Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — There will be a few more softball players legging it out to first base this June as the adult summer leagues gear up for the 2000 season.

"Every league is full with the exception of the Men's A League," said Christina Freeman, Parks and Recreational Services adult league coordinator.

She added that she wasn't sure why there was a huge surge in softball registration this year, but said most of the interest came from players wanting to compete in the coed leagues.

"We had to turn teams away across the board," Freeman said. "This is the biggest growth in the leagues in several years."

Freeman said that most of the leagues were able to absorb the growth. Teams were turned away in Coed C which has been the most popular league for several years. This year, however, teams also were turned away in the Coed B League as well. The Women's League also will grow from five teams a year ago to six this season. The Men's B League also experienced growth.

There will be a total of 47 teams playing softball this season, up from 39 teams last year. The summer season is scheduled to begin on June 5. Jim Fader will act as the league's chief of umpires and Christian Talli will step in as the league coordinator.

Freeman said the other adult programs that fall under Parks and Recreational Services should also remain strong.

The adult soccer league is down four teams from last year, but Freeman said most of the powerhouse teams will be back.

The 10-team league will play on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Ski Town Park starting June 6.

Parks and Recreational Services also will continue to host the Town Challenge mountain bike race series. That eight-race series will begin June 7 with a criterium at Howelsen Hill and continue every other Wednesday during the summer. Last year, the series averaged 120 racers per event. Freeman is expecting to see those same type of numbers this summer.

To reach John F. Russell call 871-4209 or e-mail jrussell@amigo.net