The city of Whittier’s skatepark is located adjacent to the Community Center, 7630 Washington Ave.

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Skateboarding a part of Whittier’s youth culture

By Eric Terrazas

Staff Writer

www.411whittier.com

WHITTIER – Whether you’re driving through Whittier or any other Southern California community, you just might see skateboarders in action during your trip from Point A to Point B.

Several cities in Southern California feature their own skateparks, giving skaters the opportunity to work on tricks such as ollies, 180s and kick flips.

Whittier’s skatepark is located adjacent to the city’s Community Center at 7630 Washington Ave.

A few youngsters decided to spend some of their free time at Whittier’s skatepark during a recent sunny Saturday morning in August.

One such young skater was Henry Dominguez, 15, of Montebello, who was practicing his moves.

“I never liked sports,” Dominguez said. “Sports are based on skills and stats. Skateboarding is based on style and creativity. It’s fun and it’s good exercise.”

Dominguez, who has been skating for five years, said that watching the X Games and star performers such as Tony Hawk and Bob Burnquist attracted him to skateboarding.

“I guess my older brother helped me get into skating too,” Dominguez added.

Rodrigo Tafoya, 23, of Whittier, was also working on his maneuvers.

“I like it,” said Tafoya, who has been skating for two years. “It’s fun.”

Tafoya said he was drawn to skateboarding when he “saw his friends do it.”

Since first gaining popularity in the 1960s, skateboarding has mostly held a strong presence in Southern California.

After a popularity lull that happened in the late 1960s, the sport started to grow once again during the mid/late 1970s – thanks to the emergence of soon-to-be legendary skaters such as Jay Adams, Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta.

The sport has moved more into the mainstream in recent years due to the continuing success of the X Games, which started in 1995.

Other nearby cities that have skateparks include Montebello and La Habra. Montebello’s skatepark is located at City Park, 1300 W. Whittier Blvd. La Habra’s facility is at Bonita Park, 1250 Fahringer Way.

Travis Swope, manager of Two Felons Skate Shop located at 14125 Lambert Road in Whittier, believes the sport’s accessibility has played a major role in its growth.

“It’s still popular because it’s diverse,” Swope said. “It doesn’t belong to any one group – it’s open to anyone. Anyone can learn how to ride a skateboard. It’s low-cost transportation.”

Swope added, “The future is wide open. There are no limits in skateboarding.”

The Two Felons Skate Shop sometimes hosts contests and demonstrations. For more information, call 562-698-8199 or visit facebook.com/twofelons. The shop can also be followed on Twitter @twofelons.

Another place that caters to the skating crowd is Legends Boardshop, 6725 Greenleaf Ave. in Whittier. For more information, call 562-696-1482.

Eric Terrazas can be reached at eterrazas@411whittier.com or by phone at 562-536-2148. Follow him on Twitter at @411whittierspts

Lowdown on the ‘Throw Down’

The Southern California Municipal Athletic Federation (SCMAF) will present “The Throw Down” skateboard contest on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013 at La Habra Skate Park, which is located at Bonita Park, 1250 Fahringer Way. Check-in is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., followed by the first event at 2 p.m.

The event will feature three contests: Park jam, mini bowl and best trick. The fee is $20, which includes entry to all three contests. Each event will be judged with awards for the top three in each age division, which will include under 10, under 14 and under 18.

Registration deadline is Oct. 1. Late registration and day of event will not be accepted. Register at www.active.com.

For more information, visit www.scmaf.org.

Fit for Life

Whittier’s 5K “Fit for Life” Run/Walk, presented by the Whittier Community Foundation and the Whittier Host Lions Club, is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013 at the Whittier Community Center, 7630 Washington Ave.

The event will start with the “Children’s Creepy Crawly,” a timed half-mile dash, at 7:30 a.m., followed by the “Spooktacular,” the 5K run/walk, at 8 a.m.

For more information, call 562-567-9400.

Get in the swim of things

Palm Park offers recreational swimming until Aug. 25. Recreational swimming will also be offered on Aug. 31, Sept. 1 and 2.

The program is scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday through Sunday. The fee is $2. No swimming is slated for Aug. 16, 20 and 23.

An adult must accompany any child under age 7.

For more information, call 562-567-9430 or visit www.WhittierRec.com.

LA Fit Boot Camp

LA Fit Boot Camp will educate on how to live a healthy lifestyle. The program, open to ages 15 and up, will be offered from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, Aug. 14 to Sept. 11, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturdays, Aug. 17 to Sept. 14, at Whittier Community Center, 7630 Washington Ave. in Whittier.

Participants should bring a towel, water, tennis shoes and comfortable workout clothes. The fee is $35 for residents and $40 for nonresidents.

For information, call 562-567-9430 or visit www.WhittierRec.com.

Family Fitness and Health

The city of Whittier will offer a family fitness and health class this summer.

Parents can bring their son or daughter to work out together for a healthier and better life. There will be different options available for adults and kids. The same parent and child partners must attend. Child must be at least 8 years old.

One more session is scheduled from Aug. 14 to Sept. 11 at the Whittier Community Center, 7630 Washington Ave.

The fee is $35 for residents and $40 for nonresidents.

For more information, call 562-567-9430 or visit www.WhittierRec.com.

Sports marketplace

The second annual Whittier Sports Marketplace is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013 at York Field, 9110 Santa Fe Springs Road in Whittier.

The event will allow patrons to buy, sell or trade new and used sports equipment.

Take a hike

The Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority is presenting a summer fitness hike from 8 to 10 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013 at Black Walnut Trailhead, 2345 Fullerton Road in La Habra Heights.

Participants can power walk the hills and walk/jog/run as dictated by the terrain and energy levels. The hike is five miles long. Rain will cancel the hike.

For information, visit www.habitatauthority.org or email Helen Cohen at HillsAlive@habitatauthority.org or call 562-945-9003.

Karate for preschoolers

Children ages 3 to 4 could register for karate classes hosted by Frazier Martial Arts Studio, 759 E. Whittier Blvd. in Whittier.

Two sessions are available: 4:45 to 5:15 p.m. Mondays from Aug. 19 to Sept. 9, and 10 to 10:30 a.m. Saturdays from Aug. 24 to Sept. 14.

The fee is $42 for residents, $47 for nonresidents.

For information, call 562-567-9430 or visit www.WhittierRec.com.

Adults can learn the links

The city of Whittier also offers golf classes for adults.

Students will receive a bucket of balls each lesson, and equipment is included.

Sessions are slotted for 7 to 8 p.m. Mondays from Sept. 2 to 23, 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays from Sept. 3 to 24, and Saturdays from Sept. 7 to 28, at La Mirada Golf Course, 15501 E. Alicante Road in La Mirada.

The fee is $71 for residents and $81 for nonresidents.

For information, call 562-567-9430 or visit www.WhittierRec.com.

Trail hike

The Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority is presenting a summer fitness hike from 8 to 10 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013 at Black Walnut Trailhead, 2345 Fullerton Road in La Habra Heights.

Participants can power walk the hills and walk/jog/run as dictated by the terrain and energy levels. The hike is five miles long. Rain will cancel the hike.

For information, visit www.habitatauthority.org or e-mail Helen Cohen at HillsAlive@habitatauthority.org or call 562-945-9003.

Karate for preschoolers

Children ages 3 to 4 can register for karate classes hosted by Frazier Martial Arts Studio, 759 E. Whittier Blvd. in Whittier.

Two sessions are available: 4:45 to 5:15 p.m. Mondays from Aug. 19 to Sept. 9, and 10 to 10:30 a.m. Saturdays from Aug. 24 to Sept. 14.

The fee is $42 for residents, $47 for nonresidents.

For information, call 562-567-9430 or visit www.WhittierRec.com.

Youth golf classes

Children ages 5 to 17 can sign up for beginning golf classes that cover the basic fundamentals as well as strategies and skills. Intermediate classes will include swing training, club selection, etiquette and short game. Students will receive a bucket of balls each lesson, and equipment is included.

Sessions are scheduled Fridays from 6 to 7 p.m. Aug. 9 to 30, and Saturdays from 10 to 11 a.m. Aug. 10 to 31, at La Mirada Golf Course, 15501 E. Alicante Road in La Mirada.

Classes are also slated for Fridays from Sept. 6 to 27, and Saturdays from Sept. 7 to 28.

The fee is $47 for residents and $52 for nonresidents.

For information, call 562-567-9430 or visit www.WhittierRec.com.

Beginning skateboard

Children ages 6 to 17 can register for a beginning skateboarding program offered by the city of Whittier.

The five-class session will run Saturdays from 9 to 10:30 a.m., Aug. 10 to Sept. 7, at Whittier Community Center, 7630 Washington Ave.

The fee is $107 for residents and $122 for nonresidents. Students must wear a helmet, elbow and knee pads, and bring their own skateboard.

For more information, call 562-567-9430 or visit www.WhittierRec.com.

Family Fitness and Health

The city of Whittier will offer a family fitness and health class this summer.

Parents can bring their son or daughter to work out together for a healthier and better life. There will be different options available for adults and kids. The same parent and child partners must attend. Child must be at least 8 years old.

One more session is scheduled from Aug. 14 to Sept. 11 at the Whittier Community Center, 7630 Washington Ave.

The fee is $35 for residents and $40 for nonresidents.

For more information, call 562-567-9430 or visit www.WhittierRec.com.

LA Fit Boot Camp

LA Fit Boot Camp will educate on how to live a healthy lifestyle. The program, open to ages 15 and up, will be offered from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, Aug. 14 to Sept. 11, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturdays, Aug. 17 to Sept. 14, at Whittier Community Center, 7630 Washington Ave. in Whittier.

Participants should bring a towel, water, tennis shoes and comfortable workout clothes. The fee is $35 for residents and $40 for nonresidents.

For information, call 562-567-9430 or visit www.WhittierRec.com.

Sports marketplace

The second annual Whittier Sports Marketplace is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, at York Field, 9110 Santa Fe Springs Road in Whittier.

The event will allow patrons to buy, sell or trade new and used sports equipment.

Recreational swim

Palm Park offers recreational swimming until Aug. 25. Recreational swimming will also be offered on Aug. 31, Sept. 1 and 2.

The program is scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday through Sunday. The fee is $2. No swimming is slated for Aug. 16, 20 and 23.

An adult must accompany any child under age 7.

For more information, call 562-567-9430 or visit www.WhittierRec.com.

Adult golf classes

The city of Whittier also offers golf classes for adults.

Students will receive a bucket of balls each lesson, and equipment is included.

Sessions are slotted for 7 to 8 p.m. Mondays from Sept. 2 to 23, 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays from Sept. 3 to 24, and Saturdays from Sept. 7 to 28, at La Mirada Golf Course, 15501 E. Alicante Road in La Mirada.

The fee is $71 for residents and $81 for nonresidents.

For information, call 562-567-9430 or visit www.WhittierRec.com.

Lil All Stars Tee Ball

Children will have the opportunity to learn the basic fundamentals, rules and organization of tee ball.

The first three weeks will be broken into skill drills such as batting, throwing, catching and positional play, along with team concept. The final week will be a scrimmage to imitate a game situation. Parents must stay at park for the entire class. Participants should bring a glove.

Classes are slated Saturdays from Sept. 7 to 28 at Michigan Park, 8228 Michigan Ave. in Whittier.

Youngsters ages 3 to 4 can register for either the 8:30 or 9:20 a.m. session, while children ages 4 to 6 can sign up for either the 10:10 or 11 a.m. class. The fee is $50 for residents and $55 for nonresidents.

For information, call 562-567-9430 or visit www.WhittierRec.com

Aikido Ai of Southern California, located at 6725 Comstock Ave. in Whittier, hosted gathering of top masters and grand masters to demonstrate Limalama on July 14.

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By Robert Rosenblatt and Eric Terrazas

Staff Writers

www.411whittier.com
WHITTIER – The world of the Polynesian martial arts came together July 14, 2013 at the Aikido Ai of Southern California dojo located at 6725 Comstock Ave.

Richard Nunez, a Whittier resident and one of the founders of the first Limalama association, sponsored a gathering of top masters and grand masters to demonstrate Limalama, which is a unique hybrid style of self-defense.

The event also featured a graduation ceremony for different ranks from first-degree to ninth-degree black belt. Honorees in attendance included black belt Hall of Fame masters from Mexico and California.

Fabricio Gomez of Tijuana Limalama presented a strong exhibit of the street-fighting style in front of an audience that packed the studio. Gomez was promoted to ninth-degree black belt by Grand Master Nunez. Nunez and Solomon Kaihewalu are the last two surviving original members from the first Limalama association, which started the system of martial arts known worldwide as the inside, close, in-your-face style of Limalama.

Limalama is a Polynesian style of martial arts that feature elements of boxing, judo, aikido, kung fu, kickboxing and open-handed techniques. In addition to Nunez and Kaihewalu, the first Limalama association also featured Tino Tuiolosega, John Marolt, Sal Esquivel and Haumea “Tiny” Lefiti.

One of the graduates was Bob Brown, a Whittier resident who was promoted to seventh-degree black belt. Brown is a former United States Secret Service agent and worked as a detective with the Pasadena Police Department. He is a master weapons instructor in knife and stick fighting and helped guard Presidents Ford and Reagan, serving as their driver and last line of defense.

Another honoree was Mario Vasquez, a Whittier resident who was promoted to fifth-degree black belt.

“It felt good,” Vasquez said of his achievement. “It was something I worked hard for – putting in the hours and the days.”

Alfred Urquidez, the youngest brother of martial arts legend Benny “the Jet” Urquidez, also attended the event. Alfred, who holds a sixth-degree black belt in Kenpo-Shotokan, still teaches in Arleta.

Gabriel Zayas, who holds an eighth-degree black belt, was also in attendance. Zayas is the founder and CEO of the International Polynesian Martial Arts Organization, and owns 20 schools of Limalama in Mexico and two schools in Los Angeles.

Zayas and Nunez will help host the 13th annual international “War of the Warriors” martial arts championships, which will be presented by the International Polynesian Martial Arts Organization. The event is scheduled for Sunday, July 28, 2013 at the DoubleTree Hotel, 13111 Sycamore Drive in Norwalk.

For more information on the “War of the Warriors,” call 323-789-6825 or 323-216-7372. For more information on Aikido Ai of Southern California, call 562-696-1838.

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Whittier College’s Lillian Slade Aquatics Center opened in February 2012 as part of a $9 million renovation project of the Graham Athletic Center.

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By Eric Terrazas

Sports Editor

411whittier.com

WHITTIER – A scorching summer is well under way and one area pool that is attracting its share of attention is Whittier College’s Lillian Slade Aquatics Center.

The facility, which opened in February 2012 as part of a $9 million renovation project of the Graham Athletic Center, is the home of the college’s water polo, swimming and diving teams. The aquatics center also hosts programs that serve the community, including an annual summer camp.

The center features a larger pool, which measures at 43 meters by 25 yards, seating for 500 spectators, a four-color video display scoreboard, five banks of lighting, locker rooms for the Poet men’s and women’s teams, and administrative offices.

In addition to the pool, the expanded Graham Athletic Center also features a welcome center and a Hall of Fame conference room.

Whittier College Aquatics Director Justin Pudwill, who coaches both the men’s and women’s water polo teams, believes the year-old facility will help the Poets attract more talent. During the 2012-13 season, both the Poet men and women took third place in the SCIAC (Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference). The Poet men finished 11-20 overall and 6-5 in the SCIAC while the women turned in a record of 17-19 and 7-4.

“We have one of the nicest pools in our conference,” Pudwill said. “It’s very fan-friendly, which is cool. It definitely helps out our recruiting. I think our student body will enjoy it.

“We were on the road for two years – that’s when construction was happening. Last year was our first full year. Both our men and women finished third (last season). We’re hoping to do better this year.”

According to Pudwill, the center also hosts a “series of summer camps that run from the middle of June to the first week of August.”

One such session is the annual summer swim club, which started June 10 and will conclude on Aug. 4. The club runs from 2 to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from noon to 6 p.m. on weekends. The cost was $90 for individuals, $180 for families up to five members, and $200 for families with more than five members. For afternoon only, the fee is $250.

For information on the Lillian Slade Aquatics Center, call 562-907-4271 or visit www.wcpoets.com.

@411whittierspts

‘Titan-ic’ golf tournament

Pioneer High’s football program is presenting its second annual golf tournament, which is slated for an 11 a.m. start on Friday, July 19, at Montebello Golf Course, 901 Via San Clemente in Montebello.

Dinner will also be offered. The cost is $125 per person with $40 for dinner only.

The event will feature raffles, closest-to-the-pin and longest-drive contests, silent and live auctions, and a Par 3 challenge.

To register, call 562-698-8121, Ext. 5425 or e-mail at phs.football@wuhsd.org. All proceeds go to support the Pioneer Titan football program.

Swimming at Whittier College

Whittier College, 13406 Philadelphia St. in Whittier, offers open pool hours from 1 to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday at the Lillian Slade Aquatics Center located on campus.

For information, visit www.wcpoets.com/information/Athletic_Facilities/slade_aquatics.

Lil All Stars Basketball

The Lil All Stars Basketball program will give youngsters an opportunity to learn the basic fundamentals, rules and organization of basketball.

Classes are scheduled Saturdays from Aug. 3 to 24 at the Whittier Community Center, 7630 Washington Ave.

Children ages 3 to 4 can sign up for either the 8:30 or 9:20 a.m. class while youngsters ages 4 to 6 can register for either the 10:10 or 11 a.m. session.

Parents must remain in the gym for the entire duration of class. Participants must bring a basketball.

The fee is $50 for residents and $55 for nonresidents.

For more information, call 562-567-9430 or visit www.WhittierRec.com.

Adult softball

Whittier Adult Softball offers men’s and coed leagues this summer.

Open registration is under way and will be accepted until 4 p.m. Friday, July 19.

Play will start on Wednesday, July 31. Leagues will play at York Field, 9119 Santa Fe Springs Road. A fee of $490 includes games, balls and awards.

For more information, call 562-567-9430 or visit www.WhittierRec.com.

Beginning skateboarding

Children ages 6 to 17 can register for a beginning skateboarding program offered by the city of Whittier.

The five-class session will run Saturdays from 9 to 10:30 a.m., Aug. 10 to Sept. 7, at Whittier Community Center, 7630 Washington Ave.

The fee is $107 for residents and $122 for nonresidents. Students must wear a helmet, elbow and knee pads, and bring their own skateboard.

For more information, call 562-567-9430 or visit www.WhittierRec.com.

Summer swim lessons

The city of Whittier offers summer swimming lessons at both Palm Park, 5703 Palm Ave., and La Serna High School, 15301 Youngwood Drive.

Registration is under way for any open session. It is recommended that participants sign up at either the Palm Park pool or La Serna pool.

The city’s swimming lessons are based on the American Red Cross LEARN TO SWIM program. It teaches aquatic and safety skills in a logical progression.

For class schedules and more information, call 562-567-9430 or visit www.WhittierRec.com.

Take a dive at Palm Park

Two more diving class sessions, open to children ages 5 to 17, are scheduled for Palm Park.

The next Monday through Friday class is slated from July 15 to 25. Another session is scheduled from July 29 to Aug. 8. The fee is $47 and the resident discount fee is $42.

For class schedules and more information, call 562-567-9430 or visit www.WhittierRec.com.

Recreational swim

Palm Park offers recreational swimming until Aug. 25. Recreational swimming will also be offered on Aug. 31, Sept. 1 and 2.

The program is scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday through Sunday. The fee is $2. No swimming is slated for Aug. 16, 20 and 23.

An adult must accompany any child under age 7.

For more information, call 562-567-9430 or visit www.WhittierRec.com.

Family fitness and health

The city of Whittier will offer a family fitness and health class this summer.

Parents can bring their son or daughter to work out together for a healthier and better lifestyle. There will be different options available for adults and kids. The same parent and child partners must attend. Children must be at least 8 years old.

One more session is scheduled from Aug. 14 to Sept. 11 at the Whittier Community Center, 7630 Washington Ave.

The fee is $35 for residents and $40 for nonresidents.

For more information, call 562-567-9430 or visit www.WhittierRec.com.

Beginning gymnastics

This program, open to ages 8 to 18, includes warm-up exercises for conditioning and flexibility, as well as floor exercises and balance beam work. Instruction also will be given on other apparatus, including mini-trampoline, bars, vault and tumbling.

The Tuesday session is slated from 6:30 to 7:25 p.m. Aug. 6 to Sept. 10 the at Parnell Park Activity Center, 15390 Lambert Road. The fee is $59.

For more information, call 562-567-9430 or visit www.WhittierRec.com.

Pioneer High School coach Chuck Willig speaks to participants during the Titan Youth Instructional Camp, which was held Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30 at the Sierra Education Center.

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By Eric Terrazas
www.411whittier.com

WHITTIER — About 130 youngsters looking to improve their football skills took part in this year’s Titan Youth Instructional Camp on Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30, 2013 at the Sierra Education Center.
The event marked the second year of Pioneer High School’s youth football camp, which was open to children ages 7 to 14.
The camp gave kids an opportunity to participate in drills such as speed and agility training, along with position training.
Chuck Willig, who is entering his second season as Pioneer’s head coach, helped organize the event.
“It’s nice to see our kids coach the little kids,”? Willig said. “?Our coaches work with the older kids. Playing football is a lot of fun when everybody is excited to be here. That’s the fun part.?”
Three of the children who tested their football prowess included the Hala brothers that include Touanga, 11, Sione, 10, and Rodney, 9.
“They put you in certain spots to find out what you’re good at,”? Touanga said. “?They put you into different groups and work on your basic mechanics, and how you can improve.,” Sione said, “?It gives us a chance to workout and improve.?”
Rodney added, “?I’m going to like the one-on-one (drills). It’s fun.?”
Two of Willig’s younger brothers, Matt and Greg, also served as camp instructors. All three were star football players at St. Paul High School in Santa Fe Springs. Matt, who played collegiately at USC, went on to play 14 seasons in the NFL that included stints with the New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers, St. Louis Rams, San Francisco 49ers and the Carolina Panthers.
Matt Willig spoke to the young participants during a break from workouts. The former Trojan offensive lineman stressed the importance of academics among other things during his speech.
“?You’ve got to be good kids in the classroom,”? Matt Willig said. “?If you want to do something, hold on to that dream. Tell yourself you can because you can do it.?”
This year’s camp took place at Sierra because construction will soon begin on Pioneer’s new football stadium, which is scheduled to be completed for the 2014 season. According to Pioneer’s football website at http://www.wuhsd.org/phsfootball, the new stadium will feature a state-of-the-art synthetic turf field, all-weather track, two-tier bleachers on the home side, locker rooms, weightroom, coaches’ offices, meeting rooms and a press box.
Chuck Willig said that putting together the camp takes a team effort.
“It’s fun for everybody,”? he said. “?Being able to have my brothers here is fantastic as well. It’s a family atmosphere. A lot of parents put in a lot of time in this. The parents do such an amazing job.?”
eterrazas@411whittier.com

Lady Highlanders win 31 to 27 vs. Whittier Christian in a nail-biter June 24, 2013 at Wilson High School in Hacienda Heights.

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Whittier Christian and La Habra girls basketball teams finished neck-and-neck on Monday, June 24, 2013 at Wilson High School in Hacienda Heights. La Habra was down 13 to 10 at the half but was able to extend the lead by as much as eight points early in the second half. Whittier Christian closed the gap to one point in the final minutes but wasn’t able to stop the Lady Highlanders, who ended up winning 31 to 27.

Youth football camp

Pioneer High School, 10800 E. Benavon St. in Whittier, will host its Titan Youth Instructional Camp.

The camp, open to children ages 7 to 14, is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30. The cost is $35 per camper.

The price includes lunch, T-shirt, individual camp awards and visits by former NFL and college players. The camp features combine testing, speed and agility training, football position training, and individual and group work.

For more information, call 562-698-8121, Ext. 5425 or visit www.wuhsd.org/phsfootball.

Whittier Area Youth Soccer

Whittier Area Youth Soccer will accept registration from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, June 29, at Parnell Park, 15390 Lambert Road in Whittier. The registration fee is $120.

For more information, visit www.eteamz.com/ways/.

Tennis lessons

The city of Whittier offers a beginning youth tennis course for children ages 7 to 15.

The session, which consists of 10 classes, is slated from 6 to 7 p.m. Mondays and Fridays, July 1 to Aug. 2, at Palm Park, 5703 Palm Ave.

Class structure provides instruction in basic groundstrokes, serve, net play and game scoring. A racket is provided for participants. The fee is $102 for residents and $117 for nonresidents.

For more information, call 562-567-9430 or visit www.WhittierRec.com.

Skateboarding

Children ages 6 to 17 can register for the city of Whittier’s beginning skateboarding class.

The Saturday program is slated from 9 to 10:30 a.m. June 29 to July 27, at Whittier Community Center, 7630 Washington Ave. Students must wear helmet, elbow and knee pads, and bring their own skateboard.

The fee is $107 for residents and $122 for nonresidents.

For more information, call 562-567-9430 or visit www.WhittierRec.com.

Aerobiz

This class, offered by the city of Whittier, features aerobic dances, kickboxing, sports drills and interval training.

The program, open to ages 15 and above, is scheduled from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m., Thursdays from June 27 to Sept. 12 at Palm Park.

The fee is $32 for residents and $37 for nonresidents.

For more information, call 562-567-9430 or visit www.WhittierRec.com.

Youth soccer

Lil All Stars Soccer is offered to children ages 3 to 6.

Each participant will learn the basic fundamentals, rules and organization of soccer.

The first three weeks will be broken into skill drills such as basic dribbling, passing and control drills, throw-ins, corner kicks, how to trap the ball, offensive and defensive positions, and more, along with team concept. The final week will be a scrimmage to imitate a game situation.

Parents must stay at park for the entire duration of class. Participants should bring a soccer ball.

Four Saturday sessions, which are scheduled from June 29 to July 27, will be offered at Michigan Park, 8228 Michigan Ave. in Whittier. Children ages 3 to 4 can register for either the 8:30 or 9:15 a.m. Class. Youngsters ages 4 to 6 can sign up for either the 10:10 or 11 a.m. session.

The fee is $50 for residents and $55 for nonresidents.

For more information, call 562-567-9430 or visit www.WhittierRec.com.

Summer swim lessons

The city of Whittier offers summer swimming lessons at both Palm Park, 5703 Palm Ave., and La Serna High School, 15301 Youngwood Drive.

Registration is under way for any open session. It is recommended that participants sign-up at either the Palm Park pool or La Serna pool.

The city’s swimming lesson program is based on the American Red Cross LEARN TO SWIM program. It teaches aquatic and safety skills in a logical progression.

For class schedules and more information, call 562-567-9430 or visit www.WhittierRec.com.

Diving at Palm Park

Three more diving class sessions, open to children ages 5 to 17, are scheduled for Palm Park.

The next Monday through Friday class is slated from July 1 to 12. The next two sessions are scheduled from July 15 to 25 and from July 29 to Aug. 8. The fee is $47 and the resident discount fee is $42.

For class schedules and more information, call 562-567-9430 or visit www.WhittierRec.com.

Recreational swim

Palm Park offers recreational swimming until Aug. 25. Recreational swimming will also be offered on Aug. 31, Sept. 1 and 2.

The program is scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday through Sunday. The fee is $2. No swimming is slated for Aug. 16, 20 and 23.

An adult must accompany any child under age 7.

For more information, call 562-567-9430 or visit www.WhittierRec.com.

Family Fitness and Health

The city of Whittier will offer a family fitness and health class this summer.

Parents can bring their son or daughter to work out together for a healthier and better life. There will be different options available for adults and kids. The same parent and child partners must attend. Children must be at least 8 years old.

Two Wednesday sessions are scheduled for the Whittier Community Center, 7630 Washington Ave. The first program is scheduled from July 3 to 31, followed by a second session that will run from Aug. 14 to Sept. 11.

The fee is $35 for residents and $40 for nonresidents.

For more information, call 562-567-9430 or visit www.WhittierRec.com.

Beginning gymnastics

This program, open to ages 8 to 18, includes warm-up exercises for conditioning and flexibility, as well as floor exercises and balance beam work. Instruction will also be given on other apparatus, including mini-trampoline, bars, vault and tumbling.

The Tuesday session is slated from 6:30 to 7:25 p.m. Aug. 6 to Sept. 10, at Parnell Park Activity Center, 15390 Lambert Road. The fee is $59.

For more information, call 562-567-9430 or visit www.WhittierRec.com.