Young Islanders take to 'cool' summer volleyball
by Kevin Cassidy
Islander Correspondent
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| Gillian Cassidy reaches high to spike the volleyball held by coach Ted Rigo during his weekly volleyball clinic in the Center gym. |
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| Anna Maria Island Community Center volleyball participants are put through the paces of agility drills during the weekly volleyball clinic at the Center. Islander Photos: Kevin Cassidy |
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| Hayley Coulter goes high to spike the ball during the Center's weekly volleyball clinic. |
The Wednesday night volleyball clinic, conducted in the cool, air-conditioned gym at the Anna Maria Island Community Center, drew a nice crowd of 15-20 players for the early session.
Led by veteran volleyball coach Ted Rigo, players at the clinic typically start with a warmup, consisting of a few laps around the gym, followed by some stretching and agility exercises. Afterward, it’s on to volleyball drills. The players work on a couple of different drills to practice their passing or bumping, as it is also called. Good passing is instrumental to the game.
Next, the players were split into four groups, where Rigo and his assitant coaches fire successive spikes at them to simulate what can happen in what is often a rapid-fire game.
The players then move onto practicing first their toss and eventually their serve — overhand, of course.
Last, but not least, Rigo reviews the proper approach to hitting or spiking before getting to work. Rigo stood on a folding chair holding the ball up in the air. The players then get in position, approach and take a swing at the ball.
All in attendance learn the basics of volleyball and, best of all, they have fun.
For more information about the volleyball program, contact Center athletic director Andy Jonatzke at 941-778-1908.
Key Royale golf news
The women of the Key Royale Club played a low-net game, in addition to the best four gross holes in a row on July 22. Tootie Wagner carded a 3-under-par 29 to edge Diane Miller, Lois Biel and Roswitha Fowler, each of whom shot a 30 to tie for second in flight 1.
Penny Williams totaled 15 to claim first place in the four best holes in a row in flight 1. Meredith Slavin with an 18 had the best four holes in the second flight.
Horseshoe news
Tom Rhodes and Gary Howcroft powered their way past Rod Bussey and Jay Disbrow by a 21-10 score to win the July 23 horseshoe competition at the Anna Maria City Hall pits.
The July 19 games saw two teams advance from pool play to battle it out for the day’s bragging rights. After battling to a 10-10 tie, Tom Rhodes and Ron Pepka kicked it up a notch on the way to a 21-14 victory.
Play gets under way at 9 a.m. every Wednesday and Saturday at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m. followed by random team selection. There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.
Summer things to do
The Anna Maria Island Community Center offers a multitude of things to do for adults and youth alike. Check out the list below and find your thing!
Adult basketball
The center offers adult hoopsters a chance to show their stuff from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Mondays. Players ages 18 and up can play for free if they are Center annual or fitness members. Monthly members pay $2.50 per session, while it’s $5 for nonmembers.
Sunset volleyball: The AMICC Teen Program offers a relaxed sunset volleyball game at the Manatee Public Beach. Teens are welcome to come out and play, socialize and enjoy the sand and sunset. It’s not a formal game and often the rules do not apply.
Participants: Ages 11-17.
When: 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Aug. 5and 12.
Location: Manatee Public Beach. Teens can gather at the beach or meet at the Center by 5.45 p.m. for a ride.
Video-gamer challenge: Those videogamers who think they rule will have another chance to prove it when the Center begins its second Video Gamer Challenge. It’s a head-to-head gaming extravaganza for players to battle for the challenge championship title and first-place prize.
What’s your game? Call the Center, 941-778-1908, ext. 9207, and let them know.
Players will compete Aug. 12-15 for a chance to play in the Video Gamer Challenge finals on Aug. 16. The finals will be played out on a 20-by-10-foot projection screen in the Center gym.
Registration: Now through Aug. 8.
When: 2.30 p.m.-3.30 p.m. Aug. 12-16.
Fee: Member $10, nonmember $12.
Youth Tennis Session 2 with instruction by Wayne Sewall for ages 7-17. Registration is ongoing.
When: 6p.m.-7 p.m. through Aug. 14.
Fee: Member $10/month, nonmember $20/month.
Location: AMICC.
British Soccer Camp
The No. 1 soccer camp in the United States is coming to the Island providing a great opportunity for kids to learn soccer and improve their game. The coaches have an innovated method of teaching and all players of any skill level can benefit from their instruction.
Registration: Now through Aug. 1.
Participants: Boys and girls ages 4 to 16.
When: Aug. 11-15 at AMICC.
Sessions: Two-hour mini camp, half-day morning or evening camp.
Fee: $90-$100 based on camp time.
Center soccer camp
Gear up for soccer season and get a kick start on skills at the Center camp designed for all skill levels to help players get ready for fall season try-outs.
Participants: Ages 4-14.
Registration: Aug. 1-27.
When: 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 27-29.
Fee: $25 for members, $40 for non-members
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Join Her-icane golf challenge
The Manatee High School Her-icanes girls soccer team is hosting a fundraising golf tournament at the Bradenton Country Club at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6. The team needs the money for uniforms, warm-up suits and tournament travel.
For a $100 donation, players can test their golf skills at Bradenton's most exclusive and challenging layout in a four-person scramble.
All players registered before the Aug. 1 deadline will receive a goody bag, cart and greens fees, a post-tourney banquet and guaranteed fun throughout the day. Also on tap are a straightest-drive contest, two closest-to-the-pin contests, a putting contest and raffles for tons of prizes. The field is limited to the first 100 golfers, so don't delay.
The Her-icanes are also looking for tournament sponsors to help their cause. For $800, a business can purchase the Hat Trick package, consisting of a foursome, banquet, tee or green sign on the course and a banner that will be displayed at all Manatee Her-icane home soccer games. A golden goal sponsorship package includes a foursome and a tee or green sign on the course for $500, or a tee or green sign for the tournament for $125.
To sign up a foursome, list the four players and each players phone number and send the list with a check payable to Manatee Girls Soccer Booster. Mail it to me, Her-icane Coach Kevin Cassidy at 2011 79th St. N.W., Bradenton FL 34209. For more information, call me 807-1105. |
