Swish for a good cause

The 12th annual Swish-Out Challenge 3-on-3 tournament will be held at USM on Sun., Feb. 12. Proceeds benefit the Maine Children’s Cancer Program. Since 1993, more than $55,000 has been raised through the event. Teams may be of any size with the only stipulation being that a member of the opposite sex is on the court at all times. Participants receive a prize just for playing, as well as a T-shirt. Plaques are awarded to the top four teams, with this year’s champion receiving a picnic for 20 people at a Portland Sea Dogs game. Space is limited to the first 36 teams to register. For an entry form, sponsorship information or for more information, please contact Jon Paradise at the Maine Credit Union League at 773-5671, ext. 273, or e-mail jparadise@mainecul.org.

Coaching spot open

Southern Maine Community College is currently accepting resumes for the assistant baseball coaching position. Position duties includes on-field coaching and recruitment of student athletes. SMCC, located in South Portland, is a member of the Yankee Small College Conference and plays both a fall and spring collegiate season. This position will remain open until a qualified candidate is identified. Interested candidates should send a resume and list of references to Matt Richards, Director of Athletics, SMCC, 2 Fort Road, South Portland, ME, 04106.

Taking game to Next Level

The Next Level Basketball Camp, directed by new head coach Lori Gear McBride, will take place at Colby College this summer, with overnight camps set for June 25-29 and July 9-13 for girls between the ages of 8-17. The camp will feature a commitment to skill development in a fun and productive atmosphere. Tuition is $450 per camper and includes all meals, lodging in the Colby dorms, camp T-shirts, activities and excellent basketball instruction. Anyone seeking to register can visit the camp website at www.nextlevelbballcamp.com or email Coach McBride with any questions at lmcbride@colby.edu. A non-refundable, $50 deposit is due with all registrations prior to May 1.

USM softball pitching clinics continue

USM’s softball program is holding weekly pitching clinics on Sundays at the Costello Sports Complex on the school’s Gorham campus. The clinics, directed by Huskies’ coaches and players, are open to all pitchers, from beginners to advanced. Sessions run for one hour starting at 9 a.m. Pitchers may attend any and all of the clinics and should bring someone to catch for them. The cost is $10 per session. Those with questions should contact coach Bonny Brown-Denico at 780-5519.

Freeze hoping to heat up

The Maine Freeze, Portland’s five-year-old National Women’s Football Association franchise, has announced its eight-game 2006 schedule. The Freeze will open its season Apr. 22 at Fitzpatrick Stadium against the Connecticut Crush. The Tennessee-based NWFA includes 33 teams nationwide. The Freeze will attempt to bounce back from last year’s 0-8 campaign.