Between the Lines

Spring Hill Junior Boys seeking donations

SPRING HILL - Spring Hill Dixie Baseball needs the public's help in raising funds for their District 6 champion Junior Boys (age 13) All-Star team.
The team is heading to Marianna, Fla. for the Dixie State Tournament.
The team is seeking donations to offset the costs of this experience. All donations will be used toward helping this team fulfill their dream. Donations should be sent to Spring Hill Dixie Baseball, 3398 Spring Park Way, Brooksville, FL 34604
For additional information, contact Harold or Helen Keith at 797-4934.

Disc Golf at The Quarry

BROOKSVILLE - The Tour del Sol Disc Golf Series visits the Quarry Golf Course, 800 John Gary Grubbs Blvd., at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 18. The cost is $32 per person.
The cost includes two rounds of 18 holes with skill clinics, prize giveaways and more. There will also be a free putting clinic and driving clinic taking place between rounds.
No matter the skill level, the Tour del Sol Disc Golf Series encourages new players.
For more information, contact Mike Barnett at 352-397-3257.

YMCA Youth Baseball

SPRING HILL - The Hernando County Family YMCA is offering Youth Baseball this fall! An eight-week season begins Aug.15-Oct. 10.
Ages 3-5 are placed on teams and play YMCA T-Ball. This program is designed to spark interest in young athletes.
Ages 6-7 are in our T-Ball/Coach Pitch program which emphasizes more of the basic skills needed to advance to the next level.
Ages 9-13 are in our Coach Pitch program which concentrates on the fundamentals of the game while focusing on teamwork and good sportsmanship.
The cost for the season for 3-5-year-olds is $54 for facility members and $64 for program members.
The cost for 6-13-year-olds is $64 for facility members and $74 for program members.
For more information, please contact Jennifer Huden at the YMCA at 352-688-9622.

Local gymnasts stand out

SPRING HILL - Five gymnasts from the local Stars and Stripes Academy returned home with first-place finishes following the June 24-28 Amateur Athletic Union Age Group National Championships in the Savannah Civic Center in Savannah, Ga.
Approximately 1,500 gymnasts from 22 states participated in this year's meet. Stars and Stripes and owned by Nathan and Jennier Rainsburger.
All told, 25 gymnasts traveled to the Peach State where Star and Stripes received the highest number of first place wins for the State of Florida. Levels 2-5 are coached by Shawn Wilson, Britnie Shulters, and April Walsh.
The first-place finishers featured: Nicole Flynn, Kaylee Pizzano, Tessa Fritsch, Stephanie Rozanski and Samantha Trodt.
Flynn also received first place at the State Championship at the Disney Wide World of Sports in Orlando. She received the 1st place all-American award for the highest scoring Level 4 in the competition.
Three All-American awards are given out to the Top 3 highest scoring athletes in the entire competition, according to their level. Pizzano also received second place All-American award after finishing second at states while Rozanski placed first at states and earned the first-place All-American award.

Leopard QB Club golf scramble

BROOKSVILLE - Hernando High's Leopard Quarterback Club will be holding its annual golf scramble Saturday, July 18 at Brooksville Country Club.
There will be an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start, and a buffet lunch after the round. The cost is $65 per player.
Proceeds benefit the Hernando High football program. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
All scramble players and guests are invited to pre-register and mingle from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, July 17 at Brooksville Country Club.
There will be a raffle for a 46-inch Sony flat screen television, an Urban Meyer signature mini-helmet and a Bobby Bowden signature football. Raffle tickets are $20.
For more information, contact Harry Timmons Jr., 352-796-0047 or htimmon1@tampabay.rr.com.

HYL AAA Minors need help for state trip

BROOKSVILLE - After the Hernando Youth League AAA Minors All-Stars (ages 9-10) captured the District 6 Tournament at Ridge Manor, they'll now advance to Paxton, Fla. for the Dixie State Tournament.
This once-in-a-lifetime experience comes at a considerable expense. Food, lodging, and gas for the duration of the week-long event could exceed $7,000.
According to Head Coach Bruce Price, the team needs your help.
The team is asking for donations to offset the expenses of this exciting experience.
Please make checks payable to Hernando Youth League and the donation to Jay Sartor, c/o Cliff's Construction Services, Inc., P.O. Box 10567, Brooksville, FL 34603.
For additional information, contact Coach Price at 352-754-4037.

Lightning host 'Beat the Heat' Open Skate on July 12

TAMPA - The Tampa Bay Lightning will open up the ice at the St. Pete Times Forum to host "Beat the Heat", a free open skate for the public, from 3-5 p.m. on Sunday, July 12.
Beat the Heat will feature two hours of ice time along with music. There will be hot dogs, popcorn as well as refreshments available for $1. Those in attendance will also be able to enter to win Lightning memorabilia. Lightning mascot ThunderBug and the Lightning Girls will make appearances along with former stars Dave Andreychuk and Brian Bradley.
All skaters must bring their own skates as rentals will not be available. Skaters under 18-years-old must have a parent sign a waiver once inside the St. Pete Times Forum.
Fans should enter through the XO VIP Club entrance and parking will be available in the VIP West Lot for $5.

Jr. Bears Volleyball Camp

BROOKSVILLE - Once again the Junior Bears Volleyball Camp will take place from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 3-5 at the Central High School gymnasium.
The Junior Bears volleyball camp is for all girls - attending any school - entering 6th through 9th grades no matter what the skill level. Campers will learn volleyball skills, play games, and prepare for August middle school and high school tryouts.
Cost is $50 and includes a camp T-shirt.
To register, pick up a registration form at the front desk of Central High School, 14075 Ken Austin Parkway, or contact Vicki Weaver at 352-799-5323.

All-Star Dad Experience

ST. PETERSBURG - Bright House Networks is sponsoring an All-Star Dad (father and kids) experience from 9-11:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, at Tropicana Field.
The program focuses on dads spending a few hours connecting with their kids with high-energy football drills, plenty of fun and games, plus some practical fatherhood tips.
Cost is $15 per family and includes father and up to four children.
To pre-register call 1-800-956-8300 or go online to AllProDad.com.

Lightning to host fantasy hockey camp

TAMPA - The Tampa Bay Lightning will host a Fantasy Hockey Camp Wednesday, July 8 until Sunday, July 12 at the St. Pete Times Forum. The camp is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for hockey players to learn from the coaching staff and former Lightning players.
Lightning Fantasy Hockey Camp features three hours of ice time at the St. Pete Times Forum each day with on-ice instruction from Rick Tocchet, Wes Walz and others. The camp will be led by former Tampa Bay players Dave Andreychuk, Chris Dingman, Stan Neckar as well as Director of Youth Hockey Brian Bradley. Lightning forward Steven Stamkos, radio color commentator and Hockey Hall-of-Famer Phil Esposito as well as television color commentator Bobby "The Chief" Taylor will also make special appearances.
"The Lightning Fantasy Camp will be as close to a pro training camp as you will get," Andreychuk said. "It will be a one of a kind experience rarely offered in the NHL."
There will also be numerous activities off the ice involved with the camp. The Lightning training staff will provide participants with off-ice training sessions. There will be meet and greet opportunities with Lightning prospects in town for the Tampa Bay prospects camp, including the top draft picks from the 2009 draft. Camp attendees will also receive free 18 holes of golf at Saddlebrook Resort and a luxury suite for a 2009-10 Lightning game.
At the conclusion of the camp there will be a full 60-minute championship game and an awards ceremony. Each player will receive a Lightning game jersey, practice jersey and a commemorative polo shirt. Lunch and dinner will be provided for participants each day and discounted hotel rates are available.
The camp is limited to 50 participants and they must be at least 21-years-old. Registration is available at www.tampabaylightning.com or by contacting Behn Custard at 1-813-301-6755 or bcustard@sptimesforum.com.

Bowl for Kids' Sake

SPRING HILL - Big Brothers Big Sisters/Hernando County will be hosting its largest fundraising project of the year, Bowl for Kids' Sake, at 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8 at Spring Hill Lanes, 3447 Commercial Lane.
Money raised through this campaign enables Big Brothers Big Sisters to match children in a professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationship with a caring adult. The programs are proven to help kids avoid drug and alcohol use, avoid violent behavior, get better grades in school, and have a more positive outlook on life and a vision for the future.
The Bowl for Kids' Sake program is open to the general public. If you would like to become involved contact Interim Development Director Stephanie Sutton at Big Brothers Big Sisters, 15120 County Line Road, or 352-684-7904 or online at www.bbbspc.org.

Brooksville Tri-5K Challenge returns

BROOKSVILLE - The fourth annual Brooksville Tri-5K Challenge, hosted by the Red Mule Runners Club, will take place at 6:30 p.m. on July 10 at McKethan Lake Park
McKethan Lake is located approximately seven miles north of downtown Brooksville on US 41. It is a beautiful state park consisting of a flat, paved, 5,000-meter course with large oak trees providing maximum shade.
Friday evening race-day registrations will begin at 5 p.m. with 5K entry fee per race at $15, or $35 for all three races. T-shirts will be guaranteed to all runners. Proceeds will help support local high school summer running camps.
There will be individual medals awarded per race and per age group. Points will be tallied based upon placement either overall or per age group. After the third race, awards will be given for the individuals who score the most points in all three races combined. Age groups will be determined upon the age of the individual at the first entered race.
To register go online to www.redmulerunners.com.
For additional information, contact Eric Milholland at 352-573-7731.

Brooksville Bulldogs seeking players

BROOKSVILLE - The Brooksville Bulldogs Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) team is looking for players (ages 10-12) for the fall season. For more information, contact Bruce Price at 813-714-1054 or by e-mail at bruce67price@hotmail.com.

USTA Summer Tennis signups

BROOKSVILLE - USTA Tennis Summer Camps are scheduled through Ace Performance Tennis:
Session II - July 6-9, Brooksville Country Club Tennis Center
Session III - July 20-23, NCT Tennis Courts
Session IV - Aug. 4-7, Brooksville Country Club Tennis Center
For registration forms and more information, visit www.louisedowney.usptapro.com or contact Downey at 352-666-0658.

Bucs training camp open to public

TAMPA - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have announced that the 2009 training camp at One Buccaneer Place will be open to the public.
Training camp will begin on Saturday, Aug. 1 with a morning practice at One Buccaneer Place, followed by a night session at Raymond James Stadium.
Camp will conclude on Wednesday, Aug. 19. A detailed practice schedule with specific dates and times will be released at a later date.
In addition, information regarding parking and other details about training camp will be provided in the coming weeks.

HCRD summer camps

BROOKSVILLE - The Hernando County Recreation Department will hold a football and volleyball camp for ages 8-15 this summer.
A football camp will take place July 13-17 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Kennedy Park. The camp will be instructed by Parrott Middle School Head Coach Dwayne Mobley and staff.
Cost for the camp is $85 per week with a non-refundable $10 registration fee. Campers will need to bring drinks, lunch, snacks and a small towel daily.
For more information on any of these camps, contact the HCRD at 754-4031 or visit www.hernandocounty.us.

Powell volleyball camp

SPRING HILL - Powell Middle School will hold the Panther Pride Volleyball Camp July 20-23 from 8:30 a.m.-noon.
The camp is open to any female entering into sixth, seventh or eighth grade this coming school year. The cutoff date to register is June 22.
The cost is $50 and includes a camp T-shirt. Payment can be dropped off at the school's front office. Make checks payable to Powell Middle School.
For further information contact Coach Maria Dumas at Powell Middle School, 797-7095, or at dumas_m@hcsb.k12.fl.us.

Top Seed Tennis camps

BROOKSVILLE - Top Seed Tennis will hold camps at Southern Hills Plantation Club throughout the summer.
Camps for intermediate junior players (age 13 and under) will take place July 21-23 and Aug. 17-19 from 8:30 a.m.-noon.
The camps for advanced high school level players will be held July 13-16 and Aug. 10-13 from 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
The cost is $145 for the intermediate camps and $185 for the advanced camps, and includes a daily lunch. Bring drinks, snacks, extra clothing, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and a bathing suit.
For more information contact Lou Giglio, Southern Hills tennis director, at 727-207-4760.

Ninth annual Bowling Extravaganza

BROOKSVILLE - The Hernando County Sheriff's Office is hosting their ninth annual Bowling Extravaganza on Saturday, July 18, at Spring Hill Lanes. Registration begins at noon and bowling will begin at 1 p.m.
All proceeds from this event will support the Hernando County Sheriff's Office Youth Education Services programs that are taught in both public and private schools by Sheriff's Office personnel. These programs include D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) and G.R.E.A.T (Gang Resistance Education and Training).
Come and support the Hernando County Sheriff's Office Youth Education Services. There will be door prizes and fun for the entire family.
The Sheriff's Office is accepting lane and team sponsorships as well as sign ups for individual bowlers.
For more information, contact Deputy Kim Burger at 754-6830, Ext. 53679, or Deputy Jimmie Gibson at Ext. 53671 or visit the hernandosheriff.org. Website.

Free vessel check

HERNANDO BEACH - The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering free vessel safety checks.
The auxiliary will come to your boat wherever you keep it.
Contact Jackie at 666-7239 to set up an appointment.
For more information on the auxiliary visit online at http:/a0701508.uscgaux.info.

2009 NCAA Division I Women's Volleyball Tickets on sale

TAMPA - The Tampa Bay Local Organizing Committee announced tickets are on sale for the 2009 NCAA Division I Women's Volleyball Championship.
For the first time in the history of the tournament, the NCAA Women's Volleyball Championship is headed to the Sunshine State Dec. 17 and Dec. 19, 2009 at the St. Pete Times Forum.
Last year the Penn State became the fourth team in NCAA Division I women's volleyball history to finish a season undefeated, as the top-ranked Nittany Lions successfully defended their 2007 national title with a 3-0 sweep of second-ranked Stanford in the 2008 NCAA final at the Qwest Center in Omaha, Neb.
The total attendance for the finals site of the 2008 championships was 31,729, the second-highest for the NCAA volleyball championships. Included in the total was a semifinal crowd of 17,430, the highest attendance to watch an NCAA Championships match, and a championship match attendance of 14,299, the second-highest championship match attendance in NCAA Division I Tournament history.
Fans can purchase all session tickets to this year's championships for $60 by calling 813-301-2500 or by logging on to www.sptimesforum.com.

Are you a shutterbug?

BROOKSVILLE - If you love sports - all kinds of local athletics - perhaps you would like to digitally photograph games for Hernando Today.
As the county leader in local coverage, we are always looking for aspiring sports photographers.
If you're interested in becoming a sports photo correspondent, drop off your resume with a portfolio of your finest sports (action) photos to Hernando Today, 15299 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville.
Sports Editor Tony Castro will get in contact with you after reviewing your resume and portfolio.

Learn to scuba

SPRING HILL - Learn to scuba at the Hernando County Family YMCA. Classes begin July 7 and run Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6-9:30 p.m.
This course includes six class and pool sessions for ages 12 and older in good physical health and comfortable in and under the water.
There will also be classes from 8:30 a.m-4:30 p.m. for ages 10 and older, plus open water dives on Thursday and Friday in the Gulf of Mexico or Rainbow River at $20 per day.
Upon completion of the classes persons will be certified as Open Water Scuba Diver, recognized worldwide.
The cost is $120 for YMCA members and $140 for non-members, plus $60 for use of scuba equipment.
Personal equipment, mask, fins and snorkel are not included, but can be purchased at a discount from instructors: Jack Farrell at 727-861-3483 or 800-633-1633 and Mark Butler at 352-214-1171, who are YMCA, PADI and NAUI instructors.
For additional information, contact Olivia Matles at the YMCA at 352-688-9622.