SMU to host boys’, girls’ diving camp July 11-15

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University is hosting a boys’ and girls’ diving camp on Sunday, July 11, through Thursday, July 15, for students entering grades six through 12 in the fall.

This camp will consist of four days of intense training. Each day will include both dry and wet training programs. Sessions will also include extensive stretching, conditioning and spotting courses. JJ Jackson, SMU’s head diving coach, and Rob Murray, head coach and director of KidSport Gymnastics Center, will coach these sessions.

The boys’ and girls’ diving camp will feature video analysis, professional and individual coaching, instruction on 1-meter and 3-meter boards, a low athlete-to-coach ratio, training on required and optional dives, daily pool sessions, dryland and dryboard training, supervised recreational activities, gymnastics training and a final dive exhibition. Recreational activities will include float-in movie nights, free night at the gymnastics club, a dance, bowling, time at the ropes course and more!

Rates are $375 before May 1 and $395 after May 1, and the final deadline to register is June 11. Register and pay online at www.smumn.edu/camps. This registration fee includes lodging and meals, as well as access to the Recreation and Athletics Center, indoor pool, weight room, dance studio, hiking trails, disc golf course, track and soccer complex, ropes course and more. For more information, call (800) 635-5987, Ext. 6921, or (507) 457-6921.

Saint Mary’s offers summer residential camps

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is offering a variety of residential sports camps this summer. To register, go to www.smumn.edu/sportscamps or call (507) 457-6973.

Hockey Camp
Resident – $595 • Commuter – $495
• Squirts (ages 8-10) — June 15-20
• Pee-Wees (ages 11-12) — June 15-20
• Youth Girls (ages 9-12) — July 13-18
• High School Girls (ages 13-16) — July 13-18
*Winona Youth Hockey players can receive a special commuter rate of $195 per session (excluding girls high school)

Hosting: Mid-States Swim Camp — June 8-19

Hosting: Winona Figure Skating Club Turning Point Camp — July 27-31 (new in 2008)

Boys and Girls Basketball Camp
Resident – $350 • Commuter – $300
Grades 5-10 — July 13-17

Girls Volleyball Camp
Resident – $350 • Commuter – $300
Grades 6-8 — July 20-24
Grades 9-12 — July 27-31 (almost full)

SMU youth sports camps offer outstanding facilities, professional coaching, good food, and innovative and creative instruction within a well-supervised environment.

Students will work on individualized skills, as well as team play. Athletic trainers are on site, and all camps are run by SMU coaches and players. Rates include instruction, housing, meals and a shirt. For more information, call (507) 457-6973 or e-mail
conferencing&camps@smumn.edu.

Saint Mary’s offers summer baseball, basketball camps

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University is once again offering summer sports camps, directed by SMU coaches, staff and players. Enroll today; camps fill early and space is limited. Register and pay online at www.smumn.edu/sportscamps.

The Cardinal Youth Baseball League runs June 10 through July 17 on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Cotter Fields. The cost is $65 per player (and includes a T-shirt and hat). Families with two or more players are eligible for a $55 per-player rate. Register according to the grades participants will enter in fall of 2008.

Leagues include:
• Rookie League (Cotter Soccer Field) — Entering grades 2 and 3, 6 p.m. (coach-pitched/coached by parents)
• American League (Cotter Softball Field) — Entering grades 4 and 5, 5:30 or 7 p.m. (machine-pitched/coached by parents)
• National League (Cotter Softball Field) — Entering grades 6 and 7, 9 or 10:30 a.m. (player-pitched/coached by high school and college coaches including former SMU coach and new Cotter coach Nick Whaley)

This league is designed to help players enhance their ability to enjoy the game of baseball through proper instruction, supervision, and practice of fundamental skills necessary to play the game effectively. Prior to every game, players will receive instruction and training from their coach. After the practice session, players will compete in a 5- or 6-inning game against another team from the league.

Parents and coaches should meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 5, in the dining hall on the second floor of the Toner Student Center at the SMU campus to discuss scheduling, clinics, placement, and coaching.

The Boys & Girls Basketball Day Camp runs June 16-19 from 9 to 1 a.m. daily in SMU’s gym and Gostomski Fieldhouse. The cost is $70 per player (and includes a T-shirt & ball). Through the K-6 and 7-8 youth day camps, the younger players will be introduced to and taught the basic fundamentals of basketball, and the older players will be challenged to develop their basketball skills. The camp utilizes a variety of innovative teaching methods, drills and contests. Every aspect of the camp is designed to provide participants with valuable skills and a memorable experience — filled with friendship and fun.