CA Issue 28, 07.28.2011

lamorinda wpc mines gold Pg. 12

vol. 2. issue 28

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july 28, 2011

California

endure | excel | achieve

get good triathlon habits

Pg. 38

Hamstrings

101 Pg. 18

Vincent Byrd II is 13. he’s 6+ feet. he hits bombs. PG. 20

vegas, baby

Two east bay stars jump to findlay prep Pg. 28 findlay prep breakdown Pg. 29

less is more! pitch counts aren’t evil Pg. 40

all access

saratoga high grad adam hinshaw gears up for u.s. swimming nationals. Page 14

Norbert von der Groeben

First Pitch....................................... 6

Salesian-Richmond hoops standout Dominic Artis will take his talents to Henderson, NV. Pg. 28

Behind the Clipboard.................. 7 Locker Room................................ 8 AAA SportStar of the Week....11 Club Scene...................................12 Health Watch..............................18 Tee2Green...................................26 TriStars.........................................38

Jonathan Hawthrone

Training Time...............................40 Impulse.........................................41 Camps + Clinics.........................42 Photo Finish.................................46

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ON THE COVER Vincent Byrd II of Sacramento. Pg. 20 Photo by: james k. leash

trailing in the title game doesn’t derail the hopes of yuba city softball. Pg. 34

Green Eggs & Hammies: Get some Hamstring knowledge from a Dr. not named Seuss. Pg. 18

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G

Playing against your heroes usually requires imagination — but not this time

rowing up, Michael Jordan and Magic “I was really excited (to find out),” said Johnson both played hoops in my Smith, who will be a senior at Alhambrabackyard.

Martinez in the fall. “I’ve never played Ricky Henderson, Will Clark, Andre Dawagainst professionals. It’s such a good opson — all of them took swings and tossed the portunity, and I’m excited to learn a lot.” ball around in the friendly confines of what Now, back in 1994, had I gone to basmy brother and I liked to refer to as Oak Tree ketball practice and found out then-SacPark. ramento Kings star Mitch Richmond was I was right there, narrating it all. I also ingoing to roll up from the capital with a few cluded color commentary when appropriate. college standouts and scrimmage us for a Obviously, stars such as these did not find couple hours, I’m not sure what my first their way to the rural town of Los Molinos, reaction would’ve been beyond shock. But CA (population: 2,000 and change). Though I’m pretty sure nerves would’ve come next.

I would’ve liked to have seen how Dawson Neither Jorgenson nor Smith seemed to handled the quirk of the large dog pen in right wonder how they might perform against field. the types of players they aspire to be like As a young athlete, I enjoyed my sports someday. Which is why they were selected idols only as a spectator. Which is the way to be part of the team, of course, and why most of us do. Never would I have dreamed of the are more than likely on the fast track to stepping on the same court or field as them. be the college standouts of the future.

But that’s what some members of Walnut “I love playing good competition,” said Creek’s Diablo FC soccer club will be doing Jorgensen, a center midfielder and soonon Aug. 20 as part of the “Taking The World to-be senior at Las Lomas-Walnut Creek.

By Storm” event sponsored and provided by “That’s the most fun part. I like playing the California Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla, best, and I’m really excited for the game.” representative of the 11th District.

Meanwhile, I’ll be holding on to the The event, taking place at Tesoro Fields in memories of my dirt court in the backConcord, is set to include a free girls soccer yard, where I was part of some of the most clinic followed by an exhibition match pitting epic games ever played on a 7 1/2-foot an all-star roster of Diablo FC players against hoop nailed to an oak tree (the same oak the California Storm — a Sacramento-based tree which doubled as third base, per the semi-professional soccer team which competes ground rules of Oak Tree Park). in the Women’s Premier Soccer League.

You can learn more about the “Taking The Storm roster is much more fluid than the World By Storm” event, and how it fixed. It includes a number of ex-pro and came to fruition by turning to page 24. collegiate soccer players along with current And if you want to be part of the soccer collegiate soccer players. Essentially, the team’s clinic, you can find a registration form on game day roster boils down to which players page 25. can show up any certain day. But, with that said, any of those days it could include former U.S. Women’s National Team members Brandi Chace@ Chastain or Aly Wagner, former Brazilian SportStarsOnline.com Speaking of pages in the back of the National Team member Sisleide Do Amor magazine. I’d like to call your attention to (“Sissi,” to the more knowledgable soccer (925) 566-8503 page 47 which houses a very impressive fans), or perhaps even Teresa Noyola — a full-page ad designed by our production Stanford star who just happened to spend her manager, Mike Decicco. It is the official summer in Germany as a member of Mexico’s announcement of our blockbuster football preview which World Cup team. arrives at the end of August. In August of 2010, we were still Now, put yourself in the shoes of Sophia Jorgenson and getting our feet wet when we produced our East Bay Football Natalie Smith, who went to their Diablo FC practice on Preview. But now we’re ready to fully flex our muscles and Monday, July 25, and found out that they were going to be deliver an effort that covers the greater part of Northern part of a team that would square off against the Storm.

California.

“It’s so cool,” Jorgenson gushed the day after finding We’d like to hear from the state’s many high school football out. “Some of my teammates and I would go watch the FC fans over the next two weeks as we begin to plan the issue. Is Gold Pride together and watched Sissi play. And we’ve seen there anything that you would like to see in this epic preview her training some of the girls in the club before, it’s pretty production? Got a team you think the rest of the state might special.” be sleeping on? You’re just as excited as we are that football is Depending on how many of the bigger name stars are in almost back? Sound off! Email us here at editor@sportstarsattendance on Aug. 20, it’s likely to be a “pinch me” moment for several of the Diablo FC girls. mag.com ✪

FIRST PITCH Chace Bryson Editor

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Warm Up the Lights

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, Emily Van Buskirk 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

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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).

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Large football rosters help more kids learn the lessons of high school sports My football coach won’t cut anyone, so we have a lot of kids out there who hardly can play at all. It slows everything down, and makes it hard to do drills. Why doesn’t the coach cut players? We would be a better team if he did.

T.O., San Jose

F

ootball is one of those sports where you can carry a pretty big roster, as long as you have the practice space and coaches to deal with the large number of players — but as you point out, it can be a problem if there are too many kids.

But let’s back up a bit, and I’ll ask you (well, the readers, actually) a question: Why do high schools have sports teams? And “they always have” is not an acceptable answer, because high schools in Europe, for example, don’t have interscholastic soccer teams, for the most part.

Presumably, one of the reasons to have high school athletics is that sports teach young people things about life — and I definitely agree. For example, one of the most difficult things to do in life is to learn how to lose, and it’s an acquired skill we all need to have unless we plan on never losing at anything until the day we die.

So unless you play for De La Salle, you’re going to lose some football games in high school, and you’ll have to figure

out how to deal with that. Will you cry? Will you think all your hard work was wasted? Will you quit the team? Or will you try to figure out how you could improve for the next game? Or how you and your teammates can work together better? Or that there is really something to that old saying about winning, losing and how you played the game?

You also might learn something about how individuals have to sacrifice for the group to be at its best. You might want to be the star running back, but if someone else is better, and will give the team a better chance to win, maybe you’ll have to decide to be the best blocker you can possibly be.

And that’s a valuable lesson, because it’s not very often in life we get to do exactly what we want to do. There are always unexpected limitations — even the coach, who you might think can run things totally his way, has to deal with the principal, the athletic director, the parents and even other coaches.

I could go on, but you get the point: Playing sports in high school is educational, and that’s one of the reasons American high schools sponsor teams. Most of those teams, however, are limited in size due to the nature of the sport — for example, you can’t have 30 kids on the basketball team, or 40 kids on the water polo team. There isn’t enough playing

Behind the Clipboard Clay Kallam

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time to make it work, nor are there enough facilities to get everyone the practice time they need.

But football? There are at least 22 starting spots, 26 counting the punter, place kicker, long snapper and holder, and up to 66 if you have 11 different people on every special team (kickoff, kickoff return, punt, punt return). That’s a lot of players, and every one of them needs a backup, so football is the best high school team sport for a huge roster (cross country and track and field can also absorb many athletes, but even though team scores are kept, those are really individual sports).

So if high school sports have some value — and by their very existence it’s clear many people think they do — it also makes sense that the more students who are involved, the greater the overall benefit. So maybe it does hurt your football team a little that there are boys out there who aren’t very good, but don’t forget that the value in high school sports doesn’t come solely from having a winning team.

Interscholastic athletics are, to a greater or lesser extent, about learning and growing and maturing, and the more young people who participate, the better it is for them, and really for everyone. So even though it may be frustrating at times, your coach is doing his job — which is first and foremost being a teacher, not someone who wins every game by 50.

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

July 28, 2011

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rapid fire Megan Dietrich, Acalanes-Lafayette

Wailea Beach, Maui

Best beach you’ve been to?

Your house is on fire! What’s the one thing you grab?

Strangest reason you’ve heard for an injury

My dog!

Tangled in a hose, fell into the pool

Your choice of USA water polo women s ’ game to re-air on gold-medal match ESPN Classic?

2008 Olympics

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Maui Beach

Brooke Irish, Amador Valley-Pleasanton

Delray Beach in Florida

MAC pc MAC

Mac or PC?

Most influential athlete right now?

Logan Frandsen, Las Lomas-Walnut Creek

My baseball stuff

A family picture

Falling out of bed

A friend went for a drop shot, ran into bench

Game 5 of the World Series

Wimbledon Final: Federer v. Nadal

2010

Hope Solo Derek Jeter

2008

Rafael Nadal

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he said what?!?

7 1 .

3 1

The wind-legal 100-meter hurdles time that earned St. Mary’s-Berkeley standout Trinity Wilson another summer gold medal, this time in the Pan American Junior Championships on July 22 in Miramar, Florida. It capped a summer campaign in which she stood atop the medal stand in three different states, and one other country (France, for the World Youth Championships). She will be a senior in the fall.

“I want one of your jerseys.

And I want you to sign it.”

Rocky Dudum Sr., an accomplished sports memorabilia collector and owner of McCovey’s Restaurant in Walnut Creek, to recent Bishop O’Dowd-Oakland graduate and baseball standout, Joe Ross, during the SportStars Spring Athletes of the Year banquet on July 20. Ross, pictured holding his awards plaque in the McCovey’s dining room, was the first-round selection of the San Diego Padres (25th overall) on June 6. He’s weighing the decision of beginning his professional career or attending UCLA in the fall.

Jonathan Hawthorne

s s e n t c a f f o t c a m o d n a r Between the Pleasanton Rage Showcase from July 22-25, and the Mustang Girls Soccer Stampede Aug. 2-6, as many as 300 different girls soccer teams — with players ranging from age 9-19 — will compete in parks throughout the Tri-Valley area of Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

The Dog Days of Fandom Much has happened in the world of sport since last we met. And we have some observations, which should come as a huge surprise. Without further ado, here are our top 5 thoughts from the last two crazy weeks of sports.

1. The NFL lockout is never going to end. This is officially the end of professional football in the United States. Wait. The lockout is over. Hold it. The lockout is back on. Hang on. The lockout is over, but now the artist formerly known as the player’s union is on strike. Whoa. Now the owners have given the players the padlock again. Oh forget it. Wake us when the high school football season starts. No labor unrest. No illegal recruiting. Just sweet, sweet gridiron.

2. Not to be outdone, the NBA owners have locked their players out. Of the off-season. Which, frankly, seems pointless, petty and stupid. It’s as if they’re saying, ‘See, NFL? You’re not better than us. You don’t even KNOW us. Anything you can do, we can do dumber.’

3 Japan edged the favored U.S. side in a thrilling Women’s World Cup finale. This was so scintillating that even we couldn’t help getting caught up in it.

As a result, we plan to care about soccer from now on. Starting in four years. We promise.

4. Tiger Woods fired his long-time caddy. That would matter so much more if he were still playing. Or likeable. Or relevant.

5. In related news, Darren Clarke (a.k.a. AFI – Another Faceless International) won a major golf tournament. At this rate, the only thing American athletes are going to be good at are performance enhancement, recruiting violations and labor disputes.

High school football, please save us.

— Bill Kolb

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who’s got next?

nominations: Editor@SportStarsonline.com

of the week

drew edelman

menlo-atherton . junior . basketball

Dave Bouvier/dabstudios.com

When it comes to summer hoops, Drew Edelman — a soon-to-be junior at Menlo High in Atherton — doesn’t have to make any big impressions on her AAU coach.

Why? Because she plays for Paye’s Place, and John Paye also happens to coach the Menlo girls. Edelman did drop a big impression on the coaches, scouts and spectators at the prestigious End of the Oregon Trail Tournament from July 6-9. Paye’s Place was the only NorCal team to go unbeaten, and Edelman earned MVP honors.

SportStars: Now that you’re an upperclassman, do you feel you’ll be able to step into a leadership role on the team?

Drew Edelman: I think the leadership is important. Being a leader on the court, always trying your hardest and having people look up to you. You need to try hard in all aspects of life not just sports, i.e. school and helping people.

SportStars: What are some of the things you feel you can do to build on last season?

DE: We’ll do better on defense. One of our coaches taught us some really good defenses. Also he taught us some offensive plays that he may be installing SportStars: Does that mean you’re ready for high expectations?

DE: I do think our team can go out and win our league. Our team is really capable of it.

DREW’S QUICK HITS Favorite basketball player: Blake Griffin Favorite Band/artist: Drake Favorite sport other than hoops: Volleyball Favorite class: Latin

honorable able ment mention ion honor

christoph bono The Palo Alto grad went 12-for14 for 86 yards and two TDs in a losing effort at the Charlie Wedemeyer All-Star game on July 20. The South defeated the North 24-13.

drew holland The MiramonteOrinda sophomore was MVP as Lamorinda WPC won the 10th Grade & Under Boys division at the US Club Water Polo Championship on July 17.

casie cathrea The Livermore golfer was 2nd out of 155 at the two-day stroke play portion of the US Girls Junior Championship in Olympia Fields (IL) Country Club on July 18-23 with a score of even par, 144.

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July 28, 2011

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club scene

Jonathan Hawthorne

Colin Mulcahy of Stanford Water Polo Club winds up during the 12th Grade-Under gold medal match of the U.S. Club Championships on July 17. Stanford lost the match 15-9 to Regency WPC of Orange County.

Lamorinda Water Polo Club strolls to gold

Water polo clubs from throughout the state flooded into the East Bay on July 15-17 for the the U.S. Club Championships.

Titles were handed out for boys and girls of both the 10th Grade-Under and 12th Grade-Under divisions.

The lone Northern California team to take home a title was the 10th Grade-Under boys of Lamorinda Water Polo Club. Lamorinda grabbed gold after a dominant tournament in which they went 6-0, and closed things out with a 10-1 drubbing of Rose Bowl WPC of Pasadena in the gold medal match.

Goalkeeper Drew Holland lead the list of standouts for Lamorinda as he took home tournament MVP honors after allowing just the one goal in the finals. Lamorinda got other key efforts from Thomas Carroll, Charlie Wiser and Connor Reid, to name a few.

The team basically went unchallenged through most of the tournament. In pool play, they defeated American River 11-6, Clovis 11-2 and SoCal 12-4. They opened bracket play with a 9-3 win over San Diego Shores, and then battled SET Water Polo (Orange County) to a tight 11-8 win in the semis.

Next up for Lamorinda will be a trip to the SwimOutlet.com Junior Olympics beginning on July 30 in Orange County.

Stanford Water Polo Club nearly made a gold medal run of its own in the 12th Grade-Under division — though they

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found themselves in some significantly closer matches than Lamorinda.

Stanford opened their tournament with pool play victories over Santa Barbara Water Polo Foundation (11-10), Los Angeles (13-10) and the Contra Costa County-based 680 Drivers (17-3). Stanford then opened up bracket play with a 12-3 win over Huntington Beach, and then narrowly escaped a 12-11 semifinal with the San Diego Shores.

In the gold medal match, Regency WPC of Orange County proved to have too much firepower, winning 15-9 behind tournament MVP Brett Bonnani.

In the girls tournaments, Santa Barbara won the 12th Grade tournament by beating Huntington Beach in the final with the help of MVP Maddie Trabucco. San Diego Shores won the 10th Grade gold medal match over SoCal. Jessica Webster of San Diego was took home the MVP honors.

SWIMMING The Terrapin Swim Club enjoyed two banner performances from senior swimmers Justin Lynch and Chelsea Chenault at the California-Nevada Senior Section Meet July 21-24 in Clovis.

Lynch set the national record in the 13-14 boys 100M Butterfly breaking the pace set by Michael Phelps. His time of

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club scene 54.80 gave him a qualifying bid for the 2012 Olympic Trials.

Chenault, going into her junior year at Carondelet, won a staggering four events capturing the high point award with gold in the 100, 200, 400, and 800 Freestyle events.

Lynch and Chenault both competed in the Far Western Swimming Championships July 27-31 hosted by the Terrapins at Cowell Pool in Concord. Both figure to be major factors in NCS next season. Chenault helped Carondelet to a second place at the NCS championships in May, also held at Cowell Pool.

To watch Justin’s record-setting performance, check out the video on www.terrapinswim.com

SOCCER The Pleasanton Rage College Showcase commenced once again on July 22-24 and featured girls soccer teams U15 through U19.

Out of eight teams, Ceres Earthquake FC Cencal 97G reigned supreme in the U15 Super 1 Division as they outscored its opponents 7-2 in four games (all wins), including a victory against Walnut Creek SC Dynamos 3-1.The Davis Legacy SC Davis Legacy ‘97 Heat won the U15 Super 2 Division going 3-1-0 in the three-day stretch.

Girls U15 Gold Division winner Orchard Valley YSL Chaos 96G went 3-0-1 as they took down Laguna Hills Eclipse 1997/1998, Central Valley YSL Arsenal 96G, and Placer United Prestige 97 Premier (Black).

For U16, the Santa Rosa United Shock blasted its competi-

tion going 3-0 taking down Exiles Black G95 from So Cal, Laguna Hills Eclipse White 95/96 and San Diego AcademyNavy. Santa Rosa took home the U16 FWRL-1, while Mountain View/Los Altos SC Lightning 95H won Bracket 2 also going undefeated over the weekend.

All the way from Utah, Black Diamond SC 95 won Bracket 1 in the U16 FWRL - 2, defeating the So Cal likes of LHSC Eclipse U16 East and United Futbol GU15 Black along with Burlingame SC Blitz 95G. Lamorinda SC United 95 smothered its opponents outscoring them 15-3 in four games and taking the U16 Super-1 title.

Diablo FC 95 stifled its competition with defense allowing only one goal during the weekend and taking home top honors for the U16 Super-2 crown. For the U16 Super-3 Division, Davis Legacy SC ‘96 Velocity edged out Eugene Metro FC Magic 26-25 in the points standings to emerge as the top team.

Cal Odyssey Elite 16 captured the U16 Gold-1 title with 29 points, holding off Central Valley Soccer Alliance Black and Santa Clara Sporting 95G White, both of which ended up with 24 points.

Capitol Athletic Casa Boca Juniors ‘95 sat atop the eightteam U16 Gold-2 division with 35 points, shutting out its competition in all four games. And the Nomads Fresno 95 Girls left the other teams in the dust going undefeated in the U16 Gold-3 Division with 34 points. Host team Pleasanton Rage AC 95-96 came in second with 11 points.

In U17 play, Eastside FC G94 Red from Washington eked out Exiles Black 94 of So Cal 22-19 in the points standings for FWRL. In the U17 Super-1 Division, Lamorinda United 94

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and De Anza Force SC 94G ECNL both went undefeated but the former finished with more points (38) to take home the top spot.

Real SoCal Black nudged ahead of Pleasanton Rage Premier 30-29 in the points standings in the U17 Super-2 Division. Both teams went 3-0-1. The So Cal Blues U17 BluesHelm reigned supreme in the U17 Super-3 Division with 28 points going 2-0-2 in the four games over the weekend. Davis SC Legacy 95 won the U17 Super-4 by going a perfect 4-0-0 on the weekend.

Perhaps the two teams traveling the farthest made its trips worthwhile as the Honolulu Bulls SC HSC Bulls 95G (Hawaii) and Cook Inlet Velocity Blue 95G (Alaska) finished first and third, respectively, in a hotly contested U17 Gold-1 Division. Other out-of-state U17 champions included, Crossfire Premier G94A from Reece, WA, (U17 Super-2) and Seattle United G94 Copa (U17 Gold-3).

Santa Clara Sporting 93G outlasted a very competitive U19 Super-1 Division with 25 points. From Oregon, Eugene Metro FC EMFC 93 Spirit outlasted grabbed the U19 Super-2 title, and Cal Odyssey Elite 18 (28 points) claimed the U19 Super-3 crown.

Fullerton Rangers 93 White only allowed one goal all weekend in taking the U19 Gold-1 Division. Davis Legacy SC 94 finished atop the U19 Gold-2 field, and FC Elk Grove 94 (31 points) did the same in the U19 Gold - 3 Division. The U19 Gold-4 Division went to Matrix SC Blue of Southern California. ✪ — SportStars staff

July 28, 2011

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While Adam Hinshaw may be the state’s best young distance swimmer, he pre 14

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A

efers to cuts a larger wake Support Your Local Business • Say You Found Them In SportStars™

dam Hinshaw claims to know his greatest strength as a swimmer: He’s wrong.

Hinshaw, a recent Saratoga High graduate and future Cal Golden Bear, says his endurance sets him apart. But those who know him, and perhaps even the great Mark Spitz, know better.

What is it that truly determines Hinshaw’s place in a discipline — long-distance swimming — that he himself has called “long and boring?”

“He’s never going to give up,” said his coach at Palo Alto Stanford Aquatics, Scott Shea.

“He won’t give up. That kind of bulldog attitude is what makes a really good long-distance swimmer.”

Perhaps in no other swimming event is tenacity and steadfastness more vital, which is why Hinshaw — who prides himself on his versatility — will never escape the 1,500-meter freestyle. He’s too tough, too cold-blooded, and too resolute not to be successful in an event that demands those qualities.

Hinshaw, rated the state’s top recruit by collegeswimming.com, will compete in five events at the U.S. senior national championships Aug. 2-6 at Stanford University’s Avery Aquatic Center, with an eye toward qualifying for the World Junior Championships in Lima, Peru.

At 17, he already owns Olympic Trials standards in the 1,500, 400 free, 200 free, and 400 individual medley, and last year placed ninth in the 10,000-meter open-water swim at the Junior Pan Pacific Championships off Maui — a 6.2-mile saga in 84-degree ocean temperatures.

Story by David Kiefer | Photos by Norbert von der Groeben July 28, 2011

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I like to go race pace in practice, not that long slow stuff.

Why train slow? It just gets the body used to a slower gear.”

Adam Hinshaw

Hinshaw remembers being hot and hungry, and struggling over the final 2,000 meters. But it’s not discomfort that tends to sour him on the distances despite his talent. It’s just that Hinshaw likes to swim fast — all the time.

Hinshaw’s specialty might seem to require a need to train in a steady, rhythmic (i.e., kind of slow) fashion as thousands of yards and several miles are left in his plodding wake.

Not so. Low distance, high intensity.

“I like to go race pace in practice, not that long slow stuff,” Hinshaw said. “Why train slow? It just gets the body used to a slower gear.”

A favorite workout is a breakdown of 100yard interval sets, with only five or six seconds between each sprint. The sets dwindle from five, to four, to three, two and one.

Meanwhile, the effort rises as the repeats grow progressively faster and fatigue builds.

Perhaps twice a week, Shea will chuckle as he sees Hinshaw grip the pool wall, dry-heaving, from the punishing workouts. Sometimes, Hinshaw will just plain heave.

“His mental toughness, his determination sets him above everybody else,” said Ryan Hinshaw, the oldest of the three swimming brothers. “And he does it day in and day out. Adam is one of those guys who never gives up.”

He’s had no choice.

Adam is the youngest of the three Hinshaw boys. Their father, Brad, was a standout swimmer and water polo player at Saratoga High, and recently was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame. Mother Laurie swam at nearby Prospect.

The boys — Ryan (now 21), Ben (20), and Adam — never were pushed into swimming, but water has always been a big part of their 16

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lives. Annual vacations are spent in places like Lake Tahoe and Hawaii. The boys were introduced to competitive swimming at the low-key Brookside Swim and Racquet Club in Saratoga before moving on to bigger clubs.

“Adam’s the third boy in the family,” Shea said. “He’s spent his entire swimming career chasing his brothers.”

Of course, it began long before that. Competition could appear in many forms — the fastest eater, the first to the bathroom to brush his teeth. The family actually placed a moratorium on Monopoly because of fraternal chaos.

The rivalry continued into the pool. Adam and Ben trained with the same clubs, but Ryan was sent to another, the Santa Clara Swim Club, “so we wouldn’t fight,” Adam said.

Ryan will be entering his redshirt junior season as a long-distance freestyler at Indiana University. Ben, a six-time Central Coast Section champion at Saratoga, will be entering his sophomore season for the reigning NCAA champion Golden Bears, specializing in the 400-yard individual medley, and Adam will be joining him there. All will compete at nationals, even in many of the same events.

“I swam with my older brothers,” Adam said. “I always wanted to race them.”

Most of the time, Adam got the worst of it, but he never stopped trying. And when it came to racing boys his age, he found he was far ahead of them.

From the 8-and-under age group on, Adam began to break regional and even national records. He continues to hold 13 USA Swimming Pacific Region individual records and two national marks, both in the 10-and-under division: 2 minutes, 12.18 seconds in the

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Adam Hinshaw practices his stroke during a morning workout at Fremont Hills Country Club on July 21.

200-meter free and 4:36.22 in the 400-meter free.

Even now, as Ben has returned for the summer to train under Shea, the rivalry has returned.

“Adam couldn’t wait for him to get back so he could race him again,” the coach said.

No telling what will happen in Berkeley next season, but Adam provided some hints in a pair of high school races last spring.

At his league championship, Hinshaw broke the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League’s 200-yard free record that had been held since 1968 by the great Spitz, a Santa Clara High swimmer who would go on to define the sport with seven gold medals at the 1972 Munich Olympics and 33 world records. Hinshaw’s 1:40.40 edged Spitz’s mark by 0.1.

Adam can also point to May 21 and the CCS 500-yard final at Stanford.

It was too late for Adam to approach Ben’s four career individual CCS titles. But as he attempted to successfully defend his 2009 championship in the event for his second career CCS individual crown, Adam had another incentive: Ben’s 2009 CCS record of 4:21.54.

The race evolved into a microcosm of Hinshaw’s ability and desire. His intense workouts strengthened him and his will to win prevented him from faltering.

“I realized if I wanted to get under 4:20, I just had to keep pushing it and never get into a comfort zone,” he told saratogafalcon.org

afterward.

Growing in confidence as he began to pull away from U.S. junior national team teammate Jackson Partin of Bellarmine Prep-San Jose, Hinshaw continued to push the pace as Ben kept him apprised of his lap counts.

Finally, Adam touched in at 4:19.08, shattering Ben’s mark.

“It was all good,” Ben said. “I got over him beating me a long time ago. I was happy for him. Our father always reminded us that records were made to be broken. I was glad he kept it in the family.”

As for the future, Adam will no doubt strengthen Cal because his distance talents will help shore up a relative team weakness, though Adam is quick to point out that he can help in far more areas than anticipated while he continues to develop each stroke.

However, that doesn’t take away from his exceptional talent in … sigh … the long distance freestyle. Which leads to the question: How far can he go?

“If he wants something, we’re going to offer it to him and we’re going to make sure he’s as good as he can be,” Shea said. “It’s harder to make the Olympic team than to be an NFL quarterback. It’s a pretty select group and it’s only once in four years. But the potential for him to have the opportunity is there.

“All we’re asking for is a chance.”

But given Hinshaw’s history, he won’t settle for that. ✪

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Hamstrings 101: Recognizing, preventing the most common muscle strain

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h, the hamstring. This muscle which makes up the back of your thigh, is the most frequently strained muscle in the body. A hamstring strain, is both common and painful. It can affect runners, as well as football, soccer and basketball players and so on. The hamstring is actually a group of muscles called the semitendinosus, semimembranosus and biceps femoris. Their primary function is to bend the knee and move the thigh backwards (extend the hip).

During a strain, one or more of these muscles gets stretched too far, or may even start to tear. This can happen with exercise that involves a lot of running, jumping or sudden starting or stopping.

Symptoms of a hamstring strain include: sudden sharp pain at the back of the thigh during exercise, possible snapping or popping feeling, pain with walking, tender to touch and sometimes bruising. It is also hard to straighten the leg or bend over when the hamstring is strained.

You can get a hamstring strain if you don’t stretch or warm up properly. We here at the Sports Medicine Center for Young Athletes recommend warm up with a brisk walk or jog followed by dynamic warm up of the primary muscles for your sports-specific activity prior to start of practice or competition.

The majority of hamstring strains are either called first- or second-degree, or graded 1 or 2 depending on the severity. A thirddegree or grade 3 strain is rare but involves a severe or complete rupture of the muscle, which may need surgery performed by an orthopedic surgeon.

Here’s a glance at the various symptoms for each type: ■ First degree/Grade 1: May have some

Health Watch Kelli Adams

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tightness in the back of the thigh, or feel sore, no obvious pain or swelling, may walk normally but with some discomfort.

■ Second degree/Grade 2: May be limping when trying to walk, may have heard or felt a pop during your activity, may notice some swelling, tender to touch, may not be able to fully straighten the knee, some bruising may be present ■ Third degree/Grade 3: Most likely will need crutches, obvious swelling and bruising, severe pain when trying to bend

the knee.

The best course of treatment for a hamstring strain is to see a medical professional (You can consult with your school trainer or physical therapist who may refer you to a sports medicine physician). The recommendation may include rest, ice, compression, elevation. And then, when able, practice stretching and strengthening exercises in a pain-free range of motion. When returning to your physical activity you should be able to move your leg as freely as the uninjured side, strength should be equal when compared to the uninjured side and you should not have any pain when you try to walk, jog, sprint or jump.

The best way to prevent hamstring strains is to stretch and strengthen. Stop exercise if you feel pain in the back of your thigh. ✪ Kelli Adams is a physical therapist assistant for the staff of Sports Medicine For Young Athletes, a division of Children’s Hospital Oakland with a facility in also 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.

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Vincent Byrd II, center, stands head and shoulders above his Black Barons teammates at a tournament in Woodland on July 23.

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BIGBYRD Exceeding 6 feet, 200 pounds, the only thing bigger than 13-year-old Vincent Byrd II are the expectations

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By jim mccue | Contributor

incent Byrd II knows what he wants — four years of varsity baseball at Sacramento High, and four years at Stanford or Berkeley, to play baseball and earn a Business degree followed by signing a professional baseball contract.

For the time being, though, he is content with some high heat on the outer half of the plate to drive.

“I just love swinging the baseball bat,” said Byrd, who goes by Junior or Vince to teammates, family, and friends. “I watch baseball all the time and play it on XBox, but mostly I like to just go and take hitting practice.”

Byrd can be found swinging the bat at home, at baseball practice, or in the batting cages at the Baseball Mentoring Program (BMP) in Sacramento. The 13-year-old, who will be a freshman at Sacramento High School in the Fall is constantly working to improve his swing and his overall game, but he has a natural talent and a passion for the game that was evident at a very early age.

“He started carrying around a wiffle bat before he could talk,” said his mother, Sylvia Byrd. “He would take it around with him everywhere hitting a ball on the ground, and sometimes even hitting his older brothers and sister.”

At age 5, when Junior could first participate in organized T-Ball, he turned heads with his swing and size. Byrd, who now checks in at over 6-feet tall and more than 200 pounds, was always bigger and stronger than his peers. That size, coupled with his early obsession with all things baseball, provided a challenge for Junior as well as his opponents.

“He would ask for the coach to pitch him the ball rather than use the tee,” said his father, Vincent Byrd. “From the first day, he had a knack for throwing harder and hitting farther than the others. But, he also had a greater understanding of the game because he would practice and play all the time.”

More recently, Junior has caught the attention of former professional players and coaches. Former Giant Jeffrey Leonard was impressed with his swing and Sacramento native Jerry Manuel, who most recently managed the New York Mets from 2008-2010, was awed by Byrd’s natural talent and love for the game.

“The first time I saw him swing, I said, ‘Wow! This guy has a chance to really do something with the game of baseball,’” Manuel said after his son, Anthony, brought him to see Junior take some cuts. “He has a beautiful and effortless swing that you look for in a major league hitter.”

Byrd has joined the Black Barons, a team that Anthony Manuel helps coach and that is funded by the Jerry Manuel Foundation. The foundation is a local organization whose mission is to increase the opportunities for youths, especially African-Americans and other inner-city kids, to play baseball.

After seeing a steady decline of African-Americans in Major League Baseball from his playing days in the 1970s and 80s through his coaching and managing days, Jerry

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Manuel wanted to help reverse the trend of young urban youth favoring basketball and football over the national pastime.

“I think we’re missing an element of the game that could take Major League Baseball to a new level,” Manuel said. “To get more young black kids involved, we need to mold these young kids to have a real passion to play baseball.”

While the focus is on African-Americans, Manuel says that his foundation, which currently has 18-20 young players, welcomes all players who want to play baseball, but might not have the resources or opportunity to do so.

Byrd is not the typical youngster involved in the Jerry Manuel Foundation, though, as his parents have provided the financial, physical, and emotional support for Junior to thrive on the baseball diamond. The Byrds have driven Junior to countless practices, games, and tournaments, as well as paid for extra training and instruction from BMP and other outlets.

As parents, Vincent and Sylvia have provided opportunities for Junior to improve as a baseball player, but they also share an understanding that baseball is not the only thing, and that Junior must determine his own goals. “A long time ago, I showed him my old trophies (from baseball and football success as a youth through college) and said, ‘This is what I did.’ We tell him that he can do what he wants to do and we’ll support him,

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James K. Leash/Sharp-EyeImages.com

but we always talk about him setting goals for himself and making sure that he enjoys being a kid,” Vincent said.

“Baseball is definitely his first love,” Sylvia

said, “but we keep instilling in him that even pro ballplayers have to have more talent than just playing baseball. He hates it, but we have to tell him to just stop playing sometimes because he needs rest and needs to remember that there are other things.”

Byrd has added basketball to his activities to both broaden his athletic endeavors and improve his conditioning and speed for baseball.

Junior credits basketball — including running lines and one-on-one full-court layup drills — for adding speed and quickness to his baseball skills.

The focus for summer, though, is applying all of his skills and talents to baseball for the Barons and another local travel team in order to be prepared to make an impact in high school. Junior is hopeful of making the Sacramento High varsity as a freshman and continuing to play with many of his friends, teammates, and possibly the head coach. Anthony Manuel, is seeking the Dragons’ head coaching job, which would give Junior the added continuity of instruction and coaching to a baseball regimen that has become routine for him.

Byrd’s routine has become more focused with the help of sessions at BMP and with Jerry Manuel.

With the natural swing and strength a given, Junior’s coaches and instructors have focused on refining his swing to further improve his overall game. Byrd has relied on launching tape measure home runs with the sheer strength of his arms and upper body, so Manuel and BMP instructors are working with Junior on incorporating his legs into the

I watch baseball all the time and play it on XBox, but mostly I like to just go and take hitting practice.”

Vincent Byrd II swing to generate even more power to an already mighty swing.

“We teach kids to hit the ball, so I want to see that you can hit the ball where it is pitched,” Jerry Manuel said. “You can walk all day long and not learn to hit. We want to teach them to put the bat on the ball now, and we can teach them to lay off bad pitches later.”

While that is a daunting thought for opposing pitchers, it is just a part of the plan for Junior to achieve his educational and baseball dreams. “We want to guide him and provide the best instruction we can because we believe in sacrificing to give all of our kids the tools to succeed,” Sylvia Byrd said. “I want my son to play and be happy. If he ever stops loving the game, then we will know it’s time to stop.”

At this point in his life, that is certainly not something that Vincent Byrd wants. ✪

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There’s a storm brewing Assemblywoman builds community outreach event with the help of a pro soccer player

By Chace Bryson | Editor

California Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla was interviewing candidates for a legislative assistant when she came across Katie McCoy. McCoy stood out among the candidates in at least one category. She was the only one who had played professional soccer in Iceland.

Certainly, that tidbit didn’t make her any more hirable for the job she was applying for, but it did make her standout to the representative of the 11th District. Bonilla is well versed in the world of soccer, mainly from just being a mom.

With four daughters ranging from ages 18-28 — all of whom played soccer — the fact that McCoy was a former Sacramento State standout, played overseas, and was an active member of the semi-professional California Storm, probably turned into an easy talking point for the interviewer and interviewee.

From that initial interview, and subsequent conversations after McCoy properly earned the job, spawned the idea of an outreach event for Bonilla centered around soccer and education. “Right away we were just throwing out the idea,” McCoy said. “About a month ago, (the Assemblywoman) was like ‘Yeah, let’s do it.’”

So hatched the event, “Taking the World By Storm: Building Self Confidence and Leadership On and Off the Field.”

It’s a long title, but it boils down McCoy and her teammates from the California Storm holding a free soccer clinic for up to 100 girls ranging from ages 10-16. The event will take place on Aug. 20 at Tesoro Fields in Concord, and will not only feature members of the Storm, but will also feature remarks and advice collegiate coaches and Bonilla herself.

The clinic will run for two hours, and be followed by an exhibition game between the Storm and a hand-picked team from Walnut Creek’s Diablo FC soccer club. The Diablo FC roster will consist of members from its U16-U18 elite squads.

“My hope is that this would be something that would be an inspiration for the girls who play and participate in the clinic,” Bonilla said. “They would see role models in the girls on the Storm and that they can be a strong, healthy and fit young women. Also, that they can have this strength and self-confidence to carry them through life.”

The California Storm is part of the Women’s Premier Soccer League which has teams throughout the country. The majority of the squads consist of former professionals as well as former and current collegiate standouts. The Storm’s most recognizable names include Brandi Chastain and Sisleide “Sissi” Do Amor, though it’s a revolving roster based on who is available for certain games and events.

For McCoy, this event is a perfect blend of current two passions: Soccer and politics. “I just hope to have a good turnout of girls with a variety of experience,” she said. “I’d just like to see them come out and have a lot of fun playing with each other while being able to watch and see what they can achieve 24

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Patty Giobetti

Katie McCoy, a member of the California Storm and a member of Assembleywoman Susan Bonilla’s staff, helped organize the event.

in terms of playing competitive soccer.”

Natalie Smith, who will play for the Diablo FC squad to oppose the Storm, said the event couldn’t be a better idea.

“The clinic sounds really good,” said Smith, who will be a senior at Alhambra High of Martinez in the fall and in her 12th year of playing soccer. “I would’ve loved to have something like that when I was young. It’s really going to be good to

help these girls (with less experience) become more interested in soccer, because it’s such a great sport.”

If the event is as successful as Bonilla and McCoy hope it will be, there’s certainly the chance for more on the horizon.

“This is not just a one shot deal,” the Assemblywoman said.

“I’m hoping that it will be something that we can do annually and build upon.” ✪ Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

tee2green

The First Tee of Oakland: From a teacher’s perspective

Introducing children to activities at an early age that will diversify their thoughts and provide them skills for a better future is not just important, it’s critical. A game that is hundreds of years old continues to intrigue those who learn to play it, and provides a healthy dose of solid core values that prepares them for success in life.

The First Tee, a world wide organization with an established curriculum, including nine core values and 27 core lessons, was created by professionals in education, and golf. The First Tee expects honesty, courtesy, respect for others, their surroundings and themselves. Ultimately, each player will live with integrity.

The local chapter I work with is called The First Tee of Oakland. We offer twelve hours of classes several times a year that get our young players to appreciate the wonderful game of golf. We involve the parents, too, which sparks their interest in golf, also.

Work is so demanding; parents need a break. Both Lake Chabot Golf Course and Metropolitan Golf Links (where classes are held) are breathtaking and revitalizing places. After a hard day of work, parents can appreciate the natural and peaceful surroundings of the golf course. The courses are so beautiful that images of mountains, wide expansive green area, bay views, deer, wild turkeys, and even eagle sightings are not uncommon.

The attitude of the children positively changes in just twelve hours of instruction. Those positive attitude changes build one session after another and lasts a lifetime. Each player takes home a unique experience — from interacting with coaches that have been specifically selected for their life experiences, and his or her interaction with the other young players that shared the day’s lesson.

The opportunity for me, a member of The Professional Golfers Association (PGA) from Castro Valley, to give back

to the game that has given me such joy and respect for the past 30 years satisfies a life long goal. I have created true friendships, enjoyed an exciting career as Head Golf Professional and Teaching Professional at several clubs in Georgia, Florida and California. Played professionally throughout the US and several countries, and even married my wife of 20 years on the 7th green of a Georgia golf course.

The concept of being persistent and using better judgment was reinforced in the process of becoming a professional golfer. Being on the golf course in the natural atmosphere has brought a special peace and serenity to my life over the years.

As coaches and friends of the First Tee players, the realization of how important our job is comes at the beginning of every class when we look into the faces of the group. Some are full of questions, and others eagerly wait to hear what you have to say. The excitement and the challenge to help our youth is what makes being a coach so rewarding. Our coaches are trained to help the players answer any and all of their questions, and reinforce the proper behavior their parents have been teaching along the way!

Give your children the opportunity of a lifetime, and join The First Tee of Oakland. ✪

First Tee Files

Todd Daniel

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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. Todd Daniel is the PGA is the Head Teaching Pro at Lake Chabot GC who works regularly with The First Tee Oakland. Check out your local chapter by visiting one of the following websites: www.

TheFirstTeeContraCosta.org, www.TheFirstTeeOak land.org, www.TheFirstTeeSanJose.org and www.TheFirst TeeTriValley.org.

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tee2green

Clayton Valley’s Books & Balls Tournament turns 20-years old Twenty years.

When a golf tournament has that kind of staying power, it’s doing something right.

That’s certainly the case for the CV Boosters Books & Balls Charity Golf Tournament, which celebrates it’s 20th birthday on Aug. 22 at Oakhurst Country Club in Clayton.

The charity event benefits Clayton Valley High School athletics and is put on by school boosters — parents and various supporters of athletics. “(The Clayton Valley High School Athletic Boosters) is a non-profit and all money goes back to the school,” said CVHS golf coach Chance Gernhardt, who also serves as the tournament director for the event.

“It’s one of two main fundraisers along with a crab feed. ...

Every dollar we raise goes back to the student athletes.”

The tournament will kick off with a shotgun start at 1:00 p.m. and will also include charity golf tournament staples like Closest to the Pin, a raffle, and a car giveaway for a hole-inone.

To register online, go to www.claytonvalleyathletics.com.

For more information, please contact Gernhardt at (925) 890-9620, Ed Juarez, CVHS Boosters vice president at (510) 813-0313 or John Gregerson, eTeam Sponsor golf tournament director at (888) 842-8220. ✪ — SportStars

NCGA Junior Leaderboard Following are the Top 15 boys and girls finishers in the championship flights of the NCGA/NCPGA Junior Tour Summer Series IV tournament played at Poppy Ridge Golf Club on July 20-21. Par for the two-round event was 144.

The Summer Series V tournament will take place Aug. 1-2 at Poppy Hills Golf Course in Pebble Beach.

BOYS Rank Player (hometown).................................. Total strokes 1 Paul Smith (Turlock).......................................................... 141 2 Adam Yount (Pleasanton)................................................. 143 T3 Cory Eddings (Roseville)................................................ 145 T3 Chad Bell (Fresno).......................................................... 145 T5 Connor Blick (Danville)................................................... 148 T5 Jonathan Lin (Fremont).................................................. 148 7 Alex Hebert (Pleasanton).................................................. 149 T8 Johnny Castles (Cupertino)............................................ 150 T8 Jonny Metz (Danville)..................................................... 150 T10 Sam Richardson (Pleasanton)..................................... 151 T10 Chris Parkinson (Danville)............................................ 151 T10 Amay Poria (Morgan Hill)............................................. 151 T10 Cameron Gardner (San Ramon)................................. 151 T10 Ryan Maund (Pleasanton)........................................... 151 T15 Cole Range (Woodbridge)........................................... 152 T15 Matthew Stanners (Lafayette)...................................... 152 T15 Harrison Hsieh (Dublin)................................................ 152 GIRLS Rank Player (hometown)..................................Total Strokes 1 Kortnie Maxoutopoulis (Pleasanton)................................ 147 2 Taylor Bickell (Napa)......................................................... 149 3 Isabella Bosetti (Napa)...................................................... 151 4 Kelsey Kawaguchi (Los Altos).......................................... 152 T5 Xin Fang (Menlo Park).................................................... 153 T5 Nina Fairbairn (Orinda)................................................... 153 T5 Clare Sorenson (Roseville)............................................ 153 9 Melissa Hosman (Castro Valley)...................................... 154 10 Meredith Hirsch (Fremont).............................................. 155 T11 Abigail McGrew (Yolo)................................................... 156 T11 Marissa Hinchman (Lodi).............................................. 156 T13 Alicia Binneboese (Carmel Valley)............................... 159 T13 Janelle Reali (Livermore)............................................. 159 15 Niki Kelly (Tracy)............................................................. 163

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Promise of hoop dreams realized has opened a noticeable pipeline from the East Bay to Findlay College Prep

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WHY SO POLARIZING ■ THE SCHOOL: Findlay College Prep ■ LOCATION: Henderson, Nev. (population 257,729), is within Las Vegas metropolitan area and occupies southeast end of Las Vegas Valley

■ STUDENT BODY: However many play for basketball team – last season 10. They are enrolled by invitation only

■ LAUNCHED: In 2006, backed by $1 million from auto magnate and UNLV booster Cliff Findlay.

■ COACH: Mike Peck, former UNLV assistant.

■ EDUCATION: Players attend Henderson International.

■ ESTIMATED COSTS (TUITION, HOUSING, TRAVEL, FOOD): $41,000 annually

■ PLAYERS’ COST: Free.

■ FINDLAY ALUMS DRAFTED BY THE NBA: Tristan Thompson (4th pick, 2011, Cavaliers), Cory Joseph (29th pick, 2011, Spurs), DeAndre Liggins (53rd pick, 2011, Magic), Avery Bradley (19th pick, 2010, Celtics).

■ HIGHEST NATIONAL RANKINGS: 2010-11 (No. 13, 28-4), 2009-10 (No. 2, 32-1), 2008-09 (No. 3, 33-0), 2007-08 (No. 25, 20-0), 2006-07 (NR, 5-1).

■ 2010-11 ROSTER: Featured seven of 10 players from out of the country, two from Nigeria, two from Canada and one each from Croatia, Denmark and Australia. Other three were from Arizona, Oregon and Texas.

■ SCHEDULE: Played 28 of its 34 games last season out of state, including nine games in Florida and 12 on the East Coast.

■ STATE ASSOCIATION: Completely independent and not a Nevada Interscholastic Athletics Association member school. State associations from California and Georgia ban its member schools from playing against Findlay Prep.

■ BIGGEST RAP: High school-aged kids, but not high school team ■ LOUDEST PRAISE: Players go to class, are wellbehaved and improve.

■ LARGEST HEAD-SHAKER: Thompson, from Toronto, was booted off his St. Benedict’s Prep (Newark, N.J.) team following an argument with coach Dan Hurley on a Tuesday in 2010, and was already playing for Findlay Prep by the following Saturday.

■ GENERAL ASSESSMENTS: It resembles a college basketball program

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By mitch stephens | Contributor

ominic Artis, a green, impressionable 5-foot-6 freshman at the time, was upset.

He had just heard that his Salesian High School teammate — star and then-sophomore off-guard Jabari Brown — was transferring schools to some place in Nevada, supposedly to broaden his horizons.

Brown, with the help of Artis, had just led the Richmond school to a CIF State Division IV championship in 2009.

“My first reaction was I was kind of mad,” Artis admitted two weeks ago. “I wasn’t going to see him any more. We weren’t going to be teammates. But after a while I understood.

He was just preparing for the next level.”

Now, after growing seven inches to 6-1 and exponentially blossoming into one of the nation’s most coveted point guards, the sneaker is on the other foot and Artis completely comprehends.

He is following Brown’s path to Findlay Prep of Henderson, Nev., one of the nation’s premier, most controversial and talked-about programs that has claimed four NBA draft picks in the last two seasons including 2011 first-rounders Tristan Thompson and Cory Joseph.

Add Brandon Ashley, a three-year Bishop O’Dowd-Oakland starter who announced in June that he’s also heading to Findlay, and that’s three Bay Area super preps in three seasons have been plucked away by the allure of this college-type program.

Artis hopes it turns out better for him than Brown, who left Findlay after two months, but his reasons for leaving one of the Bay Area’s premier programs sounds very similar to his former teammate.

“It’s a college-life environment,” Artis said. “It’s the best situation for me to prepare for the next step. It’s a great opportunity. I plan to seize it.”

But the cost to seize it comes with some cost. Not financial. Findlay picks up the hefty annual $41,000 fee for tuition at prestigious Henderson Academy, books, travel, room and board for players such as Artis and Ashley to attend.

But the price tag of leaving behind family, friends, teammates and coaches, all whom have played vital roles in their lives, is immeasurable. As are senior social events like proms, picnics and graduation with life-long peers.

“That can be hard,” said Findlay Prep head coach Mike Peck, a former UNLV assistant. “These are not college-aged kids. Some are 15 or 16 years old. This isn’t for everyone.”

ANOTHER BROTHER It wasn’t necessarily for Artis, until his friend Ashley committed to Findlay in the middle of June.

The two have been teammates on the Oakland-

based Drew Gooden Soldiers for the last five years.

Said Artis, who July 24th made his college commitment to UCLA: “I had been thinking and considering Findlay Prep for a while but once Brandon decided to go, that sort of sealed it for me.”

When Ashley, a 6-9 do-everything forward rated the No. 6 recruit in the country for the Class of 2012

by MaxPreps.com, learned Artis was following him it reaffirmed his decision.

“To have like another brother who I’ve played with for the last five years join me in the next journey in life is huge,” Ashley said. “It’s going to be exciting.”

But not so thrilling for those teams left without a superstar.

“Losing a good player is hard,” Peck said. “For those coaches it can be the difference between going 24-2 and winning a state title and a losing season.

But we have also had the opposite end of the spectrum where they support it.”

Not so much in the case of Salesian’s Bill Mellis and Bishop O’Dowd’s Doug Vierra, two head coaches regarded for their class and dignity in both victory and defeat.

Each loses rarely, however. O’Dowd has won back-to-back Northern California Division III crowns and Salesian is defending NorCal Division IV champion.

Vierra told Oakland Tribune reporter Jimmy Durkin after Ashley’s decision: “Brandon’s been a huge part of our basketball family for the last three years and a huge part of our success. Everybody on the team wishes him well for his future.”

Mellis was equally Zen about Artis’ decision and said he and staff totally supported it. But don’t get the idea he was standing and applauding.

“He’ll move and we’ll move on,” Mellis said. “He’ll be fine and we’ll be fine.

“If he feels like he’ll be more prepared for college going there, of course we support it. We want what’s best for Dominic. We wish him the best. DA (his nickname) was a big part of what we’ve done here Josh Holmberg/Cal Sport Media/ZUMAPRESS.com

LEFT: Findlay College Prep point guard Nigel Williams-Goss brings the ball up court against Bishop Gorman-Las Vegas in January. Williams-Goss will be a senior this fall.

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for the last three years. The kids and staff love him.

“But we’re going to have a great team next season with or without him. We’re not going to miss a beat.”

Indeed, no program in Northern California could bounce back from the loss of 15 points, six assists and three steals provided by Artis each game.

The Pride return 12 of 15 players from last year’s squad that won 35 of 37 games on the court, but had to forfeit 10 games due to a paperwork snafu with Sophomore All-American Jabari Bird.

Bird was rumored to be following the path to Findlay, but Mellis said that was squelched immediately by the high-flying 6-5 forward and his family.

After losing two elite recruits in two seasons, Mellis isn’t surprised by anything. He isn’t bracing for players moving on early or stressing either.

TODAY’S CULTURE In the age when LeBron James moves from adoring fans and the friendly confines of home in Cleveland to pursue an NBA championship in Miami, kids are following suit.

“It is what it is,” Mellis said. “I’m not really sure what to make of it. I’m not 30

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going to get hurt feelings or bent out of shape about it because it’s part of today’s culture.”

And there’s nothing wrong with that culture, said Ashley’s mother Lashiem Clark, and certainly nothing wrong with Findlay Prep, which gets a bad rap as a basketball factory.

She investigated the school and program extensively and whole-heartedly gave her son support in leaving.

A single mom raising three other daughters, Clark said letting her only son go a year early wasn’t an easy choice, but the right one. “(Peck) has no hidden agenda,” she said. “He’s not selling a bill of goods. I’ve heard so many negative things so that’s why Brandon and I had to go down and see for ourselves. We were both very impressed.”

Ashley, who averaged modest numbers for O’Dowd — 15 points, nine rebounds and three blocks per game — is anxious to take the next step, though leaving two younger and adoring sisters is tough.

He’s narrowed his college choices to seven: Arizona, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Oregon, Syracuse, Texas and UCLA. Heading to Findlay is like leaving to college a year early.

“It’s definitely going to be a huge change,” he said. “Leaving my family and

Bob Larson/SportStars file

The career of Bishop O’Dowd-Oakland standout Brandon Ashley (right) has been heavily followed since his breakout sophomore season in 2009-10. Ashley was named first-team AllState in 2010-11 after leading the Dragons to the California Interscholastic Federation Division III state finals. He announced his decision to attend Findlay on June 22.

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It’s a college-life environment,” Artis said. “It’s the best situation for me to prepare for the next step. It’s a great opportunity. I plan to seize it.”

Dominic Artis, pictured friends will be hard, but I’m trying to prepare for the next level. In a way, I’m really doing this for my family. ... Hopefully someday I’ll make it to the NBA.” Peck said Ashley will fit in on all fronts.

“First of all, he’s a great person,” he said. “He comes from a great family, his mother has done a fantastic job raising him. What makes him so special as a player is how skilled and talented his is. He can handle the ball, is good with either hand, he plays hard. At the end of the day, he’s just a winner.”

Known for his unselfish play, Ashley will likely put up many more shots at Findlay. He’ll need to in order to develop his mid-range game.

“For three years Brandon did the team thing, but now it’s time to be a little selfish and do what’s best for Brandon,” Clark said. “Of course it was a tough decision. … But he’s willing to do it to take the next step. He wants to be a factor his first year of college.

“The thing is for my son is to be challenged on a daily basis. And boy will he be challenged.

Going everyday against Anthony Bennett will definitely challenge him.”

Findlay’s Bennett, a 6-7, 230-pound incoming senior, is the nation’s No. 44 recruit from the class of 2012.

GROWING TREND Being challenged every day is part of the allure for the elite players.

Mark Olivier, co-director and coach for the AAU Soldiers thinks that’s part of the reason elite players are leaving.

“A lot of these schools, when they get to league play, there’s no competition,” said Olivier, a former high school coach at Hercules, Salesian and St. Mary’s. “The classy high school coach doesn’t want to rub in the score, so the elite player doesn’t play but a quarter. That’s not fair to him.”

According to MaxPreps Basketball Editor Jason Hickman, 19 of the Top 100 2012 recruits plan to leave their hometowns for independent, out-of-area schools. Eleven others are enrolled in schools Hickman terms “basketball-centric” schools that feature athletes beyond state or even national borders.

“I definitely see a trend from a basketball standpoint,” Huntington Prep (W. Va.) head coach Rob Fulford said. “I think to some degree 32

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Oakland High standout Jabari Brown (32) had the game-winning assist in the 2009 CIF Division IV state final as a teammate of Dominic Artis at Salesian-Richmond.

The following season, he spent two months with Findlay College Prep before returning home because of family reasons. He finished out his career with Oakland and earned a full scholarship to Oregon.

Jonathan Hawthorne/ SportStars file (facing page) Bob Larson/SportStars file (right)

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Findlay Prep helped popularize it with the lure of Las Vegas and the financial backing. They were able to jump start their program quicker than most.”

Even though Brown left, he never regretted the move. He got homesick, wanted to play with his brother Jamil Brown and childhood AAU chums T.J. Taylor, Dominique Taplin and Andrew Nash at Oakland High.

He played 1½ seasons for Oakland and earned All-American while averaging more than 23 points and seven rebounds per game last season.

“I left originally to play at the top level of competition and see if I could stack up against the best,” he said. “That didn’t work out. There were some family tragedies back home (deaths of a cousin and a best friend. His grandmother was also terminally ill). All that combined was tough. I came back home to family for support and to support others.”

His roller coast ride through high school — three different high schools in three years — worked out fine. He earned a full ride to Oregon, where he’ll attend in the fall.

Peck told Hickman such a free choice for the basketball elite resembles Europe’s academy approach.

“Absolutely I could see it with the elite-level kids,” Peck said. “People see what has happened with players like Cory Joseph, Tristan Thompson and Avery Bradley as a result of them being here.

“They don’t want to plateau. They want to improve and get better at a faster rate than they would by going through a traditional high school in their hometown — experiencing the travel, living away from home, the game schedule, practice day in and day out.”

Other than living away from home, Mellis thinks the same experience is possible without hitching up the trailer.

“I think our kids are enjoying themselves,” he said, “and playing at a pretty high level too.” ✪

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Yuba City’s Peach Bowl Little League Senior softball team earned its title the hard way By gerardo recinos | SportStars

B

ob Smith has been coaching Little League baseball and softball for nearly 20 years. He’d marked this season with the Peach Bowl Little League Seniors softball team as his last.

And when his Yuba City-based squad of 15- and 16-year olds wound up in the Loser’s Bracket of the Division 2 championships, Smith probably figured that was that.

Because battling back from the Loser’s bracket in a state tournament is easy. The odds are often stacked against those teams.

But Peach Bowl wasn’t worried about the odds. Which turned out to be a good thing.

After getting to the finals, they needed two wins against a familiar opponent.

Redwood Empire Little League, which hails from Humboldt County and serves the Eureka/McKinleyville area, was unbeaten in the tournament — handing lopsided defeats to teams of Northridge Little League and local-favorite Antioch Little League. Peach Bowl was in the loser’s bracket after a 7-6 quarterfinal loss to Antioch, a defeat which they avenged by eliminating Antioch 17-3 three days later.

That win put Peach Bowl in the championship game, where they had a chance to avenge a loss to Redwood Empire a season ago. Only, they’d need to do it twice.

“Knocking off Antioch was huge,” Peach Bowl coach Bob Smith said. “But when Redwood came up the girls said ‘We’re going after them.’”

The teams met for Game 1 on July 21 at Hidden Valley Park in Martinez. Both teams traded blows until the score was knotted at 4-4 after three innings.

Peach Bowl center fielder Courtney Bybee gave her team the lead for good with a an RBI single that left the score 6-5 after the fourth

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inning. Peach Bowl would then continue to press and take advantage of some sloppy defense by Redwood Empire, eventually coasting to a 9-5 win.

“I think it was a case of nerves for us in the first game,” Redwood Empire coach Kelsie Parks said. “We committed nine errors. It was a team I did not recognize. It’s really tough to win a game at this level with that many errors.”

Peach Bowl was given new life. Redwood Empire was given a reality check.

And Redwood Empire responded.

Behind pitcher Hailey Del Grande and a menacing offense, Redwood Empire posted six runs in the first three innings for a 6-0 advantage.

Then clean-up hitter Jostyn Bebout came to the plate for Peach Bowl. After striking out in her first at bat, the third baseman had the bases loaded and was determined to get the offense started.

Started was an understatement.

Bebout took the pitch from Del Grande and drove it to straightaway centerfield, over the fence for a grand slam.

“We were in control the first few innings,” Parks said. “Until we gave up the grand slam.

That was definatly the momentum shift.”

Though Peach Bowl was still down by two runs, no one on the Peach Bowl side seemed to think that it was possible for their team to lose.

Peach Bowl squelched a threat by Redwood in the top of the fourth, and then Smith rallied his troops “I just told them, you guys want to go to Montana (for Western Regionals), you guys have to do it,” Smith said And that’s what they did.

They took advantage of a Redwood miscue in the bottom of the 4th inning to bring the

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The Champs Following are the California Little League Section and Division baseball and softball champions as of July 25.

SECTION 1-BASEBALL ■ Seniors: North/South Oakland LL ■ Juniors: Petaluma National LL ■ 11-12-year olds: Petaluma Valley LL ■ 10-11-year olds: Petaluma National LL ■ 9-10-year olds: San Francisco National LL DIVISION 2-SOFTBALL ■ Seniors: Peach Bowl LL (Yuba City) ■ Juniors: Marysville LL ■ 11-12-year olds: Gilroy LL ■ 10-11-year olds: Girloy LL

Butch Noble

LEFT: Jostyn Bebout was the first of many heroes in the decisive Game 2 of the championship. Her fourth-inning grand slam to centerfield cut Redwood Empire’s six-run lead to just two.

RIGHT: Savanah Besso pitched in both games of the championship, and helped start the 1-6-3 double play that served as the final outs of the tournament.

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gap to only one run, and from there they took off. With runners on second and third, Kelsey Smith singled and drove in two runs, and Peach Bowl had finally taken the lead.

Of course, there was no way Redwood Empire was going to lay down and just quit.

Second baseman Kerianne Powell started a two-out rally for Redwood in the top of the sixth with a double. Kate Brenneman then followed with a single to put runners on the corners with two outs. In that situation, with only four outs keeping Redwood Empire from elimination, Taylor Snelgrove — who began the game on the bench for Redwood — singled up the middle and tied the game up at 7-7.

In the bottom half of the 6th inning, Peach Bowl put runners at second and third with only one out.

Setting the stage for catcher Ally Reece.

With the entire Peach Bowl team cheering along with several Yuba City supporters, Reece was able to hoist a fly ball to right field and bring home the go-ahead run.

After 13 and a half innings of championship softball, Redwood Empire put up one last gasp against Peach Bowl pitcher Savanah Besso. With one-out and a runner on first, Del Grande squared up Besso’s offering and sent it back up the middle. And it would’ve been a hit, had Besso not got her glove down just in time.

Instead, it was a 1-6-3 double play that sent Peach Bowl into a celebration.

“I’ve been doing this for 19 years,” Smith said. “This is the best team I’ve ever coached, I’m very proud of these girls.

“Being down 6-0 in a championship game is crazy, but loading the bases and Jostyn hitting that grand slam was story book, it’s just unbelievable.”

The team that kept Smith from retirement now moves on to Missoula, Montana, for the Western Regional tournament

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from July 28-Aug. 3. It will feature Division champions from Washington, Oregon, Arizona, Southern California and the host state.

“They told me we’ll let you go after Montana,” Smith said.

But Smith’s wife knows better. “(She) told me, ‘You wont be able to leave.’ And she’s probably right, it’s what I love.” ✪

Butch Noble

ABOVE: The Peach Bowl infielders meet on the mound prior to the start of an inning during Game 1 of the finals on July 21.

RIGHT: First baseman Kelsey Smith awaits a throw during Game 1 action.

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“I’ve been doing this for 19 years.

This is the best team I’ve ever coached, I’m very proud of these girls. Being down 6-0 in a championship game is crazy, but loading the bases and Jostyn hitting that grand slam was story book, it’s just unbelievable.”

Bob Smith

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Starting your triathlon training: Set up good patterns early

S

4. Bring a watch to every practice. Time is not everything, but it is o, you’ve decided to train for a triathlon? Congratulations!

Triathlon is an amazing sport that helps you stay fit and have one measurement of your improvement throughout the season, and fun, and can be for the every man — the person with a job, a helps you work at your own pace. family, and a life outside of triathlon. The beauty of triathlon is there 5. Go your own pace, and work at your skill level. Remember, is always something new to learn, and always something to do. every athlete has different strengths and skills. Another beauty of Training for your triathlon is that one person first triathlon is may be really fast and exciting, but can be have great form in swimoverwhelming. There is ming, but is not as good a lot of information out of runner. Early in the there. Through this seseason, focus more on the ries of editorials I hope discipline where you need to give athletes some the most work. basic information to get 6. Modify workouts them started in a direcTriSteps will be a seven-part, monthly series focusing on a variety as needed based on your tion that will keep them of topics that athletes should know about as they set their sights on incoming fitness, race disenjoying their training training for their first triathlon. Here’s a list of the upcoming topics. tance and strengths. For for a lifetime.

■ Getting started ■ Introduction to open water example, if your “A” race The biggest part ■ Basic gear swimming is an Olympic distance of training for any ■ Nutrition basics ■ Importance of proper form race, but your cycling skills endurance event is ■ Choosing a race/setting goals ■ Avoiding injury and illness are strong, feel free to do consistency. Make the longer bike distances triathlon part of your through the season. life, not your life part 7. Remember you are only as good as your next practice. Workof triathlon. You will be more consistent, and will have more fun and ing at your level and pace will help you enjoy the process, and stave more longevity in your training over your life. off injury and sickness. The worst thing you can do is work out so The first month is all about setting up training patterns and hard that you can’t do anything the next day. working the training into your life. This is the time to set patterns of training, build your aerobic fitnes, and build your form in each of the 8. Don’t expect to learn everything in one season. Triathlon has a disciplines: swim, bike and run. Save speed workouts for later. The lot of pieces, there is a lot to learn. Have fun, and the skills will come. important thing is do something, swim/bike/run six days a week, and 9. Keep a list of your workouts. What you did, how long, where keep it 80 percent aerobic you trained. This will help you see where you can improve.

Find a team or club that fits your goals and skill level, and attend 10. Lastly, sleep. Athletes need more sleep so your bodies can as many group trainings as possible. Attending group practices is the recover. Sleep is when your muscle fibers rejuvenate. best way to ensure you are being consistent with your training and Remember, the beauty of triathlon is there is always something new learning the right mechanics. The group trainings are where coaches to learn. Personally, I grew up swimming competitively, and at some will help you with your form, teach you how to pace in each of the point, knew most of what there was to know. I love triathlon because disciplines, and give you other valuable information. And training after eight years of competition, I am still learning. Each season I bewith people is just more fun. gin with a better base of fitness and skill level, but every season I learn Here are 10 things that will help you have a more successful season: more about how to become better, faster, and stronger. Mostly, I learn 1. Have fun! Enjoy the workouts and make friends. more about myself, and how to continue to enjoy my training. ✪ 2. Work out with people as much as possible. It is easier, more Liz Elliott is a USTA Level 1 coach and the head coach of the Tri-Valley fun and will help you maintain consistency.

Triathlon Club based in Dublin. Liz specializes in preparing beginner 3. Set up training patterns early, so they become second nature. triathletes for their first triathlon or set of triathlons. She has coached Try to train at least three to four times per week, even if your time does not allow for the full six days per week. A little each day is better and taught swimming 19 years, and coached hundreds of triathletes at than the “weekend warrior” approach. all distances. Contact her at liz@trivalleytriclub.com .

Liz Elliott

Run To The Lake celebrates another successful year With runners split into 5K, 10K and the Kids Dash, nearly 1,300 people participated in Eden Medical Center’s annual Run to the Lake on July 10.

The course started at Eden Medical’s facilities with the halfway point at Lake Chabot Park and back to Eden for the finish. Spectators were not only treated to competitive running, they were treated to a Health Expo where they received free health screenings, including glucose, body fat, bone density and blood pressure. For the 5K run, Nolan Tonkyn from Albany emerged victorious in the Male 13 to 17 age division with a time of 16 minutes, 12 seconds. Adam White of San Lorenzo came in second at 16:55 and Jared Steele of Pacifica got third at 18:24. On the girls side, Kira Torretto of Tracy won the 13 to 17 5K with a winning time of 23:37.

Brittany Sansoni also of Tracy came in second place one second behind

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Torretto and Laura Herbeck of Livermore finished third at 24:29.

Kolding keeps pushing In our April 28 issue, we featured the story of El Cerrito High grad, Mark Kolding — who as a freshman at UC Davis was adding the sport of triathlon to his already-established baseball career. After struggling a bit in his first triathlon of the season at AVIA Wildflower (we will not acknowledge any notion of a cover jinx!), he has since picked up the pace. At the Triathlon at Treasure Island on July 22, Kolding finished sixth among 20 collegiate men. His time of 2:29.30 for the Olympic course was more than two minutes faster than what he clocked at Wildflower.

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We should not fear pitch counts, they save arms

T 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! ❒❒ ❒❒ ❒❒ ❒❒ ❒❒ ❒❒ ❒❒ ❒❒ ❒❒ ❒❒ ❒❒ ❒❒ ❒❒ ❒❒ ❒❒ ❒❒

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“Pitch selection has so far oday I’m going to discuss the benefit of controlling not been shown to increase pitch counts for your injuries, but pitch counts do,” young pitchers. The issue of says Cressey.

Sadly poor judgment by fixed pitch counts has drawn a athletes, parents and coaches lot of reaction in recent years, is the primary reason that with some of those opposed to kids get hurt. We can do all the idea going so far to say that the strength training, mobility babying arms could possibly work, and soft tissue treatments lead to more injuries. Sounds in the world and it won’t matter crazy right? Well it is. if the arm is overused. So worFirst I would like to give rying about whether kids are credit to Eric Cressey at www. throwing curveballs, or if their ericcressey.com for the majority mechanics are perfect won’t of content you are about to matter if they’ve already read. Eric is the go-to accumulated too many guy in the baseball innings. development field for Most coaches and me and many strength parents don’t realize coaches, high school, that young athletes play college and pro athletes. with fire each time they Controlling pitch throw and their pain counts will not put presentation pattern is your young athletes at different. a higher risk for injury.

“You burn your hand, Arm injuries (like all and you know instantly,” youth sports injuries) are Cressey says. “Pitching rising exponentially due injuries take time to to participation being at come about. And many Eric Cressey an all-time high thanks issues leading to into the proliferation of jury might be managed all-star travel baseball conservatively if painful during the teenage teams, AAU teams, fall ball, private pitchyears (or go undetected if no pain is present), ing instruction, and the baseball showcase but once a kid hits age 18 or 19, it seems to industry. automatically become “socially acceptable” A study by Olsen et al. in 2006 clearly to do an elbow or shoulder surgery”. demonstrated strong associations between The tough thing about implementing a injuries requiring surgery and pitching pitch count limit is that you won’t see the “more months per year, games per year, true benefits for 5-6 years, as that’s when innings per game, pitches per game, pitches overused kids often reach the threshold. We per year, and warm-up pitches before a are now seeing the fallout in high school, game.” The message was very clear: throw college and pro ball of all the years of high too much, especially at a young age, and volume/high frequency pitching opportuniyou’re going to wind up hurt. ties that took place before pitch count guideAnother study from February of this lines were established. We can do everything year by Fleisig et al. showed in no uncertain right in terms of physical preparation, but terms that, in ages 9-14, throwing more than if your young athlete throws too much — 100 innings per year was associated with a especially at a vulnerable age — none of it 3.5 times higher risk of elbow or shoulder will matter. surgery — or retirement altogether.

Training Time Tim Rudd for IYCA

Pitch selection has so far not been shown to increase injuries, but pitch counts do.”

Could pitch selection be the cause? Well there are several research studies out now that show that there are only two things that injure young pitchers, and they are not the curveball or slider. Two words: NEGLECT and ABUSE.

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 anything you read in Training Time, email him at tim@fit2thecore.com.

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impulse Welcome to Impulse, your one-stop shop for the latest and greatest in gadgets, gizmos, games and anything else we can fit in here. Impulse always keeps you in the know of what’s hot.

This week, we tour the wares of Mike’s Bikes. With locations all over the Bay, Mike’s has become a staple for quantity and quality in the bike industry. We peruse seven bikes for seven types. ... Surely you can find one that fits you. For more info, hit up www.mikesbikes.com. Enjoy!

Fixie - Schwinn Cutter Go with the oldest of the old school with the Schwinn Cutter. Fixies were the first bike constructed by Mike’s, which we guess makes the Schwinn Cutter the George Washington of the United States of Mike’s Bikes. Here’s an easy rule to remember: Fixie = crazy simple. One gear, one brake, one style, one feel. You can ride this baby all over town; it doesn’t matter if you’re going uphill or downhill, the cutter will take you to where you’re going with relative ease and comfort. Out-hipster your entire school and community with this vintage set of wheels.

Road (competitive) BMX (freestyle)

Mountain (downhill)

Women’s

When it comes to big air, crazy flips and other flashy tricks, look no further than the GT El Centro. The El Centro is an X-Games must-have for those who think they can handle the national spotlight. With a feathery frame and fork along with big, husky rims, this freestyle bike can handle the street, park and vert ramp all in one go. Complete with a set of pegs, the El Centro has everything you need to capture X-Games gold — everything except, you know, actually practicing and landing some of the toughest tricks known to man on a regular basis.

The Diamondback Assault 2 is the only mountain bike you’ll need for all types of riding. Downhill, freestyle, jumping — it can handle it all. This rig comes with RockShox, the burliest, most reliable fork in the mountain biking biz, as well as Alienation rims and a slick chromoly frame. Punish the dirt, park and street with the Assault 2 and own your competition, whether it’s in dual slalom or trick competitions. Despite its thick and husky appearance, the Assault 2 comes with Kenda tires and a rear Hayes disc brake so you’ll be zooming past second and third routinely.

This chic, retro-looking rig is ideal for quick rides in the park, getting to friend’s houses and running errands in the city. The fact that it requires virtually no maintenance is thanks in large part to its innovative belt drive system and simple shifting. All the parts and components fit like a glove and coexist with one another like a dream. More than just a ride that gets your from Point A to Point B, the Live sets the standard for everyday use and gives a new meaning to commuter bike.

Cruiser classic Not all bikes are meant for X-Games glory or shredding up trails in the wilderness. Some are meant for taking advantage of a nice summer day.

Hit up downtown, cruise the beach or coast all over your neighborhood with the Electra Sparker Special. With a seat cushion that feels like a portable La-Z-Boy, you’ll be in cycler’s euphoria as you pedal to your heart’s content. Who knows. You might even forget you’re riding a bike.

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Look, we could’ve chosen the biggest, baddest, fastest set of wheels Mike’s has to offer for this category. A bike that would make even Lance Armstrong salivate. Unfortunately, you would need to mow about 10,000 lawns to pay your parents back OR not get any other Christmas gifts until you’re 45 ...

It’s totally up to you. We’ll make the decision easy by going with something lighter on the wallet but without sacrificing speed, durability and Top-3 finishes. The Specialized Transition Elite AL is ideal for shaving off precious seconds in a triathlon or any other major race where a few seconds separates second and 22nd. This bike will cause you to leave the peloton in the dust and send you sprinting to the finish with a yellow jersey in sight.

Kids For the youngster who knows no fear, hook ‘em up with the Raleigh Mountain Scout. This bad boy will be all he needs to tear up the off-road and advanced trails. With too many gears to count (OK, there are 21), the Mountain Scout will give Junior the competitive edge he needs against his 2-wheelin’ opponents. This ride also has a slick paint job that will catch the eye of any bystander on the dirt path or hallways. The Mountain Scout is perfect for kids who want to take the next step toward becoming a mountain or park legend.

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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: 925459-2880.

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 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

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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: 925-575- 4818, 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: 925933-3701, 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. Info: 925.680.4400, www. AspirePilatesCenter.com.

Children’s Hospital The second of two “Sport Speed Camp” presented by the Children’s Hospital Oakland Sports Medicine is being held 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, Fit2-The-Core Training Systems offers an innovative approach to getting young athletes back on the field post-rehabilitation, 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 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. 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: 925-9326400, www.wcsf.net ENRICHMENT Dianne Adair Programs We offer a wide variety of enrichment programs for your child, during the school year and throughout summer. Activities include:

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camps + clinics 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

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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 9176442 • 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, 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.

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 650-9495609.

UmiGo Calling all speed demons and race rats: buckle up for the fastest go-kart 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. 650359-1425, mattcolesurfs@hotmail.com; http:// universityofsurfing.com/index.html.

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camps + clinics

Camptastic!

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: 925-934-4050, www.clubsports.com VOLLEYBALL Pacific Rim Volleyball We offer several skill-based camps and clinics, including setting camp, hitting camp and an all-skills 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

■ For more camps and clinics listings, visit the SportStars Virtual Campsite at http://www.sportstarsmag.com/camps_ and_clinics.

■ Want to get your camp listed online or in the magazine?

Or both? Call us at 925-566-8500.

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 is offering an Advanced Camp for kids of ages 11-18 from Aug. 8-12. Camps are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. daily at the CYC. Info: 925-671-7070, Ext. 229, www. communityyouthcenter.com.

COACHING De La Salle sports camps The school with perhaps the most well-known football program in the country, is putting on a football coaches clinic on Aug. 18. For information on the event schedule or to register, contact Derrick Browne at (925) 288-8197 or brownd@dlshs.org.

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 the Berkeley campus 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 multi-sport 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: 925-942-6344. 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.

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19. More info: www.cabernetindoorsports.com Velocity Sports Performance The Dublin-based Velocity’s Sports Specific Summer Camps is looking for boys and girls ages 8-14 who are dedicated to making themselves better as 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.

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Moises Saldana of West Campus- Sacramento gets the uniform dirty as he dives back into first base during the Small School Optimist All-Star Game on June 11 at American River College.

Photo by James K. Leash

Want to submit your pic for Photo Finish? Send it to us at editor@SportStarsOnline.com. Photos must be 300 dpi and at least 10 inches wide in the jpeg format.

Please identify every person in the photo and include your contact information.

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Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com