The Bulgrin family has three generations of Coventry Comets who have endured losing seasons as seniors, all with new coaches, but when it all came down to it, they enjoyed being out on the field with their teammates and friends and playing for the school and the community they grew up in their whole lives.

What: Tryouts for singing the National Anthem at an Akron Aeros or Races game in 2010.

When: Feb. 13, 1 – 4 p.m.
Where: Summit Mall Center Court, 3265 W Market St. Akron, OH 44333

For Lake Center Christian School, it was a chance to bounce back after two tough losses to talented teams. For Coventry, it was a rare chance to step outside conference play late in the year and gain a much-needed home win.

In the end, it was LCCS that prevailed, 67-57, in boys basketball action Feb. 2.

For the Coventry Comets, it was a beginning to forget and nearly an end to remember. For the Springfield Spartans, it might be the exact opposite.

The Spartans failed to hold on to a 31-point first half lead but, despite allowing the Comets within two in the final 40 seconds, did manage to do enough to hold off Coventry for a 72-68 win on Jan. 30.

Here are some more quick hitters from Jackson sports around the town.

Basketball is about to heat up for the Polar Bears, but don’t expect them to blink.

Coming off a convincing road win over Lake 74-46, coach Mike Fuline is happy the team returned a favor from the past.

Later on this year, Grace will be competing in the Ohio State Free Throw shooting finals in Grove City on Feb. 12 by virtue of of an astonishing 24 out of 25 free throws attempted and at one point converting on 19 consecutive attempts during a regional competition at Stow. The multitalented seventh grader attests her triumphs to feeling no pressure when the stakes are at their highest.

Jackson boys swimming might be short on a goal, but not on success.

The Polar Bears were unable to take down Hoover in the final dual meet of the year, losing 106-77 and the chane at Federal League title.

The Jackson girls varsity basketball team defeated the Lake Blue Streaks Saturday 42-33 on a day where Jackson senior Stephanie Durwin tied the school record with 5 three-pointers in the game.

The Lady Polar Bears were unable to take the momentum from the Lake win into the Federal League tournament, falling to Perry in the first round 31-30 Tuesday night. The Blue Streaks had no better luck, falling to North Canton Hoover 50-38 with Macy Byrd leading Lake with 13 points.

The Akron Zips (15-7, 5-3 MAC) will look to start up a new winning streak tonight when they take on Northern Illinois (8-12, 4-4 MAC) in the final game of their five-game homestand. Fans can see the game live at Rhodes Arena at 7 p.m. tonight or listen on 1350 AM.

The Akron Aeros would like to thank their loyal Aeros Fan Base for a great week of fundraising for the people of Haiti. The Aeros, with the help of their fans, have raised $1,000 for the people of that devastated country.

The first annual Chase Your Shadow 5K Run/Walk Race is slated for Saturday, Feb. 6, sponsored by the Friends of Portage Lakes State Park. The 3.1 mile closed course race for runners and walkers of all ages will be held in the scenic Portage Lakes State Park, 5031 Manchester Road, Akron.

Any high schooler who has interest in lacrosse but goes to a school that doesn’t provide it should try the Lake lacrosse program.

More information is available online at www.lakelacrosse.com. People can also e-mail Kikel at mcrazy1@neo.rr.com.

The Manchester cagers climbed back to the .500 level for the fifth time this season after topping visiting Tuslaw 65-51,  Jan. 22 in a Principal Athletic Conference game.

The Lady Panthers, winners of 13 straight, downed a dangerous Fairless squad 56-49, which has been playing some of its best basketball of the season since the calendar year turned over.
Manchester (16-1, 12-1) trailed by two points (45-43) entering the final eight minutes of action, but went on a 10-0 run to open the fourth quarter, and was able to foil the Falcons upset bid..
Senior Jackie Bonnett was instrumental in the run as she had a traditional three-point play, followed by one free throw, which put the Panthers ahead  for good at 47-45. The black and red would hold Fairless scoreless until the 3:22 mark of the finale.