CA Issue 31 09.08.2011

MAKING A WORLD-WIDE RACQUET

vol. 2. issue 31

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September 8, 2011

california

RED ZONE • BELLARMINE prep bouncing back •de la salle isn’t resting •TOP 20 teams

Pg. 12

endure | excel | achieve

super south palo alto volleyball benefits from deep talent pool. PAGE 24

PAGE 28

tee it up!

Betty chen is force to be reckoned with. PAGE 34

Players set to dominate

hit the books coaches usually work around homework. PAGE 15

VOLLEYBALL 2011-12

Vista del Lago’s Caroline Sipiora & Kelsey Sampson are ready to spike the competition • PAGE 18 •

Teams to fear

all access volleyball2011-12 Talent runs deep in the south bay. don’t believe us? ask Palo alto.

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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, Mitch Stephens, Doug Gardner, Matt Smith, Clay Kallam, Jim McCue, Eric Gilmore, Dave Kiefer, Liz Elliott, Tim Rudd Photography Butch Noble, Bob Larson, Jonathan Hawthorne, 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

Left: Melanie Wade Right: Maddie Kuppe

Keith Peters/Palo Alto Weekly

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)

norcal’s top 15 teams.

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Reader Resources/Administration Ad Traffic, Subscription, Calendar & Classified Listings info@SportStarsOnline.com • Deb Hollinger. Ext. 101 •

norcal’s top 10 players.

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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

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

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

Locker Room......................................8 AAA SportStar of the Week......... 11 Behind the Clipboard..................... 15

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Training Time.................................... 17 Red Zone.......................................... 28

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Gridiron Lessons............................. 31 Tee2Green........................................ 34

your ticket to bay area sports admit one; rain or shine

Health Watch................................... 37 Impulse.............................................. 40

Bob Larson

Camps + Clinics.............................. 42

alex manigo & bellarmine prep know all they can do is move forward. PAge 28

Photo Finish...................................... 46

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10 years later: Remembering when high school football helped a nation

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s a reporter, there are always games that stick with you long after you’ve written about them.

We can remember a number of things about these games. Of course the action — many times down to minute details: Like how many consecutive times the team handed off to the same kid during a 300yard rushing night. Or the exact sequence of plays on a game-winning drive inside the final two minutes. Or how many times the basketball was dribbled before the halfcourt heave that found nothing but net and created a human flood onto the court.

We can also be reminded of the smells, or the sounds.

Even what we ate on our way to game — sometimes for good reasons, sometimes for bad.

All of these games that stick with us tend to have one thing in common: Great performances or classic finishes. Something we’re excited to write about and look forward to describing to readers.

However, I have one that doesn’t fit that category. In fact, it’s a game where I can recall nothing of what happened on the field.

Without the help of Google, I couldn’t tell you the final score.

That’s because this memory has very little to do with sports, and everything to do with being part of something bigger.

It was just the second high school football game I had covered for the Contra Costa Times. The game was played at Ohmstede Field, home of the Liberty Lions of Brentwood.

The date was Friday, Sept. 14, 2001.

More than a few high schools throughout the state understandably chose not to play their high school football games a mere three days after the horrific terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. But many still did choose to play. As a staff, we were assigned to arrive at our games at least an hour early to report on various tributes and announcements.

My lasting memory from that night came at the end of pregame warmups when both teams lined up at midfield and Liberty coach Mark Stantz — an imposing man in height and stature, who not surprising is a former U.S. Marine — stood at the 50-yard line and addressed the crowd with only his booming voice.

“It was obviously a horrible, horrible thing that had just taken place,” Stantz said in a phone interview nearly 10 years later.

“And it made many of us ask ourselves that week, what do we with our lives. We learned about all these brave Americans who gave

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FIRST PITCH Chace Bryson Editor

Chace@ SportStarsOnline.com (925) 566-8503

their lives to rescue people, and we asked ourselves, ‘Are we going to play this silly game?’ But I think the decision to play the game was the right one.”

Stantz’s pregame address, which I have written in barely legible shorthand on a steno pad somewhere in a box within the depths of my garage, was one of hope and defiance. It was part of a healing process that would take a long, long time in coming, but he hoped might at least start with that game.

“Those people who risked their lives, they did it for a reason,” Stantz said. “It was so people like us could continue to have lives. And live them. Playing the game was the biggest tribute we could pay to them while still giving thanks and continuing to honor them.

“It’s part of what we would tell the kids during that week ... That you could let it disturb you — it should disturb you. But you didn’t have to let it disrupt your life and the path that you want to follow. That’s what I tried to convey to the crowd that night. Or at least, that’s what I remember going through my head.”

Liberty won the game that night, 21-7 over Livermore. Or at least, that’s what Google told me. Because I didn’t remember anything following Stantz’s speech.

Las Lomas-Walnut Creek coach Doug Longero also remembers a lot of that week and talk of whether the Knights would be hosting their Diablo Foothill Athletic League opener against College Park-Pleasant Hill.

“The principals got together and decided we should play it,” Longero said. “Each team had American flag decals put on the back of their helmets and there was a moment of silence. I think the game truly ended up being a great distraction for our young people.”

In several documentaries, the 2001 New York Yankees have been lauded as the sports team that helped heal a city with their run to the World Series. Certainly, that can’t be argued.

But in the immediate aftermath of the attacks, while professional sports — including Major League Baseball — postponed games for as long as a week, sports began to help heal its communities and instill patriotic fortitude across a nation through high school football.

If you were there, it felt right.

That’s why I’ll always remember Mark Stantz, and where I was three days after 9/11. ✪

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rapid fire Betty Chen, Castro Valley golf

Jack Dawson, ‘Titanic’

Where would you spend $500?

Urban Outfitters

Oakley.com

Most annoying part of the first week of school?

Getting up early

w/ Long classes Dealing freshmen

Golf

Football Volleyball

You can only watch one channel.

Which is it?

Best athlete of the past decade?

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Brooke Stranding, Campolindo-Moraga volleyball

Favorite movie character?

Favorite pro sport to watch in person?

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Spencer Henderson, Acalanes-Lafayette football

E!

Rudy, ‘Rudy’

College Football Network

Herb Brooks, ‘Miracle’

Urban Outfitters

CW

for ‘Pretty Little Liars’

Brian Tiger Woods LeBron James Wilson Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

Number of seconds state-ranked cross country runner Luis Luna of PinerSanta Rosa finished ahead of second-place Jaime Silva (his own teammate) to win the 23-team Large School boys division race at Lagoon Valley Classic in Vacaville on Sept. 3. It was the second straight year Luna has won on the three-mile circuit at Lagoon Valley Park. As a junior in 2010, Luna finished sixth in the CIF Division III boys state championship race.

13 he said what?!?

“We learned that we can stick with any team. We played our (butts) off out there.”

Bellarmine Prep-San Jose linebacker and tight end, Joe Gigantino, after the Bells lost to the state’s No. 1-ranked team De La Salle-Concord 26-23 in double overtime.The loss was extra-bitter for Bellarmine, which could’ve won the game at the end of the first overtime were it not for a point-after kick that strayed wide left. Read more about the Bells’ nearmiss in the Red Zone on page 28.

Bob Larson

Things worse than missing a big PAT The point-after touchdown. Gimme play. They should eliminate it from the rules. Right? Not so fast, my friends. Seems a missed PAT was all that stood between Bellarmine Prep and the Bells snapping De La Salle’s redonkulously long Northern California unbeaten streak — which has to leave a certain place-kicker feeling not-so-swell. Cheer up, lad. Here are our top five things worse than missing a potentially historic PAT. 1. Math homework. Nuff said.

2. Ties. All kinds. Tie scores? Bleh. We’d rather lose with dignity. Neckties? Likewise.

3. Drubbings. Wouldn’t you rather come really, really close and fall just short than have your doors blown off in the first quarter? (De La Salle has done that to A LOT of teams and place-kickers just like you.)

4. Hangnails. Seriously. Ouch.

5. You could’ve made it!! ... Then had it called back due to a false start, and THEN missed it. Same result, we know. But you have to admit, that would’ve been worse.

— Bill Kolb

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who’s got next?

nominations: Editor@SportStarsonline.com

of the week

jorel avila

football . heritage-brentwood . senior

Butch Noble

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Winning the first game of the season is critical. It sets the tone for the next 12 weeks as a team embarks on making a big run into the postseason. Good thing the Heritage Patriots have Jorel Avila on their side. He carved up the Granada-Livermore defense for 118 yards on 17 carries and four touchdowns, including the game-winner.

SportStars: Take us through the gamewinning touchdown.

Jorel Avila: We scored with less than two minutes left. I just remember thinking we need to score. When they called that play, I didn’t think I was gonna score.

SportStars: How huge is this win to start off the season?

JA: It feels good; we came out and made a statement. There are people who doubted us and I feel like we came out as a team and we got it done. ... We played all four quarters. My (offensive) line did exceptional. Our coaches kept us calm throughout the game.

I think they do a fine job with us. Plus we’re a young team and they’re very patient.

SportStars: What’s the key to going far in the postseason this year?

JA: We’re a young team. We have a lot of unproven talent. We have to come together throughout the season and work hard in practice. I’d like to win league. Heritage has never won it before.

JOREL’S QUICK HITS Favorite running back: LaDainian Thomlinson Favorite NFL team: 49ers Favorite ice cream flavor: Chocolate chip cookie dough

honorable able ment mention ion honor

sonja croce The Newark Memorial-Newark senior led all scorers with six goals in a water polo match against non-league opponent Foothill-Pleasanton on Sept. 1.

hunter perez All this Colfax senior did was rush for a school record-tying six touchdowns on 243 rushing yards in a 61-30 victory over El CaminoSacramento on Aug. 27.

natalie riddering She helped her El Camino-Sacramento volleyball squad avenge last year’s Div. II final loss to Rocklin by posting 28 kills, 17 digs and four blocks in a 3-1 victory on Sept. 1.

July 28, 2011

September 8, 2011

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ALL THAT

racquet Three East Bay youngsters make some noise on the national (and world) racquetball scene 12

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“We are only nervous until we start playing. After that everyone and everything else just fades away.”

— Julian Singh

T

he dog days of summer have come and gone. And while some kids spent them swimming, BBQ’ing, catching baseball games, cooling off in dark movie theaters or just relaxing and enjoying the few months off from school, three East Bay boys chose a very different path.

One chose a path that took him all the way to the Domincan Republic.

Jared Lee,13, and brothers Nikhil Singh, 12, and Julian Singh,10, concocted an unusual recipe for challenging summer fun. Mix in equal parts of the boys, add in several racquets, sprinkle in a few rubber balls, and then place the entire mixture into a 40 by 20 ft. glass court. Add competitiveness and sportsmanship, and be prepared to be amazed by the footwork, precision and explosiveness resulting in championshipcaliber racquetball.

Julian Singh and Jared Lee, right, comprise two-thirds of a youth racquetball trio that has risen to national success after modest beginnings at ClupSports Pleasanton.

The fact is that the sound of a racquetball smacking into a glass wall is like music to the ears of these talented young boys. Whether it’s on the foreign courts at the World Junior Championships in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, at the National Junior Olympics in Portland, Ore., or even just on their home court at the ClubSport gym in Pleasanton, the boys wouldn’t trade that familiar melody of “rubber on glass” for anything.

Not drum beats or guitar riffs, or even the notes of “Fur Elise” — Nikhil’s favorite song to play on the piano — can match the sharp sound of a ball careening off the wall. Sometimes the noise in a match can be almost deafening.

These kids wouldn’t know it, though.

“We are only nervous until we start playing,” Julian said. “After that everyone and everything else just fades away.”

There certainly were few nerves among all three boys at the National Junior Olympics in late June.

Lee placed eighth in the Boys 12-Under Blue division, and then with Nikhil as a partner placed third in the 12-Under Consolation doubles bracket.

But it was Julian — with his grandparents amongst the spectators after traveling all the way from India — who stole the show. He took third overall in the 10-Under Gold division, and then partnered with Sebastian Fernandez of San Diego to win the 10-Under doubles division.

And it was that last feat which punched his ticket to the World Junior Championships in the Dominican Republic.

Well, it wasn’t quite that simple. The local racquetball community had to give him an assist first.

“The Racquetball community is unbelievable,” said Nikhil and Julian’s mom, Jennifer. “When Julian qualified for worlds, we organized a round robin type tournament to raise money to send him to the Dominican Republic. They called it ‘Send Julian to Worlds’. We ended up having over 60 people play and raised a surprising amount of money. It was really something.”

The mission was accomplished and Julian and his partner set flight for Santo Domingo to repre-

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sent the United States against the rest of the world over the last week of July.

Julian’s impression of the trip seemed to go as follows.

Taking in the culture? Cool.

Meeting new friends? Cool.

Playing racquetball? A bit tricky.

“I could barely keep score because everything was in Spanish,” he said. “I just had to learn how to count to fifteen in Spanish and I was set.”

His brother Nikhil was not able to go, but was able to watch — along with several other relatives — a live broadcast on YouTube. They got to see Julian and Fernandez win their opening match over the Ireland duo of Sean Ryan and Dean Carroll. They would eventually lose in the semifinals as the Croatian team of Julian Homberger and Pablo Freer ended up taking first place. Fernandez would go on to win the title in the singles division.

The U.S. brought home 10 medals across all age groups.

All the accomplishments aside, it is fascinating how the boys found their way into a relatively obscure, adult-ruled sport.

All three boys and their parents have nothing but praise for their coaches, Elaine Dexter, Ken Stone and Carlos Contreras.

“We really have to credit all the coaches, especially Elaine, for Julian and Nikhil’s success,” Jennifer Singh said.

“Without them and the excellent youth program Elaine has built at ClubSport, the kids would never have found their way into racquetball. Their dedication and patience with the kids has made all the difference in the world.”

Jared has been playing the game for about 3-4 years, following in the footsteps of his parents, who actually met at Cal-Berkeley playing in a club racquetball program.

“I love the fact that in this sport, I can play alongside and against Jared in tournaments and league play,” said Roger Lee, Jared’s dad.

“It is really special and unique. I dread the day when he will beat me, though.”

Story by Emily Van Buskirk | Photos by Butch Noble September 8, 2011

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Nikhil Singh, above, partnered with Jared Lee to finish third in the 12-Under consolation doubles bracket at the USA Racquetball National Junior Olympics in Portland.

The entire Singh family plays as well. Since the boys’ success with the game, Jennifer has begun competing in the adult leagues at the gym along with her husband, who also plays in the Tri-Valley cricket league.

The boys spend upwards of two hours a day, three to four days a week, playing and practicing the game. But they still have a life off the court.

All three love to read and play video games.

Jared plays the drums, and has been an active Boy Scout for several years. He also runs cross country and plays soccer for the competitive Mustang Soccer Club in Danville.

Nikhil plays the piano and hopes to be part of a school band. Julian is currently reading his way through the Percy Jackson series and his favorite subject in school is math.

And there’s a good chance that the classmates who sit next to them have no idea 14

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they’re among the highest ranked racquetball players in the nation for their age.

“Nobody at our school actually knows that we play racquetball at the level that we do. But when we come into the club, everyone knows us and makes us feel welcome.”

Looking forward, the boys will compete in several leagues that run year-round, both junior and adult. They will play in a few local tournaments, ranging from Stockton, to Tracy to Petaluma. But most importantly they will be gearing up for the State Junior Championships in January, hosted by none other then ClubSport Pleasanton.

Each boy says his favorite part of the game is meeting different kids from different parts of the U.S. and around the world.

But kids being kids, another favorite aspect is that inside those glass walls, they can make all the racquet they want. ✪

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Asking out of a practice for study reasons is OK in most cases At the freshman level, a properly phrased request should be granted.

After all, one of the things that freshmen need to learn is how to balance priorities, and it’s understandable that sometimes they don’t have all their ducks in a row

I’m a freshman and I’m worried about getting good grades while still playing a sport. If I have a big test, or a big report due, is it OK to ask to skip practice?

H.H., Lafayette great question because academics, despite what many coaches seem to communicate, are definitely more important than sports. At the same time, though, commitment is important as well, and though some coaches are really only concerned about winning games, many also want young people to learn about commitment and responsibility.

All that said, if you are on a freshman team in any sport, I don’t think there’s any problem in asking for a day off — if the request is made in a respectful manner.

In other words, saying something like “Coach, I’m not coming to practice tomorrow because I have a test the next day but my mom says I should still play in the game,” isn’t going to work nearly as well as saying “Coach, I have a big test the day after tomorrow and I was wondering if it would be OK if I skipped practice to get ready for it?”

At the freshman level, a properly phrased

A

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request should be granted. After all, one of the things that freshmen need to learn is how to balance priorities, and it’s understandable that sometimes they don’t have all their ducks in a row.

Now at the JV level, it’s a little more complicated, because the junior varsity is more competitive, and the commitment to the team is a little greater. Still, I would say a polite request from a freshman will probably be OK, though if the freshman is a key starter, then it’s important to remember that missing practice can impact the whole team, especially if the coach has a hard-and-fast rule about practice attendance and playing in a game.

If a freshman is on varsity, though, it’s much more serious, because it’s an honor to be on varsity as a freshman, and there’s an implicit understanding that the freshman who makes it to varsity will live up to the expectations of all the other varsity athletes. So in that case, if I were the freshman, I would approach the coach with the attitude that I’m asking for a big-time favor and I will understand completely if it’s not granted.

Behind the Clipboard Clay Kallam

Of course, much depends on the coach. As is often the case, I have a different attitude towards these kinds of requests than many coaches, and I will generally allow any player, regardless of grade, to beg out of a practice if a big paper or big test is upcoming. Now if that practice happens to be the day before a big game against an arch rival, I might not be as receptive. But missing a Wednesday practice before a Friday game against a mediocre opponent is usually going to be OK by me — though usually I will ask if the player can make it to an hour’s worth of practice rather than missing it entirely.

One thing that the coach might ask is that you get up before the entire team and explain why you have to miss practice, so if you’re really going to go shopping with your friends, that’s not going to work out as word will get around. And, by the way, don’t expect to do this more than once, even at the freshman level, without some serious repercussions.

Yes, things can pile up at school, but you have to be organized, and you have to plan — and if you do, you can balance the demands of academics and athletics, and do just fine at both. ✪ Clay Kallam is an assistant athletic director and girls varsity basketball coach at Bentley High in Lafayette. To submit a question for Behind the Clipboard, email Coach Kallam at clayk@fullcourt.com

September 8, 2011

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club scene

High Performance lives up to its name in Arizona Several members of the Northern California Volleyball Association High Performance team turned in an outstanding performance at the USA High Performances Championships in Tucson, Ariz. on July 28-30, bringing the silver medal back to the East Bay. It was the best-ever showing for the team in one of the most prestigious tournaments in the nation, said Prima Elam, the head coach of the team and the director of Velocity Sports Performance in Dublin, where many of the players are trained.

“The best kids from all over the country come to play. It’s basically a pipeline to USA Volleyball,” Elam said. “It was really excited for us and all the kids involved and the Northern California Volleyball Association. It was the best finish they’d had for the season.”

The NCVA puts together a regional team to compete against the USA team, Elam said, and the NorCal team beat two USA teams at the tournament.

Leading the way was former Cal High standout Aquiles Montoya, who hit .750 for the tournament. Also representing the team was Ben Nilsen (Granda), Dynamite Faagata (Encinal), Tony Zhang (Mission San Jose), Trevor Bryant (Nevada Union), Mason Humes (Del Oro), David Parker (WhitneyRocklin) and Jake Getz (Mt. Madonna-Santa Cruz).

Montoya, Nilsen, Faagata and Zhang each train at Velocity.

Another East Bay player, Ryan Genn of Amador Valley, was originally going to play but was instead selected for the USA A2 national team, Elam said. While there, he was moved up to the A1 team.

Soccer The fifth annual Mustang Stampede Boys Soccer Tournament played out from Aug. 19-21. The list of champions include the Mustang Red Bulls (U12 Premier division), Heritage SC Cosmos (U12 Gold), Los Gatos United Pumas (U13 Premier), Mill Valley Fusion U-13 (13 Gold), PAC INDIOS (U14 Premier), SF Chivas SC (U14 Gold), Mustang Inter (U15 Premier), ACC Mavericks Beast (U15 Gold), Lamorinda FC 95 (U16 Gold), Sacramento United Reds (U16 Premier) and Sacramento United America (U17 Premier).

More notes from the soccer world: The Diablo FC 95’s pulled off an impressive double when it won a title at the prestigious San Diego Surf Cup Championship at the end of July, and then came back to the Bay Area to deliver a championship performance in the Santa Clara Sporting Invitational.

“The key was the commitment and desire from the players to achieve,” Diablo FC 95 coach John Badger said. “They have battled for three years to win some big events and get recognition as one of the top teams in the country. During that month they kept their belief and it all came into place.”

Also, The Lamorinda United 94 girls’ team came out on top in the U16 vElite Flight Schwan’s Soccer Cup concluding on July 17 in Minneapolis. The team played against teams as close by as Southern California, and as far away as Sweden.

United was able to take the final despite giving up an early 2-0 lead over the SoCal Blues squad. The deciding goal coming on breakaway by Acalanes-Lafayette standout, Kaitlin McGee, a mere two minutes into extra time. ✪

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TOP PHOTO: The NCVA High Performance volleyball squad had time to pose for a team picture before claiming a silver medal at the USA High Performance Championships in Arizona. (Contributed). BOTTOM PHOTO: A member of the Mustang Revolution plays a ball off his chest in a pool play match against Diablo FC 94 of the U17 Premier division at the Mustang Soccer Boys Stampede on Aug. 20. Diablo FC won the match 3-0 and went to take second in the division. (Butch Noble photo) Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

When it comes to training, it’s best if you don’t JUMP right in J ump training, or plyometrics, has been a buzz word in young athletic performance training for quite some time now. Jumping, like all the other aspects of athleticism, is very important, but shouldn’t be the primary focus in the initial stages of developing skills.

That’s right, the first progression in developing jumping skills in your young athletes should be landing skills. This is similar in how I teach cutting or any other quick ground-contact movement with my young athletes.

In the initial stages of teaching jumping skills, I always place athletes in the landing position first so they can understand what the correct position feels like.

■ Hips back ■ Shoulders over knees ■ Knees forward so ankles are dorsiflexed (flexion in ankle) ■ Knees vertically aligned with feet ■ Spine neutral (good posture from lower to upper back, no flexion) This posture efficiently loads the system by supporting joints (ankles, knees, hips, back) and putting key tissue on stretch (calves, hamstrings, and butt muscles), thus creating body control.

The problem with sports that require jumping is that the landings aren’t so scripted and controlled. So young athletes must learn to land in all kinds of positions, both on single or double legs.

But for the purpose of skill development, landing must be taught in a controlled and accurate manner first — and over time progressed to more dynamic unscripted positions. This way, when your athletes do play in a game, they have trained their bodies to handle unbalanced landings during competition in their respective sport.

Here is how I progress my young athletes. This has helped to develop solid landing skills with all my young athletes: The following is the same regardless of whether it is jumping (two legs), leaping (one leg to the other), or hopping (same leg).

1 — Landing should first be taught with a deeper landing pattern at a 45- to 60-degree knee bend, which helps to build control, strength, and posture. This should be low intensity and volume.

2 — Then gradually increase the degree of landing to 25- to 40-degrees. The volume and intensity should still be low. The smaller angle helps to prepare the body to land and react quickly in all directions.

3 — Finally, increase to 10- to 20-degrees. This becomes very reactive in nature. The body must be stabilized quickly, due to the lack of greater pre-stretch on tissue (like in a 45-plus degree knee bend).

The goal is to gradually increase the quickness and response time out of the landing. The shallower knee bend during landing allows for a quicker response in all directions. Whether it be going up for a rebound in basketball, a header in soccer, block shot in volleyball, or an interception in football.

A great way to build quickness out of the higher position jump landing is through drills like jump rope, dot drills, line drills, hurdles, or quick-response low box jumps.

Unfortunately many trainers make the mistake of skipping the above progressions by having young athletes jumping right out of the gate, with too much intensity, too quickly. This is a big mistake as it doesn’t allow for the building of good technique, joint integrity and proper pattering of the landing skills required for optimal performance and injury reduction on the field or court of play. ✪

Training Time Tim Rudd for IYCA

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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Vista Del Lago’s Caroline Sipiora, left, and Kelsey Sampson 18

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“Last year, we figured that if we made the playoffs, we would be happy. With such a young team, it was truly a surprise to accomplish what we did.”

— Eagles coach Patrick Sanders

Kelsey Sampson elevates to deliver a hit during a Vista del Lago practice on Aug. 30. Sampson moves to outside hitter this year after playing opposite hitter as a sophomore a year ago.

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T

he mural displayed at the entrance to Vista del Lago High School in Folsom proudly presents the year that the young school opened.

Est. 2007.

It’s listed right next to a fierce eagle’s head painted on a wall that every visitor passes as they come onto the campus.

In the world of Sacramento-area girls volleyball, the school was not established until November 3, 2010. It was that night that Vista del Lago traveled to Sierra Valley Conference rival Union Mine with a share of the league title and playoff berth on the line.

The Eagles avenged an earlier league loss with a 3-1 victory over the Diamondbacks to start a surprising run into the postseason that culminated with the program claiming the Sac-Joaquin Section Division III crown.

“It wasn’t really until that win that we knew that something special was happening and that we could beat anybody in the playoffs,” junior Caroline Sipiora said. “It was just a surreal feeling to beat an experienced team like that to get into the playoffs for the first time in the school’s history.”

The Eagles could have been satisfied with just making the playoffs, but the team seized the opportunity and embraced the postseason underdog role.

When the final point was posted at UC Davis, sixth seed Vista del Lago added a section championship banner to hang in the gymnasium with an 18-25, 25-21, 25-21, 28-26 victory over the same Union Mine team it needed to beat to advance to the section tournament.

“Last year, we figured that if we made the playoffs, we would be happy,” Eagles coach Patrick Sanders said. “With such a young team, it was truly a surprise to accomplish what we did.”

Now, with a section title in hand, Sanders and his still youthful team (the Eagles start five sophomores and one freshman this year) want to be more than one-year wonders. Vista del Lago wants to be included in the conversation with St. Francis-Sacramento, El Camino-Sacramento, Del Oro-Loomis, and Oak Ridge-El Dorado Hills when perennial local powers are discussed.

In short, they want to be an established program.

“We have come from humble beginnings where we begged any team to play us, to where we are able to get matches against the top teams around, and even get them to come to our gymnasium for some of the matches,” Sanders said. “Last year was just the fourth year of the program and our third year of varsity. So, to see the progress we have made shows how hard these girls have worked.”

Two of the hardest workers on the team are standout junior outside hitters Sipiora and Kelsey Sampson. The pair have known each other since they were classmates in second grade and have worked on their volleyball games together since the fifth grade. But, it was not until

the eighth grade when both budding stars focused solely on volleyball and began their high school careers at Vista del Lago.

Both Sipiora and Sampson made the Eagles’ varsity as freshmen, but the ascent to section champions and team leaders has been much like the program’s rise — gradual.

As freshmen, Sipiora and Sampson were happy to make the team and assumed their place on the lower end of the pecking order with a “speak up only when spoken to” attitude. When they emerged as leaders on the court as sophomores, they moved up the team hierarchy and led by example while leaving the vocal leadership to seniors like outside hitter Mary Kate Holden.

“They realized toward the end of last year the impact that they have on the team,” Sanders said of the duo’s leadership evolution. “They understand now that they need to lead the team because the other players really rally around them when they show leadership, and they respond as well.”

Sipiora and Sampson will both key the Eagles’ offensive attack as outside hitters, a position that is also something of a change for both players. Sipiora, who played as an outside hitter for Vista del Lago as a sophomorel, switches gears in the offseason where she takes the court as a libero for the Northern California Volleyball Club. Sampson was featured as an opposite hitter last year, but has moved to outside hitter for 2011. For both, the switch is a welcome outlet to unload big hits.

“It is definitely an awesome change for me,” Sipiora said. “I love playing libero, but the attacking (as an outside hitter) is so exciting. It feels great to just go out and crank it.”

Sanders appreciates the unique talents that Sipiora brings to the outside hitter position

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Sanders said of relying on a freshman because she is used as a libero for much at the setter position. “We’re asking a of the year. lot of her as a freshman and she has “She loves to compete and will play responded by exhibiting a great work anywhere you need her, but she has ethic in practice.” phenomenal ball control because of Sanders runs practices long and her experience as a libero.” hard, and the Eagles have a daunting Sampson’s transition is less dramatic, nonleague schedule to kick off the 2011 according to Sanders, because she is an season. Vista faces Oak Ridge, Granite aggressive player that enjoys the attackBay, El Camino, Rocklin, and St. Franing nature of the outside hitter position. cis before starting its SVC schedule. In “Kelsey is fearless,” Sanders said. league play, Union Mine will again be “She just attacks the ball and really gets the toughest competitor for the Eagles, after it at the net. She has become betbut other new schools like Cosumnes ter each year and has developed into a Oaks-Elk Grove and Liberty Ranchtrue leader for the team.”

Galt are fast improving their programs, “As a freshman, it was overwhelming much like the rapid development that just being on the team,” Sampson said.

Vista del Lago has experienced.

“Last year, I realized the impact I had To say that the team’s path to the on the team, and I just want to step it playoffs is challenging may be an unup this year and stay focused to help us derstatement, but Sanders is not ready reach our goals.” to worry about defending the Division While the pair of junior hitters will lead the Vista del Lago team, they will Vista del Lago plans on making “The Nest” a tough place for opponents to play as it sets its III section title just yet.

“We have some lofty team goals, but need plenty of help for the Eagles to sights on repeating as Sac-Joaquin Section Division III champions. we try not to look that far ahead,” he have any hope of repeating as Sierra said. “During the league season, we Valley Conference or Sac-Joaquin Section champions. With those titles proudly on display in the and libero Jordan Cryderman — and one freshman round out will focus on league. If we make the playoffs, then the focus Vista del Lago gymnasium, Sanders and the Eagles know that the Eagles’ starting six. Setter Faith Smith, the lone starting will be on that two weeks of play. The later we are playing, the better off we are, but we need to stay focused on what is in they will not be able to benefit from the the element of surfreshman, has assumed the responsibility of serving as the front of us right now.” prise this season.

Sanders’ hope is that how far the Eagles advance in the 2011 Vista del Lago will again rely on youth as the team’s main starting point of Vista’s offense, a potentially overwhelming season will be secondary to how far they advance in the eyes of rotation features just one senior, opposite Maddie Kaim. Four responsibility for the youngest member of the rotation. juniors — Sipiora, Sampson, middle blocker Hallie Robertson, “Faith is doing extremely well learning a new system,” the area volleyball community as an established program. ✪

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TheArchitect Palo Alto, St. FrancisMountain View are benefitting from an ever-rich South Bay talent pool sparked by one man

M

By david kiefer | Contributor

atch point.

The crowd stands, anxieties grow, a roar builds.

There’s something about match point that changes everything in a volleyball match – it frightens some, but excites others. One team shrinks while the other rises.

In these moments, careers and reputations can be defined.

That’s what happened to Palo Alto High School’s Maddie Kuppe on Dec. 5, 2010, at the San Jose State Event Center.

It was match point in the fifth set of the state Division I championship against Long Beach Poly. But it was Palo Alto that trailed, 14-12.

The Vikings closed within a point, but a year’s worth of anticipation and terror hung by a thread, literally. Kimmy Whitson’s serve collided with the top of the net. Fractions of an inch would determine the winner or loser. Fortunately for Palo Alto, the ball’s momentum carried it over the top to Long Beach Poly’s side and the served evolved into a rally.

That was when Kuppe went to work. She slammed down a kill to tie the match and then floated two serves that danced crazily through the air and froze Poly’s defenders. Ace and ace.

Anxiety … confidence … elation. Match point, indeed.

It may have been Palo Alto’s first state championship, but state titles have become habit in the South Bay. Not only did the Vikings win that weekend, but St. Francis-Mountain View did as well, capturing the Division II crown. They were among four Bay Area champions among the state’s five divisions.

It’s 6.7 miles by car from Palo Alto High to St. Francis, mostly down El Camino Real, past budget motels, some banks, and few strip malls before a right turn onto Miramonte Avenue and past identical ranch-style houses in what used to be acres of orchards.

The talent, however, is not confined to a single corridor.

Since 1978, when the state tournament began, 26 state cham-

John Todd/ISI photos

Stanford women’s volleyball coach John Dunning can take a lion’s share credit for the depth and breadth of the South Bay girls volleyball talent pool that has led to 24 CIF state titles. pions representing 11 schools have come out of the Central Coast Section.

Breaking that down further, 22 of those champions, representing eight schools, have come from what is considered the same region, which would encompass the west Santa Clara Valley and the south Peninsula, spanning 14.5 miles from Sacred Heart Prep-Atherton to Archbishop Mitty-San Jose.

That’s 1.5 champions per mile!

Mitty leads the way with eight champions over four divisions. St. Francis has seven titles over three. Sacred Heart Prep has won two titles, and Castilleja-Palo Alto, Fremont-Sunnyvale, Los Gatos, Palo Alto, Sacred Heart Prep, and Woodside

Priory-Portola Valley each have one. And that doesn’t include former powerhouse Los Altos, which had to contend with the likes of Los Gatos and St. Francis for section championships.

“We’re really lucky to get a lot of talent here in the South Bay,” St. Francis coach Leahi Hall said. “There’s a lot of talent in the East Bay, but it’s spread apart. We’re lucky enough in the South Bay to get groups of players that are really talented.”

A benefit for the South Bay is that most of the talent is concentrated in two club programs. The Palo Alto and St. Francis title teams were largely the products of Los Gatos-based Vision and Santa Clara-based City Beach.

But their true origins go much deeper. The beginning, and

“We’re really lucky to get a lot of talent here in the South Bay. There’s a lot of talent in the East Bay, but it’s spread apart. We’re lucky enough in the South Bay to get groups of players that are really talented.”

St. Francis coach Leahi Hall 24

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indeed the success, of South Bay high school volleyball really stems from one man, a high school calculus teacher named John Dunning.

In 1976, when Dunning began coaching volleyball at Fremont High in Sunnyvale, there was no organized volleyball club system and no experienced high school players. Today, more than 10,000 girls play club ball in Northern California, with thousands more in schools and recreation programs. NorCal has more players than any region or state in the country except Southern California, with the South Bay providing the highest concentration of that talent.

Dunning knew nothing about volleyball when he was encouraged to take the coaching job by some of his students who were on the team. He had been coaching Fremont’s ‘C’ and ‘D’ basketball teams.

Unwilling to do anything less than immerse himself in the game, Dunning attended clinics, read books, talked with coaches, joined a rec team, and began playing sand volleyball at a friend’s apartment complex.

“I was looking for something different,” said Dunning, now coaching the women’s team at Stanford University. “I was in the right place at the right time.”

Dunning realized that the only way to compete with the strong teams of the day would be to create a year-round team, and the only one that existed at the time was exclu-

sive to Los Altos High players. So, Dunning started his own.

He solicited sponsorship from Charlie Olson, whose cherry stand was a fixture along Sunnyvale’s El Camino Real, and created Charlie’s Volleyball Club in 1978. A year later, the name changed to the Bay Club, and players and coaches from other schools were invited to join. It became the first junior club in Northern California to offer advanced coaching and competition. By 1980, the Bay Club was regularly beating the likes of Stanford, San Jose State, Santa Clara, and USF in spring leagues.

Fremont quickly became the section’s first great program, winning a state championship in 1980 – the first for a NorCal team – and reaching four state finals in five years. In Dunning’s nine seasons, Fremont went 28332 (109-3 in the De Anza Athletic League) and won nine league, seven CCS, and four NorCal titles, in addition to the state championship. He then left for University of the Pacific and then Stanford, coaching four NCAA championship teams along the way.

In a Bill Walsh-like trail of influence, Dunning’s protégés, Mike Pitts and Jim Reilly, created their own power programs, in high school and club.

Pitts coached Kerri Walsh-led Mitty teams to three state championships (1993-95) and Reilly coached Harbor-Santa Cruz to the 1992 Division II state title.

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City Beach, heavily influenced by Reilly, then provided St. Francis with the backbone of its state championship teams in 1993, ’94, ’97, and ’98.

Joe Ripp, who coached Los Gatos to a 1993 state title, heads the Vision Volleyball Club, which has traditionally supplied Mitty’s championship teams and includes Mountain View’s all-state middle blocker Brittany Howard.

City Beach, where Hall also coaches, has most of Palo Alto’s top players, such as Kuppe, Whitson, and Melanie Wade, as well as St. Francis’ standout setter Taylor Formico.

Ten current Vision seniors have made major-college commitments as have nine from City Beach. Last year’s totals were 14 from Vision and 12 from City Beach.

Palo Alto, coming off a 41-1 season, already has won Reno’s prestigious season-opening High Sierra Tournament and is ranked No. 7 in the Maxpreps Xcellent 25 national rankings. But the goal, of course, is another match point.

No one will think of Charlie Olson’s cherry orchard if it happens, but perhaps they should.

After all, gleaming state championship trophies may rest in trophy cases at Palo Alto and St. Francis, but they also represent a stretch of highway that seems paved with volleyball gold. ✪

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1. Palo Alto

COACH: David Winn 2010 RECORDS: 41-1, 11-1 SCVA (first) KEY RETURNERS: MB Melanie Wade, Sr.; OH Maddie Kuppe, Sr.; S Kimmy Whitson KEY LOSSES: L Megan Coleman; OH Trina Ohms NAME YOU’LL QUICKLY LEARN: OH, Becca Raffel, So. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Vikings were the surprise of the CIF state tournament a year ago, upsetting highly-regarded Long Beach Poly in the Div. I final. Palo Alto graduated only two, so it’s no surprise it’s in a handful of national rankings. There’s no reason a healthy squad couldn’t reach the state finals again.

2. El Camino-Sacramento

COACH: Martin Soyama 2010 RECORDS: 37-6, 14-1 CAL (first) KEY RETURNERS: OH Natalie Riddering, Sr.; MH Nicole Hareland, Sr. KEY LOSSES: S Bridget Herenda NAME YOU’LL QUICKLY LEARN: OH Cassidy Denny, Jr. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Eagles came up one win shy of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division II title a year ago, but Riddering instantly makes them a threat to reach the finals again. The fate of the veteran team may be determined by freshman Devin Herenda, who assumes the setting reins from her graduated big sister.

3. St. Francis-Mountain View

COACH: Leahi Hall 2010 RECORDS: 35-5, 6-0 WCAL (first) KEY RETURNERS: S Taylor Formico, Jr.; MB Taylor Deaton, Sr.; OH Chloe Lott, Jr. KEY LOSSES: MB Savannah Paffen, L Lacy Coquillard, NAME YOU’LL QUICKLY LEARN: OH Alexandra Espinosa, So. SEASON OUTLOOK: It was a banner year for the Lancers in 2010, winning the uber-competitive West Catholic Athletic League before clawing their way to a CIF Div. II state crown. This year they return WCAL co-MVP Formico (52 assists, 17 digs in state final) as well as the hitting talents of Deaton and Lott.

4. Presentation-San Jose

COACH: Sue Dvorak 2010 RECORDS: 34-6, 5-1 WCAL (second) KEY RETURNERS: OH Emily Sklar, Sr.; S Veronica Bither, Sr. KEY LOSSES: OH Sarah Cole, L Katy Schatzman, OPP Katy Tagart, MB Katie Pearson NAME YOU’LL QUICKLY LEARN: OH Alex Sheredy, Jr. SEASON OUTLOOK: St. Francis may have won the CIF Div. II state title, but it could just as easily have been the Panthers. St. Francis needed five sets to beat Presentation in the CIF Northern regional final. The team lost it’s trio of Katies, but has a very strong nucleus in Sklar (a returning co-MVP for the WCAL) and Bither.

5. Foothill-Pleasanton

COACH: Dusty Collins 2010 RECORDS: 35-5, 12-2 EBAL (first) KEY RETURNERS: OH Aria Crawford, Sr; M Sara Markle, Sr. KEY LOSSES: OH Caitlin DeWitt; M Alexa Borg.

NAME YOU’LL QUICKLY LEARN: OH Hannah Williams, So. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Falcons replace six starters from a team that won the North Coast Section Div. I crown, but with seven returning contributors from last year’s team, they have a good chance of repeating. Look for Crawford to have a breakout year on offense following the graduation of DeWitt.

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6. Rocklin

11. Vista del Lago-Folsom

7. St. Francis-Sacramento

12. California-san ramon

COACH: Dave Muscarella 2010 RECORDS: 42-4, 10-0 SFL (first) KEY RETURNERS: OH Katelyn Ivy, Sr.; OH Cailyn Prewitt, Sr.; MH Erin Davis, Sr. KEY LOSSES: S, Jill Wirt; MH Olivia Lane; DS Alison Judd; L Lauren Orozco NAME YOU’LL QUICKLY LEARN: OPP Sara Sheehy, Jr. SEASON OUTLOOK: The defending SJS Div. II champions graduated four major contributors, but Muscarella will just reload. Threeyear starters Ivy and Prewitt anchor the front line with Davis attacking from the middle. Replacing Wirt at setter will be a two-player job for Garvella and Elder. Both will see time on the floor together.

COACH: Alynn Wright 2010 RECORDS: 31-8, 10-0 DRL (first) KEY RETURNERS: OH Gabriella Palmeri, Jr.; MB/OH Paige Folger, Sr. KEY LOSSES: MB Zoe Nightingale; MB/OPP Mary Clark NAME YOU’LL QUICKLY LEARN: OH/DS Allie Wegener, Jr. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Troubadors are 10-time SJS champs, led by Wright who is in her 22nd year. So while they lose Nightingale, don’t expect much drop-off. Leading the way is Palmeri. Her offensive output will be aided by newcomer Wegener (who posted a team-best 16 kills in the team’s season-opening match against El Camino).

8. Bishop O’Dowd-Oakland

COACH: Chad Salcido 2010 RECORDS: 28-14, 12-0 HAAL (first) KEY RETURNERS: M/RS Lacey Maas, Sr; S Sophia Mar, Jr. KEY LOSSES: S/OH Lindsay Parrott; M Jordan Pehanick.

NAME YOU’LL QUICKLY LEARN: OH Brianna Karseboom, Fr. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Dragons lost a lot of talent, but of course have plenty of it returning. The goal at O’Dowd under former coach Mike Gee was to challenge for a state title, and that goal remains under new coach Chad Salcido. Maas is coming off of a very successful club season in which her squad reached Junior Nationals.

9. San Ramon Valley-Danville

COACH: Tom Bauhs 2010 RECORDS: 28-9, 9-5 EBAL (second tied) KEY RETURNERS: OH Erin Sherwood, Sr; OH Emily Reder, Jr. KEY LOSSES: OH Victoria Acosta; OH Jessica Ross.

NAME YOU’LL QUICKLY LEARN: L/DS Rachel Braunschweig, Fr. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Wolves return four core starters to a team that reached the NCS Div. I title game last year, and boast perhaps the top hitting tandem with Sherwood and Reder.

10. Campolindo-Moraga

COACH: Scott Bishop 2010 RECORDS: 34-3, 12-0 DFAL (first) KEY RETURNERS: S Sophie Seiberth, Jr; OH/M Annie Shurtz, Jr. KEY LOSSES: OH Mary Vaccaro; M Chandler Moore, OH Abbie Noland, L Sophie Smith NAME YOU’LL QUICKLY LEARN: OH Lena Olufson, Sr. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Cougars graduated a lot of talent from last year’s CIF Div. III state title team. Few programs could lose that much talent and still be a force. The Cougars can. Their toughest task? Replacing all the firepower on offense. Because if there are players who can hit, Seiberth will get them the ball.

COACH: Patrick Sanders 2010 RECORDS: 35-8, 11-1 SVL (t-first) KEY RETURNERS: OH/OPP Kelsey Sampson, Jr.; OH/DS Caroline Sipiora, Jr. KEY LOSSES: OH Mary Kate Holden NAME YOU’LL QUICKLY LEARN: S/DS Faith Smith, Fr. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Eagles were last year’s playoff darlings after taking the SJS Div. III crown. The young Smith steps in at setter where she will have the luxury of passing to a pair of the area’s best hitters in Sipiora and Sampson. The duo combined for 31 kills in Vista’s season-opening victory over Oak Ridge-El Dorado Hills.

COACH: Todd Baham 2010 RECORDS: 24-7, 9-5 EBAL (t-second) KEY RETURNERS: OH Sabrina Clayton, Jr; S Alison Good, Sr. KEY LOSSES: M Lauren Beyerle; M Michelle Watt.

NAME YOU’LL QUICKLY LEARN: M Lindsay Wood, Sr. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Grizzlies lost the best middle tandem the East Bay had to offer a season ago, but are in the rare category of returning not only perhaps the top hitter in the area (Clayton), but also one of the top setters (Good).

13. Branson-Ross

COACH: Michelle Brazil 2010 RECORDS: 33-6, 12-2 MCAL (first) KEY RETURNERS: OH Kathleen Wallace, Sr.; S Meghan Wentzel, Sr.; OH Sarah Wallace, So. KEY LOSSES: OH Alex Schoenberger, MB Jessie Joseph NAME YOU’LL QUICKLY LEARN: MB McKenna Becker, Jr. SEASON OUTLOOK: Kind of a no-brainer that the two-time defending state champ for Div. V would be here. The Bulls graduated just four from last year’s roster, and return plenty of talent for a run at a third straight state banner.

14. Carondelet-Concord

COACH: Jerry Mix 2010 RECORDS: 23-14, 6-8 EBAL (sixth) KEY RETURNERS: OH Shannon Boling, Sr; OH Liz Morely, Sr. KEY LOSSES: S Alicia Flatt; M Emily Caples.

NAME YOU’LL QUICKLY LEARN: S Michelle Seals, So. SEASON OUTLOOK: Despite being the only Div. II team in the East Bay’s toughest league, the Cougars are always competitive — which makes them one of the toughest teams in the area. This year will be no exception with talented hitters on the outside and an up-and-coming setter.

15. Union Mine

COACH: Mike Yates 2010 RECORDS: 27-6, 11-1 SVL (t-first) KEY RETURNERS: OH/S Mikayla Tucker, Sr.; S/OH Lea Howton, Sr. KEY LOSSES: S Logan Savidge; MB Kaity Kime NAME YOU’LL QUICKLY LEARN: MB Jacqueline Swarbrick, Sr. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Diamondbacks shared the Sierra Valley League title with Vista del Lago in 2010 and eventually fell to their league rival in the SJS Div. III title match. The league MVP, Tucker, returns to lead the attack alongside Howton. Senior Malia Gonzalez will take over setting duties. ✪

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Sabrina Clayton

Melanie Wade

SCHOOL: California-San Ramon YEAR: Junior POSITION: OH WHY SHE’S HERE: Clayton returns as a junior and should be considered the top player in the East Bay. Last year as a sophomore she was All-East Bay Athletic League selection and finished with 421 kills.

SCHOOL: Palo Alto YEAR: Senior POSITION: MB WHY SHE’S HERE: Wade will be a major reason why the Vikings carry a great shot at defending their CIF Division I state championship. In 2010, she posted 537 kills, 69 blocks and 53 aces.

Natalie Riddering

SCHOOL: El Camino-Sacramento YEAR: Senior POSITION: OH WHY SHE’S HERE: She returns after leading the Sac Joaquin Section with 588 kills while helping the Eagles to a Capital Athletic League title and the SJS Div. II final. The Cal-bound senior was also named to the 2011 American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA)/Under Armour preseason All-America watch list.

Brittany Howard

SCHOOL: Mountain View YEAR: Senior POSITION: OH WHY SHE’S HERE: Among the best offensive threats in the Central Coast Section, Howard returns after a junior year in which she delivered 420 kills and 240 digs.

She also earned MaxPreps All-State honors.

Katelyn Ivy SCHOOL: Rocklin

YEAR: Senior POSITION: OH WHY SHE’S HERE: A three-year starter, Ivy will captain the Thunder in defense of its SJS Div. II title. She led that team in kills per game and was second in digs per game. The All-Sierra Foothill League selection committed to Sacramento State.

Taylor Formico

SCHOOL: St. Francis-Mountain View YEAR: Senior POSITION: S WHY SHE’S HERE: An All-State talent, Formico returns after being named the West Catholic Athletic League MVP as a junior.

Like Wade, she too will try to lead her team in defense of a state crown (Div. II).

Katie Christner

SCHOOL: Golden Sierra-Garden Valley YEAR: Senior POSITION: OH WHY SHE’S HERE: The 6-foot-1 Christner led the Grizzlies with 433 kills and 329 digs as a junior. The UC Davis-commit earned co-MVP honors in the Sierra Delta League and All-State honors (MaxPreps) while leading her team to the SJS Div. IV final.

Sophie Seiberth

SCHOOL: Campolindo-Moraga YEAR: Junior POSITION: S WHY SHE’S HERE: Seiberth was incredible as a sophomore as she helped lead the Cougars to a state championship. She posted an East Baybest 1,222 assists.

Ariana Garner

SCHOOL: Rio Americano-Sacr YEAR: Senior POSITION: S WHY SHE’S HERE: She earned all-Capital Athletic League honors while leading the school to the SJS Div. II playoffs in 2010. Her 1,077 assists ranked her third in the SJS, and her 136 aces ranked her second. She also added 111 kills and 34 blocks.

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Kyra Holt

Main photo: Bob Larson / Others: Jonathan Hawthorne, Keith Peters/Palo Alto Weekly, USA Volleyball, athlete contributions

SCHOOL: Albany YEAR: Junior POSITION: OH WHY SHE’S HERE: Holt was the MVP of the Bay Shore Athletic League last year, and was only a sophomore. With an immense amount of raw talent, Holt, who had 366 kills last year, could be an East Bay Player of the Year candidate in 2011.

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Red Zone

Bells determined to draw the positive out of historic hiccup

By Chace Bryson | Editor Travis McHugh called the play himself.

From the 7-yard line on 3rd-and-goal — in overtime — he called his own number. A naked bootleg to the right corner of the end zone.

“I called that play myself,” the Bellarmine Prep-San Jose quarterback said. “Because I knew it was going to work.”

And he was right.

By the time he got to the 2-yard line, the closing defensive back for De La Salle-Concord could only get his arms wrapped around McHugh’s legs as he fell forward into the end zone. The score tied the game at 20, and a pending extra point would’ve handed the host Spartans their first loss to Northern California team in nearly 20 years — an unbeaten streak that had reached 211 games.

inside look: bellarmine prepsan jose But McHugh couldn’t totally buy into the euphoria sweeping his own sideline.

“You can’t really celebrate a win until the fat lady sings,” he said. “We got in (the end zone) and I ran back to the sideline, and the situation was really similar to game we had two years ago against Archbishop Mitty-San Jose. We had to go into double OT and lost by just a smidge.

“It happened the same way. We both scored and both missed the extra point. I don’t want to say it was deja vu, and I don’t want to say I was expecting (our kicker) to miss, but I was like ‘Uh oh, it’s not a guaranteed make here.’”

And again, he was right.

Aaron Gamboa’s PAT kick sailed wide left. Pushed just a touch too far by the junior.

The Bells then had to take the field on offense again to start the second overtime, and managed just a 27-yard field goal by McHugh for a 23-20 lead. But De La Salle wasn’t about to miss it’s chance to put an end to things, reaching the end zone on three plays and walking off winners are Bart Houston, McHugh’s counterpart, plunged across the goal line from one yard out.

An elated — and much relieved Spartans team spared excess celebration as it shook hands and quickly exited the field. However, legendary De La Salle coach Bob Ladouceur lingered just long enough to grab a moment with McHugh to complement his effort.

Nobody likes moral victories. Not on the football field. And not at the cost of having historic significance slip through the fingertips.

The football players of Bellarmine-San Jose will refer to their Sept. 2 effort at Owen Owens Field as a loss. Because that’s what it was, albeit an inspiring one.

The Bells became just the third Northern California since the opening of the 1992 season to be tied with De La Salle after four quarters of play. The other two times, both during 2004, overtimes were not played.

Bellarmine never appeared to shy away from the nation-

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Bob Larson

Bellarmine tight end and linebacker Joe Gigantino (85) sprawls forward as De La Salle defensive back Josh Jenkins ducks down to make an open-field tackle. Gigantino scored the first touchdown of the Sept. 2 game on a 40-yard fumble return in the first half. ally-ranked Spartans at any point of the contest. In fact, they held a 7-0 lead at halftime after forcing the Wisconsin-bound Houston into three turnovers — the last of which was a fumble that linebacker Joe Gigantino returned 40 yards for a touchdown.

“That’s Bellarmine football,” Gigantino said. “We’ve been training all summer for this game. We wanted to smack these guys in the mouth and show ‘em what we’re made of. We did the best we could, but they came out on top” And while it’s moral victories the Bells could do without, losses to learn from and build upon are just fine with them.

Bellarmine (0-1) will now take a bye week to regroup and prepare for a Sept. 16 game at San Leandro. The Bells, who still carry significant hopes of reaching a California Interscho-

lastic Federation State Championship bowl game in 2011, realize that a double-overtime defeat to the state’s No. 1 team probably won’t hurt their resume too much as long as they can take care of business moving forward.

In fact, the extra-close loss to the Spartans could eventually end up separating Bellarmine from other one-loss teams when the CIF section commissioners sit down to make the bowl game selections in mid-December.

“We’re going to use this game to fuel us into the rest of the season,” McHugh said. “We’re going to practice really hard, but we know after this game that just about anything is possible. We still have high hopes for us, and we’re going to push our season as far it will go.” ✪

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Red Zone

Spartans are preparing to regroup after rocky opener De La Salle heads into its bye week following a 26-23 double overtime win over Bellarmine Prep-San Jose, which could only be described as escaping a near-disaster.

The Spartans offense, which was held to just 107 yards rushing and 225 yards of total offense — their lowest outputs in each statistic since a 30-6 loss to Don Bosco Prep-Ramsey (N.J.) on Sept. 12, 2009 — goes back to the drawing board as it prepares for a Sept. 16 game at St. Mary’s-Stockton.

“We made a lot of mistakes,” De La Salle coach Bob Ladouceur said following the Bellarmine game.

“Watching film on this game is going to be really hard.”

The mistakes seemed to be in all areas for the offense, including the three first-half turnovers and some costly second-half penalties that severely hindered the Spartans chances of expanding their 14-7 lead and possibly putting the Bells out of reach. Were it not for a prolonged stretch of strong play by the Spartans defense, especially in the first half, the game might have played out even more so in the Bells’ favor.

Cal-bound linebacker Michael Barton led De La Salle in tackles with 15 (nine solo), but perhaps the Spartans’ player with the biggest defensive impact

De La Salle coach Bob Ladouceur praised his team’s perseverance in its seasonopening win, but said film of the doubleovertime victory would be “hard to watch.”

was David Moffitt. The junior linebacker was all over the field throughout the night, making 10 tackes (eight solo), but also breaking up four passes — two of which likely would’ve gone for scores if had they been caught.

Anthony Williams was certainly a bright spot for the Spartans as well, scoring both of the team’s touchdowns in regulation. His 90-yard punt return gave De La Salle it’s first points of the game and brought the team and it’s sideline some much-needed energy.

“It woke up our team,” Ladouceur said of the return.

“Six minutes into the third quarter and I think we only had 40 yards of offense, so we needed it.”

Williams said the talk at halftime was pretty simple.

“Offensively, we needed to pick it up,” he said. “We needed to focus on our game and not let them dictate what we do.”

In the week following their game against St. Mary’s, the team flies to Florida for a national spotlight game at St. Thomas Aquinas-Fort Lauderdale. The game will play out on ESPN2, giving everyone a chance to watch the film — Ladouceur undoubtedly hopes it will be easier to watch by then. ✪ — Chace Bryson

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Red Zone

Trosin, new-look Bulldogs keep to 2010 script By erik stordahl | SportStars If the blueprint for winning a state championship bowl game means getting blown out by Grant-Sacramento in the first game then dominating the second, then perhaps it’s time to give Folsom back-to-back crowns right now.

Indeed, the rising football powerhouse looked like a team on a mission when they dismantled San Ramon Valley-Danville 41-29 on Sept. 3 in the second billed match of the Battle in the Bay at Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill. And if the opening statement seems like an outlandish one, it’s wise not to discount the hungry squad from the greaterSacramento area.

But Bulldogs coach Kris Richardson knows it’s a long road to Carson’s Home Depot Center, site of the CIF State Championship bowl games; there are plenty of early-season kinks his team needs to work out.

“There are some weaknesses we have to fix,” Richardson said. “But we’re definitely going in the right path.”

New behind center this season is Tanner

inside look: folsom Trosin, a near carbon copy of Dano Graves, one of the most decorated quarterbacks in Sac-Joaquin history.

Like Graves, Trosin is the catalyst of the offense, throwing bombs to receivers and bulldozing through defensive lines as part of a potent running attack.

“He’s a great leader,” said Trosin on what he learned from Graves. “He taught me a lot about the game …. He’s way faster than I am, but I feel like I can still run and make plays for the team.”

There’s no doubting that. In addition to throwing for 303 yards and four touchdowns on 14-for-25 passing, Trosin also rushed for two touchdowns on 109 yards on 25 carries.

For those doing the quick math, that’s 412 all-purpose yards and six touchdowns — a performance worthy of Graves comparisons.

And it hasn’t taken long for Trosin to get on the same page with his receivers. His four TD throws against the Wolves went to four different receivers, including senior Doug Vernon

KEEPING PACE A quick comparison of Tanner Trosin’s stats over his first two games of 2011 with the numbers Dano Graves posted in the first two games of 2010.

Comp-Att. Pass Yds. TD INT. Rush Att. Yards TDs Graves 46-71 590 6 2 29 183 2 Trosin 38-67 638 5 5 30 139 3

Butch Noble

After taking a loss in his first varsity start at quarterback on Aug. 27, Folsom’s Tanner Trosin delivered a superb performance in a Sept. 3 win over San Ramon Valley-Danville. who caught six passes for 119 yards.

The secret to such early chemistry?

“It always comes from the offseason,” Trosin said. “I just kept working on my routes that I’ve been working on.”

Vernon added that the success comes from staying after practice working on those same routes with Trosin.

Following his first career win as the Bulldogs’ starter, where was Trosin 10 minutes after the final buzzer? Resting with a few

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ice packs attached to his frame. All part of a game’s work when it comes to replacing the National Player of the Year.

“I’m not banged up,” Trosin said. “It’s just my ankles that have been sore since last week.”

That’s a good thing for the Bulldogs as they go full-throttle for another state title.

“We need to keep working hard in practice,” Trosin said. “We need to be in a humble state of mind.” ✪

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Red Zone

You can look good on the sideline, but it doesn’t win ball games

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the SportStars Magazine debut of Roger Theder. If you proclaim to be a long-time follower of East Bay football, then you’re familiar with Coach Theder. If you’re new, we’ll cut you some slack. Here are the basics: Roger Theder was the head football coach at Cal from 1978 to 1981 and is widely recognized as one of the leading quarterback coaches on the West Coast. A former assistant at both Cal and Stanford, he has tutored dozens of top collegiate quarterbacks including Drew Olson (UCLA), Ken Dorsey (Miami) and Trent Edwards (Stanford). He also served as quarterbacks coach for the San Diego Chargers and as an assistant with the Baltimore Colts. Theder will be a regular contributor to the magazine throughout the football season, passing along his wisdom on football and coaching. esson #1: Be authentically you At Cal, I thought I had to become that stereotypical drill sergeant in order to build a winning program. But being a good coach is not about having a tough guy persona. Instead, it’s about being true to yourself and remaining a constant student of the game. One of my first moves as head coach was to buy all of my assistant coaches beautiful cobalt blue sweaters. We looked like the best coaching staff in America: myself, Dom Capers, Gunther Cunningham, Al Saunders, Max McCartney, and Francis Peay. And it was a good crew.

All of us went on to become contributors on NFL staffs. At the time, however, we were ready for the NFL in image only. The sweaters were a strategic move: our professional appearance was supposed to lead to touchdowns and Ws on the football field. It didn’t. Sweaters don’t make winners. Lesson learned.

Lesson #2: Take Time to Be Creative For a coach, learning is paramount. I’m a strong believer that learning often comes through creativity. I was fortunate to coach one of our sport’s all time greats, Chuck Muncie.

With Muncie at running back our offense pretty much sorted itself out, but after he was drafted by the New Orleans Saints we had to make some tweaks. I came up with the idea of running our same plays but from different formations. We would line up in a “Run and Shoot” formation, but switch into “West Coast” before snapping the ball, and we had success with that. The post-Muncie era taught me that good things happen when you are willing to experiment. I set aside more time to be creative and spend less time on administrative duties.

Lesson #3: Utilize strengths, circumvent weakness Speaking of administration, it is a weakness I try to circumvent. My own strengths are x’s and o’s; I know football plays, but running a team was not my strong suit. It took several challenging seasons for me to realize that, after which I relegated more time to creativity and put myself in coaching situations where I knew I would be successful — like working specifically with quarterbacks. ✪

Gridiron Lessons

L

Roger Theder

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Red Zone

Kline opens senior campaign with flare There’s no telling whether San Ramon Valley-Danville senior quarterback Zach Kline felt he had something to prove in the Wolves’ season-opener against Folsom on Sept. 3 at John Miller sustained a season-ending torn ACL and menisDiablo Valley College.

But if so, he proved it. cus in a non-contact drill in mid-August. Miller also had his Despite being Rivals.com’s highest-rated quarterback junior season cut short by injury. recruit in the state, Kline has had some doubters say he only Leo Costa stepped in for Miller on short notice and was unperforms well at camps and combines der siege from the Falcons’ defense all — and has failed to tout his talent in a night. He finished 7-for-17 for 115 yards game situation. with one pick and a fluttery 25-yard His performance in San Ramon Valtouchdown pass to Ethan Little for the ley’s 41-29 loss to Folsom should go a Bulldogs’ first score of the season. long way in silencing those doubters.

“It was just a freaky thing,” secondAfter starting the game a little shaky, year Alhambra coach Alan Hern said of the Cal-bound Kline finished strong as he Miller’s injury. “He was very depressed. torched the Bulldogs’ secondary to com… He might be back in time for baseball plete 10 of his last 11 passes. He finished season, but not until after Easter.” the game competing 19 of 27 passes Costa will need some seasoning, but for 305 yards — a career-high, and his Jonathan Hawthorne Hern, a former Bulldogs quarterback first 300-yard performance — with three Doug Longero, Vintage-Napa himself, is optimistic about the future. touchdowns and no interceptions. He “He can make all the throws,” Hern also rushed 12 times for 48 yards and a said. “He’s going to be very good.” score.

It at least made a believer out of Folsom coach Kris Richardson. “We knew he was good, I’d seen some tape,” Richardson said. “I knew he had a cannon and this year I saw It was only a few minutes after its 26-6 season-opening win how accurate he was. I thought he played his butt off …. He’s over Vintage-Napa on Sept. 2, when the Las Lomas-Walnut a great player.”

Creek players surprised their coach Doug Longero with a banner commemorating what was his 100th victory.

While the moment was satisfying, it was also a bit conflicting. Primarily because, despite the win, he thought his team Friday’s College Park-Pleasant Hill/Alhambra-Martinez could’ve played a little better. season-opening rivalry game featured a rare occurrence: And it’s that grind toward perfection that leads most Both teams featured a sophomore starting at quarterback. coaches to the 100-win club. A few days later, the coach was The Falcons’ Dimitri Salido, looking diminutive (the roster able to take it in stride — though he claimed reaching the lists him at 5-foot-10, 160 pounds, but one should be dubiplateau was not that big of deal. ous) but composed, got the better end of things in the 28-20 “You coach to coach,” said Longero, whose career record College Park win. Salido tossed two 22-yard TD passes to is now 100-47-1, all with the Knights. “If anything, I’m happy Jaelen Collins, and scored on a 7-yard keeper. Salido got the that I’ve been able to carry some longevity at the school, and nod partly because senior Jordan Louis — also the team’s beyond that it’s always been about seeing what the kids can starting safety — was a little dinged up.

Alhambra’s story is a little less happy. Senior signal-caller do and continuing to have fun with it.” ✪

run ‘n’ shoot

Triple Digits

Sophomoric

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NorCal Top 20 Records are through Sept. 3.

Rank (Prev.)...School...............................Record 1. (1)................De La Salle-Concord................ 1-0 2. (3)................Grant-Sacramento.................... 1-1 3. (4)................Bellarmine-San Jose................. 0-1 4. (5)................Buhach Colony-Atwater............ 2-0 5. (2)................Pleasant Grove-Elk Grove........ 1-1 6. (6)................Valley Christian-San Jose......... 0-0 7. (7)................Palo Alto..................................... 1-0 8. (8)................Granite Bay................................ 2-0 9. (16)..............Lincoln-Stockton........................ 1-0 10. (9)..............Folsom....................................... 1-1 11. (10)............California-San Ramon.............. 1-0 12. (13)............Pittsburg..................................... 1-0 13. (14)............Oak Grove-San Jose................ 1-0 14. (11)............Del Oro-Loomis......................... 1-1 15. (12)............St. Mary’s-Stockton................... 0-1 16. (15)............Monte Vista-Danville................. 1-0 17. (17)............Palma-Salinas........................... 0-0 18. (18)............Monterey Trail-Elk Grove.......... 0-1 19. (19)............Foothill-Palo Cedro................... 2-0 20. (20)............Cardinal Newman-Santa Rosa.1-0 Top 20 Facts, Figures & Fallout ■ DROPPED OUT: None ■ BIGGEST MOVER: Lincoln-Stockton jumped seven spots after it’s double-overtime upset of No. 2 Pleasant Grove-Elk Grove on Sept. 2 ■ TEAMS STILL RANKED FROM preseason TOP 20: 20 ■ KNOCKING AT THE DOOR: Serra-San Mateo (1-0), Escalon (1-0), Whitney-Rocklin (1-0) ■ SMALL SCHOOL TOP 5 (500 enrollment cutoff): 1. Central Catholic-Modesto (2-0), 2. Le Grand (1-0), 3. Salesian-Richmond (1-0), 4. Modesto Christian (1-1), 5. Ferndale (1-0).

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tee2green Castro Valley golfer looks to close her stellar prep career with the regional title that eluded her By erik stordahl | SportStars

Three individual league championships. One North Coast Section title. One Top-3 finish at the NCGA/CIF High School Girls Championship. Any golfer would be thrilled with a career such as this one.

For Betty Chen, it’s simply not enough.

Through three years, the Castro Valley High senior has dominated the Hayward Area Athletic League and, last season, took home the NCS Tournament of Champions title. But it’s the third-place finish at the California Interscholastic Federation Northern Regional Championships that still lingers.

“I felt like that day I had some good holes and bad holes,” Chen said. “I probably left a couple shots out there.”

It’s mind-boggling to think that a third-place finish on, perhaps, the second-biggest stage of the season is considered underachieving when most girls would kill for a result like that. It’s scary to think how much she would’ve won by if she put together a complete 18 holes.

“In the 12 years I’ve been coaching golf, she’s probably the most talented girl who’s come through Castro Valley High School,” Castro Valley coach Ed Blom said.

“She’s the No. 1 player on our team. She leads by example. She works hard — working on drills, working to improve her game. She is never satisfied.”

That insatiable quality no doubt serves as the impetus for capturing back-to-back-to-back HAAL individual titles and the reason why she possesses the most desired resume amongst her peers.

In the NorCals finish that still grinds at her memory, Chen finished one stroke behind Alameda’s Grace Na, now at Pepperdine, who in turn finished one stroke back of champion Hannah Suh of Evergreen ValleySan Jose.

Suh unquestionably is a special talent and formidable foe to Chen. The 2009 Northern California Golf Association Girls Junior Player of the Year, Suh is perhaps seen as Chen’s toughest competition, but the latter says there is no heated rivalry brewing.

“I was actually paired with her (at NorCals),” Chen said. “She deserved to win …. I think we’ll be paired together (at NorCals this year).”

Most likely, the championship will come down to Chen and Suh, but there are those who beg to differ.

“She’s got to be in the Top 6 (at NCS) to move on (to NorCals),” Blom said. “I think her biggest competition will come from the EBAL (East Bay Athletic League).”

Like who?

Perhaps a player from a stacked team like Amador Valley-Pleasanton. The defending NCS Div. I champions boast talents like seniors Monique Riley and Natalie Bodnar and sophomore Kimberly Liu — who finished eighth at the CIF State Championships at Red 34

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September 8, 2011

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tee2green IRON GIRLS In addition to Betty Chen and Hannah Suh, here are few more golfers to look out for this season.

■ Natalie Bodnar and Monique Riley, Amador Valley-Pleasanton, Srs. — Captain duo led Dons to state championship last year.

■ Kimberly Liu, Amador Valley, So. — Finished eighth in state championship as a freshman last season.

■ Samantha Moyal, Alameda, Sr. — NCGA Junior Champion posted a 78 at NorCals in 2010.

■ Carli Childs, Alameda, Sr. — Along with Na and Moyal, ACCAL MVP helped propel Hornets to Nor Cal crown.

■ Katie Sborov and Alex Sborov, FoothillPleasanton, Jrs. — Sisters should help keep Foothill in contention for EBAL and NCS titles.

■ Elizabeth Schultz, Acalanes, So. — Big things expected of Dons prodigy who recently posted a 69 in a practice round at Lone Tree Golf Course in Antioch.

■ Ashley Noda, St. Franics-Sacramento, Sr. — Troubadours No. 1 lead her team to an SJS title, and was named All-City Golfer of the Year by the Sacramento River Cats.

■ Shawnee Martinez, Enochs-Modesto, Sr. — Shot a 2-under par 70 to win the 2010 Sac Joaquin Section Masters Tournament, and then had a top-5 finish at NorCals.

■ Kelsey Ulep, Whitney-Rocklin, Sr. — Finished one stroke back of Martinez at SJS Masters; Also competed in the U.S. Girls Junior Amateur over the summer.

■ Paige Lee, Granite Bay, Jr. — Shot a 74 to finish third at SJS Masters and then followed up with a 76 that tied for fourth at NorCals.

Butch Noble/photos

Kelsey Ulep of Whitney-Rocklin returns for her senior year after she missed winning the SJS Masters title by one stroke.

Hill Country Club in Rancho Cucamonga last November, as a freshman.

“I think it could be anybody’s game this year,” Alameda senior Samantha Moyal said. “It could be Hannah or Carly (Childs) or me.”

Indeed, the Alameda Hornets return Moyal and Childs, the Alameda Contra Costa Athletic League MVP last year. Alameda captured the title at NorCals, which was played in Stockton. Their coach, Stephen Burnett, is expecting great things from a squad that lost Na to graduation.

“A lot of people will be surprised with who’s coming back,” Burnett said. “I’m very excited about this year.”

For Chen, it doesn’t really matter whom she’s going up against; she never gets rattled.

“I don’t think Betty is intimidated by anybody,” Blom said. “She’s been playing out of state all summer …. She just has this knack of not worrying about what others do.”

Chen’s summer tour is nothing short of impressive, playing in tournaments all over the country and, most notably, in Rhode Island for the US Women’s Amateur Championship.

Going up against the country’s best could make matches in the East Bay seem like child’s play.

But Chen remains humble through it all.

“Betty is the kind of girl who never underestimates her opponents,”

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tee2green Blom said. “She knows she has to play her best golf.”

A quality like that is special and can pay huge dividends in big tournaments.

Golf is different when it comes to virtually any other sport. Athletes in most team sports have to game plan for opponents, studying every little nuance and idiosyncrasy. Golfers need only worry about the course, where sometimes the weather can easily sway the outcome.

Even other players have noticed Chen’s work habits.

“We actually practice at the same course so I know her pretty well,” Moyal said. “I see her at the golf course every day. I mean every single day.”

One of the aspects of her game she works on every day is her swing. Of course it helps when her swing coach is her father. She’ll be taking her talents to UC Davis next year, which she likes because it means dad will be close enough to keep tabs on her throughout her college career. In addition to having a full coaching squad at her disposal, Chen is content knowing her father is nearby.

“I’ll be working with him on my swing and everything,” Chen said. ✪

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Ten years of building character at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course For many years as a mentor, I have emphasized the importance of an enduring quality of character. It is an aspect of each of our lives over which we have 100 percent control.

While life may throw a lot of challenging experiences our way, we still have an opportunity — the choice — to use those experiences to shape who we are and who we want to become as individuals. Those of us who enjoy the game of golf know that playing golf has a way of shaping our character. That is why I feel so much passion for The First Tee, which provides programs that build character. We start with life lessons and core values and golf helps us reinforce them.

The First Tee of San Jose is now 6 years-old, but 10 years-old if you go back to its origin as the Eagles at Rancho program, having impacted the lives of more than 10,000 young people. Clearly, the most character building takes place when a child continues with our program over several years.

The First Tee’s curriculum is developmentally appropriate, so it is best experienced for up to 10 years, ideally from 2nd-12th grade.

Girls and boys who began our program in 2005-2006 when they were in elementary school are now in high school. They have grown to become wonderful young women and men, who are exceptional in character.

Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course in East San Jose has been the home of The First Tee of San Jose since the Eagles program began in 2001.

It is an ideal location for our program because of the layout of the facility

First Tee Files George Maxe

and the neighborhood that surrounds it.

Readers may have heard that the City of San Jose is contemplating the sale of Rancho. While this is creating considerable uncertainty for the operation, not the future of our program, I am reminded again of what is certain – that character endures, that character matters.

The First Tee of San Jose and Rancho del Pueblo are thrilled to host the second annual PGA TOUR Community Day as part of the Frys.com Open week on Wednesday, Oct. 5 from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Last year, Rocco Mediate, who ended up winning the tournament, was one of three professional golfers who visited with and conducted a clinic for over 250 local youth.

This is a unique chance to hear first-hand about the life lessons and core values that have shaped the character of PGA professionals. And it looks like Rocco will be returning to Rancho. Join us for this special afternoon at Rancho del Pueblo, home of The First Tee of San Jose. ✪

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

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Education of sport-specific technique can prevent many ACL tears

I

n the epidemiology of youth sports we observe with consternation that the injuries are on the rise and getting more severe. This is happening even when the science and technology sectors are dedicating huge amounts of effort and money in trying to prevent it.

Among all the injuries, the torn ACL is one of the most concerning today. When this injury happens, the result is a devastated athlete that frequently has to give up his/her athletic aspirations. It generates great complaints from the media, coaches and parents about the equipment used, the playing surface, the sport characteristics and more.

One fundamental cause of the ACL injury is the athlete’s sport-specific technique. In my practice, I had the opportunity to rehabilitate and help return to competition several ACL-injured athletes from different sports.

After the analysis of many variables to discover possible causes of the injury, I consistently found the same fundamental issues: the athlete does not understand how to properly use his/her sport tools (shoes among others things) and also performs inefficiently his/her sport’s technique.

One of the main causes of ACL tear is the rotation of the femur in the opposite direction respect of the tibia.

To allow a quick and safe body rotation to kick the ball or throw the shot, the athlete has to pivot on his/ her toes.

But when the cleat is completely in contact with the ground, it prevents movement of the foot and the point of rotation is translated from the toes to the knee.

Numerous wrong repetitions — thanks to the absence of proper instruction, and the biological limitations related to the growing process of the young athlete — creates the perfect mechanical, biochemical and structural environment for the damage to happen.

We can’t know yet, with the available information, if the injury is a one and unique time event or a situation that happens after the knee is stressed for a prolonged time (the latter is my strongest hypothesis in most of the cases). What we can be sure of is that the more the athletes repeat a wrong movement, the more they increase the risk of damage.

This is why it is so important that we teach and educate our young athletes in how to properly perform the sport technique.

My conclusion is that most of the ACL, and many others injuries, are an “educational problem.” In order to prevent those injuries, our attention should be in improving the coaching quality before getting concerned about the sport, it’s technology or equipment. ✪

Daniel Kamenetzky is a sport methodologist and kinesiologist for the staff of Sports Medicine For Young Athletes, a division of Children’s Hospital Oakland with a facility also located in Walnut Creek. If you have a health-related question for the “Health Watch” column, write the Sports Medicine For Young Athletes staff at Health@SportStarsMag.com

Health Watch Daniel Kamenetzky

Among all the injuries, the torn ACL is one of the most concerning today.

When this injury happens, the result is a devastated athlete that frequently has to give up his/her athletic aspirations.

It generates great complaints from the media, coaches and parents about the equipment used, the playing surface, the sport characteristics and more.

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Make comfort a top priority when gearing up for your first triathlon

T

riathlon has A LOT of fancy gear! Gear is everything from your bike to the clothing you wear for each sport.

Triathlon requires a lot of gear, and requires some thought because you change three times. All this can be expensive, if you let it.

Even if you have the money, there is no need to spend it until you know what you need and what you like. Your main concern when beginning is comfort, non-cotton, and the right fit to avoid chafing and injuries. After you have done some training, and completed a few races, you know better what you want and what you need. That is the best time to start buying gear that is not only comfortable and functional, but looks cool.

For your first season and your first race, there are “essentials” and there are “nice to haves”.

These are the three essentials: ■ RUNNING SHOES You need to go to a running store, like Fleet Feet, Runner’s High, Forward Motion, or other running places that will analyze your gait, have you try on many pairs of shoes, and help you find the right shoe for you. Most injuries originate from your feet. If your knees or hips are hurting, it probably has to do with your shoes and your foot strike. Coaches will help you with run form including foot strike and body position, but it all starts with a good pair of shoes.

■ BIKE / GOOD BIKE FIT Again, coaches will help with bike form, but you need a bike and you need to fit that bike correctly. A good fit will make your riding more comfortable, will help you avoid injuries, and will help you recruit the correct muscle group on each part of each pedal stroke. You can use whatever bike you want, even a mountain bike with slick tires works for your first triathlon, just make sure to have it tuned up. But get fit. Mostly it helps stave off injury and pain during and after riding.

You can choose any fitter at a bike shop where you feel comfortable, and is close

Liz Elliott TriSteps is a seven-part, monthly series focusing on a variety of topics that athletes should know about as they set sights on training for their first triathlon. This is the second installment.

The first column, “Getting started,” can be found at www.SportStarsOnline.com.

to your house. Be aware, a good place may take about 1-2 hours for a fit, and will offer a guarantee to have you ride on the fit for about a month, and make adjustments for free after you’ve tested it out. Ask lots of questions, and make sure you can come back for no cost to be refit within a month.

■ WETSUIT A good wetsuit will last you for years. It is recommended to do open water swimming triathlon races in a wetsuit, and you will need to practice in your wetsuit before the race. You do not need the most expensive wetsuit, or the coolest looking — rather you need one that will keep you warm and buoyant, and one that will last.

You can order a sleeved or a sleeveless wetsuit. For beginners purchasing their first suit, I recommend a sleeved, as you can wear it in any temperature water and throughout the year. It is just more versatile. A sleeveless wetsuit allows for more range of motion in the shoulders, but your arms are exposed to the elements. Sleeveless may be more comfortable for competitive swimmers, people with wider shoulders, or those that do not become cold easily.

There are many brands of wetsuits, and some fit differently from others. I recom-

mend renting a suit. It is reasonably priced, you can try different brands and sizes, and your rental cost goes towards the price of a new suit when you are ready to buy. When sizing, if on the cusp of two sizes, go with the larger size. It will be more comfortable, and you will want to wear it more.

Any sporting store can provide the essential gear. Or, consider department stores like TJ Maxx, Kohls, or even thrift stores. You can find some great deals.

Other things to begin trying in practice: Chamois butter for your bike and triathlon shorts, sport food for before during and after practices and races, and Body Glide for use with your wetsuit or on your feet during running. These will help you stay comfortable and fueled during training and racing. Just remember: comfort, non-cotton, and functional, and you will have a fun, successful season.

Liz Elliott is the head coach of the Tri-Valley Triathlon Club based in Dublin. Liz specializes in preparing beginner triathletes for their first triathlon or set of triathlons. She has coached and taught swimming 19 years, and coached hundreds of triathletes at all distances. Contact her at liz@trivalleytriclub. com

BASICS: What you need for a good first race or first season 1 4 8 5 9 2 6 10 3 7 11 A pair of running shoes right for you.

A bike with slick tires.

Sunscreen. Wear every practice, and reapply.

Non-cotton, wicking socks, shirt, and shorts. (Functional, comfortable, non-cotton sports bra for women.)

A working helmet.

Sun glasses, for in sun and to protect eyes from debris.

A water bottle, full of water each practice.

A good pair of triathlon shorts. (Like bike shorts, but with less padding.

You will wear these for the entire triathlon race.)

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Swim cap and goggles.

A backpack, or transition bag, to carry all your gear to practices and races. Keep everything in one place.

A watch. Any digital watch with start and stop will do. Although time is not everything, it is a one good method of keeping a pace and of measuring progress.

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Just a couple of SportStars being kids again EDITOR’S NOTE: At the generous invitation of the Army National Guard, our Publisher and Distribution Manager were treated to the ride of their lives Saturday, Aug. 27 at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma County. Apparently, spoiling media is part of the build-up for the IZOD Indy Car Series’ Grand Prix of Sonoma. Little did our fearless leaders know it would be their Disney E-Ticket. Here’s a first-hand account written by our publisher, Mike Calamusa.

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hen we arrived we were greeted by National Guardsmen, Sgts. Hovey and Monteforte, given our credentials and escorted to the semi that housed our gear. There we met an imposing figure who said to us, “Gentlemen, here’s where you’ll sign your life away”.

A 5-page disclaimer packet was handed out and we did our best to peruse and sign it all.

Once inside, we were sized up and instructed to choose a locker by the shoe-size printed on it. She handed us our gear for the day, a triple-layered racing suit, gloves, head socks and helmet. We suited up! It was so cool. I found myself saying, “So this is what Mario Andretti felt like!”

Fully outfitted, helmet in hand, we stepped out of the trailer and to my amazement I walked right into my childhood hero himself! I was star struck. The most I could muster as I shook his hand was, “Mr. Andretti, it’s a pleasure” Our parade of 11 National Guard-invitees, and about two dozen others made its way to the paddock and down to the tarmac where three specially-outfitted 2-seater Indy cars were waiting. These are the real deal — the same as the big

boys drive only with about 8 inches more stretch to the chassis to accommodate the extra passenger. My heart rate was already in high gear.

My only letdown was so brief, I almost forgot to write it down. When Scott, one of the pit crew signaled me to step over the railing and ready myself for the ride, it wasn’t Mario’s car. No worries though, my driver was going to be Davey Hamilton. Hamilton’s resume includes 11 Indianapolis 500 starts and over 50 starts in the IZOD Indy Car Series. Twice he has finished second in the season-long points standings.

To state the obvious, the guy is FAST! Next thing I know, the crew fires up the car: Eat your heart out Mazda with your Zoom-Zoom. This was a Va-room.

Pit crew guys waved me over. I took care not to step on the carbon-fiber body panel, stepping over and into the hole that would be my safety cocoon for the next few minutes of pure thrill-riding joy. Inside, the crew went to work, strapping and pulling and tightening and giving instruction.

Then it happened. My driver FLOORED IT! I never knew anything could go so fast, so quickly. I know the track at Infineon. I’ve been to plenty of races there before. But heading into the uphill at Turn 2, my mind was racing nearly as fast as Hamilton — and he was already past 100 mph.

I thought, “He’ll have to slow to make the tight turn ahead, then he’ll likely pick up. ... What? We’re already past both turns and he didn’t slow a bit! How the heck? Oh man, we’re doing 150 and heading into the hairpin at Turn 7?!”

From there, I snuck a peek at the smoke still wafting in the air from speeding through Turn 5. “Whoohooo,” I screamed.

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Butch Noble, left, and Mike Calamusa This is so cool. That’s when I said this thought out loud, “And you get to do this for a living!”

Several thoughts flood your subconscious mind while you’re busy absorbing the visceral stimuli of such speed and power and awe. “How did they ever figure out exactly how fast they could take these turns without flipping?,” was the predominant one for me.

Around the final turn and into the all-too-short straightaway, all I could think was, “Faster, dude. Faster!” We rocketed through the final seconds, up the shoot and back to pit row. The engine shut off and we coasted to a stop, right where this thrill ride had begun just 1 minute, 57 seconds ago. No lap record for Hamilton I’m sure, but dang.

I was unbridled, helped out of the cockpit, the helmet came off and I was jumping like a kid in a candy store.

I thanked my driver with a pat on his helmet and under my breath found myself saying, “... and you get to do this for a living!” ✪

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impulse Brand names Mikasa: A staple for volleyball and water polo, Mikasa comes through with quality time and time again. Go with the VSL215 All Court in red, white and blue for playing on any surface — and for repping the U.S. of A. The VSO200 is ideal for all levels and playing anywhere.

It’s vibrant colors make it to stand out so it’s easy to track when you’re throwing down spike after spike at the beach.

Their Squish series is perfect for horsing around in the pool or the back yard with friends and family. It comes in red or blue and is guaranteed to last for a year. Also, the ball won’t stay pumped forever; you’re gonna need a pump to keep those matches going. Go with the Double Barrel Pump. It comes with a needle and twice the inflating potential.

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elcome to Impulse, your one-stop shop for the latest and greatest in gadgets, gizmos and gear. Compiled by Erik Stordahl, Impulse gathers a hodgepodge of what’s currently hot on the market. This week we bump, set and spike all the primo volleyball gear players and teams will need for a special season.

For volleyball, there’s two main things you need: a net and a ball. Getting the net is easy, chances are your school already has one. But balls are a whole other animal to wrestle with. So many brands, so many purposes, so many colors. Let’s make the right choice.

City Beach Got the itch to play more volleyball than you can possibly squeeze into one lifetime? Of course you do. City Beach has your back. Hit up their Santa Clara facility and sign up for a monthly membership ($25/month, a steal). Go up against players of all ages, form a team and rule the courts. Need a break or something to do for an entire weekend? Then head over to City Beach in Fremont. In addition to state of the art volleyball courts, they’ve got enough attractions to rival Disneyland and Great America combined. OK, we’re pushin’ it a little but you catch our drift. Kids: have the birthday party to end all birthday parties at City Beach. Seriously, every kid in school will crave an invite to a City Beach birthday blowout. There are also camps, classes, Jr. Volleyball Club and Family Fun Night.

Family Fun Night is every Saturday and has something for everyone. Kids can enter the KidZone, an all-out, high-octane blitz of fun filled with bounce houses, basketball, badminton, ping pong and hula-hooping (yes, that’s a word). Parents! City Beach boasts a plethora of things to do. They’ve got billiards, shuffleboard, air hockey, foosball, ping pong and a partridge in a pear tree in their Entertainment Hub. Watch UFC events, NFL Sunday Ticket, A’s/Giants/Niners/Raiders/Warriors games on their big TVs in their restaurant/bar with a full menu.

Annnnnd, we’ve only scratched the surface on what City Beach offers. Yeesh. Another time we’ll get around to covering their massive rock gym, high ropes thrill course, courtyard patio, options for hosting team & corporate events and other upcoming events. Check ‘em out online at www.citybeach.com for more info to plan a fun-filled weekend.

Wilson: For the volleyballers with pro aspirations, go with Wilson since it’s … what the pros use. Duh. Get the AVP Official Game Ball and you’re well on your way to becoming the next Kerry Washington or Misty May-Treanor. Of course, you’re also gonna need the athletic chops, icy veins and super tan to pull that off. But the ball is a promising start. The Reaction is another good get for indoor ballers. Official game size and weight wrapped with a composite leather cover, the Reaction is ideal for indoor teams looking to make some noise this season.

The gear Kneepads: Asics has you covered. Their VB Kneepad is a staple for players of all levels.

Comes in black or white and will guarantee to last for seasons on end. Look. We know you’re tough enough to handle the occasional rug/carpet burns, but it gets to a point where enough’s enough? Right? No? OK, fine. But you’re still gonna need knee pads or else the governing powers that be won’t let you on to the court.

Shorts: Again, Asics will be your go-to for this. Whether it’s Plain Jane (Low-Cut Shorts), different (Raptorness), or straight up funky (Wave Shorts), Asics give you a wealth of options.

Get a pair for league play, one for the beach and one for scrimmages or pickup games.

Shoes: The big daddies here are Mizuno and Nike. For indoor play you can’t go wrong with Mizuno Women’s Wave Rally 2, Mizuno Wave Lightning 7, the Nike Women’s Multicourt 10, or the Asics Women’s GEL-Rocket 5.

Bags: Equipment managers! Make life easier for yourselves by getting a ball bag. Whether it’s the Wilson Coach’s Ball Bag or the MacGregor Volleyball Carry Bag, either is ideal and serves as your assistant for home and away games.

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camps + clinics BASEBALL/SOFTBALL Golden Era Baseball Based in the East Bay, we offer several instructionalbased programs as well as 9U thru 18U Club Teams. We are currently taking signups 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: 925416-1600, 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.

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Prepare to Perform! Info: 925-459-2880.

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 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: 925-933-3701, www. castlerockarabians.com FITNESS Aspire Pilates Dramatically increase core strength, power, flexibility, balance, focus and joint stability, while preventing injury.

Aspire prides itself on helping propel athletes to the next level by addressing muscular imbalances, helping athletes increase body awareness, correct faulty body mechanics, and access untapped strength.

Info: 925.680.4400, www.

AspirePilatesCenter.com.

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

Info: 925- 639-0907.

Transform FX 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: 925-932-6400, 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: 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

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camps + clinics Camp Spectacular” offers day camps with one-week or one- day programs to provide the flexibility for your busy schedule.

Abrakadoodle Art Camps inspire kids to reach beyond and create art that is unique to them. Info: Palm Academy, Fremont, (510) 979-9794 or E.Nopi, Newark, (510)79ENOPI (36674) FUZE Fit For A Kid FUZE is a privately-held, DOJ-certified youth-only health club and curricula modeled after the principles of the Positive Coaching Alliance. FUZE enhances athletic development, socialization and self-esteem. Info: 888-FIT 4 A KID; www. fuzefit.com FOOTBALL NorCal Football Camps Led by Marin Catholic High coach, Ken Peralta (San Francisco 49ers High School Coach of the Year,) Camps serve youth ages of 7- 14. We help each child reach his full potential as a football player and young person. Info: 650-245-3608 . www. norcalfootballcamps.com GOLF Dave DeLong Junior Golf Camp This camp is for advanced and beginning junior golfers.

Camps are designed for golfers 7-15. Camps include a 4 to 1 ratio of students to teachers where safety is the top priority as well as player development and enjoyment. Boundary Oak Course, Walnut Creek. Info: 925-997-3683; www. delonggolf.com Coach Rick Golf Learn to play on the course, where it

matters with Coach Rick! Golfers of all ages can sign up for clinics offered by Coach Rick starting now throughout summer. Info: 510 917-6442 • www.

ThePersonalGolfCoach.com The First Tee-Contra Costa The First Tee Summer Camp is a youth development program for boys and girls 7-18. Participants learn about golf and life skills and values inherent to the game, rules and etiquette.

Summer camps at Diablo Creek Golf Course in Concord. Info: www. thefirstteecontracosta.org; angela@ thefirstteecontracosta.org or 925-6866262 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: 510-3522002; 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.

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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: 925459-2880.

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”)

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camps + clinics at famous racetracks in the West for experienced motorcyclists looking to improve skills and build confidence. Riders provide their own motorcycles and protective gear. Keigwins@theTrack takes care of everything else. Info: www. keigwin.com or 650-949-5609.

UmiGo 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. Info: www. umigoracing.com.

OUTDOOR SPORTS Bear Valley Mountain Bear Valley has six camps with multiple sessions including: Soccer, Archery, Tennis, Climbing, Cycling and Day Camp. Summer Camps offer outdoor rec programs for the whole family; overnight resident skill camps and day camps, too. Age groups and activities vary by camp. Info: www.bearvalley.com University of Surfing Instructor Matt Cole offers lessons/ camps in Pacifica. 650-359-1425, mattcolesurfs@ hotmail.com; http:// universityofsurfing.com/ index.html.

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.

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 yearround 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

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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 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: 1-888988-7985 or www.USYVL.org.

MULTI-SPORT 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.

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

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

❒❒ A A A Northern California, ❒❒ ❒❒ ❒❒ ❒❒

❒❒ Fit 2 The Core............................................ 40

Nevada & Utah......................................... 10 ❒❒ Aabco Printing........................................ 42 ❒❒ Absorber, The........................................... 48 ❒❒ Accurate Impressions............................... 45 Army National Guard Recruiter................. 31 ❒❒

Heavenly Greens...................................... 47 Home Team Sports Photography.............. 43 Kaiser Permanente................................... 33 Kinders B B Q............................................ 37

❒❒ Aspire Pilates Center................................ 24 ❒❒ Lone Tree Golf Course............................... 35 ❒❒ Back Forty B B Q....................................... 14 ❒❒ Massage Envy.......................................... 41 ❒❒ Ball Park Gallery....................................... 25 ❒❒ ❒❒ Bay Area Golf Show.................................. 36 ❒❒ ❒❒ Big 5 Sporting Goods................................. 3 ❒❒ ❒❒ Big O Tires.................................................. 2 ❒❒ Bob Larson Sports Action Photography.... 43 ❒❒

Mc Coveys................................................ 30 Pacific Rim Volleyball Academy................ 42 Rocco’s Pizza............................................. 38 Rockin Jump............................................. 15

❒❒ Cal Bears.................................................. 29 ❒❒ Scandia Family Center.............................. 25 ❒❒ Cheer Gyms................................................ 6 ❒❒ Simply Selling Shirts................................ 38 ❒❒ Children’s Hospital And Research Center... 22 ❒❒ Snap Fitness............................................. 21 ❒❒ City Beach Sports Club............................. 25 ❒❒ Sports Stars Magazine.............................. 16 ❒❒ Club Sport Renaisssance .......................... 39 ❒❒ The First Tee Of Contra Costa..................... 35 ❒❒ Community Youth Center......................... 14 ❒❒ Crowne Plaza........................................... 43 ❒❒ The Mt. Diablo Memory Center - Sport ❒❒ Dave Delong School Of Golf...................... 35

Concussion Program................................. 31

❒❒ Diablo Car Wash & Detail Center............... 42 ❒❒ Tpc / The Pitching Center.......................... 43 ❒❒ Diablo Rock Gym...................................... 38 ❒❒ United States Youth Volleyball League..... 23 ❒❒ Diablo Trophies & Awards......................... 44 ❒❒ Usks Concord............................................ 43 ❒❒ Diablo Youth Rugby.................................... 7 ❒❒ Velocity Sports Performance.................... 25 ❒❒ E Teamsponsor........................................... 5 ❒❒ East Bay Sports Academy......................... 17 ❒❒ Velocity Sports Performance.................... 38 ❒❒ Excellence In Sport Performance.............. 32 ❒❒ Walnut Creek Sports & Fitness.................. 41

Name____________________________________ Phone___________________________________ E-mail___________________________________ Address__________________________________ City_____________________________________ State__________________________ Zip _______

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

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Acalanes-Lafayette tight end Drew Gaylord (17) goes up to receive a pass over the middle as Ygnacio Valley-Concord defender Garland Parker (15) attempts to deny it.

Acalanes won the Sept. 3 game 49-0.

PHOTO BY Butch Noble

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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