Santa Maria Sun / Sports Short

On the roster

• ‘Madden’ tournament: Think you’re a Madden All-Pro? Prove it at the city of Santa Maria’s Madden NFL tournament for seventh- to 12th- graders on Feb. 4. Entrants will go head-to-head on the Playstation 3 version of the football video game in a tournament, with a minimum of two games per player. Prizes will be given to the top three winners. The games kick off at the Abel Maldonado Youth Center, located at 600 S. McClelland St., in Santa Maria. For more information, call the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center reception desk at 925 0951, Ext. 252.

• Youth Center Super Bowl Party: Seventh- to 12th-graders can visit the Abel Maldonado Youth Center and hang out with friends while the NFL’s championship teams battle it out on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 5. Teens will be able to watch the game on a huge 72-inch big screen while enjoying their favorite tailgate foods for free, beginning at 3 p.m. For more information call the Abel Maldonado Youth Center at 925-0951, Ext. 252.

• Los Flores Ranch Nature Walks: Starting Feb. 11, Santa Maria residents will be able to experience the beauty of Los Flores Ranch Park for free with guided nature walks held the second Saturday of each month. The walks start promptly at 9 a.m. and are approximately two hours in length. Participants will learn about oak trees, plant life, birds, and the many other species of animals that call the park home. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes and to bring binoculars and a lunch. Walkers will meet at the visitor center off of Dominion Road. There’s no fee for city residents. For non-residents, park entry is $3 for adults and $1.50 for seniors. Children 15 years old and younger get in free. For more information, visit ci.santa-maria.ca.us/LosFloresRanchPark.shtml.

Sports Shorts is compiled by Staff Writer Jeremy Thomas. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, e-mail, or mail.