. Clair 81.
Flight Three—Gross: 1—Ben Quinones 93. 2—Tullio Celano 99. 3—Harold Tollerup 100. Net: 1—Todd Forrest 72. 2—Jim Britt 76. 3—Allan Snyder 78.
Women's Flight—Gross: 1—Marilyn Celano 102. Net: 1—Carolyn Benson 79. 2—Patti Harris 87.
Great Pumpkin 5k in Twin Falls
Runners and walkers will present frightening faces for the holiday Friday, Oct. 30 during the Great Pumpkin 5-kilometer run and walk on a flat course at the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls. Registration is at 5 p.m. with racing at 6 p.m. Register online at spondoro.com.
SVSEF has big plans for Game Dinner
The Fall Game Dinner and Auction is the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation's most popular and important fundraiser of the year, according to SVSEF development director Karoline Droege.
Called "the best party in town," the 33rd annual gala benefit is set for Saturday, Nov. 7 in the Limelight Room of Sun Valley Inn. This year's event features dinner, silent and live auctions and dancing with the "Super Curve" band.
The SVSEF has been providing Wood River Valley's youth with opportunities in skiing and snowboarding for over 40 years. Through fundraising efforts, the SVSEF offers training facilities, racing opportunities, academic assistance to athletes and financial aid (nearly $160,000 last season).
On Nov. 7, the evening kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with cocktails and jazz provided by Alan Pennay. The sit-down dinner presents fine game selected by Mountain Pride and prepared by Sun Valley's talented chefs.
The evening includes announcement of the Jack Simpson "Dedicated Coaches Award", mystery balloon sales, and live and silent auctions.
Tickets are $100 per person and sponsor tables are $1,500 for seating of 10 (includes sponsorship recognition). Seating is limited and by reservation.
Auction highlights include: A day of Skiing with former World Cup racers Erik Schlopy, Bryon Friedman, Zac and Reggie Crist with a private dinner party at Apple's with music by Bryon Friedman; Also,● a one-week vacation for eight people in Antigua; ●four days of cat skiing; a lobster and jazz dinner for 20; ●an elk hunt; heli skiing; a Mexico surf retreat; a Rotarun night skiing and giant slalom race party for 20 with SVSEF coaches; sports tickets; vacation getaways; sports equipment; jewelry; and art.
For tickets and information call Droege at 726-4129 ext. 111 or e-mail karoline@svsef.org.
