CA Issue 27, July 14, 2011

golfer’s separate ways. Pg. 26

vol. 2. issue 27

FREE

july 14, 2011

California

raise a burger in salute Pg. 12

endure | excel | achieve

colossal clubs palo alto 93s grab national bid Pg. 14 city beach vb spikes foes in atlanta Pg. 14

REST? nah, work out time! Pg. 18 gotta get the w’s. Pg. 7 rs a t s l l a st i m i t p o PG. 20 l . o a t u n n e 55th an invade sacram

hoops heaven

all roads lead down orgeon trail Pg. 22

all access

specialclub sceneblowout!

Lamorinda Water polo club lurking as nationals approach. Page 14

stanford’s tara vanderveer, top aau teams hit oregon trail. Page 22

Taylor Knoll, Joel Slak are a Folsom High duo that will finally be broken up by college.

P. 26

First Pitch....................................... 6 Behind the Clipboard.................. 7 Locker Room................................ 8 AAA SportStar of the Week....11 Wally’s World..............................12 Club Scene...................................14 Health Watch..............................18 Tee2Green...................................30 Training Time...............................32 Impulse.........................................33 Camps + Clinics.........................34

4

SportStars™

July 14, 2011

ON THE COVER Jakori Ford (right) runs into Maurice Talley, Jr., at the Optimist All-Star Game.

Photo by: james k. leash

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

Trinity Wilson is riding a winning streak for the ages

A

thletes get asked the question all the time.

“What’s it like to be in the zone?”

Answers tend to vary from athlete to athlete, but a common thread seems to be the fact that any peripherals and surroundings simply fade into the background — leaving just one thing for the athlete to focus on, what they’ve trained to do over and over again. And when that’s all there is to worry about, a highly-trained athlete is going to take advantage of it.

But could an athlete’s “zone” be so intense that the background fade leaves them not even knowing what city and state they’re currently in?

Maybe.

There might not be a single track and field athlete under the age of 18 in a bigger zone right now than Trinity Wilson of St. Mary’s High in Berkeley. In a six-week span since the first weekend of June, she’s competed in five major events and stood atop the podium in every one. The most recent?

That would be winning the gold medal in the 100-meter hurdles at the IAAF World Youth Championships in Lille, France.

When I reached her by phone, she was back in the states, literally exiting her plane.

Very early in our conversation, we had the following exchange.

“So you got back to the states? Where are you now?”

“Ummm...,” and then turning to another athlete she was traveling with, “Where are we now?”

As it turns out, she was in Atlanta. Obviously, just a very brief stop on her long trip back to the Bay Area — where she’ll get to stay a grand total of five days before hopping back on a plane that will take her to Florida, where she’ll try to keep her amazing run going.

Let’s review that run, shall we?

It started on June 4 when she bested Southern California-favorite Melia Cox of Long Beach Poly with a dominant gold medal run in the 100 hurdles at the California Interscholastic Federation State Championships in Clovis. That run was personal as it closed the book on her 2010 State Championships race when she was caught from behind in the final 10 meters and ended up with silver. Her gold medal time was 13.41.

Her next stop took her to Eugene, Ore., where on June 24 she won the 100 at the U.S. Junior Outdoor Championships — setting a personal-best time of 13.15 in the process. And only a few days later, on June 6

SportStars™

July 14, 2011

FIRST PITCH Chace Bryson Editor

Chace@ SportStarsOnline.com (925) 566-8503

29, she was in Myrtle Beach, Fla., where she finished first in a time of 13.42. A week later she was on a plane for France.

“When I went over there, I was expecting just to have fun,” Wilson said. “I didn’t really know my competition, so I wasn’t worried about anyone but me. So it was just about having fun, and bringing a medal back home.”

Sounds simple. Well, she made it looks simple, too — because that’s what athletes do when they’re in the zone.

According to IAAF.org, Wilson won the race in the event’s second-fastest time ever. She posted a wind-legal mark of 13.11 (another personal-best) as she held off Switzerland’s Noemi Zbaren, who finished in 13.17 after entering the race with the fastest qualifying time.

For Wilson, the win was exciting, but not entirely surprising.

“I was just like ready,” Wilson said about how she felt the day of the race. “I felt like I’d never been so ready in my life to do what I did. I never felt so good and so confident. I just felt capable of doing anything.

“I kind of new I was going to win, just because I’ve never felt that good before. I thought to myself, ‘I can’t feel this good and be this ready, and not win the race.’”

If that’s not a perfect definition of “feeling it,” I’m not sure what is.

And just as the CIF State Championships brought relief and redemption, so did the World Youth Championships victory. The last time she competed internationally was last summer when went to Singapore for the Youth Olympics. Things didn’t go quite as well there and she finished sixth overall.

“I had told myself before leaving that I wasn’t going all the way overseas to compete in another outdoor meet and lose,” she said. “I was not ready to cry any more tears over a race.”

Did we mention she’s not done yet?

There’s still another elite meet on the schedule, the Pan Am Junior Championships in Miramar, Fla., which begin on July 22.

If she doesn’t go into that meet as a heavy favorite, we’d be most perplexed.

But how does she stay grounded during such a streak? Clearly it can’t be easy.

“It’s kind of a lot to think about,” Wilson admitted. “But after each race, I just do my best to just plan on going to the next one.

Even if I win a race, it’s time to move on to the next thing.”

And if all one’s doing is winning, that’s a pretty easy mentality to take. ✪

PHONE 925.566.8500 FAX 925.566.8507 Editorial Editor@SportStarsOnline.com Editor Chace Bryson. Ext. 104 • Chace@SportStarsOnline.com Contributors Bill Kolb, Erik Stordahl, Mike Wolcott, Jim Mannion, Mitch Stephens, Doug Gardner, Matt Smith, Clay Kallam, Jim McCue, Eric Gilmore, Ray Wolfe, Dave Kiefer Photography Butch Noble, Bob Larson, Jonathan Hawthorne, Chris Austria, Darryl Henick, Norbert von der Groeben Interns Jenna Calamusa, Julius Rea, Gerardo Recinos, Jonathan Hawthorne Creative Department Art@SportStarsOnline.com Production Manager Mike DeCicco. Ext. 103 • MikeD@SportStarsOnline.com Publisher/President Mike Calamusa. Ext. 106 • Mike@SportStarsOnline.com Advertising & Calendar/Classified Sales Sales@SportStarsOnline.com Account Executives Mike Wolcott Ext. 109 • MikeW@SportStarsOnline.com; Erik Stordahl • ErikS@Sport StarsOnline.com (Special Sections, Calendar, Marketplace sales) Reader Resources/Administration Ad Traffic, Subscription, Calendar & Classified Listings info@SportStarsOnline.com • Deb Hollinger. Ext. 101 • Distribution/Delivery Mags@SportStarsOnline.com Distribution Manager Butch Noble. Ext. 107 • Butch@SportStarsOnline.com Information technology John Bonilla CFO Sharon Calamusa • Sharon@SportStarsOnline.com Office Manager/Credit Services Deb Hollinger. Ext. 101 • Deb@SportStarsOnline.com Board of Directors Dennis Erokan, CEO, Placemaking Group Roland Roos, CPA, Roland Roos & Co Susan Bonilla, State Assembly Drew Lawler, Managing Director, AJ Lawler Partners Brad Briegleb, Attorney At Law community SportStars™ Magazine A division of Caliente! Communications, LLC 5356 Clayton Rd., Ste. 222 • Concord, CA • 94521 info@SportStarsOnline.com www.SportStarsOnline.com

Caliente!

LLC

PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER IN THE USA

Get noticed. Join today! www.SportStarsOnline.com

your ticket to bay area sports admit one; rain or shine This Vol. #2, July 2011 Whole No. 27 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.

Read Me. Recycle Me. Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

We’ve said it before: Coaches base a lot of decisions on getting W’s If the coach thinks playing six seniors both ways gives the team the best chance to win Friday night, that’s what he’ll do. After all, it might rain tomorrow.

We have a lot of kids on the football team, but the coach is planning to play a bunch of seniors both ways, which means that some pretty good players will be backups instead of starters. It seems like if one of those seniors gets injured, it will really hurt the team because now we’ll have to replace two starters. Why won’t the coach let someone else play?

H.R., Santa Rosa

H

Behind the Clipboard

.R.: Almost every time I write this column, I repeat the same thing: Any coach’s primary goal is to win games — and that’s even more true in football than other sports. The reason is simple: Football is the engine of American sports, and at the high school level, not only does a winning football team generate a significant amount of money, it also can make a big difference in school spirit throughout the year and create a considerable amount of community support.

So why would a coach play a senior both ways even if it’s obvious that fatigue will be a factor in the fourth quarter? Because he feels that tired senior will give the team a better chance to win than a fresh substitute.

Support Your Local Business • Say You Found Them In SportStars™

Why would a coach play a senior both ways when he could put someone younger in the game who would then be an even better player next year? I’ll answer that one with an old baseball story.

Leo Durocher was a legendary manager, and during a hot July in the ‘30s, he brought in one of his starters to finish a close game (an uncommon but accepted practice at the time). When the reporters asked him, under the clear blue sky, and in the 90-degree heat, why he didn’t save the starter, Durocher just looked at them and said “It might rain tomorrow.”

Of course, it wasn’t going to rain the next day, but Durocher’s point was this: “I’ll take the win today because who knows what will happen tomorrow.

We might score 15 runs and it won’t matter who pitches; the starter I used today might have gotten knocked out in the first inning; we might get shut out; a water line could break and flood the field.

Who knows? What I do know is a win is a win.”

So though it’s good to build for the future, it’s even better to win this Friday night, and if the senior gives your team the best chance to do that, the coach is very likely going to have the senior play.

Clay Kallam

Why would a coach play a senior both ways when he could reward a hard-working reserve who hasn’t missed a practice in three years but isn’t quite as good? Because the coach not only wants to win, he needs to win. After all, there are only 10 or so games in the season, and if the coach wants to continue coaching, he can’t give any wins away.

And as George Allen, another legendary coach, always told his teams, any play could be the play that turns the game around — so if your coach lets someone in for a play or two out of the goodness of his heart, but it turns out those plays wind up costing the team a win, not too many people are going to think he made the right decision.

All things considered, it might be a better world if there wasn’t so much emphasis on winning, and if coaches decided to play everyone only one way so that more kids could enjoy the experience of playing in games, and if the players, parents and community would support the team even if such decisions cost the school a couple wins — but that’s not the world we live in, and that’s not the world coaches were brought up in.

So, bottom line: If the coach thinks playing six seniors both ways gives the team the best chance to win Friday night, that’s what he’ll do. After all, it might rain tomorrow.

Submit a question for Behind the Clipboard, email Coach Kallam at clayk@fullcourt.com

July 14, 2011

SportStars™

7

rapid fire Charlie Wiser Miramonte-Orinda

Which athlete has the best style?

Amar’e Stoudemire

Hottest/most uncomfortable weather you’ve experienced?

Lake Tahoe, backpacking two summers ago

Longest you’ve studied for a test?

8hours 3

Farthest you’ve been from home?

Sporting event you’d like to see live at least once?

Best roller coaster you’ve ridden?

8

SportStars™

July 14, 2011

Thomas Carroll, Marin Catholic-Kentfield

Connor Reid Acalanes-Lafayette

Brian Wilson Ivan Rackov Palm Desert or Novato

hours

(probably)

8th-grade grad in Lafayette

1

1 hours 2 study(I donmuch)’t

Washington, D.C.

Wisconsin

Italy

Summer Olympics

NBA Finals

At Oracle Arena

World Cup

‘Roar’

‘Medusa’

‘California Screamin’ at California Adventure

at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

she said what?!?

random act of factness

De La Salle-Concord quarterback Bart Houston, and San Ramon Valley quarterback Zach Kline have both been chosen to compete in the premier quarterback camp, the ESPN Rise Elite 11 camp at Pepperdine University in Malibu from July 18-22. It’s the first time two Bay Area quarterbacks were selected in the same year since 2002, when Dennis Dixon (San Leandro) and Kyle Wright (Monte Vista-Danville) each earned invitations. This may also be the first time since the camp opened in 1999 to feature two QBs from the same athletic league.

“It’s about focusing on me. I don’t like to watch other kids warm up, or watch them dive. ... In the end, none of it pertains to you. Only your dive matters.”

Incoming Campolindo freshman Morgan Matranga, a diver for Sherman Divers in Lafayette. Matranga recently qualified for and competed in the USA Diving Summer Zone E Championships in Phoenix. It was her third time qualifying for Zones, and her second time competing.

Spicing up the MLB All-Star Game After watching another Major League Baseball All Star Game on July 12, we’ve decided the whole production needs some spice. We’ll admit, giving the winning league homefield advantage in the playoffs did pique our interest. For a while. But now, well, we need more. Here are our top five suggestions for how to make the All Star Game more fantastic.

1. Fan inning. Know how they have those kick a field goal, win a million dollars contests? Howzabout we have a contest that gives fans a chance to win an inning of play in the game? Dunno about you, but we can’t wait to see some hot-dog-chugging couch potato in an official replica jersey lumbering around third and heading for home.

2. Instant replay. That’s right. We said it. The technology is out there. It can be fast and accurate. Try using replay. On the boundaries. On the bases. In the strike zone? Why not. Try it, people. In the interest of actually getting these calls right. What could it hurt?

3. Physical challenges. What’s more exciting than a triple, you ask? How about a triple where Jose Reyes has to stop at second, spin around five times with his forehead on a bat, then run to third? Think you’re legging out a sure double? See how far you get after scarfing a Nathan’s at first (bun, too, of course).

4. You make the call. For just one inning, we go all American Idol on the umpires. Anyone watching can log in and vote on close pitches, close calls, and close encounters with Laz Diaz (because we just know he’ll figure out a way to get some face time if he ever gets selected). Majority rules. Vote or die!

5. Water balloons. Thousands of them. We’re not sure how they should be used, exactly. But there’s no question in our minds that the addition of fluid-filled projectiles could only add to our viewing enjoyment. We’re picturing Justin Verlander hurling a bright green rubber orb 100 mph, drilling Albert Pujols right in the middle of the back from 60 feet, 6 inches, and everyone laughing it off during the ensuing bench-clearing balloon-chucking fracas. Or maybe we let batters grab one on their way from home to first, and toss it at first basemen by way of distraction? Oh, the possibilities...

— Bill Kolb

Support Your Local Business • Say You Found Them In SportStars™

July 14, 2011

SportStars™

9

10

SportStars™

July 14, 2011

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

who’s got next?

nominations: Editor@SportStarsonline.com

of the week

don jackson

laguna creek-elk grove . football . senior

Saying goodbye is never easy, especially when it’s to your high school football career. Laguna Creek-Elk Grove running back Don Jackson made his last gridiron game count as he filled up the stat sheet setting a couple records — most rushing yards in a game (191), longest TD run (84 yards) — despite the fact that he and his South teammates came up short as the North won 21-18 in the 55th Optimist All-Star Game at American River College on June 25.

SportStars: What were the emotions you had in this game?

Don Jackson: That game was like a kind of bittersweet thing. I felt that stepping out onto the field that this was it. It was a good feeling, though. I got to play, it was a fun game. It was just pushing me to play better.

SportStars: You’re headed to Iowa Western (a junior college) in the fall. What made you choose them?

DJ: Coach (Paul) Wulff and coach (Jody) Sears. They recruited me. (They) were trying to figure out a good school to go to. They kind of found the school for me. I looked at all the options…. I already feel like I’m D1 right now. Everyone here works hard.

SportStars: You rushed for 2,305 yards last season. Have a favorite run?

DJ: It had to be the 92-yard run against Elk Grove because they’re our rival. It was the last game of the year. It was a big crowd.

DON’S QUICK HITS Favorite running back: Barry Sanders, Arian Foster.

Favorite NFL team: Lions Pregame ritual: I pray on the 24 yard line

honorable able ment mention ion honor

mitchell kranson The third baseman at De La Salle-Concord impressed coaches & scouts at the Oakland A’s Area Code Games Tryouts in Stockton on July 7, hitting a 370-foot double.

alex sheredy Playing for the City Beach U15 club team, the Presentation-San Jose outside hitter earned alltournament honors at the USAV Jr. Nationals in Atlanta.

natalie romeo In 10 games at the End Of The Trail AAU tournament in Oregon, the Carondelet-Concord soph had 120 points, 55 assists and 20 steals as the Cal Stars Elite club won one tourney, were runners-up in another.

SportStars Support Your Local Business • Say You Found Them In SportStars™

July 14, 2011

SportStars™

11

Honoring top athletes the right — with a burger in hand

T

hose of us here at SportStars Magazine have several things in common: 1. We like sports.

2. We like to recognize local athletes who To reserve your table at the perform well in sports.

SportStars of the Year banquet July 20, 3. We love to eat. call (925) 944-9444. Please mention (Ranked in order? OK, that might depend either Bishop O’Dowd or James Logan on the time of day.) high school if you’d like 20 percent of Small wonder, then, that one of our four the proceeds from your table to be favorite events of the year is coming up July donated to that school’s athletic 20: the second SportStars of the Year awards program. banquet at McCovey’s Restaurant in Walnut Creek.

Diablo Trophies of Pleasant Hill), which is I say “one of our four favorite events” displayed year-round just inside McCovey’s because we do this event four times a year main entrance.

— once each for the spring, summer, fall The names of Ross and Brewer will be the and winter sports seasons. fifth and sixth on the plaque, joining Duffy, It’s a perfect melding of the aboveBoyd and our Fall SportStars of the Year, mentioned three things we really like to do, Ricky Lloyd of Concord and Maggie Steffens along with a fourth: raise money for high of Monte Vista. school sports programs.

Here’s the best part: You, too, can be a part It’s all the result of our partnership with of this night — and by doing so, you will help McCovey’s, which has eagerly gone the support high school athletics. extra mile to make sure this is a first-class If you go to the restaurant on banquet experience for the athletes along with their night and say you’re there on behalf of one of families and friends. the schools being honored (on this particular Here’s how it works: under the supervinight, Bishop O’Dowd and James Logan), sion of our editor, Chace Bryson (who, like McCovey’s will donate 20 percent of the prome, likes sports and loves to eat), we pick a ceeds from your table to that school’s athletic male and female “SportStar of the Year” for department. each of the four sports seasons. The banquet Several hundred dollars were raised for Las on July 20 will honor our Spring Athletes Lomas and Berkeley high school athletics at of the Year — Bishop O’Dowd-Oakland our first banquet in April, according to Rocky pitcher Joe Ross, a first-round draft selecDudum Jr., the third-generation of the Dution of the San Diego Padres, and James dum family to be involved with the restauLogan-Union City track star Ciarra Brewer, rant’s operations. It’s one of the big reasons the state champion in the triple jump.

McCovey’s partnered with our magazine in As was the case with our first-such banthe first place. quet a few months back, when we honored “McCovey’s Restaurant understands the Las Lomas basketball standout Treaven importance of student athletics,” Dudum MikeW@ Duffy and Berkeley High hoops star Britsaid.

“Since our opening in 2003, we have SportStarsOnline.com tany Boyd, the athletes and their parents are strived to play an active role in our cominvited to join us in the McCovey’s Room, (925) 566-8500 munity. We are very proud to have partnered which sits down the left-field foul line inside Ext. 109 with SportStars to recognize some of the Bay the restaurant, behind the drawn curtains.

Area’s best young athletes.”

How prestigious is this room? Put it this And what a place to do it. As a big baseball way: The first person I saw enter the room fan, I still get goosebumps every time I sit was named Willie McCovey, and it’s filled at the table next to Joe DiMaggio’s glove, or with trophies and memorabilia from the the Satchel Paige-autographed baseball (try Hall of Famer’s legendary career. to find another of those anywhere), or any of (Note to Willie: If you’re available July 20, the other hundreds of memorabilia items that I promise we’ll find room for you at your fill every corner of the restaurant. table.)

SportStars sees this partnership as the first Dinner at Willie’s table is just part of the step in what will eventually be a statewide honor. Thanks to the restaurant’s dedication program. As we continue to grow, other athto supporting local sports, it only gets better letes in other areas will be honored in similar from there. fashion.

At some point in the evening, the athletes Thanks to McCovey’s setting the bar so are brought into the main dining area high, it will be a tough act to follow. and presented their SportStar of the Year In fact, in keeping with the namesake’s plaques (beautifully done by another of our partners, Melissa Stewart of Hometeam Sports Photography). unparalleled career, you might say this venture has started off by going 4-for-4. ✪ Their names are also added to a perpetual plaque (made by

SportStars of the Year Banquet

WALLY’S WORLD

Mike Wolcott

12

SportStars™

July 14, 2011

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

Improvement starts with self-assessment, and the summer is ripe for it

T

he beginning of summer is a great time to take a look back and think about the many things that happened to you during the 2010-2011 academic year.

Think back to September of 2010. How much have you grown, both as a person and as a performer since then? Did you set any goals at the beginning of the 2010 school year? Did you meet these goals and your own personal expectations?

Transport yourself to one year from now...Where do you see yourself? Where do you want to be? What have you learned from this past year that you can apply in your preparation for next season? What do you want to have accomplished one year from now?

The summer is the perfect time to step back and reflect upon where you have been and utilize this information to better the path you will take in reaching your short-term and long-term goals.

No matter how talented of an athlete you are, you can always get better and improve.

Yet, in my experiences, very few athletes actually take the time to assess their current preparation and performance in ways that allow them to formulate improvement strategies in an objective, honest and constructive manner.

When athletes think about their performance, many spend their assessment time either being too harsh or too easy on themselves. The easiest thing for an athlete to do is to pass judgment on their performance.

Judging performance as good or bad creates an “either-or” mentality and interferes with an athlete’s ability to assess performance objectively.

To be objective, an athlete must create a standardized and systematic way to assess themselves. I suggest that athletes categorize their preparation and performance into three distinct areas: ■ Physical — Multi-disciplinary approach, including physical training, nutrition and other factors related to improved physical development.

■ Fundamental — Aspects related to the development of the many physical and technical skills specifically related to the sport(s) you participate in.

■ Mental — Focus, intensity, purpose, trust, strategy formulation, adversity and coping skills, decision-making capabilities.

Let us try a short exercise...

When answering the following questions, be as specific and detailed as possible in relation to the physical, fundamental and mental aspects of BOTH your preparation and performance.

1. What aspects of your preparation and performance were you pleased with last year?

2. What aspects of your preparation and performance were you NOT pleased with last year?

3. How can you use this summer as a time to develop and improve upon areas of your preparation and performance?

4. How have you matured as a person and as an athlete over the past twelve months?

5. What similarities do you see between your preparation for your sport and your preparation for your academic work?

Remember, this is not a test. Nobody else will see your answers and only you will know if you are truly being honest and objective with yourself.

Objectivity is a critical skill to develop.

Thinking and decision-making in critical moments is a direct reflection of how someone manages their emotions in both practice and competition. Emotional-based thinking makes athletes react to situations, instead of anticipating them. Emotional-based thinking creates defensive, tentative, scared and frustrated athletes.

These thoughts are revealed in physical actions. In practice, athletes avoid parts of their game they know need improvement. In competition, when mistakes are made that highlight these weaknesses, athletes become upset at both the mistake made and because of the knowledge they have not worked enough to improve upon something within their control.

It is hard enough to stay emotionally

Get Mental

Doug Gardner

Support Your Local Business • Say You Found Them In SportStars™

under control after making a mistake, yet it becomes even more difficult when you know certain mistakes are avoidable. This is why I believe the summer months offer a time of exploration, increasing the margin-forerror and allowing yourself to learn, make mistakes and grow from experiences, both good and bad.

Passing judgment is easy. Learning from experiences is more difficult. Learning new skill-sets in sport is not easy, especially the higher the level you are currently competing. Yet, learning is a mind-set and a belief system that can be developed and refined.

The challenge becomes, can you learn through the frustration, the failure, the setbacks and the difficult days. Can you work with purpose on days where you really don’t want to or don’t feel like doing anything?

Can you learn to learn?

Dr. Doug Gardner is a Sport Psychology Professional who spent six years (19982003) as the Sport Psychology Consultant for the Boston Red Sox. He is the owner of the ThinkSport Consulting Services, which has locations in Northern and Southern California. Please e-mail him at dg@thinksport.com with your answers from the questions above, if you would like feedback.

The summer is the perfect time to step back and reflect upon where you have been and utilize this information to better the path you will take in reaching your short-term and long-term goals.

July 14, 2011

SportStars™

13

club scene

Club Scene’s Mid-Summer Spectacular Lamorinda Water Polo Club rolls towards Junior Nationals; Bay Area volleyball, soccer and swim clubs all shine in national competitions

By Gerardo Recinos | SportStars When the Lamorinda Water Polo Club’s 10th grade & under boys team beat Orange County WPC 11-6 in late June, it concluded a California State Cup run that it made look easy.

Lamorinda defeated its pool play opponents 54-18 in three games at Norco High. And then went on to win the semifinal by four goals and the championship match by five.

Now, they get to play for the U.S. Club Championships.

And they get home-pool advantage.

“The team as a whole is just a great bunch of kids,” Lamorinda coach Clarke Tamariki said. “ The guys are able to play hard and work out everyday.”

Tamariki, as most coaches do, gave all the credit to his players, saying that it was all made possible with the great amount of talent they have in the pool.

He said that his players are not only talented, but have a firm grasp of the game. Some of his standouts are Thomas Carroll of Marin Catholic-Kentfield, Connor Reid (AcalanesLafayette) and Charlie Wiser (Miramonte-Orinda).

“Thomas and Charlie are just raw talent, where as I’m more vocal and I try to keep the team on the same page,”

14

SportStars™

July 14, 2011

Reid said. “[Because] the more we talk, the more we communicate, the better we play.”

Of Carroll, Tamariki says: “ Thomas is a game-changer, he is fast and can pretty much do anything in the pool. Guys [on other teams] have trouble guarding him.”

The kind words from his coach caught Carroll off guard.

“I think that is pretty cool,” Carroll said. “He is a very good player himself, and to hear it from someone who played is pretty cool.”

However, Carroll was quick to mention that he had room to improve on his game, and with the high talent level on this team it’s no wonder they’re looking forward to their next match as opposed to dwelling on a great victory.

“I want the team to play better defense, they’ve let in more goals than I thought,” Tamariki said looking forward to the Club Championships taking place July 15-17. “ We’re going to play more So Cal teams and they have always been tough.

“If anything this is a great experience. There is a lot more talent for my guys to get experience against while learning to win games.”

The Club Championships will primarily feature Southern

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

club scene California teams, and serve as a true primer for the USA Water Polo Junior Olympics, which begin July 30 in Orange County.

Lamorinda is already qualified to compete in the event.

“We’ll be able to play (the SoCal teams here) and see what we need to prepare for and finalize for the Junior Olympics,” Wiser said.

VOLLEYBALL The City Beach Volleyball girls U15 Black team shocked the volleyball scene when they took home third place in the Open Division at the USA Volleyball Junior Nationals which were in Atlanta on July 4.

“We were ranked 24th out of the 32 teams going into the tournament,” said head coach Chris Crader. “We were picked to finish 27th overall.”

So much for predictions.

The opening day of pool play wasn’t made any easier for the Santa Clara-based City Beach team as it was missing starting setter Kelsey Crawford (Archbishop Mitty-San Jose.

No matter. City Beach knocked off the No. 1 overall seed and two others wrapping up a perfect day.

In the quarterfinal match, they saved five match points in third and final set and pulled a 20-18 win.

Unfortunately, they couldn’t continue their magical run as they ran out of gas in the semifinals. Still, walking away with a third-place finish is nothing to pout about.

“Having coached high school volleyball for 22 years and club volleyball for 16,” Crader said, “I can honestly say it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

City Beach hitters Alex Espinosa (St. Francis-Mountain View) and Alex Sheredy (Presentation-San Jose) each garnered All-Tournament honors.

■ The boys USAV Jr. Nationals took place in Minneapolis, where he Pacific Rim U14 volleyball team of Pleasant Hill kept its magical run going by finishing third in the Open Division.

Starting up as a team in August 2010, this squad has defied convention and shocked volleyball teams in Northern and Southern California, and now the entire country.

“It’s hard to single out one player,” head coach Roger Worsley said. “Everyone contributed and did their part.”

Known for not dropping a set in its first three months of existence, Pacific Rim continued that trend as they didn’t lose a set in all of its eight pool play matches of the tournament. Led by starting setter and captain Joe Worsley, Julian Egoian and Michael Standring, Pacific Rim coasted to a quarterfinal win over SCVC before falling to Halcones de Torrimar in three sets.

Still, Pacific Rim has nothing to be ashamed of.

They fought back against WA Lighting B14 after getting smoked in the first set, 6-25. They won the second set by a narrow score of 26-24 and hung on to win 15-11 in the third set claiming the bronze medal.

The Diablo Valley VB club sent four teams to the tournament, with its highest finishers being the Diablo 17-1 Black.

The team went 9-1 in the tournament and finished fifth overall.

SOCCER In an all-California final to the 18U bracket at the U.S. Youth Soccer Far West Regionals in Boise, Idaho, the 93B Blue of Palo Alto Soccer Club managed to come away with a thrilling victory after extra time and penalty kicks.

United FC Black 93 (San Juan Capistrano) held leads in both regulartion and extra time, only to see Palo Alto get equalizers. Zachary Hummel’s goal tied things at 1-1 in regulation. Then Bryan Breslin played the hero in extra time, scoring a goal to knot things at 2-2. In the shootout, Palo Alto outlasted United FC 3-2. Palo Alto was a perfect 6-0 in the tournament.

The win allows Palo Alto to advance to the USYSA National Championships in Phoenix, with round robin play beginning July 27-29, and finals on July 30-31.

■ The other Northern California club to take home a Far West Region crown was one that has become quite used to accomplishing such a feat. The Danville-based Mustang Blast girls soccer team rolled to a title in the U16 girls tournament.

Ryan Walker-Hartsorn of Bishop O’Dowd High in Oakland scored the lone goal of the final in the first half, and Blast goalkeeper Beth Ritter took care of the rest in the 1-0 finals victory over rival club Real Colorado National.

Real Colorado had upset the Blast in last year’s U15 final.

Ritter’s play in goal couldn’t be understated in the tournament, as she allowed just one goal over six contests. The Blast will also attend Nationals in Phoenix at the end of the month.

SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMING The 11-12 year old girls Walnut Creek Aquanuts synchronized swimming team went to Seattle for the eSynchro United States Age Group

Jonathan Hawthorne (water polo), Butch Noble/SportStars file (soccer)

TOP LEFT: From left to right, Colin Chiapello, J.D. Ratchford, Drew Holland, Grant Sivesind, and Thomas Carroll have helped propel Lamorinda Water Polo Club’s 10th grade-and-under squad into the state spotlight. BOTTOM LEFT: Chiapello fires off a shot during Lamorinda’s practice at the Soda Center in Moraga on July 8. RIGHT: Mustang Blast soccer goalkeeper Beth Ritter allowed just one goal as her team swept the 16U competition at the Far West Regionals in Boise, Idaho.

Support Your Local Business • Say You Found Them In SportStars™

July 14, 2011

SportStars™

15

club scene

Contributed

The Walnut Creek Aquanuts 11-12 year-old synchronized swim team won a gold medal at the eSynchro United States Age Group Championships in Seattle.

Championships and brought home a silver medal in the Duets finals, and a pair of gold medals in trios and team performances.

There were 23 Aquanut swimmers in total at the late-June event (some competing in 13-15’s as well) and all advanced out of the preliminary competition.

The team gold went to the 11-12 team of Paulina Bouzos, Haley Chambers, Dana Drury, Katya Mizin, Amanda Portier, Lauren Simonelli, Renee Stehlik, Daria Torba, Haley Watson and alternate Kristen Berardi. To get an idea of the Aquanuts’ 11-12 year old talent pool, nine out of 21 members reach final phase of the selection 11-12 National team’s selection, and five players (Drury, Torba, Bouzos, Watson and Simonelli) making the team “We were really fortunate to have a great group with a ton of talented swimmers,” LeCursia said.

16

SportStars™

July 14, 2011

In Duets, the duo of Drury and Torba grabbed a silver medal while Lizzie Welzien and Natalie Fletcher grabbed gold in the 13-15 age group. Drury, Torba and Simonelli grabbed golf in the trio competition.

SOFTBALL The Martinez Youth Softball League wrapped up its Division Championships in mid-June with titles going to the Black Sox in the Seniors Division, the Yellowjackets in the Majors Division, the Bears in the AAA Division and the Cougars in the AA Division. For the Cougars, ranging in ages from 7-10, over half of the players were enjoying their first softball experience. They finished the season 12-4 and won the division championship game 22-11. Martinez will be the host of the Little League Softball Senior Division state tournament, which begins the week of July 18. ✪

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

Support Your Local Business • Say You Found Them In SportStars™

July 14, 2011

SportStars™

17

I

Four activities pitchers can focus on during their “rest” period

n an ideal world, pitchers should get three to five days off between starts or pitching assignments. This “rest” period between starts allows pitcher’s bodies to recover from the rigors of throwing and also helps to reduce injuries. These days off from throwing are an essential part of a pitcher’s in-season regimen, but this rest period needs to be organized and specific.

One question that I get asked often is: “What type of rest should I be doing?”

“Should this be ‘rest’ like lying on the couch, or be more active?”

We at the Sports Medicine Center for Young Athletes feel that this “rest” period between pitching is a great time to add in some corrective and protective strengthening exercises and stretches. These stretches and exercises should focus on correcting movement patterns and releasing tight or overused tissues.

Here is a list of three of our favorite exercises, as well as one of our favorite stretches for pitcher’s “off days.”

EXERCISES: 1 — W’s on the ball: This is a great rotator cuff and posterior scapular strengthening exercises. To do this exercise

Health Watch James Faison

18

SportStars™

July 14, 2011

Contributed

An example of the ‘reverse lunge with single-arm row’ exercise. This is a particularly strong exercise for pitchers as it combines two of the motions involved in pitching, a lunge and a pull.

you need one of those large stability balls. Start by lying on your stomach atop of the ball with your feet on the ground and your arms down by your sides. Bend your elbows and squeeze your shoulder blades together (your arms should look like the letter ‘W’ from above). Repeat 10 repetitions.

2 — Side steps with band: This exercise is for the lateral hip muscles which are very important in throwing and pitching. For this exercise you need a resistance band tied into a loop. You start standing up with the band wrapped around your ankles. Standing up tall, step to the side and stretch the band out while keeping your feet pointing straight ahead.

Continue walking laterally for 10 yards and then return back the opposite direction.

3 — Reverse lunge with single arm row: This exercise combines two of the motions that are involved in pitching: a lunge and a pull. For this exercise you need a resistance band that is attached to a stable object (for example, one closed in a doorway). Start standing up with the band in your left hand, and then do a reverse lunge with your left leg bending both knees. Hold in the lunge position and do a single arm row with the band (squeezing your shoulder blade back). Repeat 10 times on that side and then switch to the right side.

PITCHER’S STRETCH: 1 — Standing posterior capsule stretch on wall: Start with your right shoulder against a wall and your arm against the wall at a 90-degree angle (parallel with the floor). Slowly turn your body to the left, keeping your shoulder and arm on the wall. You should feel a stretch in the back side of your shoulder (posterior capsule stretch). This part of the shoulder gets very tight after pitching and needs to be stretched out so your shoulder does not lose internal rotation.

Try these exercises and stretches on your ‘off days’ to keep that shoulder strong and ready for your next start! ✪

James Faison is an athletic trainer and a certified strength and conditioning specialist for the staff of Sports Medicine For Young Athletes, a division of Children’s Hospital Oakland with a facility also located in Walnut Creek. If you have questions or comments regarding the “Health Watch” column, write the Sports Medicine For Young Athletes staff at Health@SportStarsMag.com.

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

remembering

chris Austria SportSTars photographer

Support Your Local Business • Say You Found Them In SportStars™

C

hristopher Randolph Austria always had an interest in photography, carrying his camera with him just about everywhere he went in search of the perfect shot. He looked to capture images that showed a unique perspective, different from what the typical photographer might capture. His love for photography and openness to learn from other photographers and experiment with his camera resulted in numerous images enjoyed by family, friends, coworkers, and the public.

Chris recently passed away at the age of 42. He is survived by his wife, Deedee; daughter, Charlotte; and family members throughout northern California and in the Philippines.

Chris was born in the Philippines and moved to the United States when he was 13. He graduated from De La Salle High School in Concord and UC Berkeley before relocating to the Sacramento area.

Beginning early this year, Chris became a regular contributor to SportStars Magazine as a freelance photographer. He shot primarily in the Sacramento region for our California Edition. In the short time that he shot for SportStars, he captured several strong images, including two which we put on our cover.

Chris’ contributions to SportStars and his passion for photography were secondary to his generosity, willingness to help others, and, most importantly his love for his family. He adored his wife, and his daughter was “his world,” according to many. While SportStars lost a valuable contributor and selfless team player, the world lost a kind, gentle, and loving husband, father, son, and friend. ✪ — Jim McCue

July 14, 2011

SportStars™

19

55th Optimist All-Star Game rocks Sacramento

Several of the Sacramento region’s brightest gridiron stars gave their final high school performance in the Optimist All-Star Game on June 25 at American River College.

The game had a little more star power than usual as Rocklin’s Jimmy Laughrea — a Boise State recruit — suited up and lead the North to a 21-18 victory despite trailing 9-0 after the first quarter.

Joining Laughrea in a starring role was South running back Don Jackson of Laguna CreekElk Grove, who will attend little-known Iowa Western University. Others who had standout games included Ferrance Lang of Grant-Sacramento (Weber State), Max Magleby of Del Oro-Loomis (Univ. of Montana), Anthony King of Franklin-Elk Grove (Eastern Washington) and James Sample of Grant (Washington).

SportStars sent photographer James K. Leash to capture some of the action. Enjoy.

CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT: Members of the North team (blue jerseys) watch as Izaiah Skelton of Sacramento High, the South player to the immediate right of the goalpost, finds his dance groove during pregame festivities. ... North quarterback Jimmy Laughrea lets a pass fly during the first half. The former Rocklin High standout shared MVP honors after passing for 121 yards a TD, and also scoring the game-winning touchdown on a 1-yard run in the third quarter. ... South quarterback Jonathan Kodama (7) of Sacramento High gazes down the field during first-half action. Kodama connected with Franklin-Elk Grove’s Anthony King for the first TD of the game. ... Rocklin’s Nick Williams makes sure the ball is secure after hauling in a first-half pass from Laughrea. Williams was on the receiving end of Laughrea’s lone TD pass. ... South running back Haran Piggee (5) of Galt meets an unforgiving quartet of North defenders. ...

Former Mesa Verde-Citrus Heights’ linebacker Lawrence Hall enjoys a lighter moment before game time. He’s set to attend Nevada in the fall.

20

SportStars™

July 14, 2011

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

Support Your Local Business • Say You Found Them In SportStars™

July 14, 2011

SportStars™

21

22

SportStars™

July 14, 2011

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

Nearly 40 NorCal AAU girls teams join 100s of other teams at End of the Oregon Trail

TOP OF THE TRAIL Northern California players who picked up MVP honors at the 221-team End of the Oregon Trail girls basketball tournament from July 6-9: MVPs American Division — Drew Edelman, Paye’s Place Black (champions); Jenna Yee, Bulldawgs (second place) National Division — Courtney Range, Cal Stars Elite (second place)

E

By clay kallam | Contributor

very March, a flock of swallows returns, like clockwork, to Mission San Juan Capistrano — and every July, a flock of girls returns, like clockwork, to Oregon City.

Unlike the swallows, though, the girls do more than just roost — they’re in Oregon to play basketball in one of the most prestigious events in the country: The End of the Oregon Trail Tournament.

This year, 38 Northern California teams made the annual migration to a cluster of schools near Oregon City High School, just south of Portland, along with hundreds of college coaches who descend like eagles to pluck the most promising players for their programs.

“I’ve been coming since 1985,” said Tara VanDerveer, the Hall of Fame coach of the Stanford women’s basketball team. “It was the very first West Coast tournament I came to.”

And back in 1985, the End of the Oregon Trail had just 16 teams — and in fact, began with just eight when Carl Tinsley and Brad Smith, co-coaches at Oregon City High School, wanted to start a tourney so their players wouldn’t spend the summer playing softball.

This year’s version had 221 teams playing in seven different brackets on 16 courts at seven different schools — but Tinsley and Smith have made sure that it’s still a team-friendly event.

“We’re different,” said Tinsley. “How many tourna-

Support Your Local Business • Say You Found Them In SportStars™

ments use shot clocks? How many tournaments give family passes to the spouses and kids of the coaches?

And we’ve never used pool play.”

This year, there were six 32-team brackets and one 31-team bracket (one club dropped out late), with all entrants guaranteed four games. The top teams were in the Daniels, Platinum, Gold and Silver brackets (the National Division), which are all carefully seeded

by Tinsley so they are as balanced as possible, while the Red, Blue and White brackets (the American Division) usually have younger teams or clubs that don’t boast a lot of Division-I talent.

This year’s best Northern California finish was by the Paye’s Place Black team, which not only won the White Division, but then took a one-game playoff to win the overall American Division crown. In addition, 6-2 junior center Drew Edelman (Menlo SchoolAtherton) was named MVP of the American, and was joined by Shelbi Aimonetti (St. Francis-Mountain View), Natalia Ebrahimian (Scott’s Valley) and Lauren Rally (Burlingame) on the all-tournament team.

The top finisher in the upper brackets was the Cal Stars Elite, which finished second in the Gold Division and had Courtney Range (St. Mary’s-Stockton) named Second Place MVP. Madison Craig (Foothill) and Janine Loutzenhiser (Miramonte) were picked to the all-tournament team.

Other trophy winners in the National Division were Mission Rec Blue (third), NorCal Elite Black (fifth) and Stockton Mustang Gold (sixth). In the American, the Bulldawgs (second), Cal Stars 2014 (third), Sacra-

Ali Thanawalla (Left), Kelly L. Cox/Southcreek Global/Zumapress (Above)

LEFT: Amanda Vega, a guard for Sacred Heart Cathedral-San Francisco, helped lead the Mission Rec White club to a 2-2 record at the EOT Tournament. ABOVE: Stanford women’s coach Tara VanDerveer has attended all but one EOT since 1985.

July 14, 2011

SportStars™

23

mento Sting (fifth) and Stockton 2015 (sixth) also came home with hardware.

Kelly Sopak of the four-year-old Cal Stars knew when he started his club that he had to come to the End of the Trail.

“It’s where you prove yourself,” he said, and as the three Cal Stars’ teams went 11-4, a statement was made.

EBX Black went 3-1 before leaving prior to the third place game in the Platinum Division. The three EBX teams were 8-5, as were the trio of entries from Mission Rec. The NorCal Elite’s three teams were 8-7, while JBS, which sent the most teams (four), finished 6-11 overall.

Scott Davis of Strictly Hoops (which went 2-3 in the Red Division) has come to the event as both a club and college coach (at Cal Poly Pomona and Dominican). “It’s a great tournament to start with,” he said, as the EOT is the traditional beginning of the summer viewing period when college coaches are first allowed to watch games. “This is the one tournament you always come back to because it’s so well run.”

“It gives us a sense of where we want to go from here,” said New Mexico State coach Tamara Inouye, who actually played in the EOT while in high school.

“This is the one where all the talent comes,” Gonzaga coach Kelly Graves said. “It’s always been well-run, and we always know when it is — it’s the first one.”

But there’s more to it than the just the calendar. “We’re going to go where the kids we’re recruiting are going,” said VanDerveer, which is why she’s missed only one EOT since 1985 — and that’s when she was coaching the USA Women’s Olympic team.

Stanford stars she saw play in Oregon include Katy Steding, Kate Starbird, Lindsay Yamasaki, Candice Wiggins, the Ogwumike sisters and Jayne Appel, but that’s just a sampler of the top-shelf talent that’s played in the tournament.

24

SportStars™

July 14, 2011

ALL-TOURNAMENT (Chosen by individual brackets) PLAYER.................................. CLUB Onume Jemerigbe.................. Nor Cal Elite Black Jazmine Ware.......................... Nor Cal Elite Black Nyre Harris............................... Stockton Mustangs Gold Lisa Valentine.......................... Stockton Mustangs Gold Madison Craig......................... Cal Stars Elite Janine Loutzenhiser................ Cal Stars Elite Terilyn Moe.............................. Mission Rec Blue Shannon Mauldin.................... Mission Rec Blue Hannah Huffman..................... East Bay Xplosion Black1 Brianna Ruiz............................ East Bay Xplosion Black 1 Brianna Alford.......................... Cal Stars 2014 Ashley Ewing........................... Cal Stars 2014 India Pearce............................ Olympic Club Shelbi Aimonetti....................... Paye’s Place Natalia Ebrahimian.................. Paye’s Place Lauren Rally............................ Paye’s Place Kelly Chin................................. Bulldawgs Nina Newman.......................... Bulldawgs Alexis Haffner.......................... Sac Sting Ericka Magana........................ Sac Sting Rakyra Gabriel......................... Stockton Mustangs 2015 Keana Jennel Delos Santos... Stockton Mustangs 2015

Mark Anger, the EBX coach, who like VanDerveer is a long-time regular, can remember seeing great Oregon players such as Chantelle Anderson (a second overall pick in the

WNBA draft) and Kelly and Coco Miller out of Minnesota — and Candace Parker, Diana Taurasi and Maya Moore have all made the trek as well. Of course, he brought Appel to the EOT as well as Courtney and Ashley Paris and Jacki Gemelos.

Leroy Hurt of the Cal Ballaz remembers seeing the Cal Storm play OGDL, and watching future WNBA players Iciss Tillis, Ebony Hoffman, Alana Beard and Loree Moore all in the same game.

Perhaps the most highly-coveted player in this year’s event is 6-5 junior center Mercedes Russell, whose Team Concept Heat won the National Division championship. Two other Oregon juniors on the same team — Kailee Johnson (a 6-4 forward) and Jordan Johnson (a 6-1 guard) — are also elite recruits.

But with 221 teams, there are obviously going to be a lot of very talented players, even though it’s a challenge to see them all.

“When I first started coming, there were only 32 teams,” said Anger, “and it was really hard to get into.”

Now, of course, it’s much bigger, in part because of demand and in part because there are so many more teams. At the same time, though, the economy and rising travel costs have cut down the number of teams from the Midwest and East.

“The big tournaments are more regional now,” said Tinsley.

“We don’t get the East Coast teams like we used to.”

But the West Coast teams are still faithful, and the same coaches and clubs make the trip year after year. “You can’t ask for anything more at the start of the summer,” said Rob Spencer of the Modesto Magic — so like just about every other entrant, he’ll be migrating back next July. ✪

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

Story by Jim McCue Photos by Darryl Henick

26

SportStars™

July 14, 2011

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

W

hen Taylor Knoll and Joel Slak became friends in middle school, it was immediately apparent that together they made a good team. The pair complemented one another physically and socially, but nowhere was the tandem more complete than on

the golf course.

“Our personalities and our games are total opposites,” Slak said. “I was pretty cocky back in middle school while Taylor is more laid back.

I’m more technical and strategic on the course whereas he is a long hitter that can make some amazing shots. Basically, we are a perfect best-ball team.”

Knoll and Slak would play three years together on the Folsom High varsity golf team where their social and athletic teamwork paid dividends for the program. The greatest achievement aided by their complementary skills was the Bulldogs’ run to the 2010 California Interscholastic Federation State Boys’ Golf Championships when Knoll and Slak were juniors. The pair completed their high school golf careers in 2011 and will continue to pursue education and golf at the collegiate level in the all.

As they evaluated their respective options for playing at the next level, the pairing almost remained intact for another four years. Instead, Knoll and Slak chose separate courses. Knoll will head to the University of Nevada at Reno while Slak takes a short trip south to the University of Pacific in Stockton.

Knoll, whose mother and two uncles were golf stars at San Jose State, took family and friendship into consideration before making the decision to go to Nevada. He visited his parents’ alma mater, Nevada, and UOP and faced a difficult choice.

“It came down to going to school with my best friend or with my brother (Brian Knoll was in his first year of classes and golf at Reno),” Knoll said.

“It was tough, but I chose family.”

Recent Folsom High graduates Joel Slak, left, and Taylor Knoll have grown up on the golf course together as best friends since middle school.

The two helped the Bulldogs golf team reach the CIF State Championships in 2010.

Support Your Local Business • Say You Found Them In SportStars™

July 14, 2011

SportStars™

27

Knoll and Slak plan to remain close and look forward to playing in some common tournaments in college. But both are satisfied with the decision to attempt to make an impact at the college level as members of different teams.

“I talked to five or six schools and was recruited hard by a few, including both Nevada and Pacific,” Slak said. “They are very different programs and I really loved the coach and the team at Pacific. It fits me and my game better, I think.”

This summer provided an opportunity for Knoll and Slak to spend time practicing, playing, and just hanging out together before Knoll left for Reno to attend summer classes and hit the links with the Wolfpack’s other three incoming freshmen.

The pair often work on their games together at their respective “home courses.” Slak is a regular at Empire Ranch Golf Course in Folsom and Knoll is a member at Cameron Park Country Club. They put work in on the range, putting greens, or while facing off with other players in on-course competitions. Like many other young golfers, they also compete in local and regional tournaments to stay on top of their game.

The former Bulldogs have many fond memories of their time at Folsom under longtime head coach Steve Burgess, but the best memory is the team’s post-season run to the state finals in 2010.

“That was one of the best moments of my life,” Knoll said of the team earning the right to be one of just six teams in California to compete for the state team title. “We were a real close team. Most of us grew up together and had played together for years, so we were truly like a family that year.”

At the Northern California Golf Association/CIF NorCal Tournament at Diablo Grande Resort in Patterson, the Bulldogs carded an amazing 366 (the team’s top five scores from its six golfers) to finish second to Foothill High School (Pleasanton) and earn the trip to the state championships. That score of 366 would have won the 2011 NorCal Tournament by three strokes.

“That was a once-in-a-lifetime group,” Burgess said of the 2010 squad. “Our goal from the beginning of the year was to get to State, and that group was very vocal about that goal and determined to reach it.”

When the dream season ended, Folsom graduated three seniors and a fourth player transferred to another local school. That left Knoll and Slak to adjust their roles and expectations for their final high school season of golf—as the lone seniors leading a very young team in a rebuilding year.

“As seniors, they had a completely different role that they had to take on,” Burgess said.

“There was a completely different team dynamic and they needed to step up to be leaders and to help the young guys.”

Slak was able to shake off a slow Delta Riv28

SportStars™

July 14, 2011

“That was one of the best moments of my life.

We were a real close team. Most of us grew up together and had played together for years, so we were truly like a family that year.”

Taylor Knoll said of earning the right to be one of just six teams in California to compete for the state team title

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

er League start to win the league’s individual title in 2011, but the change was clear to both Slak and Knoll.

“Taylor and I knew that junior year was the year,” Slak said. “Our goal was to get to state as individuals. Even though we did not reach that goal, we had fun and tried to help the freshmen learn how to practice and play at a new level.”

The pair may not have attained their lofty individual goals, but both believed that their senior year was a positive step in their golfing experience. Now, they are ready to trade places and assume the role of newcomers, learning the new golfing landscape in college.

“I think that Taylor has a chance to be a real force,” Burgess said of Knoll’s college potential. “There is not a golf shot that he doesn’t like, and once he gets a little more consistency in his game, he has the physical ability to do real well. I think that will happen in college.”

Knoll agrees that consistency is the key to allowing him to excel in college golf. With four players lost from Nevada’s 2011 team, he hopes to make an immediate impact.

“I think that I have a good shot at making the traveling team as a freshman,” Knoll said. “It’s a young team where Brian (who will be a Support Your Local Business • Say You Found Them In SportStars™

sophomore at Nevada in the 2012 season) will actually be the oldest player after the next season.”

Nevada has an impressive home course in Edgewood on the shores of South Lake Tahoe, but the advantage of traveling with the Wolfpack golf team includes opportunities to escape the cooler temperatures of Reno in the winter and early spring to play Western Athletic Conference foes in San Diego (San Diego State University) and Hawaii (University of Hawaii).

Slak’s expectations also include making Pacific’s traveling team as a freshman, but he raised the bar further with the goal of earning All-America honors while at UOP—a tribute to his noted confidence as a player.

“I was real cocky when I was younger,” Slak said. “I thought I was like the second coming of Tiger Woods when I was 12, but I have toned it down a bit to where I feel that I am just very confident in my abilities.”

While it’s not clear if or when Knoll and Slak may again share the same course at the collegiate level or beyond, one can bet that they will be keeping tabs on another.

They are best friends, after all. ✪

“I was real cocky when I was younger.

I thought I was like the second coming of Tiger Woods when I was 12, but I have toned it down a bit to where I feel that I am just very confident in my abilities.”

Joel Slak July 14, 2011

SportStars™

29

tee2green

The First Tee San Jose celebrates several summer success stories The First Tee of San Jose has much to celebrate this summer with over 300 registrations for classes, camps and clinics. This is our largest programming season ever as we continue to grow. Since 2005, The First Tee of San Jose has conducted life skills education to over 10,000 young people including over 2,000 who have participated in on-course classes. In addition, several of our participants have been selected to attend special opportunities this summer.

Hank Haney International Junior Golf Academy Also in early June, Kunal Shalia attended the Hank Haney program in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, where he received instruction on all aspects of the golf game from Hank Haney’s IJGA instructors. Mental training, fitness training and college placement sessions were also offered.

RBS Achievers Award In early June, Jonathan Purcell travelled to the 111th U.S.

Open at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland.

The awards recognize just 10 deserving participants for accomplishments in their daily lives while overcoming difficult circumstances.

The scholarships reward young people who exhibit The First Tee Nine Core Values™ while demonstrating leadership, community service and teamwork.

Nature Valley First Tee Open

First Tee Files

In July, Kalmina Wu played with the pros at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Del Monte Golf Course.

She was one of 23 girls and 78 juniors total representing chapters from all over the country.

Kunal Shalia also attended the tournament as an alternate.

George Maxe

Life Skills & Leadership Academy In August, Hannah Lozinski is off to Arizona State University where she will play championship golf, participate in life skills activities and career exploration, experience dorm living and meet a wide variety of young people from around the world. The overall purpose of the Academy is to provide participants with valuable character education and leadership instruction.

We are in very select company here at The First Tee of San Jose!

First Tee Files is a rotating column featuring the executive directors of four Bay Area chapters of The First Tee — Contra Costa, Oakland, San Jose and Tri-Valley. George Maxe is the Executive Director of the First Tee San Jose. Check out your local chapter by visiting one of the following websites: www.TheFirstTeeContraCosta.org, www.TheFirstTeeOakland. org, www.TheFirstTeeSanJose.org and www.TheFirstTee TriValley.org.

30

SportStars™

July 14, 2011

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

Let wisdom of Isaac Newton teach you speed, agility, quickness I

Simply put, when your young athlete makes a cut; there is a quick force in the opposite direction of travel.

This force that is created into the ground will be met with equal force coming back at the foot.

So how does this apply to speed, quickness, agility and athletic movement?

32

SportStars™

July 14, 2011

n the last issue I discussed why many speed training centers do not get your athletes faster. So in this issue I’m going to go over what it really takes to improve your young athlete’s speed, agility and quickness.

All you really need to do is look at Sir Isaac Newton’s Third Law of Action-Reaction. It basically says for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Simply put, when your young athlete makes a cut; there is a quick force in the opposite direction of travel. This force that is created into the ground will be met with equal force coming back at the foot. So how does this apply to speed, quickness, agility and athletic movement? there are a few techniques that must take place for your young athlete to take advantage of Newton’s Law of Action-Reaction. This first technique is to use the reaction force from the ground as quickly as possible by not absorbing with a big flexion (bending) of the knees and hips.

Let’s use a basketball player as an example.

The athlete is playing defense and is in a

shuffling action to stay with the ball-handler, and the ball-handler quickly changes direction. The defensive player must react and quickly apply force into the ground in the opposite direction of travel to stay with the ballhandler.

If the defensive player allows his/her hips to drop significantly or shoulders to sway side to side or forward, this will negatively affect how quickly the change of direction is made. Much of the reaction force coming from the ground will have been wasted because of too much absorption by the hips and/or swaying of the shoulders.

It is very important that your young athletes be taught how to apply force with stable joints to take advantage of the reaction from the ground.

The second technique that is important for your young athletes to learn is how to apply force into the ground at an angle that allows their body to be pushed in the direction of travel most efficiently, known as the angle of force application.

When a young athlete is performing a lateral

Training Time Tim Rudd for IYCA

shuffle, the angle of the power leg (the leg pushing the body in the direction of travel) must be positioned such that it doesn’t create an “up lift” of the body by positioning the feet too far under the hips, or a slipping effect by positioning the feet at too wide an angle outside their hips.

This angle of application is even more critical when talking about stopping and changing direction. The angle of the leg stopping the body must be taught how to be positioned in order for your young athlete to be efficient at handling forces.

Without understanding this concept of training, all the speed and agility drills in the world will have zero impact on your young athlete’s speed.

That’s why it’s important that trainers and coaches teach your athletes to apply the greatest amount of force into the ground as quickly as possible. This will surely improve their speed and quickness.

Tim Rudd is an International Youth Conditioning Association specialist in youth conditioning (level 3), speed and agility (level 2), and nutrition specialist (level 1). For more information on taking advantage of Newton’s Law, or for anything else you read in Training Time, email him at tim@fit2thecore.com.

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

impulse New school kicks We at SportStars love being in the know. After all, it’s kinda our job.

When it comes to sports, nobody does it better. (Well, maybe ESPN, but we digress.) That’s why Famous Footwear hooked us up with its “For Your Eyes Only” Lookbook shoe catalog for this fall Quick sidenote: We’re not making this up. They literally told us we’re not allowed to show anybody this catalog. Then they mentioned something about a pack of dogs and some sort of endless manhunt — like that one movie Ice-T starred in that’s played every other week on TNT — if we failed to live up to our end of the bargain.

Howerver, we CAN divulge what’s inside the catalog (and even show a few pics), but after that you’ll have to let your imagination run wild. Deal? Think of this as a pre-preview to the 2011 Back-To-School Fall Fashion.

Here we go: Nike and Reebok make for primo choices for running or just going casual (Nike Dual Fusion Inspire, Reebok Real Flex). Super comfortable and extremely lightweight, you’ll glide up and down the hallways in

delight.

For the skater dudes and dudettes out there, you can’t go wrong with DC, icons of the halfpipe and rails. The DC Pure maintains the classic, trendy look of one of the biggest names in the industry. Sperry Top-Siders can be used for the beach, running around on the baseball diamond, AND they can pass for dress shoes. Seriously? How cool is that? Literally, everyday use.

We could probably end this piece right here but we’ll keep going.

Let’s move on. Ladies: get your foot fix (if that’s even possible) with boots (Blowfish Hanaku, G by Guess Brryan), flats (R2 Monti, Steve Madden P-Heaven). Kids, the must-have shoes of the fall are the Nike Endurance Trainer and Skechers Sugarlicious. After perusing this list. we think we’ll try our hand at shoe-naming.

Don’t waste another second, get your shoes now. Keep it trendy! Go to www. famousfootwear.com for more info.

A soccer store that scores

Butch Noble

cARMA Remember when we wrote about this product in issue 23? Well, look who we saw on the side of the #81 car during NASCAR weekend at Infineon a few weeks ago.

Indeed, the #81 car knows what’s up, and we do too.

Our friends at Arma generously hooked us up with a few boxes of its trail mix goodness last month and we’ve been shelling out these bad boys left and right at events all over Nor Cal. The next time you see us at a game/ tournament/meet/event be sure to hit us up for your very own Arma Energy. For more info on these tasty treats, go to www.armaenergy.com

We’re in the thick of World Cup fever, so if you’re watching back-to-back matches of the soccer world’s elite and getting that itch to kick the ball around, then hit up Soccer Pro. With locations in Pleasant Hill, Dublin, San Jose, Sacramento, Modesto and Fresno, there’s no other place you need to quench your soccer thirst than Soccer Pro. If you’re in Redwood City then you’re in luck. Soccer Pro just had its grand opening on 2737 El Camino Real. This 10,000 sq. ft. facility can store enough equipment for the entire MLS, a few World Cup teams, and even a couple military tanks. Seriously, there’s no other soccer store you need to visit. From cleats and shinguards to jerseys and headbands, Soccer Pro’s got your back. For more info on the new location and sweet deals, hit up www.soccerproinc.com

I need more Kettlebell!

Raise your hand if you’ve ever wanted to lose a lot of weight as fast as humanly possible.

We’re not seeing enough hands. ... There are so many “answers” out there for quick fixes and sure things but really the only way to attack weight loss is by taking on the lifestyle for it. Let Transform FX Fitness get you there. Sign up for their bootcamp and go through the transformation of a lifetime. You’ll not only lose weight, you’ll learn proper ways to diet, how to deal with cravings for junk food, lose a pant/dress size, and feel better about yourself amongst other things. Transform FX’s very own Anna Dornier is one of a very few registered Kettlebell instructors in the Bay Area. Kettlebell training is a bonafide workout system that gives you a full-body workout with one piece of equipment. Not too shabby. Give ‘em a shout right now, you won’t regret it! Honestly, how many more quick fixes are you going to try? Go to www.transformfxfitness.com today.

Trendy teamware Playing together as a team means establishing and promoting an identity on the field. That identity can easily be found in the type of style a team plays. Whether your team is known as defensive hounds or offensive juggernauts, you’ll be easy to find on the field. What also helps are the uniforms. That’s where Tahi Teamwear comes in. Let them create your uniforms so you can play with the flash and flair of the best.

Go to www.tahi.co so they can design your teams unis and logos so you can play with a new identity and start racking up those championships. Tahi will hook you up not only with uniforms, but training jerseys and pants along with hoodies, t-shirts, polos and hats for hardcore fan gear. They can customize materials and design to specifically fit your team needs: extra air circulation, tackle-resistant tightness, or even lightweight for maximum performance. Hit up www.tahi.co to get your team identity now.

— Erik Stordahl

Support Your Local Business • Say You Found Them In SportStars™

July 14, 2011

SportStars™

33

camps + clinics BASEBALL/SOFTBALL Golden Era Baseball Based in the East Bay, we offer several instructional-based programs as well as 9U thru 18U Club Teams. We are currently taking sign-ups for our Spring Hitting Classes. Please see our website for full details: www.GoldenEraBaseball. com The Pitching Center We develop baseball players to their full potential. The Pitching Center has grown to become the Total Player Center (TPC), a full-service baseball and softball training academy. Age- and skill-specific programs are available for students ages 8 – High School. Info: 925-416-1600, thepitchingcenter. com SportForm Based in Concord, SportForm provides individual and team instruction in baseball, softball, lacrosse. Highly trained professionals provide accelerated and advanced skills clinics. Prepare to Perform!

Info: 925-459-2880.

City of Walnut Creek Baseball is Fun Beginner Camp. July 25-Aug. 4, 9 a.m.-noon, Mon.-Thur. at Tice Valley Park; Extended day/week available w/Deluxe Sport Option. Ages 5-9. $35/$75.

Registration: www.walnutcreeksportsleague.com, 925-952-4450.

All American Softball 2011 Softball Summer Day Camp at Alyce Norman Bryte Playfields. Girls of all ages welcome. Camp features a college softball Q&A with our All- American staff. $250/ athlete; $150/ athlete when registering 6 or more at one time. Info: 916-374-1907, www. softballschool.com.

BASKETBALL City of Walnut Creek Basketball is Fun Beginner Camp. July 1121 at Tice Valley Park; extended day/week available with Deluxe Sport Option. Ages 5-12. $35/$65 per week. Registration and info: www.walnutcreeksportsleague.com, 925-952-4450.

Saint Mary’s College camps Spend your July learning fundamentals or honing your skills at McKeon Pavilion.

Plenty of options are available. Registration and info: 925-631-4386, smccamps@ stmarys- ca.edu; www.smcgaels.com.

34

SportStars™

July 14, 2011

Bladium Triple Threat Academy Alameda’s Bladium Sports & Fitness Club hosts multiple hoops camps for ages 6-12.

Designed for players of ALL skill levels.

Registration: AlamedaSales@bladium. com, 510-814-4999; www.bladium.com.

CHEER CheerGyms.com We offer the best clinics in California! Customize your clinic to fit your needs from basic stunting techniques or working on twist cradles out of one leg stunts, we take your team to the next level! Info: 866-685-7615, www.

CheerGyms.com East Bay Sports Academy Recreational, competitive athletes benefit from training with the best coaches. Our 10,000 sq. foot facility is clean and bright with the newest equipment. Info: 925 680-9999, www.EastBaySportsAcademy.com.

EQUESTRIAN Kelly Maddox Riding Academy Develop new friendships with other horse-crazy kids. Weekly activities include learning horse colors, markings and breeds; arts and crafts; a farrier demonstration and human horse show; bareback riding and more! Info: 925-5754818, www.

KellyMaddoxTraining.com Franklin Canyon Stables Based in Martinez, we provide two covered arenas and easy access to trails. Beginning riders or experienced equestrians, we have a place for you. Instruction in horsemanship on the ground and in the saddle while having fun. Info: 925- 228-1801; http://www. kimshorsetraining.com/ franklin_canyon.html Castle Rock Arabians Activities for tweens and teenagers, where we build team spirit through various team activities on horseback. Visit the ranch by appointment. Info: 925-933-3701, www. castlerockarabians.com FITNESS Aspire Pilates Dramatically increase core strength, power, flexibility, balance, focus and joint stability, while preventing injury. Aspire prides itself on helping propel athletes to the next level by addressing muscular imbalances, helping athletes increase body awareness, correct faulty body mechanics, and access untapped

strength. Athlete Summer Intensive: July 25th- August 5th. Info: 925.680.4400 www.

AspirePilatesCenter.com.

Children’s Hospital The “Sport Speed Camp” presented by the Children’s Hospital Oakland Sports Medicine is being held in a pair of twoweek sessions: July 11-22, and Aug. 1-12. All camp sessions are Monday-Friday from 2-4 p.m. The camp will be at the Derby Street Athletic Field, 1900 Derby Street, Berkeley. Cost is just $250 per athlete and space is limited to 25 athletes per camp session. Info/Registration: call 510-428-3558 and hit option 3.

Fit 2 The Core As a Youth Conditioning, Speed/ Agility and Nutrition Specialist with the IYCA, Fit- 2-The-Core Training Systems offers an innovative approach to getting young athletes back on the field postrehabilitation, and continuing the process by progressing their bodies to handle what they must endure on the field or court. Info: 925- 639-0907.

Transform FX There’s no doubt that today’s parents are busy as ever. You have to set aside time for work, play, and dropping off kids to baseball practice, etc. At Transform FX Fitness, we believe that parents can take better care of their kids when they take care of their own health and fitness.

This is the reason we have designed our adult fitness bootcamp workouts to fit your busy lifestyle. Each bootcamp workout is carefully designed to help you burn fat and increase your cardiovascular endurance in less time. We invite you to “play” with us and have some fun while you get a great workout. When you combine these with our unparalleled nutrition coaching from our highly-trained coaches, you get a winning combination that will absolutely help you reach your fitness goals. Call us at 925-289-8042 or visit us online at www. transformfxfitness.com Walnut Creek Sports & Fitness We offer over 70 group classes per week.

Members also enjoy our heated pool, sauna, spa, and steam-room.

Massage, skincare and chiropractic services are available. Call us today for your free week pass! Info: 925932-6400, www.wcsf.net ENRICHMENT Dianne Adair Programs We offer a wide variety of enrichment programs for your child, during the school year

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

camps + clinics and throughout summer.

Activities include: Home work help, 4th & Up Club, art and crafts, science, sports, and games.

Summer camps include weekly field trips. Info: www. dianneadair.org.

E.Nopi and Palm Academy Palm Academy’s “Summer Camp Spectacular” offers day camps with one-week or one- day programs to provide the flexibility for your busy schedule. Abrakadoodle Art Camps inspire kids to reach beyond and create art that is unique to them. Info: Palm Academy, Fremont, (510) 979-9794 or E.Nopi, Newark, (510)79ENOPI (36674) FUZE Fit For A Kid FUZE is a privately-held, DOJ-certified youth-only health club and curricula modeled after the principles of the Positive Coaching Alliance. FUZE enhances athletic development, socialization and self-esteem.

Info: 888-FIT 4 A KID; www. fuzefit.com FOOTBALL NorCal Football Camps Led by Marin Catholic High coach, Ken Peralta (San Francisco 49ers High School Coach of the Year,) Camps serve youth ages of 7- 14.

We help each child reach his full potential as a football player and young person.

Info: 650-245-3608 . www. norcalfootballcamps.com GOLF Dave DeLong Junior Golf Camp This camp is for advanced and beginning junior golfers. Camps are designed for golfers 7-15. Camps include a 4 to 1 ratio of students to teachers where safety is the top priority as well as player development and enjoyment.

Boundary Oak Course, Walnut Creek. Info: 925-997-3683; www. delonggolf.com Coach Rick Golf Learn to play on the course, where it matters with Coach Rick! Golfers of all ages can sign up for clinics offered by Coach Rick starting now throughout summer. Info: 510 917-6442 • www. ThePersonalGolfCoach.com The First Tee-Contra Costa The First Tee Summer Camp is a youth development program for boys and girls 7-18. Participants learn about golf and life skills and values inherent to the game,

36

SportStars™

July 14, 2011

rules and etiquette. Summer camps at Diablo Creek Golf Course in Concord. Info: www.thefirstteecontracosta.org; angela@ thefirstteecontracosta.org or 925-686-6262 x0.

The First Tee-Oakland The First Tee of Oakland has delivered The First Tee Life Skills Experience to over 262 participants.

Each receive a min.

12 hours of instruction over an 8-week period. Instruction is at three Oakland courses: Metropolitan Golf Links, Lake Chabot GC and Montclair GC. Info: 510-352-2002; www. thefirstteeoakland.org.

The First Tee-San Jose The First Tee of San Jose develops youth through the game of golf throughout Silicon Valley. Participants learn to appreciate diversity, resolve conflicts, build confidence and set goals. We welcome participants ranging from second to twelfth grade. Scholarships available.

Info: 408-288-2973; www. thefirstteesanjose.org.

The First Tee-Tri-Valley The First Tee of the Tri-Valley offers seasonal The First Tee Life Skills Experience Classes and Summer Camps for ages 7-17, held at the Pleasanton Golf Center on the Alameda County Fairgrounds. Junior Golf Summer Camps are held weekly. Info: 925.462.7201, www.

TheFirstTeeTriValley.org LACROSSE Atherton Lacrosse Our lacrosse camps are designed for boys and girls ages 5-14, who are beginner or intermediate players. Our group of coaches and staff are leaders in the lacrosse community. Info: 888- 526-3330, www.

AthertonLacrosse.com.

SportForm Based in Concord, SportForm provides Individual and team instruction in baseball, softball and lacrosse. Highly trained professionals provide accelerated and advanced skills clinics. Prepare to Preform! Info: 925-459-2880.

Vitality Lacrosse Vitality offers summer league programs in four Bay Area regions, all of which come together on July 30 for the Bay Area Summer League Championships on Treasure

Island. Locations include: Marin County, Peninsula, East Bay and Petaluma. League runs six weeks and began on June 20. Info: 888-501-4999, www.VitalityLacrosse.com.

MARTIAL ARTS United States Karate Systems Adult and children’s programs, kick box fitness, mixed martial arts. Providing excellence in martial arts instruction and services for the entire family. 925-682- 9517; www. usksmartialarts.com MOTORSPORTS Keigwins@theTrack We conduct motorcycle schools and practice events (“track days”) at famous racetracks in the West for experienced motorcyclists looking to improve skills and build confidence.

Riders provide their own motorcycles and protective gear. Keigwins@theTrack takes care of everything else. Info: www. keigwin. com or 650-949-5609.

UmiGo Calling all speed demons and race rats: buckle up for the fastest gokart camp this side of the Mississippi with Umigo Go-Kart racing! With camps going on throughout the summer, you’ll learn passing techniques, cornering techniques, throttle & breaking techniques, advance seat position, kart operation, kart control, real racing and improving your lap times.

Racers need to be at least 10 years old and at least four feet, 10 inches tall. Two- and four-day camps are available, so sign up now because spots are filling up fast. Get ready for the ride of your life. Go to www. umigoracing.com to learn more and register.

OUTDOOR SPORTS Bear Valley Mountain Bear Valley has six camps with multiple sessions including: Soccer, Archery, Tennis, Climbing, Cycling and Day Camp.

Summer Camps offer outdoor rec programs for the whole family; overnight resident skill camps and day camps, too. Age groups and activities vary by camp. Info: www. bearvalley.com University of Surfing Instructor Matt Cole offers lessons/ camps in Pacifica. 650-359-1425, mattcolesurfs@ hotmail.com; http:// universityofsurfing.com/ index.html.

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

camps + clinics SOCCER Heritage Soccer Club A Pleasant Hill/Martinez based competitive soccer club welcomes players ages 8-18. Learn new skills and hone existing ones from top flight coaching staff with years of experience spanning the high school and college ranks.Info: www.heritagesc.com.

SoccerInsight.net 2011 Summer Camp Available to ages 5-12, the SoccerInsight.net camps are offered over three weeks in August.

The camps are held from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. @ Paul Goode Field, The Presidio in San Francisco.

Info:415-595- 3760, www.soccerinsight.net.

SWIMMING-DIVING Walnut Creek Swim Club WCSC is a recreational team sponsored by the City of Walnut Creek celebrating its 50th anniversary. Led by the experience of coach Brad Hoy, the staff is the finest in the area.

WCSC believes in finding the healthy balance between competition and family fun. Info: 925-766-5664 Sherman Swim School We are a Lafayette swimming and diving school celebrating our 50th year. Our year-round schedule allows children and adults to learn, retain, and improve their swim skills with little interruption. Info: 925-283-2100, www.ShermanSwim. com California Sports Center Among the many camps offered by San Jose’s Cal Sports Center includes its Swim Summer Camps at Sunnyvale Swim Center on the campus of Fremont High. The camps are held from either 9 a.m.-noon, or 9 a.m.-4 p.m. for ages 6-14. Info: 408-732-2257, www. CalSportsCenter.com TENNIS Summer Tennis at Valley Vista ClubSport Valley Vista has successfully hosted summer tennis camps in Walnut Creek for more than 30 years, with expert instruction. Info: 925-9344050, www.clubsports.com VOLLEYBALL Pacific Rim Volleyball We offer several skill-based camps and clinics, including setting camp, hitting camp and an allskills camp. Campers will be evaluated and placed in a group that challenges their level of play. Registration for beach volleyball is going on now as well. Info: www. pacificrimvolleyball.com U.S. Youth Volleyball League USYVL hosts series of Summer camps in several Northern and Southern California locations. We’re the leader

in developing, maintaining youth volleyball leagues for boys and girls ages 7-15. With an emphasis on positive reinforcement, we seek to build confidence and self-esteem in each child. Info: 1-888-988-7985 or www.USYVL.org.

WRESTLING Community Youth Center The CYC in Concord offers three types of weeklong wrestling camps. All Corners Camp for ages 11-18 runs July 18-22, and Advanced Camp serves the same age group and runs Aug. 8-12. Camps are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. daily at the CYC. Info: 925-6717070, Ext. 229, www.communityyouthcenter.com.

MULTI-SPORT Cal Athletic Camps Cal Camps are offered in a variety of sports for girls and boys 5-19, with week-long, half-day, full-day and overnight options, and several choices for adults.

Most camps take place on campus in Berkeley from June through August. Camp sports include: baseball, basketball, rowing/crew, field hockey, football, golf, rugby, soccer, strength & conditioning, swimming, tennis, volleyball and water polo. Info calcamps@berkeley.edu.

City of Concord Skyhawks Sports Skyhawks Sports and the City of Concord have teamed up to provide safe, fun and skill-focused sports camps this summer for ages 4-12. Camps range from soccer to lacrosse to our popular multisport camp where kids sample three different sports (Soccer, Basketball, and Baseball) in one camp.

Info: www. concordreg.org or (925) 671-3404.

Renaissance ClubSport Spring and summer Sports camps are led by seasoned directors. Sports Day Camp is for children 5-12 and focuses on a different sport each day including: football, soccer, swimming, basketball, bocce, kickball, racquetball and karate.

Summer camps run thru Aug. 19. Info: 925-9426344. www.clubsports.com Cabernet Indoor Sports Come Play Soccer, Baseball, Basketball, Football, Lacrosse, Dodgeball, Capture the Flag, Futsal and much more at the world’s greatest summer camp experience in Livermore.

Available to kids ages 5 & up, Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. running through Aug. 19.

More info: www.cabernetindoorsports.com Velocity Sports Performance The Dublin-based Velocity’s Sports Specific Summer Camps is looking for boys, girls ages 8-14 who are dedicated to making themselves better athletes. Camps are typically 4-5 days long and run through mid-August. They include soccer, basketball, football, baseball and softball. The price is $200 for non-members per week, $150 for Velocity members or $50 per session. Information: (925) 833-0100.

Support Your Local Business • Say You Found Them In SportStars™

Choose your favorite categories or advertisers for special offers and killer deals, then mail or fax it to us! Or drop it off at SportStars HQ! ❒❒ ❒❒ ❒❒ ❒❒ ❒❒ ❒❒ ❒❒ ❒❒ ❒❒ ❒❒ ❒❒ ❒❒ ❒❒ ❒❒ ❒❒ ❒❒

Apparel Automotive Camps & Clinics Endurance/Outdoor/ Adventure Events Fun/Entertainment Fundraising Golf/Tennis Gyms/Health Clubs Health & Nutrition Home Improvement Martial Arts Restaurants Sporting Goods Teams/Clubs/Leagues Travel & Leisure

❒❒ A A A Northern California,

❒❒ Heritage Soccer Club................................ 25

Nevada & Utah......................................... 10 ❒❒ Home Team Sports Photography.............. 36 ❒❒ Aabco Printing........................................ 17 ❒❒ ❒❒ Aspire Pilates Center................................ 17 ❒❒ ❒❒ Back Forty B B Q....................................... 28 ❒❒ ❒❒ Ball Park Gallery....................................... 18 ❒❒ ❒❒ Baseball Batting Cages.Com..................... 17 ❒❒ ❒❒ Big 5 Sporting Goods................................. 3 ❒❒ ❒❒ Big O Tires.................................................. 2 ❒❒ ❒❒ Bob Larson Sports Action Photography.... 34 ❒❒ CVHS Balls For Books................................ 27 ❒❒

Kaiser Permanente................................... 29 Kelly Maddox Equestrian Training............ 34 Kinders B B Q............................................ 18 Lone Tree Golf Course............................... 30 Mc Coveys................................................ 13 Pacific Rim Volleyball Academy................ 34 Peninsula Building Materials.................... 17 Rocco’s Pizza............................................. 33

❒❒ California Adventure Camps..................... 35 ❒❒ Rockin Jump............................................. 32 ❒❒ Cheer Gyms.............................................. 12 ❒❒ San Ramon Golf Club................................ 40 ❒❒ Children’s Hospital And Research Center... 24 ❒❒ Sky High Sports........................................ 33 ❒❒ Club Sports Renaissance........................... 23 ❒❒ Soccer Pro................................................ 38 ❒❒ Community Youth Center......................... 28 ❒❒ ❒❒ Crowne Plaza........................................... 17 ❒❒ ❒❒ Dave Delong School Of Golf...................... 30 ❒❒ ❒❒ Diablo Car Wash & Detail Center............... 17 ❒❒ ❒❒ Diablo Rock Gym...................................... 33 ❒❒ ❒❒ E Teamsponsor......................................... 39 ❒❒ ❒❒ East Bay Sports Academy......................... 16 ❒❒ Excellence In Sport Performance.............. 30 ❒❒

Sport Clips................................................ 19 Sports Stars Magazine................................ 4 Sutter Urgent Care.................................... 21 Team Zero Video Productions................... 17 Tpc / The Pitching Center.......................... 36 Transform Fx Fitness................................. 17 Usks Concord............................................ 36

❒❒ Fit 2 The Core............................................ 16 ❒❒ Velocity Sports Performance.................... 33 ❒❒ Halo Headband........................................ 17 ❒❒ Walnut Creek Sports & Fitness.................... 7 ❒❒ Heavenly Greens...................................... 31 ❒❒ Wingstop Restaurants................................ 5

Name____________________________________ Phone___________________________________ E-mail___________________________________ Address__________________________________ City_____________________________________ State__________________________ Zip _______

Prizes subject to change. Entries must be received by the 25th.

Mail: SPORTSTARS Interactive, 5356 Clayton Road, Suite 222, Concord, CA 94521 • Fax: 925.566-8507 July 14, 2011

SportStars™

37