The Grand Haven Patriot's Day Run will be entering its 12th year this summer and once again will stand as a benefit for the Grand Haven cross country program. This year's race will be held Saturday, July 2 at Grand Haven High School beginning at 8:30 a.m. behind the school. The race is a part of a local running series that also includes the recently completed Klever Kickoff to Summer Run and the YMCA Coast Guard Run. The races include a point system which will award overall winners from all three races.

Maureen Whitehead shrugged off miserable conditions and used her wealth of tournament experience - along with some clutch putts - to outlast Collette Hansen and win her second consecutive Spring Lake Invitational championship. Whitehead, who spends her summers in Charlevoix, couldn't quite match Hansen's distance or accuracy, but was steady from tee to green and spectacular with her putter, rolling in several long putts that kept Thursday's Championship Flight final tight until the closing holes.

The 2010-11 school year is one that will be remembered for years to come as the one in which three different area schools claimed team state championships. The top five sports stories of the school year reflect that theme as three of those top five recognize the Grand Haven girls cross country team, the Fruitport volleyball squad, and the Western Michigan Christian boys soccer team, all of which took home state titles this past fall.

Extreme sports fans will get a chance to see some of the area's best skateboarders and BMX riders on Saturday as the AGA Cup visits the Grand Haven Skate Park. The event begins at 4 p.m. at the skate park, which is located at the Tri-Cities Family YMCA, 1 Y Drive in Grand Haven. Event organizer Kurt Luttermoser explained that the event follows a jam format, where heats of four or five skateboarders or BMX riders take to the course for a 30- or 45-second performance.

Although Mother Nature may try to dampen the championship match of the Spring Lake Invitational Tournament this morning, it should be an intriguing final once it does get teed up. In a mathup that could be labled the established champion against the up-and-coming challenger, Charlevoix native Maureen Whitehead will look to defend her SLIT title in the Championship Flight, while West Olive resident and 2009 Grand Haven High School graduate Collette Hansen will be seeking her first - in just her second ever apperance at the 90th annual women's match play tournament.

Dan Bylsma of the Pittsburgh Penguins has won the Jack Adams Award as coach of the year. Bylsma, who grew up in Grand Haven, led the Penguins to the playoffs despite the absences of stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, who both missed much of the season. The Penguins (49-25-8) had the second-most victories and points in franchise history.

Soccer in the Sand is returning to Grand Haven for the fifth consecutive year this weekend, bringing a festive atmosphere to the Grand Haven City Beach. "We bring live music to all our events, so that, along with all our unique vending options, makes for a fun day,' said event organizer Chris Lemay. The first Soccer in the Sand visit to Grand Haven drew 20 teams. Lemay expects over 100 teams on Saturday and Sunday, with divisions ranging from 8-and-under to adult coed and men's open.