Between the Lines [Hernando Today, Brooksville, Fla.]

Dec. 30--Women's soccer registration

SPRING HILL Registration for Hernando County Women's Soccer's spring season is under way. Players can register through Jan. 13 at Rookies Sports Bar and Grill, 3095 Anderson Snow Road in Spring Hill, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Games will be on Saturday nights starting in mid-February, held at Ernie Wever Youth Park in Brooksville

The league is also hosting the "Mother's Day Ball Tournament" for women 30 and over May 10-13. It's a double-elimination, 11 vs. 11 event with a 22-player roster max, at Ernie Wever.

Tampa Bay's Premier PGA TOUR's Champions Tour Golf Tournament Returns As Tampa Bay Pro-Am

Pro-am to be hosted by Lightning

TAMPAThe Tampa Bay Pro-Am Foundation, Inc. has announced that the event formerly known as the Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am, the premier Champions Tour event, is returning in 2012 with the new name Tampa Bay Pro-Am. In addition, the Tampa Bay Lightning have been added as hosts of the 2012 golf tournament. This partnership, born out of a mutual commitment to serving the Tampa Bay community, will join together two professional sports properties in the area, officially making it the Tampa Bay Pro-Am hosted by Tampa Bay Lightning. Through this co-promotional marketing partnership Tampa Bay Lightning Day will be added to the schedule of events, and free grounds admission will be offered to Tampa Bay Lightning season-ticket holders. The 2012 Tampa Bay Pro-Am hosted by Tampa Bay Lightning celebrates the tournament's 25th year of existence, April 9-15, at TPC Tampa Bay in Lutz.

Tournament officials are still seeking a title sponsor for the 2012 event and beyond. As it moves forward without a title sponsor, the event is looking for support from the entire Tampa Bay community to insure its continued success and longevity.

Celebrities scheduled to appear include Ronde' Barber, Derrick Brooks, Craig T. Nelson, Joe Theismann and Lightning founder Phil Esposito, who will also serve as the honorary chairman of the event in 2012.

Tickets are available for purchase by calling the tournament office at (813) 265-4653 or visiting www.tampabayproam.com.

Golfweek, Senior tours

Two golf tours will be available in 2012 at courses across North Central Florida for those seeking a competitive experience on the links.

The Golfweek Amateur Tour is debuting this season, open to men and women of all ages and skill levels. Each event will feature five flights based on handicap to keep competition fair. Participants can join at any time during the year for a $90 membership fee. The fee includes a subscription to Golfweek magazine and Tour merchandise. Tour members can play in all local events as well as any AGT event nationally. There will be a Tour Championship held Oct. 19-21 at Palmetto Dunes Resort in Hilton Head, S.C.

To register, visit www.amateurgolftour.net.

Also, for the second year in a row, there will be a Senior Amateur Tour. Membership is open to men and women of any skill level, age 50 and over during the calendar year. Golfers can join at any time for an $80 membership fee. The fee includes Tour merchandise and allows members to play in all local Tour events as well as any SAGT events nationally. All events are divided into four flights based on handicap. The Tour Championship will be held Nov. 13-14 in Pinehurst, N.C.

To register, visit www.senioramateurgolftour.net.

For more information on either tour, contact Jim Castello at (352) 446-3446 or [email protected].

The First Tee of Brooksville program returns

BROOKSVILLE The First Tee of Brooksville Golf Program for children, ages 5-17, returns starting the week of Jan. 17 to the Quarry Golf Course, Brooksville Country Club, and Silverthorn Country Club.

The six-week course is $60.

Pre-registration is required. The program is accepting up to 10 participants per class.

Volunteers are needed. Donations of youth golf clubs, bags, and balls are welcome.

The First Tee of Brooksville's progressive level golf/life skills experience is one of the unique features that differentiates The First Tee from other junior golf programs and ultimately strives to instill in participants The First Tee's

nine core values: honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgment.

For additional information, contact the City of Brooksville'sMiles Groff at (352) 540-3835 or reach him online at mgroff@cityofbrooksville.

Lightning second-half ticket sale

TAMPATampa Bay Lightning single-game tickets for the second half of the 2011-12 regular season went on sale last week. Tickets are available online at Ticketmaster.com, by phone at (800) 745-3000 or in person at the McDonald's Ticket Office at the St. Pete Times Forum.

Fans interested in purchasing second-half tickets before the general public may take advantage of the Vinny Holiday 4-Pack offer, which allows fans to select four games between now and the end of the season with prices starting as low as $99.

For each Vinny Holiday 4-Pack purchased, fans will receive a free Vincent Lecavalier autographed puck. Vinny Holiday 4-Packs can be purchased by calling (813) 301-6600 or by visiting TampaBayLightning.com/Holiday.

Individuals who are currently not locked in to one of the team's ticket plans may purchase seats for up to 19 home games spanning from Feb. 2 through the home closer on April 2. Single-game tickets range from as low as $17.75 to $122.75, not including applicable fees and taxes.

Highlights of the home schedule's second half include matchups with Simon Gagne and the Los Angeles Kings on Feb. 7, Dan Boyle and the San Jose Sharks on Feb. 16, as well as a visit from 2011 Rocket Richard Trophy winner Corey Perry and the Anaheim Ducks on Feb. 21.

The Bolts will also host a rematch of the 2011 Eastern Conference Finals against the defending Stanley Cup ChampionBoston Bruins on March 13, in addition to two meetings with the division-rival Washington Capitals. Rookie sensation Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and former first overall draft pick Taylor Hall will lead the Edmonton Oilers into town on March 22.

The most cost-effective way to invest in 2011-12 tickets is through a Lightning ticket plan with packages starting as low as $179.

For more information regarding ticket plans and pricing call (813) 301-6600 or visit

http://lightning.nhl.com/tickets

Tips for hunting turkeys

With fall turkey hunting seasons open in many parts of Florida, anticipation and adrenaline are running high.

Readying your hunting gear, scouting your hunting spots and practicing your calling are all part of the excitement of hunting. But as you prepare for opening day, and any day you plan to hunt, don't forget the most important part of your hunting plan: safety.

Safety is a key element when you're in the woods calling in a wild turkey. A safe turkey hunter is much like a safe driver: you must be defensive minded. Also, a safe hunter is an effective hunter.

Here are some tips from the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) ask hunters to consider when you're in the woods:

--Know your state's hunting regulations and follow them.

--Keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction, and leave the safety on until you are ready to shoot.

--Positively identify your target, and know what is beyond your target before you shoot.

--Avoid wearing white, red, black or blue since these are the colors of a gobbler's head and body. This includes handkerchiefs, socks, T-shirts and even items such as candy wrappers and insect repellant.

--Select a spot that is in open timber rather than thick brush. Eliminating movement and camouflage is more critical to success than heavy cover.

--Sit against a large stump, blow-down, tree trunk or rock that is wider than your shoulders and higher than your head when calling wild turkeys.

--If you imitate the sound of a gobbling turkey, you could call in other hunters. You should always be cautious, but especially when hunting public land.

--If decoys are legal and you use them, place them off to one side and make sure you can see anyone approaching your decoys before the other hunter is within range.

--Leave the area if you suspect there's another hunter already working the same bird.

--If another hunter enters your hunting area, never move, wave or make turkey sounds to alert the other hunter. Remain still and call out to them in a loud, clear voice to get his or her attention.

--Ensure your decoy is not visible when you are transporting it. Stash the decoy in your vest or a bag and make sure the head is not sticking out. If you harvest a wild turkey during your hunting trip, you also should cover the bird's head and body when carrying it out from your hunting spot.

To become a member of the NWTF, join a committee or start a chapter, visit www.nwtf.org or call 800-THE-NWTF.

Spring Hill Youth wrestling

SPRING HILL

Beginners practice will be at 5:30 p.m. while advanced begins at 6:30 p.m.

Cost is $150 and registration will be done at the first practice.

For additional information contact Eric Swensen at (352) 797-7010, Ext. 347 or visit www.springhillwrestling.com/youth.html

Spring Hill Youth Wrestling practices will be held Tuesday and Thursday Nights at Springstead High School in the wrestling room.

Sportsman's Club offers safety classes

WEEKI WACHEEThe Hernando Sportsman's Club, 16121 Commercial Way, Brooksville, 34614, will be holding Firearms Safety Classes from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Jan. 4 and Jan. 21, 2012 , from 9a-3p, at the Hernando Sportsman's Club.

The course covers the basics of firearms safety around the home and the fundamentals of pistol shooting. The class includes practice time on the range.

Successful completion of this class also provides required documentation to apply for a Florida concealed carry permit if desired.

Pre-registration is required. Cost is $60.

The Hernando Sportsman's Club will also be hosting a two-day National Rifle Association (NRA) muzzle loading rifle course from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Jan. 7-8.

Students will be taught the basic knowledge, skills, and attitude essential to the safe and efficient use of a muzzle loading rifle.

The course includes classroom instruction and time on a range shooting a muzzle loading rifle.

Students learn the NRA's three rules for safe gun handling; parts; loading; shooting; cleaning; shooting from a standing position and shooting from a crossed stick position; and continued opportunities for skill development.

Students will receive the NRA's Muzzle loading Rifle Handbook and a course completion certificate.

Cost is $100.

To pre-register or for either class or for additional information, contact The Hernando Sportsman's Club at (352) 597-9931 or go online to www.hernandosportsmansclub.com.

Tennis camp and classes

SPRING HILL Ace Performance Tennis is offering Quick Start Drills Mondays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Delta Woods Park.

The cost is $10.00 per class. Drills and games are designed for beginning players using the USTA-approved strategies for 60-foot court players.

Learn to play tennis quickly with age- and size-appropriate equipment and modified courts.

Additionally, Ace Performance Tennis is offering a Ladies Night Out, Mondays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Delta Woods Park.

The cost is $10 per class. Women of beginning and intermediate skill levels will learn to play in a fun social setting.

For more information on the camp and classes, contact John or Louise Downey at (352) 666-0658 or

www.louisedowney.usptapro.com

First Hernando Youth Soccer scores with donations

SPRING HILL The Uniroyal Soccer Program is 12 years strong and rolling forward this season with more dealers participating every year. This month, families of First Hernando Youth Soccer Club received certificates that can be redeemed for a free soccer ball at Mancini Automotive, while supplies last.

After the 30-day program period, First Hernando Youth Soccer Club will receive $2 for every Uniroyal® tire sold to the general public on behalf of Uniroyal and Mancini Automotive.

Since the program's inception in 2000, the Uniroyal Soccer Program has provided nearly $14 million in funds and equipment, including over one million soccer balls, to more than 3,000 youth soccer leagues across the United States.

"Contributing to our local community and supporting our youth is so important to us," said Laura Mancini of Mancini Automotive. "We look forward to connecting with players and families from First Hernando Youth Soccer Club when they come in for their free soccer ball."

"It is an honor to provide such a distinct program for our dealers to stay involved in their communities," said Ana Martin, Uniroyal Communications Manager. "Soccer leagues depend on donations from partners like Mancini Automotive, and we are pleased to facilitate that relationship."

To learn more about Uniroyal tires, Uniroyal and its community initiatives, visit www.UniroyalTires.com. You can also find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/UniroyalSoccer.

To find out more about Mancini Automotive, contact Steve Mancini at (727) 856-6992, at 14540 County Line Road in Spring Hill or visit www.manciniauto.com.

HUSA to hosts umpire clinics

SPRING HILLThe Hernando Sumter Umpires Association, the largest baseball/softball umpires association in West Central Florida area, is having several umpire clinics for men and women over the age of 16 who want to become a baseball or softball umpire.

A HSUA umpire can make an average of $20 per hour working part time.

Due to the recent addition of three leagues and the possibility of adding another, many more umpires are needed.

HUSA has over 15 leagues it deals with in Hernando, Citrus, Sumter and Pasco counties and has over 90 umpires on its roster.

Umpire clinics are scheduled for: Sunday, Jan. 8 at noon at the Anderson Snow Sports Complex in Spring Hill; Saturday, Jan. 21 at noon at the Wesley Chapel District Park; Sunday, Jan. 22 at noon at the Anderson Snow Sports Complex in Spring Hill; Saturday, Jan. 28 at noon at the Wesley Chapel District Park; Sunday, Jan. 29 at noon at Ridge Manor Park; and Saturday, Feb. 4 at noon at the Kenny Dixon Sports Complex in Bushnell.

During these 3-plus hour clinics, students will be taught and tested on the rules of the game. All participants will take a 100-question test based on Major League Baseball, high school, AAU, USSSA, Dixie Baseball and Dixie Softball and Little League rules, and will receive a MLB rulebook, positional charts and many more handouts.

To signup visit the HSUA clinic web page at www.hernnandosumterumpire.com/UMPIRE-CLINICS.html or for more information, contact HUSA by phone at (352) 593-6998.

87th East-West Shrine Game tickets on sale

ST. PETERSBURGThe East-West Shrine College All-Star Football Game tickets are on sale now through all Ticketmaster outlets. Fans can purchase tickets for the Jan. 21, 2012 game online at www.shrinegame.com, www.ticketmaster.com, or by phone at (727) 342-5777.

All game tickets are $15 general admission tickets (price does not include service fees). The game will be played at Tropicana Field. Kickoff will be at 4 p.m.

"This is the 87th annual edition of this college all-star football game, making it the longest running college all-star game in the country," said Harold Richardson, Executive Director of the East-West Shrine Game. "We are happy to be playing for the first time at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg and are pleased by the overwhelming community support we have received. This is a great family event and supports a great cause, helping Shriners Hospitals for Children® provide state of the art medical care to children in need."

More than just a game, it has emerged as a showcase for up-and-coming NFL talents. The 2011 East-West Shrine Game was no exception with 52 players currently on active NFL rosters and 18 players on NFL practice squads.

The 2012 game promises to showcase the top NFL prospects from colleges around the country.

Since 1925, the East-West Shrine Game has helped raise money and awareness for Shriners Hospitals for Children, a health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs for medical professionals. Children up to age 18 with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients' ability to pay.

Shriners Hospitals for Children is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and relies on the generosity of donors.

Key West Half Marathon set for Jan. 22

KEY WEST The historic waterfront districts are to become a scenic racecourse for more than 900 runners Sunday, Jan. 22, during the annual Key West Half Marathon.

The sporting challenge is to begin at 7 a.m., with participants proceeding along a flat, fast 13.1-mile half-marathon course amid the island city's Victorian architecture, historic landmarks and harborfront businesses.

Now in its 14th year, the race typically attracts runners from around the United States and several other countries to compete in Key West's balmy January climate.

A race registration booth is to be set up from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at the 951 Caroline St. plaza in Key West's Historic Seaport. Race packets can be picked up at that time. The registration booth also is to open on race day at 6 a.m.

Plans call for the run to begin and end in the seaport at Caroline and Margaret streets.

Events surrounding the race include a Saturday night pasta dinner and a Sunday block party, awards ceremony and post-race party at the Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St., with free refreshments, entertainment and prize giveaways.

Awards are to be presented to the first- through third-place male and female finishers in categories ranging from ages 10-14 to age 75 and over, as well as the top overall competitors and those in the masters and military divisions. All finishers are to receive a specially designed finisher medal.

The event also includes a 5k run beginning at 7:30 a.m.

The half-marathon entry fee is $80 per person ($70 for returning competitors, members of the military and Key West Southernmost Runners members). The first 900 entrants are to receive a moisture-resistant race Tech-shirt.

For discount information, call race coordinator Barbara Wright at (305) 240-0727.

The 5k entry fee is $30 per person.

Runners can register now at www.active.com.

A portion of race proceeds benefits the Florida Keys Community College youth swim program and other local charities.

For additional information go online to www.keywesthalfmarathon.com.

___

(c)2011 the Hernando Today (Brooksville, Fla.)

Visit the Hernando Today (Brooksville, Fla.) at www.HernandoToday.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services