Sports
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Rick's Repair Service defender Alex Wright stops a through ball during recent MAYSO soccer action at G.T. Bray Park in Bradenton.
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Soccer season rolls on for some Islanders
by Kevin Cassidy
Islander Correspondent
Aside from the upcoming holiday indoor soccer tournament at the Anna Maria Island Community Center, soccer season has come to an end for most Islanders - although not for Alex Wright and Miles Hostetler. Both are members of Rick's Repair Services, an under-14 competitive traveling team that plays in the West Coast League.
To be fair, it needs to be pointed out that the majority of the players on Rick's Repair Services team are eligible to play under-13, but there weren't enough teams in that age group to field a league so the members of Rick's are basically playing up a year in competition.
Due in part to the age discrepancy and also to some really strong teams playing in the West Coast League, wins have been hard to come by for Rick's, but that hasn't derailed the enthusiasim of coach Bill Lofthouse. "We haven't won too many games, but these boys have played pretty good soccer against some quality opposition."
Wright and Hostetler, who both played in the Anna Maria Island Community Center soccer league are firmly entrenched in the starting lineup for Lofthouse.
"Miles has played well for me in the midfield all season long, while Alex has played strong defense from his left back position."
Strong defense indeed. During Saturday's 5-0 loss to Florida Premier, Wright, Hostetler and their mates were under siege for most of the first half, yet trailed by only a 1-0 score.
That's due in part to strong play from goalie Austin Lofthouse, who received stellar defensive support from Wright, sweeper Jordan Patterson, Joseph McDowell and Dustin Fallgren.
Unfortunately for Rick's Repair Services, Florida Premier continued the offensive pressure in the second half and came away with four goals to put the game away.
Other members of Rick's Repair Services team are Will Atwood, Jose Barragan, Ryan Blair, Matt Kuhlman, Chris Larson, Sebastian Lopez, Zach MacArthur, Chris Stone and Harrison Walker.
Holiday soccer tourney registrations open
The Anna Maria Island Community Center's 11th annual holiday indoor soccer tournament is now accepting registration for boy and girl teams ages 6-14. There will be four age divisions starting with under 8, under 10, under 12 and under 14. Cost for entering a team in the double-elimination tournament is $100, including 6-12 players. Each participant receives a tournament T-shirt and trophies are awarded members of winning teams and team MVPs in each age group will also be awarded.
The tournament will be played Dec. 12-21 evenings from 5 to 10 p.m. in the Center gymnasium and Center indoor soccer rules apply.
Due to the increased popularity of this event, each age division is limited to the first six teams that sign up and teams to supply their own shirts of the same color to play. Deadline for registration is Thursday, Dec. 9, at 9 p.m.
For more information, contact Andy Jonatzke at 778-1908.
Cheerleaders registering
With the Anna Maria Island Community Center's basketball season starting up, cheerleaders are needed. Prospective cheerleaders can sign up at the Center, Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The Center is also hosting a free cheerleading clinic from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1, at the Center gym. For more information, contact the Center at 778-1908. |
