Beginning the New Year

There’s often a let-down feeling following the bang of the New Year. All the excitement leading up to the holidays and New Year’s Eve culminates into one big end-of-year party—then comes the dullness of January and February.

This is not so much the case along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, where there is always something to do. Several sports events will be taking place in the first weeks of 2011, including a tennis tournament, a volleyball tournament, a seafood festival and car show, and a cheerleading competition. Then there are the regular draws of the Gulf: a variety of inviting accommodations, historic and nature sights and trails, delicious dining, and fabulous shopping venues. And with the weather not nearly as cold as more northern areas—average temperatures in January and February in the 50s—a stroll on the beach is not out of the question.

Visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Sports Commission website for more information about the Alabama Gulf Coast and upcoming sporting events.

Soccer Semifinals

Only two days are left in the NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship. It’s been an exciting run this week, with two teams remaining undefeated all the way through so far and host team Mobile pulling out a win with only 58 seconds left in the quarterfinals.

But we’re not done yet. The semifinals begin on Friday, with Notre Dame and Mobile playing at 4 p.m. and Hastings and William Jewell playing at 6 p.m. Then the two semifinal winners will play in the final game on Saturday at 7 p.m.

It’s sure to be an exciting weekend for sports fans. Be there live to see which teams will advance to the finals!