between-the-lines-20140731
Central grad signs with Webber
BROOKSVILLE – Sinjin Blahla, who graduated from Central High this spring after leading the county in scoring as a senior, has signed to play basketball with NAIA Webber International University in Babson Park.
The 6-foot-1 shooting guard averaged 19.7 points per game, 4.5 rebounds, 3.6 steals, 3.4 assists and 0.5 blocks this past season.
Dixie Baseball spaghetti dinner fundraiser
SPRING HILL – The Spring Hill American AAA Minors (ages 9-10) All-Stars are holding a spaghetti dinner on Saturday to help support their World Series run.
The dinner be held at Spring Hill United Church of Christ, 4244 Mariner Blvd., from 5 to 7 p.m. Spaghetti, meatballs, salad, bread, desserts and drinks will be served.
The price is $10 for adults, $5 for children 10 and under. Proceeds will fund the team when it represents Florida Aug. 9-14 at the Dixie World Series in Lexington, S.C.
For more information, call Jen Andress at (352) 346-9662.
Suncoast Select baseball tryouts
ST. PETERSBURG – Suncoast Select’s newly formed 13U Shock travel baseball squad is holding tryouts Aug. 14-15 at Keswick Christian School in St. Petersburg.
The 13U team will be managed by Seth McClung, who played with the Tampa Bay Rays, Milwaukee Brewers and Texas Rangers.
Players interested are asked to preregister by emailing McClung at [email protected].
City of Brooksville softball, dodgeball meetings
BROOKSVILLE – City of Brooksville Parks/Facilities and Recreation has two upcoming meetings for its softball leagues as well as co-ed dodgeball.
The mandatory managers meeting for the dodgeball league, for men and women age 16 and up, will take place Aug. 7 at 6 p.m. at the Jerome Brown Community Center.
A representative from each team is requested to be in attendance at the meeting for important season information.
Games start on Aug. 20 and will be played every Wednesday. There is a sponsor fee of $125 and player fee of $20.
A mandatory managers meeting for the men’s, women’s and co-ed adult softball leagues, for ages 16 and up, takes place Aug. 13 at 6 p.m. at the Jerome Brown Community Center adult fields.
A representative from each team is requested to be in attendance at the meeting for important fall season information.
Men’s games start Sept. 8 and are played every Monday. Women’s games start Sept. 9 and are played every Tuesday. Co-ed games start Sept. 11 and are played every Thursday.
There is a $250 sponsor fee, $20 player fee and $25 new team NSA fee.
For more information, contact the City of Brooksville Recreation Department at (352) 540-3835.
Grass volleyball series coming
TALLAHASSEE – Florida’s Sunshine State Games begins a new Grass Volleyball Series, in partnership with the Florida Region of USA Volleyball, with a series of seven events for volleyball enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels.
Two local events each in August, September and October lead up to a State Championships in November.
Divisions are available for Recreational Adult Coed 6’s, Competitive Adult Coed 4’s and Junior 6’s (girls/boys age 16 and up only). The Junior 6 division will not be available at all locations.
Dates and locations include: Aug. 16 at Jacksonville University, 9 a.m.; Aug. 23, Flavet Field at the University of Florida, 9 a.m.; Sept. 6, Eddie C. Moore Park in Clearwater; Sept. 20, Estero Recreation Center in Fort Myers; Oct. 11, 17th Street Park in Sarasota; Oct. 25, Holiday Inn Sports Complex in Fort Lauderdale; and State Championships, Nov. 8, Hickory Point Recreation Park in Tavares.
Registration fee for the Competitive Adult Coed 4’s division teams is $100, Recreational Adult Coed 6’s is $150 and Junior 6’s (girls age 16-18) is $100.
Team VIP fees are also available for an additional cost. The VIP fees include lunch, water during the event, and access to the VIP area. Each of the six stops will benefit a local charity.
All teams participating in one of the six Florida stops are eligible to compete in the State Championships.
Registration and competition information is currently available at http://www.floridavolleyball.org/sunshine-state-games-grass-vb-series.html.
Disney Marathon searches for finest team
ORLANDO – The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend takes place Jan. 7-11.
The marathon race committee will select Florida residents to compete in the race as part of the Florida’s Finest Team. Florida’s Finest Team members receive: Walt Disney World Marathon entry (application must be submitted by Oct. 1); Florida’s Finest goody bag; VIP bus transportation to start; seeded number; front starting position; one-room hotel accommodations for two nights; one one-day Park Hopper for Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios or Disney’s Animal Kingdom; $125 gift card; invitation to the VIP reception; access to the hospitality suite; and access to the finish line VIP tent.
One guest of the Florida’s Finest Team member will receive: $125 gift card; one one-day Park Hopper for Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios or Disney’s Animal Kingdom; invitation to the VIP reception; access to the hospitality suite; access to the finish line VIP tent; and entry into the marathon, half marathon or Family Fun Run 5K (fee is not waived) during the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. Guest race application must be submitted by Oct. 1.
The race committee is currently in the process of selecting this year’s Florida’s Finest Team. Final selection will be made by Sept. 15.
To be considered, athletes must be Florida residents and submit the following by Sept. 1: running resume, which includes applicant’s home address, work, cell and home phone numbers, and email address; date of birth and age on Jan. 11; running career highlights; marathons completed 2008-14 (include race name, date and time); lifetime personal records at various distances (include race name, date and time); personal records from 2008-14 if different from lifetime personal records at various distances (include race name, date and time of each record); if applicable, master personal records (include race name, date and time of each record); and if applicable, grandmaster/senior grandmasters personal records (include race name, date and time).
This opportunity is open to all Florida residents. Send application materials to [email protected] or mail to: Florida’s Finest, Lorraine Evans, 8640 Tansy Dr., Orlando, FL 32819.
HYL fall baseball registration
BROOKSVILLE – Hernando Youth League fall baseball season registration will take place Aug. 16, 23, 30 and Sept. 6 at Ernie Wever Youth Park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Registration must be done in person. Photocopy of your child’s birth certificate is required at registration along with registration fee of $45.
Season starts Sept. 8. The schedule will consist of two events per week and no Saturdays
For more information, visit www.hylbaseball.com.
Baseball players needed
BROOKSVILLE – Hernando Youth League’s Brooksville Bombers competitive baseball team is looking for a couple of athletic players to round out its 12U fall season team.
The team is in need of utility players, pitchers and catchers. Practices are held at Ernie Wever Youth Park on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 p.m.
Players cannot turn 13 years old prior to May 1.
To schedule a tryout, contact head coach Steve Taylor at (352) 279-6414. For more information, visit www.leaguelineup.com/brooksvillebombers.
HCRD men’s softball meeting
SPRING HILL – Hernando County Parks and Recreation Department is looking for new and old teams to play in its 2014 fall men’s softball league. Games are played at both Anderson Snow Sports Complex and Veterans Memorial Park Monday through Friday from 7 to 10:30 pm
There will be a coaches meeting Tuesday for all coaches, managers and individuals looking to play in the upcoming season, at Anderson Snow Sports Complex from 6 to 7 p.m.
For more information, contact Harry Johnson at (352) 754-4031 or visit http://www.hernandocounty.us/parks_rec/.
Brooksville Dixie Softball signups
BROOKSVILLE – Signups for Brooksville Dixie Softball fall ball will be held on Aug. 23 and 30 at Tom Varn Park, from 9 a.m. until noon.
Signup fees will be $25 for T-Ball and $45 for all other age groups.
For more information, contact Jake Garman at (352) 584-7541.
Marlins holding tryouts
SPRING HILL – The Marlins Baseball 13U team is holding open tryouts. The travel ball squad is looking for a few dedicated, seasoned and committed players for the upcoming fall season.
All participating players must not turn 14 years of age before May 1, 2015.
For more information or to schedule a tryout, contact Coach Ted Leo (352) 585-2574 or Dawn Leo (352) 263-0131.
Firearms safety classes
BROOKSVILLE – The Hernando Sportsman’s Club is offering several firearms safety classes over the next few months.
The class dates are Aug. 6, Aug. 16, Sept. 3, Oct. 1, Oct. 18, Nov. 5, Nov. 15, and Dec. 3. A special “ladies only” firearms safety course will be held on Sept. 20 and Dec. 20.
All classes are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hernando Sportsman’s Club, 16121 Commercial Way.
This is an introductory “First Steps” orientation class for new shooters. The courses cover lessons about the basics of firearms safety around the home; intro to pistol safety, parts and operation; intro to ammo and the fundamentals of pistol shooting; intro to pistol shooting from the seated and standing position; and intro to pistol cleaning and storage.
The classes include instruction, live-fire training on the range and a lunch break. All materials and equipment needed for the class and live-fire training is provided to students, including the use of a .22-caliber firearm, ammo, earplugs and eye protection.
The cost is $60. Successful completion of this class also provides required documentation to apply for a Florida concealed carry permit if desired.
Pre-registration is required. Please call (352) 597-9931 to preregister.
For information on the club, visit www.hernandosportsmansclub.com.
Brooksville Gun and Knife Show
BROOKSVILLE – The Hernando Sportsman’s Club is sponsoring its Gun and Knife Show at the Hernando County Fairgrounds, located at 6436 Broad St. (U.S. Hwy. 41) in Brooksville, on Aug. 9, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Aug. 10, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The show will feature all types of new, used and antique firearms, knives and related accessories for sale.
Adult admission tickets are $6, with children age 16 and under admitted free with adult. Parking is free.
Vendor rental tables are available for $60 each. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
Future 2014 shows include Dec. 6-7.
For more information, call Randie Rickert at (352) 799-3605 or visit: www.hernandosportsmansclub.com or https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hernando-Sportsmans-Club/181824431850883.
Ride to Defeat ALS
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH – The ALS Association Florida Chapter is pleased to announce that UnitedHealthcare is once again sponsoring its annual Ride to Defeat ALS, a one-day cycling event that raises funds to fight Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
The event takes place Nov. 8 at The Holiday Inn Harbourside Hotel, located at 401 2nd St. in Indian Rocks Beach. The event kicks off at 8 a.m.
UnitedHealthcare is sponsoring a portion of the ride titled “The UnitedHealthcare Metric Century,” a 62-mile route that parallels the Gulf of Mexico and passes through historic Fort De Soto Park on Mullet Key.
Nearly 500 cyclists are expected to participate. Funds raised during this event will support research, programs and services for people living with ALS in Florida. This fundraising community event also serves to generate hope and action around the fight to conquer Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
The day’s ride concludes with a lunch and family celebration at The Holiday Inn Harbourside Hotel. Along with cyclists, many volunteers are also needed before, during and after the event.
To register for the ride or sign up to help, visit www.RidetoDefeatALS.org.
Powell football camp
SPRING HILL – The Powell Middle School Football Agility and Conditioning Camp will take place Aug 4-7 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the school’s football field.
The camp cost is $50 per participant and $25 for each sibling. Each camper will receive a Powell football T-shirt.
Campers must complete all FHSAA sports paperwork. Bring a copy of insurance card and the completed registration form. Forms can be obtained at fhsaa.org or at the school.
Camp will be open to all Hernando County middle school students.
Attendance at camp will give you a physical advantage at your football tryouts. This camp will help with becoming heat tolerant for the season, and with cardiovascular endurance, along with strength and agility as they relate to football.
This is not a skills camp. Transportation will not be provided. Be prepared to work hard.
Participants should only drink water at home before camp starts each day. No dairy. Water will be available to students at all times during camp. Open water policy is strictly adhered to.
For more information, contact Coach Ron Blackwell at (352) 797-7095 ext. 230 or [email protected].
Project Appleseed rifle marksmanship clinic
BROOKSVILLE – The Project Appleseed marksmanship clinic will be held Aug. 30-31, Oct. 11-12 and Nov. 29-30 at the Hernando Sportsman’s Club, located at 16121 Commercial Way (U.S. Hwy. 19).
Registration begins at 8 a.m. The clinic starts at 8:30 a.m. and will continue until 5 p.m.
Project Appleseed is an activity of The Revolutionary War Veterans Association and dedicated to teaching every American our shared heritage and history as well as traditional rifle marksmanship skills. The Revolutionary War Veterans Association is a non-profit organization operated by volunteer instructors.
Their heritage program vividly portrays the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Modern listeners are confronted with the danger, the fear, and the heartbreaking separations that arose out of the choices made on April 19, 1775. They are also reminded of the marksmanship skills and masterful organization that ultimately helped set the colonists on the path to success. Those who attend gain a better understanding of the fundamental choices faced by our ancestors as they began to set the stage for the nation we now enjoy.
Participants are taught fundamental rifle marksmanship skills that allow a rifleman to be accurate out to 400 yards, with iron sights, standard rifle and surplus ammo. Most of the instruction at a Project Appleseed event is conducted on the firing range at 25 meters, at reduced-size targets to simulate 100 to 400 yards. Students will learn safe gun handling, proper use of a sling and Revolutionary War history.
Please bring ear/eye protection, rifle with sling and ammo, rifle mat, bug repellent, hat, sunscreen, a packed lunch, snacks and drinks. Please bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. Food and beverages are also available for purchase for lunch in the clubhouse.
A .22-caliber rifle is recommended due to the cost of ammo, but a centerfire rifle can be used if preferred. About 500 rounds of ammo will be needed per day.
Marksmanship Clinic fees are $60 for adults, $20 for youth under age 18. Active military, Guard and Reserve, law enforcement officers with ID, disabled, elected officials and Revolutionary re-enactors in costume are free. Additional club range fees of $14 per day apply for adults and children age 12 and older.
To register online, go to www.appleseedinfo.org. For more information, contact Trey Dawson at (727) 452-4650 or [email protected].
Hurricane Golf Tour
JACKSONVILLE – The Hurricane Collegiate Golf Tour has opened its 2014 schedule this summer with a brand new format and prizes.
The Hurricane Collegiate Golf Tour is a collegiate-level golf tour open to male and female golfers age 18-23, with tournaments being played on some of the best courses across the country.
The tour provides collegiate golfers, those preparing for collegiate golf, as well as non-collegiate golfers a chance to play in prestigious tournaments with a college tournament atmosphere.
Membership to the tour is free, and entitles the player to access to all 28 tournaments this summer. The top male and female finishers at the end of the season will receive a free exemption to the 2014 Dixie Amateur in Coral Springs, one of the biggest amateur golf tournaments in the country.
Top finishers are determined using a points system. Points are awarded to the top five male and female finishers at each tour event. First place receives 100 points, second place receives 80 points, third place receives 60 points, fourth place receives 40 points and fifth place receives 20 points.
The top three male and female finishers in each event will receive a gift card to the Hurricane Tour Shop. The winner will receive a $200 gift card, second place will receive a $150 gift card, and third place will receive a $75 gift card.
The Hurricane Tour Shop sells the latest golf gear at discount prices, including Nike, Adidas, Puma and TaylorMade.
With events scheduled in 10 different states (Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey) the Hurricane Collegiate Golf Tour will offer players the opportunity to test their skills across state lines.
The tour’s 28 tournaments will span almost three months, with the tour championship taking place Aug. 14-15 at Legends Course at Orange Lake Resort in Kissimmee.
For more information, visit www.hurricanetour.com or call (904) 379-2697.
Bully awareness, self-defense
WEEKI WACHEE – Mang Ho Martial Arts, the Black Dragon Fighting Society and Tone U Fitness Center have teamed up to offer a free bully awareness program every Saturday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
This program is designed for kids who are being or have been bullied, as well as their parents and those who suspect bullying is occurring.
Parents will learn the signs that indicate their child is a victim of bullying. Children will learn to not be afraid to tell a friend, parent, teacher or person of authority that they are being bullied.
The class will offer effective ways to communicate with each other at school or in the workplace to stop bullying.
This program is modeled after the award-winning book “Spirit of the Tiger,” written by Soke Jay Blanton about his own struggles and triumphs with bullying.
