In the Twin Cities area of Bingen-White Salmon, there's no one who supports baseball -- as well as athletics in general -- more than Mitch Hecomovich.
On Aug. 6, the former Columbia High School coach was among three longtime baseball boosters honored with a dedication ceremony during the 2001 14-year-old Babe Ruth Pacific Northwest Regional Tournament in The Dalles.
Also recognized for their contributions to the game were veteran umpire John Codino of Hood River and the late Floyd Markham, who co-founded the Oregon Babe Ruth program.
Through the years, Hecomovich's contributions have included cash donations and, just as important, sage words of instruction and encouragement to young players.
Now 86, Hecomovich was CHS' first-ever coach. He served as head coach in football, basketball and baseball. In baseball, he won league titles in 1954, 1970 and 1971. He coached and taught at CHS from 1946-56 and 1969-76 before retiring. During his career, he logged 43 seasons as a head coach.
Hecomovich, known as "Hec" for short, grew up in Marble, Minn., and played college as well as minor league baseball before falling to a knee injury sliding into second base. In 1996, Columbia High dedicated its baseball field to Hecomovich, naming it Hec Field in his honor.
Last year, Hecomovich and his wife of 50 years, O.J., started an endowment fund to provide support for Columbia High athletics. The fund will be used to improve facilities and buy new equipment.
Columbia volleyball begins
Aug. 20 with `daily-doubles'
Pre-season volleyball practice begins for Columbia High athletes on Monday, Aug. 20, with the first of three two-a-day sessions.
On Aug. 20 and 21, Bruins Coach Amy Kasenga will put 2001 volleyball hopefuls in grades 9-12 through workouts from 9 a.m. to noon, and from 2-5 p.m. in Miller Memorial Gym.
On Aug. 22, practice will run from 7-9 a.m. An evening practice, from 6-8, is scheduled for Aug. 23. Aug. 24, Kasenga will hold another "daily-double", with workouts set for 9 a.m. to noon and 2-4 p.m.
Practice times for Aug. 27 and 28 will be announced on Aug. 24.
Kasenga reminds girls turning out for volleyball that they must have medical clearance before they will be allowed to practice. Sports physical forms are available in the CHS office.
Subaru Gorge Games to air
on NBC Aug. 26 and Sept. 2
For those who didn't get enough of them the first time, NBC Sports will present the Subaru Gorge Games, one of the biggest outdoor sports and lifestyle events in the country, on consecutive Sundays this summer, Aug. 26 and Sept. 2.
The Gorge Games will air on KGW Channel 8 starting at 9:30 a.m. on Aug. 26, and at 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 2.
"This compelling programming captures the flashy essence and daring spirit of the Subaru Gorge Games while providing viewers with a cutting-edge look at adventure sports," said Peter Lagiovane, public relations director for Gorge Games owner-operator Octagon Marketing.
The Subaru Gorge Games -- which were held last month -- are a showcase for elite athletes and weekend thrill-seekers vying for the gold in nine disciplines: 24-hour mountain bike racing, 49er sailing, adventure racing, climbing, kayaking, kiteboarding, outrigger canoeing, trail running and windsurfing.
The fast-paced, heart-pounding action of the adventure sports landscape is brought to life through exciting and thrilling competitions, in-depth athlete profiles and entertaining interviews, presented through NBC Sports' trademark storytelling technique.
The broadcasts also will feature the scenery and charm of Hood River, the National Geographic
Adventure Village and the Subaru Women's Program.
Among the athletes who will be highlighted are: extreme kayakers Sam Drevo and Kelly Liles, windsurfers Nori Hubbs and Sean Aiken, 12-year-old climbing phenom Tori Allen, former Olympian Eric Jackson in the head-to-head kayaking competition, kiteboarders Sheldon Plentovich, Julie Prochaska, Robby Naish and 18-year-old Mark Doyle, and those who completed the mental, physical and spiritual journey of the first-ever Subaru Gorge Games Adventure Race.
32nd Elks/Logan tourney field
filling up for Aug. 25 tee off
The field for this year's 32nd annual Mount Adams Elks/Francis E. Logan Memorial Chapman Golf Tournament is filling up.
The 18-hole tournament, open to Elks and non-Elks, will be played Saturday, Aug. 25, at Husum Hills Golf Course. Proceeds from the event will be donated to Columbia High School's ASB athletics fund.
Entry forms are available at Husum Hills. The entry fee this year is $70 per couple. It includes a nine-hole practice round on Friday, Aug. 24, tournament green fees, beverages, a post-tournament banquet, and door prizes.
A limited number of carts will be available, so golfers are encouraged to call Husum Hills early to reserve one for the event.
The tournament is put on annually by the Mount Adams Elks Lodge No. 1868 to raise funds for a selected high school athletics fund. This year it's CHS; it was Klickitat last year.
For more information about the tournament, contact the Elks Lodge (493-1868).
Commented
Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles.