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Sports

From the sidelines

By Peggy Blackburn-Associate Editor
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With the end of the school year, sports coverage takes on a different flavor. The gears shift from school-related sports to include more recreation-based activities and competitions. But there is still plenty of action going on n sometimes it's just a little more difficult to track it all down.

During the summer we can look forward to high school and youth league all-star games, clinics and camps, travel team ball games, activities at the YMCA, athletics-related projects and meetings, and a whole lot more. And before the dust has settled on the diamonds, football will be at the forefront and the cycle will begin again. (Yes, fall football practice is only about two months away.)

One summertime sports activity is the Alabama High School Athletic Association's annual All-Star Sports Week, this year set for July 11-15 in Huntsville. The week includes state all-star games in volleyball, girls and boys basketball, baseball, softball and soccer. Rising senior athletes from across Alabama are chosen to participate, with selections announced as their respective sports seasons come to a close.

On Monday, the AHSAA released the all-star baseball and softball player selections. Two baseball and two softball players from Elmore County were named for the honor. Shortstop Whitney Barrett and pitcher Brooke Ross of Wetumpka were chosen for the South softball team. Joseph Sanders, third baseman and pitcher for Stanhope, and Jake Sullivan, catcher for Wetumpka, were selected as members of the South baseball team.

Congratulations to all four ... they're all very deserving of the recognition. Hopefully I'll be able to catch up with them in the next few days to get some stats and information.

Jake and Joseph, along with Lawrence Chancey and Byne Goodin (both of Stanhope) should also be congratulated for making the cut and progressing to the Alabama Lions East-West All-Star Classic this weekend. Only 16 players are chosen for each of four teams, representing communities from around the state. Over 120 athletes competed for the spots on the Central Alabama team n and four of those selections are local guys. Good work!

Another summer sports event that is right around the corner is the Alabama Sports Festival State Games. This year's 23rd annual Games will be held June 24-26 in Mobile. Before the official three-day event begins, there will be a Volksmarch on June 18 and a Fun Ride (cycling) on June 19.

The Sports Festival includes archery, basketball, bowling, cheerleading, disc golf, diving, gymnastics, karate, mountain bike, shooting sports, soccer, softball, swimming, taekwondo, track and field, trampoline and tumbling, and volleyball.

Games are open to all Alabama residents, whatever their age or skill level. Registration information is online at http://www. alagames.com or by calling 800-467-0422.

There are sports events everywhere!

Peggy Blackburn is associate editor of The Herald. She can be reached at 334-567-7811. Her e-mail address is peggy.blackburn@thewetumpkaherald.com .