The Newton YMCA Sports Academy coaches have added four new events during February. Due to the popularity of the basketball, baseball and speed & agility academies, organizers have added several baseball, softball and basketball events to the Sports Academy offerings.

Throwing/Fielding Clinic
On Feb. 17 and 20, when Newton schools are out, the YMCA Sports Academy Throwing/Fielding Clinic will take place.
For boys and girls in 5th through 8th grades, the clinic will be from 10-11:30 a.m. both Friday and Monday. Instructors are Darin Tisdale, a collegiate and semi-pro player and now an area baseball coach, and Sarah Swanson, collegiate softball player, and former high school softball assistant coach at West Hancock and Garner-Hayfield school districts and the Newton YMCA's athletics director. Twelve spots are available for the Throwing/Fielding Clinic, which will be at the Newton YMCA. Cost is $15 for both days or $10 for one day.

Pitching and Throwing Mechanics Clinic
Darin Tisdale will be hosting a Pitching and Throwing Mechanics Clinic beginning Feb. 23. The clinic will meet from 5-5:45 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23, March 1, 8 and 15 at the YMCA. The clinic is open to 10 boys in fifth through eighth grades. Cost is $20 for Y members and $30 for non-members.

Baseball Hitting Clinic
For those wanting to get in some winter hitting practice, the Sports Academy will behosting a three-week hitting clinic. The clinic will offer two groups of up to eight boys a chance to work on their hitting skills. The clinic will meet on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 28 and March 6. Group 1 will meet from 6-7 p.m. and Group 2 will meet from 7-8 p.m. at the Y2 (former Aces) building. Cost is $20 for Y members and $30 for non-members, and is open to boys in fifth through eighth grades. The hitting clinic will be instructed by long-time high school baseball coach Tom Tisdale and Darin Tisdale.

Softball Hitting Clinic
For softball players wanting to work on their batting skills, the Sports Academy is hosting a hitting clinic on Monday nights beginning Feb. 20. The clinic will offer up to 10 girls in fifth through eighth grades an opportunity to improve their hitting skills for the upcoming season. Lead by Kevin Rhoads, Pete Jenkins and Sarah Swanson, the clinic will be from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Feb. 20, 27 and March 5 at Y2 (former Aces) building. Cost is $20 for Y members and $30 for non-members.

First-Grade Basketball Program
Tom Vanderlaan and Scott Bauer will be heading up the YMCA Sports Academy's First-Grade Basketball Program beginning Feb. 23. The four-week program will provide additional skill training for first grade boys and girls. The group will meet from 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, March 1, 8 and 15. Cost is $25 for Y members and $40 for non members.

All five YMCA Sports Academy offerings have limited space. Registrations can be made at the Newton YMCA, 1701 S. Eighth Ave. E. Payment is due at the time of registration and no "spots" will be held without payment.

If you have questions regarding the new programs, contact Tom Vanderlaan, executive director, at (641) 792.4006