LIHUE – The old adage insists that it takes a village to raise a child – this is especially true on an island community such as the Garden Island. One of the best lessons local coaches teach our aspiring youth
LIHUE – The old adage insists that it takes a village to raise a child – this is especially true on an island community such as the Garden Island.
One of the best lessons local coaches teach our aspiring youth is that one should always give something back to the community that has supported him or her throughout their adolescent athletic careers.
Some former Kaua’i Interscholastic Federation diamond standouts get an opportunity to pass on the benefit of their education and experiences as the Hawai’i Parks and Recreation Association and Kawaihau District Leadership Coalition will sponsor a free youth baseball clinic for players of ages 9-18 on Sunday, August 11th, at the Vidinha Stadium baseball diamond.
The clinic is designed to inspire and encourage Kauai’s young hardball enthusiasts to pursue and prepare for a future collegiate education with the additional goal of playing baseball beyond the local high school levels.
Featured instructors include former KIF talents (and current collegiate student athletes) Clifton Arakaki (Kauai, Mesa State College), Micah Furtado (Kapaa, Lewis-Clark State), Jason Koga (Kauai, Linfield College), Kaleo Lopez (Kapaa, Saddleback College), Justin Matsukawa (Kapaa, Lewis-Clark State), Kaliko Oligo (Waimea, UH-Hilo), Neto Quiroz (Kauai, Saddleback College), and Sean Tamura (Kapaa, UH-Hilo). Providing additional instruction will be local coaches Cliff Furtado, Shannon Masada, Derek Borrero and Hank Ibia.
Registration at the Vidinha diamond will begin at 9:00 a.m. and the first 50 kids to sign up will receive free baseballs. Clinic activities will run in two sessions from 10 a.m. noon and 1 p.m. 2:30 p.m. Instruction topics will cover batting, infield, outfield, pitching, catching, and proper base running techniques.
Attendees are asked to wear proper, comfortable athletic attire and bring a mitt, bat, batting helmet and ball cap in order to participate. Players are additionally requested to bring a lunch for the one-hour break between sessions. Beverages, however, will be provided free of charge for all participants. “Kaua’i’s Own” collegiate ball players will offer testimonials on their personal experiences and answer any questions during the informal group lunch break .
At the conclusion of the second session, an exhibition game will be held between a mixed roster of high school and collegiate players utilizing KIF umpires and the public address play-by-play of radio sports personality Anahola Joel Pahukula.
Parents and fans are highly encouraged to come out and support the youngsters throughout the clinic and stay for the exhibition contest.
For further information, call Clinic Coordinator Cliff Furtado at 822-7873 (home) or Kaua’i County Director Of Recreation Bernard Carvalho at 241-6648 (work).
