Local runner Mickey Hooke finished up an 11-month season May 25 in the Summer Heat 5K in Thonotosassa.
Hooke got out of the initial pack in about 13th place on the mostly shady course. A she moved to a part of the course that was a horse trail, he said he moved up to 11th place, following an older guy “probably my age” through the horse trail. When the course transitioned to a paved trail, Hooke caught up to him for a half mile and then surged ahead to finish in 10th place overall with a time of 23:29.
He was rewarded with the grandmaster title, while also setting two course records in the grandmaster and senior grandmaster divisions.
Hooke persevered through a difficult year, dealing with a foot injury along with other ailments that limited his training. Despite that, Hooke had one overall victory, eight top five finishes in 10 races and set 14 individual records.
Adult soccer down to two teams
Semifinal action in the adult soccer league at the Center of Anna Maria Island saw one upset and one close game June 6, starting with No. 4 seed Ross Built cruising past No. 1 Pool America by a 6-1 margin.
Five players scored for Ross Built, which was led by Jake Ross’ two goals, while Dean Hinterstoisser, Tim Holly, Andrew Ross and Greg Ross each scored one goal. Max Gazzo came through with six saves to help preserve the victory for the Ross team.
Brandon Rolland notched the lone goal for Pool America, which received six saves from goalie Jessica Reukberg in the loss.
The second semifinal match saw No. 2 Progressive Cabinetry hold on for a 6-5 victory over No. 3 Salty Printing behind three goals from Keith Mahoney and a pair of goals from Junior Martines. Osvaldo Cabello added a goal, Alex Aviles, Leo Gonzalez and Raul Loera each had an assist, while Tyler Bekkerus came through with seven saves in the victory.
Tyler Brewer scored the only goal for Salty Printing, which received a strong game from Tuna McCracken, who finished with 14 saves in the loss.
The championship match between the victors of the June 6 semifinal matchups, Ross Built and Progressive Cabinetry, will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 13, at the center.
Head over to the center pitch, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, for the season-ending match.
KRC golf news
Golf action at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach got started June 3 with the men’s weekly modified-Stableford system match.
Ron Buck and John Purcell combined on a plus-5 to finish in first place. Mike Cusato and Warren Stevens were 2 points back in second place.
The women played a nine-hole individual-low-net match June 4, which resulted in Jenny Huibers and Janet Razze both carding 1-under-par 31s to tie for first place. Sue Wheeler had a chip-in birdie on the first hole on her way to a 2-over-par 34, while Sue Christenson and Ann Klein tied for third place at 4-over-par 36.
Members got back on the course June 6 for a nine-hole scramble. The team of Bruce Christenson, Mike Clements, Marty Hicks and Jana Samuels matched the 4-under-par of John Kolojeski, Chuck Patrick and Terry Schaefer for a tie for first place on the day.
Horseshoe news
Two teams emerged from pool play and settled things in a championship horseshoe match June 5 at the Anna Maria City hall pits.
Bob Hawks walked his way to the winner’s circle with a close 22-20 victory over Tim Sofran and Tom Skoloda in the championship game.
Action June 8 was short and sweet as Herb Schutt and Tom Farrington posted the lone 3-0 record in pool play, making them the day’s outright champs.
Play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Anna Maria pits. Warm-ups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selection.
There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.