Soccer season kicks off with Island Fun Day
by Kevin Cassidy
Islander Correspondent
The Anna Maria Island Community Center's fall recreational soccer league kicks off its season on Saturday, Sept. 16, with Island Fun Day.
Starting at 9 a.m., soccer teams in four age groups will play two mini-games apiece. Team pictures will also be taken at some point during the day, but a schedule was not provided. Check with the team coach or the Center for information.
Parents, family members and fans can also participate in Spirit Week to show whose team has the best fans. Participants are encouraged to wear "team colors" and make lots of noise cheering on their favorite teams. The Center will give out awards to its best fans at the season-ending ceremonies.
In addition to the bevy of soccer games, the Beach House, Sandbar and Mar Vista restaurants will be grilling up hamburgers and hot dogs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Snow cones will be sold by the Anna Maria teen program, while Fun-n-Equipment rental will be on site providing a multitude of fun activities for young and old alike.
You don't have to be involved with the Island soccer program to participate in Island Fun Day. Come on down and have some fun!
For more information, contact Andy Jonatzke at 778-1908.
Foursome repeats as champions of Her-icane Golf Challenge
The foursome of Mike Gronow, Dave Williams, Richard Hubbard and Tony Cothron combined to fire a 14-under-par 58 to win the second annual Her-icane Golf Challenge at the Bradenton Country Club on Sept. 9. There was a three-way tie for second place that was broken via tiebreaker procedure. The team of Bill Hahn, Woody Brandon, Kyle Holmes and former Islander Ken Brickse emerged from the tiebreaker as the second-place finishers. Third place went to the team of Roy Hampton, Larry Handley and Islanders Jon Huffman and Rick Weaver.
Cothron captured the straightest-drive contest with a drive of over 300 yards, while Brickse and Josh Pisa each won one of the two closest-to-the pin contests.
The golf tournament was once again a rousing success and benefit fundraiser for the Manatee Her-icane soccer team thanks to the generosity of many area businesses that purchased hole sponsorships and/or donated raffle items.
Thanks to businesses like Mike's Elite Towing & Automotive, Banks Engineering, ThyssenKrup Elevator, Jeff Watts Plastering, Gulf Coast Construction Supply, Employee Leasing Solutions, law office of Brett D. McIntosh, Ashdown Flooring, Wood Dock & Seawall, Tom Wessel Construction, Manson Roofing, Bruce Williams Homes, Trophy Case, Morgan Stanley, Big League Hair Cuts, Bacarr Air Conditioning & Heating and Cherry's Bar & Grill for sponsoring holes.
The number of businesses that donated raffle items is too large to mention here, but their generosity is greatly appreciated.
The generosity of all of the participants must be mentioned, plus they all purchased a substantial number of raffle tickets to help support the Her-icane soccer program. The girls and myself as their coach really appreciate the support as we look forward to a great season of soccer.
Key Royale golf news
Rain washed away any hopes of playing golf on Wednesday, Sept. 6, but the Key Royale men managed to squeeze in their nine-hole tournament on Sept. 4.
Playing a best-ball-of-foursome game, the team of Bob Kral, Vince Mercadante, John Heiselman and Joe Proxy fired a seven-under-par 25 to claim first place.
Horseshoe news
Debbie Rhodes "walked" her way to victory in horseshoe action on Sept. 6 at the Anna Maria City Hall pits by defeating the team of Sam Samuels and Ron Boelman by a 21-12 score. Rhodes advanced to the playoff round by winning all three of her pool-play matches by at least a 10-point margin.
Samuels and Boelman defeated the team of Tom Rhodes and Steve Doyle 21-8 to advance to the finals.
Samuels earned the championship on Sept. 6, teaming up with John Johnson to garner the only 3-0 record in pool-play action. Tom Rhodes and Jay Disbrow finished second with a 2-1 record.
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. |
