LINCOLN, Neb. (March 11, 2015) – Tavender Jones of Story City, Iowa, is looking forward to teeing it up in the state where his passion for golf started. Jones will be one of an estimated 20,000 athletes from across the country competing in more than 60 sports in the 2015 State Games of America (SGA) July 28^th - Aug. 2^nd in Lincoln, Nebraska.

At the age of 19, Jones is already a highly decorated golfer. While golfing for Roland-Story High School, he won 10 meets during his junior and senior seasons. At the 2014 Iowa Games, he placed among the top five in Adult Individual Stroke Play, earning the opportunity to compete at the 2015 SGA.

Jones' love for golf began while growing up in McCook, Nebraska. "I played at the Heritage Hills Golf Course every day and would spend countless hours there. I played in youth tournaments as much as I could," said Jones.

Since moving to Iowa, he has golfed in the Iowa Games every summer. Jones is excited to take his game to the national level this summer at the 2015 SGA.

More than 600 athletes from 35 different states have registered for the SGA thus far. Registration remains open through May 15. Medalists in the Iowa games from the 2013 summer games through the 2015 winter games are eligible. Entry into a developing sport event is open to all competitors with no qualifying required. Those interested can find a list of developing sports, eligibility, and registration information at www.sga2015.com.

The State Games of America is sanctioned by the National Congress of State Games. The Nebraska Sports Council (NSC) will organize and oversee the event. The NSC's Cornhusker State Games recently celebrated its 30th anniversary and is one of the largest State Games events in the nation.

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THIS WEEK
Wednesday, March 11, 7:05 p.m.

iWireless Center, Moline
Missouri Mavericks vs. Quad City Mallards

Saturday, March 14, 7:05 p.m.
iWireless Center, Moline
Wichita Thunder vs. Quad City Mallards

Sunday, March 15, 4:05 p.m.
iWireless Center, Moline
Missouri Mavericks vs. Quad City Mallards

LAST WEEK
Wednesday, March 4
Tulsa 2 Quad City 0

Friday, March 6

Quad City 3 Allen 2

Saturday, March 7

Allen 3 Quad City 2

Quad City
29-23-7, 65 points
2nd place, Central Division
Coach: Terry Ruskowski

Missouri
22-29-6, 50 points
6th place, Central Division
Coach: Richard Matvichuk

Wichita
27-21-8, 62 points

4th place, Central Division
Coach: Kevin McClelland

QUACK TRACKS
Splitsville

The Mallards last weekend split a pair of one-goal home games with the league-leading Allen Americans.  The Mallards defeated Allen 3-2 last Friday before falling by the same score one night later.

Second

The Mallards remain in second place in the ECHL's Central Division.  They are two points ahead of third place Rapid City, three points ahead of fourth place Wichita and five points ahead of fifth place Tulsa.  The top four teams in the division will qualify for the Kelly Cup playoffs.

Home Sweet Home

The Mallards have gone 1-2-1 over the first four games of an eight game homestand- their longest of the season.  Overall, the have won one of their last five home games (1-3-1).  Last Friday's victory halted a four-game (0-3-1) home winless streak.

Late Show
Kevin Baker scored the winning goal with just 12.8 seconds left in last Friday's game against Allen. 

Blanked

Last Wednesday night's 2-0 loss at the hands of the Oilers marked the fourth time the Mallards have been shut out this season.  This is the first time the Mallards have been blanked four times in a season since the 2010-11 campaign.  The Mallards last went goalless in more than four games in the same season when they were whitewashed six times during the 2005-06 United Hockey League campaign.

Hot Ticket
A total of 11,726 fans- 6,310 Friday night and 5,416 Saturday evening- watched the Mallards' games against the Americans last weekend, the best combined attendance for Mallard home games on consecutive nights this season.

Red Light District
The Mallards allowed three goals or fewer in their last six games and total of just 11 (non-shootout) goals during that stretch.  The Mallards rank fifth in the ECHL in goals against per game (2.6).  After scoring only five times in their three games last week, they now rank eighteenth in goals scored per game (2.9).

Special Teams

The Mallards have failed to convert their last 14 power plays.  The Mallards are tenth in the ECHL on the man advantage (17.3 percent).  They are tied for fifth in the league in penalty killing (85.2 percent).

Baked
Baker scored or assisted on each of the Mallards' five goals last weekend against Allen.  Baker scored twice- the third period game tier as well as the late winner- and picked up an assist last Friday and had a goal and an assist one night later.  Baker's last seven overall points (three goals and four assists) have come against Allen, dating back to a 4-2 loss to the Americans on February 25 during which he assisted on both Mallard goals.  Baker has had a hand in each of the Mallards' last eight goals (four goals and four assists) against Allen- a stretch that began when he scored the third period game winner in the Mallards' 2-1 victory on February 16 at the Allen Event Center- and in ten of the 11 goals the Flock scored in its five-game season series against the Americans.  He finished the season series as the top scorer (6-4-10) on either club.

Full Nelson
Logan Nelson has scored five goals- and added an assist- in his last five games and scored seven times in his last eight games.  He has totaled nine points (seven goals and two assists) in his last nine games.

Super Mario
With an assist last Saturday night, Mario Lamoureux reached 60 points for the second time in his three-year career.  Lamoureux ranks fourth in the ECHL in assists (43) and is tied for eighth in points.  Lamoureux is five points shy of the career high of 65 he set as a rookie with the Ontario Reign in 2013-13.

Between the Pipes
Parker Milner has given up a total of six goals while winning three of his last four starts.  Milner ranks fourth in the ECHL in goals against average (2.27) and save percentage (.921).

Milestones
Terry Ruskowski is closing in on 100 wins as Mallards coach.  Ruskowski has gone 96-72-23 since taking over behind the Quad City bench for the 2012-13 season.

Head to Head
The Mallards have gone 5-4-3 against the Mavericks this year and have posted a 2-1-2 home record against the Mavs.  All-time, the Mallards have turned in a 21-23-4 overall record against the Mavericks and have gone 9-10-2 on home ice against Missouri... The Mallards have gone 4-5-0 against the Thunder this season and 2-3-0 at home against Wichita.  All-time, the Mallards have gone 10-17-1 against the Thunder and 5-8-1 at the iWireless Center.

Ins and Outs
The Mallards sent forward Todd Fiddler to the Ontario Reign last Saturday to complete the trade that brought Mario Lamoureux to the Mallards in exchange for future considerations in October...Antti Pusa is on 21-day injured reserve retroactive to February 7... Pusa (out 15 games) and Johnny Rogic (21 games) have both been sidelined by upper body injuries.

UPCOMING HOME GAMES
Wednesday, March 11, 7:05 p.m.- Mallards vs. Missouri Mavericks

Four Tickets for $20; T.G.I. Friday's Postgame Party
Fans can get four tickets for just $20 for each Wednesday home game.  After Wednesday's game fans can join the Mallards at T.G.I. Friday's on River Drive in Moline for a postgame party.

Saturday, March 14, 7:05 p.m.- Mallards vs. Wichita Thunder

Genesis Fan-Designed Game Worn Jersey Auction
The Mallards will wear special edition fan-designed jerseys in this Saturday night's game and after the game those jerseys will go up for bid in a live auction to benefit the Genesis Health Services Foundation.  The sweaters were created by Heath Morrison, the winner of the team's fan jersey design contest. 

Sunday, March 15, 4:05 p.m.- Mallards vs. Missouri Mavericks

Kids Day; Skate with the Mallards
Children 12 and under can get tickets for just $5 for every Mallards Sunday home game.  After Sunday's game fans can bring their skates and join the Mallards on the ice for a post-game skate.

IN THE COMMUNITY
Tuesday, March 10, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
United Way
Mallards players will team with the United Way to make their monthly visit to five area elementary schools to encourage and academic achievement and improved attendance among students.

Thursday, March 12, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Tip-A-Mallard
Tip-A-Mallard returns to the Bier Stube in Moline and LeClaire Thursday from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.  Mallards players will wait tables with all tips going to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Friday, March 13, 1:00 p.m.
Winola Elementary School Jump Rope for Heart
Mascot Mo Mallard will help kick off the American Heart Association Jump Rope for Heart at Winola Elementary School in Viola, Illinois, Friday at 1:00 p.m.  Students who raise more than $50 in donations will receive a free ticket to the Mallards' Saturday, April 11 regular season finale against the Tulsa Oilers.

Friday, March 13, 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Disc Replay
Fans can meet Mallards players at Disc Replay in the North Park Mall Friday.  Mallards will be signing autographs between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. at Disc Replay.

ON THE AIR
Fox Sports Radio 1230 is the radio home of Mallards Hockey Presented by Genesis Power Sports Performance.  Mallards games broadcast on AM 1230 also stream live online at www.wfxn.net.  A limited number of Mallards games will not air on Fox Sports Radio 1230 due to conflicts with University of Illinois basketball and football and Green Bay Packer football.  ECHL-TV pay-per-view video webcasts and free audio webcasts of all Mallards games are also available at myqcmallards.net.

TICKETS
Single Game Tickets
Single game tickets for all Mallards regular season contests are now available.  Fans can contact the Mallards at (309) 277-1364 or info@myqcmallards.com for more information about tickets.  Single game tickets are also available at the iWireless Center box office, at Ticketmaster outlets, through www.ticketmaster.com or through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free.  The box office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on game days from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the second period.

Group Tickets
Groups of at least ten receive savings off the walk-up price and a host of group benefits.  Mallards group tickets are a great fit for youth organizations, friends, co-workers, family groups, religious groups, school functions and business events.  For more group ticket information, fans can contact the Mallards at (309) 277-1364 or info@myqcmallards.com.

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BETTENDORF, IA - The 41st Anniversary of the Quad-City Times Bix 7 again welcomes a full international field, but they will be joined by thousands of visiting bicyclists for the end of the Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) and new sponsors. Race director Ed Froehlich, in his 36th year, kicked off plans during a media event at Isle of Capri Casino Hotel.

Everyone will run, and ride, to Davenport on Saturday, July 25th, 2015. Registrations are being mailed in addition to availability at locations throughout the Quad City Area. Online entry is open at www.bix7.com with a valid Visa or MasterCard except for active duty military and active duty reserve forces which require a printed application.

Advance entries are only handled through the website, via mailed printed applications or those brought to the Quad-City Times building, 500 E. Third Street, Davenport. You can stay connected with news and training tips at www.facebook.com - Search Quad-City Times Bix 7 or www.twitter.com/@BixSeven.

Again this year, the Bix 7 offers free entry to any active duty military and active duty reserve forces. A printed application is required which has a line to list the military identification number. The entrant will also be required to present their military identification at packet pick up to confirm status.

Joining the event is Skechers USA as Official Shoe. The Bix 7 is the fourth event, with the Chevron Houston Marathon, Bolder Boulder 10K and Gate River Run 15K, to be sponsored through Skechers Performance Division. Based in Manhattan Beach, CA, Skechers USA designs, develops and markets a diverse range of lifestyle footwear for men, women and children as well as performance footwear for men and women. Learn more at www.skechers.com and www.skechersgorun.com.

Other changes include the newly-renamed Isle Casino's "Beat The Elite Race" where a runner chosen at random has an opportunity to finish ahead of the elite winner and win $2,500. Plus, the Alcoa Jr. Bix 7 now offers its young participants a new logo magnet along with the participation medal the children receive on the Friday evening of race weekend.

Also, every paid entrant can assist military veterans by adding a $5.00 contribution on the application to Genesis Health System Hospice's local chapter of the We Honor Veterans Program. Led by the Veterans Administration and hospice care providers, the national effort honors veterans nearing the end of life by celebrating their military service (www.genesishealth.com/services/home-health/hospice/we-honor-veterans/).

These complement the Premier Buick & GMC Dealers High School Challenge, the Quad City Bank & Trust Battle Up Brady, Swiss Valley Farms Quick Bix, VictoryStore.com Gregg Newell and Eloise Caldwell awards to top local male and female area finishers and Scott County Regional Authority All City Challenge.

"What a memorable weekend this will be," said Froehlich. "The Quad-City Times Bix 7 has been a place to celebrate homecomings and occasions. Having RAGBRAI finishing in Davenport as in 2011, and return of a fully international elite field of runners, the welcoming spirit of our community will be on full display."

MOLINE, Ill. (March 3, 2015) - The Mallards have teamed again with Pub 1848 to present Rivalry Weekend when the Mallards take on the Allen Americans on back-to-back promotion-packed evenings this Friday and Saturday at 7:05 p.m. at the iWireless Center.

This marks the second time the Mallards have partnered with Pub 1848 to celebrate one of the Flock's heated rivalries.  The Rivalry Weekend focus this year turns to the Americans after Allen edged the Mallards in a seven-game playoff battle last spring before going on to take the Central Hockey League title.  The rivalry has only heated up since both clubs made the move to the ECHL for this season and have grabbed the top two spots in the ECHL's Central Division.  The league-leading Americans have won two of the first three meetings between the teams. 

Before and after each of this weekend's games, fans can stop by Pub 1848- which is located just blocks from the iWireless Center at 1601 River Drive- to enjoy a host of giveaways, special drawings and promotions.  Prior to Friday evening's tilt, one lucky fan will win an authentic Mallards jersey worn by Joe Perry in last spring's playoffs.  Fans can also enjoy $1 beers at Pub 1848 both before and following Friday night's game. Before Saturday night's game one fan will win the chance to take in that evening's contest in the luxurious surroundings of an iWireless Center suite.  Both Friday and Saturday Pub 1848 will also provide the chance to win free tickets to the weekend's games.

Friday night's game also brings the return of $1 Dog/$1 Beer Night presented by 97X and MetroLINK.  Fans can get $1 hot dogs and beer at iWireless Center concession stands at all Mallards' Friday night home games.  97X will follow in the spirit of the evening by presenting hot dog-themed intermission entertainment.  The Mallards have once again partnered with Metro to provide transit service between Augustana College and downtown Moline during all Friday home games.  Students can catch the Route 10 on campus via 7th Avenue to and from the games, with the Route 10 dropping students off near campus or at the District after games.  Students can then hop on the Route 53 from the District back to Augustana until 3 a.m.  As part of Metro's unlimited ride program, Augustana riders can use their Augustana ID as their fare.  Fans can visit www.gogreenmetro.com or www.facebook.com/53and59 for more information.  

Saturday evening is John Deere Community Night.  Courtesy of John Deere, 2,000 tickets to Saturday's night game are available for just $5 while supplies last.  In addition, the first 1,000 fans ages 12 and under through the doors for Saturday evening's game will receive free Mallards youth replica jerseys courtesy of KWQC-TV6.