GOLF
+ Start Smart Golf taking reservations
Now that the weather’s improving, it’s almost time for great golfing conditions.
And, when that consistently nice weather rolls around, parents will have the chance to teach their kids how to play.
Start Smart Golf, an introductory program for kids ages 5 to 7, is coming May 1 to June 5, to Plant City. Sponsored by the Recreation and Parks Department the program will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and will help parents teach their kids how to play the game in a non-competitive environment, focusing instead on fundamentals and fun. Young golfers will get to use special, age-appropriate equipment in their lessons and won’t have to worry about losing or failing.
Registrations are currently being accepted at the Planteen Recreation Center, 301 Dort St. The classes will be held at the department’s administration office, 1904 S. Park Road. The cost is $35 per parent/child team, and spots will be reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis.
After Friday, April 25, registrations will no longer be accepted.
For more information, contact Jason Hargrove, (813) 659-4256 or jhargrove@plantcitygov.com.
SOCCER
+ Skills contest coming soon
The 17th annual Optimist Soccer Tri-Star Soccer Skills Competition is almost here, and it’s not too late for kids to get involved.
In fact, there’s no need to pre-register at all. Anyone ages 6 to 14 is allowed to compete in separate boys and girls divisions, and all they have to do is show up between 9 and 11 a.m. Saturday, April 26, on the west fields at Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex, 2402 E. Cherry St.
Competitors in four age groups (6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-14) will have their dribbling, passing and shooting skills tested, getting points for each, and the top three point-scorers in each age group will get to take home some hardware. For more, call (813) 659-4255.
SOFTBALL
+ Lady Raiders Chargers get wins
Although the boys didn’t have much luck against Durant, the Lady Raiders did alright for themselves April 4.
They picked up a 6-2 win over the Lady Cougars, moving Plant City up to first place in the district – a spot they share with Strawberry Crest.
It was a good day at the plate for Lady Raiders Kacie Booth and Emily Register. Booth went 3-for-3 with three RBI, one run scored and a walk, while Register went 2-for-4 with two RBI, two runs, two stolen bases (on two attempts) and a double.
Strawberry Crest’s Lady Chargers also ended district play Friday night with a big win. Except this was a 15-0 slobber-knocker against Tampa Bay Tech, which ended in four innings.
Most of Crest’s batters did well at the plate, but Megan Reed almost couldn’t stop going yard. She went 2-for-3 at the plate, hitting a two-run homer each time and giving herself four RBI in the process. Although she was already the team leader in home runs before the game, she now has nine — four more than her next-closest teammate, Mia Fung. The RBI boost also put her in a tie with Cacey Simmons for the team lead, at 27.