Time to sign up for 2013 Siskiyou Heat softball season

Ignore the snow on the ground and freezing temperatures. If you enjoy fast pitch girls softball in Siskiyou County, sometimes you play or watch under these conditions. The 2013 season is near, and "the Heat" wants players to sign up now.

WHAT: The Siskiyou Heat Softball Club promotes girls fast pitch softball county-wide. The goal, according to a press release, "is to provide girls, 8 to 18, the opportunity to participate in competitive softball above and beyond community recreation leagues."

WHO: The Siskiyou Heat recruits girls from all over Siskiyou County, believing that "no one city has the capability of fielding a competitive team; success depends on participation from every area." The club tries to field five teams every year: U10 for ages 8-10, U12 for ages 10-12, U14 for players 12-14, U16 for 14-16, and U18 for ages 16-18.

Team coaches are approved by the club's board of directors and must be certified by the ASA (Amateur Softball Association). Teams play against similar age teams from Northern California and Southern Oregon and also attend tournaments where they will play against teams from all the Western States.

WHY: For those who enjoy sports, especially softball, this program can provide many hours of active enjoyment. Players are challenged to improve and participate, and they make lasting friendships with other girls from all over the county. Siskiyou Heat organizers say they are proud of having five girls who have been through the program play and receive college athletic scholarships.

HOW: It is critical to sign up now, according to Heat officials. The organization "needs to know that we have enough players to field a team in every age group; this is critical for scheduling 2013 games and tournaments and coaching assignments. Coaches want to start practices as soon as possible. The Heat encourages recreational softball and will work with recreational coaches to avoid conflicts."

Sign up in several ways: On to the Heat website, siskiyouheatASA.com, go to the "Thanks/Links" page and download the sign-up forms attached. Once completed, send them to the Siskiyou Heat Softball Club, PO Box 5, Yreka, CA 96067. The cost at sign-up is $75 per player (second player in the family is $50). First time registrants must present a birth certificate. Sign up packets and more information is available by calling Bill Pieruccini 467-4033, Jen Aldrich 905-2449 or Mike Jones 340-2929. More detailed information is also available at www.siskiyouheatASA.com.