As of Aug 2013, These are "The Best NFL Running Backs of All Time" According to Over 4,600 Voters at Ranker.com

Barry Sanders has been named the greatest running back in NFL history, ahead of Jim Brown and Walter Payton, according to a recent poll by Ranker.com.  The popular rankings site reached this verdict after collecting the aggregated opinion of over 4,600 voters on the topic of "The Best Running Backs of All Time."

The top 10 is comprised of all retired players with the exception of Adrian Peterson. Despite his highly publicized criminal history, OJ Simpson made it to the number eight position on the list.

The Top 10 Greatest Running Backs Are:

1.     Barry Sanders

2.     Jim Brown

3.     Walter Payton

4.     Earl Campbell

5.     Adrian Peterson

6.     Eric Dickerson

7.     Bo Jackson

8.     O.J. Simpson

9.     Marcus Allen

10. Gale Sayers

Football fanatic Brad Linehan finds the ever-changing aspect of the list amazing. Says Linehan, "What I love about this list is that it will keep changing. Adrian Peterson is in the top five now, but in a few more years he may earn enough votes to hit number one."

See the full list of The Best Running Backs of All Time, as well as 1000s of other opinion-based lists at Ranker.com

About Ranker

Ranker is a crowdsourced platform that consumers visit over 9 million times a month to view, rank, and vote on broad opinion-based questions ranging from the best soccer players of all time to the greatest US presidents. With "The Best Running Backs of All Time" and other lists, Ranker hopes to provide the best possible answer to any question that can be answered in list form. These answers can inform consumers' decisions, influence business choices or stoke an old-fashioned debate. Ranker is backed by Draper Associates, Rincon Venture Partners, Siemer Ventures, Data Collective, Gil Elbaz, Tech Coast Angels and Pasadena Angels

All regular individual seats will be just $5; team to give away a truck at the game

 

DAVENPORT, Iowa (AUG. 26, 2013) - All regular individual tickets for the Quad Cities River Bandits' home playoff game at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4, at Modern Woodmen Park will be $5 each. Ticket sales will open to the general public at noon on Tuesday, Aug. 27, at the River Bandits box office, by phone at 563-324-3000 and online at www.riverbandits.com.

 

The River Bandits will offer $1 beers and $1 pops, as well as $1 hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn and nachos for the Sept. 4 playoff game as part of the continuing celebration of the Bandits' successful season and the Quad Cities' own Modern Woodmen Park being recently voted No. 1 in the USA Today/10Best.com Readers' Choice Best Minor League Ballparks. The River Bandits will also give away a used pick-up truck during the game.

 

"We wanted to make this season's playoff game a truly special event for the people of the Quad Cities," said River Bandits co-owner Dave Heller. "So we thought we'd celebrate our ranking as the nation's number one ballpark by having one dollar food and drink specials, discounting all tickets and, best of all, giving away a really great pickup truck!"

 

River Bandits season-ticket holders for 2013 may purchase playoff tickets in advance of the general public sale during a special pre-sale window that lasts until noon Tuesday at the River Bandits box office or by calling 563-324-3000.

 

Groups may call the River Bandits box office at 563-324-3000 to book a group area or suite for the Wednesday, Sept. 4, game.

 

The River Bandits clinched a playoff berth with their win Sunday in Burlington, and Quad Cities will play Game 1 of the Midwest League Western Division semifinals at 7 p.m. Sept. 4 against either Cedar Rapids or Beloit - both first-half qualifiers. The River Bandits will play on the road in Game 2 Thursday, Sept. 5, and Game 3 (if necessary) Friday, Sept. 6, in the best-of-three first round.

 

Quad Cities is in the playoffs for the third time in the last four years. The club has made the playoffs in four of seven seasons as a Houston Astros affiliate and 25 times in 54 seasons in the Midwest League. Quad Cities has won five Midwest League Championships: 1968, 1971, 1979, 1990 and 2011.

 

Tickets are still available for the River Bandits' final three regular season games Saturday, Aug. 31, through Monday, Sept. 2, against the Beloit Snappers at Modern Woodmen Park.

 

UP NEXT: The River Bandits' final homestand of the regular season kicks off Saturday, Aug. 31, with a Dallas Clark Bobblehead Giveaway presented by Barrel House 211 and CBS4 when gates open at 5:30 p.m. for a 7 p.m. game. Fireworks will also follow the game. Single-game tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office at Modern Woodmen Park, by phone at  563-324-3000 and online at www.riverbandits.com. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

 

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits ownership is making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 112 feet over the playing field, is planned for next spring, along with a carousel and other new games and attractions. This season, the team just unveiled a new 300-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, a Mediacom Frog Hopper, and a number of new bounce houses. The team also boasts a new major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, and fans can see the first team in Minor League Baseball history with back-to-back No. 1 overall draft picks - 2012 top pick Carlos Correa and 2013 top pick Mark Appel, as well as 2012 first-round draft choice Lance McCullers. With new rides, new attractions, new improvements, a new affiliate and future major league stars, the second half of this season is one every fan will not want to miss!

PORT BYRON, IL - The Nick Teddy Foundation, in partnership with First Wealth Financial Group of Clinton, Iowa, reminds folks to register early for the 2013 "Nick Teddy Fight Against Ewing's Sarcoma 5K."

Runners have until Sunday, September 1, to register for the event at the discounted rate. If runners miss early registration, they still will be able to register online until Friday, September 13th, or sign up at the event on race day, but a $5 late fee will apply.

More than 75 participants have already registered to hit the pavement. Proceeds will benefit sarcoma research through the Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative, and provide support for local Ewing's patients and their families.

The Nick Teddy Foundation was established in memory of Port Byron native Nicholas Theodore Strub, 29, who fought a courageous 5-year battle against Ewing's sarcoma. The rare pediatric bone cancer currently affects several area children and young adults.

More information, can be found online at: http://www.NickTeddy.org, on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/NickTeddyOrg); on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/NickTeddyOrg).

MOLINE, Ill. (August 27, 2013) - The Quad City Mallards have entered into an affiliation agreement with the National Hockey League's Minnesota Wild and the American Hockey League's Iowa Wild, the Mallards announced today.

"We are excited to announce a new affiliation agreement with the Quad City Mallards," said Minnesota Wild assistant general manager and Iowa Wild general manager Jim Mill.  "The Quad Cities area is a great hockey market and provides the Minnesota Wild organization with another first-class option to develop our players."

Under the affiliation agreement, the Mallards will serve as a resource for the development efforts and personnel needs of both the Iowa and Minnesota Wild.  The agreement allows for Wild prospects to be assigned to the Mallards for developmental purposes throughout the season.

"We are very excited about the opportunity to work with both the Minnesota and Iowa Wild," said Mallards president Bob McNamara.  "The Wild is a strong organization and we are pleased they have recognized the Mallards and coach [Terry] Ruskowski can be valuable assets for their player development system.  We are looking forward not only to working with Wild prospects and playing our part in their development but also to giving the fans of the Quad Cities the opportunity to see those players take the ice for the Mallards."

The Minnesota Wild first took the ice in 2000 and has since proven to be a model of consistency, posting winning records in nine of the last ten seasons.  The Iowa Wild is approaching the start of its first AHL campaign.

The Mallards will open their seventeenth season- and their fourth in the Central Hockey League- when they host the Rapid City Rush on Saturday night, October 19.  Mallards 2013-14 season tickets as well as half season tickets and flex packs are now on sale.  The Mallards offer ticket packages to meet any budget and season ticket holders also receive a host of additional benefits, including a unique season ticket holder Mallards jersey.  More ticket package information is available by calling the Mallards at 309-277-1364 or emailing info@myqcmallards.com.

About the Quad City Mallards
The Quad City Mallards are approaching their seventeenth season and their fourth in the Central Hockey League (CHL).  One of the winningest teams in all of minor league hockey, the Mallards competed in the United Hockey League (UHL) from 1995 through 2007 and in the International Hockey League (IHL) in 2009-10.  The Mallards' proud history has seen them capture the UHL's Colonial Cup Championship three times (1997, 1998, 2001) and secure that league's Tarry Cup four times (1998, 2000, 2001, 2002) for the best overall regular season record.  In 2001, the Mallards made professional hockey history, recording their sixth consecutive season with 50 or more wins, a feat that has yet to be matched.  The i wireless Center provides a unique environment for hockey and features one-of-a-kind seating areas such as the Nest for groups and functions and the exclusive Drake Club.  For more information on the Quad City Mallards or for Mallards tickets go to www.myqcmallards.com.  Fans can also follow the Mallards via Twitter at twitter.com/myqcmallards and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/quadcitymallards

--

Ticket information forthcoming for Sept. 4 playoff opener at Modern Woodmen Park

 

BURLINGTON, Iowa (AUG. 25, 2013) - Quad Cities River Bandits right-handers Mark Appel, Jamaine Cotton and Patrick Christensen combined to allow one run on four hits to the Burlington Bees, and Rio Ruiz and Roberto Pena each homered in a 5-1 victory that clinched the team a playoff berth Sunday afternoon at Community Field.


Quad Cities (37-24 second half, 75-55 overall) won its fourth straight game to become the first Midwest League team to clinch a second-half playoff berth. The River Bandits will open the postseason Wednesday, Sept. 4, at Modern Woodmen Park against either Cedar Rapids or Beloit - both first-half qualifiers. With a loss by Clinton (31-31, 64-67) Sunday in Beloit, any combination of Quad Cities wins and Clinton losses adding to two will seal a first-round match-up for the River Bandits with Cedar Rapids (42-20, 82-48).

 

As they did in Saturday's series opener, the River Bandits took a first-inning lead. Second baseman Tony Kemp drew a leadoff walk against left-hander Tyler DeLoach (5-5), and shortstop Carlos Correa drilled an RBI double over right fielder Julio Concepcion.

 

Appel (3-1) allowed the Bees' only run in the bottom of the first inning, as shortstop Angel Rosa singled off the glove of first baseman Bobby Borchering and scored on Bees first baseman Wade Hinkle's two-out double to left field. Appel worked around a pair of second-inning walks by getting a ground-ball double play and responded to lone baserunners each of the next three innings with inning-ending strikeouts. He finished five innings for the third time this season while allowing four hits and three walks with three strikeouts.

 

The score remained 1-1 until one out in the top of the fourth inning, when Ruiz lifted a fly ball over the left-center field fence for his 11th home run and a 2-1 lead. Two batters later, Pena hit his fifth home run over the left-field fence to make it 3-1. Quad Cities extended the lead in the fifth inning, as center fielder Teoscar Hernandez hit a one-out single and went to third base on a two-out single by left fielder Danry Vasquez. When Rosa tried to catch Vasquez rounding first base, the ball got away, allowing Hernandez to score. Borchering then greeted right-hander Andres Perez with a popup that dropped between the pitcher's mound and home plate, allowing Vasquez to score.

 

The Bees were hitless following a fifth-inning leadoff single by catcher Sandy Martinez. Cotton started the sixth with a 5-1 lead and set down the first six batters he faced. An eighth-inning leadoff walk was all that kept him from three perfect innings. Christensen struck out the first and last batters in a 1-2-3 ninth inning to seal Quad Cities' first playoff berth since 2011 - the year of the franchise's fifth Midwest League Championship. The River Bandits have made the playoffs four of seven seasons as a Houston Astros affiliate.

 

Sunday's victory also means The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount Monday, Aug. 26. Anyone who mentions the River Bandits victory can receive a free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of two lunches or dinners with beverages on Monday, Aug. 26. Quad Cities continues its series in Burlington at 6:30 p.m. Monday. River Bandits left-hander Josh Hader (2-0) will start against Bees left-hander Ryan Crowley (5-4).

 

UP NEXT: The River Bandits' final homestand of the regular season kicks off Saturday, Aug. 31, with a Dallas Clark Bobblehead Giveaway presented by Barrel House 211 and CBS4 when gates open at 5:30 p.m. for a 7 p.m. game. Fireworks will also follow the game. Single-game tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office at Modern Woodmen Park, by phone at  563-324-3000 and online at www.riverbandits.com. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

 

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits ownership is making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 112 feet over the playing field, is planned for next spring, along with a carousel and other new games and attractions. This season, the team just unveiled a new 300-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, a Mediacom Frog Hopper, and a number of new bounce houses. The team also boasts a new major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, and fans can see the first team in Minor League Baseball history with back-to-back No. 1 overall draft picks - 2012 top pick Carlos Correa and 2013 top pick Mark Appel, as well as 2012 first-round draft choice Lance McCullers. With new rides, new attractions, new improvements, a new affiliate and future major league stars, the second half of this season is one every fan will not want to miss!

 

*****

Elkins finishes a home run shy of the cycle as Quad Cities reduces playoff magic number to 1

 

BURLINGTON, Iowa (AUG. 24, 2013) - Quad Cities River Bandits left-handers Brian Holmes and Mitchell Lambson combined to allow one run on six hits, while left fielder Danry Vasquez and second baseman Austin Elkins each had three hits in a 4-1 victory over the Burlington Bees Saturday night at Community Field.

 

Quad Cities (36-24 second half, 74-55 overall) won its third straight game and remained 4 ½ games behind first-place Cedar Rapids (41-20, 81-48) in the Midwest League Western Division second-half standings. With a loss by the Peoria Chiefs Saturday and nine games remaining in the regular season, the River Bandits can clinch a second-half playoff spot with one victory or one Peoria Chiefs loss.

 

The River Bandits took the lead in the first inning against Bees right-hander Pat Lowery (4-9). Shortstop Carlos Correa drew a two-out walk, and Vasquez singled, before first baseman Bobby Borchering lined an RBI single down the right-field line.

 

Holmes (5-3) allowed the Bees' only run in the first inning, as shortstop Angel Rosa lifted a deep solo home run down the left-field line with two outs. Holmes went on to scatter a total of six hits and one walk with five strikeouts while pitching six innings for the third time in four starts. Burlington only advanced two runners as far as second base after the first inning.

 

Quad Cities quickly retook the lead in the second inning, as Elkins drove a triple to the warning track in right field to start a day that ended with him a home run shy of the cycle. Catcher Roberto Pena grounded a ball that was bobbled by third baseman Garrett Cannizaro, allowing the go-ahead run to score.

 

The visitors added on in the third inning, as Vasquez hit leadoff single, Borchering was hit by a pitch, and third baseman Rio Ruiz hit an RBI double to left-center field for a 3-1 lead. After Lowery struck out Elkins, Pena and right fielder Jordan Scott drew consecutive walks to bring in a run. It ended Lowery's night after 2 1/3 innings in which he allowed four earned runs on six hits, three walks and one hit batter with three strikeouts. Bees right-hander Daniel Hurtado got the last two outs of the third and pitched 3 2/3 scoreless innings. The Bees used four relievers to shut out the River Bandits for 6 1/3 innings. Quad Cities left 14 runners on base.

 

Lambson started the seventh with a 4-1 lead and struck out six of the first seven batters he faced. After hitting designated hitter Exicardo Cayones with a pitch, he retired the last two batters on a lineout to right field and popup to first base for his first save of the season.

 

Saturday's victory also means The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount Sunday, Aug. 25. Anyone who mentions the River Bandits victory can receive a free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of two lunches or dinners with beverages on Sunday, Aug. 25. Quad Cities continues its series in Burlington at 2:00 p.m. Sunday. River Bandits right-hander Mark Appel (2-1) will start against Bees left-hander Tyler DeLoach (5-4).

 

UP NEXT: The River Bandits' final homestand of the regular season kicks off Saturday, Aug. 31, with a Dallas Clark Bobblehead Giveaway presented by Barrel House 211 and CBS4 when gates open at 5:30 p.m. for a 7 p.m. game. Fireworks will also follow the game. Single-game tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office at Modern Woodmen Park, by phone at  563-324-3000 and online at www.riverbandits.com. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

Quad Cities moves within 4 ½ games of Cedar Rapids and reduces playoff magic number to 3


DAVENPORT, Iowa (AUG. 23, 2013) - The Quad Cities River Bandits rallied from a 2-1, sixth-inning deficit with two-out RBI singles in the sixth and seventh innings by left fielder Danry Vasquez and right fielder Jordan Scottm respectively, to overtake the Cedar Rapids Kernels for a second straight game with a 3-2 victory in front of 6,913 at Modern Woodmen Park Friday night.

 

The River Bandits (35-24 second half, 73-55 overall) moved within 4 ½ games of the first-place Kernels (40-20, 80-48) in the Midwest League Western Division second-half standings. With a loss by the Peoria Chiefs Friday and 10 games remaining in the regular season, Quad Cities' magic number (any combination of Quad Cities wins and Peoria losses) to clinch a second-half playoff berth is three.

 

Cedar Rapids out-hit Quad Cities, 8-5, for a third straight game and also scored first for a third straight night. In the second inning against River Bandits left-hander Joe Bircher, Kernels right fielder Adam Brett Walker hit a leadoff single. A wild pitch allowed Walker to move up two bases, and catcher Bo Altobelli drove home the run with a single to left field.

 

Quad Cities tied the game in the third inning against Kernels right-hander Hudson Boyd (4-5). Catcher Jobduan Morales drew a one-out walk, moved to second on a groundout and scored on a single by designated hitter Tony Kemp.

 

Cedar Rapids retook the lead in the sixth, as center fielder Jonathan Murphy hit a leadoff triple and scored on a one-out error by second baseman Austin Elkins. After Walker singled to put runners at first and third, Bircher got first baseman Mike Gonzales to hit into a fielder's choice at home. Bircher was removed after 5 2/3 innings with seven hits allowed, two earned runs and two strikeouts.

 

Right-hander Andrew Walter (1-0) struck out Altobelli to end the sixth inning and retired seven straight batters while his teammates took the lead. Walker led off the ninth with a single, but Walter got a forceout on a bunt attempt, strikeout and flyout to end the game. He completed 3 1/3 innings with one hit allowed and five strikeouts. Quad Cities pitchers did not walk a batter for second straight game.

 

In the sixth, center fielder Teoscar Hernandez hit a one-out single and moved to second on a groundout, before Vasquez singled to center field for the game-tying run. In the seventh, Elkins was hit by a pitch with one out, moved to second on a groundout, and scored on Scott's single to center. Boyd allowed four hits and three earned runs in season-high seven innings with two walks and four strikeouts.

 

Friday's victory also means The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount Saturday, Aug. 24. Anyone who mentions the River Bandits victory can receive a free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of two lunches or dinners with beverages on Saturday, Aug. 24.

 

Quad Cities begins a four-game series in Burlington at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. River Bandits left-hander Brian Holmes (4-3) will start against Bees right-hander Pat Lowery (4-8).

 

UP NEXT: The River Bandits' final homestand of the regular season kicks off Saturday, Aug. 31, with a Dallas Clark Bobblehead Giveaway presented by Barrel House 211 and CBS4 when gates open at 5:30 p.m. for a 7 p.m. game. Fireworks will also follow the game. Single-game tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office at Modern Woodmen Park, by phone at  563-324-3000 and online at www.riverbandits.com. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

DES MOINES, IA (08/23/2013)(readMedia)

Awards Given at Iowa State Fair Horseshoe Tournament

Competitors participated in the Iowa State Men's Championship division of the Horseshoe Pitching Tournament Sunday at the 2013 Iowa State Fair.

The State Fair hosts Horseshoe Pitching every Fair day. Division winners are crowned daily. All Horseshoe Pitching competitions take place on the clay courts just east of Farm Bureau Pioneer Hall.

Complete results below:

Championship Class

1) Dave Mittlestadt, Jewell

2) Joseph Smith, Gladbrook

3) Vern Kollasch, Iowa City

4) Doug P. Anderson, Stratford

5) Pat Simon Sr., Waterloo

6) Dennis L. Hopkins, Missouri Valley

7) Ronnie Burgess, Cedar Rapids

8) Tim Pew, Des Moines

9) John Peterson, Ottumwa

10) Randy Fox, Council Bluffs

11) Tom Cranston, Keswick

12) Marvin Dirks, Fonda

Class A

1) Paul Beaman, Des Moines

2) Rick Hudson, Stuart

3) Steve Ronk, Council Bluffs

4) Jan Warwick, Ames

5) Carl Kaiser, Des Moines

Class B

1) Kirk Vannausdle, Elliott

2) Richard Cranston, Keswick

3) Steve Hyler, Winterset

4) Steve Hatch, Knoxville

Class C

1) Jesse W. Dalton, Indianola

2) Kenny Wiese, Story City

3) Darwin Mott, Hartford

4) Kevin Bailey, Prairie City

5) Rick Allen, Crescent

6) Ralph Davis, Ankeny

Class D

1) Tom Flores, Des Moines

2) Randy Clark, Monroe

3) Kevin Pieper, Stuart

4) Lloyd Schropp, Parnell

5) Kevin Turbett, Tama

6) Rusty Dalton, Indianola

Class E

1) Bruce Dennis, Prairie City

2) Anthony Buttrey, Des Moines

3) Frank MacArthu, Davenport

4) Russell Wiese, Roland

Ribbons Awarded in Iowa State Fair Duroc Show

ISU Teaching of Ames exhibited the Champion Boar in the Duroc Swine Show Friday at the 2013 Iowa State Fair.

Ray Williamson of Eagle Grove exhibited the Reserve Champion Boar.

Rowdy Campfield of Runnells claimed Champion and Reserve Champion Gilt honors.

Premier Exhibitor honors went to Kay Christian of Woodward. The award is presented to the exhibitor earning the highest point total in individual breeding classes of competition.

Additional results below:

Gilts

1) Stewart's Duroc Farm, Waverly

2) DCM Hamps and Durocs, Marion

3) Kay Christian, Woodward

4) Kay Christian, Woodward

5) Kay Christian, Woodward

Gilts

1) Rowdy Campfield, Runnells

2) Rowdy Campfield, Runnells

3) DCM Hamps and Durocs, Marion

4) Cale Niehaus, Sac City

5) Larry Kastler, Woolstock

6) Warrick Brothers, Prairie City

Gilts

1) Rowdy Campfield, Runnells

2) Brett Roquet, Fremont

3) McCulloh Family, Camanche

4) Ryan Iverson, Grinnell

5) Broek Swine Genetics, Sioux Center

6) Rowdy Campfield, Runnells

7) Ray Williamson, Eagle Grove

8) Ray Williamson, Eagle Grove

9) Miller Farms/ Millarbd Berks, Knoxville

10) Miller Farms/ Millarbd Berks, Knoxville

Gilts

1) Triggs Show Pigs, Mount Ayr

2) Caeden Bakker, Dike

3) Triggs Show Pigs, Mount Ayr

4) Doyle Jamison, Winterset

5) Doyle Jamison, Winterset

6) Doyle Jamison, Winterset

Boars

1) Kay Christian, Woodward

Boars

1) Jack Bair and Family, Elkhart

2) Toenjes Show Pigs, Center Junction

3) Kay Christian, Woodward

4) Allen D. Krivohlavek, Dorchester, Neb.

Boars

1) ISU Teaching, Ames

2) DCM Hamps and Durocs, Marion

3 DCM Hamps and Durocs, Marion

4) Triggs Show Pigs, Mount Ayr

5) Martin Family, Fayette

Boars

1) Ray Williamson, Eagle Grove

2) Ray Williamson, Eagle Grove

Banners Awarded in Iowa State Fair Simmental Cattle Show

RB Simmentals of Correctionville was awarded the Grand Champion Purebred Bull and Iowa Champion Bull banners in the Simmental Cattle Show Saturday at the 2013 Iowa State Fair.

Reserve Grand Champion Purebred Bull and Iowa Reserve Champion Bull honors were awarded to Kitzerow Cattle Company of Saint Charles.

Trey Jass of Garner won Grand Champion Purebred Female honors. The Reserve Grand Champion Purebred Female was awarded to Gerdes Show Cattle of West Point.

Additional results:  http://readme.readmedia.com/Banners-Awarded-in-Iowa-State-Fair-Simmental-Cattle-Show/7180471

"Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair. The 2013 Fair ended August 18. The 2014 Iowa State Fair is set August 7-17. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

* * *

Quad Cities moves within 5 ½ games of Cedar Rapids and reduces playoff magic number to 5

 

DAVENPORT, Iowa (AUG. 22, 2013) - Quad Cities River Bandits right-hander Chris Devenski pitched a season-high seven innings of nine-hit, one-run ball, and his teammates broke a 1-1 tie with a four-run fifth inning in a 7-1 win that snapped the Cedar Rapids Kernels' eight-game winning streak in front of 3,882 at Modern Woodmen Park Thursday night.

 

The River Bandits (34-24 second half, 72-55 overall) moved within 5 ½ games of the first-place Kernels (40-18, 80-46) in the Midwest League Western Division second-half standings. With a loss by the Peoria Chiefs Thursday, Quad Cities' magic number to clinch a second-half playoff berth is five. Any combination of Peoria losses and Quad Cities wins adding to five clinches the latter a playoff spot.

 

Devenski (3-3) worked around a pair of singles in the first inning and lone singles in the second and third. In the fourth, he allowed a leadoff double by Kernels right fielder Adam Brett Walker, and designated hitter Bo Altobelli hit a one-out RBI single that made it 1-0. Altobelli tried scoring from second base on a two-out single by catcher Michael Quesada, but center fielder Teoscar Hernandez threw him out at the plate to end the inning.

 

In the bottom of the fourth, Hernandez hit a leadoff single for the first hit against right-hander Jose Berrios (7-6). Hernandez then stole second base, went to third on a groundout and scored on a sacrifice fly by left fielder Danry Vasquez. In a 1-1, fifth-inning tie, designated hitter Austin Elkins drew a one-out walk, and catcher Roberto Pena singled to put runners at first and third bases. Right fielder Jordan Scott then put a bunt single up the first-base line that brought in Elkins for the go-ahead run. Second baseman Tony Kemp grounded an RBI single to right field, and shortstop Carlos Correa later smacked a two-run double to left-center field off right-hander Christian Powell. All five runs were charged to Berrios, who allowed four hits and three walks while striking out four batters in 4 2/3 innings.

 

Devenski retired six straight batters in the fifth and sixth innings, and after two straight singles opened the seventh, he struck out the next three hitters to finish with a season-high eight. It was the first seven-inning start for Quad Cities since Joe Bircher's seven innings Aug. 3. Right-hander Zach Morton followed with two scoreless innings to finish the win.


Quad Cities added a pair of runs off Powell in the seventh, with two Kernels errors and two walks adding to a Hernandez single.

 

The River Bandits' scoring of at least seven runs activates the "Lucky Seven Run" promotion, as American TV & Appliance at 4800 Elmore Avenue in Davenport will offer a 40% discount on select furniture Friday, Aug. 23. Thursday's victory also means The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount Friday, Aug. 23. Anyone who mentions the River Bandits victory can receive a free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of two lunches or dinners with beverages on Friday, Aug. 23.

 

The River Bandits and Kernels meet for their final regular-season game at 7 p.m. Friday. Quad Cities left-hander Joe Bircher (3-3) will start against Cedar Rapids right-hander Hudson Boyd (4-4).


UP NEXT: Fireworks will follow the final game of the River Bandits' home stand Friday night. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for the 7 p.m. game, and the first 1,500 fans receive a free Bier Stube beanie. It's also City of Davenport Night and John Deere United Way of Caring. Single-game tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office at Modern Woodmen Park, by phone at  563-324-3000 and online at www.riverbandits.com. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

 

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits ownership is making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 112 feet over the playing field, is planned for next spring, along with a carousel and other new games and attractions. This season, the team just unveiled a new 300-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, a Mediacom Frog Hopper, and a number of new bounce houses . The team also boasts a new major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, and fans can see the first team in Minor League Baseball history with back-to-back No. 1 overall draft picks - 2012 top pick Carlos Correa and 2013 top pick Mark Appel, as well as 2012 first-round draft choice Lance McCullers. With new rides, new attractions, new improvements, a new affiliate and future major league stars, the second half of this season is one every fan will not want to miss!

 

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MOLINE, Ill. (August 22, 2013) - The Quad City Mallards have re-signed defenseman Matt Duffy, the Mallards announced today.

"Matt's a very dependable defenseman who provides veteran leadership and who we expect to be a key player for us again this season," said Mallards coach and general manager Terry Ruskowski.  "He brings great effort shift-in and shift-out and is a guy we can count on in important situations- including the power play, where plays an important role for us."

Duffy, 27, returns for a third season with the Mallards after finishing last year tied for fourth among Central Hockey League defensemen in points (42), fifth among blue liners in assists (33) and tied for seventh among defensemen in goals (9).  The 6' 2", 200-pound Windham, Maine, native finished ninth overall in plus/minus rating (+19).

Duffy first joined the Mallards in January of 2012 after mononucleosis kept him off the ice for the first half of the 2011-12 season.  He scored three goals and totaled 11 points in 21 games in his first campaign in the Quad Cities.

Duffy was originally selected by the Florida Panthers in the fourth round of the 2005 National Hockey League Entry Draft with the one hundred fourth overall choice.  After a four-year collegiate career at the University of Maine, Duffy broke into professional hockey at the tail end of the 2008-09 season, seeing time with both the American Hockey League's Rochester Americans and the ECHL's Florida Everblades.  The following year, in his first full pro campaign, Duffy produced five goals and 14 points in 52 games with the Everblades and scored once and recorded five points in 11 games with the Americans.

Duffy split the bulk of the 2010-11 season between the ECHL's Kalamazoo Wings and Gwinnett Gladiators and also played two games for the Portland Pirates of the AHL.  He scored four goals and totaled 10 points in 56 ECHL games.

Duffy played 165 career games at Maine, scoring 21 goals and notching 43 points.  Duffy went to the Frozen Four with the Black Bears each of his first two years at Orono.  He enjoyed his most productive season as a collegian when he scored seven goals and totaled 17 points in 39 games as a senior in 2008-09.

The Mallards will open their seventeenth season- and their fourth in the CHL- when they host the Rapid City Rush on Saturday night, October 19.  Mallards 2013-14 season tickets as well as half season tickets and flex packs are now on sale.  The Mallards offer ticket packages to meet any budget and season ticket holders also receive a host of additional benefits, including a unique season ticket holder Mallards jersey.  More ticket package information is available by calling the Mallards at 309-277-1364 or emailing info@myqcmallards.com.

About the Quad City Mallards
The Quad City Mallards are approaching their seventeenth season and their fourth in the Central Hockey League (CHL).  One of the winningest teams in all of minor league hockey, the Mallards competed in the United Hockey League (UHL) from 1995 through 2007 and in the International Hockey League (IHL) in 2009-10.  The Mallards' proud history has seen them capture the UHL's Colonial Cup Championship three times (1997, 1998, 2001) and secure that league's Tarry Cup four times (1998, 2000, 2001, 2002) for the best overall regular season record.  In 2001, the Mallards made professional hockey history, recording their sixth consecutive season with 50 or more wins, a feat that has yet to be matched.  The i wireless Center provides a unique environment for hockey and features one-of-a-kind seating areas such as the Nest for groups and functions and the exclusive Drake Club.  For more information on the Quad City Mallards or for Mallards tickets go to www.myqcmallards.com.  Fans can also follow the Mallards via Twitter at twitter.com/myqcmallards

and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/quadcitymallards.

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