SPORTS SHORTS

CLAYTON SHARPSHOOTER A SHOT SHORTOF MOVINGON IN ELKS HOOP SHOOT NATIONALS

Jackson Ramirez of Clayton made 72 of his 75 free throw attempts in this year’s Elks Hoop Shoot Free Throw Contest but it was not enough to qualify for the Western Regionals this time around for the 2020-21 national champion. Now competing in the 12-13 division, Ramirez started red hot while making a perfect 25 for 25 in the first two competitions this year. He then won his third straight NorCal title in the NorCal/Hawaii competition. The local 12-year-old made eight of 10 in the first round and, needing to make 14 of 15 in the second round, he came through with the pressure on. Ramirez then had to wait until last weekend for the Southern California finals to find out if he’d advance to Las Vegas for the Western Region Finals but was edged out by one shot as the SouCal champion was 23 of 25 to his 22 of 25.

CONCORD AYSO SPRINGPROGRAM STARTS MAR. 18

Concord AYSO Region 305 will be participating in the new Area 2C & 2D Spring Alliance Soccer league for 2023. This program is taking the place of Select. The Alliance program is open to all kids in birth years 2009-2014 in the Concord AYSO geographic area regardless of where they played fall soccer. For more information on the spring program for 6U-14U beginning March 18, visit ConcordAYSO.org website.

JUNIOR OPTIMISTRECREATION SPRING BASEBALL

SEASON POSTPONED DUE TO FIELDDAMAGE

Junior Optimist Baseball League announced that due to water damage from the heavy winter rains, JOBL’s recreational fields have been made unplayable for the spring season. The league said, “Our fields, which were in need of repair prior to the start of the season, have become too dangerous to allow for our young players to play baseball on this spring. The JOBL Board is taking this opportunity to revitalize the complex with improvements on the fields” at the complex in North Concord. Visit joblconcord.com or email President Mark Northrup info@joblconcord.com for more information.

Away from school Gallegos is part of the Diablo Valley Wolves club soccer program after earlier playing for the San Francisco Glens. Guzman says that as one of the top players in the DAL Gallegos has aspirations to continue his soccer career in college and eventually make it to the professional level. “Jared is a hardworking player but also an attack-minded player so we play him as our attacking midfielder or forward.” The Red Devil star says he believes “hard work pays off.”

The Pioneer congratulates Jared and thanks Athlete Spotlight sponsors Dr. Laura Lacey & Dr. Christopher Ruzicka who have been serving the Clayton and Concord area for over three decades at Family Vision Care Optometry. laceyandruzicka.com

Do you know a young athlete who should be recognized? Perhaps he or she has shown exceptional sportsmanship, remarkable improvement or great heart for the sport. Send your nomination for the Pioneer Athlete Spotlight today to sports@concordpioneer.com.

YGNACIO VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC HALL OF FAMEDINNERTICKETS ON SALE FOR MAY 20

The Ygnacio Valley High Athletic Hall of Fame dinner for the Class of 2020 has turned into the Class of 2023, which will finally be installed May 20 at Zio Fraedo’s in Pleasant Hill, three years after the original induction date. Visit yvathletichof.com for more details and to reserve tickets now.

MDSA SPRING LEAGUEREGISTRATION OPEN FOR SEASONBEGINNING MAR. 25

Registration is open for Mt Diablo Soccer Association's spring season which begins Mar. 25. The program is open to boys and girls ages 4-18. The 12U and older divisions are co-ed. For more details and to register visit mdsoccer.org.

CLAYTON VALLEY ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

ANNOUNCES CLASS OF 2023

Clayton Valley High School Athletic Hall of Fame will host is seventh induction ceremony May 19 at Centre Concord. The Hall of Fame committee announced this year’s honorees recently. They are the Clayton Business and Community Association, Jim Henderson (Class of 1960), Gene Montori (1964), Brian Strock (1977), Kip Yaughn (1988), Jason Nolting (1995), Sean Reilly (2008), Suzanne Boehner (1977), Dana Lawson (1997), Jennifer Coddington (1997), Laura Davis (2002), Coach/Athletic Director Dee Billeter, 1976 and 1977 girl's gymnastics, 1988 baseball, 1985 football and 1996 girl's track. Social hour will begin at 5 p.m. followed by dinner and the presentation of inductees. Ticket info for the induction dinner will be available starting Mar. 6. Check cvhshof.com for more information.

DANA HILLS SWIM TEAMSCHEDULES

SPRING CLINIC , SIGNUPS

Dana Hills Swim Team summer registration is now open. The championship team offers a supportive and inclusive environment for swimmers of all ages and abilities. The Otters Spring Clinic, starting Mar. 1, is designed to help swimmers refine their technique and build their skills in preparation for the summer recreation season. Swimmers of all abilities are welcome to register. For additional information about team registration and the Spring Clinic visit danahillsotters.com.