"In Brief" is a collection of announcements and upcoming events that appears in its entirety online and as space permits in our Thursday and Sunday print editions. To submit an item, email sports@annarbor.com.

Before an elimination game in the AABC (American Amateur Baseball Congress) Willie Mays World Tournament in Levittown, Puerto Rico, the Michigan Blue Jays warmed up and watched a game on the field they were about to occupy.

Players and parents watched as the Puerto Rico Titanes and the Toa Baja Astros, the two Puerto Rican teams in the tournament, played before a raucous crowd of almost a thousand spectators who were busy cheering, blowing horns, and banging drums.

A festive atmosphere for a game played between top teams in a commonwealth that still places baseball firmly atop it’s hierarchy of sport shouldn't come as much of a surprise -- until you realize they were watching 10-year-olds.

The 10u Michigan Blue Jays, who played in the Kensington Valley League this summer, were nominated by the league to play in the AABC Midwest Regional in Chesterfield, Michigan. In the regional, the Jays won all six games they played and earned the chance to play in the Willie Mays World Tournament.

The Jays went 2-2 in the double-elimination format and finished third overall after losing to the eventual champion Georgia Yard Dogs, the Jays also took home the tournament’s sportsmanship award.

Their season is now over, but as the team transitions to 11u next season, Nichols thinks the team’s experience in Puerto Rico will stay with them, “As a staff we said no matter where we go with this team, this will be an experience we’ll never forget.”

GOLF

University of Michigan Golf Course Open to the Public

All Washtenaw County residents can play the University of Michigan Golf Course on Wednesday, Aug. 17. Typically, the course requires a student, employee or alumnus of the university to be part of every reservation.

Golfers will be asked to present a driver's license to confirm Washtenaw County residence. The cost is $40 to walk or $53 with a cart. Reservations will be accepted up to seven days in advance by calling 734-615-4653.

RUNS

Running the Rails

Running the Rails is back for its 24th year on Aug. 21 and will include a 10K run, 5K run or walk and 1/2-mile kids fun run. All races are chip timed, with the 5K and 10K on USATF-certified courses. Participants registered before Aug. 1 are guaranteed a moisture-wicking shirt. For information, visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Ypsilanti/RunningtheRails

SOCCER

Michigan Jaguars finish 2nd at Nationals

Three Washtenaw County/SEC soccer players played in the National Championship game for boys U-15 in Phoenix, AZ. Jason Carmack (Huron), Tony Pisto (Dexter), Michael Winters (Lincoln); and their travel team the Michigan Jaguars made it to the finals at the National Championship. They came in second place and are ranked second in the nation. Their team was awarded the Fair Play Award for their performance. The team competes in both the MRL (Midwest Regional League) and the National League. The team is coached by Barry Scott, also from Washtenaw County.

VOLLEYBALL

Fall ball sign up

Registration is ongoing for Ann Arbor Rec & Ed’s fall coed youth volleyball league. For boys and girls entering grades 4-9 for the 2011-12 school year, this league is designed to develop skills and have fun. There are no cuts or tryouts. Online registration is available at www.aareced.com. Save $10 if you register by Aug 25. Practices begin in early October, games begin Oct, 15 and run through mid-December. Contact Karen Draves at 734-994-2300, extension 53254 or draves@aaps.k12.mi.us for information.

"In Brief" is a collection of announcements and upcoming events that appears in its entirety online and as space permits in our Thursday and Sunday print editions. To submit an item, email sports@annarbor.com.