Area digest Feb20

Sunny Gilbert an athlete with ties to Southeast Missouri, picked up a pair of honors recently for her success in the triathlon.

Gilbert, the granddaughter of Gary and Joy Gilbert of Cape Girardeau, spent some of her youth here before graduating from Marquette High School in Chesterfield, Mo., and the University of Missouri. She now attends the University of Colorado, working toward her Ph.D. in biochemistry.

The former track and cross country star was honored by Triathlete magazine in its February edition as the Amateur Triathlete of the Year and by Inside Triathlon in its January edition as the Amateur Woman of the Year.

Gilbert, who in 2003 suffered injuries when she was struck by a car while riding a bike, came back in 2004 to win the Wildflower triathlon in May, the HalfMax in St. Louis and the USAT Age-Group National Championship in Shreveport, La., in September.

Gilbert also was one of five finalists for USA Triathlon's Endurance Athlete of the Year.

Doctors-Lawyers game

scheduled for March 4

The 12th annual Doctors-Lawyers Basketball Showdown is scheduled for 8 p.m. March 4 at the Notre Dame Regional High School gymnasium.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Community Counseling Center Foundation and will be used to equip the Psychosocial Rehabilitation Program clubhouse to be built this year next to the Community Counseling Center main office on Silver Springs Road. The clubhouse program will offer social and educational training to assist clients in getting back into society and education.

Tickets are $5 for adults and $2.50 for children under 12. The pregame tailgate party will be 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Davis Banquet Center in Jackson. Tickets are $20 and include food, beverages, a silent auction and admission to the game.

Tickets can be purchased at the Community Counseling Center, Schnucks in Cape Girardeau and the public defender's office in Jackson or from any foundation board member.