Sports Shorts

The New Jersey State Rowing Championships is the largest lifeguard surfboat race in the United States. This seven-mile row through the open waters of the Barnegat Bay in Ocean County is the most diverse race of its kind. With 17 boat classes, four age groups and five rowing combinations, this race has something for everyone.

In 2001, the New Jersey State Rowing Championships started out strong with 30 boats on the starting line. Now in its sixth year, The New Jersey State Rowing Championships is one of the largest open-water rowing events in New Jersey, and has grown to include not only lifeguard surfboats, but paddleboards, surfskis, and any type of rowing or paddling craft.

What makes this race so unique is diversity. All boats begin with a mass start, but each boat only competes with other boats of the same design. The mass start is done so rowers can visually see how they fair against other boats of different design over the seven-mile course.

Anyone can enter. This event is open to rowers of all skill levels and abilities. Sign up and go for the win or just cruise the course. All boats are welcome. If your boat doesn't meet race specs, feel free to sign up for our Exhibition Class and join the fun. Even the Exhibition Class is an awarded class. The racing action can be viewed anywhere along Barnegat Beach Island. Best spectator spots are the West Point Island Bridge in Lavallette or the Lavallette Yacht Club. For more information, please call (732) 785-0665 or log on to www.rowrace.com

The Brick Bullets U12 girls (in the fall) will hold tryouts on June 1 from 6-8 p.m. and June 3 from 3-5 p.m. at Pinewood Park. The Bullets are a very competitive and close-knit team playing in MOSA Premier next fall. They play in five to six tournaments a year, along with State Cup play. If interested, call Mark Reber at (732) 295-4645 or e-mail mbak108@verizon.net to register.

The Jackson Destiny U14 girls (JAGS team) is holding tryouts on June 5 nd 7 at the Justice Complex. Registration is at 6:15 p.m., with tryouts to start at 6:45 p.m. All positions are open, and out-of-town girls are welcome. For more information, contact coach Steve at (732) 684-1450, or email eckman6996@aol.com.

The Brick Thunder U10 girls traveling soccer team is forming for the fall season. The team will be starting play in the Jersey Coast League, playing games each Saturday in Ocean and Monmouth County locations. Emphasis will be on player development, utilizing professional trainers. They will play spring and summer seasons in the Jersey Coast League and Winter Indoor at either Howell or GoodSports in Wall. They practice a minimum of two times a week during spring and fall seasons, and sporadically during the summer and winter (indoor) months. The Thunder needs players born between Aug. 1, 1996, and July 31, 1997. Players do not have to be Brick Township residents to make the team. Tryouts are Monday, June 5 at 6 p.m. and Friday, June 9 at 6 p.m. at Pinewood Park (off Route 88) For questions or to R.S.V.P., contact Coach Paul Pallante at paul.pallante@verizon.net or (732) 330-3833.

The Twin County Tornadoes U12 boys will be holding tryouts June 5, 7 and 9 from 6-7:30 p.m. at The Drum Point Soccer Complex, Brick. They have a committed group of boys looking for a few players to round out the roster. The Tornadoes develop its players through professional training, committed to teaching the game of soccer. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to register. For additional information, please contact John at team-tornadoes@comcast.net or call (732) 255-0170 or (908) 256-2489.

The Twin County Magic U9 girls travel team will hold tryouts for the fall season. Girls born between August 1997, and July 31, 1998, are eligible. Tryouts will be on May 31, June 5 and June 7 at the Drum Point Soccer Complex in Brick.

Call (732) 477-3499 or e-mail mountainbeach@yahoo.com for additional information.

The Brick Strikers U10 boys (in the fall soccer team will be holding a tryout at Pinewood Park on June 7 from 6-8 p.m. They will be playing in MOSA for the fall season.

Anyone interested should contact Mark Reber at (732) 295-4645 or mbak108@verizon.net.