Sports briefs

Send us your news about former Valley athletes

The Frontiersman would like to feature any news on the progress of former Valley athletes as they compete on the collegiate or professional level.

If your child or former athlete is taking their athletic skills to the next level, please let us know. We are interested in any news, honors, or achievements pertaining to our "Hometown Heroes".

Please contact the Frontiersman via e-mail, sports@frontiersman.com, fax, 352-2276, or phone, 352-2273.

Local schools search for coaches

Palmer and Wasilla High Schools are both looking for coaches for the current athletic season.

Palmer is currently seeking a cross-country skiing assistant coach and a basketball cheerleading coach.

Those interested can contact Jim Simmons at 746-8424.

Wasilla is looking for assistant basketball and cheerleading coaches.

Those interested can contact Doug Bean at 376-5341.

USSF Soccer Referee Clinic

For all those who have had a life-long dream of becoming a soccer referee -- your time has come. A training course will be held at Gruening Middle School in Anchorage, every Tuesday and Thursday, Oct. 15-29, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

All the soccer enthusiasts who attend will be tutored on the basic fundamentals of refereeing the sport. Future zebras will learn all about offsides, fouls, misconducts and the use of not only the yellow, but the red card also.

There is a $72 registration fee and a $25 test fee upon the satisfactory completion of the USSF exam. Anyone above the age of 14 is welcome to attend.

For those interested in re-certification training, a class will be offered Oct. 24 and Oct. 29 from 6:30-9:30 p.m., also at Gruening Middle School.

Those interested can get the updates, law changes and information about the upcoming season. There is a registration fee of $55 and a $25 test fee upon satisfactory completion of the USSF exam.

Adult volleyball league starting

The Valley Volleyball League is about to start. This league is for adults interested in a fast game of volleyball. Matches will occur following The Northern Lights Volleyball Club matches on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-9 p.m. at Palmer Junior Middle School.

Call Diane Clawson at 745-2447 for more information.

Big fish equals

big payout

Clayton McDowell is living proof that fishing pays. The Eagle River man won a $48,675 jackpot for catching the largest fish in the 2002 Homer Halibut Derby.

McDowell earned his prize by landing a 347 lb. halibut on July 28.

The jackpot is the largest in the derby's history.

McDowell landed the mammoth bottom feeder while fishing aboard the "Sourdough" boat operated by Homer Ocean Charters.

He purchased the three dollar derby ticket prior to his fishing adventure, giving him a profit of over $48,000.