Federal Way resident J.R. Celski had quite a 2008. The 17-year-old short track speedskater finished the year as the No. 1-ranked junior and No. 2-ranked senior skater in the United States. Celski recently finished in second-place overall at the United States Championships, which were held Dec. 19-21 in St. Louis. Celski won a silver medal in the nine-lap time trial, a silver in the 1,000-meter A final, a silver in the 3,000-meter A final and a bronze medal in the 1,500-meter A final.

The second-place finish qualified Celski for World Cup races in Bulgaria and Germany. He will also compete in all events at the World Short Track Championships in Vienna, Austria, and at the World Short Track Team Championships in Heerenveen, Netherlands.

Celski is currently in Sherbrooke, Quebec, getting ready for the World Junior Short Track Speed Skating Championships. The event will be Jan. 9-11.

Chris Grove

Thomas Jefferson High School graduate Chris Grove is starring on the basketball team at Pierce College in Lakewood. Grove, a 2007 TJ grad, is a sophomore at Pierce and leading the team in scoring at 14.5 points a game. He is also shooting 57 percent from the field and grabbing 7.3 rebounds a game. Pierce is 5-9 overall.

Fastpitch softball

Sudden Impact girls fastpitch softball team of Federal Way is looking for players from ages 8 to 14 (age as of Jan. 1, 2009) for its 10 and under, 12U and 14U teams during the 2009 season. Practices are at Decatur High School and includes plenty of local play. The teams play in various weekend tournaments, mostly in the Seattle-Tacoma area. The girls on the 10U team also play in a recreational league. No previous fastpitch experience is required and indoor practices resume this month. For more information, contact 14U coach Bailey at (206) 709-5707, 12U coach Bains at (206) 310-6226, 10U coach McDonnell at (253) 973-4568 or send an email to SuddenImpactFP@aol.com or visit www.eteamz.active.com/simpact.

Federal Way National Little League

Sign ups for 2009 spring baseball season are running now through Jan. 31 for Federal Way National Little League. Cost for sign-up depends on age group and players from age 5 through high school may sign up. Players can mail a registration form to 1911 SW Campus Dr., #214, Federal Way, 98023. Players can also register in person at The Commons mall on Jan. 10, 14 and 17 or online at www.eteamz/fwnll. To learn more, e-mail fwnll@comcast.net or call (253) 332-5924.

Emerald Downs

The Washington Horse Racing Commission approved a 91-day season of live racing for Emerald Downs in 2009.

Opening day will be Friday, April 17, with closing day on Sunday, Sept. 27. Racing will be Friday through Sunday in the first six weeks of the season, and Thursday through Sunday beginning the week of May 28. Special holiday racing will be offered Memorial Day (May 25) and Labor Day (Sept. 7).

The 2009 Emerald Downs stakes schedule, featuring the 74th running of the Longacres Mile, will be announced in January.

Scholarship

Apple Physical Therapy will honor one boy and one girl student athlete for Winter sport season with a $1,000 Athlete of the Quarter Scholarship.

Eligible student athletes must be high school seniors enrolled in a Western Washington high school, participating in a varsity sport and be in good-standing academically. The scholarship criteria include athlete performance, community service/involvement and other compelling personal circumstances.

Nomination forms are available to download at Apple Physical Therapy’s Web site, www.applept.com, and can be turned in to any Apple Physical Therapy clinic location or other participating private practice location. A complete list of locations is on Apple Physical Therapy’s Web site. Nomination forms are due by March 1.

Scholarship winners will be announced at the conclusion of the season on the High School GameTime television program on King 5 and Kong 6/16.

Apple Physical Therapy is also the official athletic training partner for the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) and oversees young athletes at the state football, basketball and softball tournaments each year.