Be avalanche aware in Olympics

PORT ANGELES — An Avalanche Awareness Class is scheduled Thursday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Olympic National Park Visitor Center, 3002 Mount Angeles Road.

Matt Schonwald, a professional observer at the Northwest Avalanche Center, will present information on avalanche safety and winter recreation.

This program is free of charge and open to the public.

With the Olympic Mountains’ steep terrain and heavy snow all snowboarders, skiers and snowshoers at Hurricane Ridge should be aware that they are traveling through potentially hazardous avalanche terrain.

The workshop will focus on how to prepare for traveling in avalanche terrain, including proper equipment and the skills needed for self-rescue.

Smart Choices

The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association is seeking applicants for its eighth annual Smart Choices College Scholarship, which will recognize one female and one male high school student for their achievements in athletics or activities, the community and the classroom with $5,000 college scholarships.

In addition to the two $5,000 scholarship winners, eight finalists will receive $1,000 scholarships.

Applicants are required to fill out an online application and write a short essay or provide a personal statement video about “How you plan to use your education to benefit others.”

Judging criteria is based on 35 percent athletic/activity excellence, 35 percent academic achievement, 15 percent leadership, 10 percent citizenship/community service and 5 percent on originality/creativity of the student’s essay or video.

The deadline to apply is April 1.

To apply, visit wiaa.com/SmartChoices.

Sequim Little League

SEQUIM — Sequim Little League will hold in-person assessments indoors during a registration event at the Sequim Boys & Girls Club gym, 400 W. Fir St., from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

The assessments are for boys and girls baseball and softball players playing minor, major or intermediate baseball or minor, major and Junior softball.

Players should bring their gloves and wear gym shoes and athletic clothing. Do not wear cleats.

A second in-person assessment event is planned Feb. 1 with time and location to be announced.

Baseball and softball players must attend one of the two assessments.

Opening day for the season is March 21 for baseball and softball.

The group also is seeking an Umpire-in-Chief to coordinate umpire scheduling and help with field maintenance.

For more information, visit sequimlittleleague.com or email sequimlittleleague@gmail.com.

Potential coaches can email Ryan Oase at Oase5@yahoo.com.

Potential umpires can email league president Nick Simpson at Simps_09@yahoo.com.

Lane hitting clinic

PORT ANGELES — A baseball hitting clinic will be conducted Saturday by former Port Angeles, Lower Columbia and Gonzaga baseball player and current Lower Columbia head coach Eric Lane.

Lane has a record of 76-16 with the Red Devils, leading Lower Columbia to back-to-back NWAC championships.

The clinic will be held at the HUB, 635 N. Oakridge Drive, near the Port Angeles Walmart.

Players ages 10 to 12 will go from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by ages 13-15 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and high school sophomores through seniors from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The cost is $20.

Players should bring a bat, batting gloves, helmet, water and warm clothes, as the facility is not heated.

Baseball coaches are welcome to observe drills, but there is no room for parents.

Ages 10 to 15 can register for the event by calling 360-461-2191. High schoolers can register by calling 360-912-3638.