Debra Vento, a sophomore at Duke University, won the women’s high jump at the New Balance College Invitational held at the 168th St. Armory in New York City. The Freehold Borough graduate cleared 5-11 1/4 in winning her second title in many meets this year. Vento holds both the indoor and outdoor high jump records at Duke.
At Freehold Borough, Vento was a four-time Meet of Champions winner and the 2003 Adidas Outdoor National champion. Her high school personal best was 5-10 1/2.
Author Marc Bloom will be making appearances at local Barnes & Noble bookstores, where he will discuss his latest book, “God on the Starting Line: the Triumph of a Catholic School Running Team and Its Jewish Coach.” The book is an account of St. Rose’s state championship cross country season and the Marlboro writer’s experience coaching the Purple Roses.
Following the book discussion, Bloom will answer questions on any aspect of running and fitness, and autograph his book for those who purchased it.
Bloom’s schedule is as follows: Feb. 28, Barnes & Noble, Freehold, 3481 Route 9 north, 7:30 p.m.; April 7, Barnes & Noble, Holmdel, 2134 Route 35, 7:30 p.m.; April 13, Barnes & Noble, North Brunswick, 846 Route 1 south, 7:30 p.m.; April 20, Barnes & Noble, Howell, 4831 Route 9 north, 7 p.m. and May 3, Barnes & Noble, West Long Branch, 310 Consumer Center, Route 36 east, 7:30 p.m.
The third annual Rebel Relays will be held April 2 at Howell High School. This year, an inaugural Frosh/Soph Nite Opener will be held April 1. For additional information, call Kevin Dee at (732) 919-2131, ext. 8489 or visit the rebel Web site at [email protected].
The Sunrise Optimist Club of Freehold will be holding its annual Hot Shots Basketball Tournament on Feb. 27 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the YMCA of Western Monmouth County, East Freehold Road, Freehold Township. Boys and girls in grades 4-9 are welcome to participate in this basketball skills contest. A $5 entrance fee for each participant is required. Participants will receive a T-shirt. For more information on the basketball tournament, call (732) 780-1409.
The Manalapan Softball League, a division of the Manalapan Baseball Association, is holding registration for the 2005 season. Deadline to register is March 1. MBA Softball is charted with Babe Ruth Softball and is open to residents of Manalapan, Monroe and Freehold. For an application or additional information, call (732) 536-0505 or visit the league’s Web site at www.manalapanbaseball.com.
Freehold Raceway will present its popular thoroughbred handicapping contest, Monday, on Presidents Day. The contest is restricted to 100 entrants and will consist of 12 designated thoroughbred simulcast races, which will be announced by raceway management by 6 p.m. Saturday. The format for the contest will consist of $10 win and place wager. Contestants must wager a minimum of 10 races, but may bet all of the designated race. The entry fee is $300, of which $100 will go toward prize money and the remaining $200 will be used for betting stake. Contestants keep all pari-mutuel winnings and prize money will be paid out to the five handicappers with the highest bankrolls, with the winner receiving 50 percent of the prize money, followed by 25 percent for second, 12 percent for third, 8 percent for fourth and 5 percent for fifth. Contest winner will gain entry to the 2006 Horseplayer World Series in Las Vegas.
For more information on the contest, call the raceway at (732) 462-3800 or visit its Web site at www.freeholdraceway.
com.