By Gary Curreri
The South Florida Senior Softball Association recently presented an $800 check to Mission United to commemorate Patriot’s Day. Mission United is a division of the United Way of Broward County. Michael Ellis, of Mission United, accepted the check and said the money would be used to provide dental care for Veterans.
Ellis, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, said there are 32 dentists in Broward County that provide pro bono dental work for veterans in need, but there are lab tests and other incidentals that have to be paid for out of pocket. This donation will help defray those costs.
The South Florida Senior Softball Association is based at the Four Fields Complex in Pompano Beach. Throughout the year, it provides recreational softball to players 50 years of age or older. The club meets on Mondays and Fridays year-round and adds Wednesdays during the winter season when the snowbird members arrive.
The club membership usually encompasses approximately 100 members.
“While recreational softball is the attraction that brings the players together, the club is not one dimensional,” said SFSSA board member Jeff Schrier, who is the corresponding secretary. “We involve ourselves in many activities to benefit the Pompano area, its residents and those in need. We host tournaments where the proceeds are given to worthy causes.”
On Saturday, Dec. 5, the club will split up into four teams and play games for the needy youngsters in the area. The entry fee for each player will be one unwrapped toy that will be forwarded to children who otherwise might not receive a gift for the holidays.
Schrier said 48 players have signed up for the event already.
“There should be a lot of smiles on Christmas morning,” he said. “We invite all to come down to watch and bring a toy as well. All donations will be accepted and forwarded.”
Pierre switches commitment
Deerfield Beach safety James Pierre is not planning on going to the University of Miami after all.
The 6-foot-2, 165 senior, who also holds offers from 11 schools, including Cincinnati, Kentucky and Wisconsin, had originally committed to the University of Miami last May. He also had an offer from the University of North Carolina, which he said, via Twitter, he will now attend.
Pierre helped the Bucks pull out a 44-21 District 11-8A win over host Douglas last week. He and sophomore linebacker Rosendo Louis each had a team-high six tackles for Deerfield Beach, while senior defensive backs Simeon Brown and Kimar Martin had two interceptions.
Bucks senior quarterback Teddrick Moffett accounted for 277 total yards and five scores. He passed for 232 yards and three TDs, and rushed for 45 yards and two scores. Senior wide receiver Cavin Ridley added 137 total yards, as he had 85 yards receiving and another 52 yards on the ground.
Deerfield Beach (6-1, 3-0) will host undefeated Piper (7-0, 3-0) for the District title on Oct. 30. The lone Bucks loss was a non-district, 33-15, loss to Jacksonville Bolles on Sept. 25.
