Local sports briefs

Lawrence, Huskies win national title

Mel Lawrence was accustomed to winning cross country titles while she prepped at Reno High School.

Little has changed at the University of Washington.

Lawrence, a sophomore, helped the Huskies claim their first national title on Monday in Terre Haute, Ind. She placed 25th out of 252 runners, finishing the 6-kilometer race in 20:32.3.

She was the third Washington runner to cross the finish line, as freshman Christine Babcock was seventh in 20:01.7, and freshman Kendra Schaaf, the Pac-10 champion, placed 12th in 20:17.3.

"Mel closed well and lowered our team's score dramatically after halfway," Washington coach Greg Metcalf said.

Oregon finished 52 points behind Washington and Florida State was a distant third.

Lawrence, who won three state cross country titles at Reno, was one of five Washington runners to earn All-America honors.

Bell Coat and Toy Driver is Dec. 6

The first Mackena Bell Motorsports Coat and Toy Drive will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 in the Gottschalks parking lot in front of Little Caesar's Pizza at the Carson Mall.

Lightly used coats of all sizes, hats and gloves can be donated and will be distributed to Carson City children. Donations of unwrapped new toys to be given to Toys 4 Tots will also be accepted.

Northern Nevada golf pros honored

Toys 4 Tots asks that no stuffed animals be donated. For more information, call (775) 882-1986.

Three Reno and Stateline professionals have been honored by the Northern California Professional Golf Association in its annual awards presentation.

Gus Jones of the Montreux Golf and Country Club has won the Horton Smith Award, Washoe County Golf Club's Barney Bell has won the Growth of the Game Award and Edgewood's Randy Fox has won Merchandiser of the Year.

Jones was given the Horton Smith Award for his outstanding service and contributions in developing and improving educational opportunities. Fox was honored for his golf shop operations.

Bell was honored for his involvement and significant leadership contributions to "Play Golf America" and growing the game of golf.

The NCPGA will recognize its 2008 Annual Section Award Winners on Sunday, Dec. 7 at the NCPGA Special Awards Ceremony and President's Dinner at the Stockton (Calif.) Golf & Country Club.

CHS ski program to show Miller movie

The Carson High ski program will present its annual fund-raiser as it will again feature another film made by well-known movie maker Warren Miller.

"Children of Winter" will be featured at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1 at the Carson City Community Center. Tickets are $12 at the door or $8 for children 8 and under.

Advance tickets for $10 are available at the Sporting Rage. For more information, call Dennis Brinson, 883-8477.

Farmer shoots hole-in-one at Silver Oak

James Farmer recently shot a hole-in-one at Silver Oak Golf Club. He used an 8-iron on from the white tee on the 137-yard 12th hole. Kent Savage, Marcial Hunter and Ngal Klogpfer witnessed the ace.

Raiders Boosters fund-raiser slated

The Carson City Raiders Booster Club will hold its annual Christmas Commitment fundraiser from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30 at Q's Barbecue.

Special guest will be former Oakland Raiders backup quarterback Don Milan, who played from 1970-1975.

The annual event raises funds for the club to "adopt" homebound senior citizens at Christmastime and provide them with essentials and gifts for the holiday through an arrangement with the Carson City Senior Center.

There will be a live auction and drawings throughout the game between the Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs. Milan will pose for photos and sign autographs for those in attendance. For more information, call 232-9700 or 720-4333.