Metro Sports Report

Sweeneys meet in spring training game

The Sweeney brothers of Cedar Rapids would love to face each other in a Major League baseball game that means something one day, but for now they'll have to settle for an exhibition game in spring training.

It happened for the first time in their professional careers Thursday when Ryan Sweeney and the Boston Red Sox faced Kellen Sweeney and the Toronto Blue Jays at JetBlue Park in Lee County, Fla.

Breitbach honors family name at Xavier

If your last name is Breitbach and you compete at Xavier High School (or Regis in days gone by), chances are you're a pretty good athlete.

Say hello to Molly Breitbach, a sophomore on the Xavier track team who is doing her best to uphold the family name.

Breitbach captured the 100 and 200 meter dashes at the 14th Annual Xavier Invitational Friday with some of the fastest times in the Mississippi Valley Conference this season.

She won the 100 in 12.59 seconds, then beat Kaz Brown of Cedar Falls to the tape in a tight 200 in 26.77 seconds. Brown was clocked in 26.79, just two-hundedths of a second behind.

Kentucky looks like the team to beat

EDITOR'S NOTE: Sportscaster Bob Brooks had surgery March 13 due to complications from a hiatal hernia. He spent one week in the hospital and is recovering at his home in Cedar Rapids).

From the Brooks Rehab Department, which is an ongoing affair, I've had a chance to be brainwashed on the four teams that will battle it out for the NCAA men's championship this weekend in New Orleans.

I have seen so much ESPN-speak that I even know when the commercial slots come. Consequently, I feel well informed about the upcoming weekend championship.

I am also of the same opinion that I had earlier this season when, looking at Kentucky, a team with the obvious talent to win it all, I don't think anything has changed in that regard.

Usually, NCAA championship teams have two NBA starters on their first five. This year, the Wildcats are about five for five.

Marion boys shine at Cascade track meet

CASCADE - The surging Marion High School boys track team won half the events at the Cascade Early Bird  meet on Friday with nine winners.

Lukas Mees was a double champion in the 800 meter run (2:01.65) and the 1600 meter run (4:30.70), continuing his string of impressive outings this spring.

Derrick Williams captured the 100 meter dash in 11:00 seconds and Taylor Rogers claimed the 110 hurdles in 14.75 seconds.

Marion also claimed the 4x800 relay, shuttle hurdle relay, 4x200 relay, distance medley and 4x100 relay.