SS Youth Sports and Recreation Assoc: A Growing Community Resource
San Saba Youth Sports and Recreation Association (SSYSRA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing structured, organized sports programs for the youth of San Saba County. Often referred to as San Saba Youth Sports (SSYS), this community-driven initiative aims to foster teamwork, discipline, and physical activity among local children. Since its inception in 2011, SSYS […]
San Saba Youth Sports and Recreation Association (SSYSRA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing structured, organized sports programs for the youth of San Saba County. Often referred to as San Saba Youth Sports (SSYS), this community-driven initiative aims to foster teamwork, discipline, and physical activity among local children. Since its inception in 2011, SSYS has become a cornerstone of youth sports in the area, with a variety of athletic programs available to participants including baseball, softball, soccer, flag football, tackle football, basketball, and cheerleading. The organization relies on the dedication of local volunteers, including board members and sport-specific coordinators, who give their time to ensure the success of each season.
SSYS is proud to collaborate with the City of San Saba and San Saba ISD by sharing facilities to accommodate the growing number of sports participants. As demand for these sports has increased over the years, so too have the challenges of available facilities and scheduling. While SSYS is grateful to share the high school softball field with San Saba ISD, the organization relies on only one additional field to host practices and games for both baseball and softball. With the growing number of participants, the limited space has become a significant challenge for both organizers and athletes. For example, the 2024 season saw record high registrations with 198 athletes participating in baseball and softball. Eleven teams comprised of six baseball teams and five softball teams had only one youth field available for scheduling both practices and games. The trend has continued into the 2025 season as numbers remain high.
In addition to these difficulties, SSYS also faces logistical issues as they relate to soccer. Currently, there is not a dedicated area for our organization to host soccer games. As a result, our organization sends approximately 130 athletes and their families to Llano every weekend for soccer games. In addition to the time spent traveling to and from the games, this creates additional expenses for families in the community, spreading resources to surrounding communities rather than allowing them to be spent locally. As participation in youth sports continues to rise, SSYS is actively seeking solutions to address the current facility constraints.
In an exciting step toward expanding recreational opportunities for the youth of our community, SSYS has reached an agreement with the City of San Saba for the long-term lease of a little over 30 acres west of town to be utilized for the construction of a multi-sport complex. In addition to baseball and softball fields, the complex would provide game and practice space for our soccer, flag football, and tackle football teams. Local surveying firm, Craft Surveying and Mapping Co., generously donated the initial boundary survey of the property. Additionally, Luck Design Team, a landscape architecture team based in Austin, TX, has provided the initial design drawings for the potential sports complex. With these foundational contributions in place, the next phase of the project includes the completion of a topographical survey and a full site engineering plan. These two steps are crucial to the process and will allow the organization to actively pursue grants and other funding opportunities, ensuring the long-term sustainability and success of the project.
To aid in the fundraising process, the SSYS Board has elected a dedicated fundraising committee comprised of six individuals. Their goal will focus on fundraising efforts to help make the proposed sports complex a reality for the youth of San Saba County.
Although the Board has been obtaining outside bids to keep the project moving forward, if community members or local businesses are interested in partnering with SSYS to provide time or services, we would love the opportunity to speak with you. Working together with those in our local area is preferred, and any help provided is greatly appreciated!
Immediate needs (In Motion):
• Full Topographical Survey
– Boundary Verification
– Water Meter and Sewer Locations
– Buried Utility Assessment, etc.
• Engineering Services
– Site Layout Evaluation and Proposals
– Drainage Analysis and Design
– Grading Design
– Preparation of Final Construction Documents, etc.
Future needs:
• Dirt Work
• Fencing
• Construction of Dugouts
• Light Purchase and Installation
• Scoreboard(s) Purchase and Installation
• Construction of Bathroom and Concession Infrastructure
• 40’ Sea Container for Equipment Storage
San Saba Youth Sports and Recreation Association believes this multi-use facility is greatly needed within our community. Not only will a sports complex provide opportunities for our young athletes, but it will also have a direct and meaningful impact on our local economy. The ability to host league games and tournaments could bring numerous people to our area, often for multiple days at a time. With the continued support from the community, local businesses, and committed volunteers, the organization is optimistic about securing the necessary resources to bring this exciting project to life.
If you would like more information or to discuss the project, please reach out to one of the current board members. Current board members for the organization are:
Vote on Athlete of the Week poll for May 19-24 as postseason kicks in
Stars shine at girls state track and field meet Watch some highlights from the Rockford-area stars who stepped up at the girls state track and field meet in Charleston It was an exciting week of postseason and regular-season action this late spring, so now it’s time to let you, the reader, vote on who you […]
Watch some highlights from the Rockford-area stars who stepped up at the girls state track and field meet in Charleston
It was an exciting week of postseason and regular-season action this late spring, so now it’s time to let you, the reader, vote on who you believe deserves the Rockford Register Star’s high school Athlete of the Week honor in our weekly poll.
You can go to rrstar.com or vote on the poll below, and we ask that you only vote once per day. The poll will close at noon Friday.
To nominate someone for the Athlete of the Week, send an email to jtaft@rrstar.com before 10 a.m. on Mondays, with information on why they deserve the honor.
Who qualified for state?: Rochelle jumpers lead Rockford-area boys Illinois state track and field qualifiers
This week’s nominees are:
Kole Aken, Byron baseball
Aken went 2-for-2 with two walks and two runs scored during Byron’s 8-0 win over Mendota last Wednesday in the Stillman Valley Regional opener.
David Ballard, Lutheran track and field
Ballard rolled to this weekend’s IHSA boys state track and field meet by winning the 100-meter dash in 11.14 and the 200 in 22.54 at last week’s Class 1A Oregon Sectional.
Russell Butitta, Freeport baseball
Butitta pitched Freeport to a 3-2 victory over Harlem that allowed the Pretzels to tie Hononegah for the NIC-10 title with a 15-3 conference record. The week before, he beat Hononegah, 3-0, lifting the Pretzels with a pair of clutch pitching duels in his last two starts.
Chase Cutler, Hononegah track and field
Hononegah’s star advanced to the IHSA Class 3A state track and field meet in the 200 dash (which he won in 22.15), the 400 run (which he won in 47.40) and in the 4X400 relay.
Laney Dobbs, Belvidere North softball
Dobbs pitched a complete game and struck out 10 and walked just one to help spark Belvidere North to a 9-2 win over Guilford last Friday that locked down the Blue Thunder’s first NIC-10 title in softball.
Haylee Gallas, Belvidere North soccer
The junior had four goals during Belvidere North’s 9-0 win over Pecatonica last week in the Blue Thunder’s postseason opener. They were scheduled to play in the Belvidere Sectional semifinal on Wednesday.
Jake Guse, Lutheran baseball
Guse drove in four runs as No. 5 seed Lutheran upset No. 2 Lena-Winslow 8-6 in the regional final.
Hunter Miller, Eastland baseball
Miller went the distance, holding Milledgeville to one earned run in an 8-4 victory in the regional finals. He shut the Missiles out in the final five innings.
Braden Monson, Hononegah tennis
Monson, a junior, repeated as sectional champion, breezing to the singles title by winning 36 games and losing only one in three matches.
Kailie Murphy, Belvidere North soccer
The Blue Thunder goalie had two shutouts in the teams’ first two posteason games last week, and she has 13 shutouts on the season as Belvidere North is still alive in the playoffs.
Emma Randecker, West Carroll track and field
Randecker was the IHSA Class 1A girls state track and field MVP, winning the 100- and 200-meter dashes in record fashion, while also winning the 400 run hands down on Saturday. The senior will run for the University of Northern Iowa starting next year.
Jay Taft is a Rockford Register Star sports reporter. Email him at jtaft@rrstar.com and sign up for the Rockford High School Sports Newsletter here at rrstar.com. Jay has covered a variety of sports, from the Chicago Bears and Blackhawks to local youth sports, since the turn of the century at the Register Star.
Thomas Edward Dusing Thomas Edward “Tommy” Dusing, age 44, of Romney, W.Va., died on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at Hampshire County Medical Center in Romney, W.Va. Tommy was an equipment operator with Stuart M. Perry Engineering. He enjoyed coaching youth sports as well as fishing and hunting. He is the son of Wilbur W. and […]
Thomas Edward “Tommy” Dusing, age 44, of Romney, W.Va., died on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at Hampshire County Medical Center in Romney, W.Va.
Tommy was an equipment operator with Stuart M. Perry Engineering.
He enjoyed coaching youth sports as well as fishing and hunting.
He is the son of Wilbur W. and Nora Elizabeth Waugh Dusing.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife, Alli Michelle Corbin Dusing, three children, Alaric Dusing, Paisley Dusing and Jacob Dusing, two sisters, Ann Zahnow and Shannon Zombro (Rick), two brothers, Jess Dusing (Tammy) and David Dusing (Christie) and a number of nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles and great nieces.
Tommy was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jesse W. and Virginia Hunter Waugh and Vincent C. and Isabelle S. Dusing.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 1 p.m. at Welsey Chapel United Methodist Church, 165 Pious Ridge Road, Berkeley Springs, W.Va. with Pastor Kenny Mason officiating. Family will receive friends at the church from noon to 1 p.m.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.helsleyjohnsonfh.com.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Berkeley Springs High School Wrestling Team, Attn: Athletic Director, 149 Concord Avenue, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411.
Arrangements are being handled by Helsley-Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 95 Union Street, Berkeley Springs, WV.
Real Madrid great Raúl ending his academy role to coach elsewhere | National Sports
MADRID (AP) — Real Madrid great Raúl González is leaving his role as a coach in the club’s youth academy. The 47-year-old Raúl spent seven years in the academy and coached several youth teams in the 2018-19 season. He helped the under-19s win the Youth League in 2020. “Raúl has informed the club of his […]
MADRID (AP) — Real Madrid great Raúl González is leaving his role as a coach in the club’s youth academy.
The 47-year-old Raúl spent seven years in the academy and coached several youth teams in the 2018-19 season. He helped the under-19s win the Youth League in 2020.
“Raúl has informed the club of his decision to end his time as a coach at our youth academy,” Madrid said on Tuesday.
“Real Madrid is proud to have had one of the greatest legends in our history and world football as a coach and trainer at our youth academy. Raúl also exemplifies all the values of Real Madrid. Values that he has also passed on as a coach.”
Raúl said he enjoyed the job, which made him “grow as a professional and as a person.”
“I want to thank the club of my life for the opportunity it has given me,” Raúl said. “A new phase begins in my life as a coach outside of this club, with the certainty that I’ll eventually return to this place that will always be my home.”
Raúl starred for Madrid as a player from the late 1990s until 2010, and with Spain until 2006.
“Raúl will always be in the hearts of all madridistas, and Real Madrid will always be his home,” the club added.
Madrid’s B team is set to be coached by former player Álvaro Arbeloa.
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
D1 Training, Pure Athlete Unite on Youth Sports Content
Demand for youth athletic development is growing. D1 and Pure Athlete are teaming up to deliver pro-level training insights to families navigating the youth sports journey Pure Athlete, a rising youth sports podcast and content platform, has teamed up national fitness and training franchise D1 Training to bring performance-driven strength and conditioning guidance to members […]
Demand for youth athletic development is growing. D1 and Pure Athlete are teaming up to deliver pro-level training insights to families navigating the youth sports journey
Pure Athlete, a rising youth sports podcast and content platform, has teamed up national fitness and training franchise D1 Training to bring performance-driven strength and conditioning guidance to members of its premium content tier, PA+.
The move comes as interest in youth sports development grows, with parents seeking more structured, long-term guidance for their young athletes.
credit: D1/PURE ATHLETE
D1 Training, founded by former NFL player Will Bartholomew, operates more than 145 locations nationwide and is known for its 5-Star Training Program, which touts more than 30,000 youth and adult athletes.
“D1 Training has built a national reputation for training young athletes the right way,” Pure Athlete podcast co-host and former MLB outfielder Jeff Francoeur said. “Their focus on whole-body training and long-term development, not shortcuts or fads, aligns perfectly with our mission to support young athletes in a healthy and sustainable way.”
For its part, D1 offers group, semi-private and one-on-one training through a series of age-based programs – Rookie, Developmental, Prep and D1 Adult – modeled after Division I collegiate protocols. The fitness brand says it has helped develop more than 100 NFL Draft picks and thousands of college scholarship athletes.
See Also
credit: D1 Training
“Pure Athlete is a refreshing voice in the world of youth athletics, Bartholomew said. “D1 is proud to partner with PA in an effort to educate athletes of all ages and help them reach their goals.”
credit: D1 Training
D1’s age-specific training approach will be folded into PA+’s expanding content library, which includes micro-lessons on topics such as mental health, nutrition, sport-specific skills and parenting in youth athletics. To launch the collaboration, Pure Athlete is releasing a podcast episode featuring Bartholomew, who reflects on his athletic career, his experience raising young athletes and the philosophy behind D1’s development model.
Earlier this year, D1 Training acquired Strive Village, a chain of private training facilities in the Chicago area, and hired former F45 executive Elliot Capner,
Trump threatens to strip federal funds to California over transgender youth athletes
President Donald Trump on Tuesday threatened to cut federal funding to California if the state continues allowing transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports. Trump blasted Gov. Gavin Newsom in an early morning post on Truth Social saying the state under his leadership “continues to ILLEGALLY allow MEN TO PLAY IN WOMEN’S SPORTS.” “I will […]
President Donald Trump on Tuesday threatened to cut federal funding to California if the state continues allowing transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports.
Trump blasted Gov. Gavin Newsom in an early morning post on Truth Social saying the state under his leadership “continues to ILLEGALLY allow MEN TO PLAY IN WOMEN’S SPORTS.”
“I will speak to him today to find out which way he wants to go???” Trump said of Newsom. “In the meantime I am ordering local authorities, if necessary, to not allow the transitioned person to compete in the State Finals. This is a totally ridiculous situation!!!”
The president’s post appeared to reference a California high school junior who won the women’s long jump and triple jump during the California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section Masters Meet over the weekend.
California is the second state to enter Trump’s cross-hairs over transgender athletes participation in youth sports. Last month, Trump began the process of stripping Maine of federal education dollars in a battle over the issue between the president and Maine Gov. Janet Mills. The dispute immediately landed in court.
Unlike the governor of Maine, Newsom recently said it was “deeply unfair” for people born as biological men to compete in women’s sports. He has not responded to Trump’s post.
When asked at a press conference in April if California should adopt a law restricting transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports, the governor said he’s open to the discussion.
“You’re talking about a very small number of people, a very small number of athletes, and my responsibility is to address the pressing issues of our time,” Newsom said, before adding that the conversation has been weaponized by conservatives.
“And to the extent that someone could find that right balance, I would embrace those conversations and the dignity that hopefully presents themselves in that conversation, meaning the humanity around that conversation, not the politics around that conversation.”
This isn’t the first time Trump has threatened to cut funding, particularly education dollars, to California.
In an April letter to Newsom, the Trump-appointed head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture conditioned its aid to abiding by Trump directives — and cited a federal investigation into a state law that prohibits schools from automatically notifying families about student gender-identity changes and shields teachers from retaliation for supporting transgender student rights.
California also joined other states in April when it defied a Trump administration order to certify that the state’s 1,000 school districts have ended all diversity, equity and inclusion programs. That Trump order, too, arrived with federal threats to cut billions of dollars in education funding if the state did not comply.
One uncertainty in Trump’s latest social media post was whether he was referring to education funding alone or additional federal support for California — which could include, for example, disaster relief, food aid for the poor and dollars to support low-income housing.
California has long sent more money to Washington, D.C. in federal tax revenue than it receives in federal support, according to Newsom. Regardless, the funding that California relies on is significant.
While it’s difficult to calculate the total dollar amount California receives from the federal government in education funding, some tallies have put the annual figure at $16.3 billion — or about $2,750 per K-12 student. That money includes funding for school meals, students with disabilities and early education Head Start programs.
The state also receives more than $2.1 billion in Title I grants to counteract the effects of poverty — more than any other state — with about $417 million provided to Los Angeles Unified, according to the California Department of Education.
Thomas Edward Dusing
