By David Rice, Times Correspondent
Friday, August 27, 2010
The Wesley Chapel Athletic Association has taken on a new look behind home plate and on the base paths, as the organization decided this month to partner with Hernando Sumter Umpire's Association. The association took charge of the league's softball games last season, but has now won over league administrators and will oversee baseball games as well.
"The parents were raving about us when we did their softball and all-star games, so the league decided they wanted us permanently," HSUA president Jerry Theilan said. "It's exciting for us because it means we're expanding. Part of what led to this was that they needed to have certified Dixie Youth umpires, and the people they had were not certified. We were introduced to them to do their all-stars because the Dixie Youth league requires certified umpires to do all-stars and from there we won them over."
The association held fall umpire clinics for the first time due to the increased need for experienced umpires after picking up the Wesley Chapel deal. Interested umpires may still contact the association about becoming an umpire in the spring by calling Theilan at (352) 428-0071.
CHEERLEADING: Registration will be at 6 p.m. Sept. 14 for classes starting Sept. 21 at J. Ben Harrill Recreation Complex. Cheer America will offer separate classes on Tuesday evenings for ages 5-6, ages 7-9 and ages 10 and up. No registration fee; cost is $7 per week. For information, call (727) 942-7439.
DANCE: Registration will be at 6 p.m. Sept. 15 for classes starting Sept. 22 at J. Ben Harrill Recreation Complex. Separate classes will run Tuesday evenings for ages 5-6, ages 7-9 and ages 10 and up. No registration fee; cost is $7 per week. For information, call (727) 942-7439.
GOLF: The inaugural golf tournament to benefit Pasco-Hernando Community College Foundation will be Oct. 4 on the Quarry Course at Black Diamond Ranch in Lecanto. The deadline to register for the scramble event is Sept. 10. Players will get breakfast, lunch, barbecue and awards afterward. To register as a sponsor or participant, call (727) 816-3140 or visit www.phcc.edu/foundation/golf.
HIKE FOR HOSPICE: Registration is under way for the Nov. 14 Hike for Hospice, which will be at Wesley Chapel District Park. Registration is $25 for adults, $15 for students (age 11 to college) and $5 for children 10 and under. The proceeds will benefit Gulfside Regional Hospice, which provides care and support to patients with life-limiting illnesses. To sign up for the 5k hike, visit www.firstgiving.com/Hikeforhospice or call 1-800-561-4883.
KARATE: Isshinryu Karate classes are being offered at J. Ben Harrill Recreation Complex. Classes run Monday and Thursday evenings with separate sessions for beginners age 6-12, intermediate students age 6-12, and adults ages 13 and up. The cost is $45 per month. For information, call (727) 942-7439.
TENNIS: Registration is under way for the Pasco Tennis League at J. Ben Harrill Recreation Complex. League play begins Sept. 13. Co-ed, singles and doubles divisions are available for players 16 and up. The cost is $10. For information, call (727) 942-7439 or (727) 934-4198.
ZUMBA: Classes will be available at 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 10 a.m. Saturdays at J. Ben Harrill Recreation Complex. The classes are for ages 16 and up and the cost is $5 per class. For information call, (727) 942-7439.
Send youth and community sports items to David Rice at davidrice83@gmail.com.