For many athletes, winning state involves countless hours of hard practice, dedication and training. For Sarah Macdonald, practice is only part of the reason for her cross country and track successes.

The Elks National Foundation’s Most Valuable Student (MVS) Scholarship Program recognizes top students across the country based on their academic achievements, leadership skills, extracurricular activities, and their participation in community services. 

As softball playoffs approach, a similar picture is emerging from last year as Canyon Del Oro and Ironwood Ridge High School continue to compete for the top spot in Division II play.

The Pima Community College track & field teams competed in the ACCAC Conference Meet No. 2 at Glendale Community College on Saturday.

Oro Valley

You may be surprised to learn that, according to 2010 Census data, there are now as many residents in Oro Valley under the age of 18 as there are over the age of 65. No longer just a retirement community, Oro Valley is now taking a look at its new profile and asking an important question: Are we meeting the needs of all residents?

Having led her team in points and assists from the top of the three-point line, senior Gabrielle Courtney had a reputation for having advanced basketball skills as well as vocal leadership on the Pusch Ridge Christian Academy girls’ basketball team last season. 

The family and friends of Tyler Edmiston are hosting a fundraising event in his honor called "Tyler Edmiston's Kickin' it for Campership Memorial Soccer Games" on April 21 at Pusch Ridge Christian Academy from 3 -8 p.m.

Best Mom and pop business

The Pima Community College softball team (19-13) split its final two games of the Deanna Mauer Classic on Saturday in Casa Grande.

Placing in the top 10 in her age group at the USA Track & Fields Nationals competition in past years, freshmen Cayley Hensley, will be a surprising, new threat to competitors as the new track season takes off for high schools in Tucson.

The Pima Community College softball team (15-9, 10-8 in conference) couldn’t get its bats working on Saturday as the Aztecs dropped its second straight doubleheader. It scored two runs in their two games against Eastern Arizona College.

Pima County

Non-stop basketball took place at the Pusch Ridge Christian Academy and Canyon Del Oro gym this past week as high school girls and boys basketball teams played in the Northwest Desert Classic Tournament.

“Operation Prickly Pear” is a school fundraiser that involves the entire Pusch Ridge sixth grade class, students, parents, and teachers, from harvesting the fruit to the production and packaging and sales of the final products.