DES MOINES, Iowa (February 1, 2013) – Blank Park Zoo’s Red Pandas picked the winner of the Big Game this morning. Keepers placed two boxes in the exhibit of the same size and labeled the boxes with the team’s logos. They were filled equally with healthy treats that Red Pandas enjoy, such as bamboo and raisins.

Berry the Red Panda studied both teams before quickly picking Baltimore to win, while Razz thinks San Francisco will beat Baltimore. Kitar the Red Panda stayed out of the picking process for a while and eventually joined Berry in the pick for Baltimore.

“These types of activities are part of our enrichment program and provide variety to the animal’s lives. Enrichment is a normal everyday part of zoo keeping duties, and it is fun to do public demonstrations of enrichment that people can enjoy,” said Kevin Drees, Director of Animal Care and Conservation.

Blank Park Zoo’s animals have had success in the past picking the winner of the Big Game as Papa the donkey correctly chose New York to win.

w/ Jim Field

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (3.8MB)

Subscribe: RSS

Class 5-A

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — An official with a state athletic association says its board will vote next month on a requirement that coaches pass a course dealing with recognizing the signs of traumatic brain injuries. Alan Beste, the assistant executive director of the Iowa High School Athletic Association, told legislators Thursday that the group’s board will likely adopt a rule next month requiring that each year, coaches must pass a course focused on recognizing the signs of brain injuries, including concussions. Student-athletes with such injuries would be removed from play. The rule would apply to coaches of seventh to 12th grade teams.

The rule would take effect in time for the upcoming school year. A House education subcommittee was studying the issue. Legislators opted to not take action if the association approves its rule.

BOYS BASKETBALL
Carroll 70, Carlisle 56
Griswold 62, CAM 51
Harlan 54, Abraham Lincoln 38
Nodaway Valley 67, Mount Ayr 36
St. Albert 68, Elkhorn Mount Michael, Neb. 49

POSTPONEMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS
Madrid vs. Coon Rapids-Bayard.

GIRLS BASKETBALL
Glenwood 38, Tri-Center 36
Griswold 52, CAM 25
Harlan 61, Abraham Lincoln 46
Iowa School for the Deaf 44, Underwood 40
Nodaway Valley 47, Mount Ayr 39
St. Albert 62, Boys Town, Neb. 20

Western Valley Conference Tourney
Consolation
Maple Valley-Anthon-Oto 48, Charter Oak-Ute 29
Woodbury Central 63, Whiting 30

POSTPONEMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS
Madrid vs. Coon Rapids-Bayard

Chad Christensen signs his national letter of intent to play baseball at NIACC as his family and future coach look on.

Atlantic senior Chad Christensen signed a national letter of intent this (Thursday) morning to play baseball at North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City.  Christensen says he looked at several programs during the recruiting process but that he loved the campus, the school and the baseball program at NIACC.

Christensen says baseball has always been his passion since little league, but playing other sports have helped him develop his leadership and team skills.

Travis Hergert is the first year coach at NIACC after serving eight years as an assistant in the program.  He says they have watched Chad in high school and Perfect Game spring and fall leagues.  Hergert says Chad has a chance to enter a program that can help him reach his goals and where he ecpects Christensen to make an impact at NIACC.

NIACC had a 37-21 record last season and sent 8 players to four year schools, including six to division one programs.  Chad says that getting an opportunity down the road to play at a division one school is his goal.

Chad’s parents Rod & Ruth, Chad and NIACC baseball coach Travis Hergert.

Christensen will be a five year letter winner after his senior season this summer as a five year starter at shortstop.  He helped the Trojans to a 19-11 record last year.

w/ Jim Field

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (2.8MB)

Subscribe: RSS