Kingsford resident Dave Antonetti of Team Da Yoopers takes his turn during the Michigan Bocce Championships held the Ray Mariucci Bocce Complex at the Iron Mountain City Park on Saturday. A dozen three-person teams competed in the state tournament hosted by the Dickinson Area Bocce Association. (Dennis Mansfield/Daily News photo)

IRON MOUNTAIN — The Dickinson Area Bocce Association let the good times roll at the Ray Mariucci Bocce Complex at the Iron Mountain City Park by hosting the Michigan Bocce Championships on Saturday.

A dozen three-person teams from around the Upper Peninsula and even downstate Michigan competed for top honors.

Jo Ellison, one of the tournament organizers, said the weather and attendance at Saturday’s tournament was “perfect,” adding the combination helped make for a very competitive event.

“There were two teams from downstate and they’re very good,” she said. “And, the teams from Iron River are always good.”

The fact that bocce provides a competitive outlet for people of all ages was one reason why Ziz Abdur-Raoof of Sylvan Lake started playing the sport which dates back to 18th century Italy. And, Abdur-Raoof knows a bit about being competitive after playing football at Maryland and then for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Shelly Danielson of Iron Mountain and member of Team Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home and Iron Mountain resident Mike Izzo of Team Da Yoopers indicate a point for one of the teams during a match Saturday. (Dennis Mansfield/Daily News photo)

“I love playing,” he said. “I love the competition.”

Top teams in Saturday’s championship event included:

First place — Team B&B Tire and Auto: Michael Constantini of Iron Mountain, and Joe Fittante and Mike Cimarelli, both from Iron River;

Second place — Team daVinci Bocce of Sylvan Lake: Mike Grasser, Dennis Russi and Ziz Abdur-Raoof;

Third place — Team Iron River 1: Jim Javoroski, Larry Evanoff and Mike Mariani, all of Iron River; and

Members of the top two teams — including Joe Fittante, Dennis Russi, Michael Constantini, Mike Grasser, Ziz Abdur-Raoof and Mike Cimarelli — competing at the Michigan Bocce Championships in Iron Mountain on Saturday gather together to show off the hardware they won at the state tournament. (Photo courtesy DABA)

Fourth place — Team Summers: Cole Cavalieri, Steve Cavalieri and Lucas Cavalieri, all of Iron Mountain.

Ellison said, while the tournament is one of the big events of the summer for Michigan bocce players, the season is far from over. DABA hosts two men’s leagues on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, as well as a mixed league on Wednesdays.

For information on upcoming bocce events or local league play, contact Ellison by calling 623-337-1153.

— Report compiled by Dennis Mansfield, Daily News sports editor.