Sports briefs

Jones posts three top 15 finishes

Local youth swimming enthusiast Erin Jones traveled to Corvallis last weekend for the Oregon Swimming 11-14 year-old Championships. Jones, 11, placed sixth in the 500 free (6:09.84), 12th in the 100 breast (1:23.79) and 15th in the 100 IM (1:14.43). Her times in the 100 breast and 100 IM were both personal bests, and she also swam PR’s in the 50 free (29.62) and 50 fly (33.36). Jones has also qualified to swim at the Northwest Zone Age Group Swimming Championships, March 21-23 in Federal Way, Wash.

Monthly 9-ball tourney draws crowd

Last Saturday’s monthly open 9-ball tournament at Hood River Billiards drew some 24 players, surpassing the previous high of 14 participants. Cary Brauer of Walla Walla, Wash., won the tournament by defeating Jeremy Mercado of Vancouver, Wash., in the finals. The best local finisher was Alejandro Solano of Odell, who won the Dec. 2002 tournament. HR Billiards will host an open 8-ball tournament on Saturday, March 8, beginning at 9:30 a.m. For more information, call owner Cristy Barsky at 490-3124.

High school softball coach needed

Hood River Valley High School is seeking an assistant softball coach for this season. Practices started Monday, and the new assistant would likely be in charge of the freshman team. A baseball or softball background is preferred. Call coach Phil Hukari as soon as possible at 386-1516, or call Athletic Director Mitch Sanders at 386-2318.

Trail Daze to be held Saturday at HRV

The second-annual Trail Daze outdoor education clinic will be held Saturday at Hood River Valley High School. Sponsored by Heights retailer Shortt Supply and Hood River Community Education, this all-day clinic will teach people all there is to know about trail first-aid, orienteering, footwear/ conditioning, and water filtration/hydration. Each two-hour class will be taught by an industry professional. Cost for the whole day is $10, payable to Community Education. For more information, call 386-2055 or 386-5474.

Donkey Basketball Sunday at HRVHS

Saddle up! It’s time for Donkey Basketball! Wy’east Middle School is organizing an all-day fund-raising event for Sunday, March 2 at Hood River Valley High School. Two shows of three games each — one at 1 p.m., one at 5 p.m. — will grace the HRVHS gymnasium, and everyone is invited to attend. Teams from Safeway, Juanita’s, City/County Public Works, City/ County Police, Hood River Middle School, Westside and Wy’east will ride around the gym and try to put the biscuit in the basket. Cost is $6 for adults, $5 for students in grades 7-12, and $4 for children in grades K-6. Advance tickets ($1 off) are available at Wy’east and at Waucoma Bookstore.

First HRWGA meeting on March 4

All lady golfers are invited to attend the season’s first meeting of the Hood River Women’s Golf Association, to be held Tuesday, March 4, at 9 a.m. at Hood River Golf and Country Club. Following the meeting, nine holes will be played. If you haven’t paid your $30 dues, you are asked to pay at this time.

Table tennis tourney on March 19

The table tennis club at First Baptist Church will hold an all-comers tournament on Wednesday, March 19, beginning at 7 p.m. Five divisions — open, Jr. high/high school, 6th grade and under, 1,250-1,750 and 1,250 and less — will be offered, and the entry fee is $5 for adults and $3 for kids. Trophies and door prizes will be presented, and the competition will be both local and from Portland. Call Oscar at 386-4923 with questions.

Open gym on Thursdays at HRMS

Anyone interested in playing pick-up basketball is invited to turn out to Hood River Middle School every Thursday from 7-9:30 p.m. Cost is $3 per player, and the gym is open to all men and women ages 15 and older. For more info, call 387-2625.