Between the Lines

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.

Spring Hill Junior Rookies All-Stars

SPRING HILL - Spring Hill Dixie League recently held an All-Star game for its Junior Rookies (ages 5-6) division. The Blue team defeated the Red team, 15-5.
The following is a list of players and coaches from the two All-Star teams: Red team - Anthony Anselmo, Noah Bedard, Justin Bunkelman, Nathanael Carroll, Nick Ciago, Sean Fribbley, Aaron Kemper, Brian Martin, Virgil Matos, Zeth Rodriguez, Emily Suchan, Nick Webster, Locke Weissman, Head Coach Chad Weissman, Coach Lee Hayes, Coach Rich Webster and Coach Paul Leininger. Blue team - Trey Adler, Jayden Bruno, Josh Carollo, Jaren Crawford, Riley Cullum, Mason Kiloh, Tripp Larsen, Justin Leyden, Chris Malverty, Justin Montanez, Charles Novick, Shjon Pyle, Niko Simon, Head Coach Chris Carlson, Coach Paul Warren, Coach Tony Carollo and Coach Dan Flancher.

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.

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 688-9622. 

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.

NCT hosts Youth Summer Hoop Camp

BROOKSVILLE - Nature Coast Technical High School will host its fifth annual Youth Summer Basketball Camp for both boys and girls, grades 2nd-8th, from 9.a.m. until 3 p.m., on June 15-18.
The camp cost is $75.
To register or for additional information, contact NCT Head Basketball Coach David Pisarcik at 727-385-2194.

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.

British Soccer Camp set June 20-24

BROOKSVILLE - First Hernando Youth Soccer and Challenger Sports have teamed up to host the week-long British Soccer Camp set for June 20-24 at the Anderson Snow Sports Complex.
To signup visit www.firsthernandosoccer.com or visit www.challengersports.com or contact Fred Poholek at 352-650-4898.

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.

Women's Summer Golf League seeks players

BROOKSVILLE - The Quarry Golf Course, 800 John Gary Grubbs Blvd., will be offering a Women's Summer Golf League beginning at 8:30 a.m. each Monday starting June 15.
Cost is $10 for members, $20 for non-members and includes 18 holes of golf with a cart, lunch, drink, weekly prizes and raffle drawing.
To signup or for additional information, contact Christi Adams at The Quarry at 352-540-3807.

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 June 12, June 26 and 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.

West Hernando Cougars sign-ups

SPRING HILL - Registration for youth tackle football and competitive cheerleading for the West Hernando Cougars is set from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. June 13-14 at Delta Woods Park off Deltona Blvd.
Youth football cost is $175 and a copy of birth certificate is needed for sign-ups.
Cheerleading cost is $225 and includes uniforms, shoes and practice uniform.
For more information, contact Bobby McFarland at 352-585-6524.

Help send Springstead alum overseas

BREVARD, N.C. - Former Springstead High volleyball player Brooke Seaman, now a junior at Brevard College in North Carolina, is reaching out to her hometown community in hopes of raising funds for a trip overseas.
The 2006 Springstead graduate has been chosen to play for a team sponsored by USA Athletes International that will compete in Holland June 8-16.
Seaman needs to raise $3,893 to cover the cost of the trip. To donate, send a check made payable to USA Athletes International with Seaman's name and trip number (29723). Send checks to 13095 South Mur-Len Road, Suite 140, Olathe, Kansas, 66062.
Donations can also be made online at www.usaai.org/donate/brookeseaman but there is a handling fee.
For more information, visit www.usaai.org or call program coordinator Rick Stebbins at 913-397-9024.

USTA Summer Tennis signups

BROOKSVILLE - USTA Tennis Summer Camps are scheduled through Ace Performance Tennis:
Session I - June 22-25, NCT Tennis Courts
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.

"Rays Win, You Win" Returns!

TAMPA - Dunkin' Donuts announced it is again partnering with the Tampa Bay Rays for the third season of "Rays Win, You Win."
Following an incredible 2008 season in which the Tampa Bay Rays won the American League Championship and more than 280,000 free donuts for their fans, in 2009 when the Rays win, fans will receive one free donut with the purchase of any Dunkin' Donuts beverage. 
Fans need not attend a game or redeem a ticket stub to receive the free donut with beverage purchase offer; they need only to be aware that the Rays won a game the previous calendar day - either home or away. 
The offer applies to participating Dunkin' Donuts locations in Hernando, Citrus, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota counties.
"Last season was a home run thanks to the success of the Rays and the enthusiasm around Tampa Bay for baseball and donuts," said Natalie Ostroski, Dunkin' Donuts Field Marketing Manager, North Florida.  "We're excited fans will again have an extra reason to root, root, root for the home team this year, and we're looking forward to continuing to reward fans with donuts."
For further information about Dunkin' Donuts, please visit www.dunkindonuts.com.

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 basketball, football and volleyball camps for ages 8-15 this summer.
The basketball camp, instructed by Marion Jones and staff, will be held at Challenger K-8 June 15-19 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Challenger will also host a volleyball camp with new Hernando High Head Coach Patty Martin and staff June 29-July 2 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
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 camps is $85 per week with a non-refundable $10 registration fee. Campers will need to bring drinks, lunch, snacks and a small towel daily.
HCRD will also hold a tennis camp for ages 6 and up, instructed by USPTA certified professional Kyle Staton, for six weeks beginning June 22.
The camp will run from 9 a.m.-noon Monday-Friday at Delta Woods Park. Cost is $110 per week or $25 per day.
Staton can be reached at 585-7607 or springhilltennis@yahoo.com.
Kids2bfit and Teens2bit camps under master personal trainer Kim Garcia will be held June 9-July 2 at Anderson Snow Sports Complex, 9 a.m. for 8-10-year-olds, 10 a.m. for 11-13-year-olds and 11 a.m. for 14-17-year-olds.
The cost is $85 for four weeks ($140 for siblings). Garcia can be contacted at 428-6368 or www.kim2bfit@aol.com. More information can be found at www.kim2bfit.com.
Finally, a cheerleading camp will run on Thursdays at Delta Woods Park, 6-6:45 p.m. for 5-8-year-olds and 7-7:45 p.m. for age 9 and up.
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 June 23-25, July 21-23 and Aug. 17-19 from 8:30 a.m.-noon.
The camps for advanced high school level players will be held June 15-18, 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.

Wanted! Female soccer players

BROOKSVILLE - A Brooksville women's soccer league (ages 30 and over) is seeking players for games beginning June 17 at Ernie Wever Youth Park.
Cost is $45 per player.
To register, contact Alyson Kraft at 352-442-4540.