If you think there's not much happening in the way of sports news in Jackson right now because it's the middle of July, you're just not paying attention.
Jackson's American Legion baseball team has had a great summer and it will continue for at least two more games as the Second District tournament gets underway later this week.
Post 130 played in an epic game Saturday night in Springfield against the host team. Jackson's Gavin Jacobsen, who will play college baseball at Bethany Lutheran College, struck out 16 batters and Springfield's Mason Leonard, who will play at the University of Sioux Falls, fanned 12.
Jackson lost the game 3-1, but came back to beat Wabasso 6-5 today and will be the No. 2 seed from the sub-district for the Second District tourney in Wabasso.
In amateur baseball, the Jackson Bulls won 8-3 at Lakefield Sunday and they did it wearing their new gray alternate jerseys that were purchased thanks to a donation from the family of the late Harlo and Mavis Handevidt. A number of family members were on hand for the game and were part of a group photo afterward.
Harlo and Mavis' grandson, Payton Handevidt, is a member of both of those baseball teams, and later this week he'll be among a group of area wrestlers who will go to Fargo for the USMC Junior and 16U Nationals. Look for more on that as that gets closer.
Ryan Rasche was the winning pitcher for the Bulls today and pulled even with Tom Hady for first place on the team's career win list.
Sadie Hotzler was in Guthrie, Okla. this week for the National Little Britches Rodeo Association Finals. She placed 15th in barrel racing and competed well in pole bending although she did not make today's Short Go. That's rodeo speak for finals.
There was two nights of racing this weekend at Jackson Motorplex with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series competing. Next Friday will be the Barb Wieskus Memorial at the track.
Going back a few days, a new course record was set at Jackson Golf Club by Austin Reitz of Orange City, who shot an 8-under 29 while playing with his father-in-law, Wade Wacker; and brother-in-law, Shad Wacker.
I'll have some newsletters coming your way on those happenings, although probably not tonight. I have a lot of notes to go through and I'm expecting my wife home sometime this evening after spending a few days with her family.
And if you'll indulge me for a moment here, July 11 is emotional for us. We lost our son, Kent, on this date 35 years ago today. Not much that comes at you will be tougher than having a funeral for your child.
Until tomorrow,
Lee