Indiana Nitroz holding 13U baseball tryouts

REGION | The Indiana Nitroz 13U baseball team is having tryouts for the 2010 season. For more information, contact Coach Jay at (219) 947-0604 or at coachj@indiananitroz.com, or go to WWW.INDIANANITROZ.COM.

WVLP Holiday Run/Walk Dec. 12

VALPARAISO | The fifth annual WVLP-FM (98.3) Holiday Radio Run/Walk 5K will take place at 9 a.m. Dec. 12. The race starts and ends at the Reiner Center, 510 Union St. Early registration by Dec. 8 is $15 for adults and $12 for those under 18. Cost thereafter is $20 for adults and $15 for those under 18. For details, call George Nietert at (219) 241-2331.

2010 season golf passes on sale in Valpo

VALPARAISO | Passes for the 2010 golf season are on sale at the Valparaiso Parks & Recreation Department office and at Creekside Golf Course. Passes are good for Creekside and Forest Park. Season pass holders also receive discounts on cart rental, buckets of balls at the range and pro shop merchandise. A discounted rate is available through Dec. 31. For details, call (219) 531-7888 or (219 462-5144. 

Hebron Middle School completes another championship season

HEBRON | The Hebron Middle School cross country teams recently completed their seasons by winning both the boys and girls Porter County Conference championship meets.

The teams finished undefeated in the conference making it three straight years they have accomplished the feat.

Taking home all-conference honors for the boys were Jon Hogg, who was the PCC meet overall winner (10:27), Brad Blank, Ryan Witt, Jay Fieser and Matt Lyons.

Girls all-conference honorees were Liz Fox, Jordan Keehn, Charity Gonzalez, Payton Schatz, Katie Clemens and Nikki Fieser.

Other team accomplishments included:

Boys

Third at Indiana Middle School Cross Country Championship. Hogg and Blank were named all-state for finishing in the top 25.

Second in the eighth grade race at the Rensselaer Invitational. Hogg was the overall winner.

Third place in the sixth/seventh grade race at the Rensselaer Invitational. Blank was the overall winner.

Second at the Tecumseh Invitational.

Girls

Ninth at the Indiana Middle School Cross Country Championship. Fox was named all-state for finishing in the top 25.

First in the sixth/seventh grade race at the Rensselaer Invitational.

Fourth in the eighth grade race at the Rensselaer Invitational.

Second at the Tecumseh Invitational.

 

NWI Shockers 13U baseball team looking for players

REGION | The Northwest Indiana Shockers 13U travel baseball team is looking for a few players to complete its 2010 roster. The team will workout with professional trainers. Those interested should contact Scott Kapers at (219) 742-2652 or drkapers@creatingsmilesdentalspa.com.

On the Square Sports Academy seeks part-time help

CROWN POINT | On the Square Sports Academy in Crown Point is seeking one or two mature and resposible part-time employees. Evenings and weekends are available -- must be available a minimum of two days. Duties include setting up volleyball nets and batting cages for teams, supervise parties, referee games for birthday parties, answer phones, book events, cleanu, etc. For more information, call (219) 808-5290.

Sleighbell 5K Dec. 5 in Chesterton

CHESTERTON | The eighth annual Sleighbell 5K run and walk takes place at 9 a.m. Dec. 5 at Westchester Intermediate School in Chesterton. Entry fee is $18 before Wednesday, $20 thereafter. Race day registration and check-in runs from 8 to 8:45 a.m. Make checks payable to Porter-Cardiac Rehab, 814 LaPorte Ave., Valparaiso, IN, 46383.

Lakeshore Gymnastics offers winter session

CHESTERTON | The winter session at Lakeshore Gymnastics begins Dec, 28. Lakeshore offers a preschool gymnastics class for ages 2-5, school-aged classes for those 5-18, plus specialized classes (gymnastics for school-aged boys and cheerleading). Dance programs include Tiny Tappers (4-6), plus school-aged classes in ballet, lyrical, tap, jazz and hip-hop. Classes are open to those age 2, but the child must be accompanied by a parent. For details, call (219) 926-4274.

Indoor soccer league at Portage YMCA

PORTAGE | Indoor soccer league registration runs through Dec. 31 at the Portage Twp. YMCA. The league for ages 3-10 runs Jan. 4 through Feb. 13. For details, contact Ryan Penrod at either (219) 762-9622 or ryan@ymcacofportage.org.

Boys and girls clubs winter soccer signups

VALPARAISO | Valparaiso's Boys and Girls Clubs of Porter County will conduct winter indoor soccer league signups through Dec. 4. Signup hours are from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. The cost is $15 for ages 5-7, $20 for age divisions 8/9 and 10/12. A current membership is also required, which is $25 for the entire year. The league runs Jan. 4 through March 13. For details, call (219) 462-2182, ext. 233 or go to bgcpoco.org.

Portage Parks offers two winter soccer programs

PORTAGE | The Portage Parks Department is offering two winter soccer programs. The Kiddie Kickers indoor soccer league is open to children ages 3-4. Cost is $35 for residents and $40 for non-residents. Practices run from 6 to 8 Wednesday nights. Games take place from 3 to 5 on Sunday nights. Signup deadline is Dec. 11. The season starts Jan. 6.

A four-day soccer skills and drills camp runs from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Jan. 18-21. The camp is open to grades 6-8. The cost is $50 for residents, $60 for non-residents. Registration deadline is Jan. 15.

For details, call (219) 762-1675.

Thanksgiving special at Portage YMCA

PORTAGE | Those who bring in canned goods or donate to Toys for Tots through today will receive half off their joiner fee at the Portage Twp. YMCA. For details, contact Janet Grant at either (219) 762-9622 or janet@ymcaofportage.org.

Jr. NBA basketball signups in December

PORTAGE | The Forrest L. Rhode Boys and Girls Club will hold registration for the Jr. NBA basketball league Wednesday through Friday. There are three age divisions. Biddy Ball is for ages 5-7; membership fee is $20. The junior league is for ages 8-10; membership fee is $30. The senior league is for those ages 11-13; membership fee is $35. An all-girls junior division will be offered. Every other league is coed. A year-long boys and girls club membership is $25. Scholarships are available to those who qualify. For details, call Andy Davis at (219) 762-4613 or go to bgcpoco.org.

Winter adult basketball leagues at C.P. Heath and Fitness

CROWN POINT | Winter adult basketball leagues are starting at Crown Point Health and Fitness Center in December. There will be women's, open and over-30 divisions. Cost is $425 per team plus referee fees.

Winter baseball camp in Portage

PORTAGE | Portage High School's baseball team will run a winter baseball camp for students in grades kindergarten through eighth in December, January and February. Camp dates are Dec. 5, 12, 19, Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30 , Feb. 6, 13 and 20. The price is $100 for all 10 Saturday sessions. Grades K-4 meet from 8 to 9:30 a.m., while grades 5-8 meet from 9:30 to 11 a.m. For details, call coach Tim Pirowski at (219) 484-1405.

Larry Bigbie giving hitting lessons at Triple Crown

VALPARAISO | Former Major League Baseball player Larry Bigbie is giving hitting lessons at Triple Crown Valparaiso. For details, call (219) 462-3927.

Lessons offered at Gump's Dugout

KOUTS | Gump's Dugout baseball/softball school is taking reservations for private lessons or team indoor practice rentals. For details, call (219) 766-3109.

Portage Parks open gym during Christmas break

PORTAGE | The Oakwood Hall at Woodland Park will be open for unstructured gym play from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 22-23 and Dec. 28-30. Cost is $1 for residents and $5 for non-residents. For details, call (219) 762-1675.

Winter special at Portage YMCA

PORTAGE | A winter membership special takes place at Portage Twp.'s YMCA from Dec. 1-31. A 15-day Primary Plus membership will cost $20, and a 30-day Primary Plus Membership is $40. For details, contact Janet Grant at either (219) 762-9622 or janet@ymcaofportage.org.

Portage Parks Department offers programs

PORTAGE | The Portage Parks Department is offering programs this winter.

Strike Busters Bowling: A six-week session at Camelot Lanes will start at 4 p.m. Jan. 14. Bowling is open to ages 4-12. Cost is $40 for residents, $5 for non-residents. Deadline is Jan. 13.

Tumbling Tuesdays: Children will learn the fundamentals of tumbling while developing balance, agility and strength. Sessions, which run on six consecutive Tuesdays, will begin Jan. 15 and March 2, at the Portage Yacht Club. They go from 5:30 to 6:20 p.m. for age 2 and 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. for ages 4-5. Class size limit is 15. Cost is $35 for residents, $40 for non-residents. Register for a session by the day prior to its start.

Free family swim nights in Portage

PORTAGE | The aquatics department of the Portage Twp. YMCA will host free family swim nights from 6 to 8:45 the first Friday of each month in the west pool at Portage High School. For details, contact Ryan Penrod at either (219) 762-9622 or ryan@ymcaofportage.org. Information is also available at ymcaofportage.org.