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Sports Briefs NTLL Alumni Kallie Shirling Receives Softball Scholarship In March, New Tampa resident Kallie Shirling, who is a standout on the Academy at the Lakes softball team, accepted a scholarship offer from Thomas University in Thomasville, GA. Shirling, who plays shortstop and second base and is an excellent hitter, signed a letter of intent at a ceremony before the entire student body at the AatL gymnasium. Probably the proudest person in attendance, however, was Jack Shirling, Kallie’s father, who also happens to be the coach of the Academy team. Jack said that Kallie, who started her career in the New Tampa Little League at age 6, is the first NTLL player to advance through every level of the program and then receive a college scholarship. “She’s a terrific kid,” Jack Shirling said. “She’s played up throughout her entire career, and she’s always helping me and the other players whenever she can. I’m really happy for her, but
Kallie Shirling, with Thomas University head softball coach Brian Wilson. it is a little bittersweet, though, because I feel like I’m losing the best assistant coach I ever had.” Kallie, an honor roll student who also plays volleyball and volunteers as a summer camp counselor, says that she received several scholarship offers, but chose Thomas after visiting several different campuses, partly because it is relatively close to home and partly
New Tampa Wildcats Holding Free Football Camp & Football & Cheerleading Registration The New Tampa Wildcats youth football program will offer a free football camp for players ages 5-15, on Sunday, April 10, 3 p.m.-5 p.m., at Wildcat Field, which is located at 9190 Imperial Oak Blvd., behind the Turner Elementary/Bartels Middle School campus in Live Oak Preserve. Players of all skill levels are invited to participate. Check-in begins at 2:15 p.m., and participants should wear shorts, a T-shirt and football cleats. Water will be provided, but players also are encouraged to bring their own sports beverage of choice as well.
Following the camp, the Wildcats will hold Open Registration for Tampa’s Pop Warner football and cheerleading for the 2011 season, 3 p.m.-5 p.m., also at Wildcat Field. Participation in football costs $225 and cheerleading is $190 for the season (those are the early registration discount prices; after April 10, the prices increase by $25). For more information, contact football commissioner Danny Biglow at 345-8524 or by e-mail at CoachBiglow@hotmail.com; or visit NewTampaWildcats.org.
because she liked the small-school atmosphere that it offers. “(Thomas) was my favorite, so It’s a real honor for me to be able to go there,” she said. Prior to transferring to Academy
at the Lakes for her junior and senior years, Kallie attended Wharton High. This year, she leads the 4-4 (at our press time) Lady Wildcats with a .440 batting average, with three doubles, two triples and a home run. — MS
For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 7 • March 26, 2011 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com
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