Tomlin to sign with Chadron State

Grand Island Senior High senior Michael Tomlin will sign a letter of intent today to play football at Chadron State next fall.

The running back/defensive back averaged 80.5 yards rushing per game and 4.4 yards per carry as a senior.

His season was cut short in the third game against of the year against Millard North by a torn ACL.

* HORSE RACING

Kentucky Derby futures wagering available Thursday

The first of three wagering pools in the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks opens Thursday in wagering outlets across the United States, including Grand Island's Fonner Park.

Twenty-three thoroughbreds are listed in pool one, with a 24th betting interest named "all other 3-year-olds" or simply "The Field." The morning line favorite in the Kentucky Derby at 5-2 is the forementioned "field" of all other 3-year-olds. The 2007 2-year-old champion War Pass, trained by Nick Zito, and the Bill Mott-trained Court Vision opened at 12-1.

The field is also favored in the Kentucky Oaks at 5-2. Last year's champion, a 2-year-old filly named Indian Blessing trained by Bob Baffert, and Bobby Frankel's Country Star are listed at 8-1 on the morning line.

The early pools have proven to be popular with bettors, many who believe they will receive higher odds on horses they like if they bet now rather than on the first Saturday in May.

Wagering for Pool One will be held starting Thursday through this Sunday.

* COLLEGE WRESTLING

GISH grad Hudiburgh earns GPAC recognition

Hastings wrestler Brandon Hudiburgh is the GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Wrestler of the Week. Hudiburgh, a freshman from Grand Island and a former Class A state champion for GISH, posted a 3-0 duals record on the week for the Broncos. One of his key wins for the week was a 2-1 overtime victory over Northwestern's Enock Francois, who is ranked third in the region.

On the season Hudiburgh is now 25-10 in dual matches. For the week, the team posted a 2-1 record and now sit at 4-2 overall in their inaugural season of wrestling at Hastings.

* Postponements/cancellations

Several area events fall victim to wintry weather

The Hastings College women's basketball game scheduled for Tuesday night against Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln was postponed until 6 p.m. Wednesday due to inclement weather. The Hastings College men's game set for Wednesday night has been moved to 8 p.m. Both games will still be in Lincoln.

Other events from Tuesday that were postponed or canceled:

* The Grand Island freshman girls basketball games at Columbus was canceled.

* The Tri-City Storm USHL game against the Sioux City Musketeers in Kearney was postponed. The Game has been rescheduled for 7:05 p.m. March 11. All tickets dated February 5th will be honored on that date. Call the Storm for more information at 308-338-8809.

* Track and Field

NU's Jonas named Big 12 men's athelete of the week

LINCOLN Senior team captain Dusty Jonas was honored as the Big 12 Men's Track and Field Athlete-of-the-Week for his performance last week at the Frank Sevigne Husker Invitational, the league office announced Tuesday.

The La Vernia, Texas, native won last week's meet with a mark of 2.20m (7-2 1/2) in the high jump. Jonas has already posted an NCAA automatic qualifying mark in the high jump this year as his winning mark of 2.25m (7-4 1/2) at the 2008 Conference Challenge secured him a spot at the NCAA Indoor Championships in Fayetteville, Ark. Jonas' mark at the Conference Challenge currently has him tied with Scott Sellers (Kansas State) for the No. 1 mark this year in the Big 12 and Division I.

* bowling

Area teams headed to state tournament

Bowling teams from Centura, Ravenna and St. Paul will be competing in the Nebraska High School Bowling Federation state tournament Saturday and Sunday at Sun Valley Lanes in Lincoln.

Centura's girls team, led by Jeanie Fisher (159 average) and Megan Robinson (153 average) return to Lincoln as District champs. Joining the girls in the Class C field are Burwell/Ord/Arcadia, Plainview, Wayne, Ravenna, Blue Hill, Crofton and Chadron.

The trip to Lincoln for Centura's boys was locked up thanks to their second-place finish at districts. Kyle Ruzicka and Tyler Plejdrup led the way with season averages of 174.

Joining them in the fight for the Class C title are Burwell/Ord/Arcadia, Plainview, Wayne, Adams Central, St. Paul, Ravenna and defending champs Wisner-Pilger

The St. Paul boys team comes into the state tournament as a Class C wild card. Jeremy Trotter (167 average) and Mitch Osantowski (162 average) led the way during the regular season.

Ravenna's girls, led by Michal Musil (144 average) and Samone Behrendt (144 average) head to Lincoln as a Class C wild card.

The trip to Lincoln for the Ravenna boys also comes courtesy of the wild card. Kelly McFadden (157 average) and Daniel Moore (156 average) led the way during the regular season.

Class C competition begins at 8 a.m. Saturday with a four-game block and a best-of-five single-elimination round using the Baker format. Saturday's competition will narrow the field down to the two teams that will compete for the Class C championship at Sun Valley Lanes on Sunday.

Nebraska Public Television will televise this year's finals. The NET broadcast will air in two segments. The girls will air on Feb. 17, with the boys broadcast scheduled for one week later on Feb. 24. Broadcast times for both days will be 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

* baseBALL

G.I. Youth Baseball taking registrations

Grand Island Youth Baseball is taking registrations for any youth in the Hall County area ages 4-18 interested in playing baseball for the 2008 summer season.

Registration will be at the Conestoga Mall in Grand Island near the food court on Saturday and Feb. 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

If you cannot attend either of these two registration events you can also register online at grandislandbaseball.com.

* basketBALL

Ainsworth hosting youth tournament

The Ainsworth Youth Basketball Tournament will be held on March 1 for girls and March 2 for boys. Each is for grades 5-8.

Entry fee is $60 with three games guaranteed. All games are on regulation size courts.

For more information, contact Jeff Carr at (402) 387-0528. The entry deadline is Feb. 16.