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Youth and experience take football championship

Youth and experience take football championship

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Football, Sports.

Quarantine delays pushed the end of the spring adult co-ed flag football season almost into the summer, with the final games played last Thursday night at The Center.

After threats of rain, in high humidity, team Firkins Automotive eked out the win in the championship game to end another football season, with the final score 26-25. In the final seconds of the game an extra point conversion kept the game from going into overtime play.

Moss Builders may have finished second, but the all-around talent and veteran experience of the squad made the team the favorite going into the match-up.

Team captain Ryan Moss had three passing touchdowns in the game, with his scoring targets Jordan DeMers and Dina Calvary. Calvary had eight receptions in the game. Moss brother Jon had two catches including an extra point conversion.

Teammate Bradley Coleman had the football hit his hands twice for yardage. On defense he made a huge play with an interception that he ran back for a touchdown.

The efforts of Moss Builders could not stop Firkins Automotive’s enthusiastic play.

The youthful squad was smartly led by Jason Sato, who has played in the league since its inception, along with Chase Richardson, who has played in area leagues for years. With three touchdown passes in the statistic books, Sato threw the extra point pass that sealed the deal for Firkins.

Cory Banks and Matt Briley had extra point catches to their credit in the big game. Richardson made a TD reception, along with teammates Briley and Banks to put a total of 26 points on the scoreboard to win the championship game.

Slim’s Place wins ‘COVID Cup’

Slim’s Place wins ‘COVID Cup’

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Soccer, Sports.

Coming back after COVID quarantine and social distancing, adult indoor soccer started back on the small outdoor field only to be forced back inside last week thanks to tropical disturbance rainstorms.

With the soccer action back inside, both team Slim’s Place and team Duncan Real Estate dominated in their games against Sato Real Estate and Gulfview Windows and Doors, respectively.

In the semifinal game, Slim’s Place won the game 12-4, with goals by Josh Sato, Sean Flynn, Ben Sato and Erin Felipe. J. Sato was credited with 22 saves in the game.

Diego Felipe and Kevin Roman both had four goals in the game for Slim’s Place. Brayan Felipe and Yuri Pereira helped with the scoring and the win by putting the soccer ball in the net. B. Felipe scored one goal, while Pereira scored three goals.

Handing Gulfview Windows and Doors a goose egg loss, Joey Hutchinson and Ach Lieb both put four points on the scoreboard for Duncan Real Estate. Single goals by Damir Glavan and Zach Long solidified the championship game slot for their team.

The goalkeepers were busy in the semifinal games. In addition to J. Sato’s saves, Gulfview’s Brandin Holcomb had 19 saves in the game against Duncan.

Robb Marshall worked in the goal for Duncan Real Estate marking at least 22 saves in the win. Mark Long, brother of Zach, protected his next with a recorded 21 saves as his team went on to play in the championship game.

Long’s saving ways continued in the championship game against Duncan Real Estate with 22 saves. Marshall, M. Long’s counterpart on the Duncan Real Estate squad, had 24 saves in the final game of the season.

Once again Hutchinson and Lieb were the high scorers for Duncan Real Estate. Single shots sailed into the net to put up points by Jenna Steininger, Glavan and Z. Long.

Slim’s Place’s high scorer Roman nailed six shots that were turned into points for his team, as Marshall could not stop the shots. D. Felipe scored four points, with two by B. Felipe and singles by Pereira and PJ Smargisso, giving their team the big W.

With the win, Slim’s Place team members were named the first COVID Cup champions.

Adult co-ed flag football is coming to an end. On Thursday, June 11 at 8:30 a.m., the adult flag football championship is scheduled to match up the winner of the semifinal action that night between the winner of the #3 seed Lancaster Design and #4 Firkins Automotive pairing, and the winner of the top-ranked Moss Builders and Captain Sky Cruises.

The Center receives financial help

The Center receives financial help

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Center of Anna Maria Island, Community News, Holmes Beach.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The Center of Anna Maria Island’s finances are turning around thanks to support from dozens of donors over a few days.

In a May 2 letter, Executive Director Chris Culhane said the week ended with more than $91,000 in donations, helping to quickly reopen The Center’s doors when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted without sacrificing programming.

“The Board of Directors, the staff and I are blown away and beyond grateful,” Culhane said in the letter. “I would like to personally thank each and every one of you for The Center’s continued success.”

During the week of April 27, The Center participated in the Giving Partner Challenge, finished the Carter Challenge, had the Melancon Challenge and received a donation from the city of Holmes Beach.

The Giving Challenge offered a dollar-for-dollar match on funds donated between $25 and $100 over a 24-hour period through the challenge website. The challenge took place from noon on April 29 to noon on April 30. At the end of the challenge, The Center came in at 38 out of 678 participating area nonprofits with $76,938 in donations and $14,108 in matching funds to end the day at $91,046. The Melancon Challenge, created by Holmes Beach residents Mary Catherine and Mark Melancon, matched donations received through the Giving Challenge up to $10,000.

The Carter Challenge, created by Anna Maria residents Bob and Carol Carter, ended at the same time as the Giving Challenge but matched donations of $1,000 or more given directly to The Center up to $10,000. The ladies of the Roser Church Women’s Guild stepped up and donated $1,100 to The Center during the Carter Challenge on April 30.

On April 28, Holmes Beach commissioners voted four to one, with Commissioner Jim Kihm dissenting, to donate $22,500 to The Center for the 2019-20 fiscal year. The amount is the city’s budgeted customary annual donation to the nonprofit.

During the virtual meeting, Culhane spoke on The Center’s behalf, stating that the nonprofit typically needs $200,000 to make up revenue shortfalls from July through December. Before the COVID-19 crisis, which forced the nonprofit to shut its doors to the community in March, Culhane said it was estimated that The Center would end its fiscal year June 30 with $190,000 in the bank. With the loss of memberships, fundraisers and other programming, he told city commissioners that the new estimate is to end the year with $40,000-50,000, far short of the needed funds.

Now, with the funds raised through the various challenges, city donation and the anticipated receipt in a few months of a $150,000 donation from the estate of a private donor who passed away, The Center should be on good financial footing entering the 2020-21 fiscal year July 1.

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Youth flag football finals names three champions

Youth flag football finals names three champions

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Football, Sports.

ANNA MARIA – The youth flag football winter season came to a close March 10 with the three championship games played at The Center of Anna Maria Island. Of the six teams that played, only three would be named the victors.

In the eight-to 10-year old league, HSH Designs came out on top with a 39-16 victory over Cool Today.

Cool Today’s Peyton Hovda had two rushing touchdowns in the game and was named the league’s male MVP for the season. Hovda also completed a two-point conversion reception for his team.

The league’s female MVP, HSH’s Savanna Coba, caught two passes, one for six points.

In addition to being named Most Improved Player, Noah Rigney made a catching touchdown, along for an extra point, for HSH Designs.

Cale Rudacille was voted the recipient of the Sportsmanship Award for the season.

Bailey Cain scored two points for Cool Today with a two-point play. Teammate Chad Nunez made two catches in the game.

Earning the win, Connor Samblis made a rushing touchdown for HSH Designs. Charlie Neri, in the quarterback position, recorded three passing throws.

HSH’s Chase Signor made a touchdown catch to add to his two additional receptions in the game.

Contributing to the offensive game for HSH Designs, Sterling Holiday finished the championship game with three grabs.

Ugly Grouper took home the big win against Slim’s Place in the 11-to 13-year old league.

Slim’s Place’s JM Feeney scored a rushing touchdown and was named the male MVP. Gabriella Gilbert had a running score herself for Ugly Grouper. Gilbert was voted the female MVP for the predominantly middle school league.

Despite the loss, Jaxon Rush caught the football for a touchdown, along with five other big catches. Ben Rigney made a nice catch for Slim’s Place.

With four rushing touchdowns for the win for team Ugly Grouper, Ashton Hovda can be seen as the championship game’s MVP.

Jackson Zoller made four critical receptions for the Ugly Grouper offense in addition to scoring two points in a conversion play. Teammates and brothers Mikey and Frankie Coleman both had catches of their own in the game. M. Coleman had a one-point conversion to add to his team’s scoring.

Ugly Grouper’s scoring was made complete with a touchdown by Brennan Gunter.

Additional league awards went to Matthew Hennesey as the Most Improved Player and Jack Mattick receiving the Sportsmanship award.

In perhaps the most anticipated youth flag football game of the season, Hashmark Sports took the field against MuniPlan.

Playing without their second-round draft choice, Blake Balais, the league’s Quarterback of the Year Tuna McCracken was missing a key target. Despite the deficit, MuniPlan put 19 points on the scoreboard with rushing touchdowns by McCracken.

MuniPlan’s offensive action was spread across the roster with two catches by Tyler Brewer, Morgan Horesh and David Daigle. McCracken caught the football for a single statistic in the game.

In their big win, Hashmark Sports’ Ian Godefry, voted league Most Improved Player, made threw for three touchdowns. Team MVP in the game could be given to Shawn Balvin with five total catches, three for touchdowns. Balvin scored an extra point to add to his game statistics.

Nate Costello, league MVP, and Chance Howard also each scored a touchdown and extra point.

Hashmark Sports’ Noah Costello had two sacks in the game, with brother Nate marking a single sack.

Defensively, Alex McCauley’s interception was a big part of the team’s win against the number one seed team for the championship.

Cole Carter was bestowed the Sportsmanship award in the award ceremony that followed the final game to end another youth flag football season.

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Coronavirus concerns cause event cancellations

Coronavirus concerns prompt event cancellations

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Entertainment, Featured.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – If you were planning on attending an event on Anna Maria Island over the next couple of weeks, your plans may be changing.

Events and programs scheduled to take place through April 17 at the Florida Maritime Museum are canceled or postponed, including all classes at the Folk School, lectures and Music on the Porch.

The city of Anna Maria’s weekly Farmers Market at City Pier Park has been canceled until further notice. The seasonal farmer’s market was scheduled to continue into mid-May.

The Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge in Bradenton Beach is closed until at least Monday, March 23. Queen (of Hearts) sales will not resume until further notice.

Because of the COVID-19 virus, all activities except Mass have been temporarily canceled at St. Bernard Catholic Church, including the blood drive, pancake breakfast, coffee/donuts, adult and youth education, the parish mission and the exercise class. The office will remain open.

The Anna Maria Island Garden Club flower show, scheduled for March 18 at Roser Memorial Community Church, is canceled.

The Grass Roots concert planned to take place at The Center of Anna Maria Island on March 19 has been postponed to December 3 by the Manatee Performing Arts Center. Ticket holders can contact Manatee Performing Arts Center at 941-748-5875 to inquire about refunds. Tickets for the show are still on sale and previously purchased tickets will be valid for the new date. The Center of Anna Maria Island remains open for regularly scheduled classes, fitness center hours, sports, youth programs and other programming. Operations Director Aris Thompson said that regular updates will be posted on the nonprofit’s social media page. Members also can contact The Center at 941-778-1908 for more information.

The Island Branch Library canceled its book sale, scheduled for March 20 and 21. No reschedule date has been set.

The Center of Anna Maria Island’s 27th Annual Tour of Homes, scheduled for Saturday, March 21, will be postponed until 2021 due to coronavirus concerns. A press release from The Center states that tickets purchased for this year’s Tour, along with raffle tickets for the final Tour quilt, will be good next year. Ticket’s purchased for the quilt drawing will be included in next year’s drawing.

West Manatee Fire Rescue commissioners have canceled their upcoming March 24 meeting. Their next meeting will take place at 6 p.m. on April 21 with a budget workshop at 5 p.m.

The March 30 Tourist Development Council meeting has been canceled; the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau is expected to announce the rescheduled meeting soon.

The Beach’n Food Truck & Music Festival scheduled for Saturday, April 11 at City Field in Holmes Beach has been postponed. Event organizers are expected to provide future updates and/or a future rescheduled date.

Manatee County School District students will be getting an extra week of spring break until Monday, March 30 with employees returning to work March 23. All extracurricular activities and sports also are canceled until March 30.

Amid coronavirus concerns, the Holmes Beach Art Walk scheduled for Friday, March 13 was canceled. Both the Artist’s Guild Gallery and Island Gallery West remain open to customers during business hours as does the newly reopened Sand Dollar gift shop.

The Anna Maria Island Privateers postponed their March 14 Thieves Market in response to concerns about the spread of coronavirus. The new date for the outdoor market is April 11 at Coquina Beach.

Health concerns also prompted parade organizer, Sean Murphy of The Beach Bistro, to postpone the 21st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Holmes Beach. In a March 12 Facebook post on the Bistro’s page, it was noted that the parade will be rescheduled for later in the year. The parade was previously scheduled to take place Sunday, March 15.

The Island Players closed their theater doors after performances on Sunday, March 15. The theater will reopen for the final show of the 2019-20 season, “Death by Design,” on April 30. The play runs through May 10. For ticketholders for performances of the current show, “Leading Ladies,” contact the box office for a refund for shows scheduled after March 15.

The Off Stage Ladies also announced that their April 8 meeting is canceled.

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Real estate in the time of coronavirus

Excitement in The Center gym with indoor soccer

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Soccer, Sports.

After a forfeit by Sato Real Estate, giving Slim’s Place a win in the adult indoor soccer league, Gulfview Windows and Doors won their match-up against Ross Built Construction by five goals, finishing with a 13-8 score.

Goalies Max Gazzo and Brandin Holcomb were neck and neck with 17 and 18 saves, respectively. But Brandin and his team came out on top.

Gulfview’s team captain, Keith Mahoney, had four goals in the game with Jessica Williams and John Haggerty each with one.

Connor Bystrom scored five points for the Ross Built team. The indoor soccer ball found the goal once for teammate Chris Chicaro to round out the team’s scoring.

Joey Hutchinson’s Duncan Real Estate team took the win against Chris Klotz and Pool America last Tuesday night.

Both teams spread out the goalkeeping efforts. Klotz had 13 saves in the game, with Andrew Sullivan and Olaf Krause making a combined 12 saves for Pool America.

Hutchinson kept the soccer ball out of the net eight times, while Robb Marshall, Cole Peterson and Zach Lieb made saves of their own.

Lieb was the high scorer of the game with six goals. Hutchison had four of his own, with Jenna Steininger, Damir Glavan, Zack Long and Peterson each having solo strikes that got by the Pool America goalie.

In their loss, Pool America’s Gerardo Urbiola scored three times, Klotz scored two goals and Omar Polar put it in the net once, giving the team their six goals.

The youth flag football league came to an end this week with championship play on Tuesday night.

Excitement in The Center gym with indoor soccer
Ugly Grouper’s Tristan Szabo works to move past Ray’s Ramblings Jesse Griffin on the gridiron at The Center. – Monica Simpson | Sun

In the 8- to 10-year-old league, HSH Designs, the second seed team, matched up against fifth seed Cool Today.

Third place Slim’s Place took the field with fourth-place finishers of the regular season Ugly Grouper in the 11- to 13-year-old league championship game.

In the final game of the season, the top two teams in the 14- to 17-year-old league met one last time on the gridiron at The Center to claim the ultimate win.

Sun Scoreboard

Monday, March 2
Adult Co-Ed Volleyball

Sandbar                                                  13        14

Ugly Grouper (3-3)                              25        25

 

Bins Be Clean                                        13        13

Solid Rock Construction (6-0)             25        25

 

Sandbar (0-6)                                        25        20        9

Bins Be Clean (3-2)                              20        25        15

Tuesday, March 3
Youth Flag Football
8- to 10-year-old league – semi-final

Cool Today 20

Moss Builders 37

 

HSH Designs 23

Diamond Turf 18

 

11- to 13-year-old league – semi-final

Slim’s Place 20

Solid Rock Construction 14

 

Ugly Grouper 13

Progressive Cabinetry 2

 

14- to 17-year-old league – semi-final

Hashmark Sports 28

Killer Bait 6

 

MuniPlan 26

Gulf Drive Café 0

 

Wednesday, March 4
Adult Co-Ed Flag Football

Ugly Grouper (0-5) 8

Beach Bums (3-2) 46

 

Capt. Sky Cruises (1-4) 27

Firkins Automotive (3-2) 32

 

Moss Builders (4-1) 16

Lancaster Designs (4-1) 42

 

Rays Ramblings (3-2) 28

Slim’s Place (2-3) 13

 

Thursday, March 5
Adult Co-Ed Indoor Soccer

Slim’s Place (2-1) W by forfeit

Sato Real Estate (1-2) L

 

Gulfview Windows (1-2) 13

Ross Built Construction (0-3) 8

 

Duncan Real Estate (3-0) 14

Pool America (2-1) 6

Sports action at The Center heating up

Sports action at The Center heating up

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Football, Soccer, Sports, Volleyball.

The recreational sports program at The Center is in full swing for the Anna Maria Island area youth as well as the adults. The field and hard court at the community center are filled with volleyball, indoor soccer or flag football action.

In last Monday night’s adult volleyball matches, Solid Rock Construction retained their undefeated record by beating Sandbar and Ugly Grouper.

Ugly Grouper ended the week with a 0-4 record. Ugly Grouper and Bins Be Clean sit in the middle of the pack.

Youth flag football lit up the fields Tuesday night. Playing their seventh and final week of the regular season, Moss Builders came out on top with one defeat going into the playoffs in the eight-to 10-year old league.

HSH Designs and Diamond Turf are the second and third seed, respectively, with 4-2 records.

Diamond Turf went up against Beach Bums and finished with the win.

In the win, quarterback Carson Clover had three throwing touchdowns. Clover found Maddox Culhane and Mason Moss as the receivers.

Culhane had one rushing touchdown to be matched by a running score by Clover.

Hayden Eurice was at the top of his game for Beach Bums, finishing the game with two catches for points and a running touchdown.

Dennis Gallagher worked behind the snap as the quarterback for the Beach Bums squad. Gallagher put two passing touchdowns in the statistics.

Beach Bums and Cool Today both won three of their six match-ups, while Rays Ramblings earned two victories in the regular season.

In the 11-to 13-year old flag football league, Progressive Cabinetry and Solid Rock Construction sit one and two on the leader board. Slim’s Place is in third place with three wins and four losses. Ugly Grouper look for their first win in the season.

With a late bye week, MuniPlan currently is at the top of the 14-to 17-year old league with a 5-1 record. Hashmark Sports plays this week and could even up the score with MuniPlan.

Killer Bait is in third with Ugly Grouper holding on to fourth with a single win. Gulf Drive Café is still fighting for win number one.

Week two of the adult indoor soccer league finished with Pool America and Duncan Real Estate on top with two wins. Sato Real Estate and Slim’s Place both have 1-1 records.

Going into week three, Ross Built Construction and Gulfview Café take the field playing for their teams’ first victory.

The adult flag football league has veteran wisdom going for them with Moss Builders undefeated at the season’s midpoint.

The youthful team sponsored by Lancaster Design is in second with a single loss. Ugly Grouper has a 0-4 record and Capt. Sky Cruises is in seventh with a win and three losses.

Beach Bums, Firkins Automotive, Rays Ramblings and Slim’s Place all go into week five winning two of the four games played to round out the week of Island sports.

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Solid Rock Construction undefeated in volleyball

Solid Rock Construction undefeated in volleyball

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Sports, Volleyball.

To start the week of sports at The Center, Solid Rock Construction continued to dominate on the volleyball court. Winning both games against Bins Be Clean, the Solid Rock squad ended their night undefeated with a record of 3-0.

While Solid Rock Construction works to defend its last season championship win, the Ugly Grouper team is a close second with a single match loss.

Team Bins Be Clean ended last week’s action with a 1-2 record, while the Sandbar group continues to fight for its first win of the season.

In youth flag football, three teams top the charts in the 8- to 10-year-old league with four wins. Swordfish Grill & Tiki Bar still seeks its first victory.

Also hoping to put a W in the statistic book is Team Ugly Grouper with a 0-6 record in the 11- to 13-year-old football league. Progressive Cabinetry is at the top of the charts with only one loss so far this season.

Tied for first place in the 14- to 17-year-old league are MuniPlan and Hashmark Sports flag football teams. The player/coach lead team sits on top having beaten the Hashmark squad a few weeks ago.

With no wins yet this season, the Gulf Drive Café team had a bye last week.

The adults on the gridiron played their third game of the season last week. Moss Builders is on top with a 3-0 record. Team Ugly Grouper goes into week four with no wins to its name so far in the season.

The remaining six teams have one or two losses. Midweek records should see the mid-range teams shake out, while everyone is chasing the Moss Builders team.

Sun Scoreboard

Monday, Feb. 10
Adult Co-ed Volleyball

Bins Be Clean                           17             13

Solid Rock Construction             25             25

 

Sandbar                                   16             15

Ugly Grouper                            25             25

 

Sandbar                                   21             25        15

Bins Be Clean                           25             22        17

 

Tuesday, Feb. 11
Youth Flag Football
8- to 10-year-old league

Rays Ramblings (2-4) 38

Cool Today (2-3)  32

 

Swordfish Grill & Tiki Bar (0-5)  6

Diamond Turf (4-2) 38

 

HSH Designs (4-1) 12

Beach Bums (3-2)  22

 

11- to 13-year-old league

Solid Rock Construction (4-2) 7

Progressive Cabinetry (5-1) 19

 

Slim’s Place (3-3)  20

Ugly Grouper (0-6) 18

 

14- to 17-year-old league

Ugly Grouper (1-4)  7

Hashmark Sports (4-1)  51

 

MuniPlan (4-1)  26

Killer Bait (3-2) 27

 

Wednesday, Feb. 13
Adult Co-Ed Indoor Soccer

Sato Real Estate  7

Pool America  8

 

Slim’s Place  8

Gulfview Windows  7

 

Ross Built Construction  5

Duncan Real Estate  13

 

Adult Co-ed Flag Football

Slim’s Place  44

Ugly Grouper  40

 

Capt. Sky Cruises  19

Moss Builders   42

 

Lancaster Designs  21

Rays Ramblings  34

 

Firkins Automotive  26

Beach Bums  27

Volley, goals and sacks in full swing at The Center

Volley, goals and sacks in full swing at The Center

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Football, Soccer, Sports.

Two adult sports leagues started up the season last week at The Center of Anna Maria Island.

Adult volleyball arrived on the hardcourt with Solid Rock Construction out to defend the championship title. At the end of the night, the family team came out on top, winning two matches.

The first games of the adult indoor soccer season heated up the gym for its second season since the sports comeback last year.

The night included lots of shooting and amazing saves. Pool America came out on top in the match-up against Sato Real Estate, finishing the game with the score at 8-7.

With Josh Sato playing as the primary goalie and 22 saves, backup goalie Sean Flynn logged six saves and three goals in the Sato Real Estate loss on week one.

Sato’s sister-in-law, Lexi, along with Oliver Petereit had single goals in the game. Ben Sato, Josh’s brother, put two points on the scoreboard to keep the game close.

Team Pool America got its first win with Chris Klotz in the goal with 14 saves. Omar Polar and Andrew Sullivan both had multiple saves as relief to Klotz.

Sullivan also hit three soccer balls into the net, matching teammate Olaf Krause.

Chris Scott got his two shots past the Sato Real Estate defense and goalie to secure the win.

In the second indoor game of the season, Slim’s Place topped Gulfview Windows, with a final score of 8-7.

Gulfview’s Brandin Holcomb and Ryan Moss had 14 and 16 saves, respectively, in the game. Keith Mahoney, Jessica Williams and John Haggerty all put points on the scoreboard for their team.

Putting a win in the record books, Diego Felipe, for Slim’s Place, had 15 saves. Steve Oelfke earned eight saves for his team.

The Slim’s Place scoring came from Felipe, Kevin Roman and Mark Long, each with two goals. Felipe’s brother, Brayan, and Oelfke each had a solo goal in the nail-biting game.

Ross Built Construction’s loss to Duncan Real Estate was in the hands of former Ross Built goalie Robb Marshall.

Marshall’s 22 recorded saves along with Zach Lieb’s six goals gave Duncan Real Estate its victory. Duncan’s win came with the help of scoring by Jenna Steininger and Damir Glavin, with two goals each and Cole Peterson’s single.

Joey Hutchison’s two goals and six saves in the game sparked and solidified the win.

Ross Built Construction’s squad made Duncan work for the game. In the goal, Max Gazzo and Nate Talucci shut down 29 shots.

Teammates Chris Circharo, Greg Ross and Ryan Hogan each struck and scored. Gazzo topped off his 18 saves with two goals in the Ross Built team loss to end the first night of indoor competition.

Sun Scoreboard

Monday, Feb. 3

Adult Co-Ed Volleyball

Ugly Grouper                        25             25

Bins Be Clean                       16             16

 

Solid Rock Construction        25             25

Sandbar                              11             8

 

Solid Rock Construction        22             25        15

Ugly Grouper                       25             13        9

 

Tuesday, Feb. 4

Youth Flag Football

Eight- to 10-year-old league

HSH Designs                            24

Diamond Turf                           18

 

Swordfish Grill & Tiki Bar           0

Cool Today                               30

 

Moss Builders                          13

Rays Ramblings                        6

11- to 13-year-old league

Solid Rock Construction            32

Slim’s Place                             18

 

Ugly Grouper                           12

Progressive Cabinetry               26

14- to 17-year-old league

MuniPlan                                   8

Hashmark Sports                       0

 

Gulf Drive Café                          14

Ugly Grouper                             33

 

Thursday, Feb. 6

Adult Co-Ed Indoor Soccer

Sato Real Estate                        7

Pool America                             8

 

Slim’s Place                                8

Gulfview Windows                       7

 

Ross Built Construction                5

Duncan Real Estate                    13

 

Adult Co-Ed Flag Football

Lancaster Designs                      28

Ugly Grouper                               6

 

Beach Bums                              33

Rays Ramblings                         32

 

Slim’s Place                               34

Capt. Sky Cruises                      33

 

Moss Builders                            38

Firkins Automotive                     26

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Flag football fun at The Center

Flag football fun at The Center

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Football, Sports.

With their win over Swordfish, HSH Designs continues to be at the top of the rankings in the 8- to 10-year-old flag football league.

Connor Samblis, Savanna Coba, Chase and Lucas Signor and Sterling Holiday did the scoring for HSH Designs to help the team retain their undefeated season.

Progressive Cabinetry continues to lead the 11- to 13-year-old league with no losses in the books so far this season.

Ava and Payton Harlan scored touchdowns for Progressive Cabinetry in their win against Slim’s Place. Tyler Benjamin made a TD reception along with pick-six. Kenneth Nieding and Luke Bowes were credited with extra points in the game.

The 14- to 17-year-old group is led by two undefeated teams, MuniPlan and Hashmark Sports with 3-0 records.

Hashmark Sports maintained its flawless record by beating Kill Bait 42-13 with scoring by Shawn Balvin, Nate and Noah Costello, Alex McCauley, Chance Hayward and Ian Godefry.

In the loss, Killer Bait’s Julius Petereit, Cole Carter and Dalton Guthrie put points on the scoreboard.

MuniPlan’s scoring in their win against Gulf Drive Café was done by Blake Balais and Morgan Horesh.

Anthony Nguyen, Austin Bivona and Evan Christenson put up Gulf Drive Café’s 13 points.

In the first co-ed adult flag football game of the season, Firkins Automotive had a dominating game against Slim’s Place with the score 64-20. Matt Briley had two pick sixes in the game, with additional scoring by Chase Richardson, Tim Holly and Cory Banks.

Team captain and quarterback Tim Shaughnessy threw for three touchdowns to brother-in-law Caleb Roberts and Matteo Ferris.

Captain Sky Cruises won by 28 points against Ugly Grouper. Connor Haughey, Brandin Holcomb and Dominick Otteni scored for their team’s victory.

Ugly Grouper’s Keith McQuillen scored the only touchdown for his team during the second game last Thursday night.

In a nail biter, Moss Builders took the win in the last seconds of the game against Rays Ramblings. Winning by one point, Ryan and Jon Moss both threw touchdown passes, and each scored for their squad.

Ending the game before Rays Ramblings could make the winning TD, Moss Builders’ Dina Calvary made the game-ending sack on Danny Murphy with no time on the clock and third down.

The last game of the night was a close one, with a two-point win by Lancaster Designs. Beach Bums’ scoring by Jaret Rojas, Matthew Manger and Octavious Cole just was not enough.

Brandon Kull threw two scoring passes in the game to Cameron Kawcaki and Greg Hereikbo. Kull’s pick and run to the end zone along with Kawcaki’s extra point put much-needed points on the scoreboard to end the night of football at the Island’s community center.

Sun Scoreboard

Tuesday, Jan. 28
Youth Flag Football

 

8- to 10-year-old league

 

Moss Builders 28

Diamond Turf 6

 

Rays Ramblings 6

Beach Bums 13

 

Swordfish Grill & Tiki Bar 0

HSH Designs46

 

11- to 13-year-old league

 

Progressive Cabinetry 32

Slim’s Place 20

 

Solid Rock Construction 34

Ugly Grouper 16

 

14- to 17-year-old league

 

MuniPlan 23

Gulf Drive Café 13

 

Killer Bait 13

Hashmark Sports 42

Team Rays Ramblings capture their first win of the season

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Football, Sports.

After two weeks of youth flag football play at The Center, three teams remain undefeated with two wins in the record books. In the eight- to 10-year-old age group, HSH Designs defeated Moss Builders for their second win in the season.

Solid Rock Construction was victorious against Slim’s Place in the 11- to 13-year-old league.

Playing with an injured Tuna McCracken, MuniPlan let back up quarterbacks run the plays in the 14- to 17-year-old division win against Ugly Grouper, remaining unbeaten.

In each of the age group leagues, three teams hold 1-0 records, with their bye week already completed: Diamond Turf, Progressive Cabinetry, and Hashmark Sports.

Looking for their first win of the season after a critical first game loss, Rays Ramblings took to the field knowing that learning from their losses lead to stronger players, a better team, and eventually a win.

In a huge team effort, Rays Ramblings put up 13 quick points to start the game.

Unfortunate bobbles by the Swordfish Grill & Tiki Bar squad gave the football back to the Ramblings offense without putting any points up on the scoreboard.

With an extra point catch by Drew Buky after another TD, Ramblings was up 20-0.

Failing to execute on offense, with a seven-second violation called on the Swordfish quarterback, Ramblings quickly took it to the end zone with a Reef Marin score, advancing the score to 26-0.

Rays Ramblings’ Reef Marin made four receptions for three receiving touchdowns. Teammate Kellan Hunt caught the fourth scoring pass by quarterback Jack McCarthy.

Joseph Bramurov scored the only rushing TD for Rays Ramblings. Rounding out the team win, Ismael Garcia and Drew Buky made huge catches to help the squad move the football down the field into scoring position.

Buky had two extra-point catches in the game, with an additional point conversion reception by Hunt.

In the second half of the game, Swordfish Grill skillfully put eight points on the board with a rushing touchdown by Dylan Sato. Sato’s teammate Nixon Connor sacked Ramblings quarterback giving the team a safety and two points in the game.

Rounding out the Swordfish statistics were catches by Cale Rudacille, Troy Jones and Colin Bankert, adding to the receptions by Connor and Sato.

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Youth gridiron action starts the new year at The Center

 

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Gulfview Windows to meet Ugly Grouper

Youth gridiron action starts the new year at The Center

Youth gridiron action starts the new year at The Center

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Football, Sports.

The ringing in of the new year brought in 2020 and a new season of youth flag football at The Center of Anna Maria Island.

In addition to the football clinics for the youngest ballers, the area boys and girls ranging in age between eight and 17 years old officially started another season on the gridiron last week.

Six games were played, with the winners feeling the wind under their wings with excitement and the teams that came up short learning valuable lessons with the sport. With many games left to play, some standouts became apparent.

In the eight-to 10-year old league, HSH’s Connor Samblis and Savanna Coba made huge plays for their team. Samblis with three recorded receptions, two receiving touchdowns and a pick-six to be included with his two passing touchdowns could be noted as the team MVP.

Coba had two receptions including one for a score in the game. Scoring for HSH included touchdowns by Charlie Neri and Lucas Signor.

Team Rays Ramblings worked hard on the field and held their heads up high despite the loss against HSH with two touchdown passes by Jack McCarthy. Reef Marin was credited with receiving touchdowns in the game, along with six catches by Joseph Bramurov.

In Moss Builders’ win against Beach Bums, Gavin Lyssy had two passing touchdowns and a scoring catch of his own. Ewen Cloutier caught the football for three touchdowns and Cyrus Ryan made a two-point conversion reception.

Despite the loss, Beach Bums’ Hayden Eurice had four catches including one putting six points on the scoreboard for his team.

The only 11-13 age group game last week was between Ugly Grouper and Solid Rock Construction. Coming out on top, Solid Rock’s Evan Talucci caught a touchdown pass to help his team with the win.

On the other side of the field, Frankie Coleman scored, while teammate Aiden Templeton had an interception and took it to the end zone for Ugly Grouper.

The Hashmark Sports defense took advantage of a rocky passing game by Ugly Grouper in the 11-14 flag league, with four interceptions for touchdowns. Shawn Balvin, for Hashmark Sports, had a receiving touchdown and a pick-six.

Teammate Nate Costello snagged the reception on defense for two scoring interceptions and an offensive touchdown reception as well. Alex McCauley grabbed the fourth interception taking it down the field for a score for his team. Chance Hayward scored 12 points for Hashmark in the 54-point win with Ian Godefry noted as the quarterback with three touchdown throws.

Defensively Ugly Grouper’s Jonah Durst and Ethan Brown both had interceptions. Kolby Petrin caught five passes with the remaining members of the roster each having at least one catch in the game.

In the final game of the night, MuniPlan took the win spreading the catches among the team from Tuna McCracken, Tyler Brewer and Fisher Dahlman. Brewer also had six catches in the game with one for a touchdown, along with four for Morgan Horesh including an extra point.

Teammate David Daigle was credited with two touchdown catches in the win against Killer Bait.

Killer Bait’s sole touchdown came from a Ben Barreda throw to Jackson Hayes. Hayes had five catches in the game, with four in the books for Silas Banyas.

Related coverage

 

The Center Champions: Blalock Walters, Gulfview win it all

 

Gulfview Windows to meet Ugly Grouper

 

Hutchinson and Ivin top charts going into playoffs

Reef project helps filter local waters

Reef project helps filter local waters

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Center of Anna Maria Island, Community News.

BRADENTON BEACH – A windy, cloudy afternoon didn’t stop the father-son team of David and David Wolff from coming out to the dock behind the Bridge Tender Inn Dec. 20 to install four mini reefs as a part of The Center’s Go Green initiative.

The four reefs were only a part of the six reefs purchased by the Bridge Tender’s owner, Fred Bartizal, who purchased two additional reefs to be placed in the water near his home.

In a statement emailed to The Sun, Bartizal said, “The Bridge Tender Inn takes great pride in going green. Everyone should be doing it; it is essential for the earth and future generations.” He added that the restaurant participates in recycling and is switching over to biodegradable napkins, straws, cutlery and to-go containers.

David Wolff Jr. carries two of the mini reefs down the dock to be installed at the Bridge Tender Inn. – Kristin Swain | Sun

The mini reefs, the brainchild of David Wolff of Ocean Habitats LLC, are made almost exclusively of sustainable materials designed to hold around 150 pounds with a lifespan of 10-15 years. The reefs are installed underneath docks, attached by floating marine ropes, and bob just underneath the surface where they provide a home for fish and other marine life. Ocean Habitat’s mini reefs can be used in salt and brackish water. They filter over 30,000 gallons of water per day and can provide a nursery home for fish and crabs, producing around 300 fish per year and 200 crabs per year.

Wolff said the idea for the reefs came out of a college research project. Once he shrunk the initial reef down to its current 24x36x24 inch size and rethought all of the materials with longevity and sustainability in mind, he developed the current mini reef and a fish crib to be used in freshwater lakes and ponds.

Though the mini reefs are available through the Ocean Habitats website, they’re also available through The Center of Anna Maria Island at a discounted price, including installation.

David Wolff Jr. secures two of the mini reefs underneath the dock at The Bridge Tender Inn. – Kristin Swain | Sun

The reefs are being made available as a part of The Center’s Go Green campaign, encouraging community members to live a more sustainable life while also supporting the nonprofit. Each reef can be purchased for $350 with $150 going to support The Center’s annual fund. Through Jan. 15, a private donor is sponsoring a donation match up to $130,000, so any reefs purchased by the deadline produces an additional $150 donation for a total of $300 back to The Center.

Center Director of Development Jim McDaniel said that as of Dec. 20, 52 mini reefs had been purchased and were planned to be installed around Anna Maria Island by the New Year. He said an additional four were in-process. The goal, he said, is to not only see what kind of positive impact these mini reefs can have on local waters but also to see how many new donors will come forward to help out The Center.

Once all of the reefs are installed, McDaniel said The Center plans to create a map of the reef locations and hopefully will be able to use the project for research purposes in the future.

For people who want a different, but still tangible, way to support The Center, there’s the Giving Reef, located in the nonprofit’s lobby. For the Giving Reef, program directors priced and placed tags with items needed, from soccer balls to new fitness equipment, on the reef. Anyone can come in, find something that they feel passionate about supporting or that fits into their budget and provide the funds to purchase that item. McDaniel said that items range from about $130 to $3,500 and are all currently included in The Center’s budget. By community members purchasing those items, those budgeted funds can go back into the annual fund for use in other areas or for saving for the future of the nonprofit.

For more information on the mini reefs and the Giving Reef, visit The Center online.

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The Center Champions: Blalock Walters, Gulfview win it all

The Center Champions: Blalock Walters, Gulfview win it all

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Basketball, Soccer, Sports.

Last week saw the close of both the adult basketball season and the co-ed adult soccer season at The Center with two championship games.

After a night of semifinal games, Thursday night on the pitch was built up to be the game of the season, with talent and skill on both sides of the field.

Blalock Walters set the tone of the game in the first half with the first goal by Matt Plummer.

With eight recorded saves in the night, Vintage Beach’s keeper Jason Sato made a beautiful save 10 minutes into the game, sparking excitement in the young team.

The Vintage Beach energy would soon be squashed with a second block goal by Luis Picardo at the 14th minute with the assist by Brooke Capparelli, making the score 2-0.

The Blalock defense smartly prevented shooting opportunities for the league’s high scorer Joseph Hutchinson. Luke Grady, Block’s goalkeeper, made the stop of Hutchinson’s first shot, foreshadowing for the rest of the matchup.

With two minutes left on the scoreboard, Vintage Beach made a run down the field with Cole Peterson dribbling the soccer ball into Blalock territory before passing to Hutchinson who claimed his team’s one and only goal in the game, moving the score to 2-1.

Robert Fellowes made a beautiful ground shot that Sato just could not get to with 90 seconds left in the half.

Holding a two-point lead, the Blalock defense continued to stop Hutchinson and the Vintage offense despite beautiful shots.

Vintage Beach nearly put another point on the board before the end of the half with an amazing near midfield free kick by Zach Reda. Reda’s shot went off the corner of the crossbar, preserving Blalock’s lead going into the second half of the final game of the season.

To start the second half, Blalock Walters’ Fellowes game out shooting, but Sato’s keeper abilities were just too good, stopping the hard shot.

In another Capparelli-Picardo combination run, Picardo shot his team’s fourth goal.

Out of the box, Sato made a smart stop with his knee high, kicking the ball downfield, preventing a Capparelli shot.

Trying to put something together with a little more than eight minutes left in the game, Jenna Steininger gets the soccer ball to the feet of Hutchinson. Hutchinson’s hard shot sailed over the goal.

Vintage Beach maintained a “Never Say Die” mentality on the field until the last whistle. Cody Wright, near the corner on the Blalock side of the field, passed to Clancy Vaughn who had good position in front of the net. Holding on to the ball just a little too long, the Blalock defense moved in preventing the shot.

After many team shooting opportunities and shots that were just a little off, Hutchinson’s next shot was just a little poke toward the goal, making an easy stop by Grady.

The combination of an off night for Hutchinson and a prevent defense by Blalock, the Vintage Beach team just could not find the net, including Reda who had a number of strong strikes.

In the end, the Blalock Walters team was the victor and claimed the Paul “Ace” Hayward Cup for The Center’s 2019 fall season.

In last Wednesday night’s adult basketball action, Gulfview Windows handily defeated the Ugly Grouper squad 59-44 to win the adult basketball championship game at The Center. Gulfview’s JB Shuck was the high scorer of the night with 20 points in the game. Teammate Jordan DeMers was a close second with 19 points.

Last week saw the close of both the adult basketball season and the co-ed adult soccer season at The Center with two championship games.
Blalock Walters won the Hayward Cup. – Monica Simpson | Sun

Dominick Otteni, for Ugly Grouper, was the top scorer for his team with 15 points.

Sun Scoreboard

Wednesday, Dec. 18 – Championship Game

Gulfview Windows 59

Ugly Grouper 44

Wednesday, Dec. 18 – Semifinal Games
Adult Soccer

Vintage Beach 7

Sato Real Estate 6

 

Blalock Walters 7

Flynn Law 2

 

Thursday, Dec. 19 – Championship Game
Adult Soccer

Vintage Beach 1

Blalock Walters 5

Gulfview Windows to meet Ugly Grouper

Gulfview Windows to meet Ugly Grouper

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Basketball, Sports.

As the adult basketball season moves into the playoffs, Ryan Moss, owner of Moss Builders, finds himself playing against his company-sponsored team last Wednesday night as a member of the victorious Gulfview Windows team.

In the first semifinal game of the season, Gulfview tops Moss Builders by 18 points after a slow start. Despite winning the game-starting tip off, Jordan DeMers to JB Shuck, Moss Builders’ Trent Gillis made a layup, giving his team the early lead.

Gillis followed with his first three pointer, widening the lead 5-0. Gulfview Windows’ Ray Gardner got the basketball to Jon Moss with a precise bounce pass leading to a basket. Getting fouled on the shot, Moss went to the line for a single free throw, moving the score to 5-3.

Bradley Coleman, for Moss Builders, made his outside shot for another three, only to be followed by two shots at the line by Shuck for Gulfview. With the score 8-5, Trent Gillis made a layup for Moss Builders. Aggressive defense on the other end of the court put DeMers to the free throw line for two shots. DeMers missed the first one, but hit the second, taking the points to 10-6.

Another outside shot was hit by Moss’ Joey McElfresh, with another good shot by Coleman to give their team a nine-point lead. Gardner’s point shooting heated up with a three point shot with 10 minutes left in the half. He followed with a fast break scoring opportunity putting up a layup and getting fouled in the process.

Sinking his shot, Moss Builders’ lead was decreased to 15-12. McElfresh was called for a foul on Shuck. Shuck’s consistent shooting from the line made it a one-point game with the score 15-14.

Finally taking the lead in the game, Gardner made a nice layup, shifting the momentum of the game. Jacob Kiester attempted his first three point shot that went off the rim. DeMers answered back, making his three pointer, giving Gulfview Windows a 15-19 lead.

Gillis hit a three, and DeMers put two more points in the statistic books. R. Moss scored two points after Gardner took the ball down the court for his first basket of the game. With the scoreboard at 18-23, R. Moss took the basketball under the basket from a pass by DeMers where he was fouled. R. Moss made the first of two free throws, widening the Gulfview lead by six.

Shuck and Gillis each made two point shots for their teams, but Gardner could not hit his outside shot for an additional three Gulfview points. Making both free throw shots at the line, DeMers once again increased Gulfview’s lead with the score 20-28. After strong scoring, the Gulfview defense got confused at its end of the court, allowing Moss Builders to score an easy two points.

Both teams going back and forth down the court, with a strong and successful scoring effort by Moss Builders, ending the half with the score a tight 29-32.

The second half of play started with a three-point shot by Kiester to tie the game 32-32. This spark was short-lived as Gulfview moved the ball to the basket with 14 unanswered points, putting the score to 33-48.

Moss Builders started making its shots again, with two three pointers by Gillis, pushing the score to 39-50. On another scoring streak, Gardner, DeMers, J. Moss and Shuck all put points up on the scoreboard, giving the Gulfview team an 18-point lead.

With the score 41-59, Moss Builders kept pushing to the basket for points. A three-point basket by McElfresh fell through the net. Trying to gain possession of the basketball, Moss Builders started intentionally fouling the Gulfview squad.

Shuck and Gardner both made their free throw shots, ending Gulfview’s scoring with 67 points. Kiester ended the game with a nice three-pointer for Moss Builders to give his team its 48th point.

Gulfview Windows will match up against Ugly Grouper in the championship game at The Center.

SUN SCOREBOARD

Wednesday, Dec. 11

SEMIFINAL GAMES

Moss Builders 49

Gulfview Windows 67

 

Progressive Cabinetry 43

Ugly Grouper 53

Thursday, Dec. 12

QUARTER FINAL GAMES

ADULT SOCCER

Vintage Beach 11

MuniPlan 6

 

Sato Real Estate 12

Moss Builders 2

 

Blalock Walters 5

Vacasa 3

 

Ross Built Construction 5

Flynn Law 6