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AFL SUSPENDS SEASON
The Arena Football League Board of Directors will suspend the 2009 season subject to agreement and cooperation with the Arena Football League Players Association while the league works on a long-term plan to improve its economic models, according to a Dec. 15 release. It means the ArenaBowl champion Philadelphia Soul will have to wait another year to defend its crown.
"We, the owners of the Arena Football League, realize we have the most fan-friendly, affordable and accessible sport anywhere," Soul co-owner Jon Bon Jovi said. "These are trying economic times. The revamping will ensure that the AFL continues to provide value to its fans and not only survives but thrives in the years to come."
The AFL’s 22 seasons makes it the second-longest tenure of any U.S. pro football league.
FREE-THROW CHAMPIONSHIP
The Knights of Columbus hosts a free-throw competition 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 17 at Guerin Recreation Center, 16th and Jackson streets. Registration begins at 10 a.m. for ages 10 to 14. Proof of age is required as is parental consent. Winners will progress through local, district and state competitions. Call Quinto Andreoli, 215-389-8114.
NEUMANN-GORETTI GIRLS’ BASKETBALL
The Saints girls’ basketball team opened the week 2-3 overall, which includes a 1-1 league mark. During a recent trip to Virginia Beach, the squad scored a 50-49 overtime victory against Bishop Sullivan. Ashley White tallied 28 points and hit a three-pointer at the end of regulation to tie the game. Drew Balchaitis’ basket with 4.4 seconds remaining in overtime was the game-winner. The team also played Kellam High School, but lost 59-54.
In league action, Neumann-Goretti’s Dec. 9 70-47 victory over Kennedy-Kenrick made coach Chip Reitano the all-time career-wins leader in school history. His 110 victories puts him ahead of Roe Salvo. White, Adriana Sciascia and Nica Meccariello all finished in double-figures in scoring.
POINT BREEZE BASKETBALL
Registration for the Point Breeze Civic Association’s basketball leagues are at Vare Middle School, 24th Street and Snyder Avenue, 6:15 p.m. Mondays for ages 10 to 13 and 10 a.m. Saturdays for ages 6 to 9 and 14 to 16. The association also is seeking winter basketball coaches and teams for ages 16 and younger. Call 215-755-6628 or visit the office at 1518 S. 22nd St.
SEYAA WINTER SPORTS
Register for SEYAA basketball and indoor soccer at Taggart School, Fifth and Porter streets, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 23 or request a registration packet at seyaasports@aol.com. Age divisions are 4 to 6 (biddy basketball); 7 to 8; and 9 to 10.
Indoor soccer is for ages 4 to 7. All games are at Taggart School from January through March. Call 215-463-8802.
WILSON BASKETBALL CAMP
The Jimmy Wilson basketball camp for ages 7 to 19 meets 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays and 11 a.m. Saturdays at Hawthorne Recreation Center, 12th and Carpenter streets. The fee is $10 a session. Call Wilson, 215-732-6495, or e-mail redbird1059@yahoo.com.
