Between the Lines

HHS announces 2011 Sports Hall of Fame inductees

BROOKSVILLE - Hernando High School has announced its 2011 Sports Hall of Fame inductees: Fred Abbott, Ernie Chatman, Ricky Feacher, George Floyd, Buster McGee, Kristi Poore, Frank Vohun and Tyrone Woods.

HHS is hosting a Sports Hall of Fame Banquet at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 3 at the schools' Michael A. Imhoff Gymnasium.

Tickets are $20 per person for the banquet and are available for purchase at the school.

Hernando High School's Sports Hall of Fame inductees will be introduced during half time at the varsity football game on Friday, Nov. 4, 2011 at Tom Fisher Memorial Stadium.

The game begins at 7:30 p.m. with Hernando High facing off against Mitchell High School.

The foyer in the Imhoff Gymnasium will have the Sports Hall of Fame inductee's photos on display.

For tickets, contact Joy Nagy at (352) 797-7015, Ext. 410.

Hernando Beach Marine Safety Support Group to hold yard sale

HERNANDO BEACH - Hernando Beach Marine Safety Support Group, Inc., will be sponsoring semi-annual indoor yard sale from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011 at the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Bldg. located on the corner of Shoal Line Blvd. and Calienta St.

The HBMSSG is a non-profit organization which supports boating safety in the Hernando County area including the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

If anyone would like to donate but cannot get to the flotilla, HBMSSG will gladly pick it up.

For more information, contact Bill at (352) 596-9396 or Tom at (352) 597-0003.

St. Leo University seeks golfers

SAN ANTONIO - The Saint Leo University Athletic Department is seeking players for its Lions Fore Lions Golf Outing set for Friday, Oct. 21 at Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club.

The event features a four-man scramble beginning with a shotgun start at 1 p.m.

Cost is $90 per player.

To register, or for additional information, contact John Semeraro at (352) 588-8223 or online at johnsemeraro@saintleo.edu.

Lightning begin search for 2011-12 Lightning Girls squad

TAMPA - The Tampa Bay Lightning have begun the search for the 2011-12 Lightning Girls team.

Interested females must be 18 years of age or older at the time of the interview and must have a high school diploma or general education diploma (GED). Candidates are advised to submit a resume, one 5x7 headshot and a two-minute video DVD expressing their desire to be a Lightning Girl and any special talents or unique skills they may have.

Dance, cheer, hockey knowledge and the ability to skate is preferred, but not required. Candidates should have an outgoing personality with strong interpersonal skills and should also be comfortable with performing in front of a large audience and communicating effectively with the public in an engaging manner. Individuals with a special interest in sports, exercise and living a healthy lifestyle are encouraged to apply.

The Lightning Girls engage and entertain fans at all Lightning home games and appear at various appearances throughout the Bay Area each year. They create an energetic social tone by providing inspiration, enthusiasm and support for the hockey team. They encourage positive attitudes, healthy lifestyles, work ethic, discipline and determination while serving as ambassadors who recognize the importance of civic outreach, charity involvement and proudly giving back to the community.

For more information interested girls should contact Kelli Yeloushan at (813) 301-6574 or kyeloushan@sptimesforum.com.

Fast-pitch softball private lessons

BROOKSVILLE - Fast-pitch softball private lessons are being offered at the Anderson Snow Sports Complex, 1360 Anderson Snow Road, and the Florida Fastpitch Academy location for players ages 7-16.

The lessons serve as an opportunity for girls to develop and improve their fast-pitch softball skills.

Prospective students are asked to call for private lessons with April Pelham, a certified Florida Fastpitch Academy instructor with over 20 years of playing and coaching experience.

Cost varies. For private lessons, $20 for 30 minutes of hitting or catching; private field and throwing lessons are $15 for 30 minutes; private pitching lessons are $20 for 30 minutes, $25 for 45 minutes and $40 for one hour.

To register, contact HCRD at 352-754-4031 or visit www.hernandocounty.us/parks_rec.

Tennis anyone?

BROOKSVILLE - The Hernando County Recreation Department (HCRD) is offering tennis lessons during a variety of evenings and weekends for ages 7 to adult at Delta Woods Park, 3400 Deltona Blvd., Spring Hill, 34606.

Private lessons are $30 per hour while group lessons are $10 per hour.

The tennis instructors feature: Doug Haskedakes, PTR Certified Instructor, and John and Louise Downey, USPTA Certified Instructors.

To register contact HCRD at 352-754-4031 or visit online at www.hernandocounty.us/parks_rec. Walk-up registration is also available.

Do you live and breathe sports?

BROOKSVILLE - If you love sports - all kinds of athletics - perhaps you would like to write about local games for Hernando Today.

We are always looking for aspiring sports writers. You won't make a lot of money, but you'll attend games free and write a report on the game for publication.

Being a sports correspondent enables you to talk with the coaches and players.

If you're not a journalist, we'll help you tell your story so readers will understand the game.

We will give you tips on exciting sports writing style and story formatting.

Necessary tools?

Aspiring writers need a computer (preferably a laptop), a cell phone, dependable transportation and a willingness to learn.

If you are interested, talk with the sports editor, Tony Castro, by calling him at 352-544-5278.

Charity golf tourney set Nov. 12

NEW PORT RICHEY - The Alzheimer's Family Organization will hold its 11th annual charity golf tournament on Saturday, Nov. 12 at Seven Springs Golf and Country Club. Last year, over $24,000 was raised to help individuals with Alzheimer's and their families.

The Alzheimer's Family Organization services the Central Florida area, including Hernando County. The Florida Department of Elder Affairs has determined this region has over 100,000 Alzheimer's disease sufferers.

For additional information, contact Community Services Director Coordinator Kathy Montero at 727-848-8888 or toll free at 1-888-496-8004.

Lightning Launch features Steve Miller Band in concert

TAMPA - The Tampa Bay Lightning will present the second annual Lightning Launch event at 7 p.m. at the St. Pete Times Forum on Tuesday, Oct. 4. This one-of-a-kind event will celebrate the start of the 2011-12 Lightning season, and will feature a full concert by the Steve Miller Band.

The Lightning Launch event will mark the second consecutive year the Lightning organization has created a fan event in celebration of the start of the season.

Doors to the event will open at 6 p.m., and the festivities will include exciting elements designed to entertain Lightning fans of all ages.

Lightning full season ticket members are invited to attend the Oct. 4 concert at no charge. Fans with 21-game ticket packages or 10-pack plans are eligible to receive tickets at 50 percent off the regular price.

Tickets for the general public go on sale at Ticketmaster.com and all Ticketmaster Outlets.

Another highlight of the night is the introduction of the new 2011-12 Lightning team, featuring Steven Stamkos, Marty St. Louis and Vinny Lecavalier.

Lightning personalities will also be in attendance, including Head Coach Guy Boucher, Lightning alumni Dave Andreychuk and Chris Dingman and more.

One of rock music's all-time greats, the Steve Miller Band has sold more than 30 million records in a career spanning more than 40 years. His trademark blues-rock sound made him one of the key artists in classic rock radio.

The Lightning will open its 19th National Hockey League season on Monday, Oct. 17 when they play host to the Florida Panthers at 7:30 p.m.

For information regarding Lightning ticket plans and pricing, call (813) 301-6600. 

Lightning Tickets

Tickets go on sale to the general public at Ticketmaster.com and at all Ticketmaster outlets. To order tickets by phone, call Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are $25, $45, $60 and $92. Prices do not include facility fees or service charges.

For more information please call 1 (813)301-2500 or visit www.TampaBayLightning.com/LightningLaunch. Advanced parking passes are available at Ticketmaster.com.

'Mad Dog' Mandich Fishing Classic set for Oct. 7-8

ISLAMORADA - The Publix Mad Dog Mandich Fishing Classic returns for its fourth year Oct. 7-8, honoring the late Jim "Mad Dog" Mandich, a passionate angler and former Miami Dolphins football player.

A top boat prize of $5,000 will be awarded for the highest cumulative weight of the tournament's target species. The second-place team receives $1,000, while other prizes include $500 apiece to the anglers who catch the heaviest dolphin, kingfish, tuna and wahoo.

The tournament's scheduled kick-off party is set for 4-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7, at Ziggie & Mad Dog's Restaurant, mile marker (MM) 83 bayside. Attractions include a silent auction fundraiser, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres.

Anglers can register until 8 p.m. Captains should be present for the tournament rules meeting at 7 p.m.

The following day boats are free to depart at 7 a.m. Fishing is to continue until 3:30 p.m.

All fish must be weighed in between 4-6 p.m. at the weigh station at Chesapeake Beach Resort, MM 83.5 oceanside. Cocktails are to be served.

A dinner buffet and live music are to start at 6:30 p.m. under a party tent, with awards scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on the beach at Chesapeake Beach Resort.

Registration is $450 per boat for four anglers, and early entry is $400 if received by Sept. 29. The tournament is open to the public.

A portion of tournament proceeds benefits the Florida Keys' Mariners Hospital.

Catholic Charities sponsors golf tourney

SPRING HILL - The Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Petersburg, a non-profit organization, will host its 7th annual Catholic Charities Golf Tournament on Oct. 28 at Brooksville Golf and Country Club.

Coffee and donuts will be served during registration beginning at 7 a.m. The tourney begins with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. A buffet lunch will be served at the conclusion of play.

Hole-in-one prizes include: a 2011 Buick-GMC - courtesy of Rick Matthews; a Harley Davidson motorcycle - courtesy of Crystal River Harley Davidson; along with a golf cart - courtesy of Country Club Cars.

Cost is $60 per player.

Sponsorship opportunities are available until Oct. 20.

To register, or for additional information, contact Abby Evert at 352-686-9897, Ext. 25.

Women's Fall Fly Classic set Oct. 4-7

ISLAMORADA - Lady competitors are to take aim at bonefish, tarpon, snook and redfish during the third annual Women's Fall Fly Classic, set for Oct. 4-7, in Islamorada, Florida Keys.

Formerly called the Women's World Invitational Fly Championship Bonefish Series, the revamped three-day challenge invites elite lady anglers to compete for points and implement their strategies for landing an elusive backcountry slam (tarpon, snook and redfish) or a flats slam (tarpon, permit and bonefish) to secure a tournament win.

Kickoff is set for Oct. 4, with a rules meeting and cocktail party at the Islamorada Fishing Club, located at mile marker 82 bayside in Islamorada.

Starting Oct. 4, all fishing boats are to depart from the club at 7:30 a.m. and return by 5 p.m. An awards party at the club is to follow the angling action on Oct. 7.

During the fly-fishing pursuit, anglers accrue release points per species. A backcountry slam can earn a 150 bonus points, while a flats slam qualifies for an additional 250 points.

The angler-guide team with the most species released earns the grand champion award. Original artwork and fishing tackle awards await the anglers with the most releases of each species.

Registration is $650 per angler and includes all social functions for the angler and guide, and a tournament goodie bag.

For additional information, contact Charlotte Ambrogio at (305) 942-0428 or csasun@aol.com.

Rays to appear at grand opening

SPRING HILL - Members of the Tampa Bay Rays are scheduled to appear at the grand opening of Studio Uno from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24.

Studio Uno, located in the Mariner Crossing shopping center at the corner of Mariner Boulevard and Northcliffe Boulevard, is operated by Rays team barber Wilber Bonilla in partnership with Anytime Fitness.

The shop is behind the Anytime Fitness group exercise room, in the space between Sweetbay and China One Super Buffett.

All-Star pitchers David Price and James Shields, as well as infielder Sean Rodriguez, are already confirmed for the event, and more players could appear.

For more information call Studio Uno at (352) 610-9914.

Pro-Tech Racing competes at Sebring

BROOKSVILLE - Masaryktown-based Protech Racing announces entry into the Chumpcar World Series event at Sebring International Raceway. The race is to last 14 hours, making it the longest to ever be held at the storied circuit, as it will stretch from sunrise past sunset on Sept. 24.

Mike Ogren of Protech will field two Volkswagens as part of the 91 car field.  With the support of TopLine Automotive Engineering of Brooksville, and Murray Luxury Homes of Sarasota, the two cars will be piloted by eight drivers from all over the east coast of the country.

Two drivers of local interest are Ogren, a UCF mechanical engineering student who graduated from Central High School in 2009, and Troy Thompson, the owner of TT Machine of Brooksville.

The other drivers are Steve Murray of Sarasota, Sam Cappello, from Brooklyn, N.Y., Larry Shanaberger, also hailing from Sarasota, Bill Satterfield of Rockledge, Scott Ewing from Destin and Eddie Moran of Merritt Island.

The Protech Racing Team finished second at last year's event with one car and hopes to have another successful outing.

First Tee of Brooksville

BROOKSVILLE - The First Tee of Brooksville begins on Oct. 4 at The Quarry Golf Course for children, ages 7-17.

To register, contact the City of Brooksville Recreation staff at (352) 540-3835.

Quick Start Tennis set Nov. 7

BROOKSVILLE - The Quick Start Tennis program returns to McKethan Park in Brooksville every Monday from 5-6 p.m. for six weeks beginning Nov. 7.

The program is designed for children, 5-8.

Cost is $50.

Firearms safety classes
  
WEEKI WACHEE - A firearms safety class is being offered on Oct. 5 and Oct. 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hernando Sportsman's Club, 16121 Commercial Way. The course covers lessons about the basics of firearms safety around the home and the fundamentals of pistol shooting. 

The class includes practice time on the range. 

Successful completion of this class also provides required documentation to apply for a Florida concealed carry permit if desired.  Pre-registration is required.  Cost is $50. 

To register, call (352)597-9931 or go online to www.hernandosportsmansclub.com.

Cannon Shoot set for Oct. 23
 
WEEKI WACHEE - The Hernando Sportsman's Club, 16121 Commercial Way (U.S. 19), is sponsoring a Cannon Shoot from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 23.

Admission for cannon shooters is $10. Spectators are welcome.

4-H Club Benefit Trap Tourney on Oct. 8
 
WEEKI WACHEE - The Hernando Sportsman's Club is hosting a 4-H Club Benefit Trap Tournament on Oct. 8, at the club's trap range.  All proceeds are to benefit the Hernando Sportsman's 4-H Club.
 
The trap tournament is four rounds for a total of 100 shots. Winners will be selected from three categories: youth, adult and senior. The winner is determined by most targets hit.

Cost is $40 per trap shooter.  Bring your own gun, ammo and lawn chair for a great day of fun helping the local 4-H club.

Registration for shooters begins at 8:30 a.m.  Shooting will start at 9 a.m.

Foot Locker to host regional cross country meets

SAN DIEGO - The top high school cross country runners from more than fifteen states will compete in the Foot Locker Cross Country Championships (FLCCC) South Regional in hopes of becoming a National Finalist.

Entering its 33rd year, the Foot Locker Cross Country Championships is the longest running high school cross country race in the nation, comprised of four regional 5K races across the country. 

The Midwest (Kenosha, Wis.) and Northeast (Kings Park, N.Y.) regional races will be held on Nov. 26. The West Regional (Walnut, Calif.) race will be held on Dec. 3. 

More than 10,000 of the nation's leading high school runners are expected to compete in the regional meets. 

The top ten finishers from each seeded regional race qualify for the Foot Locker Cross Country National Finals (Dec. 10 in San Diego, Calif.) and will join the likes of Olympian Ryan Hall and American record-holder, Alan Webb.

The South Region, consisting of athletes from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, U.S. Virgin Islands and U.S. citizens in overseas military installations, will race along the 5,000-meter mixed terrain course at McAlpine Creek Park in Charlotte, N.C. on Nov. 26.

All non-high school runners are encouraged to participate in the open race. Runners can register online at www.footlockercc.com. Each entrant will receive a complimentary T-shirt.