As the cornerstone of Chino American Little League for over 12 years dedicating her time, energy and heart to the service of the community, Courtney Garcia was awarded the Sports Legends Youth Volunteer Award. Mrs. Garcia will serve as the grand marshal for the Chino Youth Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 13 at the Civic Center.
The award, given to her during Tuesday’s Chino City Council meeting, honors volunteers who have dedicated at least five years of service to youth sports and have shown leadership, teaching abilities and sportsmanship.
Mrs. Garcia has served as president, secretary, treasurer and mentor. She has also trained presidents and board members, ensuring that each new generation of leadership is equipped with the tools and knowledge to succeed.
She sponsors a child every year to cover their registration fees, ensuring that financial hardship never stands in the way of a child’s opportunity to play.
“I began volunteering when my son Joshua was 41/2 years old, but even though now he is 17 years old and out of the league, I continue to volunteer because it is a passion of mine,” she said. Mrs. Garcia accepted the award with Joshua and her husband by her side.
Bebermeyer, however, contended the focus on baseball and softball could spur additional tourism dollars from requests to host tournaments at the existing first phase baseball and softball fields, which town Parks and Recreation Department staff have frequently had to turn away when those fields are reserved by SRA. Under the SRA’s lease agreement, it has first right of refusal to use the baseball and softball fields.
“There is a whole area of sports tourism that we’re not tapping into and baseball is one of those and people will travel far and wide for that,” Bebermeyer said.
Stallings, during the Nov. 17 meetings, said town staff made the decision “to focus on what we do really well.”
“The baseball field inquiries are pretty steady every week,” Parks and Recreation Director Amy Novak said at the Nov. 17 meetings. “The football field rentals come every couple of months.”
“Most of the other sports are served pretty well in other parts of the community,” Stallings said. “We looked at soccer, and clearly Nike Park’s got that really well taken care of,” referring to the Isle of Wight County facility in Carrollton.
Bowman noted the plan could be changed later by the current council or a future council.
“This just gives me a first starting point as far as the footprint is concerned,” Bowman said. “I am in no way, by endorsing this plan, saying that this is etched in stone.”
The master plan shows a full-size baseball field and two additional softball fields in the proposed second phase, plus several additions to the first phase, including a 70-yard flag football and practice field, a T-ball field, additional batting cages and parking, and a walking trail to connect the first and second phases.
A representative from Kimley-Horn said at the Nov. 17 meetings that the firm had looked into adding a second football field but abandoned that plan after determining it would only be able to accommodate a 100-yard field if it lacked end zone buffers. Stallings said the buildable acreage in the second phase is constrained by topography and wetlands.
The master plan also shows the potential addition of press boxes at the football field and at the proposed second baseball and softball complex.
The plan shows the second phase having its own parking lot with over 200 spaces. An additional 170-plus parking spaces would be added to the 2018 phase, some of which would be near the site of the circa-1840s Wombwell house the town demolished in 2021.
Additional parking at the Wombwell site had been part of a 2023 plan to add a 3,800-square-foot building to the park that would house maintenance equipment for all town-owned parks. The town defunded that project and reallocated its earmarked federal COVID-19 relief funds to instead go toward the two-story concession and bathroom facility the town built in 2024 adjacent to the football field after the cost estimate for the maintenance building soared to over $1 million. The master plan still shows space at the former Wombwell site for the maintenance building’s future construction.
Concerns have been circulating throughout Connecticut’s youth hockey community, as rumors suggest that parents have been prohibited from recording games.
HARTFORD, Conn. — Concerns have been circulating throughout Connecticut’s youth hockey community, as rumors and online posts suggest that parents have been prohibited from recording their children’s games at facilities operated by Black Bear Sports Group.
The company, founded in 2015 by lifelong hockey fan Murry Gunty, owns five ice rinks in the state. They’re located in Bolton, Cromwell, Enfield, Milford and Newington.
Recent articles and social media discussions claim that parents have been barred from filming altogether. However, Black Bear Sports Group says those claims are misleading.
In a statement issued to FOX61, a company spokesperson clarified that parents are free to record their children, with one important exception.
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“The only restriction is livestreaming, broadcasting, simulcasting or any other form of transmitting full games or practices. Allowing this kind of broadcasting of other children or players is a significant safety risk given that it is impossible for our rinks, leagues and teams to ensure that everyone on camera has given consent, especially young children and their parents.”
Another set of rumors suggested that parents who attempt to livestream could face threats or penalties — including claims that their child’s team might be docked rankings or even handed a loss. Black Bear Sports Group says those allegations are completely untrue.
“Absolutely not. We approach these situations on a case-by-case basis, but parents will only be asked politely to follow the safety policy. A player and their team will not be punished as falsely reported,” the spokesperson said.
For now, the company maintains that families are welcome to capture personal memories of their children’s games, as long as livestreaming or public broadcasting does not occur.
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Jay Anderson is a Multi-Skilled Journalist at FOX61. He can be reached at JAnderson@FOX61.com.
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Kearney High got the sweep of Elkhorn South using the experience of some new faces. The Bearcats won 48-33 in the girls game and 65-51 in the boys game.
In the girls game, Kearney led 10-5 after the first quarter, but the Storm would roll back with a big second quarter to cut their deficit to three points heading into the locker room. Kearney’s defense in the third quarter pushed their lead out to double digits with six players scoring a bucket. Elkhorn South would finally score double digits in a quarter in the fourth, but a scoring flurry from Libby Province kept the Storm at bay. Freshman Hallie Garner led all scorers with 18 points, while Province joined her in double digit scoring with 13.
KEARNEY (1-0)…………10…7…16…15…48 Elkhorn South (0-1)…..5….9…7….12…33
Kearney Scoring: Hallie Garner 18, Libby Province 13, Augusta Ganz 6, Addie Snyder 5, Sophie Glandt 2, Kennedy Lee 2, Ellie Larsen 2 Elkhorn South Scoring: Johnson 11, Marasco 10, Probasco 5, Holmes 4, Wohlers 2, Swartz 1
In the Boys game, Kearney took advantage of a strong first and fourth quarter to pick up their season opening win. After keeping leading returner Leyton Paider of the scoring column in the first half, Kearney relied on Sophomore Jayden Norman and Wood River transfer Levi Johnson for scoring. Johnson and Norman would combine for 12 points in the third quarter, outscoring Elkhorn South, while Paider would scratch into the scoring column with five points. The Storm went cold on their shooting in the fourth, allowing for Kearney to push the scoring margin into double digits.
KEARNEY (1-0)…………12…14…21…18…65 Elkhorn South (0-1)…..5….15…12….8…51
Kearney Scoring: Jayden Norman 21, Levi Johnson 12, Leyton Paider 10, Cole Larsen 6, Kaden Playmaker 6, Kellen Jones 4, Gordy Garner 3, Zach Atchison 2, Isiah Giovara 1 Elkhorn South Scoring: Feeney 13, Burke 11, Maglinger 9, Johnson 7, Noameshie 6, Wolf 2, Bayer 2, Flanagan 1
Postgame Interviews with Kearney Girls Head Coach Drew Danielson and Boys assistant coach Jim Moran
St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks honored standout youth sports volunteers during its Dec. 4 advisory board meeting, recognizing more than 2,800 hours of service this year. (Photo courtesy of the St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks)
LEONARDTOWN, Md. — The St. Mary’s County Recreation and Parks Citizens Advisory Board closed out its final meeting of the year on Dec. 4 with youth volunteer recognitions, progress updates on long-term projects and the upcoming launch of a new online registration system.
Vice Chair Jeff Kennedy opened the meeting with all members present before turning to Recreation and Parks Director Raymond Bivens, who briefed the board on ongoing initiatives, recent facility improvements and major department projects expected to shape 2026.
Nearly 3,000 Hours of Volunteer Service Recognized
The department honored youth sports volunteers nominated by their organizations, noting the group contributed more than 2,800 hours in 2025 to support athletes across soccer, football, cheer, lacrosse, field hockey and baseball.
Those recognized included:
Tim Bettes and Kym Leyva-Johnson, Founders FC
Joanna Winters and Chip Williams, Mechanicsville Braves Football & Cheer
Fred and Mary Lusk, Mechanicsville Braves Lacrosse
PaQuita Brooks and Kia Neal, Pax River Raiders Football & Cheer
Crystal Loughary and Ashley Raley, Southern Maryland Eliminators Field Hockey
Brittney Ridgell, St. Mary’s County Youth Organization
Kim Blodnikar and Heather Pinkel, St. Mary’s Girls Lacrosse League
David Facini, St. Mary’s Little League
Staff emphasized the volunteers’ long-term service and pivotal role in sustaining youth sports throughout Southern Maryland.
Director Highlights Park Improvements, Mural and New Water Taxi
Bivens reported strong turnout for the department’s first Turkey Trot at Lexington Manor Passive Park and showcased the completed mural at Baggett Park by artist Eric Jackson. The four-sided artwork features nature themes, trail elements and subtle tributes to former recreation leaders John Baggett and Phil Rollins.
The new four-sided mural at Baggett Park, created by artist Eric Jackson, highlights the park’s mix of trails, nature and sports while incorporating subtle tributes to former recreation leaders. (Photo courtesy of the St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks)
He also noted positive early feedback on Leonard Hall Recreation Center’s newly leveled and warrantied roller hockey floor.
The county’s new water taxi, the First Landing Explorer, is undergoing final upgrades ahead of its launch to St. Clement’s Island in early 2026. (Photo courtesy of the St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks)
Looking ahead, Bivens presented photos of the county’s new water taxi, First Landing Explorer, expected to begin service to St. Clement’s Island in March. The vessel will nearly double passenger capacity, add a restroom and improve accessibility for school groups and special events.
County Approved for $1.6 Million Energy Modernization Grant
Bivens announced the county has secured roughly $1.6 million from the Maryland Energy Administration for solar arrays at the Gymnastics Center and Wicomico Shores Golf Club, a roof replacement at the golf course clubhouse, LED lighting upgrades across parks and potential installation of energy-efficient water heaters at restroom facilities. The projects are expected to reduce long-term operating costs.
Board Approves Annual Report
The board unanimously approved its 2025 annual report to county commissioners, which includes updates on facility upgrades, expanded programming and operational milestones, as well as a tribute to Board Chair Veronica Johnson, who died earlier this year.
Strategic Plan: Short-Term Goals Completed
Deputy Director Jessica Hale reported that the department met all 17 short-term goals in the first year of its 2024–2029 strategic plan, covering customer service, fiscal stewardship, innovation and workforce development. Sixteen mid-term goals are now underway, to be completed by late 2027.
CivicPlus Registration System Launches Dec. 18
Hale previewed the department’s transition to CivicPlus, a new online registration and facility reservation platform designed to streamline program enrollment and household account management. Residents can already create accounts, with full registration beginning Dec. 18. The system will now accept all major credit cards, including American Express. To learn more about CivicPlus, click here.
Board Discussion: Basketball Season, Field Work and Staff Support
During closing comments, one member noted that winter basketball season is beginning and said players were excited about their new jerseys, though some were initially unsure about the uniform color change. He also commended the county for “immaculate” baseball fields this year, while noting a few isolated instances where infields did not appear fully dragged. Park attendants received praise for their helpfulness and willingness to check in with coaches before field openings.
A newer board member said he has enjoyed his first few months on the board and thanked staff for their support. The schools representative reported no additional updates.
Kennedy addressed a question about whether future energy savings could help reduce league lighting fees. Bivens said the current grant funding is site-specific but broader fee discussions are expected in the future. Kennedy also reminded members that elections for chair, vice chair and the Wicomico Shores representative will take place in February.
2026 Meeting Calendar Adopted
The board finalized its 2026 meeting calendar, which includes presentations from St. Mary’s Little League, state championship student-athletes from Leonardtown High School, and briefings on therapeutic recreation, capital projects, indoor sports and accreditation. Meetings will not be held in January, April or July.
Watch the full St. Mary’s County Recreation and Parks Board meeting below:
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Woodbridge players and coaches including head coach Connor McBride (center) celebrate with the CIF State Regional 7-AA South plaque after defeating San Fernando Friday night. (PHOTOS: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone).
Woodbridge’s magical post season run is still alive.
The Warrior football team, which had to battle just to reach the playoffs after an 0-7 start, will have a chance to bring home a state title, after earning the CIF Division 13 championship a week ago.
Woodbridge controlled the game from the start, used a solid defense and clutch offensive plays to defeat Los Angeles City Section champion San Fernando 13-0 Friday night at University in the CIF South Division 7-AA Bowl Game. It was Woodbridge’s second shutout of the season.
To see the slide show, click on the first photo:
Woodbridge coach Connor McBride and school principal Linzi Gorzkyi after collecting the CIF State souther regional championship plaque.
San Fernando coach Charles Burnley and a Tigers school official pick up the State Regional Championship second place plaque on Friday night.
San Fernando captains Andrew Newchurch (0), Brandon Robinson (5), Darrion Turner Jr (3) and Julian Sarzo (1) walk over to the coin toss.
Woodbridge captains Larry Lloyd (57), David Bosley (5), Ben Jenkins-Amara (65), and Jalen Webb (6) prepare to walk over for the coin toss.
Woodbridge captain Larry Lloyd (57) claps in celebration following the Warriors victory over San Fernando.
Woodbridge fans packed the home stand of University Stadium on Friday night.
San Fernando coach Charles Burnley looks on in between plays.
Woodbridge coach Connor McBride flexes the CIF State southern regional championship plaque on Friday night.
Woodbridge players charge the field before the start of the second half of Friday’s CIF State regional final.
San Fernando Tigers players led by quarterback Julian Sarzo take the field on Friday night.
Woodbridge linebacker Makai Davis (8) is congratulated by teammate Kayjahn Pitts (3) after the Warriors forced a turnover in the fourth quarter.
Woodbridge quarterback Waylon Stone picks up yards during the fourth quarter of Friday’s regional final.
Woodbridge coach Connor McBride talks to his players during a timeout.
Members of the Woodbridge pep squad cheer for the Warriors on Friday night.
Woodbridge quarterback Waylon Stone releases a pass on Friday night.
San Fernando quarterback Julian Sarzo runs for a gain during the third quarter.
Woodbridge running back Kayjahn Pitts celebrates with Waylon Stone after scoring the Warriors second touchdown of the game.
San Fernando wide receiver Andrew Newchurch picks up a first down for the Tigers during the third quarter.
Woodbridge wide receiver Jalen Webb checks in with an official on Friday night.
San Fernando athlete Darrion Turner Jr. carries the ball for a gain as he is pursued by Woodbridge linebacker Makai Davis.
San Fernando fans cheer for the Tigers on Friday night.
Woodbridge marching band performs during Friday night’s halftime show.
Members of Woodbridge spirit perform during Friday’s halftime show.
San Fernando quarterback Julian Sarzo drops back to pass as he is rushed by Woodbridge linebacker Hunter King.
Woodbridge coach Connor McBride and his players show off the CIF State southern regional championship plaque on Friday night.
Members of the Woodbridge football team hold the CIF State southern regional championship plaque on Friday night.
Woodbridge Waylon Stone (9) and Kayjahn Pitts (3) hold the CIF State regional championship plaque. Both had stellar performances for the Warriors.
San Fernando quarterback Julian Sarzo gains yards for the Tigers.
Woodbridge cornerback Lucas Da Cruz returns an interception that set up the Warriors second touchdown of the game.
Woodbridge wide receiver Jalen Webb celebrates after scoring the Warriors first touchdown of the game.
Woodbridge fans showed up in big numbers, filling the home stands at University to see Woodbridge compete in a state bowl game for the first time.
The Warriors earned the South championship with the victory and will compete for the CIF state crown next weekend against the North champion Redding Christian.
Day and location will be announced Sunday. Games will be held at Saddleback College, Buena Park or Fullerton either Friday or Saturday.
“It feels great tonight, we went out here and I told our defense we needed a big game out of them, they’re a high-powered offense and that’s exactly what we did, we had a shutout in a state regional game, it tells so much about our defense, they’ve been our cornerstone this whole year, who we’ve leaned on, who we’ve been successful with and they reallly did that,” said the Warriors first-year coach Connor McBride.
“I’m really proud of my kids for coming out here and doing the job we worked with through this whole week.”
Hunter King had the second of two Woodbridge interceptions in the final minute to seal the win for Woodbridge (7-8).
“The defense made big plays when we needed it,” McBride said.
Lucas Da Cruz had the other interception for Woodbridge, which gave the Warriors possession on the San Fernando 17-yard line late in the second quarter. Then on a second down play, Kayjahn Pitts scored on a 17-yard run to put Woodbridge ahead 13-0. Pitts was the game’s leading rusher with 118 yards on 22 carries.
Woodbridge took a 6-0 lead when quarterback Waylon Stone connected with Jaylen Webb on a 6-yard TD pass late in the first quarter. The Warriors were unsuccessful on a two-point conversion.
Woodbridge’s defense was tough all night against San Fernando (11-4). Quarterback Julian Sarzo started fast with two straight completions, but Woodbridge was stingy after that. Sarzo passed for 117 yards and running back Melvin Pineda rushed for 51 yards.
But the Tigers weren’t able to put many drives together.
McBride said that defensive end Avery Hur had another outstanding game.
Offensively, it was the trio of Pitts, Webb and Stone who led the way as they have done many times this season.
“That’s a great win right there, this is the second time this season we’ve shut somebody out,” Webb said. “It’s great that our offense and our defense is producing right now in the perfect moment. We started 0-7, it’s crazy to experience this right now. We have a chance to go state and it felt great to get a touchdown out there. It was perfect, exactly how we do it in practice.
“I’m so excited, coming to Woodbridge, I never thought something like that would happen. It’s so unreal when people around you are doubting you the whole time, and your prove them wrong, it feels 10 times better. After we beat Uni in the three overtime game, I knew something was special. I just hoped for the best and prayed for the best and God did his work.”
Pitts not only scored the key touchdown to put the Warriors ahead at halftime, he helped chew up time on the clock and keep the ball out of the Tigers hands.
“It felt good, I didn’t get to score the previous weeks but I kept my head down and stayed foused, and got into the end zone,” he said. “I was confident coming into it, I believed in my team and we’re on to state and I’m confident we can win the whole thing. It’s just another week, we got to stay focused and keep pushing ahead and see what comes next week.”
Stone was once again steady guiding the offense.
“I think we got off to a good start in the first half,” said Stone, who had three completions for 22 yards. “Our defense, Kayjahn Pitts and our O-line really sealed it for us. The plan was to win, obviously we executed it. I think our plan is to take it game by game, keep doing what we’re doing, not really change anything because we’ve won the last few games.”
Stone was thrilled he could hook up with Webb, his favorite receiver for the Warriors first score.
“It was a great job getting open by him, he kind of broke off his route and started making his way toward the sidelines and I hit him. I would have never expected this, 0-7 at the start of the season. I’m so proud of our team, the way we fought through everything, great win today for us.”
McBride, the 27-year-old head coach, was all smiles, again.
“This week, I believe it a little more,” added McBride. “There are no tears this week., which is unique for me, but it really gets me excited for next week. It meant a lot for our school. We had a lot of community out here. When you start to win, you get a lot of people out here and it really makes me happy for the community. It means the world to me when I look up there and everybody is up there.”
The Warriors opponent next week, Redding Christian (14-0) defeated Middleton 22-18 Friday night in the North Bowl game.
