BA Issue 69, July 18, 2013 by Sport Stars Magazine

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July 18, 2013

vol. 4. issue 69 bay area

The march to no. 1:

who owned 2012-13?

››› you

like like like We

sports

us on facebook Campolindo’s Zach Remotto

fast is all well and good, 31 Running but coaches want to know what you’ve got upstairs before they offer that scholarship

and no. 1 is: As if we’re 16 ... gonna tell you right here! Flip on over and start the countdown of the Bay Area’s Top 75 athletes. learner: Elizabeth Schultz is 21 fast a natural golfer.

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Our editor dares 8 first pitch: you. He doubledog dares you: Just try not to get caught up in the passion and charm of the Little League World Series.

room: They say the 10 locker clothes makes the man. And probably the woman, too. (But do they say it?) Either way, it’s true in sports. Fashion maven Bill Kolb keeps us in the loop. of the week: 12 Sportstar Sabrina Ionescu, Miramonte hoops

Is the grass always 14 Clipboard: greener on the other side of the fence? Careful before you find out. on the cover: Granada Little League Intermediate All-Star Grant Riddiough, center. Photo by Phillip Walton Score Digital Content: Scan SSM With LAYAR

Fence: Tryouts, sign-ups, 41 The fundraisers and more!

41 Camps + Clinics July 18, 2013

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Livermore, Bay Area get gift in the Little League World Series

hile I’ve had the privilege to cover sports at every level during my professional career, I’ve always maintained an enjoyment of the relative purity of high school sports. There’s a passion that flows through good high school sports competition, and it’s something that can rarely be duplicated at the higher levels. And then there’s Little League baseball. I dare any sports fan — regardless of whether he or she has a deep passion for baseball — to attend a Little League game and not be at least slightly caught up in its charm. Little League was a big part of my childhood. I played from T-Ball through Majors in the Central Tehama Little League (CA District 1). Once in high school, I spent many a spring and summer evening in working as a Little League umpire or watching my younger siblings play. Since SportStars came to being three summers ago, we’ve covered our share of Little League teams who have performed well outside their local districts. But only a few of those stories involved getting out to actual games. Also, because we’re a high school and primary teen sports magazine, often our focus has been on the high school-age levels of Little League. Fun, but not quite as charming as the 10-13 year-olds. So when I heard that a Little League World Series was coming to the Bay Area (Livermore) and that we would be it’s media sponsor, I was fired up. I was even more juiced after further research revealed it would be for the organization’s newly-created Intermediate 50/70 Division. You’ll read a lot more about this division in the pages ahead, but the basics is that are for 11-13 year-olds and is just a slightly bigger version of the now-famous Little League World Series played by 11-12 year-olds in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. To get a grasp of the division, I took the two-plus hour road trip to Chowchilla on July 11 to watch Game 1 of the NorCal Division II Championship between Lemoore and Granada Little League of Livermore. With Chowchilla being a very rural town along Highway 99, much like my own home town, I was instantly submerged in nostalgia. Chowchilla’s facilities were superb, and the District 10 hosts had things running incredibly smoothly. The venue and competitions were everything you’d expect from a Little League game played predominantly by 13-year olds. Nearly the entire time I was there, I constantly found myself revisiting the same thought: There really is nothing like Little League baseball. While the vibe of high school sports can’t be replicated by collegiate and professional sports, the Little League game and experience just can’t quite be replicated by travel ball or other organizations. There is simply an unquestionable charm that comes from watching Little League competition. I would venture to guess that a lot of it is based in the camaraderie of the kids who play. In so many cases, these are kids who have grown up with each other and played with or against one another since they picked up a bat and ball. They all come from the same town or suburb — and that town or suburb claims ultimate ownership of those kids. It’s the essential hyper-local sports experience. Admission to the Intermediate World Series that begins in Livermore on July 30 is free, and I can’t urge you enough to go take in a game. Be sure to see a game involving one of the international teams (there will be four), as well as one featuring the host team from Pleasanton (very likely the biggest crowds). And don’t be surprised if some of the kids wow you with their skills, it is a World Series for crying out loud! They’re gonna be talented. But if you go, and don’t crack at least one smile, well, you may not have a soul. ✪

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join our team PHONE 925.566.8500 FAX 925.566.8507 Editorial Editor@SportStarsOnline.com Editor Chace Bryson • Chace@SportStarsOnline. com Staff Writers Erik Stordahl, Jim McCue Contributors Bill Kolb, Mitch Stephens, Matt Smith, Clay Kallam, Bryant West, Dave Kiefer, Liz Elliott, Tim Rudd, Jonathan Okanes, Hunter Hewitt, Joe Stiglich Photography Butch Noble, Bob Larson, Jonathan Hawthorne, James K. Leash, Norbert von der Groeben, Phillip Walton, Doug Guler Intern Ryan Arter Creative Department Art@SportStarsOnline.com Production Manager Mike DeCicco • MikeD@ SportStarsOnline.com Publisher/President Mike Calamusa • Mike@SportStarsOnline.com Advertising & Calendar/ Classified Sales Sales@SportStarsOnline.com, 925.566.8500 Account Executives Erik Stordahl • Erik@SportStarsOnline.com, Phillip Walton • PWalton@SportStarsOnline.com Sac Joaqin edition: Dave Rosales • DaveRosales64@gmail.com Reader Resources/Administration Ad Traffic, Subscription, Calendar & Classified Listings info@SportStarsOnline.com Distribution/Delivery Mags@SportStarsOnline.com Information technology John Bonilla CFO Sharon Calamusa • Sharon@SportStarsOnline.com community SportStars™ Magazine A division of Caliente! Communications, LLC 5356 Clayton Rd., Ste. 222 • Concord, CA 94521 •info@SportStarsOnline.com www.SportStarsOnline.com

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your ticket to california sports admit one; rain or shine This Vol. #4, July 2013 Whole No. 69 is published by Caliente! Communications, LLC, 5356 Clayton Rd, Ste. 222, Concord, CA 94521. SportStars™© 2010 by Caliente! Communications, LLC. All rights reserved. Subscription rates: 24 issues, U.S. 3rd class $42 (allow 3 weeks for delivery). 1st class $55. To receive sample issues, please send $3 to cover postage. Back issues are $4 each. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of Publisher is strictly prohibited. The staff and management, including Board of Directors, of SportStars™© does not advocate or encourage the use of any product or service advertised herein for illegal purposes. Editorial contributions, photos and letters to the editor are welcome and should be addressed to the Editor. All material should be typed, double-spaced on disk or email and will be handled with reasonable care. For materials return, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope. SportStars™© and STARS!™© Clinics are registered trademarks of Caliente! Communications, LLC.

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LAYAR EXTRA: Watch the La Mirada Football video which inspired this Top 5.

TOP 5 Developments in Uniform Absurdity (ahem)...Technology

So we saw this wacky video last week. A high school football team, pimping its upcoming season with a crazy-high production value YouTube effort featuring… not plays. Not players. Not highlights from last year. Not the team’s combined GPA. (Heh. Just checking to see if you were paying attention.) No. La Mirada High School’s big pitch for 2013: Unis. Lots of em. Heck. With five pant colors, four jerseys, and two helmets, the Matadores officially have more wardrobe changes than an Academy Awards host. Now, this very nearly sent us spiraling into a curmudgeonly tailspin. But then we thought. What the hey? Infinite uniform combinations. It’s like playing dress-up. Fun, right? Here are our top five recent developments in uniform technology. 1. Oregon Football — As a quarterback, it’s just really convenient to be able to see if your shoulder-wing appliqués are lined up correctly by checking your reflection in your center’s mirrored helmet. 2. Alternate Jerseys in Baseball — Watch the Red Sox-A’s game on July 12? Who was the home team? It’s a mystery! A puzzle! A conundrum! Why bother sticking to that boring old home-whites/road grays protocol. Hey wait! I know! How about different colored pants! Perhaps a nice plaid. What about the shoelaces? Why hasn’t someone explored THAT option? 3. The Golden State Warriors Tighty Goldies — No no. We really dig those. It’s just. Cirque du Soleil called. They want their t-shirts back. 4. That innovative new Yankees look — You have to give the evil empire credit for evolving with the times. Switching it up. Or. Uh. Wait. What do you mean it hasn’t changed in a hundred years? And people LIKE that? Oh. Well. Carry on, then. 5. Nike — Where would sports teams be without the apparel-marketing gurus? Monotonously donning the same, traditional digs that their fans have come to know and love and identify with since time immemorial. Bo. Ring. Thanks Phil for the forward-thinking game-day aesthetic engineers who have… Oh heck. No. Forget it. We tried. But no. It’s just awful. Please stop now. – Bill “White Shoes” Kolb

sayWHAT

“I’m proud, but not satisfied. I have a game on Monday. It’s time to play.”

Recent Elk Grove graduate Ryan Tellez told the Sacramento Bee’s Joe Davidson on July 12, the night he signed with the Toronto Blue Jays for an $850K signing bonus — the most for any player drafted later than the 10th round. He began his professional career with the Dunedin Blue Jays of the Gulf Coast League on July 15. 10

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Points

accolades

1. Campolindo

7,300

League Titles: 6. All-State Athletes: 2. Section Titles: 13. Norcal: 2. State: 1

2. De La Salle 3. James Logan

6,600

SportStar/Season: 1. League Titles: 5. Section Titles: 7. Scholastic: 1. Norcal: 2. State: 2

5,850

League Titles: 7. All-State Athletes: 1. Section Titles: 14.

4. Carondelet 5. Bishop O'Dowd

5,800

SportStar/Season: 1. League titles: 1. Section titles: 8. Scholastic: 1.

5,250

SportStar/Season: 1. League Titles: 1. All-State Athletes: 1. Section Titles: 4. State: 1.

6. Castro Valley 7. Mission San Jose

4,550

SportStar/Season: 1. League Titles: 1. All-State Athletes: 1. Section Titles: 4. State: 4.

4,400

League Titles: 1. Section Titles: 6. Scholastic: 12.

8. Amador Valley

3,850

League Titles: 3. All-State Athletes: 1. Section Titles: 10.

9. St. Joseph Notre Dame

3,100

League Titles: 2. All-State Athletes: 1. Section Titles: 10.

10. Albany

3,050

League titles: 2. All-State Athlete: 1. Section: 5. Scholastic: 1. State: 1.

11. Clayton Valley...............2,800

California........................1,400

13. Las Lomas....................2,550

26. College Park.................1,300

12. San Ramon Valley.......2,750

14. (tie) Berkeley................2,400 Acalanes........................2,400

16. Miramonte.....................2,400 17. Salesian........................2,100 18. (tie) Heritage.................1,700 San Leandro..................1,700

20. St. Mary’s......................1,700

Granada.........................1,400 27. Hercules.......................1,200 28. St. Patrick/St. Vincent.... 1,150 29. Head-Royce.................950

Jonathan Hawthorne

30. (tie) Valley Christian..... 900 Liberty............................900 Newark Memorial..........900

21. Foothill..........................1,650

33. (tie) Dublin....................800

23. (tie) Piedmont...............1,400

35. Alameda........................750

22. Deer Valley...................1,450

Campolindo fans cheer on the girls water polo team during the NCS Div. II final.

Concord.........................800

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They did it again. Behind one of the most remarkable springs of recent memory, Campolindo High secured its second consecutive SportStars Cup championship — retaining the title as the East Bay’s Winningest School for another year. A quick reminder on the SportStars Cup. It runs the length of the school year and every East Bay school is awarded points based on the following scale: 100 — Have an athlete named SportStars of the Year (Fall, Winter or Spring) 200 — Win a team league title 200 — Win a scholastic section championship for highest team GPA 250 — Have an athlete be named AllState (First-team overall only) 300 — Win a section championship (team or individual) 400 — Win an individual NorCal title 500 — Win a team NorCal title 700 — Win an individual state title 1,000 — Win a team state title When these standings were last updated in late April, Campolindo stood in fourth place, nearly 2,000 points behind De La Salle. But the Spartans did not choke the lead away. In fact, De La Salle’s spring included a CIF/NCGA NorCal Title in boys golf, as well as an individual CIF state track title from junior hurdler Marquis Morris. Quite simply, Campolindo went and grabbed the lead away. The Cougars scored 4,150 points in the final two months of the season thanks in large part to 10 (TEN!!!) North Coast Section titles — four team, and six individual. Campolindo also added a CIF NorCal title in boys volleyball and had baseball player Trent Shelton named first-team All-State by CalHiSports.com. Campolindo wasn’t the only school to boast monster spring numbers. Cardondelet and Castro Valley both vaulted into the Top 10. The former, which has it’s total multiplied as a single-six school, reached all the way to No. 4 behind it’s girls swim team and SportStars’ Female Bay Area Athlete of the Spring, Chelsea Chenault. Castro Valley finished at No. 6 after track and field stars Nate Moore and Sasha Wallace each scored a pair of state titles. A couple other fun facts about the 2012-13 competition. James Logan, who finished third in the standings, actually finished with the most NCS titles on the year (14). De La Salle became the first school in the two years of this competition to score points each of the possible categories. And finally, seventh-place Mission San Jose had as many as 12 NCS Scholastic Team awards for the second straight year. Congrats once against to Campolindo. Your challenge for to make it three in a row begins in five weeks. Start training. —Chace Bryson

July 18, 2013

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Sabrina Ionescu has been all over the map this summer. She tried out for Team USA’s U16 team in Colorado back in May, made the team and then played for them in Mexico in June (they won gold). Recently, she’s led her Cal Stars team to tourney victories in Oregon and Chicago with the Nike Nationals coming up soon. That’s a lot of traveling (and success) for an incoming sophomore. SportStars Magazine: What’s been the highlight for you this summer? Sabrina Ionescu: I think maybe making the USA team. I never thought I could make it. Then to come back with Cal Stars and win in Chicago and Oregon, especially after our point guard (Natalie Romeo) got hurt. SSM: What area of your game are you working on the most this summer? SI: Usually shooting, and I do ball handling on my own. Also, just other simple stuff. SSM: What’s the goal for this season? SI: We want to win state. but I know we’re losing one of our seniors (Carly Gill). With our incoming freshman, we’re gonna try to get the tempo going, keep pressuring the ball and keep working towards our goal to win state. SSM: What was the highlight of playing for the U16 National

July 18, 2013

honorable mention

sabrina ionescu

breanna alford

miramonte . basketball . sophomore

The Miramonte senior forward was named to the AllTournament team at the End of the Oregon Trail tournament on July 11.

austen moomau The 13-year-old Granada Little Leaguer hit eight home runs over his team’s first six games in the Intermediate Little League NorCal Division II Tournament.

derek hill Jonathan Hawthorne Team in the Americas Tournament? SI: Probably winning the gold medal. We worked so hard for those last two weeks. … Finally winning in the gold medal game when we were tied with Canada at halftime was relieving and really exciting. SABRINA’S QUICK HITS FAVORITE ATHLETE: Tony Parker FAVORITE BASKETBALL TEAM: Warriors FAVORITE SUBJECT: Math

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The Elk Grove outfielder was named to the A’s roster for the Area Code Games to be played in Long Beach in early August. As a junior, he batted .417 with 27 runs and 27 RBI.

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Transfers: The Ins & Outs I’ve been told I’m good enough to get a scholarship of some sort, and I don’t think my family can afford to send me to college unless I do. But my high school program is really bad, and I’ve realized I need to transfer to have a better chance to get that scholarship I really need. I’ve just finished my freshman year – what are my options? —J.E., Hayward ow much time do you have? The high school transfer rules are nothing if not complex, arcane and subject to manipulation at every level, but I’ll do the best I can in the space I get. The North Coast Section web site (or any section web site) will have lots of information — hit the “Eligibility Transfer Information” link — but good luck plowing through the bureaucratese. Everything you need to know is there somewhere, but figuring out exactly what applies to you is no easy task. We can begin with this, though: The easiest way, from the CIF standpoint, to transfer to another school is to move into its attendance area. If that happens, you’re im-

mediately eligible — well, almost. Here’s the first big red flag flying over any transfer, and it says “Undue influence.” That means if the section office gets your transfer application and decides that a coach or administrator from the school you want to transfer into influenced you into making the move, then you are ineligible for a full season. “Undue influence” is an ambiguous phrase, so you’re at the mercy of the section office — and sometimes, those officials are more suspicious of some schools than others because of previous issues. They’ll also look to see if they think the transfer is “athletically motivated,” another nono. In other words, if you transfer from a school that went 0-11 in football to one that went 11-0, then they could rule you ineligible for a year. There are some hardship exceptions, which you can find on the websites, but if you don’t qualify under those nine categories, and since this would be your first transfer (you’ve just finished your freshman year), even if you don’t move, you can play varsity sports in your first season — after you sit out for a designated time. (If you play a fall sport, you wouldn’t be eligible to play, though you can

practice, until Oct. 7; in the winter, the eligibility date is Jan. 6; in the spring, it’s April 7.) Of course, even then you have to fill out loads of paperwork, and one item on there involves “pre-enrollment contact.” What that means is they’ll ask you and the school to which you’re transferring to list all contact with school personnel (such as coaches) prior to your transfer application. Just because you’ve said hello to the coach at the new school, or even worked with him at a camp, doesn’t immediately make you ineligible — but if you have had contact, and don’t list it in the transfer form, you’re out a full year. But the best thing you can do is begin the process as quickly as you can. Sometimes the school you’re transferring to will move slowly, and that could make a big difference. As much as possible, take charge of the process, fill out the paperwork and follow up with your section to make sure you’ve done everything right. Hopefully you’ll be eligible immediately and in a place where your chances of a scholarship are much better. ✪ Clay Kallam is an assistant athletic director and girls varsity basketball coach at Bentley High in Lafayette. To submit a question for Behind the Clipboard, email him at clayk@ fullcourt.com

There’s a lot to grasp and pay attention to when moving schools. Be thorough, or you may be sorry

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The First 50 75. Francis Christy, Baseball, Casa Grande 74. Alyssa Ross, Softball, Terra Linda

73. Trevor Reinhart, Cross Country, Marin Academy 72. Sinorti Stegman, Wrestling, Berkeley

71. Sabrina Ionescu, Basketball, Miramonte 70. Justin Ewing, Football, Capuchino

69. Jalon Luque, Football, Rancho Cotate 68. Kathleen Scavo, Golf, Justin-Siena

67. Kelli Hayes, Basketball, Archbishop Mitty 66. Connor Kurze, Soccer, Archbishop Mitty 65. Haley Blount, Diving, San Marin

64. Adrian Williams, Volleyball, Archbishop Mitty 63. Kerianne Hunt, Lacrosse, Carondelet 62. Ryan Maund, Golf, Foothill

61. Annika Jensen, Water Polo, Campolindo 60. Allison Chuang, Tennis, Albany

59. Justin Pagila, Golf, De La Salle

58. Ryan Walker-Hartshorn, Soccer, Bishop O’Dowd 57. Thomas Carroll,Water Polo, Marin Catholic 56. Tiapepe Vitale, Football, De La Salle

55. Aidan Goltra, Cross Country/Track, Campolindo 54. Jackson Miller, Swimming, Las Lomas

53. Steven Farinaro, Baseball, Head-Royce 52. Joe Worsley, Volleyball, Campolindo

51. Stevie Berman, Baseball/Basketball, Saratoga 50. Kylee Perez, Softball, Alhambra 49. Joe Mixon, Football, Freedom

48. Joe Lang, Lacrosse/Football, St. Ignatius 47. Keller Chryst, Football, Palo Alto

46. Kendall Smith, Basketball, Deer Valley

45. Marcellus Pippins, Football/Basketball, El Cerrito 44. Julia Maxwell, Cross Country, Branson

43. Kenneth Olugbode, Football, Bellarmine Prep 42. Gaby Steiner, Volleyball, Branson

41. Sven Campbell, Swimming, Campolindo 40. Curtis Ogren, Swimming, St. Francis

39. Gabriella Cantrell, Track, San Leandro 38. Darrell Daniels, Football, Freedom 37. Erik Montes, Soccer, Richmond

36. Marquis Morris, Track, De La Salle 35. David Hsu, Tennis, Lynbrook

34. Nikko Villarreal, Wrestling, Gilroy

33. Katherine Klass, Water Polo, San Ramon Valley 32. KC Waters, Basketball/Softball, Bishop O’Dowd

Welcome to the first Bay Area 75 — SportStars’ countdown of the top 75 Bay Area athletes from the 2012-13 school year. This is the final of three unveilings of a list that had to be refined several times before we were convinced we had it right. Our staff considered athletes from all nine Bay Area counties who compete in sports which culminate in sanctioned section titles. Those were the only stipulations. When it was over, our list included at least one athlete from each county and had 14 different sports represented. All sports fans know rankings are an opinion, and certainly subjective. They also spark debate and conversation, which is why we love them.

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As you look through our Top 25, we welcome you to share your thoughts on our final choices. Email us or reach out to us on on Facebook or Twitter (@sportstarsmag, #bayarea75) The first 50 athletes were revealed exclusively at SportStarsOnline.com. We’ve listed their name, sport and school on this page, but you can still get a more detailed version on our website. You can also access them right now by scanning this page with the Layar app. We hope you enjoyed following this countdown as much as we did creating and releasing it. —Chace Bryson, Editor Editor@SportStarsOnline.com

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31. Alexa Vandevanter, Soccer, San Ramon Valley 30. Jeremy Sweany, Wrestling, Vacaville

29. Annie Shurtz, Volleyball, Campolindo

28. Joe Protheroe, Football, Clayton Valley Charter 27. Jazmyn Jackson, Softball, Archbishop Mitty 26. Jared Goff, Football, Marin Catholic

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Ivan Rabb

Charlie Wiser

Bishop O’Dowd-Oakland Basketball - Sophomore Rabb is the first of two in the Top 25 to be CalHiSports.com State Soph of the Year in their sport. The nation’s No. 1 recruit for the Class of 2015 according to ESPN. com. Rabb averaged 22 points and 13 rebounds.

Miramonte-Orinda - Water polo/Swimming - Senior All-American named Bay Area News Group’s East Bay Player of the Year after 64 goals, 25 assists and 50 steals. He was the AllNCS Div. I MVP after Miramonte won the section title. In the spring, he won an NCS title in the 200 IM, and was 2nd in the 100 breast despite a time faster than previous high school national record.

Jordan Paroubeck Serra-San Mateo Baseball - Senior Ranked among Top 100 baseball recruits in the nation by MaxPreps, the five-tool Serra outfielder hit .402 with 22 extra-base hits, including 7 home runs. Was West Catholic Athletic League MVP and was the highest-drafted Bay Area high school product when the San Diego Padres took him 69th.

Mariya Moore Salesian-Richmond Basketball - Junior The first of three Class of 2014 East Bay girls hoopsters in the Top 25, Moore lead Salesian back to the CIF Div. IV state final behind averages of 18.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, 6.8 assists and 4 steals. The Pride lost the state final 6260, but not before Moore scored 35 points and set championship game records for free throws (17) and free throws attempted (20).

Megan Reid Miramonte-Orinda Bsktbll/Soccer - Junior Reid is the rare athlete who plays two sports during the same season —sometimes on the same night. In early January she had 9 points, 7 rebounds, 7 steals and 6 assists in one half of basketball before checking into Miramonte’s soccer game and delivering a hat trick.

Gabby Green St. Mary’s-Berkeley Basketball - Junior Another national recruit from the 2014 class, Green averaged 16.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 4.2 steals. The Panthers’ season ended in the CIF Open Division NorCal semifinals to eventual state-champion Bishop O’Dowd. In May, Green was named to the U19 National Team.

Trent Shelton Campolindo-Moraga Baseball - Senior Shelton polished off a brilliant fouryear career by delivering his best all-around season yet. He hit .408 a with 15 RBI and 16 runs, but made bigger impression on the mound. Shelton went 10-3 with a 1.48 ERA. He allowed just 53 hits over 80.2 innings and both of his postseason starts were completegame shutouts. And Campo won a fourth-straight NCS title.

RaeAnn Garza James Logan-Union City Softball - Senior You’d be hard-pressed to find a more consistent performer and big-game player than Garza over the past four years. She went 21-1 for the NCS-champion Colts, posting a 0.85 ERA with 6 shutouts and just 14 walks over 140 innings. The first-team AllState selection also hit .412 with 23 RBI.

Austin Hooper De La Salle-Concord Football - Senior A brilliant two-way player for the undefeated state-champion Spartans, Hooper started at tight end and defensive end. Despite only playing in 10 of the team’s 15 games because of injury, Hooper still had 39 tackles with 8 sacks and had 11 catches for 293 yards and 3 TDs on offense. He was first-team All-State and will play at Stanford in the fall.

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Warren Miles Long James Logan-Union City Football - Senior Long is our pick as the most complete two-way player of 2012. The Northwestern-bound standout rushed for 1,706 yards and 21 TDs and was the only running back to gain more than 100 yards against De La Salle. He also had 86 tackles, 4 sacks and 2 INT (one returned for a TD).

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Natalie Romeo

Joe DeMers

Carondelet-Concord Basketball - Junior Romeo finally got her chance to take over as the Cougars’ go-to star. The flashy, savvy point guard delivered. Scored 21.3 points per game to go with 5.6 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 6.2 steals.

College Park-P. Hill Baseball/Bsktball - Soph Has chance to go down as one of College Park’s greatest ever. The sophomore was the starting power forward and second-leading scorer for a hoops team which won the CIF Div. II NorCal title. In baseball, he earned Sophomore State Player of the Year with a 10-0 record, 63 strikeouts and just 5 walks. Hit .373 with 17 RBI.

Anne Marie Schmidt Archbishop Mitty-San Jose Volleyball - Senior No NorCal volleyball team was better than the Monarchs. The Div. I state champs were 38-0 and Schmidt was in the middle of of it. The defensive specialist had 570 digs and 465 serve receptions with just 23 errors. She was the All-State Div. I MVP (MaxPreps) and the SportStars Bay Area Female Athlete of the Fall.

Michael Strem St. Francis-Mountain View - Baseball - Senior Our highest-rated baseball-only athlete, Strem was the most dominant player on the most dominant NorCal team. First-team All-State and Mr. State Baseball finalist, Strem hit .417 with 45 hits, and 22 RBI. On the mound, he was 11-1 with a 1.30 ERA and 79 strikeouts. Tossed perfect game in the first-round of the CCS playoffs.

Gabe Domecus St. Patrick/St. VincentVallejo - Volleyball/ Water polo - Senior Probably the least expected name among the Top 25, but he’s deserving. The Ohio State-bound Domecus was first-team All-American by the American Volleyball Coaches Association. Led SPSV to a 36-3 record, NCS title with 502 kills, 265 digs, 148 aces, 46 blocks and 34 assists. Was first-team AllNCS Div. II in water polo.

Johanna Grauer Amador Valley-Pleasanton - Softball - Junior Grauer’s former high school coach unabashedly referred to the young pitcher as “the next Jenny Finch.” Grauer’s 2013 stats included a 22-2 record and a mind-boggling 0.09 ERA (2 ER all season). She had 274 strikeouts in 152 innings, 19 shutouts, 4 no-hitters and 8 one-hitters. An ankle injury kept her out of the playoffs where the Dons were ousted in the quarters.

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Steven Stumph Campolindo-Moraga Swimming - Senior Stumph closed his decorated high school career with five NCS records, four set in 2013. Stumph was part of two record relay swims and also set the 100 butterfuly and 100 breaststroke records. His breaststroke time of 53.39 seconds set the national high school record previously held by U.S. Olympian Brendan Hansen.

Nate Moore Castro Valley - Track/ Basketball - Junior Despite finishing second in both of his events at the NCS Meet of Champions, Moore was undeterred a week later at state. He won gold in the triple jump with a 2013 national-best high school mark of 50-feet, 11.75 inches. He also won the long jump at 24-11.75. He was SportStars Bay Area Male Athlete of the Spring.

Jabari Bird Salesian-Richmond Basketball - Senior Cal-bound swingman was the most electrifying player for the Bay Area’s best regular season team. Averaged 17.2 points and 6.8 rebounds me and lead Salesian to an NCS Div. IV title, 30-4 record, and top-seed in the CIF NorCal Open Division. Bird was also named to the McDonald’s All-American Game.

Oderah Chidom Bishop O’Dowd-Oakland Basketball - Senior Chidom was the most steady and effective performer on team which was the best in the state and among top 10 in nation. Dukebound forward averaged 14 points and 10 rebounds for the CIF Open Division champs. First Bay Area girl to be named McDonald’s AllAmerican Game since 2006.

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Sasha Wallace Castro Valley - Track and Field Junior Wallace followed her breakthrough sophomore season with an equally great junior campaign. She went double-gold at state for the second straight year, defending her state titles in the 100-meter hurdles and the triple jump. By doing so she became the first East Bay girl to ever repeat at state in the same two events. And just for a little something extra, Wallace won her two events as well as the long jump at the NCS Meet of Champions. She took sixth in the long jump at state after having only begun competing in the event six weeks prior.

Marcus Lee Deer Valley-Antioch - Basketball/ Volleyball - Senior Our choice for the Bay Area’s top multi-sport athlete of the year, the Kentucky-bound center averaged 17.9 points, 19.3 rebounds and 7 blocks a game in basketball before a spring of pounding out 185 kills and 52 blocks on the volleyball court. He was named a McDonald’s All-American in basketball and propelled Deer Valley to its first NCS Div. I championship and CIF Northern Regional Div. I championship appearance. In volleyball, he helped lead the Wolverines to a 42-2 overall record, an NCS Div. I title and a trip to the CIF Northern Regional Div. I final.

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Chelsea Chenault

Michael Hutchings

Carondelet-Concord - Swimming Senior Losing out on an Olympic Team spot by twotenths of a second in June 2012, Chenault entered her senior year more determined than ever. At the 2013 NCS Swimming Championships, Chenault closed her prep career with individual golds in the 200- and 500-yard freestyles. Her 200 time set an NCS record. Then in the 400 freestyle relay, Chenault swam the lead leg for the Cougars and set an NCS record in the 100 freestyle. Her teammates were equally fast and not only set an NCS record in the event, but a national independent (private schools) record as well. Her four-year prep swimming total included 12 NCS golds, five NCS records and 2 national records.

De La Salle-Concord - Football Senior Beginning his third year as a varsity starter, and having already committed to USC, Hutchings carried big expectations as the most recognizable name on a highly-touted defense. He responded with a season of 113 tackles, 3.5 sacks, three interceptions and, more importantly, zero losses. De La Salle won the Open Div. bowl game and CalHiSports.com’s State Team of the Year honors for the fourth consecutive season. And then Hutchings received one more accolade when CalHiSports.com named him Mr. State Football 2012 — an honor only three other Spartans have received, each of which have played on Sundays (Amani Toomer, D.J. Williams and Derek Landri).

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AARON GORDON’S NUMBERS GAME

2012-13 points per game: 21.6 2012-13 rebounds per game: 15.7 2012-13 total rebounds: 535 (school record) Career points: 2,386 (Central Coast Section record) Career rebounds: 1,666 (CCS record) WCAL Player of the Year Awards: 3 (WCAL record)

Aaron Gordon

Archbishop Mitty-San Jose - Basketball - Senior

If Aaron Gordon didn’t convince any or all doubters of his dominance during his sophomore and junior seasons — in which Archbishop Mitty won back-to-back CIF Div. I state championships — then his senior year had to be the clincher. After graduation took a heavy toll on the Monarchs roster following the 2011-12 season, some wondered if Gordon’s prowess would be good enough to keep a relatively young Mitty team among the state’s elite. Twenty eight wins later, the 6-foot-8, Arizona-bound talent had the Monarchs in the inaugural CIF Open Division state final. Mitty would fall five points shy of a third straight state title, succumbing to national powerhouse Mater Dei 50-45. Gordon finished 22 points, and 20 rebounds. Which, incidentally, was a ho-hum effort for a state final. In three state championship games, Gordon averaged 24.3 points and 20 rebounds. A little more than a week after his final game in a Monarchs uniform, Gordon was in Chicago sporting a McDonald’s All-American jersey and looking like college basketball’s next big thing. Gordon lifted the West to a 110-99 victory with 24

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points and 8 rebounds (both game-highs) and was named the game’s Most Valuable Player. On the following week, Gordon was named CalHiSports. com’s Mr. State Basketball for the second straight year. He became just the 10th player to win the award twice, and the first NorCal player to do so since Jason Kidd won it back-toback in 1991 and 1992. Some felt the honors didn’t have to stop there. “I think Aaron Gordon is the national player of the year for his success without a lot of help,” Rivals.com National Recruiting Analyst Eric Bossi told CalHiSports.com for their story on Gordon as Mr. State Basketball. “What Gordon meant single-handily to his team was incredible. When the staff members and writers at SportStars sat down to create the first Bay Area 75 rough draft, Aaron Gordon was unanimously offered up as No. 1. No debate was needed. We can only hope to have an athlete make it that easy for us in 2013-14. — Chace Bryson

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Phillip Walton

Granada Little League’s Austen Moomau watches the flight of his first-inning home run during the Intermediate NorCal Division II final on July 11. 22

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Little League’s brand new division prepares to play its first International World Series in the Bay Area INTERMEDIATE DIVISION BASICS

›› AGE GROUP: 1113, though restrictions can be implemented at the district level to make it 11-13, 12-13, 12-only or 13-only. ›› MOUND DISTANCE FROM PLATE: 50 feet ›› DISTANCE BETWEEN BASES: 70 feet ›› FENCE DISTANCE: 200 feet min. for regular season; 225 min. for tournament. ›› REGULATION GAME: 7 innings ›› PITCH COUNT RESTRICTIONS (SINGLE GAME): 95 for 13-year olds; 85 for 11-12-year olds. ›› PARTICIPATION: Every rostered player must be in the game for at least one at bat and six defensive outs. >> NOTABLE RULE DIFFERENCE FROM MAJORS: Base runners may lead off.

By Chace Bryson | Editor

HOWCHILLA — Lemoore Little League coach Brady Holaday stood along the left field line as his players filed out of the dugout painted in frustration following a 7-6 loss. Holaday was biting his lower lip as well, talking to his coaches and wearing the type of wry smile coaches flash when they know their teams have let one slip away. But this was only Lemoore’s first loss of the NorCal Division II Tournament. It was, in fact, the Intermediate team’s first loss period since its All-Star postseason began. And because Little League will forever be about enforcing the positives, Holaday had his silver lining ready. “We knew that (first loss) was going to happen eventually,” he said. “We’re not stupid. We’ll come back tomorrow and be stronger.” They were indeed. Depsite trailing Granada Little League 9-5 and being down to their last three outs, Lemoore scored seven runs in the top of the seventh and won 12-10. That July 12 night, Holaday, his 11 players, and a throng of supporters left the tournament site of Chowchilla and made the 70-minute drive back to Lemoore. But on July 29, the team of mostly 13-year-olds — along with potentially the entire population of Lemoore — hopes to be traveling to the same town it sent Granada home to: Livermore, the host city for the first Little League Intermediate 50/70 International World Series. If Lemoore is to get to that point, it would need to win the Western Region Championships in Irvine, taking place July 19-26. The West representative would join four other regional champions, four international champions and a host team from District 57 at Max Baer Field for the first Intermediate World Series games on July 30. “That’s their dream,” Holaday said. “It’s the same one they’ve

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had since they all started playing together at 9 years-old. Their dream is to play in a Little League World Series.” ◆◆◆ Whether it was Dave Wetmore’s dream to host and direct a Little League World Series is unclear, but he’d certainly put his research in. “I’ve been around Little League baseball for more than 25 years,” said Wetmore, who has been the California District 57 Administrator for the past 11 years. “I’ve attended several Little League World Series for other age groups. But it’s a big difference between attending and hosting.” Wetmore was given the opportunity to find out firsthand when the Little League International Board of Directors selected Livermore — over Chicago and Vancouver — as the first World Series site for its brand new Intermediate 50/70 Division. The Intermediate 50/70 Division was instituted for 2013 after a three-year pilot program was completed in an attempt to develop a transitional league from Majors — the showcase division featuring 11-12 year-olds playing on field dimensions of 46 feet from pitching mound to plate and 60-foot base paths — to Juniors, which is for 13-14 yearolds who play on high school fields (60-foot mound distance and 90-foot base paths). The Intermediate Division is offered to 1113 year-olds with field dimensions of 50 feet from mound to plate and 70 feet between the bases. It also features an expanded set of rules which allows for a closer facsimile to high school baseball. “I think it’s outstanding that they finally went to this,” Holaday said. “It’s a stepping stone for 60/90. For a lot of the kids, it’s kind of 50-50. Half can make that jump but the other half can’t. There’s a lot of kids who once 46/60 is done and 50/70 is done, the game is too big and too fast for them. This kind of keeps an avenue open for some of these kids.” Wetmore, whose District 57 took part in the pilot program, has had an extended view of the success of the new division. “Now that it’s a full-phase division, you see kids who want to stick around,” Wetmore said. “I think that No. 1, in the long term, it will become a retainer to keep 13-year-olds in the Little League program. For parents, it can also be a huge gain in expense, too, as travel ball programs (which have tournaments with 50/70 options) can be very expensive. I just think the pluses far outweigh any of the firstyear hurdles that we’ve had.” The hurdle most often mentioned is facilities and finding fields that can be easily converted to the new dimensions. That obviously won’t be a problem in Livermore as the District is already near completion on a $50K renovation of Max Baer Park, a makeover that will be ready for live ESPN coverage of the World Series. The changes that have been made include adding a grass infield, building a two-story press box, 24

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Little League CA District 10

The Lemoore Little League All-Stars won the Intermediate NorCal Division II Championship, advancing to the West Regionals Tournament in Irvine beginning July 19. The West Region champ advances to the Little League World Series in Livermore on July 30.

and the plan to bring in as much seating as possible. The field will be ready. Will Livermore be? ◆◆◆ Livermore is no stranger to playing host to big events. It is an annual stop on the AmGen Tour of California bike race, and The Course at Wente Vineyards has hosted lower-level PGA Tour events. This will be different, though. In a good way, according to Wetmore. “I’m not sure if the residents and business owners have quite realized the impact that this event has,” he said. “The AmGen riders are world-class athletes who are likely staying in San Francisco, being bussed out, someone is holding their bike and they get on and leave. These are Little League kids and families of 10 teams who are going to be staying in Livermore, eating pizza, drinking soda, being kids.” Wetmore and his committee are doing their best to prepare businesses for the fact that there may be more than just a few players and parents. For instance, it didn’t take much to get Holaday theorizing on the type of support that would follow Lemoore to Livermore if the team made it that far. “They’d have to shut (the town) down,” the coach said. “There would literally be storefront windows with signs saying ‘Headed North’. It wouldn’t take much. It’d be fun.” Nine teams will be making Livermore their home away from home: representatives of the East, Central, Southwest, Southeast and West Regions, as well as international teams from Japan, Ecuador, Puerto Rico and Canada. The 10th team belongs to District 57. Pleasanton National gained an automatic “Host Team” berth by winning the Dist. 57 Tournament. Pleasanton defeated the same Granada team that Lemoore finally vanquished in Chowchilla. Despite the inspired run by the Livermore team, its exit allowed Wetmore to exhale just a touch. “If two District 57 teams had ended up in this thing for some reason, my counterparts would have probably had some questions for me.” ✪

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Tak

LEFT: Pleasanton National pitcher Evan Wolfe. RIGHT: Pleasanton catcher Mitch Benson. Phillip Walton

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king Home Pleasanton National embraces its opportunity to compete as Little League World Series host team — but it’s no charity case

By Chace Bryson | Editor

t’s a mid-July evening in Pleasanton, and while a handful of Intermediate Little League teams go over their travel itinerary for their trip to the Western Regional Tournament in Irvine — the last step to reaching the World Seires — a baker’s dozen worth of 13-year-olds from Pleasanton National hold another practice. While the aforementioned Western Regional attendees have been battling their way through Section and Division tournaments the past three weeks, Pleasanton National has just kept on practicing. It’s known since June 22 that it’s going to be participating in the Intermediate Little League World Series as the District 57 Host Team. That doesn’t mean the gravity of the opportunity has truly sunk in yet. “They couldn’t believe that they just get to go and play in this thing,” Pleasanton National coach Dave Lander said. “I don’t think they really realized the magnitude of it until recently when they were like ‘Oh, ok. This is a WORLD SERIES.’” The first World Series for Little League’s new Intermediate 50/70 Division is being hosted at Max Baer Park in Livermore, a mere seven miles away from their home turf. Opening Ceremonies begin July 29 and games start on July 30. “Not very many teams get to do this very often,” Pleasanton third baseman Jimmy Kaufman said. “I’m really excited to have a chance to represent Northern California and the Bay Area. But it probably won’t sink in really until the (opening ceremonies) parade downtown the night before.” Exactly how did this once in a lifetime opportunity befall Pleasanton National? Well it started when Livermore and Little League District 57 was given the hosting rights over other finalists, Chicago and Vancouver. The host district is allowed to field its own team, which is decided by the district’s all-star tournament. Pleasanton went 4-0 in the tournament, winning three of the games — including the final — by six runs or more. They defeated Livermore 10-2 in the opener and Granada 12-3 in the quarterfinals. Danville played them the toughest in the tournament, losing 6-3 in the semifinals. In the championship, Granada came back from the loser’s bracket but could do little to change its fortune as Pleasanton rolled to a 9-3 win and stamp its ticket to the big dance. “We probably played them 6-7 times this year and only beat them twice,” Granada coach Matt Walker said of Pleasanton National. “They’re a good team.” Granada was given a chance to still qualify for the World Series through the other tournaments, and reached the final of the NorCal Division II Tournament before Lemoore ousted them to advance to Western Regions. “Seeing Granada’s run definitely gave us a pretty good gauge for where we’re at,” Lander said. “We were hoping they might make it all the way back.” Pleasanton’s core starts with 6-foot-2 right-handed ace Evan Wolfe. Lander has been coach-

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ing him for three years and says he’s really developed into a strong pitcher over the past year. All of the Pleasanton pitchers have benefitted this season from the presence of pitching coach Eddie Delzer, a member of the 1984 Cal State Fullerton team which won the College World Series. Behind Wolfe is a sound defense anchored up the middle by shortstop Cal O’Loughlin, second baseman Max Heverly and centerfielder Quinn Brinnon. “O’Loughlin could pretty much play anywhere on the field we needed him to,” Lander said of his shortstop, one of two Pleasanton players headed to Amador Valley High in the fall. “But he really steadies us at shortstop. Heverly is a solid second baseman and our leadoff hitter, and Brinnon has probably been the best outfielder in the league since he was 8.” Other key players include Mitch Benson, typically the starting catcher as well as one of the team’s pitchers behind Wolfe. Kaufman plays third base and catches while also providing a big RBI bat in the cleanup position. Kaufman is joined in the middle of the lineup by first baseman Trevor Wallace. Wallace, a left hander, is also part of the team’s pitching staff. The rest of the roster includes Nate Lau, Max Lander, Drew McGinty, Drew Kobayashi, Trevor Burgmann and Nick Orecchia. “Chemisty will be the key for us,” Benson said. “We’ll have to be good at our small ball and just playing together as a team. We need to come up big in big situations.” The situations won’t come much bigger than the World Series. But it’s worth betting that a hometown fan base will play a factor too. ✪

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Intermediate Little League World Series: A General Guide WHERE: Max Baer Field #1, Max Baer Park, Murdell Lane, Livermore OPENING CEREMONIES: July 29, which includes a parade through downtown Livermore beginning at 6 p.m. PLAY BALL: Games begin July 30. FORMAT: Double elimination TEAMS ATTENDING: 10, six U.S. teams and four international teams. QUALIFIED TEAMS (as of July 16): CA District 57 host — Pleasanton National; Latin America — C Unidas Miraflores LL (Guayquil, Ecuador); Puerto Rico — Juan A. Bibiloni LL (Yabucoa, Puerto Rico); AsiaPacific — Osaka LL (Japan). U.S. REGIONS STILL TO QUALIFY: West, East, Central, Southeast and Southwest. Each region will have a champion by July 26.

Grant Riddiough, Granada

SCHEDULE/TICKETS OPENING DAY MATCHUPS (JULY 30) Latin American (Ecuador) vs. Puerto Rico, 9 a.m. U.S. Southwest vs. U.S. East, noon Canada vs. Asia-Pacific (Japan), 3 p.m. Pleasanton National vs. U.S. Central, 6 p.m. CHAMPIONSHIP: Aug. 5, 7 p.m., broadcast live on ESPN2. TICKETS: Admission to ALL Intermediate Little League World Series games are free. Seating is available on a firstcome, first-served basis.

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WWW.SPORTSTARS ONLINE.COM/LLWS: Beginning July 25, Sport StarsOnline.com will begin adding various content to our own online program for the World Series. As the final teams qualify we will begin adding rosters, videos, previews and fun facts. We will continue adding to the site throughout the event. MORE ONLINE COVERAGE/INFO: ›› www.intermediateworld series.org ›› Facebook: Facebook.com/SportStars Facebook.com/Intermediate WorldSeries ›› Twitter: @SportStarsMag, @5070WorldSeries

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Obsessed

By erik stordahl | SportStars

hen Elizabeth Schultz entered the US Women’s Open qualifier in June, she knew the odds were stacked against her. In the 68-player field, only three would make it to the prestigious tournament in New York. Of the participants, most were collegiate standouts hailing from powerhouses like Cal and UCLA. And this was a 36-hole tournament – something Schultz had never competed in before. Not to mention she had never even played

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Phillip Walton

Elizabeth Schultz’s relentless drive and passion for golf led her to the U.S. Women’s Open after just four years

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this course – Lake Merced Golf Club in Daly City – which features a design geared to give even the most experienced golfers headaches. Schultz approached the tournament with an open mind. “At first I was little bit nervous,” said Schultz, who is entering her senior year at Acalanes-Lafayette, “But then I was like, yeah exactly, I don’t really have anything to lose ‘cause I didn’t think I was gonna qualify. I was just going there for the experience of playing in the qualifier.” Her mentality shifted after the first day when she shot a 2-over 74, tied for seventh. Would the momentum carry over into the second day? “It was interesting because I did better, and then most people actually did worse over their second 18 (holes).” Schultz shot 1-over par on the second day, finishing at 3-over 147 for the tournament. But she had to patiently wait in the clubhouse as others filed in with their scores. Her 147 held up and she qualified along with Livermore’s Casie Cathrea, who shot a 140, and Emily Childs of Alameda who shot a 143. To think Schultz has been playing golf for only four years makes this accomplishment that much more impressive. One fateful day in 2009, Schultz happened to be watching The Master’s on TV with family friend Dan Stanich. Intrigued by what she saw, Schultz, at this point an avid competitive swimmer, asked Stanich if he brought his clubs. Schultz then proceeded to hit cotton balls wrapped in duct tape in her backyard for hours. She was immediately hooked. Prior to this, her experience consisted of Wii Golf. “She stood out there for two and a half hours hitting cotton balls,” Stanich said. “I’m like either there’s something wrong with her or she just likes golf.” As she entered high school, Schultz had to make the difficult decision of choosing swimming or golf since there was no

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way she could devote enough time to excel in both. She chose the latter and Stanich has been with her every step of the way, teaching her the mechanics and nuances of the game. ◆◆◆ Over the years, Schultz has heeded Stanich’s tutelage and improved her game. She drives the ball roughly 270 yards on average and her strength is chipping and putting — “anything 90 feet and in,” says Schultz. That skill set resulted in Schultz placing third at last year’s NCS Tournament of Champions and a 3-over 75 at the CIF NorCal Championships, missing the state tournament by four strokes. She is insatiable. Her summer routine starts with four to five hours at Boundary Oak Golf Course in Walnut Creek, working on every facet of the game. Then it’s off to the gym where she engages in workouts specific for golf. At home, she studies up on the game yearning to discover more nuances. Needless to say, there’s little time for a social life. There have even been 10-to-12 hour days where Schultz simply doesn’t want to leave the course and Stanich will start

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driving away until Schultz relents. It’s that obsessive mindset that has catapulted her game to where it is now. “She’s kind of rare for her age, that you have to literally pull her off of the golf course,” Stanich said. “She just loves to practice and that’s why she’s successful. It’s hard to get a teenage boy or girl to work that hard at a sport.” ◆◆◆ Schultz arrived at Southampton, N.Y. several days before the Open where she soaked in the entire experience. The first of three practice rounds started on June 24, which meant Schultz got to rub elbows with the game’s elite. She was grouped with players like tour pro Ryan O’Toole and Birdie Kim — winner of the 2005 U.S. Open. Tour pros were stunned when they found out Schultz was a mere 16 years old and gave her advice on her young career. She received the royal treatment in the locker room with her name embroidered on her locker that was filled with several boxes of balls along with food and beverages. Her locker was next to Lizette Salas. “In my locker room I think was like Suzann Pettersen as well and Stacy Lewis,” Schultz said. “It was really cool.” Schultz’s goal was simple: make the cut. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen despite a promising 6-over 78 on the first day. She was devastated, but headed home determined to get better. Since then, Schultz has won two junior tournaments with about 10 more to go until the fall golf season starts. This year she has her sights set on winning state. Colleges have reached out to her and she’s narrowed the list to four: Cal, San Jose State, USF and Texas. Each has its own pros and cons, so Schultz will continue to whittle down the selection. The end goal? Turning pro. “There’s really nothing stopping her,” Stanich said. ✪

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Get mental

Head Strong You might be surprised what college coaches most look for I recently had the great pleasure of interviewing several of the Bay Area’s top college women’s soccer coaches and recruiters. I’m a huge fan of great coaching and one of the highlights of my job is I get to work with some of the best. The project I was discussing was about educating soccer parents on how to best support their developing players as they try to make their way to the college ranks One of the questions that I asked each of the coaches was, “What qualities do you look for in your college recruits?” What do you believe topped their list? Technical skills? Strong fitness? Coachability? A great leader? Athleticism? Each was mentioned, but I was very pleased (but not surprised) to hear that, by far, the most common answer to that question was mental toughness, or a description of a mental toughness quality. Here’s how the answers breakdown.

Mental Toughness

›› Resilient to adversity — Stuff happens in life and sports. Coaches want to know their recruits can work through challenges and bounce back from adversity. The irony here is adversity is required for resiliency. What does that mean for you? Value challenges and adversity when they show up. It’s valuable. It may even get you a college education. ›› Determination — It’s a long, hard road to make it to college athletics. Once you get there, it’s a whole lot harder. While the drop out rate of student athletes is below that of regular students (PAC-12 schools graduate 91% of their female soccer players vs. 66% of the general student population), too many athletes find out the hard way that they didn’t have enough self-determination to hang in there. ›› Commitment — One coach said “Everybody wants to play competitive soccer, but not everybody wants the responsibility.” Being a college athlete can be an awesome experience, but it is different than that of the average college student and it carries tremendous responsibility. Being compelled to be your best everyday is required for success. ›› Competitive — The further you make it your athletic career, the more competitiveness matters. Athletes can spend close to 10 years working to master skills. There’s always more to learn, but a strong competitive drive will push you to work harder and find a way to win. ›› Focused – Every coach I talked to mentioned that not only do they expect incredible focus on the field, in the gym and training room, but they expect equal focus on studies. The idea of the “dumb jock” is dead. College coaches are looking for academically strong recruits; if you don’t have the grades, you are much less likely to get a spot on the team. ›› Strong Character — A coach’s job becomes a lot easier when they recruit players who know how to do the right thing and be accountable. College is a time of a lot of growth and change. If a coach can figure out quickly that you are someone who is an independent thinker and likely to make good choices, that will help stack the odds in your favor. Other qualities mentioned were personality traits such as independence (Can you speak for yourself in your interview?) and fun. You will be spending a lot of time with the coaching staff and your team. A fun personality makes that time better for everyone. Other qualities mentioned by the coaches included: ■ Coachability ■ Leadership skills

■ Tactically strong ( reads the game well)

■ Physically strong ■ True athleticism

Go back to the list of qualities you made earlier. How does your list and their list match up? If you’re hoping to be a future college athlete, of become the parent of one, accessing one’s mental toughness may be a good place to start. ✪

Erika Carlson is a certified mental trainer and owner of Excellence in Sports Performance in Pleasanton.

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endurance: Liz Elliott

FuelingTheBody The number one question I receive as a triathlon coach is “What about nutrition? What do I eat?” While I’m not a nutritionist, eating for health and performance is actually very simple. And most of “training” is actually learning how to eat. ›› FIRST: What you’re eating every day is more important than “race” food. For most of your life, even while training when possible, stick to as much unprocessed foods as you can. Processed doesn’t just mean packaged. If you can leave it in a cabinet for more than a week and can still eat it, it’s processed. When in the grocery store, try to stay with items that are made by nature. If it has too many ingredients, it is probably not the best product. Everyone knows to avoid donuts and candy, but be aware crackers, chips, pretzels and salad dressing, and most cereals, are processed foods. Eat “from the source” as much as possible. ›› SECOND: Good carbs are good. As an endurance athlete, you need carbs. There are three types of macro nutrients: protein, carbohydrates, and fats. You want lean protein, complex carbohydrates and essential fats in your everyday diet. Seek simple carbohydrates when you race. Lean proteins: As an endurance athlete, your body needs lean proteins to rebuild your muscles and muscle fibers. Examples are real chicken (not chicken nuggets), nuts, peanut butter. “Good” carbs: Carbs is a carbohydrate, or something that has good starch. As an endurance athlete, carbs are very important. They help protein and good or essential fats work right in your body. They will be most of what you eat. All fruits and vegetables are carbs. There are many many choices. If you don’t like bananas, then eat fruits and vegetables you like eating, like apples and carrots. You can eat any fruits and vegetables you want, as well as wheat bread, and some rice or wheat pasta. Bad carbs are a big bowl of pasta or rice! A big bowl of pasta or rice can turn into bad fat on your body, and can make you very sluggish. Essential fats: Essential fats are necessary to help you think. They cover your brain and spinal cord, cover your organs, and help proteins and carbs do their jobs. Also, fat is the best fuel to use if you teach your body to burn fat while working out — if you eat the right fats, and teach your body how to use those fats. Examples of good fats are avocados, nuts, peanut butter, olive oil. If you get nothing else from this section, remember that all vegetables and fruits are carbs. ›› THIRD: Eat a combination of lean proteins, good carbs and essential fats every meal. Some examples are a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on wheat bread. A piece of real chicken breast, broccoli, and olive oil. A glass of milk, an apple, and some walnuts. A small burrito with chicken or pork, extra lettuce tomatoes or salsa. ›› LAST: Avoid sugars in your regular diet, but don’t deny yourself a treat sometimes. If you deny yourself too much, you may binge eat (eat a lot of bad foods all at once). You know candy has a lot of sugar, but so do things you think are good for you. Orange juice and apple juice have lots of sugar. Choose water or milk over soda or juice. Have fun with your diet, eat what you like within the groups, and you’ll see your energy and your performance pick up. ✪ Liz Elliott was an AllAmerican collegiate swimmer and is the head coach at Tri-Valley Triathlon Club.

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BAck up!

health watch: caron bush

Back pain in young athletes is not uncommon Running, jumping, swimming, volleyball, rowing. What do all of these have in common? Elevated incidence of non-specific back pain. Have you ever wanted to tell your parents or coach that your back doesn’t feel right? Or do you think children aren’t supposed the have back pain? Surprisingly, around 50-60 percent of kids do have some kind of back pain. There are a lot of reasons why your back may be hurting. Sometimes this achy or sharp back pain is associated with stress, scoliosis, bad posture, weak muscles or a stress fracture of the vertebrae (spondylolysis). The back muscles aren’t very big and aren’t meant to handle heavy loads. Injuries happen with repetitive loading of the vertebral facet joints, sudden twisting motion causing disc herniations, direct blow to the back or a fall can all affect the nerves, bones or muscles. It is always a good idea to mention to your coach and parent if you have any back pain. As a Physical Therapist who works with young athletes, I am always surprised at how long athletes play through pain and don’t complain because they want to stay competitive. Listen to your body and you will be a better athlete. If you experience any kind of pain it is your body’s way of saying that something is wrong. More often than not I am able to change the way an athletes moves to optimize their muscular control and limit their pain. Here are a few self help tips: ›› Keep your core/abdominals strong with planks, side planks ›› Limit the amount of hyperextension of your low back ›› Keep your hamstrings stretched, hold for 30 seconds three to four times before bed ✪ Caron Bush is a physical therapist for the Sports Medicine For Young Athletes, a division of Children’s Hospital Oakland.

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July 18, 2013

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foot care: dr. sean m. dougherty

Best Feet Forward There are over 300 injuries associated with feet. A simple warm-up and stretch routine can prevent most of them

Your feet are one of the most overlooked parts of the body when it comes to sports and exercise. In your feet are the 26 bones, 33 joints, 112 ligaments, and a collection of nerves, tendons, and blood vessels all working together that allow you to participate in athletic activities. Improper foot conditioning can contribute to more than 300 various foot and ankle injuries or ailments seen during sports. A proper warm up and stretching routine before athletic activities can significantly decrease the strain on your muscles, tendons, and joints. This leads to an overall reduction in the chance of an injury. If symptoms do begin to develop in your feet or ankles, seeking prompt medical treatment can lead to a faster recovery without prolonged disability. When you exercise and participate in sports pay close attention to what your feet and ankles are telling you. ✪ Dr. Sean M. Dougherty is a foot and ankle specialist with Tri-Valley Orthopedic Specialists in Pleasanton.

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training time: tim rudd

GETwiththe

SYSTEM How an athlete is trained should be personal, not pre-ordained

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There are many program-oriented places out there for young athletes and very few system-oriented places. So what is the difference and how does it impact your athletes? ›› PROGRAMS: Predetermined action plan for achieving results. That means before the athlete even walks in the door, places that are program-based already have an action plan for him or her. ›› SYSTEMS: Method of achieving results where one procedure’s outcome determines the next. In other words your athletes action plan is based on systems of assessments and outcomes. The critical thinking needed to address movement-based and performance problems is not so much about assigning a program to a particular problem. It’s about taking a problem to its source and systematically managing the primary issue, as well as detecting the secondary problems that could cloud judgment and clarity. Programs are limited when they depend on a preset plan without a set of procedures to modify it. Systems are always more effective because they possess a constant reappraisal method. The system will continue to refine itself with built in procedures that match progress to baseline (where the athlete started). Systems develop measured responses to the athlete’s specific movement and needs. They use an objective system to ensure continuous improvement in health and performance. Programs focus only on superhuman feats of speed, power and endurance, instead of athletic fundamentals and a balanced training approach. They do not consider it productive to build a superior foundation, even though most consistent physical accomplishments center on that platform. Systems prioritize a qualitative standard (how well athletes move) first so they can eventually pursue a quantitative standard (optimal speed, power, strength, endurance). Systems balance quality with quantity, which ensures the most efficient and effective path toward your athlete’s goal of optimizing sports performance. ✪ Tim Rudd is an IYCA specialist in youth conditioning and owner of Fit2TheCore.

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weight training: anthony trucks

POWER FORPerformance ››››››››››››

›››››››››››› Building the bridge from the weight room to the playing surface So by now you know my job is to write about the weight room, but there’s an important bridge between the weight room and performance that is often never built. Well, I have my bolts and tools ready, so it’s time to go to work. Anyone who knows about me, knows my primary job is to develop athletes to perform at peak, much like the NFL players I am working with right now to get ready for their training camps. In order to effectively accomplish this, I must make sure to do two very important things.

1) Work on efficiency of movement.

This is essentially making sure an athlete knows HOW to move the best way possible. This minimizes wasted motion and energy, and maximizes the effectiveness of the available strength/power in the body. I have to teach them where their arms and legs should be and how they should move when accelerating, decelerating, running straight ahead, and changing direction. So I basically make sure the athletes know how to move as smoothly as possible.

2) Increase their power output so they are able to perform at their peak

ALL sports have an explosive need to be successful, which boils down to power. So once I have been able to get them to move correctly the only thing left to make them perform better is to make that movement happen FASTER. Its like adding NOS to a perfectly-tuned muscle car. The car can go fast already because it’s running efficiently, but adding that extra NOS/Strength makes it unstoppable. So cross this bridge of enlightenment with me, and don’t worry, I’ve got the toll. ✪ Anthony Trucks is the owner of Trucks Training facility in Brentwood and covers weight training for SportStars.

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shoulder care: Jim Moran & tim terry

Baseball Stretching

NO-NOs

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July 18, 2013

Today we’ll look at a stretch which is typically performed during a pre-throwing stretching routine under the assumption that it will improve throwing velocity by increasing the flexibility of the shoulder into external rotation. Stretching the shoulder into external rotation at 90 degrees (see Image) should be avoided because it targets the already loose ligaments of the anterior capsule. Further stretching the anterior capsule will lead to shoulder instability and highly increase the probability of injury. Over the course of a playing career, the shoulder undergoes adaptive changes as a result of the extraordinary forces produced during the throwing motion. The dominant (throwing) shoulder develops an increased range of motion (ROM) into external rotation (slouched position) and decreased ROM into internal rotation (standing straight

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up, like a soldier at attention) when compared to the non dominant shoulder. The increased ROM into external rotation is a direct result of the progressive loosening of ligaments within the anterior capsule. This ligament laxity not only affects shoulder ROM but also increases the likelihood of movement of the humeral head in the shoulder socket. On the flip side, the decreased ROM into internal rotation, also referred to as GIRD (glenohumeral internal rotation deficit) can be attributed to tightness in the posterior capsule and cuff muscles (i.e., infraspinatus, teres minor). This posterior capsule and cuff tightness is also hypothesized to increase humeral head translation, which is the chief cause of injury to the labrum and rotator cuff tendons. ✪ Jim Moran is a shoulder specialist for Crossover Symmetry based in Denver. Tim Terry is a student at Denver Technical College.

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MLB Bar and Bistro Aprons

If you don’t own or work at a bar or bistro, then this item might be useless to you. But if you’re delusional and a diehard, then you won’t be stopped from picking up one of these. Pick your favorite team and invite a bunch of your friends over for the big game and take their orders. They’ll get a kick out of it.

JLab Go 4GB Waterproof headphones

Welcome to Impulse, your one-stop shop for gadgets, gizmos and gear. Compiled by staff writer Erik Stordahl, Impulse provides you with the latest and greatest and what’s currently hot on the market. Since we’re in the dog days of summer, we’re offering up some summer-y products.

Taking the World by Storm The community event, sponsored by SportStars Magazine, is back for the third time at Tesoro Fields in Concord on Aug. 3. California Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla is hosting this exciting free soccer clinic for girls. The clinic will be led by the California Storm, a semi-pro women’s soccer team. Through preregistration, 200 girls ages 9-18 will participate in the clinic. The goal is for the girls to learn fundamentals but also to have confidence instilled on and off the field. 40

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Join the storm for free clinic ›› Saturday, August 3 ›› Girls ages 9-18 ›› 9 a.m.-1 p.m. ›› www.asmdc.org/ member/a14/sc ›› (925) 521-1511

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Listen to your tunes while swimming laps or scouring the surface of your pool for loose change. It can withstand all heavy conditions AND it’s wireless. It’s a must-have especially for triathletes in training.

Cool Aide Cooling Sports Towels

We’re not scientists so we don’t know exactly how or why this works. Just rinse it in water and shake out the excess water and moisture and you have a towel that will cool your body temperature up to 20 degrees. A nice feeling when you’ve been baking in the sun all day.

Fan Bands

With baseball as the only game in town right now (we can only handle so much of NBA free agency and NFL training camps that seem like it’s never coming), you need to rep your team with Fan Bands. Grab one or even two so that both wrists are properly adorned for game action. Go to FanBand.net to get yours.

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BASEBALL/SOFTBALL All Star Academy of Baseball All-Star Academy in Santa Clara features a 17,000-square foot indoor and outdoor training facility that is home to a variety of instructional programs designed to develop the total player. ASA offers All Skills Camps for ages 7-12, and Summer Boot Camps for 12 & under, middle school, high school competitive athletes. Info: 650-961-2255; www. asabaseball.com EJ Sports EJ Sports provides positive, instructive baseball programs that include camps, teams, conditioning clinics for ages 7-18. We provide an exciting, bully-free environment to help players improve athletically and build confidence. Our instructors possess the capability to teach concepts and relate to youth based on their comprehension level and athletic ability. Our staff consists of qualified coaches dedicated to improving and continually learning newest techniques in baseball. Info: 925866-7199, www.ejsports.com. Total Player Center The Total Player Center is a full-service baseball/softball training academy. We provide comprehensive, fully-integrated programs that evolve based on the best research and information in areas from health/safety, peak performance, education techniques and more. Age- and skill-specific programs available for ages 8-18. Info: 925-416-1600, www. thepitchingcenter.com.

BASKETBALL All Out Sports League Our camps are geared toward teaching fundamentals. Every aspect is covered: dribbling, shooting, layups, passing, cross-overs, defense, help defense, boxing out and more. Camps open to boys, girls ages 6-16. Info: 925-203-5636 or www.alloutsportsleague.com Hawk Basketball Academy We focus on skill development, challenging the individual to push themselves to become the very best. Focusing on: footwork, dribbling, proper shooting technique, reaching your highest level of performance, improving your mental game, preparing for CYO, high school and AAU. Info: 510-943-9252, facebook.com/hawkbasketballacademy. I’m Possible Training (Mike Allen) Whether you’re beginner or on varsity, this program will help you excel. Improve ballhandling, footwork, shooting, overall fitness. I’m Possible is a world-renowned basketball program authored by NBA skills coach Micah Lancaster. Mike Allen, head trainer for the Bay Area, located in Los Gatos, runs clinics for athletes of all levels from pros to AAU and high school. By registering, you can download the program, which lists a library of drills. Info: 408224-8503 or email mikeallen@possibletraining. com, www.possibletraining.com/mikeallen NorCal Courts Basketball Camps Norcal Courts in Martinez covers all major fundamentals: dribbling, passing, shooting, defense, rebounding. Camps run by quali-

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fied high school coaches from Cal Stars and Cagers Basketball. Info: 925-457-5081; www. norcalcourts.com CHEER CheerGyms.com Customize our clinics to fit your needs. Cheergyms.com runs the best overnight residential camps. We offer practical, fun material and professional, knowledgeable staff. Camps do not exceed 375 cheerleaders with one staff member fore every 15 cheerleaders. Two-day camps also available. Private camps allow you to pick the hours, decide what they will learn. Camps also available for coaches. Intense Training Camps let you can pick one specific thing to work on for just $10 per student per hour. Info: morton@cheergyms.com, 925-685-8176, www.cheergyms.com ENRICHMENT Dianne Adair Programs Come join any of our eight summer sites for our fun and exciting summer program. Each week campers choose from several camps including sports, fashion, drama, CSI, science and more. In addition to weekly camps, we have weekly field trips to places like an A’s or Giants game, museums, the Jelly Belly Factory, Six Flags, the pool, the movies, parks and the zoo. Field trips and camps vary by site. Offers, rates may vary at any of our nine locations. Info: www.dianneadair.org. FITNESS Fit 2 The Core As a Youth Conditioning, Speed/Agility and

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Nutrition Specialist with the International Youth Conditioning Association, Fit-2 The Core Training Systems offers innovative approach to getting athletes back on the field. We work on a solid athletic foundation while focusing on individual progress. Instruction in movement training, injury reduction, linear/lateral speed development, foot speed and agility, power development, proper weight training techniques and functional

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strength training. Athletes are closely supervised, with attention on proper technique, safety. We offer 2 days/week or 3 days/week program options. Free two-week free pass. Info: www.fasteryoungathletes.com, 925-639-0907. Renaissance ClubSport We offer sports, speciality camps for kids 5-12 during school breaks. Participants have fun-filled, active breaks as they receive instruction in a variety of sports, activities and projects. Working parents can take advantage of our extended hours for both morning and afternoon sessions. Families with multiple children receive 10 percent discount for each additional sibling registered for the same week. Info: 925-942-6344. Trucks Training Trucks Training was started by people who grew up in the area, experienced the world and came back to provide a service that we feel our community lacks. We have proven records and know what it takes to achieve the next level of sports & fitness safely and effectively. Hometown feel from true hometown people. We offer 1-on-1, group and small group training for both fitness and sport-specific needs. Info: truckstraining.com; 925-756-7321 GOLF The First Tee-Contra Costa The First Tee Summer Camp is a youth development program for boys, girls ages 7-18. Participants will learn about golf and life skills and values inherent to the game. We have offerings at courses in Antioch, Concord, Martinez and Walnut Creek. Fee assistance available. Info: Angela Paradise, 925-6866262, Ext. 0, www.thefirstteecontracosta.org. GYMNASTICS East Bay Sports Academy Summer day camps offer the best in gymnastics, cheerleading, and tumbling.Â Half-day and full-day camps for girls, boys ages 5 and up for both recreational and competitive athletes.

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Our 13,000 square foot facility has the newest equipment, including the brand new super-bouncy, safety-rated Weller Spring Floor, which is the largest in the world. Gymnastics & cheerleading camps: July 22-25, August 5-8, August 12-15. Competitive gymnastics camp (Levels 4 & up): July 8-12. East Bay All-Stars Cheerleading also private minicamps and clinics for all kinds of cheerleading. Info: www.eastbaysportsacademy.com, 925-680-9999 . MULTI-SPORT James Logan High School The James Logan Athletic Department hosts its 26th Annual Summer Sports Camps. For students in grades 3-12. All programs at James Logan High School. Summer camps remain for girls soccer, boys water polo and girls water polo/aquatics. Complete application form at http://loganweb.nhusd.k12.ca.us/ files/SummerSportsCampBrochure2013. pdf, and mail with full payment. Make checks payable to JLHS – “camp name” i.e. JLHSWrestling. Registration will also be taken on the first day of camp. No confirmation of enrollment will be sent. Students are to report directly to their camp location the first day. Real Neal Sports Real Neal Sports is a sports performance program that teaches speed and conditioning, improves overall movement and athleticism, and is dedicated to building overall athletes and committed sports programs. Mike Neal works on your athlete’s performance

through weight training, agility exercises, plyometrics, flexibility, proper movement and running mechanics that will essentially improve their all around performance. The best part is, he comes to you. Mike will train you on your home field. Info: 925-237-0163 www. realnealsports.com SOFTBALL Pickles Softball Pickles Softball is based on helping your athlete become a better pitcher or catcher. Pickles Softball is dedicated to the whole athlete and you will find that our instruction will go beyond the basic mechanics of pitching or catching and into what it takes to be a successful on and off the field. We work with athletes from ages 8-22 and no matter the age or skill level, we will help your athlete find success and self-confidence. Info: 925-4138432 www.picklessoftball.com SOCCER Heritage Soccer Club One fun-filled session remains: July 22-25. Camp runs from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Cost for Heritage members is $150 for one session, $250 for both. Non Heritage players: $225/$325. Sibling discounts: $50 each. Heritage camp focuses on learning new skills and honing existing ones. Compete in small-sided games and camp tournaments. Camp also includes keeper and striker training, conditioning, nutrition and developing your mental game. Registration is open to boys and girls ages 7-14. Info: www.HeritageSC.com

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SWIMMING-DIVING Sherman Swim School Our year-round schedule allows children and adults to learn, retain and improve their swim skills. We teach from age 9 months to adults, from non-swimmers to competitive. Our private or semi-private lessons allow you to progress at your pace. We also offer beginning and competitive diving classes. Info: 925-283-2100, www.ShermanSwim.com. TRACK James Logan Track Track & Field Summer Camp! July sessions for ages 4-seniors. Learn from the coaching

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staff of the national champs. Coach Webb is the Head Coach of the 2013 World Youth Team and Jumps Coach of the 2011 World Youth Team. Info: Camp Director Lee Webb (510) 304-7172. VOLLEYBALL Bay Area Blast Summer Clinics Offering summer skills clinics for players of all ages, skill levels at NorCal Courts in Martinez. Morning clinics for 6th-8th grade girls and boys or players who are beginner/intermediate level. Evening clinics for 9th-12th grade girls and boys or players who are intermediate/advanced level. Info: www.bayareablast. com/summerclinics.html City Beach The City Beach volleyball club is based out of Santa Clara and has achieved a vast amount of national success while sending an array of athletes to the

college level. The club offers summer camps and clinics. Info: CityBeach. ClubSpaces.com Pacific Rim Volleyball Through private lessons and opportunity for year-round skills classes, athletes of any age or level can learn and improve the skills to gain a competitive edge. For athletes with limited experience, we help develop solid fundamentals. Our advanced training, for junior levels (12th grade & below) will provide athletes opportunity to excel at becoming elite players in preparation for high school and/or collegiate volleyball. Info: www.pacificrimvolleyball.com. U.S. Youth Volleyball League Camps are for beginner, intermediate, advanced players for boys, girls. We have a player-to-coach ratio of 8:1. Focus on spiking, serving, setting,

passing, blocking, defense, offense and game strategy. Six-, four- and twoperson formats allow kids to play in every position. Registration fee includes a T-shirt, completion certificate, snacks and water. Info: 888-988-7985, www. USYVL.org. WRESTLING Community Youth Center Offers young athletes opportunity to participate and excel in one of the world’s oldest sports. The program trains, challenges wrestlers at all age groups from kindergarten through high school, and all experience levels. The program is nationally recognized under the guidance of coach Mark Halvorson. Info: 925-671-7070, Ext. 229, www. communityyouthcenter.com. ✪

Advertiser Index

❒❒ All American Sports Academy Clinic................................................................41 ❒❒ Army National Guard Recruiter..........................................................................7 ❒❒ Beeb’s Sports Bar & Grill..................................................................................26 ❒❒ Big O Tires Northern California/ Nevada............................................................2 ❒❒ Boomers!.........................................................................................................27 ❒❒ California Spirit Elite........................................................................................42 ❒❒ Cassidy Turley Real Estate................................................................................24 ❒❒ Championship Athletic Fundraising................................................................38 ❒❒ Cheergyms.Com..............................................................................................29 ❒❒ Children’s Hospital And Research Center..........................................................33 ❒❒ City Beach Sports Club....................................................................................39 ❒❒ Club Sport Renaissance...................................................................................37 ❒❒ Community Youth Center................................................................................44 ❒❒ Core Volleyball Club.........................................................................................43 ❒❒ Diablo Rock Gym.............................................................................................41 ❒❒ Diablo Trophies & Awards................................................................................43 ❒❒ Dickeys Livermore & Pleasanton.....................................................................27 ❒❒ E J Sports Elite Baseball Services.....................................................................41 ❒❒ Excellence In Sport Performance.....................................................................32 ❒❒ Fit 2 The Core...................................................................................................34 ❒❒ Halo Headband...............................................................................................44 ❒❒ Image Imprint.................................................................................................30 ❒❒ Impact Soccer..................................................................................................42 ❒❒ Kangazoom.....................................................................................................34 ❒❒ Law Offices Frankel Goldware Ferber Llp.........................................................26 ❒❒ Little League Intermediate World Series.........................................................21 ❒❒ Livermore Downtown.....................................................................................25 ❒❒ M L B Scout.....................................................................................................41 ❒❒ Mountain Mike’s Pizza.......................................................................................9 ❒❒ Muir Orthopaedic Specialists...........................................................................36 ❒❒ National Scouting Report................................................................................43 ❒❒ Pacific Rim Volleyball Academy.................................................................41, 43 ❒❒ Passthaball......................................................................................................44 ❒❒ Pickle Softball.................................................................................................43 ❒❒ Play It Again Sports.........................................................................................28 ❒❒ Rocco’s Pizza....................................................................................................43 ❒❒ Rockin Jump....................................................................................................15 ❒❒ Sacramento River Cats.....................................................................................17 ❒❒ Scottish Highland Gathering & Games............................................................45 ❒❒ Sherman Swim School....................................................................................42 ❒❒ Sky High Sports...............................................................................................41 ❒❒ Sport Chalet .....................................................................................................4 ❒❒ Sport Clips.......................................................................................................19 ❒❒ Sports Gallery Authenticated..........................................................................30 ❒❒ Sports Stars Magazine.....................................................................................46 ❒❒ State Farm Jimmy Harrington Agent...............................................................23 ❒❒ Stevens Creek Toyota.........................................................................................3 ❒❒ Summit Orthopedic Specialists.........................................................................6 ❒❒ Taking The World By Storm Soccer...................................................................47 ❒❒ Tesoro Golden Eagle Refinery..........................................................................13 ❒❒ The First Tee Of Contra Costa............................................................................44 ❒❒ Togo’s Sandwiches...........................................................................................14 ❒❒ Tri Valley Orthopedic Specialists Inc.................................................................35 ❒❒ Trucks Training................................................................................................32 ❒❒ True Soccer Foundation...................................................................................42 ❒❒ United States Youth Volleyball League............................................................48 ❒❒ Velocity Sports Performance2............................................................. 20, 42, 43 ❒❒ World Events ❒❒ 42

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