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Youth season begins
Ceres recreational baseball, softball leagues experience increase in numbers
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Andrew Nowaya, pictured above, pumps his fist while rounding the bases after belting a three-run homer during the Ceres Dawgs opening game against the Ceres Hitmen in the 12-and-under division earlier this month at the George Costa Baseball Complex. - photo by Dale Butler

The Ceres Youth Baseball/Softball Organization selected Randy Brekke as its new president.

Brekke will replace Ceres Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Award recipient Lance Goblirsch, who filled the position for six years. Goblirsch was instrumental in working with the city to remodel the George Costa Baseball Complex at Smyrna Park.

"It was a decision made based on the need for growth and taking the program to the next level," said Randy, 45, who will serve a two-year term. "I worked closely with Lance for four years. He showed me the ropes. We really appreciate all of his efforts."

Brekke oversees an organization, which serves over 1,200 boys and girls, aged 5-18.

He's been affiliated with CYBS for 12 years. He's been Equipment Manager, Vice President of Baseball and President of Baseball.

"The business I run allows me to dedicate time to the program," said Brekke, who sells printing and direct mailing advertising from home. "It's extremely challenging yet rewarding."

The 2013 season started on April 6. More than 4,000 people attended the Opening Day Ceremony , including former Ceres Mayor and current state Senator Anthony Cannella, Vice Mayor Ken Lane, councilmembers Bret Durossette, Eric Ingwerson and Mike Kline, and Deputy City Manager Sheila Cumberland.

Lane threw out the first pitch for baseball.

Cumberland tossed the first pitch for softball.

"It's the biggest turnout I've ever seen," Brekke said. "It was crazy."

The league is comprised of 103 teams, including 66 baseball and 37 softball.

There are six divisions for baseball players: 5&under, 7&under, 8&under, 10&under, 12&under and 15&under.

Baseball games are played on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

There are five divisions for softball players: 6&under, 8&under, 10&under, 13&under and 18&under. The girls play on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

"The big change is for softball," Brekke said. "We went to a playoff system."

CYBS's board features 12 people: Brekke, John Haarsma (Vice President of Softball), Kelly Pond (Secretary), Vicki Wilson (Treasurer), Michael Borges (Sergeant at Arms), Gary Wilson (Sponsor Coordinator), Linda Mathis (Snack Bar Supervisor/Scheduler), Jessica Pittman (Fundraiser Commissioner), Kristi Lopez (Picture Coordinator), Vince Carvajal (11-13 Girls Commissiioner),k Joey Villarico (14-18 Girls Commissioner) and Michael Lopez (11-12 Boys Commissioner).

"The product we put out is amazing," Brekke said. "Bel Passi is the only organization you can compare us to."