Briefly . . .

 

Babe Ruth Softball

Registration for the Newtown Babe Ruth Softball Association will be held on Saturday, February 10, from 9 am to 2 pm, at the Newtown Middle School cafeteria. Players ages 6 to 18 (as of January 1, 2001) are eligible to compete. All players must bring original birth certificate and a copy to the signups. Registrations will close on Wednesday, February 28. The fee is $75 for players ages 9 to 18 and $65 for players 6 to 8. A $10 late fee will be applied to all registrations taken after February 10. There is a $10 multiple-child discount. Call Paul LaFrancesca at 270-1844 for further information.

Connecticut Blaze

The Connecticut Blaze is taking signups for its 2001 clinics and tryouts. All clinics and tryouts will be from 9 am to 12 noon at the Blaze training facility on the second floor of the Bristol Center Mall in Bristol. Dates are February 10, 11 and 17 for boys ages 15 and 16; and March 3, 4 and 10 for boys ages 13 and 14. For further information, call 1-860-584-1386 (or visit the web at www.ctblaze.org).

Batting Cage

The Batting Cage is swinging into the off-season with a winter training program for high school baseball teams and individual players only. Teams and players can sign up for 12 weeks of training, two hours a week, at The Batting Cage, across from the Fairfield Cinemas in Fairfield. Cost is $199. Call 1-203-259-BALL to reserve a spot.

Rockets Still Looking

The Brewster Rockets still have openings on the U12, U14, and U18 travel softball teams for the 2001 summer season. Call Kim McKeever (1-203-740-7897), Marcy Byrne (270-8637), Jim Kelly (1-203-730-9728) or John Wahlers (1-914-279-1562) for further information.

Youth Hoop Tournament

The National Youth Athletic Association is accepting teams for the 2001 Youth Basketball Connecticut State Championship Tournament, which will be held in March for members of the NYAA. Winners of the state tournament will represent their states in the National Championship Tournament. Brackets exist for boys and girls ages 11 to 16. For further information, call 1-800-619-6922.

Connecticut Bombers

The Connecticut Bombers AAU baseball club will be holding tryouts and clinics for its upcoming 2001 season for players ages 12 through 16 beginner in February. Call Bob Turcio at 1-203-248-2398 for further information.

Soccer Skills Training

Brian Neumeyer, head coach of the Newtown High School boys’ soccer team and director of training and coaching for the Newtown Soccer Club, will offer a skills training program for girls participating in the Newtown Soccer Club’s recreational league who are currently in third or fourth grade. The skills training program will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. It will be held at Plymouth Hall at Fairfield Hills. Cost is $100 per player and will include 10 sessions. Exact dates will be announced. Call Mr Neumeyer at 1-203-459-0096 to register.

In-House Soccer Training

The Newtown Soccer Club has begun training for in-house ‘E’ and ‘F’ division players. The training is being conducted by Newtown High School boys’ soccer coach Brian Neumeyer along with players from both the boys’ and girls’ high school soccer teams. All sessions are held from 4 to 5 pm at the Hawley School gym. Boys’ trainings will continue on February 12, 26, and March 5 and 12. Be sure to bring sneakers or indoor shoes, as well as shin guards. No cleats will be permitted.

U13 Premier Soccer

The Danbury U13 Premier soccer team is looking for a goalkeeper. Player must have been born between August 1, 1987, and July 31, 1988 to be eligible. If interested, call Mark at 740-9126 or Orlando at 426-7809.

Paddle Sports

The Small Boat Shop’s annual Canoe and Kayak Expo will be held Saturday and Sunday, March 17 and 18, at the National Guard Armory in Norwalk. Hours are 9 am to 6 pm on March 17 and 9 am to 4 pm on March 18. This is the largest indoor paddle show of its type, housing the best quality selection of small boats. Entrance fee is $5. Call 1-203-854-5223 for further information.

Lacrosse Refs Needed

The Connecticut Women’s Lacrosse Officials Association (CWLOA) is in desperate need of officials for high school and middle school girls’ lacrosse programs. Four training clinics will be held around the state starting this month and each will consist of two, three-hour sessions. Cost is $25. Clinics will be held February 19 and 21 at Wesleyan University in Middletown, February 20 and 22 at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, March 5 and 7 at Guilford High School, and March 13 and 15 at Newtown High School. All clinics will be held from 6 to 9 pm. For further information, contact Susan Popovitch at 1-860-651-1776.