MADISON- An array of entertaining and healthy events will be part of the local sports scene in and around Madison in the coming weeks. The fall season is just around the corner, which will bring football to the forefront for many people, and a bevy of ideas for a many on the go.

Trash Pandas

The Rocket City Trash Pandas will host two fun events at Toyota field in September. On Sept. 10 a Military Tribute Night will be held in conjunction with AUSA and will include a softball game pitting Team USA Patriots against Team AUSA. Besides the entertaining and competitive game on the field, the evening festivities will include a parachute team, large flag presentation, color guard, fireworks and several music acts for an evening of entertainment.

Tickets cost $10 in advance increasing to $15 day of event. Gates will open at 5:00 p.m.

On Saturday, Sept. 24, beginning at 8:30 a.m., the Donut 5K Challenge will be held as the event will be a great test of endurance for those wanting to participate and have an appetite. Runners will start inside Toyota Field and then make their way to a designated spot inside Town Madison where they will be required to eat three donuts. Once finished with the tasty treats, participants will run back to the start/finish line inside Toyota Field.

Medals will be given to the top three finishers in both male and female divisions. Fee in advance is $30 while day-of registration will be $50. There will be more items surrounding the race. Deadline to register is Sept. 21 and those can do so by visiting the Trash Pandas website, www.milb.com/rocket-city.

Youth Basketball

The newest season of youth basketball is just within reach and registration is now open on-line. Those looking to play boys or girls basketball ages 5-18 are asked to visit www.madison.gov/youthbasketball to find details on registering. Fees are $75 for ages 5-6 and $150 for ages 7-18. Season games will begin in November with practices for teams beginning in late October.

Information and guidelines for coaches are also available within the website, as each season, coaches are always needed to help support the youth program in Madison.

High School Awards

Sparkman High bowling coach Lisa Ivey was selected as Coach of the Year for boys and girls bowling. Her squads won the AHSAA State Championship last season. Also being recognized in the recent 26^th annual AHSAA Championship Coaches Banquet in Montgomery was the naming of the annual Coaches’ Children Scholarships. The award to handed to 10 senior student-athletes of AHSADCA member coaches or administrators. This year, the District 8 award was presented to Evan Lott of James Clemens, who recently signed a scholarship to play for the University of Alabama Wheelchair Team. Lott’s mother, Lori, is a softball coach at Liberty Middle School.

High School Football

Fall must be around soon as practice sessions are now underway among high school programs. The prep season officially began back on Aug. 1 with practices and the season schedule kicking off either Thursday or Friday this week. Going into the 2022 campaign there are three of the seven 2021 state champion teams listed as pre-season No. 1 squads. Defending champions in Class 7A, 6A and 3A have been listed as tops as the newest season gets underway.

As for the local teams and the state rankings: In Class 7A, defending state champion Thompson is ranked No. 1 while James Clemens is No. 6 and Bob Jones No. 12. In Class 3A, Piedmont kicks off the season ranked No. 1 while the Madison Academy Mustangs are tagged No. 10.

The top 10 recruits within North Alabama include several players of the Madison area teams. According to Rocket City Preps, James Clemens quarterback Gio Lopez is the top player in the immediate area while Bob Jones quarterback Rayshawn Hardy is ranked as the No. 2 recruit. Additional players to make the elite list include 4. Jamal Mayers, DB, James Clemens, 5. K. J. Fields, WR, 6. Maddox Sunderman, OL, Bob Jones and 8. Matt Rozier, WR, Sparkman.

The annual Madison Record Football Preview is elsewhere in this edition.

Running

Fleet Feet of Madison and Huntsville are helping those runners who wish to participate in upcoming running events. The Liz Hurley Ribbon Run is set for Saturday, Oct. 15 and those who want to participate, but need assistance in getting into shape for the annual benefit for Huntsville Hospitals Breast Centers, can join the No Boundaries 5K training program at Fleet Feet. The twice-a-week training program begins Aug. 23 and will last eight weeks in preparation for the 5K event. Fee for the training is $100.

The Running of the Bulls 5K and 1-mile fun run is set for Aug. 27. Regarded one of the best fun runs in North Alabama, the action starts and finishes at Hampton Cove Middle School.

Additional upcoming races with training programs through Fleet Feet are the Ditto Landing 10K, Nov. 27, and the Rocket City 10K on Dec.10. Contact either location of Fleet Feet for all details regarding training programs.