Recreation Department's new sports seasons underway

The Shafter Recreation and Parks Department's summer sports program is underway, with the first week of volleyball action and the beginning of the Summer Tennis Camp beginning this week.

After the first week of action, the league, with 19 teams competing in different divisions, saw the 11U team coached by Rosamaria Villagomez in first place with a 2-0 record. Luz Pelayo's team is 2-1 to end the first couple of weeks in second place. In the 14U division, Isabel Gonzalez' team is tied for first place with Rose Villagomez's team, with identical 2-0 records. Michael Garcia's team is 2-1.

In the 8U division, Gloria Verdugo's team is 1-0 in their first week of competition.

The Summer Tennis Camp has over 20 players in the sessions, with the students learning basic techniques in the forehand, backhand, and serve strokes.

In other Recreation Department action, the Shafter High girls volleyball team gave of their time and experience to help current players with a volleyball clinic. The girls learned basic set, strike and serve techniques. Philip Jimenez, district director said, "We really appreciate the girls from Shafter High who so generously gave our girls this training and help."

There are only a few days left for registration in their Shafter Striders Cross Country program, which will give kids training in technique, strategy and workout regimens in the sport. Contact the department by calling 661-746-3303 or visit the office at 700 E. Tulare Ave. for more information.