|
|
CFP NEWS Headlines: |
|
|
|||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tennis legend Billie Jean King will participate in a special naming ceremony of the new Mediacom Stadium at Cooper Tennis Complex during the half-time ceremonies of the 7:05 p.m., Saturday, July 19, Springfield Lasers match. A news conference with King is scheduled for 5:15 p.m., in the new meeting room area of the Cooper Tennis Complex (Lasers VIP food area) that evening, prior to the match. King is the co-founder of the unique gender-balanced World TeamTennis league. She was named “one of the 100 Most Important Americans of the 20th Century” by Life Magazine in 1990. King won 39 Grand Slam singles, doubles and mixed doubles tennis titles, including a record 20 titles at the Wimbledon event in England. She also is the author of Pressure is a Privilege: Lessons I’ve Learned from Life and Battle of the Sexes, which will be released next month. Tickets for the match are still available for $20, box seats; $10 general admission grand stand, by calling (417) 837-5800 to order. The Cooper Tennis Complex is located at 2331 E. Pythian St. The Saturday match vs. the St. Louis Aces is one of the last two before the end of the Lasers season. A commemorative sling back bag will be given away to the first 900 fans entering the gate that evening as part of “Mediacom Night at the Lasers.” Mediacom acquired the naming rights to the stadium in May, as part of a 10-year agreement for naming rights to both the Mediacom Ice Park at Jordan Valley Park and the Mediacom Stadium at Cooper Tennis Complex. Speakers during the half-time ceremony will include Billie Jean King; Larry Peterson, Mediacom Vice President of Region Operations; Cooper Family representative; Parks Director Jodie Adams; Park Board Chair Bob Horton; and Lasers staff liaison Bob Belote. The 2,500-seat stadium at Cooper Tennis Complex was built in 1994. Named as the 2006 USTA Missouri Valley Section “Facility of the Year” and Tennis Industry’s Champions of Tennis 2002 “Municipal Facility of the Year”, the stadium is the centerpiece of the Complex. The state-of-the-art Complex also features 12 indoor and 16 outdoor lighted courts, along with meeting room, full concession capabilities. In 2002, the facility hosted the Fed Cup games against Israel.
The USA Women’s Softball “Bound 4 Beijing” tour will make its way to Springfield for a one-night only game against the Springfield All-Stars at 7:30 p.m., Friday, July 18, at Thompson Field at Meador Softball Complex, 2500 S. Fremont Ave. The event is sold out to more than 3,000 attendees. USA team members Monica Abbott and Jessica Mendoza will participate in a CoxHealth pediatric ward visit immediately following a 1 p.m., Friday, July 18 news conference. Media interested in attending the event and/or pediatric walk-through should meet at The Meyer Center Conference Room B, 3545 S. National Ave. Speakers at the 1 p.m. news conference also will include Parks Director Jodie Adams, CoxHealth Vice President Ron Prenger, and Julie Bartel with USA Softball. The evening event schedule is tentatively set as follows: 5:30 p.m. – USA Batting Practice Thompson Field has recently undergone considerable upgrades, including: new energy efficient lighting; new Hilltop polymer-coated infield aggregate, which allows for quicker play after heavy rains and needs less general upkeep; new masonry backstop, dugouts, backstop netting, scoreboard, bleacher seat skins, press box, sound/public address system; and renovations to restrooms. Improvements were made possible by the 2006 voter-approved 1/4-cent sales tax for Parks. This is the second visit to Springfield for the USA Softball team. The team visited in 2004, as part of its “Aiming for Athens” tour.
Springfield, Mo - The Good Samaritan Boys Ranch Celebrity Skins game was held today at Highland Springs Country Club. Four Board of Directors from Good Samaritan Boys Ranch and four top area high school golfers were paired with four Nationwide Tour Pros. Below are the pairings and the results of the skins game. Kevin Killian (Executive Director of GSBR), Nick Goodin, (Senior at Rogersville), and Colt Knost (Pro - #20 on Money List) Raymond Tripp (Board Member), Joe Atkisson (Junior at Kickapoo), Jeff Klauk (Pro - #7 on Money List) John Horton (Board Member), Josh Roller (Glendale Grad), Scott Gutschewski (Pro - #12 on Money List) Tom Tappmeyer (Board Member), Nick Sheppard (Glendale Grad), Darron Stiles (Pro - #5 on Money List) Results: Winning Team included Tom Tappmeyer (Board Member), Nick Sheppard (Glendale Grad), Darron Stiles (Pro - #5 on Money List) Nationwide Tour Pros Winnings: Darron Stiles - $900 / Scott Gutschewski - $700 / Colt Knost - $500 / Jeff Klauk - $400.
Springfield, Missouri- July 2008:Extra Innings Springfield is proud to announce the 2nd Annual Missouri TPX TOP 96 clinic will take place on July 22th and 23th at Meador Park located at Drury University. The TPX TOP 96 is a two-day clinic that offers high school baseball players the chance to work with and learn from some of the best college coaches in the country. There is a guaranteed ratio of players to coaches of 7 to 1 or less. This is considered to be the best instruction in the country with hired coaches attending, instructing and evaluating players.
By: Clarissa Essary The 59 of Jimmy Bellamy took the win in the first heat of the night. The 00 of Jim Fulp came away with heat number two. Ken Essary in the 55 was the winner in the third heat. The fourth heat went to the 30 of Don Cloyd. The top six in passing points from the qualifying heats lined up for the B and P Discount Grocery Dash for Cash. The 55 of Ken Essary, the 00 of Jim Fulp, the 13 of Kevin Patrick, the 59 of Jimmy Bellamy, the 30 of Don Cloyd, and the 27 of Kenny Hartwigsen were eligible for the chance at $200.00 in cash. The 00 of Jim Fulp ended up taking the win followed by the 27 of Kenny Hartwigsen and the 55 of Ken Essary. Sixteen cars were left to battle their way through the last chance qualifiers for the remaining four positions in the A main. The 25s of Shannon Phillips and the 113 of Adam Brown took the top two spots in B feature number one. The final two transfer positions went to the 83 of Chuck Comer and the 11 of Jarrod Hilton. The 33 of Rick Lebow and the 25b of Chris Morelock received the two point provisional positions. Twenty-two cars lined up for the A main and gave the fans the traditional four wide salute. The 59 of Jimmy Bellamy and the 13 of Kevin Patrick would set the pace to the green. The green flew and the 13 of Patrick would jump out to the lead. Only four laps would be completed when the one and only caution of the night would fly for the 25s of Shannon Phillips with a flat tire. The cars lined back up and the race was on again. This time the 21 of Jordan Holloway would be in the lead at the flag stand. Holloway was pulling away, but the 00 of Jim Fulp and the 115 of Shane Essary were quickly moving up through the field. The 21 had a substantial lead but the 115 was in second by lap thirteen and inching closer each lap. Holloway was beginning to catch lap traffic and the 115 was right behind him. It looked as though either could win with only three laps left. The white flag flew and the 21 managed to pull away securing his second straight SMRS win. The top five were: the 21 of Jordan Holloway, the 115 of Shane Essary, the 00 of Jim Fulp, the 5 of Leslie Essary, and the 13 of Kevin Patrick. The Show-Me boys will be off for a couple of weeks so continue to check www.Show-MeRacinseries.com for schedule changes and all your other SMRS information. We would like to send out a special thank to Bo Martin of B and P Discount Grocery for putting up money for the Dash for Cash, and to Country Dodge for being our race night sponsor.
The Northwest Springfield Free Youth Softball League will hold its first regular games on Saturday at Grant Beach Park in Springfield Missouri. Springfield General Councilman Doug Burlison will throw out the first pitch at 9:59am. Saturday’s lineup includes the following contests: Knights vs. Hammers at 10am. League Organizers, sponsors, and members of the community are very excited. “We have worked a long time to get to this point,” said co-organizer Derek White. “It will be nice to see the kids out there fielding the ball and working as teams.” The Northwest Springfield Free Youth Softball League is designed to give underprivileged and disabled children the chance to participate in team sport. In case of cancellation due to inclement weather the first regular season games will start on Saturday, July 19th. For more information prior to the event contact Derek White at 693-4205. For information on the day of the event find Rob Brantley on site.
By: Clarissa Essary Thursday July 3, the Race Brothers Show-Me Racin Series arrived at Crawford County Speedway ready for some good racing action. The stands were full despite the lingering threat of rain. Twenty-three cars pulled into the pits for the chance of bringing home the thousand dollar check. The 3 of Rick Wallis ended up being the one to take home the grand prize. The risk of rain was becoming a reality quickly so the A Main was pushed up. After another quick drizzle, the Show-Me boys helped dry the track and it was finally time for the green to fall. The 16 of Jeff Johnson would set the pace and jump out to take the lead on the first lap. Everyone was racing for that one position ahead of them hoping that the rain would hold off. Lap ten brought out the first caution of the night for the 13 of Kevin Patrick, the 31 of Ron Johnson, and the 28b of Wesley Briggs. The green dropped once again but only two laps were completed before the caution was thrown again for the 31 of Ron Johnson. The green fell again but this time the 3 of Rick Wallis was right behind the 16 of Johnson. On lap fifteen the 3 of Wallis managed to overtake the 16 and secure the lead. Lap seventeen brought out the final caution, this time for the 13 of Kevin Patrick. The green was thrown for the final time and the 83 of Chuck Comer was directly behind the 3 waiting to make his final move. The white flag flew signifying the final lap, but the 3 managed to hold on take his first win in the 2008 season. The top five were; the 3 of Rick Wallis, the 83 of Chuck Comer, the 26 of Burl Woods, the 16 of Jeff Johnson, and the 25b of Chris Morelock. The Show-Me boys were at Nevada Raceway on Saturday July 5, wrapping up their two race weekend. Twenty-seven late models entered the pits with the same goal. The 21 of Jordan Holloway would be the one to go home with the big check at the end of the night. The first heat rolled out onto the track to begin the action packed night of racing. The 5e of Leslie Essary would take the win in heat one. Heat two was won by the 4 of Dustin Beisley. Heat three went to the 44 of Randy Galloway. Jordan Holloway in the 21 came away with the win in the fourth and final heat. Eleven late models were left to battle for the remaining four transfer positions through the B feature. The 1z of Zac Simmons, the #3 of Rick Wallis, #25b of Chris Morelock, and #13 of Kevin Patrick would be the top four to transfer to the A Main. The 00 of Jim Fulp and the 16 of Jeff Johnson would claim the point provisional positions. The Race Brothers Show-Me Racin Series will be at the Monett Speedway on July 13. Come out and watch your favorite SMRS driver battle it out on the Grand Ol’ Lady of dirt tracks. For points, driver info, and all your other Race Brothers Show-Me Racin Series information visit us at www.Show-MeRacinSeries.com.
THERE IS STILL SPACE AVAILBLE!
Join the Wolfpack Cheerleaders in a half-time performance on July 12th
for Ages 4-17 - Boys & Girls welcome!
Clinic Dates: July 8th & 9th Time: 6:30pm-8:00pm Where: Mediacom Ice Park (formally Jordan Valley Ice Park) Cost: $75 by check only (payable to Sharon Snow-cheer coach) Hand in the below with your check by July 8 to be part of the fun! _____________________________________________________________ Name:_______________________________________________________ Parent's Name:______________________________________________ Child's size t-shirt: x-small small medium large please circle one Adult size t-shirt: small medium large x-large Parent's contact number:____________________________________ Home address:______________________________________________ Email address:______________________________________________ There are no medical reasons I cannot perform at half-time on July 12th, 2008 _____________________________ Date signed______ I_____________________(parent's name) allow my child(ren) _____ ________________________________to participate in the clinic and performance with the WolfPack Cheerleaders under the direction of Sharon Snow. *Please wear work out clothing and shoes for clinic. Black, red or white shorts and (if can be produced in time) WolfPack t-shirt provided for performance. If the WolfPack t-shirt is not available in time for the performance, please wear a black, red or white t-shirt. Age appropriate hair and make-up suggested. *Participants that do not have their check turned in by July 8th will not receive their t-shirt in time for the performance $75 per person-includes WolfPack t-shirt, autographed picture of the 2008 WolfPack Cheerleaders, two game day tickets for parents or guardians to watch you perform, snack and beverages both nights, learn one cheer, one stunt, and a hip hop routine to perform on JULY 12th at half time of the Springfield WolfPack game! For camp please wear comfortable tennis shoes or similar, no flip flops or sandals, shorts you can move in and a t-shirt or tank top. For performance you will need to wear black, red, or white shorts, tennis shoes and (if printed in time) the WolfPack t-shirt you receive at camp. If WP t-shirt cannot be produced in time, a black, red, or white tee is suggested. **Professional pictures of camp & performance available afterwards from www.ShowMePhoto.net **WolfPack Team members-see Sharon for special rate on your children to attend camp Feel free to email me (SharonSnow1@gmail.com) if you have any questions regarding the camp or performance!
Babe’s Drive-In $ 50 to the first person that fails to qualify for the A or a mystery position with less than 22 cars – Jarrod Hilton (didn’t run A – motor trouble) GRT Race Cars $50 gift certificate to winner – Rick Wallis Kluhsman Racing Components $50 KRC Gift Certificate to highest passing point car from heat race – Jarrod Hilton $30 KRC Gift Certificate to winner – Rick Wallis Morelock Racing $100 to(6) -Leslie Essary Raceway Ministries water (20) - Chris Powell
SPRINGFIELD, MO. (July 3, 2008) – On this Independence Day July 4th, for the first time in his career, Kerry Earnhardt, the son of seven-time NASCAR Champion Dale Earnhardt, will drive a Dale Earnhardt Inc. entry in a NASCAR race. Kerry is a member of the Bass Pro Shops and Tracker Boats Racing team. He will pilot the # 8 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet in the July 4 Daytona 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Daytona International Speedway. “Bass Pro Shops is proud to be a sponsor of Kerry Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt Inc and the # 8 car,” said Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris. “In addition to being a super driver, Kerry Earnhardt is a world-class sportsman. Kerry and his family have been great ambassadors not only for Bass Pro Shops, but also for conservation and the outdoors. We certainly wish him luck.” Earnhardt, who currently works at Dale Earnhardt Inc. as a team liaison, will be making his 70th career start in the series, but only his fifth Nationwide start since 2003. He most recently competed regularly in the Craftsman Truck Series in 2006. “I've won several races with DEI in an ARCA car, but I'm really looking forward to driving a fast car at Daytona under the DEI umbrella,” Earnhardt said. “I appreciate Bass Pro Shops and DEI giving me the opportunity to get back in a car; especially one that I know will be fast and competitive. I love running the speedways (Daytona and Talladega) and can’t wait for the weekend to get here. I’m happy to be driving for Bass Pro Shops and DEI.” It will be Earnhardt’s ninth career Nationwide Series start at Daytona International Speedway. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Springfield, MO ~ The first Pro-Am of the Price Cutter Charity Championship presented by Dr Pepper was played yesterday at Branson Creek Golf Club. Twenty-nine teams played in the Cardinals Care Pro-Am; each team was paired with a Springfield Cardinals Baseball Player. The Millwood Golf & Racquet Club team players Dan Schumacher, Colby Johnson, Allan Collins, Chris Zimmerman and Springfield Cardinals player Brandon Yarbrough captured the win with a score of 56. And with a scorecard playoff the teams of “KeHe Foods” and “Regions Bank” took second and third place respectfully with a score of 57. Second place team members included: Larry Jacobi, Scott Turnage, Michael Vincent, Ryan Vincent and Springfield Cardinals Player, Matt Pagnozzi. Third place team members included: Jeff McNatt, Russell Spaulding, Mike Carroll and Springfield Cardinals Player, Tyler Greene Tournament activities begin Saturday, July 12 and end Monday, July 21. Below are a few activities that you will not want to miss! Saturday, July 12 -10K – 5K – 1-Mile Walk & Fun Run The Ozarks Regional YMCA and the Price Cutter Charity Championship are partnering together to host the Price Cutter Charity YMCA Y Not Run on Saturday, July 12 at 7:00 a.m. The event will feature a one-mile walk and fun run, 5K and 10K through the main boulevards of the beautiful Highland Springs Country Club. Pre-registration fees are $15.00 per person and $20.00 on race day. Register online at www.PriceCutterCC.org or at www.active.com; forms are also available at Ridge Runner Sports and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. For more information please call the tournament office at 417-887-3400. Free Admission and Prizes Fun For The Whole Family…and it’s FREE (New date and location) Family Fun Night sponsored by TLC Properties/Coryell Enterprises will be held on Saturday, July 19th at “The Range” at James River. The fun will start at 6:00 p.m. with carnival type games, prizes, face painting, arts and crafts, inflatables and food. Fireworks at dusk presented by Camp Barnabas. For more details call 417-887-3400. The Nationwide Tour begins Thursday, July 17 – Sunday, July 20 at the Highland Springs Country Club. To request a schedule of events for the entire tournament week please call 417-887-3400 or visit the website at www.PriceCutterCC.org.
Due to a recurring arm injury, Lasers’ Tamarine Tanasugarn will be replaced for the season by Chanelle “Chani” Scheepers of South Africa. Scheepers has won 10 ITF singles titles and 18 ITF doubles titles; reached top 150 in doubles in May 2008; won six of her ITF doubles titles in 2007, along with two ITF singles events; has reached the doubles finals of two ITF events in 2008 (France, India); and played for the Delaware Smash in 2005. All Lasers home matches are played at the outdoor Mediacom Stadium at Cooper Tennis Complex. In the event of inclement weather, matches are moved indoors. Individual match tickets are $10 for grand stand; $20 for chair-back box seats. Season and individual tickets can be purchased by calling (417) 837-5800. For more information, visit www.springfieldlasers.com. The Lasers team is a member of World TeamTennis presented by Advanta.
· Golf Tour Adds Programs Read these stories and more in “The Springfield Sports Scene,” brought to you by the Greater Springfield Area Sports Commission. The newsletter is available at http://www.springfieldmo.org/sportscommission/sports_commission/0708_Sport_Com_newsletter.pdf.
2008OzarkGeneralsSchedule1.htm
WolfPack camp sign up sheet.htm
COURSE DETAILS INTO SPRINGFIELD REVEALED Stage 2 starts in the historic city of Clinton on Tuesday, September 9, at 11 a.m., and is expected to end in Springfield around 4:15 p.m. with three finish circuits through the streets of downtown. The highlights of the 126-mile road race stage include two Edward Jones Sprint Lines in the cities of Stockton and Willard. There are two main changes to the Stage 2 route in Greene County this year. In Willard, the racers will turn from U.S. 160 onto Greene County AB and go through Willard rather than staying on 160. That change was made both to provide more presence for the Tour in Willard and also to alleviate traffic delays on that portion of U.S. 160. The Tour enters Springfield on Division Street and this year’s course will continue on Division straight to Jefferson Avenue, where it will turn south and head for the finish circuit. Last year’s course jogged up to Commercial Street to Jefferson, but there will be Streetscape work taking place on Commercial Street so the course will stay on Division. The Stage 2 finish line will be in the same area of Kimbrough Avenue at East Trafficway. The Mediacom Ice Park lot will again host a Health and Wellness Expo with booths and entertainment from noon through the finish. The second annual Community Bike Ride will take place on Monday evening, Sept. 8, for families to experience the circuit that the cyclists will be racing the next day. More information on the Springfield-Greene County Stage 2 events will be available at www.tourofspringfield.com . The presenting sponsor for the Springfield-Greene County event is CoxHealth Systems. Other local sponsors are: Oasis Hotel and Convention Center; Doubletree Hotel/Springfield; Lamplighter Inn; Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau; Springfield-Greene County Park Board; City of Springfield; Greene County; Greater Springfield Sports Commission; and Urban Districts Alliance. Stage 2 is the longest stage of the 2008 Tour and is a remake of last year’s decisive stage of last year’s inaugural Tour of Missouri, as eventual race champion George Hincapie took over the yellow leader’s jersey. Hincapie will come back to defend his title, it was announced in May. The relatively flat stage winds through western Missouri, following a similar route from last year where Hincapie broke away with several riders and won the stage. “Again, the great state of Missouri will play host to these world-class athletes from more than 20 countries this September,” said Lt. Governor Kinder. “This year, we’ve worked to make the course more challenging and with a few new twists, including new terrain, new cities, homage to our Armed Forces on September 11th and another grand finale in St. Louis.” Added Race Director Jim Birrell: “In response to surveying a lot of the cyclists from last year’s race, we’ve made it a bit more challenging with some more hills,” said Birrell. “While Missouri doesn’t have any major mountains, it is a very hilly state. We have incorporated some of the big rollers within the state and come up with some very good courses. One of our course advisors was Kevin Livingston, originally from Missouri, who rode at a world-class level in Europe for almost a decade and was a great climber. He pointed us in the right direction.” Last year’s inaugural race suited Toyota-United’s Ivan Dominguez, who won the opening stage in Kansas City and the closing stage in St. Louis, has become a big fan of the Tour of Missouri despite the tougher terrain. “As a sprinter, I like the flat terrain, so more hills are not necessarily so good for me,” said Dominguez, who won more races on the North American circuit than any racer. “But, there are three good stages for me in Kansas City, Springfield and St. Louis, so, I am excited. And, it is always a challenge to go up against some of the top sprinters from the European pro teams. Last year’s race was very good for my Toyota-United teammates. There were lot of spectators, especially for a new race. And, it’s always good to win. Of course, Kansas City and St. Louis are now my new favorite towns.” The Tour of Missouri is supported principally by Missouri Department of Tourism, Edward Jones, Drury Hotels, Missouri Farm Bureau, Emerson, Anheuser-Bush, Missouri Wine and Grape Board. It is a free, public, international event that began in 2007 and attracted an estimated 370,000 spectators over six days. The event is managed and marketed by Medalist Sports, Inc., of Atlanta, Ga., and KOM Sports of Colorado Springs, Colo., the leaders in cycling management and marketing in North America. The Tour of Missouri, Inc., is set-up as a non-profit organization for the sole purpose of staging a world-class cycling event for the purposes of promoting tourism, community affairs, and its sponsors.
By Clarissa Essary
The cars lined up for the qualifying heats all hoping to be one of the top sixteen in passing points securing their position in the main event. The 00 of Jim Fulp took the win in heat one. Heat two was won by the 26 of Burl Woods. Darrin Barton in the 60 came away with heat three. Heat four was won by the 5 of Leslie Essary. The top sixteen in passing points transferred on over to the main event, but there were seventeen cars left all shooting for the final four transfer positions. The 21 of Jordan Holloway and the 17 of Billy James snagged the top two spots in B feature number one. The final two transfer positions were won by the 11 of Jarrod Hilton and the 33 of Rick Lebow. The two provisional positions awarded to the top two cars in points who failed to qualify for the main event were the 25b of Chris Morelock and the 59 of Jimmy Bellamy. With the threat of bad weather moving in the Show-Me guys lined up for their thirty lap A main. The 29 of Chris Powell and the 83 of Chuck Comer would set the pace on the front row. The green fell and the 83 of Comer jumped out to the lead. Drivers were utilizing every groove making their way to the front. Lap five brought out the first of two cautions of the night for the 60 of Darrin Barton in turn four. The cars lined back up and the race was off once again. Comer was still in the lead and he was trying to pull away from the rest of the pack, but the 29 of Powell was right on his tail. A fierce battle was raging behind the top two for third, fourth, and fifth, who was going to come away with each position no one knew. The 29 continued to catch the 83 and by lap seventeen it was becoming a battle for the lead. The second and final caution of the night came out on lap nineteen for the 21 of Jordan Holloway. In turns three and four. The cars lined back up for the final time with the 83 still in the lead. The green dropped and the race to the checkered was on between Comer in the 83 and Leslie Essary in the 5. For five laps it was a back and forth battle for first before the 5 managed to pull away securing the lead. The checkered flag flew and the top five followed; the 5 of Leslie Essary, the 83 of Chuck Comer, the 00 of Jim Fulp, the 115 of Shane Essary, and the 29 of Chris Powell. The Race Brothers Show-Me Racin Series will have the coming weekend off but will be back to racing on Thursday, July 3 at Crawford County Speedway in Van Buren, AR and on Saturday, July 5 they will be back at Nevada Raceway in Nevada, MO. For the complete Show-Me schedule, points standings, driver info and any other SMRS information go to www.Show-MeRacinSeries.com
The Springfield Sister Cities Association, in cooperation with Lake Country Soccer and the Springfield-Greene County Park Board, will participate in a Sister Cities Sports Exchange Thursday, June 26 through Wednesday, July 2 in Springfield’s sister city of Tlaquepaque, Mexico. The outbound Springfield soccer team will participate in the sport and cultural exchange, which provides youth male soccer players between the ages of 12 and 15 an opportunity to travel abroad and participate in games against teams located in and around Tlaquepaque. This is the fourth consecutive year for the exchange. In even-numbered years, Lake Country Soccer has assembled a team and traveled to Mexico. In odd-numbered years, a youth team from the professional soccer club, Club Atlas, has traveled to Springfield. The local team is made up of players representing different soccer teams, clubs, and middle schools from the surrounding area. Players were selected after a series of tryouts conducted in early May. Jan (pronounced Yawn) Stahle (pronounced Stahl-e), president of Lake Country Soccer, serves as the team’s head coach. He is assisted by Bryan Murray, David Cheek and Dr. Jim Cook. Final details of the visit are still being finalized, but the highlight of the visit will include a practice session with professional players from Club Atlas, one of Mexico’s premier top division professional soccer clubs. The traveling Sister Cities Cup trophy is up for grabs, as the key game will feature Springfield’s Lake Country/Sister Cities Soccer Team versus Club Atlas youth team. Springfield’s Lake Country/Sister Cities Soccer Team has won the trophy for the past three consecutive years. The outbound team will participate in a final scrimmage against a local youth team at 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 24, at the north Field #10 at Lake Country Soccer, 2334 E. Pythian St. It will be the first trip abroad for most of the outbound team.
First Team Boys - Heath Melugin (Kickapoo/Missouri State) in Class 1 was also named All-Midwest by the NSCAA. Justin Scicluna (West Plains/Missouri State) was Class 2 Offensive Player of the Year and joined by teammate Stuart Ziegler (West Plains/Missouri Southern) and TJ Martin (Webb City/Rogers State) on the first team. In Class 3, Matt Libel (Catholic) represented the first year program at Springfield Catholic. Second Team - Zack Hay (Kickapoo/Missouri S&T) in Class 1. Ryan Schlichtman (Cassville/Colorado Christian), Ryan Toombs (Bolivar/Crowder) and Brice Hunt (West Plains/Birmingham Southern) earned Class 2 honors. Nathan Rigsby (Crocker) in Class 1 also earned All-State honors in track and basketball this year. First Team Girls - Lou Opfer (Glendale/Truman State), Chealsey Russell (Kickapoo/Rice, 1st team 2007 but injured this year, 5 time State Champion with St Louis SC) in Class 1. Anne Prenger (UMSL) and Tara Bailes (Missouri State) from Catholic in Class 2. Second Team Girls - Kaitlin Bramel (Rolla/Fontbonne), Katie Pritchard (Waynesville/Drury) in Class 2. Third Team - Katy McLain (Kickapoo/Drury) in Class 2, Patsy Middleton (Willard/Missouri Valley) in Class 1. Players listed in yellow on the attached rosters have an older sibling who has played in an earlier All-Star game: First played in December 2004, the game is dedicated to recognizing High School seniors who have exhibited skill and leadership on the pitch. The players in that initial game, and subsequent, consider it The All-Star rosters feature over 30 players headed for college careers following tonight's game. Missouri State has signed three (Tara Bailes, Heath Melugin and Justin Scicluna - West Plains) and Drury has signed a pair (Katy McLain, Kyler Temple) from Kickapoo. Missouri Southern has four (Brianna Ragains - Lebanon, Randi Russell & Stephanie Taylor from Joplin and Stuart Ziegler - West Plains) while Missouri S&T has signed one (Zack Hay - Kickapoo). Southwest Baptist has a pair headed to Bolivar (Natasha Lord - Waynesville & Blair Baker - Camdenton). Chealsey Russell is headed for Rice (D1) and Katie Pritchard, who set a State Class 2 career scoring record with 171 goals will play basketball for the Drury Panthers. Dr Rusty Bond joins us from the Cox Health Athletic Advantage program Thursday.
By: Clarissa Essary
The 4 of Dustin Beasley came away with the win in heat one. Kevin Henson in the 15 took heat two. Heat three went to the 26 of Burl Woods. And the fourth and final Show-Me heat of the night went to the 33 of Rick Lebow. Sixteen cars remained to battle for the final four positions into the A main. The top two from each B feature would transfer into the night’s main event. The first B went to the 13 of Kevin Patrick followed by the 115 of Shane Essary. The 29 of Chris Powell and the 88 of Roger Wilson snagged the top two spots in B number two. The 44 of Randy Galloway and the 25b of Chris Morelock were awarded the point provisional positions. Finally, it was time for the A main. After the traditional four-wide-salute to the fans, the 59 of Jimmy Bellamy set the pace to the green. The 13 of Kevin Patrick and the 115 of Shane Essary got together in turns three and four bringing out the first caution of the night. The green flew again but the 1z of Zac Simmons and 115 of Shane Essary spun in turn three bringing out another caution. The green dropped once again and the 59 of Bellamy jumped out to lead the first lap. Four laps were completed when the final caution of the night came out for the 15 of Kevin Henson on the back straightway. The cars lined back up for a single file restart and Bellamy continued to stay in front. The 55 of Ken Essary and the 26 of Burl Woods were having a fierce battle for the second position, with the 30 of Don Cloyd was right behind them. Bellamy continued to pull away from the pack and began to run into lap traffic. The white flag flew and the 55 tried one last time but it was no use and the 59 took the checkered flag for his first ever Show-Me win. The top five were the 59 of Jimmy Bellamy, the 55 of Ken Essary, the 26 of Burl Woods, the 30 of Don Cloyd, and the 5e of Leslie Essary. Next Saturday, June 21, remember to join us in West Plains at West Plains Motor Speedway. Gates open at 5:00, with hot laps at 6:30, and racing at 7:00. Pit admission is $30. Grandstand admission is $15 for adults, ages 7-11 $4, and 6 and under are free. Also, don’t forget to listen to Talkinʼ Dirt Radio Show every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on FM 95.9 or on AM 940 from Noon to 1 p.m. For more Race Brothers Show-Me Racin Series information visit us at www.Show-MeRacinSeries.com
The Springfield-Greene County Park Board will host the United States Tennis Association (USTA) / Missouri Valley Junior Super 2 Segment 2 Tennis Championships Friday, June 13 through Tuesday, June 17, at the Cooper Tennis Complex, 2331 E. Pythian St. The regional tournament will feature nearly 320 boys and girls from five states, aged 10 to 18 years of age. Both singles and doubles will be played each day. Players have the opportunity to earn points toward their national ranking during the event. Play begins Friday, June 13. Matches start daily at 8 a.m. and continue throughout the day and early evening. Spectators are welcome to attend games throughout the tournament free of charge. Due to the size of the tournament, facilities across town are being used, including: Cooper Tennis Complex; Gillenwaters Tennis Complex, 3635 S. Jefferson Ave.; Perry Tennis Courts, National Avenue and Bennett Street; Missouri State University Tennis Courts, 901 S. National Ave., and Springfield Catholic High School, 2340 S. Eastgate Ave.
By: Clarissa Essary
The first of four heats was won by the 5 of Leslie Essary. Heat two was won by the 11 of Jarrod Hilton. Jordan Holloway in the 21 took heat three. The fourth and final heat of the night went to the 00 of Jim Fulp. Ten cars were left to make the A Main through the B Feature. Only four transfer positions were available for the remaining cars. The 60 of Darrin Barton took the win in the B with the 04 of Jeremy Kelley in second, and the 82 of Todd McIntyre and the 15 of Kevin Henson, managing to get the final transfer positions. The 16 of Jeff Johnson and the 28b of Wesley Briggs were awarded the two point provisional positions. In the closing laps of the B, Jeremy Kelley had an engine problem that kept him from being able to start the A feature. Ron Johnson in the 31 finished 5th in the B, and was able to transfer to the A. It was finally time for the A Main and the 13 of Kevin Patrick would set the pace from the pole. The 11 of Jarrod Hilton would be on his outside ready to fight for the lead. The green dropped and the 13 jumped out to the lead. The 00 of Jim Fulp was flying through the field and was putting up a hard fight for the second position with the 11. Lap nine brought out the first caution of the night for the 3 of Rick Wallis in turn two. The green fell and the 55 of Ken Essary finally managed to get around the 21 of Jordan Holloway for the fourth position and headed for the 13 hard and fast. Another caution was thrown on lap fourteen for the 28b of Wesley Briggs in turn 3. The green flew once again but this time the 55 had taken over the lead with the 13 right behind him. The 5 of Leslie Essary and the 00 were battling hard for the third position followed closely by the 33 of Rick Lebow. The third and final caution of the night came out on lap seventeen for the 30 of Don Cloyd in turn four. The 55 noticed some oil leaking from his car and had to retire from the race giving the lead back to the 13. Everyone was battling hard for each position as the race reached its final laps. In the end it was the 13 of Kevin Patrick who would come away with the win. The top five were the 13 of Kevin Patrick, the 00 of Jim Fulp, the 5 of Leslie Essary, the 115 of Shane Essary, and the 33 of Rick Lebow. Saturday June 14, the Race Brothers Show-Me Racin Series will make a stop at Nevada Raceway. Gates open at 5:00 with hot laps at 7:00,
Four heat races started off the night. The 00 of Jim Fulp took the top spot in heat one. The second heat was won by the 04 of Jeremy Kelley. Conner Ward in the 56 came away with the win in heat three. The fourth and final heat of the night was won by the 25 of Chris Morelock. The top sixteen in passing points automatically qualified for the A Main, but thirteen cars were left to battle for the remaining four transfer positions through the B feature. The 26 of Burl Woods, the 3 of Rick Wallis, the 112 of Dairan Hendrix, and the 30 of Don Cloyd managed to come away with the top four transfer spots in the B feature. The two point provisional positions went to the 16 of Jeff Johnson and the 82 of Todd McIntyre. With the threat of rain becoming closer the Race Brother’s Show-Me Racin Series main event quickly began. The 77 of Roger Wilson would set the pace in the pole position. The green fell but the 83 of Chuck Comer spun in turn four bringing out the first caution of the night. The cars lined back up for an original restart and the 77 jumped out to lead the first lap. Lap two brought out the second caution for the 33 of Rick Lebow and the 00 of Jim Fulp in turn two, who were collected in a spin by another car. The race got underway once again with the 115 of Shane Essary taking over the lead on lap three closely followed by the 04 of Kelley. Lap five brought out the third caution of the night for the 77 who spun in turn four. This time the cars lined up for a single file restart with the 115 still in the lead. The 56 of Ward was in the second position striving to take the lead. The 56 managed to take the lead on lap six but the 115 was right behind him ready to take back the lead. Directly behind the 04 and the 5 of Leslie Essary were having their own battle for the third position. The fourth caution came out for the 04 who spun in turn two. One more lap was completed before the fifth and final caution of the night came out for the 112 of Dairan Hendrix and the 82 of Todd McIntyre on lap fourteen. The 56 was still in the top spot but the 115 was putting up a fight. The 26 of Woods was closing in quickly on the 83 of Comer who held the fifth position. The white flag flew signifying the final lap of the race. The 115 was applying pressure to the 56 and managed to pass Ward in turn four taking the checkered by a nose. The top five were the 115 of Shane Essary, the 56 of Conner Ward, the 5 of Leslie Essary, the 55 of Ken Essary, and the 83 of Chuck Comer. Be sure to join us on Saturday June 7 in Siloam Springs, AR at West Siloam Speedway. The Show-Me Racin Series would also like to send a special thanks to Bo Martin of B & P Discount Grocery for adding $500.00 to Friday night’s pay off. 5-30-08 Midway Speedway Race Brothers Farm & Home Supply Heat Race #1 1.Jim Fulp Frankland Rear Ends Heat Race #2 1.Jeremy Kelley Gary’s Used Engine Parts Heat Race #3 1.Conner Ward Midwest Sheet Metal Heat Race #4 1.Chris Morelock Race Brothers Farm and Home Supply B feature 1.Burl Woods Race Brothers Farm and Home Supply A feature 1.Shane Essary 115 Contingency Awards Dairan’s Towing GRT Race Cars Kluhsman Racing Components Morelock Racing Raceway Ministries
SPRINGFIELD — Rick Kindhart, assistant executive director for communications for the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA), has been named the new sports information director at Missouri State University. He begins his duties July 1. Kindhart replaces Mark Stillwell, who has been sports information director at Missouri State since 1972. Stillwell will continue to work on special projects in Intercollegiate Athletics until his retirement on Dec. 31, 2008. “We are extremely pleased that Rick Kindhart has agreed to join the university as sports information director,” said Bill Rowe, director of athletics. “He combines a passion for Missouri State with great experience in sports public relations; plus, he has outstanding media and athletics contacts not only in Missouri, but throughout the country. His experience as an administrator will serve us well. We look forward to having him on board.” Kindhart is in his second stint with the MSHSAA. From 1996-2000, he was communications and publications director. After serving a year as statistics coordinator for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in Indianapolis, he returned to MSHSAA in the same position. He was promoted to assistant executive director on July 1, 2005. From 1993-96, he was sports information director at Delta State University in Cleveland, Miss. Kindhart graduated cum laude from Missouri State University in 1991. While at Missouri State, he was selected to the Golden Key National Honor Society and three times was selected to the Outstanding College Students of America. He received his Master of Science in Administration degree in 1993 from Southeast Missouri State University where he also served as assistant sports information director from 1991-93. In his current role at MSHSAA, Kindhart serves as the state and national media liaison; researches, designs and edits all publications; negotiates media rights and broadcast packages; has responsibility for the Web site and electronic media, such as streaming; maintains historical records; coordinates special events, such as the MSHSAA Sportsmanship Summit; and performs a number of other duties, including student services and awards programs. He is a member of the College Sports Information Directors of America and is past chairperson of that organization’s Computer Committee. He is also a member of the Society for American Baseball Research. “I am thrilled to return to my alma mater and have this opportunity,” Kindhart said. “I began my athletic media relations career in this office, and to come full circle in this capacity is a dream come true. There are a lot of exciting things going on around campus and within the athletic department right now. I can’t wait to be a part of them and contribute to their success.” Kindhart’s appointment is subject to approval by the Board of Governors, which will next meet on June 20.
The State Summer Games kick off on Wednesday, May 28, with Opening Ceremonies at Plaster Sports Complex at 7:30 p.m. Opening Ceremonies will feature the parade of athletes, the culmination of the statewide Law Enforcement Torch Runâ, the lighting of the Flame of Hope, the traditional declaration, 'Let the games begin!' and special live performances. The public is encouraged to attend this free event. Competition events will take place at four venues: Plaster Sports Complex, Plaster Student Union, the Practice Band Field and Drury University’s Breech Pool. Five summer sports are featured: Athletics (track and field), Aquatics, Powerlifting, Soccer and Bocce. Competition begins Wednesday, May 28, and runs through Friday, May 30. Please visit www.somo.org/fan to make a donation, register to volunteer, and for more information. Venues and times are as follows: Soccer – Practice Band Field Athletics (Track & Field) – Plaster Sports Complex Bocce – Plaster Sports Complex Aquatics – Drury University Breech Pool Powerlifting – Plaster Student Union Low Motor / Wheelchair Events – Plaster Sports Complex Special Olympics is dedicated to improving the overall health and fitness of our athletes, not only through organized sports training and competition but by also providing free health screenings through the Healthy Athletes program. All of these screenings are provided for SOMO athletes free of charge. The Healthy Athlete Park will be May 29 from 2 pm – 7 pm in Plaster Student Union and will include: Special Smiles Dental Clinic, Healthy Hearing, Health Promotion and the Health Spot. Athletes will spend some down time Tuesday afternoon with crafts and small stage performances. Tuesday evening the athletes will celebrate their victories at the dance, spend time with friends at Bingo and wind down with a movie. The State Summer Games would not be possible without the generous contributions of our sponsors. Thank you to our year-round partners Knights of Columbus and Shop ‘n Save. Our presenting sponsors are CoxHealth, Springfield News-Leader, KSPR and Clear Channel Radio. Our silver level sponsors are Great Southern Bank, Whitlock Selim & Keehn LLP, Socket and Fabick Power Systems. Our bronze level sponsors are the Springfield Sports Commission, the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau and Associated Electric Cooperative Inc. For more information about the 2008 State Summer Games, please contact Mandi Mueller at 1-800-846-2682 or email mueller@somo.org. Visit the Special Olympics Missouri website at www.somo.org. Special Olympics Missouri is a year-round program of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with mental disabilities. More than 15,000 athletes participate in 19 Olympic-type sports throughout the state. Special Olympics provides people with mental disabilities continuing opportunities to develop fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy as they participate in the sharing of gifts and friendship with other athletes, their families and the community. Visit our website at www.somo.org.
The Springfield-Greene County Park Board will host the 2008 Southwest Missouri Senior Games on Wednesday, June 4 & Sunday, June 8, at sites throughout the city of Springfield. The games, open to athletes 50-years of age and older, offer events in eight-ball, archery, baggo, basketball skill events, bocce ball, bowling, canoeing, dominoes, electronic darts, golf, horseshoes, pinochle, skipbo, softball, swimming, table tennis, tennis, track & field and washer toss. Registration deadline for the games is Friday, May 23. For more information, visit www.parkboard.org, or call (417) 837-5808. If space is available, athletes may register the day of the event. Registration is $8, with additional event/facility fees for bowling, golf and tennis. The Southwest Missouri Senior Games are intended to provide an outlet for positive sports and recreational involvement by citizens of Southwest Missouri. The local games serve as preparation for the Missouri State Senior Games in Columbia, Mo., which are qualifying events for the 2009 National Senior Games in San Francisco, Ca. Last year's events drew 150 athletes from all across Missouri, as well as Kansas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. Featured games of interest include four 75-year old and older men's softball team games. The teams will compete against each other both Thursday, June 5 and Friday, June 6, with games each day at 9:30, 11 a.m., and 12:30 p.m.
Nationally ranked boys and girls tennis players will compete in Springfield, Missouri, for the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Boys and Girls 12s National Open Championship Saturday, May 17 to Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at the Cooper Tennis Complex, 2331 E. Pythian St. Play is scheduled to begin each day at 8 a.m., with Singles and Doubles finals scheduled for Wednesday morning. The event is open to the general public and is free. Players from Oregon, California, Utah, Tennessee, Michigan, Arkansas, Florida, New York, Wisconsin, Kansas, Illinois, Iowa, Texas, Oklahoma, Indiana, Ohio, and Missouri will vie for the title. Additional activities taking place during the tournament include: * Player Registration, 5 - 6:30 p.m., Friday, May 16; and The top three finishers in singles and the top two doubles teams will advance to the USTA National Clay Court Championships July 11 - 18, 2008. The girls will compete in Boca Raton, Fla., while the boys will play in Greensboro, N.C. This is the eighth year the USTA Boys and Girls 12s National Open Championship is being hosted by the Springfield-Greene County Park Board, Springfield Tennis Association, and the Clarion Hotel. Tennis is one of four sports included in the Community Olympic Development Program (CODP) for the Springfield community. The Cooper Tennis Complex also will host the Missouri State High School Athletic Association (MSHSAA) Boys State Championships Thursday, May 22 to Saturday, May 24, 2008.
This is Amber Lager, co-captain of the Springfield Rollergirls. I just wanted to fill you guys in on what has been happening with Springfield's first and only all women's flat track roller derby league. We have spend the last couple of months taking our travel team (the best of the Bitter Betsy's and Doomzday Dollz)to play other leagues. We have had a great time and have been undefeated.
· Board Chairman Outlines Sports Commission Goals These are the headlines in the April issue of the Springfield Sports Scene available at http://www.springfieldmo.org/sportscommission/sports_commission/0408_sports_comm.pdf.
On May 3, a group of 40 Evangel University representatives, including football players, coaches and their families, as well as other Evangel University personnel, will depart Springfield for a historic trip to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (BISH-kek, CUR-guh-stan). Evangel University is the first American football team to visit this part of the world and will use American football as a bridge between two cultures in order to build relationships with university students living in Kyrgyzstan. The group will return to Springfield on May 14. Evangel assistant coach, Chad Gehring, is the trip coordinator and visited Kyrgyzstan in April of 2007. He conducted the country’s first American football camp and donated football equipment to the Central Asian Association of American Football (CAAAF), setting the stage for this year’s historic trip - the second by an Evangel football team. The EU football program also made history 17 years ago. In 1991, Evangel and Pacific Lutheran University (Wash.) traveled to China and played three games, which were the first ever played by any college football team in that country. Kyrgyzstan is part of the former Soviet Union, but it is a developing nation with a culturally diverse population, inhabited by Russians and Kyrgyz, most of whom are Muslim. The Evangel football team, however, has been granted a special opportunity to visit the country and participate in the inaugural President’s Cup - International Football Tournament, which is sponsored by the CAAAF. The tournament will be held on May 10,11, 12 and the games will be a first for the country. Evangel’s football team will be the featured team and squads from Russia, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan will participate. Officials at Evangel University are hopeful that the trip will open doors for further development in the Central Euro-Asia region, such as student exchange programs and internship opportunities. The Central Euro-Asia region is developing quickly and there is a strong interest in American football, as well as other aspects of the western world. While in Kyrgyzstan, the group from Evangel University will not only play football, but will also conduct football camps for local schools, participate in campus activities, and do maintenance work on the football facilities in Bishkek.
So well in fact, that Haley just returned from the 2008 World Cup in Beijing, China with the bronze medal in International Skeet Shooting. And that’s something not every college senior can brag about. “I was really excited to come out of this World Cup with a medal,” said Haley. “This is one of the toughest competitions of the year because all the Olympians and alternates from every country are there. To come out third was exciting.” She has a passion for the shooting and hunting sports and helps the industry by supporting firearms and hunting. Since January, 2006, she has been a member of the local Hunting Pro Team for Bass Pro Shops in Columbia, Missouri. She was recently selected to be a member of the Bass Pro Shops Next Generation Pro Staff which includes filming for the TV show of the same name. “The level of support I have received from everyone at Bass Pro Shops has made a big impact on my shooting career,” said Haley. She works hard to promote shooting and hunting with women and youth as well as men. Some of her accomplishments include a gold medal for the 2007 Pan American games, a silver for the Dominican Republic World Cup in 2007 and a first place finish for the 2007 World Championship Team selection. So far, in 2008 she has been the Miami Cup Women’s Champion and the Barbados Open Women’s Champion. And now, the Bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing World Cup. Bass Pro Shops would like to congratulate Haley Dunn for her accomplishments and salute her for being such a positive role model for the industry as a whole. For more information regarding Haley please visit her website at www.HaleyDunn.com.
“This is a chance for season ticket holders and fans to get a glimpse of vantage points around the arena and view construction,” said Brent Dunn, vice president for university advancement. “The tour will offer fans the opportunity to view seating options in the new arena.”
The Springfield-Greene County Park Board and the Springfield Regional Executive Women's Golf Association (EWGA) have partnered to help promote women's golf in the Springfield area by holding a meet-and-greet social event from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, April 18, at the Riverhouse Club House at Rivercut Golf Course, 2850 W. Farm Road 190. Dr. Nancy O'Reilly, of the syndicated radio talk show "Women Speak," will be the featured speaker at the event. Refreshments, chair massages, door prizes, free golf lessons and free rounds of golf will be given away. In addition, Taylor Made and Adidas Golf will show new products, and Rivercut staff will provide information on women's golf leagues, clinics, and partnership opportunities with the EWGA. The event is free and open to the public. RSVPs are appreciated by calling the Rivercut Golf Course at (417) 891-1645. The EWGA was formed in 1991, in response to the continuing advancement of women into the management and executive ranks of business. Whether a new golfer wanting to learn to play the game or a more experienced golfer wanting to sharpen competitive skills, the EWGA offers programs geared to individual skill levels and demanding time schedules. Instructional clinics allow new golfers to learn the etiquette and rules of the game without embarrassment.
Many times Northwest Springfield children don’t participate in organized sport or activity because of prohibitive costs. The purpose of the Northwest Springfield Free Youth Softball League is to remove the cost barrier and implement a youth sport program that includes everyone. Even those with the least. In addition to the sometimes prohibitive registration fees there are other financial requirements that have traditionally stifled many of our youth’s involvement in organized sport. The best example of this may the need for a glove and ball. “A lot of families living in Northwest Springfield are dealing with the day-to-day issue of keeping fuel in the vehicle and food on the table,” Brantley said. “There just isn’t room in the family budget for registration fees and necessary gear.” “These children are missing the opportunity to develop through organized sport and external socialization just because they are poor.” Stepping up to the plate to help remove this barrier are the Springfield Cardinals who have committed to holding a “Bring a Glove To The Game Day” which is projected to raise enough gloves to put one on the hand of every league player. St. Johns Clinics are working to ensure the players have proper uniforms and countless other organizations are giving what they can to ensure the success of this endeavor. Besides contributing to the well rounded growth of our children today, the impact of this league will be felt in the Springfield R12 Fast Pitch Softball program for years to come. Susan Provance, of the Springfield Greene County Park Board Sports Division, will be holding a coaches clinic to train Coaches and Volunteers on how to properly teach youth to play softball. This proactive training will be followed up with personalized instruction of league players throughout the season by area coaches like Samantha Fleeman of MSU, Wendy (Niebuhr) Buttacy of Evangel, and other local fast pitch stars. According to organizers, the 2008 Northwest Springfield Free Youth Softball League is the third and final element of a three phase Citizen Initiated Community Improvement Package. “We started working with Jodie Adams of the Springfield Greene County Park Board last summer when we shared our vision with her and she saw the value of this effort,” said White. This led to the revitalization of the Grant Beach Park Baseball Field through infrastructure improvements and was followed up by the very successful 2007 Northwest Springfield Softball Blowout Bonanza. “Our primary need right now is for Coaches, Coach Mentors, and Volunteers,” said White. “Now is the time to get on board and play ball.” For more information on becoming a Coach or Sponsor call 693-4205.
World TeamTennis, presented by Advanta, completed its 2008 Professional League Players Draft at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, Fla., earlier today. The 2007 Western Conference Champion Springfield Lasers team will bring back 2007 WTT Most Valuable Player Tamarine Tanasugarn for the 2008 season. The team ended the 2007 season with a 13-1 league record. Standout newcomer Shenae Perry joins return players, Todd Perry, and Glenn Weiner, to round out the 2008 Lasers roster, which is as follows: Women 1st Round Pick: Tamarine Tanasugarn - Returning 2007 WTT Most Valuable Player; ranked #1 WTT Women's Singles Player for 2007, and member of #1 WTT Women's Doubles Team for 2007; currently ranked #68 in world in women's singles; career-high ranking of #19 in women's singles (2002); Fed Cup player for native country of Thailand; more than $2 million in career earnings. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Springfield, MO—(April 23, 2008)—Like most college students, Haley Dunn leads a very busy life. As a 23-year-old recent graduate from University of Missouri—Columbia with an Agriculture Business Management degree, she has been active in FFA, 4-H, band, student council and athletics. She is involved with her church and social life and works for the family business guiding hunts and managing the club house. Oh yes, and she shoots too.
