With the fall classic Ohio State vs. Michigan game just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking winter. For those in the Lakewood community who are seeking either youth or adult recreation opportunities, keep in mind the Lakewood Recreation Department's winter athletics line-up, which will feature many programs in Lakewood's four new schools.

This year the department will offer six men’s adult basketball leagues ranging from weekday to Sunday afternoon/evening games, utilizing some of the Lakewood City Schools' brand new gyms. Teams will share court time at the new Harrison Elementary School gym, as well as at the refurbished Harding Middle School and Hayes Elementary School gyms. Sunday leagues will also use the new Garfield Middle School gym. Registration is still being accepted while space is available.

 

If adult basketball doesn’t suit you, and you have some extra steam to blow off, maybe the Fourth Annual Lakewood Recreation Adult Dodge Ball Tournament is what you are looking for. The event will take place at Harding Middle School on Saturday, December 1, 2007. Team registration is available through the month of November. “Last year there where quite a few teams who really had a lot of fun,” said veteran tournament referee Kathryn Modock.

 

In addition to basketball and the dodge ball tournament, the Recreation Department will offer winter adult volleyball. Registration is taking place now through December 12, with league play to begin in January. Coed, men’s and women’s leagues are available. Sign your team up today!

 

The school gyms will be very busy this winter. Recreation adult programs will share after-school gym space with middle school athletics, as well as the Recreation Department’s youth basketball program.

 

Children in grades three through six may participate in leagues. Practices will begin in December and games will begin on Saturdays in January. In addition, at the conclusion of the high school basketball season, the Recreation Department will offer an intramural basketball program for grades six through twelve, where students will form their own teams.

 

Also underway are several youth travel basketball teams, practicing for play in the Lake Erie Basketball League (LEBL). The Recreation Department has five teams of elementary and middle school age basketball players getting ready for the tough competition in this northeast Ohio elite travel league.

 

“The LEBL will show the kids the level of play that is outside the community” said LEBL coach and Harding Middle School physical education teacher Gary Gerhardt, who is coaching in his second year in the Lake Erie Basketball League.

 

Lakewood residents have participated in this league in the past, but the Recreation Department has selected teams this year with the assistance of the Lakewood High School basketball coaches. The registration process now comes through the Recreation Department.

 

“We give [LEBL participants] gym time, provide equipment and have a screening process for coaches, said Lakewood Recreation Athletic Coordinator Leslie Favre. “The standard of play has been elevated,” Favre added.

 

Planning for a youth basketball instructional program is also underway, which will feature skills sessions for children in grades one through three, on Saturday mornings in January and February.

 

“It is the mission of the Recreation Department to offer meaningful recreational opportunities for children and adults of all ages. The basketball programs are one example of that mission,” said Recreation Commissioner Erin Fach.

“We are working on plans that will allow Lakewood kids to use the indoor school gyms for open gym time,” Fach added.

 

For information on all Lakewood Recreation Department programs, visit www.lakewoodrecreation.com, or call (216) 529-4081.

Mike Callahan is the Athletic Manager for the Lakewood City Schools, Community Recreation and Education Department.