Carson Quakes chosen for nationals

The Carson Quakes 12 and under girls soccer team has won a bid to represent Carson City in the American Youth Soccer Organization National Games to be held in July in Oahu.

The team is now asking for sponsorships from businesses, families and friends. Donations are tax deductible.

At the National Games, a day before competition begins, a "soccerfest" in which clubs are made up of players from each of the teams participating in the games are formed. These teams then play together in two games.

More than 800 teams applied to the games. A lottery system is used to determine who is invited for the 192 slots, with more than 3,100 players competing. Only 24 teams in each age group are invited.

Only two other 12 and under girls teams in the section were invited -- San Bruno, Calif. and Concord, Calif. There were 20 regions in the 12 and under girls division who applied.

The last time a Carson City team went to the National Games was in 1994 when a 16 and under girls team coached by Paul Finnian and Barry Wynott went the the games in Sunnyvale, Calif. and won.

Applications were submitted last June. The team is made up of 14 girls, the majority of whom have made the honor roll. Many of them are playing indoor soccer as well as basketball. Other activities team members are involved in include Irish dancing, Girl Scouts and swimming.

Fund-raisers planned include car washes, garage sales, a Mothers Day candy sale and a pancake breakfast.

For more information, call Kelvin Hickenbottom, 882-2791; Jeff and Kelly Osborne, 883-0583; Jim Rush, 883-4675; or Teri and Carl Cantley, 885-2993.