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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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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.

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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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Hutchinson and Ivin top the charts going into the playoffs

Hutchinson and Ivin top charts going into playoffs

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

The final week of the regular season for the adult soccer league at The Center of Anna Maria Island played out last week with Ross Built Construction taking the win against Vintage Beach in the first game of the night last Thursday, Dec. 5.

Second-seeded Sato Real Estate dominated the pitch against Flynn Law, who was missing key players. Top female league scorer and second overall in the league at just four goals short of first, Amy Ivin, put four goals into the record books along with an assist in the game.

Ivin started the scoring early finding the net twice in the first 10 minutes of the match up giving Sato Real Estate a 2-0 lead.

With five minutes left in the first half of the game, Ivin finds Race Aranda ready to score, advancing the point deficit for Flynn Law with the score 3-0.

Flynn Law looked to be on fire and ready for a second-half come back with a quick goal by Danny Anderson, made possible by an assist by his wife Gina Anderson, against a Sato squad that did not look quick ready for action.

The scoreboard showed a 3-1 Sato Real Estate lead with 15 minutes left in the game when D. Anderson’s corner kick met the feet of Zachary Lieb for the second Flynn Law goal of the game, moving the score to 4-2.

Aranda moved down the field past Goalie of the Year Robb Marshall, for Flynn Law, with 90 saves in the regular season. Aranda found Ivin open allowing her to score her third goal of the game.

Both Ivin and team captain Josh Sato hit the net for Sato Real Estate points and Lieb scored again for the Flynn Law team.

With the score 6-3 with very little time left in the game, Conrado Gomez hit his solo goal, giving his team, Sato Real Estate, a five-point lead.

In the final seconds of the game, Nate Talucci scored the final goal of the game for Sato Real Estate to end the game with the score 8-3.

Top seed Block Walters will face Vacasa, who clinched their first win of the season against Lancaster Design Thursday night. With the loss, Lancaster Design’s season ended.

Sato Real Estate matches up against seventh seed Moss Builders and fourth seed Ross Built Construction hits the field with Flynn Law, finishing fifth in the regular season.

League high scorer and team captain Joey Hutchinson takes his Vintage Beach team into the playoffs against sixth seed Team MuniPlan.

The semifinal round of playoff games are scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. with the championship game to follow on Thursday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m.

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Young and old play the field at The Center

Young and old play the field at The Center

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

From the three- to five-year-old soccer clinic to the 79-year-old Lyn Clarke, The Center has soccer for everyone. Using the little pop-up nets on the small field, the youngest players start loving the game, while the adults on the big field bring their international experiences to the league.

Youth soccer came to an end once again last week with the two championship games won by West Coast Surf Shop for the eight- to 10-year-old league and Lancaster Designs for the older kids in the 11- to 14-year-old league. Both victories came after regulation play in shootouts.

Accolades abounded for both leagues with Brylee Roberts and Luke Dellenger taking the Most Improved Player honors. The goalie of the year awards went to Alexander Teich and Travis Bates.

Protecting their ends of the pitch with impressive moves, earning them the Defensive MVP recognition were Mason Moss and Caden Quimby.

Understanding the importance of respecting the sport and the opponents winning the Sportsmanship award was Braelyn Curtis and Konnor Oelfke.

Female and Male MVP distinctions were given to Savanna Coba and Nixon Connor for the eight- to 10-year-old league, and Abbie Philpott and Thomas Philpott for the 11- to 15-year-old league.

In the adult co-ed soccer league, there is a 60-year age gap between the youngest and oldest players. Each player in the league brings their own talents and experiences to the game.

Brooke Capparelli, playing for the Blalock Walters team, helped her squad beat Ross Built Construction last Wednesday night with an assist. Capparelli, the youngest player in the league, grew up playing soccer at the Island’s community center as a youth.

On the other end of the age spectrum is Clarke, who started the season on the Vacasa team. Clarke, who will soon be 80, put his application into the Guinness World Record as the oldest active competitive soccer player.

In between, there are several players who are over the age of 50 and a growing number of players in their early- to mid-20s, including league top scorers Joey Hutchinson and Amy Ivin.

Top statistical players on the other end of the age spectrum, Damir Glavan and Greg Ross, prove why experience and smart play in the league is just as valuable as young, fast legs.

In Thursday night’s game, Glavan and Ross, playing for Ross Built Construction, had a total of five goals helping their team with the 7-1 win over Lancaster Designs.

As the play continues years down the road, it is very likely that the average age of the league will continue to get older just as new young players join the fun on the field.

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End of the season fun on the little field

End of the season fun on the little field

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

This season’s youth soccer clinic at The Center of Anna Maria Island ended in a fun game of parents versus players for the six-to seven-year-old group last Tuesday night. With Tim Holly, sports program coordinator for the community center, leading the adult team, the oldest of the clinic program players laughed and had fun against their parents in the game that transitions them to the big field.

Sponsored by Bridge Tender, Holly worked with the talented group of young players for six weeks on advanced skills that would prepare them for stronger competition in the next season in the 8- to 10-year-old recreational league.

For the younger Island area kids, The Center’s Associate Director Connor Haughey utilized the old baseball infield to introduce the youngest ballers to the game and basic skills of soccer. The three- to five-year-old clinic, sponsored by Diamond Turf, took to the small pitch during the last seven weeks to learn how to dribble, pass and shoot.

Each season, more children in the area fall in love with the sport of soccer and learn some of the basics on Anna Maria Island at The Center thanks to volunteer coaches, business sponsors and the staff at the community center.

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Flynn versus Flynn: Battles on The Center pitch continue

Flynn versus Flynn: Battles on The Center pitch continue

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

The historical relationship between team sponsor and owner-player has changed over the last few years as the interest in being a business sponsor at The Center has grown, as has the interest in playing the sports.

In the past, for example, Ryan Moss would always play on team Moss Builders. Tyler Lancaster found himself on the Lancaster Designs roster. Team Sato Real Estate has been captained by Josh Sato or one of the other Sato brothers. The Ross Built squad included Greg Ross.

But times have changed and last week Sean Flynn found himself on the opposite side of the pitch against the team bearing his name, team Flynn Law. Representing MuniPlan, Flynn and his teammates fought hard against his namesake team, ending the night with team MuniPlan’s second loss of the season.

Despite goals by Nathan Kragt, Ashley Friszman and Flynn, Flynn Law dominated the field with goals by Danny Anderson, Zachary Lieb, Chris Scott, Nate Welch and Chris Culhane. Murat Akay was credited with a hat trick in the game along with the 14 incredible saves by goalie Robb Marshall.

The loss put MuniPlan in a three-way tie for fourth place halfway through the season with Ross Built Construction and Moss Builders.

Ross Built took the win 12-5 in the last game of the night against Moss Builders. Even with Jordan DeMers’ 11 saves, Kevin Roman’s four goals in the game were just too much for the Moss team.

Chris Chicaro, Greg Ross and Damir Glavin each put up two points in the game, with singles by Connor Bystrom and John Coleman for the win.

Mark Rudacille, Ross’ goalkeeper, had nine saves in the game with another three by Max Gazzo.

On the other side of the field, Moss Builders’ Gerardo Urbiola was the high scorer with three shots hitting the net. Eliza Faillice got two of her own and team captain Keith Mahoney scored one goal.

The second game of the night pitted Vacasa against Vintage Beach. The relatively young Vintage team pulled out the win 6-4 against the veteran Vacasa crew.

Vacasa’s Stetson Mathews lead his team in scoring with three goals to be paired with the single point by Eric Pullen.

Joseph Hutchison, team captain for Vintage Beach, put a point up on the scoreboard, along with Clancy Vaughn. Cody Wright and Zach Reda each eluded Trey Horne, Vacasa’s keeper, twice.

Playing without captain and field powerhouse Josh Sato, team Sato Real Estate only scored one goal shot by Olaf Krause.

The Blalock Walters’ defense, including the goalkeeping skills of Luke Grady, kept league high scorer Amy Ivin pretty well contained, preventing her from finding the net.

In the win, Matt Staggs, Greg DeMuse and Robbie Fellowes each scored a goal for the Blalock team, which put that team in first place at the mid-season point with a record of 3-0-1.

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Shootout at The Center: Ugly Grouper takes the indoor soccer championship

Shootout at The Center: Ugly Grouper takes indoor soccer championship

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

ANNA MARIA – The anticipation of 50 minutes of indoor soccer action brought friends, family and league players to The Center of Anna Maria Island to watch the final game of the adult indoor soccer season. The championship game did not disappoint.

After years of no indoor action, Chris Klotz’s Ugly Grouper team came into the night as the underdog, but a contender nonetheless. Team Progressive Cabinetry, lead by captain Kevin Roman, started the game short one player but quickly dominated the game.

The first 13 minutes of play were virtually all going Progressive Cabinetry’s way with three goals scored by Roman along with a goal and assist by Palmetto Elementary School first grade teacher Jessica Williams.

Ugly Grouper’s Yuri Pereira assisted veterinarian Connor Bystrom with his first of five goals in the game, putting the score at 4-1.

At the 15th minute of play, the tides drastically turned Ugly Grouper’s way. In a matter of two minutes, Bystrom hit the net twice with assists by Pereira and Klotz. Olaf Krause found the goal after a strong attack.

The Ugly Grouper effort tied the game at 4-4 with less than eight minutes left in the first half of the final game of the season.

Bystrom made the go-ahead goal shot with Progressive Cabinetry goalkeeper Diego Felipe out of position.

Less than a minute later Klotz temporarily widened the scoring gap with another strike against Felipe who had 17 saves in the night.

With the score at 4-6, Felipe moved out of the keeper position to score his only goal in the game. Felipe attempted one last shot before the half that was stopped by Ugly Grouper goalie John Haggerty.

To start the second half of the game, Klotz made his next goal three minutes after the whistle, putting the score to 5-7.

Klotz made a follow-up run down the court only to be stopped by powerhouse Steve Oelfke for Progressive Cabinetry.

Williams and Roman tied the game back up with consecutive goals at the 30th and 37th minute of play.

Pereira made sure the tie did not last for long with his solo goal of the game.

After strong defensive play by both teams, including backfield attacks by Erin Felipe and James Roadman for Ugly Grouper, the scoring went back and forth until the end of regulation time play.

Goals by Roman and Bystrom ended the game with the score tied at 9-9.

The championship game couldn’t end in a tied score. A five-minute overtime was implemented.

After five solid minutes of defensive attacks by both sides, the 9-9 score remained on the scoreboard.

Ultimately the indoor soccer champion was named with a shootout. Each team picked their first four shooters to go against Klotz as the keeper for Ugly Grouper and Brayan Felipe for Progressive Cabinetry.

The shootout excitement filled the community center gym with players and spectators waiting with bated breath for each shot.

Williams was selected by her team to take the first shot of the event. Her successful strike against B. Felipe put the pressure on Krause, the first shooter for Ugly Grouper.

Krause’s solid shot tied up the game once more. Roman’s missed shot open the door for Ugly Grouper to once again take the lead.

Bystrom hit his shot and was followed by a goal by Progressive’s Murat Akay.

Felipe stopped the shot of Pereira, but he missed his own penalty kick against Klotz.

Going against Oelfke, Klotz missed his own shot, leading to Oelfke’s failed goal attempt.

With all the pressure on his back, Krause was the sixth shooter for Ugly Grouper looking to end the tie. Krause’s shot hit the net, making the next shot by Williams a life or death shot.

If Progressive’s Williams hit her goal shot, the game would’ve returned to a tie score, but a miss would give the win to Ugly Grouper.

Despite her best efforts, Williams’ shot was stopped by Klotz, ending the championship indoor soccer game with Ugly Grouper as the first titleholders in the sport for a number of years at The Center.

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Gulfview Windows and Doors wins championships

Gulfview Windows and Doors wins championships

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

After a dry spell, one of the Island’s organized sports’ best all-around athletes, Ryan Moss, earned a second championship wearing the Gulfview Windows and Doors logo in the adult co-ed flag football league.

Just a few months ago, Moss, with friend and owner of Gulfview, Jordan DeMers, took home the Paul “Ace” Hayward Cup in adult soccer. The dynamic duo, along with teammates Tyler Lancaster, Brandin Holcomb, Dina Calvary, Jake Parsons, Jason Sato and Justin Greer, finished the regular season at The Center in second place behind Progressive Cabinetry, which lost in the semi-final game against Lancaster Designs.

Just minutes into the game, with the football in hand behind the line of scrimmage, Sato found Moss open for the first touchdown of the game and an extra point catch in the end zone by Calvary.

Playing against the team with his business sponsorship, Lancaster’s speed and agility helped stop Lancaster Designs’ team captain and quarterback Tim Shaughnessy. The hot hands of Holcomb and Jordan gave both Moss and Sato excellent targets with a combined 11 receptions, two for extra points and two touchdown catches for DeMers. Coming off having just played an indoor soccer game and a semi-final flag football game, both Sato and Moss dug deep and found the energy to dominate the throwing game, with Moss’ three touchdown passes and Sato having two of his own.

On the other side of the field, Lancaster Design’s father-son combination of Mike and Tim Shaughnessy hit their intended receiver, Anthony Mannino, for a touchdown pass each. Mannino’s touchdown was the only scoring for regular season fourth-place finishers. The team’s loss was not for the lack of heart or desire to win the matchup.

Lancaster Design’s offense has catching ability, as shown in the game statistics. T. Shaughnessy had six catches of his own, with a close second by Mannino’s five nabs. Karri Stephens was the top receiver of the game, but his efforts were not enough to take his team to the top. Louis Pellegrino and Brianna Roberts each had a single reception, paired with three nice catches for Jay Hoffmeister.

Gulfview’s game on both sides of the football was on point and could not be stopped. The team’s defense rattled the offense of Lancaster Design, including an interception by Holcomb. With momentum, Sato hit Moss a couple of more times with a deep route along the sideline for big yardage gains. Gulfview flipped the action with Moss finding Sato running a wheel route.

Missed flag pulls by Lancaster Design let Sato cross the goal line in the first half of the game.

The ladies of the gridiron, Calvary and Roberts are fierce competitors and stellar players. Both with strong all-around games, the one-on-one coverage and battle between the two veteran players endured the entire game. Knowing the taste of victory, each player having bragging rights to multiple championships, Roberts did not give up points to Calvary at the end of the game despite the point spread. Roberts’ tight coverage of Calvary and ultimate flag pull prevented the point after on the final touchdown of the game, leaving the score 34-12 with just seconds left on the game clock and no chance for Lancaster Designs to come back to take the win.

After Lancaster inadvertently ran over his teammate Calvary, the official called the game granting Gulfview Windows and Doors the championship.

In final adult indoor soccer action, the semifinal games will be played Thursday at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The first game puts number one seed Progressive Cabinetry against number five seed Sato Real Estate. Moss Builders, finishing second in the season, plays third-place finishers Ugly Grouper in the second game of the night. The winners face off at a date and time to be determined at The Center.

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Bowlers escape the heat as they support The Center

Bowlers escape the heat as they support The Center

Written by Tom Vaught on . Posted in Bowling, Featured, Sports.

This year’s LaPensee Plumbing, Pools & Air bowling tournament at Bowlero was the most successful to date, according to The Center’s Director Chris Culhane.

Culhane estimated they would gross approximately $18,000 with 272 registered bowlers enjoying the tournament on 54 lanes in the air-conditioned comfort of Bowlero.

One team came to compete and compete they did. The Salty Dolphin team took team honors with a team score of 2,030. Homebridge came in second with 1,991.

Salty Dolphin’s Joey Newell won top male series with a score of 596. The top female was was Stephanie Borkowski with a score of 457, and Kieran Cloutier was the top kid with a 293. The lowest scorers were: male, Remy Gonzalez with 218; and female, Denice Johnson with 157.

Beach House Real Estate won the costume contest dressing like the Harlem Globetrotters.

Raffle winners were 50/50 – Lauren Collins, who donated her $570 winnings back to The Center; Beach Bums’ paddleboard – Janae Rudacille; Rice’s grill – Dave Welch; Olive Oil Outpost basket– Mark Short; booze basket – Sam Pakbaz; spa basket – Christine Hicks; fishing basket – Giselle Brock; fitness basket – Elsa Rohow; Sandbar basket – Mark Short; Surf Shop basket – Jana Samuels.

Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore, Karen LaPensee, Center board member David Zaccagnino and Mike LaPensee at the LaPensee Bowling Tournament Saturday night at Bowlero in Bradenton. - Tom Vaught | Sun

Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore, Karen LaPensee, Center board member David Zaccagnino and Mike LaPensee at the LaPensee Bowling Tournament Saturday night at Bowlero in Bradenton. - Tom Vaught | Sun

Sarah Evans, Lacey Lloyd Jones, Susanne Arbanas, Shauna Ruby and Jake Rodgers were very Island-y as they represented Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club. - Tom Vaught | Sun

Sarah Evans, Lacey Lloyd Jones, Susanne Arbanas, Shauna Ruby and Jake Rodgers were very Island-y as they represented Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club. - Tom Vaught | Sun

Bowlers from Beach House Real Estate won the costume contest at the bowling tournament dressed like the Harlem Globetrotters. - Submitted

Bowlers from Beach House Real Estate won the costume contest at the bowling tournament dressed like the Harlem Globetrotters. - Submitted

The Darcie Duncan team came out in force and had a lot of fun, they said. - Tom Vaught | Sun

The Darcie Duncan team came out in force and had a lot of fun, they said. - Tom Vaught | Sun

Andrea Powell, Amanda Cornett, Eric Pullen, Chelsa Braun and Sara Evens were very colorful as they bowled for AMI Locals vacation rentals. - Tom Vaught | Sun

Andrea Powell, Amanda Cornett, Eric Pullen, Chelsa Braun and Sara Evens were very colorful as they bowled for AMI Locals vacation rentals. - Tom Vaught | Sun

 

Progressive Cabinetry shuts the door on Moss Builders

Progressive Cabinetry shuts the door on Moss Builders

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

In week three of the adult indoor soccer season at The Center, Kevin Roman’s Progressive Cabinetry team continues to dominate the league along with Keith Mahoney’s Ugly Grouper squad, both with 3-0 records.

Progressive faced off against the Moss-less Moss Builders team in the second game of the night in a passionately played game. Miguel Ajoy started off the scoring for the Moss Builders’ team in the first minute of the game.

Roman followed up with the first of seven goals in the game only seconds later.

With the score tied 1-1, the game would continue to be a battle of the defenses and hotshots.

Jessica Williams, for Progressive Cabinetry, took her first shot at point-blank range. Moss’ Omar Polar, playing goalkeeper, made one of many miraculous saves.

Juan Carlos scored his first goal in the fourth minute of the game, giving Moss Builders the lead once again with the score at 2-1.

Lyn Clarke put the soccer ball in the net with a ricochet shot only to be followed by a goal for Progressive’s Murat Akay.

In the seventh minute of play, Williams got the ball to the feet of Diego Felipe. With his head up, seeing the field, Felipe found Roman in the perfect position for the tying goal.

Akay helped his team take the lead four minutes later with another goal, advancing the score to 3-4.

With Moss Builder’s keeper David Greene out of position, Roman had the opportunity for a shot and easy goal.

Carlos responded by putting the soccer ball in the net after the Moss Builders’ offense drew Felipe, now working as the keeper, out of position.

Working with a one-point lead, Progressive worked on defense but could not stop Polar, who tied the game once again with the score 5-5.

Two minutes later, Roman found the net once again.

The back and forth game continued until the half. Carlos got a shot off with the last seconds of the first half of play quickly ticking off the scoreboard clock. Diego just could not stop Carlos’ shot, once again tying the game at 6-6 to end the half.

To start the final 20 minutes of the game, Roman snuck the soccer ball past goalie Greene after a beautiful long pass by Akay.

With a one-point lead, Williams quickly took advantage of her team’s scoring momentum with a shot of her own that could not be stopped, moving the score to 6-8.

Scoring his second goal of the game, Moss Builders’ Ajoy was finally given the ball after a long series of passes by both teams.

Williams scored her second goal after a cross by teammate Roman. The roles were soon reversed a minute later with a Williams’ assist to Roman to change the score to 7-10.

Moss Builders scored a goal of its own four minutes later. Polar put the ball in the goal with a header 15 seconds later, closing the scoring gap to 9-10.

The back and forth goal scoring kept the game exciting for the next two minutes of the game. Missile shots Steve Oelfke, Akay and Felipe were matched by a Moss Builders’ goal by Carlos.

Scoring ceased momentarily with the score at 10-13 and Progressive Cabinetry leading by three goals. Carlos scored once again in the 32nd minute.

Neither team tiring, the last five minutes of the match-up would prove to be a scoring feast for the spectators to enjoy.

Williams made a gorgeous cross-court pass to Roman, who found Akay all by himself at the net, giving the Progressive Cabinetry team its 14th goal of the game.

Moss Builders’ Carlos hit his last goal of the night, pushing the score to 14-12.

Back-to-back scoring by Progressive’s Felipe, with the last net and one minute left in the game, gave his team a four-point lead.

To end the game with amazing saves by keeper Oelfke, Moss’ Polar scored his final goal with only 17 seconds on the clock to end the game with the score 13-16.

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Score a strike at the LaPensee Bowling Tournament

Score a strike at the LaPensee Bowling Tournament

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Archives.

The LaPensee Bowling Tournament, supporting The Center of Anna Maria Island, returns to Bowlero Bradenton for a night of fun competition on Saturday, Sept. 7 at 5 p.m.

The annual event is a fundraiser for The Center with presenting sponsor LaPensee Plumbing, Pools & Air. The Sun is the media sponsor for the event.

Each year the bowling tournament brings people together for an evening of fun and a little friendly competition on the lanes. In addition to bowling, this year’s tournament features a raffle, prizes for best costumes and awards for the best and worst male, female and kid bowlers.

Last year’s event brought out around 300 bowlers playing on 52 sponsored lanes and raised more than $15,000 for the nonprofit. This year’s goal is to sell out the bowling alley.

Tickets are $30 per person and include three games of bowling, a shoe rental and a choice of either pizza or wings. If you have a team, you can sponsor a whole lane. The cost is $150 to sponsor a lane with a logo displayed on your lane and at check-in. Lane sponsors with players, a team of up to five members, is $200 with a logo displayed at check-in and on the lane.

Signature lane sponsors, at $500 per lane, can have a team of up to five players per lane with a logo displayed at the lane and at check-in. Signature lane sponsors receive a pitcher of beer at their lane, and each player receives a Yeti and Center fishing shirt with a business logo on it. Kids’ lanes also are available.

And don’t forget the costume contest. Each player is encouraged to participate in the costume contest by dressing up solo or as a team.

For more information or to register, visit The Center online at or call 941-778-1908. Bowlero Bradenton is at 4208 Cortez Road.

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Center of Anna Maria Island

Center ends year on a high note

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

ANNA MARIA – The Center of Anna Maria Island’s fiscal year ended with cause for celebration. After years of financial struggles, the nonprofit ended another year in the black with $91,479.35 in the bank.

The Center’s fiscal year ended June 30. The end of year financials show net ordinary income from programs and fundraising at $166,222 before $99,743 in capital expenses and $25,000 in capital income from the surplus concession stand fund overseen by Manatee County commissioners, ending the year with $91,479.

For the entire fiscal year, July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019, the financials show $1,057,445 in total revenue and $965,965 in total expenses.

Program revenue, before $293,844 in direct expenses, ended the year with $600,938, coming in at 10% over budget. Included in this category are membership fees, Island Fitness membership fees, registration fees, sponsorship donations, merchandise sales and donations from the three Island cities.

Program income, including income from camps, personal training, CrossFit and other specialty programming came in at $307,094.

Fundraising revenue ended the year at $431,507 with $110,817 in direct costs to end the year with $320,690 in income. Changes to the fundraising category for the 2018-19 fiscal year include moving the funds received from the three Island cities, budgeted at $46,000, from the fundraising column to the programs that the cities designated the funds for. Also noted are $130,000 in donations that were budgeted for and not received. Fundraising revenue came in at 14.2% less than the $502,715 budgeted.

The Center’s board of directors hopes to increase fundraising revenue in the 2019-20 fiscal year with the addition of new Director of Development Jim McDaniel. The board is expected to confirm the hiring of a new operations director and event coordinator.

Though the fiscal year ended more than a month ago, the end of year financial statements and a new budget have yet to be reviewed and confirmed by board members. Due to the summer months, the board has not met in two months because a quorum could not be reached. The budget for the 2019-20 fiscal year, which began July 1, and the 2018-19 end of year financials are expected to be discussed at an August board meeting. To view The Center’s financials, visit www.centerami.org.

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Cloud Pest Control overshadows Solid Rock Construction

Cloud Pest Control overshadows Solid Rock Construction

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

The first playoff game of the youth indoor soccer season was last Thursday night, with the winner of the game going on to the semifinal round.

The Long-Roadman family team, along with Emma Raulerson, fought the good fight against Team Cloud Pest Control on the indoor arena at The Center for the final playoff spot.

Team Solid Rock Construction had a strong defensive force well into the first six minutes of play with Stella Long and cousin Eli Roadman on the court.

Cyrus Ryan proved to be a force to be reckoned with on offense for Cloud Pest Control, scoring his first goal near the seventh minute of the game.

With the score 1-0, Long tried to tie up the game 12 minutes into the match-up only to have her shot go just to the right of the post.

Isabella Roadman took her own shot for Team Solid Rock Construction. Ryan made the block to prevent the score.

Isabella made another beautiful scoring attempt that went off the post, as players and spectators gasped in anticipation and disappointment.

Cyrus’ sister, Calla, scored the second goal for Cloud with less than four minutes in the first half, advancing the score to 2-0.

Three minutes into the second half of play, Braelyn Curtis took a hard shot that went off of the foot of a Solid Rock player for an own goal giving Team Cloud Pest Control a three-point lead.

The three-line penalty against Team Cloud Pest Control gave the soccer ball to Solid Rock, which showed great passing on the hard indoor pitch.

Ryan made a shot that went just wide in the 26th minute of play. Cloud’s free-kick a few minutes later was met by a wall of Solid Rock players to prevent their opponent’s fourth goal.

All alone right in front of the net was C. Ryan, who received a beautiful pass from his teammate, giving Cloud Pest Control a 4-0 lead with 10 minutes left in the game.

Isaac Roadman played a fierce second half in front of the goal.

Another great stop by Isaac Roadman was followed by a fantastic goal by Cloud’s Brady Thompson to finish the scoring for his team with a total of five goals.

The Cloud Pest Control crew, including Josiah Hunsader, Riley Koehler and Owen Purcell solidly won their place in the next round of play.

All of the Solid Rock Construction cousins, including Carson Long, finished the season playing strong, learning new skills and having fun at The Center.

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Youth indoor soccer teams battle at The Center

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

Getting out of the heat of the summer, The Center’s gym is filled with soccer enthusiasts to play and watch indoor soccer Island style. With the Ross Built Construction boards up and the stage occupied by fans and players, the fuzzy yellow soccer ball whizzed across the court last Tuesday night.

Team Ugly Grouper matched up against Team AMI Locals in a game that ended in a tie after 40 minutes of fast-paced action.

The scoring started with a goal by Savanah Coba for AMI Locals just one minute into play. The team quickly took possession of the soccer ball to put another shot into the net, giving AMI Locals a two-point lead.

Without goalies in the game, the defense in the indoor soccer league has to play tough to protect its house. Both teams effectively utilized one player as a quasi-goalie, unable to use their hands in play.

Jayden Sparks scored a goal for Ugly Grouper putting the score to 2-1.

Coba took a nice shot only to be stopped by Jack Whiteside, Ugly Grouper’s goalie.

Newly added player Carsyn Deligans, visiting the Island for the season, showed the players and spectators she is a force to be reckoned with on the indoor soccer arena with the first of three goals in the game.

Utilizing their feet, heads and the walls, the two advanced teams fought hard for possession and position. The score moved closer after an own goal for AMI Locals.

With the score 3-2, a one-point lead for AMI Locals, the game headed into half time.

AMI Locals started the second half of play with a kickback to a defensive teammate. Evan Talucci, with Team AMI Locals, showed why he was named Goalie of the Year in the previous soccer season – this time playing without the use of his hands.

Will Wright scored his first goal of the game with Talucci just a little too far away from the net.

An accidental handball by Team Ugly Grouper allowed a direct penalty kick by Jack Harrison to hit the net and tie the game at 4-4.

Deligans scored another goal, once again giving her team the lead. Angelina Albrecht tried to close the gap with a shot saved by Talucci.

With 10 minutes left on the scoreboard clock, Albrecht took another shot, this time against Deligans who blocked the shot.

A minute later, Ugly Grouper tied it back up. Dalton Fox took the soccer ball down the court until there was one man to beat. Fox took the shot and scored for AMI Locals.

Jackson Long brought the game back to an even score, getting a strike past Talucci.

Albrecht and Long worked together, using the boards to move the ball into scoring position. Victor Albrecht took his own shot that went just right of the post.

Hoping to regain the lead and end the game with a win, Deligans showed an incomparable hustle and skilled footwork.

Deligans’ first shot sailed right of the post. Her next shot was blocked by Whiteside. As the clocked ticked down, Whiteside maintained the tie for his team with another save on the Deligans strike, ending the game with the score 6-6.

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