Melissa Christensen runs the hurdles during heptathlon competition during the GLIAC Championships, held May 2-4 at Grand Valley State University. She finished fifth in both the heptathlon and in open long jump, helping Northern Michigan University finish in fourth place. (submitted photos)
IRON RIVER—Melissa Christensen, a 2008 graduate of West Iron County High School, recently completed her fourth and final year on Northern Michigan University’s women’s track team.
 In her four years on the team, Christensen competed in pentathlon (60-meter hurdles, high jump, shot put, long jump and 800-meter run, all in one day), heptathlon (100-meter hurdles, high jump, shot put, 200 dash, long jump, javelin and 800 run over two days), long jump, 4x100 relay, 4x400 relay, 55-meter hurdles, 100-meter hurdles, triple jump and high jump.

IRON MOUNTAIN—Iron County’s Major League (11-12 years old) all-star team reached the semifinals of the Little League tournament early last week before the team was eliminated.
 Kingsford defeated Iron County 7-4 on July 9 at the East Kingsford sports complex after Iron County got in front early. Kevin Ballinger doubled and Steven Nelson singled to drive in runs, putting Iron County in front 3-0.

The Italians were all smiles after defeating the Swedes 17-14 at Runkle Lake Park July 7 in the annual Wop-Swede slowpitch game. Front row, from left: Tony Santilli, Philip Robinson, Scott Santilli, Coach Tom Lesandrini, Manager Bill Santilli, Herb Nylund, Dave Lesandrini, Kyle LaVacque, Coach Dennis Fabbri. Back row: Troy Margoni, Bryan LaChapelle Jr., Bryan LaChapelle, Brian Fabbri, Chris Colavecchi, Kevin Colavecchi.

CRYSTAL FALLS—The Italians made plenty of noise with their bats in the first three innings of the annual Wop-Swede softball game at Runkle Lake Park here July 7.

IRON RIVER—For most U.P. cities, the first sign of fall comes in early August when football players report to practice for the fall season.
 But Iron River gets a three-week jump on everyone else next week when the annual Iron County Football Camp takes place at West Iron County High School. The camp runs from July 16 to 18.

FNB avenges earlier loss, ends year with 9-5 win
His teammates’ reception committee awaits Joel Van Lanen (holding his helmet) after his three-run home run in the sixth inning of First National Bank’s 9-5 win June 29.
CRYSTAL FALLS—Talk about a nice way to end a season!
 The First National Bank squad in the Senior League finished its season June 29 with a 9-5 win over North Country, in a game played at Runkle Lake Park.
 When the teams met earlier this season, North Country won in a game shortened by the mercy rule. Revenge was sweet, made sweeter by winning pitcher Joel Van Lanen, who hit a three-run home run to insure the win.