Ruffin is All-American

University of Northern Iowa defensive end and Burnsville native James Ruffin was named second-team All-America in the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA).

Ruffin, a 6-foot-4, 265-pound junior, led the Panthers with 10 sacks and 18 tackles for losses. He had 69 total tackles and forced three fumbles. He also was named Missouri Valley Football Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

UNI was 14-2 this season and reached the FCS semifinals before losing to Richmond 21-20. Richmond went on to win the national championship.

Ruffin is a 2005 graduate of Burnsville High School, where he was a three-sport athlete. He was a three-year starter in football, playing fullback and linebacker.

UNI defensive tackle Everette Pedescleaux, who played high school football at Robbinsdale Armstrong, was named to the FCS All-America third team.

Ruffin and Pedescleaux led a defense that was third in the nation in turnover margin and 10th in fewest points allowed. Northern Iowa led its conference in rushing defense.

Kees going to Cactus Bowl

St. Cloud State University senior defensive end Ryan Kees of Eagan has been selected to play for the West team in the Valero Cactus Bowl on Friday, Jan. 9, in Kingsville, Texas.

The Cactus Bowl is an all-star game featuring NCAA Division II senior football players,

Of the 84 players selected for the game, 19 are Division II All-Americans, including Kees. Kees is one of eight players from the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference named to the West roster.

Kees (6-foot-6, 275 pounds) had 34 tackles, including 20 solo stops, in the 2008 season. He also had 5.5 tackles for loss, one sack, six quarterback hurries, two fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles.

He also was a finalist for the 2008 Draddy Trophy, which recognizes outstanding football performance, academic excellence and community service.

ExCEL Award

Apple Valley High School has nominated Mary Beth Schroeder and Jiho Yang for the Minnesota State High School League's ExCEL Award. The ExCEL (Excellence in Community, Education and Leadership) goes to Minnesota high school juniors who participate in fine arts and/or athletics, demonstrate leadership qualities and are active in their communities.

Schroeder has earned five letters in cross country and track and field. She also is a member of the AVHS marching band, wind ensemble, brass ensemble and Broadway orchestra. She is a member of the National Honor Society and AVHS math team and has worked 653 volunteer hours at a variety of community organizations.

Yang is a member of the cross country and tennis teams. Active in the vocal music department, he performed as a soloist at the AVHS 2008 pop concert. He is a National Honor Society member and is on his school's Quiz Bowl, Knowledge Bowl, Math Science Olympiad and Rocket teams. He has worked volunteer hours in Apple Valley as well as Korea, his native country.

Senior bowling group

New members are being sought for a senior bowling group that bowls Wednesdays at City Limits in Rosemount and Fridays at Apple Place in Apple Valley. Bowling starts at 12:30 p.m. each day. It is drop-in bowling with no league commitment. Bowlers of all abilities are welcome. Information: 952-423-3722.

Senior tennis league

The Senior Tennis Players Club, which offers free instruction and organized play throughout the metro area, is accepting new members. The club is open to men and women 50 and older. Group play takes place during the summer in several locations, including Burnsville and Apple Valley. During the fall and winter the club has court time at indoor sites in the metro area. The annual fee of $25 includes 12 tennis lessons. There is an additional cost for indoor court time. Information: www.seniortennismn.com, or contact Ken Landro at klandro@comcast.net or Sue Larson at sml9294673@aol.com.

He also was a finalist for the 2008 Draddy Trophy, which recognizes outstanding football performance, academic excellence and community service.

ExCEL Award

Apple Valley High School has nominated Mary Beth Schroeder and Jiho Yang for the Minnesota State High School League's ExCEL Award. The ExCEL (Excellence in Community, Education and Leadership) goes to Minnesota high school juniors who participate in fine arts and/or athletics, demonstrate leadership qualities and are active in their communities.

Schroeder has earned five letters in cross country and track and field. She also is a member of the AVHS marching band, wind ensemble, brass ensemble and Broadway orchestra. She is a member of the National Honor Society and AVHS math team and has worked 653 volunteer hours at a variety of community organizations.

Yang is a member of the cross country and tennis teams. Active in the vocal music department, he performed as a soloist at the AVHS 2008 pop concert. He is a National Honor Society member and is on his school's Quiz Bowl, Knowledge Bowl, Math Science Olympiad and Rocket teams. He has worked volunteer hours in Apple Valley as well as Korea, his native country.

Senior bowling group

New members are being sought for a senior bowling group that bowls Wednesdays at City Limits in Rosemount and Fridays at Apple Place in Apple Valley. Bowling starts at 12:30 p.m. each day. It is drop-in bowling with no league commitment. Bowlers of all abilities are welcome. Information: 952-423-3722.

Senior tennis league

The Senior Tennis Players Club, which offers free instruction and organized play throughout the metro area, is accepting new members. The club is open to men and women 50 and older. Group play takes place during the summer in several locations, including Burnsville and Apple Valley. During the fall and winter the club has court time at indoor sites in the metro area. The annual fee of $25 includes 12 tennis lessons. There is an additional cost for indoor court time. Information: www.seniortennismn.com, or contact Ken Landro at klandro@comcast.net or Sue Larson at sml9294673@aol.com.