Sidelines

+ Lakewood Ranch WGA celebrates
The Lakewood Ranch Women’s Golf Association wrapped up its season with an awards ceremony April 30.

Barbara Wahlstrom was named the Most Improved Player, while Barb Smith was named Player of the Year.

The organization also named the 2014-15 executive board, including Past President Dee Romito, Treasurer Ardell Terry, Secretary Pat Eilender, Vice President Kim Lester and President Connie Thompkins.

+ Rosedale raises money for GSJGA
Rosedale Golf & Country Club held its annual Birdie-A-Thon April 25. The event raised $2,669 for the Greater Sarasota Junior Golf Association.

It included 54 holes of golf and 53 birdies.

“This is a great event that we look forward to all year,” Rosedale head professional Mike Clayton says. “It’s definitely a bit of a challenge, considering the number of holes played and the pressure to get those birdies, but it’s a lot of fun and supports a worthy cause. We are grateful for the generosity of our club members who support our efforts.”

The GSJGA is a nonprofit organization designed to expose children to the game of golf through educational programs and competitive play.

For more information, visit sarasotajuniorgolf.com.

+ Local student wins Spirit Award
Wakeland Elementary School fifth-grader Tighe Basso was awarded the John Walters Spirit Award April 27.

The John Walters Spirit Award is given to the player who excels in academics, community service, sportsmanship, football performance and ethics. It’s the highest honor a player can receive in the Florida Spring Youth Football League.

Basso was one of seven players nationwide chosen to receive the award in the peewee division.

Basso has spent the last four fall seasons playing with the North Manatee Storm and is finishing up his third spring 8-on-8 tackle season with the Florida Spring Youth Football League. Basso plays both tight end and linebacker.

KUDOS
+ Lakewood Ranch Marauders 8U travel baseball
The Lakewood Ranch Marauders 8U travel baseball team won three tournament championships during the month of April.

The Marauders went 3-1 to win the SunCoast Travel Ball State Championship April 4 through April 6, in Sarasota. The team then went 5-0, beating the top-ranked Tampa Diamond Kings to win the USSSA Mid-Florida State Championship April 11 through April 13, in Tampa.

Most recently, the Marauders went 4-1 to win the Gold Bat Championship April 25 through April 27, in Port Charlotte.

Championship players include: Mason Woolever, Lochlan Radloff, Andy Schroeder, Jack Muller, Chandler Thiel, Clayton Dees, James Cummings, Isaac Wright, David Dubrule and Alex Lamb.

STANDOUT PLAYER
Talia Falco
Track and Field
Lakewood Ranch High

2 - The number of state titles Falco has to her credit after winning the high jump and triple jump at the Class 3A State Track & Field Championships May 3, in Jacksonville.

3 - The number of events Falco competed in at the state meet.

17 feet, 9 inches- The distance Falco posted to finish third in the long jump.