SOUTHERN UTAH – Marathons, softball, sailing, golf; you name it, St. George News covered it in 2013. Here are the best sports moments of the year.
50 marathons by 50? Local mom, grandma adds Ironman to her birthday quest
Just shy of her 50th birthday, St. George resident Jill McDonald, a wife, mother, grandmother and competitive runner, displayed the benefits of a healthy lifestyle by fulfilling her dream of competing in the Ironman. 
Chicks with sticks; growing lacrosse locally
Though not sanctioned by Region 9 high schools, lacrosse is flourishing as a youth sport thanks to the efforts of two local clubs.
‘Perfect day’ for Ironman St. George as racers excel
A far cry from last year’s challenging conditions, Mother Nature cooperated with impressive performances from the Ironman triathletes on May 4. Brent McMahon of Canada won with a time of 3:51:10. 
Dixie State loses pitcher’s duel as season ends
Sam Friend ended his stellar career with the Red Storm as DSU barely lost to Chico State in their final game at the 2013 NCAA Division II West Regionals in May.
Wallace State beats Salt Lake to take NJCAA softball title
The world-class Canyons softball complex in St. George hosted the NJCAA tournament in May, and Alabama’s Wallace State Community College emerged victorious. 
Snow Canyon girls’ rugby places 3rd in nationals; gun raffle controversy perpetuates fundraisers
The Lady Warriors rugby team had a successful yet controversial season, after a fundraising effort with a gun raffle drew ire from the community and attracted national media attention.
Sand Hollow Sailing Classic; largest Hobie racing, paddleboarding event in Southern Utah history
The tranquil waters of Sand Hollow became a colorful watersports mecca on June 1 for the Sand Hollow Sailing Classic and paddleboarding event, attracting enthusiasts from throughout the western U.S. 
St. George native Jay Don Blake wins qualifier for U.S. Open
After a long career of ups and downs, 54-year-old St. George native and professional golfer Jay Don Blake qualified for his first U.S. Open in a decade in June.
Stealth ‘D’efeat Rebels to repeat as RMFL champions
The Utah Stealth repeated as champions of the Rocky Mountain Football League in June with a close win over the higher-seeded Dixie Rebels. 
Horseshoe pitchers descend on Dixie for world championships
The Dixie Center transformed into a massive horseshoe pit in early August to accommodate 1,500 of the world’s most skilled pitchers.
Fight night; CFC 8 thrills Dixie Center crowd
Sept. 29 was an intense night for Southern Utah sports as amateur and professional MMA athletes battled it out in the cage. “Mad Mike” Arrant won the main event, and the crowd was treated to a surprise visit from Hollywood star Cuba Gooding, Jr. 
Bryant Jensen sets record in St. George Marathon victory
Perfect conditions set the stage for a day of athletic triumph at the 37th St. George Marathon in October. Winner Bryant Jensen set a new course record with a time of 2:15:57.
Red Storm shocks UNLV in exhibition behind Groskreutz’s big night
DSU’s men’s basketball team, with the help of Dalton Groskreutz, upset UNLV 2013-14 exhibition opener on Nov. 2 in Las Vegas. 
Dixie State spikers receive first-ever NCAA tourney invite
For the first time in school history, the DSU volleyball team earned a post-season spot in the NCAA Division II West Regional tournament, as the No. 6 seed.
Dixie State tight end Duncan officially named All-American
On Dec. 17, DSU star Joe Don Duncan was selected to the 2013 American Football Coaches Association Division II All-American team, among the best college players in the nation.
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Related posts
- STGnews video favorites of 2013
- STGnews highlights on 2013 high school sports
- STGnews photos, galleries: 2013 highlights
- STGnews Top 25 news stories of 2013
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