Marina youngsters going to the World Series!

For the first time in the history of Marina Pony Baseball, the Shetland Division (6 and under) won the West Zone Coast Regional Championship and earned a berth to the NorCal World Series and Shetland SoCal World Series Finals in Simi Valley, California.

The fourteen players (all five and six years old) worked incredibly hard to achieve their goals both on the field and in the classroom. Early on these players bought into the goal and learned that they could achieve more together as a team than alone as individuals.

Now the team needs the community's help to pay for travel expenses and lodging during the Shetland World Series Finals in Simi Valley on July 15-18.

When the youngsters are not playing, Coach Alade is planning to take the children visit colleges in Southern California.

"Introducing our players to college campuses at a young age is important to their development as young men and women and will help them become excited about college at a young age," team organizers wrote in their GoFundMe page. "We emphasize the connection between the hard work on the baseball field and the commitment necessary to be equally successful in the classroom."

These youngsters's hard work deserves to be recognized! Help spread the word to help them on their journey! To donate to their cause, click here.

Greenfield's Jocelyn Sosa wants to compete in Australia

Greenfield's cross country star Jocelyn Sosa has been invited to compete in Australia with the Down Under Sports Organization. In the wake of a great season, Jocelyn and her parents believe this is a good opportunity for the studious athlete to polish her running skills.

"I was doing very well since the beginning, I was getting first place a lot," said Jocelyn, a junior at Greenfield High School. She finished the season in 18th place out of 200 runners, and overall, she had a great year which she wants to cap with a trip in the summer.

 Jocelyn needs $5,000 for her trip, and she's hoping community members will help her cover her costs. She'll be having car washes, bake sales, everything that low-income students do these days to raise money. Her mother Alba Sosa asked me if I could do a write up for her in hopes that people donate to her cause. Sure, I said. So here it is.

One of these days, Jocelyn may open up a GoFund me or another social media donation campaign. In the meantime, you can send your donations addressed to Jocelyn Sosa, PO Box 1592, Greenfield CA 93927. Or you can donate directly to the Down Under Sports here. It's not tax deductible, unfortunately.

Mexican vacation raffle to benefit Pacific Grove High girls basketball team

Members from the girls basketball team from Pacific Grove High are planning to go to Australia in the summer, and they're selling raffle tickets to raise funds.

Top prize is a vacation for four to one of five Palace Resorts in Mexico, includes $1,600 towards resort expenses.

Also:

Golf Green fees with cart and dinner for two at Carmel Valley's Rancho Canada.

One night with dinner at the Post Ranch Inn

$25.00 per ticket or 5 tickets for $100. Drawing will take place February 17. For more information, contact Angela Matthews at 521.3045 or pg1team1goal@gmail.com

Hartnell seeking nominations for its athletics hall of fame

Hartnell College is now accepting nominations for its inaugural class of the Hartnell College Athletics Hall of Fame. Honorees will be inducted during a special luncheon and ceremony on Saturday, November 16, 2013, and will be presented to the public during a half-time ceremony at the home football game against Monterey Peninsula College that evening.

Eligibility rules and nomination forms and guidelines are available here. at the college’s website at . Deadline for submission of Hartnell College Athletic Hall of Fame nominations is July 12, 2013.

Questions about nominations, the Hall, or the induction event should be addressed to Joanne Trevino in the Athletics Department at (831) 755-6884 or jtrevino@hartnell.edu.

Local soccer champions heading to Hawaii

Members of the Salinas Pumas Soccer Team are heading to Honolulu to compete as Northern California representatives in the 2013 US Youth Soccer Far West Regional Championship Series.

The team of boys ages 13 and 14, who have been playing together for about five years, are scheduled to compete starting June 17. They’re actively fundraising for the trip, which is expected to cost $25,000.

And they’re taking donations! Call Alex Reynoso at 831-235 9569 for details, or send your checks to El Camino Real FL, PO Box 4384, Salinas, CA 93912.

Support our local youth!