Parents and teachers know all about summer brain drain, the learning loss which happens over long school holidays. But players and coaches agree the same is true for student athletes. If you know a young athlete who plays baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, volleyball or track & field, Saint Martin’s University can help with their sports summer camps.

This summer, sign your kiddos up for Saints Camps to keep their skills active, muscles working and boundless energy focused in healthy ways. Enrollment is happening now.

Saint Martin’s University Summer Sports Camps are Enrolling Now, Don’t Miss Out

The age range for Saints Camps runs from elementary school through 12th grade. No prior experience in that sport is required and athletes of all abilities are welcome.

Saints Camps are taught by Saint Martin’s coaches and both current and former players. Enrollment fees go back into the school’s athletic program, covering essential team travel expenses, equipment and recruitment costs. Summer camps are offered in baseball, softball, boys’ and girls’ basketball, boys’ and girls’ soccer, volleyball and track & field.

Director of Athletics Theresa Hanson says these sessions are a win/win: “Our youth summer camps at Saint Martin’s University are about more than just playing sports, they’re about developing lifelong skills. These camps give young athletes the opportunity to grow in confidence, teamwork and leadership, all while having fun and staying active.”

“At the same time,” continues Hanson, “our Saint Martin’s student-athletes gain valuable experience as mentors and role models, learning the importance of giving back to the community and inspiring the next generation. And of course, most importantly, the camps are the kind of fun the kids will be talking about long after summer ends.”

Take to the Track, Field, Court or Diamond with Saints Camps for Student-Athletes

Haley Domeck, Saint Martin’s head volleyball coach, says their program offers a Young Saints camp for players from fourth through eighth grade as well as a high school camp. Participants are split into smaller groups by experience and skill level, and everyone is welcome.

“For the Young Saint’s camp, it is a great way to stay active in the summer, build skills and learn about volleyball in a fun environment,” Domeck explains. “For our high school camp, we want to build skill, help athletes learn about the college recruiting process and experience what it is like to be a Saint in a fun, competitive environment.”

In the spring, there are also volleyball clinics and spring break camp options to revitalize and refresh volleyball talent.

Men’s basketball head coach Aaron Landon agrees. “Having fun is our number one priority, but we do build skills and help young players advance their skillset and training methods. No experience is required; we take pride in teaching the game to kids that are learning the sport and making it fun.”

Boys’ basketball camps are open to players ages 7 to 17. Landon says that their sessions are some of the largest basketball camps in Thurston County, averaging more than 125 campers each summer. But he also admits that the chance “to eat like college students at our on-campus cafeteria Saint Gertrude’s Café” is a huge attendee favorite.

Let Your Kids Try a New Sport this Summer Thanks to Saints Camps

Head women’s basketball coach Natalie Marlow says Saints basketball camps “are for fundamentals and also a safe space for trying something new, developing skills and everything in between.” Girls’ basketball camps welcome players ages 6 to 16 in both regular and elite brackets.

Training materials are adjusted daily for younger campers, according to their interest in basketball-specific activities, says Marlow. They also hand out plenty of fun prizes. “We have daily and weekly award winners along with daily competitions with winners at the end of each week. Awards include Camper of the Day, Camper of the Week, the Saint Award for Best Teammate and three skills competition winners.”

Girls’ basketball camp also hosts a team performance contest and presents awards on the last day “to ensure all campers are interactive and leave with some new friends,” says Marlow.

“Our team members have created a long-lasting bond with campers,” says Marlow. “After our home games, campers would approach our team and spend time catching up with them. The young girls look up to our student-athletes as role models.” Women’s basketball also offers a winter clinic at the end of December.

Youth Athletes Spend Summertime Learning, Playing and Growing at Saint Martin’s University

To enroll, visit the Saints Camps website and choose your sport. Most run from the end of June through early August, but check individual teams for specific dates. From the website you can register, contact team leaders or learn more.

Sports and sunshine go hand-in-hand. Especially when guided by a Saint or two.

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SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — A girls softball league in Mira Mesa is reeling after thieves broke into their equipment room, stealing thousands of dollars worth of equipment days before a tournament.

The Mira Mesa Girls Softball League discovered on Monday that their equipment room at Hour Glass Community Park had been broken into. League Vice President Bri Page says two generators used to power the snack bar and ball machine were taken, along with two industrial canopies and a box of hand tools.

“$4,500 dollars, financially devastating for us,” Page said.

The small league had spent years raising money for the equipment, and Page worries the theft may force them to raise registration costs.

“I remember being a kid and not being able to play sports because my family couldn’t afford it. Knowing we may not be able to continue to lower costs in our upcoming season, and it may not longer be as accessible as we’ve tried to make it, it feels personal to me,” Page said. “It frustrating, and it’s hard not to get angry.”

For the young athletes, the theft has been difficult to understand.

“Here, I feel like I belong. It feels like home. This just feels wrong. It’s not fair to us,” player Abigail Weiland, 12.

The incident comes just two weeks after a similar theft at nearby Mira Mesa Community Park, where someone went into the equipment room for the Mira Mesa Little League and stole a $3,000 ball machine.

“Whether it’s a single person or group of people, to be targeting youth sports across our neighborhoods, that’s very disturbing,” Page said.

Despite the setback, the community has rallied around the team. In the past few days, parents have been scrambling to gather items for the Friday night tournament, including canopies and generators.

“They rallied together and are showing up as a community, and that’s beautiful to see,” Page said.

San Diego Police have not yet confirmed whether the two thefts are linked.

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help the girls softball league replace the equipment. There is a link on our homepage at 10News.com.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

BRAINERD — Brady Oseland enjoyed a memorable opening round at his first-ever state tournament last year.

The then eighth-grader fired a 76 at Bunker Hills Golf Club during the Class 3A State Tournament opening round. The Brainerd Warrior fired a second-round 84 to place 58th with a 160.

He is back after placing fifth in the Section 8-3A Tournament with a two-day 145 (71-74).

“He’s had the confidence all season long,” Warriors head coach Tim Johnson said. “He looks comfortable. He knows the course. Just talking with him, he’s in a good spot and feels rested. They’ve been practicing and playing a lot of rounds now that school is out.

“He played well for the first 13 holes last year. He knows what it feels like. The nerves on hole one won’t be as apparent. He’ll take what he learned from last year.”

Oseland is ranked No. 50 individually in Class 3A, but it was his teammate Aydan Dobis, who won the Section 8-3A individual title with a two-day 137 (70-67).

This will be the freshman’s first state appearance.

Dobis peppered his scorecard on both days of the section tournament with red circles. He posted two eagles and three birdies on Day One. Then tallied eight birdies during the final round.

“I knew he had this potential, but I’d be lying if I said this is where I knew he would end up,” Johnson said of Dobis. “I figured he’d be in our top six once he fully transitioned from the hockey season. It’s great to see. It’s good to see his hard work and time and effort pay off. Seven-under is an atypical round for some kids. To be in that position, he handled it well. It was like he was just having fun and playing backyard golf a little bit with his buddies. He was throwing darts and I know he made some putts to achieve those scores. When everything goes right, it’s a very fun game.”

Johnson believes both freshmen have the proper mindsets and maturity levels to attack Bunker Hills.

“Aydan and Brady are both great putters,” Johnson added. “They are the future of the Warriors. We’re excited to be in this position. They are two great players who love the game. They’re growing up very quickly.”

Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch

Genevieve Birkeland is no stranger to state tournaments.

She has played the Ridges at Sand Creek, site of the Class 2A state tournament, 15 times in competition and numerous other times for practice.

The Pequot Lakes senior will conclude her high school career when she and the Pequot Lakes Patriots compete June 10-11.

This will be Birkeland’s fifth state appearance. She’s gone to state every year since joining Pequot’s varsity as an eighth grader. She’s earned All-State honors the last three years, including a fifth-place finish last year.

Birkeland is ranked No. 3 individually and the Patriots are ranked No. 11 according to Iwanamaker.com. Pequot won the Section 6-2A title for the fifth-straight time.

Bill Johnson / Picture Day Pro!

“We have some good expectations for Genevieve,” Pequot Lakes head coach Savannah Nelson said. “She’s kind of peaking at the right time of the season. I’m excited to see what she can do at Ridges, which she knows very well. I think we have a good game plan going into it. I think we can definitely get on the podium and even do better than that.”

This will be Alexa Pietig’s third state appearance. She finished 44th as a sophomore with a 27-hole 134 (93-41). Addison Headley is making her second state appearance. She placed 74th as a freshman with a 155 (106-49). Teammate Claire Oseland finished with the same score and place with rounds of 107-48.

First-time state competitors are Mia Trumpold and Maria Neva.

“Coming off of last year, we lost three seniors, so those were big shoes to fill,” Nelson said. “Starting at the beginning of the year, we didn’t really know what to expect because they are so young. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by everyone’s progress. All the girls have been consistent with each other. There is never a huge gap between the scores and that helps because coming into the state tournament, a lot of it comes down to what your fourth, fifth and sixth players can shoot.”

The top four-ranked teams advanced, including No. 1-ranked Detroit Lakes. No. 2 Holy Family Catholic advanced along with No. 3 Minnewaska, No. 4 Hill-Murray, No. 7 Lake City, No. 8 Totino-Grace and No. 24 Rock Ridge.

Little Falls’ Imagine Hines is ranked No. 46 individually in Class 2A. Last year, she placed 57th as an eighth grader with a 27-hole 139 (93-46). A few spots back was Pierz’s Whitney LeBlanc. The then-freshman fired a 60th-place 142 (87-55). This will be their second state appearance.

“Whitney has been playing pretty well,” Pierz head coach Jessica LeBlanc said. “Two weeks ago, she set a new school record for 18 holes with a 78, May 22 in Milaca. She is comfortable. She’s only a sophomore, so it’s another year to just do the best she can.”

This will be Staples-Motley’s Walker Johnson’s first state appearance.

“I think there are a lot of similarities between Ridges at Sand Creek and Blackberry Hills, where we play our section tournament,” S-M head coach Glen Hasselberg said. “There are similar types of holes and she seemed to handle that quite well at the section. She’s a strong player. She should pop up and put up a good score. It isn’t a surprise to me that she finished fifth and advanced.”

S-M’s Carter White will attempt to finish his career with another state title. The Cardinal senior was the individual state champion as a sophomore and finished third last year with a 27-hole 108 (72-36). He was three shots out of first place.

Bill Johnson / Picture Day Pro!

White placed third in the Section 6-2A Tournament with another rain-shortened 109 (72-37). White is the second-ranked Class 2A individual.

“I think he’d like to improve on the 27-hole debacle last year, where he just ran out of holes,” Hasselberg said. “We always have the philosophy that you can’t win the tournament on Day One, but you can lose it. If you have to rely on Day Two to make up ground, it might be too late.”

Making his state debut will be Pequot Lakes’ Michael Oseland, who tied White for third with a 109 (73-36) at the section meet.

Pine River-Backus will compete in the Class 1A State Tournament at Pebble Creek Golf Club in Becker. No. 12-ranked Lyric Aulie is making her third state appearance. Last year, as an eighth grader, she placed 36th with a 36-hole 180 (94-86). She finished second in the Section 7-1A Tournament with a two-day 175. Teammate Lily Barchus was sixth individually with a 215 to advance to her first state appearance.

“Lyric has grown so much with just her overall game,” PRB head girls’ coach Mark Gonnion said. “She moves the ball along quite well in respect to her swing. She’s been very consistent with her swing. She is refined. She’s had a lot of meets where she’s battled it out for medalist.”

Gonnion believes if Aulie and Barchus can remain focused, they will be fine.

Bill Johnson / Picture Day Pro!

“Lily is going to have that first-year nervousness, but she is such a competitor,” Gonnion said. “She’s one of those kids who does everything you ask her to do. For her to get out there and play confidently. Lyric was named an All-State player and both girls are Academic All-State players. Our team was Academic All-State and these two girls were a pivotal part of that.”

Also at Becker will be Isaiah Aulie, making his third straight state appearance. The Pine River-Backus junior finished 28th last year with rounds of 81-80 for his two-day 161. Isaiah Aulie was sixth in the Section 7-1A meet with a 169 (81-88).

CHENEY, Wash.  — Eastern Washington Athletics has launched a new group ticket fundraising program, available to community organizations, non-profits, and youth sports programs.  


Fans who are looking to raise money for their local school or non-profit organization can purchase tickets at group rates to make their fundraising projects easy. With fundraising group tickets, fans can pick their seats in group areas and have access to food and beverage packages. 


EWU football, volleyball, women’s basketball, and men’s basketball options are available, with 25% of each ticket sold going back to the organization. The fundraising ticket rate requires a minimum of 50 seats sold. 


Fundraising group tickets for football games at Roos Field can be purchased starting at $19.99, with $5 of each ticket purchase being donated back to the organization. 


Volleyball and women’s basketball fundraising tickets can be purchased for $10, with $2.50 going back to the organization. Men’s basketball tickets can be purchased for $12 with a $3 fundraising kick.

For more information or to get your fundraising ticket program started today, reach out to the ticket office at 509-359-6059 or tickets@ewu.edu. Additionally, you can fill out a ticket interest form at GoEags.com/Tickets 

 

2025 EWU football season tickets are now on sale! Join Spokane County’s team for all five home games at Roos Field in Cheney starting as low as $99. Group tickets and fundraising options are also available. For more info, visit goeags.com/fbtickets or contact the EWU Ticket Office at 509-359-6059 or tickets@ewu.edu. 

ABOUT EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

Eastern Washington University Athletics sponsors 14 intercollegiate sports, six for men and eight for women, both as learning opportunities for its most athletically talented students and as an enhancement to student and community life. Eastern is affiliated with Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and is a member of the Big Sky Conference, an association of 10 regional schools with comparable enrollments and academic goals.

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My son loves playing sports, and I love watching him play. I love seeing how he and his teammates develop their skills and grow into better players each season. A few years back, they learned the basics of how to grip a baseball and dribble a basketball. Now, they can throw a baseball accurately and make a jump shot. God willing, they’ll keep moving forward, building their skills and becoming the best players — and kids — they can be.

That growth cannot happen without coaches. My husband is very active in coaching our son, and he loves it. As I support him in this role, I witness the knowledge, commitment, patience and compassion it takes to do it well.

I bet Mary Blaskiewicz noticed and appreciated those traits in her husband, Anthony “Cooper” Blaskiewicz, as he coached and supported youth sports for more than 50 years in Avoca as a founding member of the Avoca Jolly Boys. By spearheading this program, which provides recreational activities for children from Avoca and the surrounding communities, Cooper certainly gave Mary many reasons to be proud of his efforts. Today, I am confident she will be incredibly proud as the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame honors Cooper’s good works at its annual induction banquet.

Please join me in congratulating the Blaskiewicz family as their late father and grandfather posthumously receives the 2025 Sam Falcone Community Service Award from the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame. Cooper was selected to receive this award not only for his pivotal role as a youth sports advocate since the Jolly Boys’ founding in 1966 but also for his more than 50 years of dedication to maintaining the program and serving as the organization’s president and athletic director numerous times. He also served as the point man and organizer for the establishment of the Avoca Jolly Boys’ boys and girls basketball leagues.

Through his wonderful example, youth learned to play sports but they, their coaches and everyone who had the opportunity to know Cooper learned something much more important. They learned the value of good sportsmanship, community pride, goal setting, sacrifice and determination. Those are the lessons coaches teach that make you a success on and off the court. Thanks for everything, Cooper. Your efforts are remembered and cherished by many.

Council meeting

Avoca Council will meet Thursday, June 12, at the municipal building, 950 Main St.

The work session begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by the regular monthly meeting.

Queen of the Apostles pro-life fundraiser

Queen of the Apostles Parish’s social concerns/respect life ministry is distributing baby bottles to fill with spare change, cash or checks to support the pro-life work done by the Wilkes-Barre Chapter of Pennsylvanians for Human Life.

Bottles may be placed in the basket in front of the baptismal font during any of the weekend Masses or dropped off at the rectory.

The return deadline is Father’s Day, Sunday, June 15.

Father Phil’s retirement party

Queen of the Apostles Parish will have the final planning meeting for the Rev. Phillip J. Sladicka’s parishioner-sponsored retirement gala at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 17, in the parish hall, 742 Spring St.

The gala, which will begin with a Mass in thanksgiving of Father Phil’s 49 years of priestly service, will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 29, in the church, 715 Hawthorne St., followed by the gala on the parish hall grounds.

All are welcome to attend to share memories with Father Phil.

Food pantry

Avoca Food Pantry will open at 3 p.m. Thursday, June 19, at Bethel United Methodist Church, 532 Main St. The public can pick up food provided by the Commission on Economic Opportunity’s Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank, at the rear entrance of the building. If you can volunteer to unload and distribute food, please arrive at the church at 1:30 p.m. For information, please call Jim at 570-921-9899.

Church cookbook fundraiser

The parishioners of Queen of the Apostles Parish are selling “Father Phil’s Favorites: A Collection of Recipes by the Parishioners and Friends of Queen of the Apostles Parish.” The cookbooks are $10 each and include 255 recipes sorted into appetizers and beverages, soups and salads, vegetables and side dishes, main dishes, breads and rolls, desserts, cookies and candy.

The books will be available after the weekend Masses: 4 p.m. Saturdays and 8 and 10 a.m. Sundays. You can also purchase one by calling the parish office at 570-457-3412.

All proceeds will contribute to covering the expenses for the parish-sponsored retirement gala in honor of Father Phil.

Queen of the Apostles/Sacred Heart linkage

Queen of the Apostles Parish and Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, 215 Lackawanna Ave., Dupont, will link effective July 1. The Rev. Thomas J. Petro, J.C.L., KCHS, will be the pastor of both parishes. Beginning July 1, the new Mass schedule will be as follows: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 7:30 a.m., Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish; Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m., Queen of the Apostles Parish; Saturdays: 4 p.m., Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, 5:30 p.m. Queen of the Apostles Parish, and Sundays: 8 a.m. Queen of the Apostles Parish, and 10:30 a.m. Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available at 3 p.m. Saturdays at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish.

Religious education classes for children in kindergarten through eighth grade will be held from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Sundays following the same schedule during the academic year at both parishes.

Bulk collections

Residents are reminded they may dispose of one bulk item on the first Monday of the month with up to three bags of trash. Mattresses and box springs must be wrapped in plastic. Electronics will not be collected. Items should not be placed at the curb until the night before the collection.

Yard waste

Residents are reminded each household may place up to three standard size open containers or paper bags of yard waste curbside for collection every Tuesday. Please do not use plastic bags, oversized containers or containers with attached lids. The containers must not weigh more than 30 pounds each and can only contain leaves, grass clippings, weeds, branches and clippings from bushes and shrubs. Branches must be cut to 3 feet in length and a half-inch in diameter.

Rocks, stone, pet waste and plastic bags will not be collected.

Please place yard waste curbside on Monday night to ensure collection on Tuesday.

Please contact the borough office at 570-457-4947 for information.

That’s about it for this week, my friends.

Thanks for reading and have a great week!

Jackie Borthwick-Galvin writes about Avoca every week. To list an item, email jborthwickgalvin@pittstonprogress.com or call 570-301-2171 two weeks prior to the desired publication date.