Published: May 31, 2008 01:43 pm      

sports briefs

Hoffpauir a hit with Cubs

The Chicago Cubs have the best record in baseball at 34-21, contributing to the success of the first place team is Jacksonville’s Micah Hoffpauir.

To say the former Fightin’ Indian is hot is an understatement. While playing in 10 games, he has seven hints in 15 at-bats with three doubles and one RBI and a scorching .467 batting average in his first action at the big league level.

In Friday’s game Hoffpauir helped the Cubs rally for an 8-0 deficit. When the smoke had cleared and the partying began on Waveland Avenue, the Cubs had a thrilling 10-9 win. Hoffpauir played first base on Friday, but has seen duty as an outfielder and pinch-hitter. He earned the roster advancement from AAA Iowa and was placed on the roster when Daryle Ward went down with a back injury.

Hoffpauir began his baseball career in Carthage playing on select teams and following the guidance of his dad/coach Barry Hoffpauir.

Hoffpauir moved the family to Jacksonville when he took over the job as baseball coach at LMC.

Adam, Bradley and Micah Hoffpauir all played for their father.

Hoffpauir earned all-conference honors at Lon Morris and transferred to Lamar University when he played his final two seasons before being drafted by the Cubs.

The 6-3, 215-pounder has been in the minor leagues until the recent call-up. Hoffpauir had 613 total minor leagues games played before the call from the Cubs to report to the big leagues.

In the last two years he was very close to making the big club. A knee injury late in the 2007 season scrubbed a possible call-up. An oblique muscle pulled earlier this year meant he started the year in rehab, not at Wrigley Field.

Micah’s wife, Tiffany, a first grade teacher at East Side Elementary is set to join her husband in the “Windy City.”

She said, “Micah is living his dream and I am going with him. He deserves to get this promotion to the big leagues.”



Lon Morris golfers take fourth at nationals

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The Lon Morris College men’s golf team finished fourth in the recent NJCAA national tournament.

The event was held in was held at the 7,192-yard Robert Trent Jones Trail River Course.

Midland Community College had rounds of 309-307-300-286 for a 1,189 score and a 37-stroke win over second place Scottsdale (Ariz.) Community College.

Lon Morris had rounds of 309-307-300-286-1,202 for fourth, 50 strokes off the top spot.

LMC individual scores and places include: Wesley Worster, 73-79-77-66-295, tied for fifth; Trey Herring, 77-77-73-72-299, tied for ninth; Jaime Garcia, 80-73-75-74-302, tied for 15th; James Searson, 79-83-75-74-311, tied for 44th.

The team is coached by Barry Griffin.



Alto, Wells players listed on District 22-A softball list

All district selections – District 22A are:

Coach of the Year - Sharon Reid - Alto; CO-District MVPs: Heaven Liles-sophomore-Alto and Abbey Scott-sophomore-Alto; Offensive Player of the Year: Ashley Lollar-senior- Mount Enterprise, Andie Downey-junior-Martinsville; Defensive Player of the year: Lexi Sessions -senior- Alto; Jennifer Phillips-junior-Martinsville.

Newcomer of the Year: Laren Watson-Freshman-Wells;Utility Player of the Year: Savannah Holland-senior-Douglass; Brandi Holster-junior-Mt. Enterprise

First team pitcher: Sara Swearingen-junior-Cushing

Second team pitcher: Brianna Bryant-freshman-Mount Enterprise

First team catcher: Kara Chapman-freshman- Mount Enterprise; Second team catcher: Cassidy Glover-sophomore-Wells

First team infielders:Shelby Reed-sophomore-Douglass; Megan Bobbitt-junior-Wells; Brittany Morton-sophomore-Wells; Sammi Jo Pruitt-senior-Cushing; Amanda Garcia-junior-Mount Enterprise; LaQuendal Tyler- junior, Alto; Holley Huddleston-ninth, Alto.

Second team infielders: Cheyenne Vaught-junior, Mount Enterprise; Tiffany Chambers-junior-Wells; Rachael Rawlinson-senior-Cushing; Jade Wallace-junior-Martinsville;Lisa Anthony-sophomore-Chereno;Katina Sturns-ninth-Alto; Brandi Burdette- sophomore -Martinsville.

First team outfielders: Kristen McCaslin-junior-Douglass; Morgan Christopher-sophomore-Martinsville; Shannon Driskell-junior-Martinsville; Mason Grubbs-ninth-Mount Enterprise; Lacey Huddleston-junior-Alto; Teoshue Badget-ninth, Alto.

Second team outfielders: Sarah Barnes-junior-Martinsville; Christol Ady-senior-Martinsville; Jo Davis-ninth-Cushing; Amanda Jones-ninth-Mount Enterprise; Sara Sanders-junior -Mount Enterprise and Alisha Dyson-junior-Wells.