Issue 18, 02.24.2011

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February 24, 2011

endure | excel | achieve

east bay

hoop it up

Concord’s Tylek Farley rebounds. Pg. 4 Unheralded El Cerrito boys title hunting.

Pg. 36

to back

basics

Star Experts & listings. Pg. 11

to SITE r e ov AMP k c Cli AL C tStars U por .com T R VI S Mag

It’s the battles off the field that have taken precedence for liberty’s Neto Corona. Page 32

IN THE PAINT

breakdowns of the section playoffs for the North State. Page 39

Hello mother, hello father greetings from sports camp Page 11 First Pitch................................................................ 4 Behind the Clipboard........................................... 6 Health Watch......................................................... 7 Locker Room......................................................... 8 Training Time.......................................................... 9 SportStar of the Week.......................................10 Wally’s World.......................................................12 Tee2Green............................................................40 Twenty-four7........................................................43 Impulse..................................................................44 Photo Finish..........................................................45

On the cover Sonoma Valley High school junior Sarah Summers.

Main photo by Bob Larson. Others: Jonathan Hawthorne, U.S. Sport Camps

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February 24, 2011

SportStars™

3

In the face of a family tragedy, Tylek Farley rebounds

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come my dad’s death, and it’s something I it down to watch the Concord High boys basketball team this season and can do instead of just being in the house Tylek Farley isn’t likely to immedimoping and crying.” ately grab your attention.

The particulars of Lee Farley’s murder Until he grabs his first rebound. And still remain a tad sketchy. So much that his second. Then his third. the San Francisco District Attorney’s ofBy halftime you might think to yourfice still doesn’t believe enough evidence self, ‘Geez, I wish I had started keeping exists to charge the prime suspect. Howcount of that kid’s rebounds. He must ever, it remains under investigation. have eight or nine already.’

Meanwhile, when he needs it, Tylek Farley, an unassuming and quiet leans on his teammates for support. sophomore who’s no taller than his listed “The kids have really bought into it, height of 6-feet, may very well have led and really helped him through some the Diablo Valley Athletic League in restuff,” McDavitt said. “But he’s a real spebounds. He averaged 13.5 rebounds over cial kid so it makes it very easy.”

10 league games.

And though this basketball season that “He’s a rebounding machine,” first-year has meant so much to Tylek’s recovery Minutemen coach Ted McDavitt said will likely have ended by the time anyone before a recent practice. “It’s ridiculous.” reads this column — the Minutemen had Farley attacks a loose ball with reckless the dubious honor of having to travel to abandon. Securing a rebound involves No. 1 seed Montgomery-Santa Rosa on gaining control of that loose ball. And Feb. 22 — it’s been enough to help fortify having control of anything is likely somehis strength to deal with a pain that will thing which brings comfort to Farley never really go away. after the morning of last July 11 — when “Even though I lost my dad 11 years a situation very much out of Farley’s ago, it feels like it was two weeks ago,” control led to the death of his father, Lee, Cardenas said. “I can’t imagine what he’s in a shooting outside of a San Francisco going through. I’m 47, and he’s 16.” night club.

Cardenas’ quote brings it full circle and Tylek’s life turned upside down the gets to the point of what makes Tylek so moment he woke on that mid-July day. special.

“It was 6 a.m. and I had 20 missed calls and 23 text messages,” he said, describing It’s not that he can grab rebounds like how he found out. a man among boys, it’s that he’s still just a Concord assistant coach Richard kid. And few kids could handle what he’s Cardenas, won’t forget that morning any going through any better than he has. sooner than Tylek.

The same can be said for Liberty-Brent“He both called and texted me six wood soccer player Jose “Neto” Corona. hours after his dad had passed away,” said Jose’s story, which we’re proud to run Cardenas, who had developed a strong in this issue beginning on page 32, is also Chace@ bond with Farley as his freshman coach one of impressive courage and spirit. Coduring the 2009-10 season. “You can go SportStarsMag.com rona seemed well on his way to a stellar through all the coaching clinics you want, high school soccer career a year ago, be(925) 566-8503 but nothing prepares for you that.” fore finding out that he had cancer right It was Cardenas who Farley primarily before the start of his sophomore season. credited with convincing him to still play His attitude in the face of such a basketball this season. challenging recovery process, and his As it turned out, it was a decision that determination to get back on the soccer has benefitted both Farley and Concord. field, is one of inspiration. And along with With the help of Farley, who showed Tylek, it reminds us that several of these he was more than just a rebounder by the athletes are capable of so much more than time the DVAL schedule rolled around, what they do on the playing field.

Concord managed to recover from a But their stories also remind us how 4-9 start to the season. Farley’s breakout much team sports can help heal. And offensive game came on Feb. 8 when he further reinforces how crucial it is to keep made 13 of 16 field goals for 28 points in them in our public high schools. a 67-49 win over Berean Christian.

Tylek plays for a high school in a district that has had its “He was dominant in league,” McDavitt said. “He should athletic programs under constant threat of being eliminated be all-league in my opinion. He definitely blossomed.” for budget cuts. It’s scary to think what path he may have The Minutemen closed the season by winning eight of ended up on if he didn’t have Cardenas and the rest of his their final 12 games and snuck into the North Coast Section teammates as a sanctuary.

Division III playoffs as the No. 16 seed.

“They’ve been like my other family,” he said.

“At first, honestly, I didn’t want to play basketball anyAnd if that’s not a reason to continue supporting high more,” Farley said. “Not until I talked to (Cardenas). ... This basketball season has meant a lot to me. It helped me overschool athletics, we don’t know what is. ✪

FIRST PITCH Chace Bryson Editor

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PHONE 925.566.8500 FAX 925.566.8507 Editorial Editor@SportStarsMag.com Editor Chace Bryson. Ext. 104 • Chace@SportStarsMag.com Contributors Bill Kolb, Erik Stordahl, Mike Wolcott, Jim Mannion, Mitch Stephens, Dave DeLong, Gary Xavier, Doug Gardner, Matt Smith, Clay Kallam, Jim McCue Photography Butch Noble, Bob Larson, Jonathan Hawthorne, Chris Austria Creative Department Art@SportStarsMag.com Production Manager Mike DeCicco. Ext. 103 • MikeD@SportStarsMag.com Publisher/President Mike Calamusa. Ext. 106 • Mike@SportStarsMag.com Advertising & Calendar/Classified Sales Sales@SportStarsMag.com Account Executives Mike Wolcott Ext. 109 • MikeW@SportStarsMag.com; Patrick McCormick Ext. 102 • Patrick@SportStarsMag.com; Erik Stordahl • ErikS@Sport StarsMag.com (Special Sections, Calendar, Marketplace sales) Reader Resources/Administration Ad Traffic, Subscription, Calendar & Classified Listings info@SportStarsMag.com • Deb Hollinger. Ext. 101 • Distribution/Delivery Mags@SportStarsMag.com Distribution Manager Butch Noble. Ext. 107 • Butch@SportStarsMag.com Information technology John Bonilla CFO Sharon Calamusa • Sharon@SportStarsMag.com Office Manager/Credit Services Deb Hollinger. Ext. 101 • Deb@SportStarsMag.com Board of Directors Dennis Erokan, CEO, Placemaking Group Roland Roos, CPA, Roland Roos & Co Susan Bonilla, State Assembly Drew Lawler, Managing Director, AJ Lawler Partners community SportStars™ Magazine A division of Caliente! Communications, LLC 5356 Clayton Rd., Ste. 222 • Concord, CA • 94521 info@SportStarsMag.com www.SportStarsMag.com

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Getting to the bottom of “Star” treatment -- it’s about winning

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he coach always spends more time with the best players, and a lot of coaches I’ve had have acted in the same way. Why does this always happen?

H.R., Fairfield Everybody wants the world to be fair, and for everyone to get what they deserve — but the world isn’t that way.

Look at things from the coach’s point of view for a second: What does she need to do to keep coaching? The real world answer begins with one word — “Win.” Now it would be nice if a coach who treated kids well, got maximum effort, and worked hard herself could stay employed indefinitely. But the harsh truth is that a coach who treats kids well, gets maximum effort, works hard, and wins three games a season is going to get fired sooner rather than later.

So a coach has to win at least somewhat regularly to stay employed, and stark reality is that the best way to win is to have better players than the other team. (I have six seniors on my team this year, and they’re all good players. After they graduate, I’m going to get a lot more stupid, at least in the eyes of casual fans and parents.)

One way to get better players is to recruit, but everyone knows there’s no such thing in high school sports, so what coaches have to do is develop the talent on hand — and they have a question to answer: Do I spend my limited time trying to get my best players to become even better, or do I spend my limited trying to get my worst players to become average?

If a coach wants to win, the answer is pretty obvious. Working with the kids who will never get on the field, or will only play a

little, isn’t going to help the team win nearly as much as making sure that the top players are getting the most out of their talent — and remember, if the team doesn’t win, the coach won’t be coaching for very long.

Is this fair? No. Should the kids born with talent automatically get more attention than the kids who weren’t born with as much? No — or at least, not in a world where everyone gets what they deserve.

But here’s a news flash: The world isn’t fair. That 6-10 guy is going to get a whole lot of attention from the basketball coaches, even if he can’t walk and text at the same time. The freshman girl who can run a 12.0 100 in her P.E. shoes is going to have the track coaches learning her name in a hurry.

And this just doesn’t happen in sports — it happens in the classroom, in business and in every other human activity. The best student will wind up at the best college; the best salesmen will get the biggest check; and so on down the line.

Where does that leave the rest of us?

Sadly, with no option but to work harder and keep plugging away. In the long run, talent without effort will fall behind, while those who put in the time and energy will eventually catch up. In the short run, though, in the world of high school sports, the talented will get the breaks, and the attention — at least until the less-talented have put in enough work that they have just as much to offer the team as the kids who were born with better genes.

Behind the Clipboard Clay Kallam

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February 24, 2011

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

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Healing the injury isn’t always the toughest aspect of rehab Injury rehab can be very tricky territory for many athletes to navigate successfully.

Athletes can easily be caught off guard by feelings of isolation and uncertainty of how to help themselves recover.

The clear trauma is the physical injury, the tear, break or bruise. The less obvious trauma is the mental, emotional and social impact that often accompanies physical injuries. Below is a list of some of the common challenges and solutions for young athletes who find themselves in this difficult space of injury recovery.

■ Mental trauma: Often times when a severe injury occurs, it changes how athletes think about themselves. Negative self-talk such as, “I’m never going to get back to where I was physically,” or “I’ll never catch up with my teammates technically,” can seep into the mindset of a normally confident athlete. If not kept in check, this negative thinking can have a devastating impact on the athlete’s rehabilitation process and create a slow and uncertain return to sport.

Solution: First, become aware of your

negative thoughts and then change them to positive, more effective thoughts. “I will work hard in rehab and make my way back to full strength to be ready to play for my team.” This approach will drastically improve the behavior of the athlete during the rehabilitation process and create a better outcome.

■ Emotional trauma: In a split second, athletes go from being confident, aggressive and self-determined as an athlete to suddenly becoming uncertain about themselves, the future of their sport, and they often lack direction about what to do next.

Solution: Talk in detail with your doctor and physical therapists to create a detailed rehabilitation plan and steadily work your way back, one goal at a time. Research has shown that athletes who have a sense of control over their recovery process return to their sport faster and more successfully.

■ Social trauma: One of the most paralyzing and unexpected traumas of a severe physical injury is the social impact on an athlete. They often feel a deep absence from their team, which continues on training

and competing; friends, who can carry on at school and in their social lives without a care; and family, that has to continue to function, despite the laid-up athlete on the couch. Many athletes report feeling as if no one understands what they are going through.

Solution: Find a group of athletes who have been through, or are going through, a similar injury. Talk, share stories, and encourage each other. Social support is KEY to an athlete staying motivated and positive through the adversity a severe injury can

bring. Talk to your physical therapist, sport psychology professional, school coach or club coach, to help you find a group. ✪ Erika Carlson is a sport psychology consultant for Excellence in Sports Performance.

Her contribution appears in partnership with Sports Medicine For Young Athletes, a division of Children’s Hospital Oakland. Reach Erika at Erika @ErikaCarlsonSports.com. Or, If you have questions or comments regarding the “Health Watch” column, write the Sports Medicine For Young Athletes staff at Health@ SportStarsMag.com.

Health Watch Erika Carlson

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February 24, 2011

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she said what?!?

“She’s told me since her sophomore year that she’s been waiting for this year’s game. Well, they got us.”

Reasons to go Bakersfield! (For state wrestling, of course) Section wrestling tournaments begin Friday, Feb. 25, throughout Northern California. And you know what that means: The California Interscholastic Federation Championship Tournament is right around the corner. State, in all its grapplin’ glory. Bakersfield-bound, baby. By now, the major players have declared themselves. Clovis, the hometown Bakersfield Drillers, Selma and Clovis-West should duke it out for the team crown on Saturday, March 5 at the Rabobank (pronounce it ‘Rob-a-bank’ — funny thing for a bank to encourage, no?)

Arena. But forget about all that. Let’s talk about the important stuff: The top five reasons it is completely worth your while to head down the 99 and take in the State Tournament in person.

■ 1. Hey look! An oil derrick! Oh wait. That’s just Bakersfield High School.

■ 2. Did you know that the population of Bakersfield is nearly 250,000? And according to recent census information, 125,000 of those people have wrestled competitively at some point. Yup. Bakersfield folk take this wrasslin’ thing purty serious.

■ 3. Boomers! — Go-karts! Mini-golf! Bumper boats! Batting cages! Whaddaya mean they changed the name to Camelot Park? Lame.

■ 4. Tailgaters. Right across Truxtun Ave. from the Rab. One of the best sports pub & grills in the state. In addition to wicked-good buffalo wings, they have live feeds of the on-mat action on the big screens.

■ 5. There is a long break after the 3rd-5th-7th place medals have been decided on Saturday while the arena staff scurries around setting up the big stage for the championship matches.

Then, when everything is primed, they kill the lights and the PA announcer launches into her big build-up speech that invariably sets the crowd buzzing with excitement for the action to come. Never fails to send chills down the spine. You just don’t get that on Smackdown.

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February 24, 2011

St. Mary’s-Stockton girls basketball player Ali Gibson talking about her friend, Madison Parrish of Hanford, who was hoping to finally beat Gibson’s two-time defending state-champion Rams when they met on Feb. 12. Gibson and the Rams won 79-47.

RAP ID FI RE

It’s a truncated version this week, but no less rapid.

Best movie you saw in a theatre last year ‘Unknown’

If you could be any celebrity for one day, which one would you be?

Amanda Bynes

Vanessa Leo Archbishop Mitty-SJ

ions.

Here are three athletes vs. the same six quest

If you could change your school mascot, what would you change it to There’s only one mascot for me, gotta stay a Monarch

Gamecocks

‘Inception’

Favorite quote or motto?

‘You need three things in life: a funny, wish and back bone.’

‘Get after it’

Do you spend more time on iTunes or YouTube?

Best vacation you’ve taken?

Went to Europe two years ago.

Amazing

Maui

Ronnie LaCour Northgate-W. Creek

Angelina Jolie

Bulldogs

‘Never give up.’

Hawaii

Ashley Allen Clayton Valley-Cncrd

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Learning the core essentials to developing stability and force I t seems there are still a lot of misconceptions about core training. Coaches and trainers who still have their young athletes doing crunches, sit-ups, Russian twists, etc., have a gross misunderstanding of how the core functions — not only for performance but injury prevention as well.

One of the major functions of the core musculature is the prevention of motion. The muscles of the core are great stabilizers of the lumbar spine. Young athletes must work on the stability function of the core — not crunches, side bends, twisting and sit-ups, which do little in way of performance and injury prevention.

Developing stability in the lumbar spine will actually make young athletes stronger, allowing them to generate more force.

By making the lumbar spine “stiffer,” your athletes will have a stronger base to generate the full velocity and flexibility continuum that is necessary for full power development in all sports. This could mean baseball pitchers’ throwing velocity, football players’ ability to throw off a blocker to make a tackle, basketball players’ ability to finish at the basket, and the ability of volleyball players to spike a ball with explosive power.

Training Time Tim Rudd for IYCA

Developing stability in the lumbar spine will actually make young athletes stronger, allowing them to generate more force.

As you can see, that stability through your young athlete’s core is vital for athletic success, but it also plays a vital role in injury prevention. You must understand that core stability is important for reducing the injury potential in the knees, lower back and shoulders of young athletes.

It’s this stability that allows all the powerful muscles in the hip and upper back to generate the force required for every sporting activity. So when visualizing the core, picture it as a box: ■ The diaphragm is the top ■ The pelvic floor is the bottom ■ The abdominals (rectus abdominis, TVA) the front ■ The back muscles (spinal erectors, multifidi) the back ■ The lateral stabilizers (quadratus lumborum, internal and external obliques) the sides.

When training the core for performance, the focus should be on these four categories: Anti-extension, Anti-lateral flexion, Anti-rotation, Hip flexion with a neutral spine.

Anti-extension: Exercises in which your young athlete actively resists extension in the lumbar spine. This could

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include AB wheel rollouts, TRX fallouts, front planks etc.

Anti-Lateral Flexion: This category is where young athletes must actively resist lateral flexion (side to side bending) at the lumbar spine. This includes offset Farmers Walks, Windmills, and side planks.

Anti-Rotation: This category is where young athletes must actively resist rotation at the lumbar spine. These exercises train virtually every component of your young athlete’s core: internal/external obliques, rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis and so on. The key is not to allow any rotation in the lumbar spine, which includes anti-rotation presses, landmine, and kneeling cable lift.

Hip flexion with a neutral spine: This category is where young athletes are actively bracing their core/lumbar spine while flexing at their hips. Exercises include SB/TRX knee tucks and cook hip lifts.

These exercises are relatively static in nature and are the foundation of an effective core program. The progressions lead to more dynamic movements, which train your young athletes to produce more functional, real-world force from the hips and upper back while maintaining stability through the lumbar spine — all of which is crucial in the goal of achieving athletic success for your young athletes.

Tim Rudd is an International Youth Conditioning Association specialist in youth conditioning (level 3), speed and agility (level 2), and nutrition specialist (level 1). You can contact him with questions or feed- back at tim@fit2thecore.com. Go to www.fasteryoungathletes.com for the video that accompanies this article.

February 24, 2011

SportStars™

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of the week

t

Serena dechristofaro alhambra . soccer . senior

powered by:

The playoffs are never easy to predict.

Without a doubt the most whimsical time of the year, the playoffs spell heartbreak for some, euphoria for others and heartburn for everyone else.

Serena DeChristofaro and the Alhambra girls soccer team are getting more than they bargained for in this year’s go-round as they knocked off upset-minded Berean Christian in the NCS Div. II Quarterfinals on Feb. 19.

What follows is a date with 2009 champion Bishop O’Dowd, the team that ousted the Bulldogs in last year’s final.

SportStars: How do the playoffs differ from the regular season?

Serena DeChristofaro: (My team and I) want to spend more time with each other.

We have to stay more focused; we want to make it to the championship, so we want to work hard.

SportStars: You beat a Berean Christian team that pulled off an upset against No. 4 Campolindo. Setting up a semifinal with No. 1 Bishop O’Dowd. What do you guys have to do to pull off the upset?

SD: We need to play hard and stay focused. We played Carondelet; they’re the same as Bishop O’Dowd and we held them until the last seven minutes of the game.

SportStars: You’ve had a hand in every goal scored so far in the postseason. Do you feel that the fate of your team rests solely on your shoulders?

SD: Not fully. It’s a team effort. We all have a role — every person; it’s not just me. It’s our whole team’s effort.

SERENA’S QUICK HITS Grammy’s or Oscars: Oscars Justin Bieber or Lady GaGa: Justin Bieber Favorite place to shop: Forever 21 Favorite TV show: Pretty Little Liars

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February 24, 2011

honorable mention

treaven duffy The junior forward led Las Lomas to its first league championship since 1991 with a 10-2 record in the Diablo Foothill Athletic League. Duffy and the rest of the Knights will look to make some noise in the NCS Div. II playoffs as the No. 3 seed.

jose delgado jr.

The Community Youth Center undefeated boxer notched his tenth victory when he topped Antonio Vasquez of Richmond P.A.L. on Feb. 11, despite Vasquez having twice the experience. It’s Delgado’s last fight before his 36th surgery, which will keep him out of commission for three to four months.

katie devlin Contra Costa Christian’s junior forward is enjoying a stellar season averaging 17.0 points per game, 13.3 rebounds per game and 4.1 steals per game. She leads a No. 6 seed Cougar squad in to the NCS Div. VI playoffs. They face off against Ferndale in the opening round on Feb. 26.

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February 24, 2011

endure | excel | achieve

Look for Virtual CampSite Online at www.SportStarsMag.com!

Inside this section

Columns by our panel of experts will help you choose the right camp for you! Plus the Bay area’s best camp listings

Mike Wolcott............................................. 12 Listings...................................................... 14 Basketball................................................. 14 Cheerleading............................................ 15 Soccer....................................................... 19

Lacrosse................................................... 20 Climbing.................................................... 22 Diving........................................................ 23 Martial Arts................................................ 23 Horse Riding............................................. 23 Surfing....................................................... 23

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Football..................................................... 24 Softball...................................................... 25 Wrestling................................................... 26 Tennis........................................................ 28 Baseball.................................................... 30 February 24, 2011

SportStars™

11

camps + clinics guide

We’re not at Camp North Star anymore. This stuff matters

M

As part of our magazine’s vision of being your go-to source for information about young athletes, we’ve donated most of this issue to just about every kind of sports-related camp imaginable.

We’re talking football to horse riding, lacrosse to golf, cheerleading to surfing and baseball to skiing — and that’s just for starters. If your kid likes a sport, chances are you can find a camp for him or her within the next 18 pages of this magazine.

ention “sports camp” to people above a certain age (let’s not go there), and the first thing that comes to mind is a fictional place called “Camp North Star.”

The camp, central locale of a long-ago comedy called “Meatballs,” featured a group of so-called athletes who were routinely pummeled by the rich kids over at Camp Mohawk – until the film’s main character, Tripper Harrison (played by a young Bill Murray – yes, he was once young) delivered his generation’s answer to the “Win one for the Gipper” speech from “The Knute Rockne Story.”

It went like this: “It just doesn’t matter!”

For reasons never quite clear to anyone who watched the film, the demoralized North Star athletes staged an amazing rally the morning after enthusiastically chanting “It just doesn’t matter!” and the kids left camp victorious and believing ... it just doesn’t matter.

Well, it says here Tripper Harrison wouldn’t last very long at any of the sports camps or clinics featured in this issue of SportStars Magazine.

That’s because it DOES matter — very much, in more ways than just the mention of the mere word “sports” might lead you to believe.

To begin with, the youth-sports world is a much different place than 30 years ago. In those days, young athletes hoped a scout would see them (or maybe read about them in a newspaper clipping — this was back in the primitive days before “SportStars”) and they’d be deemed good enough to move up to the next level.

These days, websites like Rivals.com document just about everything from athletes’ times in the 40 to their shoe sizes. Many kids spend more time compiling highlight videos than reading newspapers. And what those tapes show are bigger, faster and (especially) more-well-prepared athletes than anything that would have been imaginable 30 years ago at Camp North Star.

A big reason for that? Sports camps and clinics, and how they’ve managed to adapt through the years — while adhering to the same principles that made many of them so successful in the first place.

As part of our magazine’s vision of being your go-to source for information about young athletes, we’ve donated most of this issue to just about every kind of sports-related camp imaginable.

We’re talking football to horse riding, lacrosse to golf, cheerleading to surfing and baseball to skiing — and that’s just for starters. If your kid likes a sport, chances are you can find a camp for him or her within the next 18 pages of this magazine.

Just how big of a deal are sports camps and clinics these days? Only bigger than the biggest team in all of sports, that’s all.

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“The overall camp business in the United States is a $1.2 billion business,” said Steve Pence, president of Nike-operated US Sports Camps, which has a pretty big piece of the camping pie with over 400 locations and 50,000 campers annually.

(To put that dollar figure in perspective, this means sports camps can claim about $1 million more in net worth than the recently-appraised value of the New York Yankees.)

As the president of US Sports Camps, Pence has a front-row seat to the boon of camps and clinics and, especially, what it takes for athletes to get the most out of the experience – and, in particular, why some camps are able to thrive and survive while others falter.

Beginning with the former, Pence said the experience “hasn’t changed much in the past 1020 years. Kids and parents are still looking for a concentrated, individual sports improvement that’s safe, fun and you can walk away from it a better player.

“You are surrounded by others with similar goals. You work hard, improve, have fun and make lifetime friends. You leave camp with a renewed confidence that you can move up the team ladder or from JV to varsity.”

Pence said one of the first thing parents and kids should look at in choosing a camp is the coaching staff — not just the quality of coaches, but the quantity as well.

“Ratios are important depending on the sport,” said Pence, who recommended a 5-to-1 ratio for individual sports such as tennis and golf, “and never more than 8-to-1 for team sports.”

Pence also is a firm believer in the “you get what you pay for” theory of camps and clinics.

“Higher priced camps are typically better due to facilities, coaching staff, ratios, etc.,” he said.

“Lower-priced camps such as day camps can serve a purpose, but check the ratios and see who is actually doing the teaching. Are the drills set up for improvement or are they just playing games?

“You can play games anytime, but the goal of camp is skill improvement plus game-like situations.”

OK, so you get what you pay for. But that doesn’t mean there are not hundreds of affordable camps right here in the Bay Area that meet exactly the sort of criteria set down by Pence. Flip through this magazine and you’ll see dozens of examples, perhaps none better than the Bay Area’s own King of the Camps: Saint Mary’s College of Moraga.

Just as the Yankees own most of the money and most of the titles in baseball, Saint Mary’s has no equal in the Bay Area when it comes to sports camps and clinics. This will be its 42nd consecutive year of operation, beginning with a modest 200 campers in 1970 and growing to 2,500

WALLY’S WORLD Mike Wolcott MikeW@ SportStarsMag.com (925) 566-8500 Ext. 109

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camps + clinics guide in 2010.

The fact that they’ve managed to do it on the community level so well, and for so long, while keeping costs reasonable is probably one of the better-kept sports secrets in the Bay Area.

“The foundation for camps at Saints Mary’s has stayed true through the years,” said camp director Adam Kennedy, now in his fifth year on the campus. “We focus on promoting athletics to children, promoting Saint Mary’s athletics to children, promoting a healthy lifestyle, enabling coaches to subsidize their incomes by working camps and giving children the opportunity to see what college athletics and athletes’ lives are like — while keeping in mind that this 8-year-old may have such a great time at this camp, they end up attending a college and hopefully it’s Saint Mary’s.”

What has changed since the first Saint Mary’s camper visited Moraga back in 1970 is the number of other camps competing for the same dollar.

“Camp competition has increased through the years, and parents have many choices on how to spend their money on camps,” Kennedy said. “Parents want the best quality and the most for their money. They are looking at top level coaching, facilities, meals, social experiences and if applicable, housing.”

But, while the competition has increased, so has the number of kids choosing Saint Mary’s as their camp — the economy notwithstanding.

“Price is always a factor, but we have gained enrollment in the past four years even with the economic state of this country,” Kennedy said.

This has happened because, for reasons ranging from a

Kelsey Smith works on refining her pitching mechanics during a Monte Vista High softball clinic on Feb. 12 in Danville.

The camp featured a keynote address from U.S. softball gold-medalist pitcher, Monica Abbott.

Jonathan Hawthorne

desire for their children to excel in sports to a simple desire for mom and dad to have a little free time together, many families are now forgoing full-blown vacations while continuing to send their kids to a sports camp.

“We have not raised our prices substantially for many years,” Kennedy said. “Parents will pay for quality. If the quality is not there, it really doesn’t matter the price, they will not return and they will not tell their friends about how great our camps are.”

Which brings us to the final, most-important point: Ultimately, what’s in it for the camper? Kennedy says it’s much more than most people might think.

“It is amazing to hear parents and grandparents who

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stop by to chat at camp check-in, or call on the phone, who tell me about their Saint Mary’s Athletic Camp experiences many years ago,” Kennedy said. “Their experiences have led to successful lives, and not always in sports, although many do continue to be involved in sports, but they are influenced by healthy people and healthy lifestyles that have resulted in successful happy lives.”

Successful, happy lives. Regardless of your views on sports, or camps, or clinics, or the economy, or Bill Murray’s role in “Meatballs,” isn’t that the bottom line? And a great reminder of why so many parents want their kids to compete in sports in the first place?

Dare we say: It matters. It just really matters. ✪

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camps + clinics guide BASEBALL/SOFTBALL The Pitching Center In a continued effort to 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. We provide comprehensive, fullyintegrated training programs that evolve based on the best research and information available in areas from health & safety, peak performance, education techniques and much more. Age- and skill-specific programs are available for students ages 8 – High School.

At The Pitching Center, we are not only dedicated to bringing you the best information available, but also to providing the highest level of quality instruction. We believe that in order to do so our staff must be comprised of highly experienced instructors who

are eager to learn more. All our instructors believe in teaching in a positive environment and will strive to do their best to help each player maximize his or her potential. Info: 925-4161600, thepitchingcenter.com City of Walnut Creek Baseball is Fun Beginner Camp. July 25-Aug. 4, 9 a.m.-noon, Mon.-Thur. at Tice Valley Park; Extended day/ week available with Deluxe Sport Option. Ages 5-9. $35/$75. Registration: www. walnutcreeksportsleague.com, 925-952-4450.

All American Softball 2011 Softball Summer Day Camp. July 11-14, 10 a.m.2:30 p.m. at Alyce Norman Bryte Playfields. Girls of all ages welcome. Camp features a college Softball Q&A with our All-American staff. $250/ athlete; $150/athlete when registering 6 or more at one time. INFO: 916-374-1907, www.softballschool.com.

BASKETBALL City of Walnut Creek Basketball is Fun Beginner Camp. July 11-21. 9 a.m.-

noon, Mon.-Thur. at Tice Valley Park; extended day/week available with Deluxe Sport Option. Ages 5-12. $35/$65 per week. Registration and info: www.walnutcreeksportsleague.com, 925-952-4450.

Saint Mary’s College camps Spend your June and July learning fundamentals or honing your skills at McKeon Pavilion. Plenty of options are available. Registration and info: 925-631-4386, smccamps@stmarys-ca.edu; www.smcgaels.com.

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.

Matt Lottich Life Skills Camp 2011 Offering beginner and elite sessions for boys and girls of grades 1-11 at Woodside Elementary School in Menlo Park.

Registration and info: 888-5373223, info@mllscamp.com; www.mllscamp.com.

Golden State Warriors You don’t have to be a pro to participate in a basketball camp ran by the highest-level team in town. The Golden State Warriors welcome players of all skill levels to participate in a variety of spring camps that will be held in March, April and May. The camps are typically for boys and girls ages 7-15, and there’s also a “parent/ child camp” for adults and their kids as young as 5. In addition to receiving instruction from a high-level coaching camp, participants also receive two tickets to a Warriors game, a Warriors jersey and other special prizes. Plus, there’s always a very good chance of an appearance by a current or former Warriors player. Info: camps@gs-warriors.com or call 510-986-5310. (And tell them you read about their camp in SportStars!)

SportStrong SCORE Basketball Clinic The SCORE Basketball Clinic is a great introduction to the fundamentals of basketball for 1st & 2nd grade boys and girls, plus advanced training for 3rd & 4th grade boys and girls.

Each session includes detailed instruction, station drills and team play!

The camp runs each Thursday from April 7-May 12.

Each session will take place from 5-6:30 p.m. at Tice Valley Gymnasium in Walnut Creek.

Cost: $175 (includes T-shirt and reversible game top) Registration and info: www. sportstrong.com/SCORE.php or contact David See at 925 229-2749 or sees4@comcast. net.

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BASKETBALL Brent Davis

T

San Jose State Men’s Basketball

here is a wide variety of features that parents are looking for in a successful basketball camp. In my experiences running and working basketball camps over the last 15 years, there are three elements that stick out beyond the rest. They are as followed: Safety, organization, and the staff employed.

Safety is always the most important. Not only do parents need to feel confident they are dropping their son or daughter off in a safe environment for the day, the actual activities which are implemented during the day are important as well.

When going to a summer camp, there is an inherent risk that children may get hurt when at play, but minimizing that risk is left to my next two points: Organization and the staff employed.

Organization of the camp is crucial to the safety of each youth and the quality of the experience they have. You can’t show up on day one of camp and make up what is going to be learned that day. Here at SJSU, we teach our camps by progressions. We have had a similar format at our camps since our staff came to SJSU six years ago. The teaching points always vary, but the way we move from activity to activity has been proven to be safe, effective, and the most efficient way to maximize each participant’s camp experience.

Lastly, it is up to me, as the director, to find the most energetic, positive, knowledgeable staff I can possibly find that best suits a camp environment. One of the best ways to find those people are right from our own basketball team here at SJSU, local high school and junior college coaches. From time to time, I bring someone in from outside the area to offer a different perspective on teaching youth. All staff hired is properly screened and interviewed and hired only if they line up with the vision of giving the youth at camp the best possible overall experience.

CHEER CheerGyms.com Is your team having trouble stunting? Want to increase your team’s tumbling skill level? Do you want to focus on one stunting skill that you’re just having a hard time teaching? Cheergyms.com offers the best clinics in California!

Customize your clinic to fit your needs! Whether just working on basic stunting techniques or working on twist cradles out of one leg stunts, we can teach the clinic you

need to take your team to the next level!

Following are the different types of Cheergyms.com camps.

Residential: Cheergyms.

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camps + clinics guide

C

heerleading has come a long way since saddle shoes and pom pons.

Many boys and girls are getting interested in competitive cheerleading thanks to the “Bring It On!” movie series, the television coverage on ESPN and the fact that it is more than wearing a short skirt and dancing around. The cheerleaders of today are serious athletes. As a parent, you need to do your research to find the safest, healthiest and most trustworthy competitive cheer gym around.

First, it is important to make sure the cheer gym you select is a true business. Since competitive cheerleading is fairly new, there are many gyms out there that have neglected obtaining things like a business license, liability insurance, correct zoning for their type of business, etc. Ask to see a business license and proof of insurance.

Next, I would check out the business itself. How long have they been around? Is the facility clean and does it look safe? Any cheer program worth joining will be a part of the United States All Star Federation (USASF) and certified by the USASF to be a competitive cheerleading gym. If the program is not registered with the USASF, they are not bound by the rules of that organization, which takes great lengths to make sure the sport of all-star cheerleading is safe for its athletes.

Then check and see if the staff is qualified. Unfortunately, since competitive cheerleading has become a money-making business, many gyms and programs pop up without having the correct staff to train the athletes. Make sure the coaches are USASF certified to teach competitive cheerleading. The USASF has five levels of testing and an hourly requirement the coaches must go through to be certified.

Lastly, I would talk with the owners and coaches about their philosophies on competitive cheerleading. You want a program that is successful, but you also want one that cares about the future of your child. Take the time to visit the gym to watch the coaching staff at work.

Competitive or all-star cheerleading is a great athletic activity for any child to be a part of.

The life lessons and friends they will make are extras compared to the fit bodies they will have.

CHEERleading Morton Bergue

Owner, CheerGyms.com

Cheer gyms com runs the absolute BEST overnight Residential camps!

We offer the most practical and fun material. We offer the most professional and knowledgeable staff. We offer a camp size that will not exceed 375 cheerleaders with one staff member for every 15 cheerleaders! Learn every-

thing from Cheer-Exercise, Back Handspring class and Team Personality Profiles to the latest hip hop dance, basket tosses and top team awards.

Two-Day: You want the experience of an overnight camp, you want the awards and all the hoopla with a

camp on a college campus, but you don’t want to pay the high price. Then our Two-Day camps are the perfect fit.

Private: Sometimes you just want your cheerleaders to get all of the attention. That’s what a Cheergyms.com Private Camp can do for you! You pick the hours, you decide what they will learn. Then let the incredible Cheergyms.com staff help your cheer squad reach their goals and dreams.

Coaches: Spend the day learning all you need to know to be the best coach ever!

Taught by Morton Bergue and his incredible staff.

ITC (Intense Training Camps): Why spend lots of money on camp and work on a million things that your team doesn’t need? With ITC you can pick one specific thing and GO FOR IT! Just $10 per student per hour!

Individual Cheer Camps: For those who want to improve or learn more about cheerleading. Information: 866-6857615, www.CheerGyms.com

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February 24, 2011

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camps + clinics guide parents choose Palm Academy for their kids summer camp! Palm Academy 2856 Washington Blvd, Fremont, CA, (510) 979-9794 or E.Nopi 5789 Jarvis Ave, Newark, CA, 94560 Phone: (510)79ENOPI (36674)

FENCING

east bay sports academy

East Bay Sports Academy Summer Day Camps at East Bay Sports Academy offer the best combination of gymnastics, cheerleading, and summer camp fun anywhere! We offer half-day and full-day camps all-summer long for girls and boys ages 5 and up. Both recreational and competitive athletes will benefit from summer camp training with the best and most committed coaches in the Bay area. Our 10,000 sq. foot facility is clean, bright and has the newest equipment around. Come be a part of the fun and make friendships that will last a lifetime!

We’re proud to host high school and Pop Warner cheer tryouts and clinics. Our experienced staff will provide tryout material including cheers, short dance routines, a motions and jumping clinic, as well as stunting and tumbling evaluations for every studentathlete. We aim to provide each school/team with a “nohassle” tryout experience, and can even host and judge the formal tryout (open or closed) for a fee. Call for details and pricing, and get ready to bring your future squad to a place where learning is safe and fun!

EBSA also offers private team camps. With years of experience in running private camps, our staff will exceed your expectations when it comes to instruction, team building and take-home material. All student-athletes will enjoy tumbling on our oversized spring floor and 40-foot tumble track, both with entry into our huge foam pit. Qualified

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instructors will teach stunting, ensuring cheers can be choreographed to specifically highlight your squad’s unique talents. Team-building activities create roots for healthy teams by emphasizing such values as teamwork, patience, respect and even how to deal with intra-squad conflicts in a positive way.

Information: (925) 6809999, www.EastBaySportsAcademy.com.

ENRICHMENT Dianne Adair Programs Dianne Adair offers a wide variety of enrichment programs for your child, both during the school year and throughout the summer. Come by and discover a fun and exciting place to be before and after school.

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

Drop-ins and hourly rates are available with no minimum required. For a registration of $40 you can access the enrichment center all school year.

The center is open 7a.m. — 6 p.m. from Monday through Friday, year-round except major holidays We also have a full and exciting summer camp schedule planned. Among the highlights

February 24, 2011

dianne adair are weekly field trips which could include the Exploratorium, Chabot Space Center, Marine World, Lawrence Hall of Science, water parks, Tilden Park and many more. We will also have weekly camps centered around different themes such as sports, ceramics, drama, dance, scrap-booking, messy science fun, cooking, and much much more.

Weekly, daily or hourly rates available during summer camp after a $30 registration fee.

Finally, we also offer licensed pre-kindergarten programs which focus on supporting children in becoming independent and confident learners, through our unique curriculum that respects each child’s individual development.

Your child must be 3-years old and potty-trained to participate.

The pre-K program is aligned with MDUSD’s kindergarten standards. The program is offered five day a week from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with daily and weekly rates available.

Offers and rates may vary at any of our nine locations.

Visit our website for more information. www.dianneadair.org.

E.Nopi and Palm Academy Having trouble finding a camp that is constructive, engaging and fun? At Palm Academy we provide academic enrichment for students throughout the summer. Students attend a variety of classes including English, Math, Art, Science, Biology, and Critical Thinking using the E.nopi learning method which is one of the most popular learning curriculums worldwide!

Palm Academy’s “Summer Camp Spectacular” offers day camps with a one-week or one-day program to provide the flexibility for your busy schedule. This is a fun, simple option for children that are not in school to keep their brains active throughout the summer.

Golden Gate Fencing The Golden Gate Fencing Center in San Francisco offers Summer Fun Fencing Camps and a Developmental Training Camp over three weeks in June. All equipment provided. $195/session. Information: 415-626-7910; www.gofencing.com.

SF Fencers Club Camps offered daily throughout the summer for both beginner and intermediate skill levels. Camps take place at the San Francisco Fencers Club. Information: 415-668-3623, info@sffencers.com; www.sffencers.com

FITNESS Continue your child’s learning over the summer in a constructive, educational way. We offer exposure to a variety of education programs demonstrating our interactive technology with the FasTrack Learning Station®. Make learning fun and stress free.

Palm Academy also offers art and music camps for kids to help their creative spirit soar.

Our Abrakadoodle Art Camps inspire kids to reach beyond and create art that is unique to them. By doing so, kids feel empowered to be creative and expressive. It’s amazing to see just what kids design when given the freedom to explore and express themselves creatively! Let imaginations soar!

Palm Academy’s music classes allows students to play new instruments, learn patience, sheet music, and harmony all while having fun!

Sign up by April and get 10% off early bird discount.

Come see why so many

Fit 2 The Core As a Youth Conditioning, Speed/Agility and Nutrition Specialist with the International Youth Conditioning Association, Fit-2-The-Core Training Systems offers an innovative approach to getting your young athletes back on the field of play post-rehabilitation (which get your athletes to normal function), continuing the process by progressing their bodies to handle what they must endure on the field or court.

We work on a solid athletic foundation while staying focused on each individual athlete’s progress. Our unique program includes instruction in movement training, injury reduction, linear/lateral speed development, foot speed and agility, power development, proper weight training techniques, and functional strength training. Athletes are closely supervised while being coached through the workout with attention on proper technique and safety.

The workout consists of functionally sound movement, strength and conditioning skills with a strong focus on basic and proper technique. It becomes progressively more

challenging once basic techniques have been mastered.

Program Highlights: SPEED — Acceleration/deceleration, linear/lateral movement techniques, running mechanics and footwork. EXPLOSIVE POWER — Olympic lifting, plyometrics, medicine ball and jumping/landing techniques.

STRENGTH — Functional approach, thorough coaching, focus on upper/lower body & core. CONDITIONING — Prepares athletes to be “game ready.” FLEXIBILITY — Myofascial release (foam rolling), various forms of stretching and muscle activation. INJURY REDUCTION — Identify and correct muscular imbalances, balance and stabilization.

NUTRITIONAL EDUCATION — Lessons, tips and advice.

For F2C’s Back to Sports programs we offer training Monday through Friday with 2 day/week or 3 day/week program options. Bottom line: Our program gets your athletes back on the field. Sign up today for your two-week free pass at www.fasteryoungathletes.com or Call 925-6390907 for more information.

Walnut Creek Sports & Fitness We started out as the Walnut Creek Racquet Club in 1979 and have been part of the community ever since. We are on a mission is to create remarkable experiences that make a difference in the lives of our members, employees and the community. Today, we offer over 70 group classes per week.

Our members cannot stop raving about our brand new bamboo group fitness floor!

The extra shock absorption makes Zumba, Yoga, and BodyPump (just to name a few) even better. We have something for everyone. The Pilates reformer studio provides a calming atmosphere while our cycle studio revs and energizes cycle enthusiasts.

Members also enjoy access to our heated pool, sauna, spa, and steam-room. Massage, skincare and chiropractic services are also available on location. We want the entire Walnut Creek community to experience what a remarkable wellness program can do for

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February 24, 2011

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camps + clinics guide

norcal youth football you, so we invite you to enjoy the club for a week as our guest!

We always want to be sure our members have a total fitness plan designed for success.

We offer two complimentary one-hour sessions with a personal trainer. In the first appointment, members receive a fitness assessment using the state-of-the-art Visual Fitness Planner computer program.

In the second appointment, a trainer creates a Personalized Exercise Program designed specifically to meet an individual’s goals. Then, to help members stay motivated and on track, we offer quarterly updates!

Walnut Creek Sports & Fitness also loves to be a part of the community. This past Thanksgiving we had the opportunity to raise money for Walnut Creek Schools through our annual Turkey Trot 5K, 10K & Kids’ Fun Runs.

We thank the community for participating and helping to raise over $25,000 for education.

We hope you will join us again next year in creating a remarkable Thanksgiving!

Call us today for your free week pass! Info: 925-9326400, www.wcsf.net

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February 24, 2011

FOOTBALL NorCal Football Camps Led by Ken Peralta, the coach of Marin Catholic High in Kentfield and the San Francisco 49ers High School Coach of the Year, Norcal Football Camps are focused on serving youth between the ages of 7- to 14-years old. Our goal is to help each child reach his full potential as a football player and a young person.

We understand that youth football is the foundation that high school and higher level programs are built upon. Our focus is on building a foundation that is solid and lasting.

Our program is both fun and safe, and it promotes the healthy development of youth football players.

At NFC your child comes first. We are the best value for padded youth camps in California. We offer the most camp hours at the best price.

NFC’s program is based on fundamentals and emphasizes individual instruction. For

players who have not played organized football, NFC is a great place to see if you enjoy football while learning basic fundamentals. For experienced players, this is a great camp to sharpen your fundamentals and learn new techniques. We welcome all athletes of all skill levels.

Players will be instructed in the basic principles of football.

Rules of the game and fundamentals will be taught. Players will be drilled in positionspecific techniques (QB, WR, RB, OL, DL, DB, LB) which will enhance their game performance. Safety is paramount at NFC and campers will be matched appropriately by age, weight, size and ability.

Norcal Football Camps also employs current college football players to add a real time, real life experience to our campers. Marin Catholic alumni who play in the NFL also have been know to show up at our camp.

Offense-Defense Full Contact Camp Former 49ers standouts and Hall of Famers host a four-day camp at Saint Mary’s College from June 12-15.

Ages 7-18.

Other sessions will take place in Davis and San Diego on later dates.

Information: 843-903-1888, www.o-d.com/camps.

Diablo Football Camps Contact and non-contact

camps are available for players ages 6-14 during single weeks in both March and June. The camps take place at Freedom Basin in Oakley.

Info and registration: www. diablofootball.com/camps. php; 925-625-2222, www.

DiabloFootball.com 49ers Three-Day Football Camp The NFL team’s headquarters in Santa Clara hosts this camp for both boys and girls from July 11-13. The contact camp is designed to improve beginning, intermediate, or advanced skill level. Info and registration: 408-562-4949, www.49ers.com/community/ youth-football.html.

GOLF The First Tee-Contra Costa The First Tee Summer Camp is a youth development Golf program for boys and girls ages 7-18. Participants will learn about golf and the life skills and values inherent to the game. In addition to golf skills rules and etiquette participants are introduced

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camps + clinics guide or contact Angela Paradise at angela@thefirstteecontracosta.org or call 925-686-6262 x0.

See you on The First Tee!

Soccer

Ruedi Graf

World Cup Soccer Camps & Clinics

W

ith 20 years of experience as the top competitive camp in the San Francisco Bay Area, World Cup Soccer Camps sets the standard for what parents should look for in a competitive camp.

First, a competitive camp should have an emphasis on instruction so that players learn new skills. The best way to give good instruction is with well-trained coaches. Coaches need to be good with children and need to understand how they learn.

Coaches should provide campers with the highest level of attention. In order to achieve that high level of attention, it is important for a competitive camp to have a low player to coach ratio. This allows the staff to focus on developing every child’s athletic and team building skills. World Cup Soccer Camps offers a 1:10 coach to player ratio.

A competitive camp should also offer coaching in a fun and safe environment so that campers have the motivation and passion for the game and want to play more. As is the case for all sports, the more a player practices, the better he or she will be. This is why World Cup Soccer Camps places great emphasis on placing campers in a comfortable yet challenging group on the first day of camp —so that every player gets the maximum number of touches possible on the ball. Coaches monitor each camper’s progress and asses if they would benefit from moving up or down a level. This offers great flexibility for the best training possible for every camper.

When a player attends a competitive camp like World Cup Soccer Camps, they can expect to work on fundamentals, soccer concepts, teamwork, and games. When game situations are created, players have fun while improving their skills. Players will learn a wide variation of soccer exercises for footwork, dribbling, shooting, defending, etc. Not only does this develop skills, it also helps to build players’ confidence. Players will be able to build on the new skills and experience long after the camp is over. to The First Tee Nine Core Values- honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgment.

Through the Life Skills Experience, young people discover how skills essential to success on a golf course can also help them flourish in life. These skills include, selfmanagement, interpersonal communication, goal setting,

mentoring and effective conflict resolution. Participants are introduced to all this plus have a great time learning the game of golf. Our Summer camps are four days a week for 4 hours per day at Diablo Creek Golf Course in Concord. We have several weeks and facilities from which to choose. Fee assistance is available. For more information please visit www.thefirstteecontracosta.org

The First Tee-Oakland The First Tee of Oakland has delivered The First Tee Life Skills Experience to over 262 participants. Participants receive a minimum of 12 hours of instructions over an eight-week period. Instruction is conducted at three City of Oakland affiliate golf courses: Metropolitan Golf Links, Lake Chabot GC and Montclair GC. Each of the golf courses kindly donate their range, golf course and classroom use.

We introduce the game of golf in a way that allows participants to progress with the mechanics required, but more importantly, teaches the values of the game, celebrates the fitness aspect of playing, and is offered at little or no cost.

The nine core values of The First Tee program are: responsibility, courtesy, judgment, honesty, sportsmanship, confidence, perseverance, integrity, and respect. These values are taught on the golf course, classroom, field trips, and practice in the home.

These values are pillars of character development and are what set our program apart from other junior golf programs.

The First Tee of Oakland recruits and enrolls youth regardless of physical and learning disabilities or past experience in golf programs, with an emphasis upon the needs of low-income families, ethnic minority youth, and the educationally disadvantaged.

The aim is to make The First Tee of Oakland’s programs accessible and affordable to children of all cultures and social strata, as well as to those with physical disabilities. Even if the child is not involved in a team sport, everyone can participate in the activities The First Tee of Oakland promotes.

The First Tee-San Jose The First Tee of San Jose develops youth through the game of golf throughout Silicon Valley. We impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that

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build character, instill lifeenhancing values and promote healthy choices though the game of golf. Participants learn to appreciate diversity, resolve conflicts, build confidence and set goals for their future. Classes begin on March 15th, June 14th and September 13th. Seasonal classes are offered at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course (San Jose) and Palo Alto Golf Course. We welcome participants ranging from second to twelfth grade.

Scholarships are available upon request.

The First Tee-Tri-Valley The First Tee of the TriValley is a youth development organization using golf and its etiquette to teach important core values and life skills. We offer seasonal The First Tee Life Skills Experience Classes and Summer Camps for youth ages 7-17, held at the Pleasanton Golf Center on the

Alameda County Fairgrounds.

Life Skills Experience Classes — The spring classes begin as early as March 5 and the summer classes begin on June 14. Weekly classes take place after school on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and an all-day Saturday prorgram. Fees start at $139. The full schedule for these classes can be found online.

Junior Golf Summer Camp — The junior golf summer camps will be held weekly from 8-10 a.m. from Tuesday through Friday. Each camp will begin on the following Tuesdays, June 14, June 21, July 5, July 12, July 19 and July 26.

Camp fees are $100. For more Info: 925.462.7201, www.

TheFirstTeeTriValley.org Dave DeLong Junior Golf Camp Now in its seventh year, this is a great camp for advanced

and beginning junior golfers.

The camps are designed for junior golfers between the ages of 7 and 15 at a cost of $295. The camp includes a 4 to 1 ratio of students to teachers where safety is the top priority as well as player development and enjoyment.

Over the course of this program, the junior golfers will play on the beautiful Boundary Oak Course three of the four days and conclude with a lunch and awards presentation at the close of the week.

During this 4 day camp, your child will receive quality professional instruction from the basics of the grip and stance to the finer points of the swing mechanics while learning essential life skills in a supportive

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camps + clinics guide and fun become one under the warm summer sun! Info: 925-575-4818, www.KellyMaddoxTraining.com.

castle rock arabians environment. Light snacks and refreshments will be offered each day. Camp begins Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:30 and will finish at 12:30.

The day begins Thursday at 6:30 with 18 holes of golf followed by lunch, awards and will wraps up at 11:45.

horseback RIDING Kelly Maddox Riding Academy Come enjoy a week of funfilled learning as you develop new friendships with other

horse-crazy kids such as yourself. Learn basic handling and grooming techniques, as well as, how to saddle and bridle your horse. During lessons you will develop a balanced riding seat and control of your horse. Weekly activities will include: learning horse colors, markings and breeds; arts and crafts; a farrier demonstration and human horse show; bareback riding and more!

Kelly Maddox Riding Academy, where horsemanship

Franklin Canyon Stables My name is Kim Bredehoft and I’ve had a love affair with horses since I can remember.

My riding addiction began at age five. Over the years I was guided by great horse trainers and mentors. That experience combined with owning and showing various horses, grew into employment when I was young, and later a full-time career.

Today, I have a well structured riding program housed at Franklin Canyon Stables in Martinez which provides two covered arenas and easy access to trails. I teach riders of all levels with an instruction program that builds confidence and enables clients to reach personal goals that benefit them in all parts of life. Whether you are just beginning to ride, or are an experienced equestrian, we have a place for you. I provide instruction in horsemanship on

the ground and in the saddle while having fun. My clients compete in English and Western discipline horse shows, including western pleasure, trail and gymkhana.

If competition is not for you, then trail riding on beautiful trails right out of Franklin Canyon in the East Bay hills may be just what you are looking for. I also enjoy taking my junior riders horse camping near the beautiful California coastline. Horsemanship includes safety at all levels from start to finish. I teach riders to be aware of the differences in the horses temperament, proper grooming, saddling and bridling as well as general feeding and stable care. For beginning level riders, instruction focuses on mounting, control and communication when walking, trotting, cantering and stopping.

If you are interested in enhancing your time riding, I have a sponsorship program for riders that prove to be ready to be independent.

Come and join me in the love of horses. Info: 925-228-1801; http://www.kimshorsetraining. com/franklin_canyon.html

Castle Rock Arabians You don’t need “True Grit” to saddle up at Castle Rock Arabians—you just need a desire to learn how to horseback ride. It even helps if you love horses! With just a few basic lessons (about five) you can see the country from the back of a horse—the best form of transportation in history!

For tweens and teenagers, we build team spirit through various team activities on horseback. Our kids are part of a trail team, show team and drill team. They may choose to participate in one or all. Each team comes complete with activities and competitions such as schooling shows, Class A horse shows with our trainer, Leigha Perry. Our Juniors are competing in 25 to 30 mile trail rides. All with adult supervision. Our students with special needs, such as Asperger’s, find success in riding horses and relating to the equine. Our Instructor, Heidi Koch, is certified by NARHA and holds a European certificate in Thera-

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February 24, 2011

LACROSSE

Neil Butterfield

L

Atherton Lacrosse

acrosse: The sport made for ALL athletes In the Bay Area and all over the Western United States, lacrosse has been experiencing incredible growth over the last decade.

Not long ago, it was common for these stick-carrying athletes to receive inquisitive stares and questions about what they were doing with these crazy-netted contraptions.

Fast-forward to today, and the answers are very obvious to everyone: lacrosse is everywhere. Games are televised on national TV and the world’s most recognizable sports brands are now making and advertising lacrosse gear. The question from families with kids playing more traditional team sports such as baseball, basketball and football is: Why lacrosse?

The answers are as numbered and varied as the types of athletes that are playing lacrosse. And that is the most prominent reason lacrosse has had such a meteoric rise to the mainstream. In a contemporary sports world dominated by freakishly-sized athletes, the lacrosse athlete has the most success with a balance of athletic skill sets. It’s ideal to be tall, quick and in possession of superb hand-eye coordination without sacrificing speed, strength and toughness.

Lacrosse is a fast-paced, physically demanding sport with up-and-down the field action, brutal hits and lots of scoring.

And yet, athletes of all shapes and sizes are finding that they can have success on the lacrosse field.

That’s because lacrosse is like a melting pot of other sports. It encompasses aspects of soccer, basketball, football, hockey and wrestling. Many top high school athletes are now looking to play lacrosse in the spring to train and stay in shape for their other sports.

The fast-paced, high scoring action is making lacrosse a top draw for the best athletes at all levels, and more athletic departments are sponsoring teams in both high school and college. Before long, it will be just as common to see young athletes carrying their sticks, as it will to see them kicking a soccer ball or carrying a baseball glove.

peutic Riding instruction.

For our tiny riders, ages 4 to 6 we use ponies that are just the right size for them. It is a magical world of discovery in which they learn all facets of riding and caring for horses.

Ponies make smiles that last all day and their quiet nature calms the most fearful child.

Castle Rock Arabians is a small but effective horse ranch

that caters to the individual’s need and desire to make horses part of their lifestyle.

While Castle Rock Arabians does not offer public trail rides, we do take our own students on the trails after they have learned basic control skills.

Visit the ranch by appointment, meet our instructors, horses, and all of our young dedicated apprentices that

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February 24, 2011

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camps + clinics guide

CLIMBING

Hans Florine

A Vitality lacrosse work and play on our ranch.

Information: 925-933-3701, www.castlerockarabians.com

LACROSSE Atherton Lacrosse Are you interested in trying lacrosse? Our lacrosse camps are specifically designed for boys and girls ages 5-14, who are beginner or intermediate players. Lacrosse is a relatively new sport on the West Coast, and we make every camper’s first introduction to lacrosse a memorable experience!

Beginner campers use soft sponge balls and no pads are required. This allows every camper to learn the fundamentals of the sport in a safe and fun atmosphere. All campers can purchase a lacrosse stick

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directly on our website for only $25, and it is theirs to keep after camp. This a great opportunity for young players to try the sport without costly equipment and team fees!

Our intermediate camps are designed for players with 1-3 years experience. In addition to learning the individual skills, intermediate campers will learn the team concepts that it takes for successful team building. Pads are required for intermediate campers, so every player leaves camp with complete game concepts — both offensive and defensive.

Atherton Lacrosse Camps has been introducing both boys and girls to the sport of lacrosse in the Bay Area since 2005. Our amazing group of coaches and staff are leaders in the lacrosse community. All of us have one goal in mindmaking the FUNdamentals of lacrosse FUN! Info: 888-5263330, www.AthertonLacrosse. com.

Vitality Lacrosse Join Vitality Lacrosse this summer for the ultimate Bay Area Summer Lacrosse League! Vitality offers local summer league programs in

February 24, 2011

area. Player divisions start in 4th grade, and we even offer leagues for adults! Sign up, have fun, and improve your lacrosse game this summer with Vitality Lacrosse! Info: 888-501-4999, www.VitalityLacrosse.com. four Bay Area regions, all of which come together on July 30th for the Bay Area Summer League Championships on Treasure Island.

The four Bay Area locations include: Marin County — Redwood High School (Larkspur).

Peninsula — Notre Dame de Namur University (Belmont).

East Bay — Acalanes High School (Lafayette). Sonoma County — Casa Grande High School (Petaluma).

Vitality Summer Lacrosse League runs for six weeks starting June 20th through the end of July. Each league begins with an evaluation day complete with professional clinics and coach’s evaluations. Once teams are selected, they will compete throughout the summer.

Coaches are primarily comprised of the top high school and college coaches in each

MARTIAL ARTS All American Black Belt Academy The All American Black Belt Academy dojo has been teaching Karate in Dublin since 1980.

The dojo is open Monday through Saturday and offers a wide range of classes with a focus on building self-esteem through efforts for excellence.

Some Academy classes can also be taken through the San Ramon Community Center.

We take our athletes to karate competitions to test their skills and have fun. We are also a non-profit 501c3 public organization, allowing us to provide financial aid to athletes wishing to compete in regional, national and international karate events.

We also provide very low cost karate drop-in classes

Touchstone Climbing

s I write this article I am in the midst of writing a training book for climbing. It is a reversal of the ideas from article to book. Just about any exercise you do is good for your climbing, and climbing is good for any endeavor. The fact is that you use your whole body to climb, from the tips of your toes to the tips of your fingers. You use your balance, core and your mind a bunch. It truly is an allaround workout.

I have referred to climbing as “applied gymnastics,” or “Pilates on the vertical.” Among chiropractors and sports medicine people, I refer to climbing as “active traction.” We often see, and I’ve experienced myself, great relief from back pain when climbing.

Upon your first visit to a climbing gym you will be hit with the tremendous amount of handgrip strength that is required to hold onto the rock. Your hands are literally your first link to the rock and when they fail, you fail, or fall. Any sport you are in that requires any grip strength will benefit from you doing some climbing. The intense focus you force upon your hands to hold on generates a pump, and days later a wonderful soreness, you just can’t get elsewhere.

Another thing you’ll notice at a climbing gym is that the climbers ascending up the hardest routes are very flexible.

They are turning their hips left, right, up, down, and in and out. Not only must a climber be flexible, but they must be able to push, pull, and tug with their legs when getting them in those flexible positions. What sport would not benefit from you having more flexibility?

Leading from the last two strengths, you cannot benefit from hand or leg strength if you do not have the core strength to transmit the strength through your whole body.

The only way to do that is with incredible core strength, both front and back. There is no sport, which cannot benefit from you having a better core fitness. You’ll find almost every climbing gym will offer a core or abdominal class of some sort or another. I hope we see you climbing our walls. that are family friendly for the children that want and need the type of physical activity that only martial arts can provide.

Info: 925-829-4265, http:// www.hayashi-ha-shitoryu.com/

MOTORSPORTS Keigwins@theTrack We conduct motorcycle schools and practice events

(“track days”) at famous racetracks in the Western U.S. Events are for experienced motorcyclists looking to improve skills and build confidence while having enormous fun riding in an ideal, expertly-

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camps + clinics guide

diving

surfing

Head diving coach, Sherman Swim School

Owner, University of Surfing (Pacifica)

Matt Cole

Steve Sherman

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hy does a diver dive?

“It’s a legitimate show-off sport” says Michael McGowan, National Masters Diving Champion from Sherman Divers. But it can be a lot more.

With the right mix of athleticism, aesthetics (i.e. grace & form), and plain old courage, you can achieve a lot in this sport.

As we recently began another season for our high school divers and our USA Diving club, we have been working basic diving skills as well as strengthening and conditioning.

Basic diving skills include ‘lineups’ and takeoffs. Lineups are basically falling dives from the high board to practice a proper entry into the water (i.e. straight & tight body, pointed toes, little or no splash).

To practice the takeoffs (the forward approach and the back press), we do lots of basic jumps, working to maximize spring, while staying in balance and maintaining a good posture.

Once the basics are drilled and reinforced, it’s time to start working on old dives and learn some new ones.

Learning new dives can be exhilarating.

It provides the diver with quite a sense of accomplishment. I have seen many young people’s confidence soar when they accomplish a dive they never imagined they could do. For every new dive there are certain ‘preps’ or ‘lead-ups’ the diver can practice on the diving board as well as the trampoline.

Divers participate in a sport that relatively few others do. In most cases, divers come from your average kids at the poolside watching others dive, just itching for the opportunity to try. Other times, divers come from different sports such as gymnastics, dance, and even wrestling. Laura Winn, an Acalanes High graduate who learned to dive with our team, was an accomplished gymnast who got burned out in her sport. She’s now in her senior year at UCLA, and a finalist among the top female platform divers in the country.

From the novice divers doing basic dives such as a forward dive, back dive, inward dive and forward somersault, to more advanced divers doing multiple somersaults and twists in various directions, diving has a level for everyone. The bottom line: It’s Fun!

I Sherman Swim School

“T

Contributed/M. Gardens

Martial arts . Joyce Krupa . USKS Martial Arts Center

he best block is, DON’T BE THERE!” is the concept we want our students to get.

I can’t imagine there are parents who think learning Martial Arts is about learning to bully, intimidate, or hurt others.

Parents are bringing their children to have family values reinforced — RESPECT, SELF-CONTROL, PATIENCE, LOYALTY, COMMITMENT, INTEGRITY — just to name a few. This should be among the things you’re looking for in a martial arts class or camp.

When observing a class, do you see the values being “walked out” by the instructors and senior students, such as demonstrated by Mr. Miyagi in the original movie version “Karate Kid”? Mr. Miyagi was patient with Daniel as he showed him that proper attitude, respect, and conditioning was more a part of learning to defend oneself than the opposing school’s “Show No Mercy” attitude.

A martial arts class should be a blending of both physical and mental training. It should be serious, but needs to include a dollop of fun — relative to the age and skill of the students. A PW Champs class for 4- and 5-year olds will not have the same expectations or atmosphere as a class for the Intermediate Kids class for 8- and 9-year olds. It also means that the class for the Teen Advanced Kids class has much higher expectations and a more formal atmosphere. Expectations and standards should rise exponentially.

It is the goal of the instructors to be sure every student leaves class having benefited from attending.

We want to see them choosing to continue their journey to black belt and beyond. More than that, we want to look back and realize that the culture of respect for others, obeying parents, and choosing the right thing, was nurtured and encouraged from an early age.

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horse riding . Kelly Maddox . Kelly Maddox Riding Academy

he equestrian industry, like all high-level sports, takes a great deal of passion, commitment and determination to be successful. Typically, having passion for what you love is the easy part. It takes a great deal of hard work and the constant desire to learn and expand your education to be the best at what you do. In the equestrian world, there are many important areas to focus on.

As a trainer, my clients safety and meeting their goals are a priority. Unlike many sports, a trainer not only works with the client, but with that clients partner, their horse. First and foremost, finding the right horse and rider combination will determine the success of the team. It is very important to find a horse that can meet the riders goals at the level of riding they are at and will be at in the near future. It sounds easy, right? Well, it is far from that. Like riders, horses have feelings, too — some are sensitive and some could care less, some are lazy and some are crazy, some are kind and some are angry, and some feel no pain and some hurt.

What I love the most about being a trainer is watching young new riders become successful competitors. It is so important to continue to work at being the best we can be, but also remember to not lose sight of having fun.

Oddly, I have had people say they would like their child to be a part of a team sport. What I think about this, is what an amazing team a horse and rider can make. To top it off, all these teams are a part of a bigger team...the barn. The barn is where we all work hard, work together and have a common bond — a passion for our horses.

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n the past people have either learned to surf on their own, or from their buddies. Usually, on the same surfboards their experienced pals were riding, and usually in the wrong conditions. These days, you can find a surf school almost anywhere you go. Although, like with any school, there are good ones and bad ones. Just because someone has a surfboard and wetsuit does not make them a surf school.

The University of Surfing was founded in 2004 after I spent a couple years teaching for another school. I became frustrated with the schools lack of organization, failure to teach at proper times, cheap equipment, inexperienced instructors, and oversized lessons. The owners of the company did not even surf! So, I set out on my own and now I’m proud to be the 2010 “Best of the Bay Surf School.”

I would strongly suggest doing some research before jumping into a surf lesson. Yelp.com is a great tool for this. A proper lesson should be taught in the right conditions at the right time with the proper equipment.

Beaches vary, but as a general rule of thumb, a low tide lesson with incoming tide is your best bet. Two hours is plenty of time, any more than that and it becomes dangerous. Surfing is HARD work, especially for beginners, do not go for a 10 mile bike ride before your surf lesson. Also, if you’re out of shape, don’t let that keep you from surfing. The surf will help you get into shape.

Soft long boards and good 43 mm wetsuit and booties are a must for Nor Cal. All of our head instructors are life long surfers who know Pacifica very well. They are great surfers, knowledgeable, understanding, fun and patient. Lastly, we are NSSIA certified, permitted, fully insured and we work with many local companies like GoPro Water Cameras and Hotline Wetsuits. Surfing is amazing.

After your first couple lessons and $500 to $1000 on gear, it’s free. Surfing extends and dramatically improves your life.

Lets Surf!

Information: 650 359 1425, www.

UniversityOfSurfing.com

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camps + clinics guide managed environment. No street hazards!

Riders provide their own motorcycles and protective gear. Keigwins@theTrack takes care of everything else: Instruction, photography, suspension tuning, video, even tire sales and parts. For a complete listing of schools, dates and racetracks visit www.keigwin.com or call 650949-5609.

OUTDOOR SPORTS Bear Valley Mountain Bring the entire family to mountain summer camps in Bear Valley. This summer, Bear Valley has six camps planned with multiple sessions including: Soccer, Archery, Tennis, Climbing, Cycling and Day Camp.

Bear Valley’s Summer Camps offer outdoor recreation programs for the whole family. There are overnight resident skill camps and day camps, too. Day camp sessions conveniently overlap the skill camps, so each member of the family can select an activity or enjoy a day on the lakes or mountain bike trails.

Bear Valley Skill Camps are unique in that you will find top coaching staffing from major Universities and Olympic trainers. While our coaches provide serious instruction, our counselors will be sure to provide serious fun in a wonderful mountain environment.

Each participant will treasure the friendships they make with counselors, coaches and fellow campers.

Overnight Skill Camps include: Soccer (ages 9-16) featuring the University of Santa Clara Coaching Staff; Archery (Ages 9 – Adult) including JOAD training; Tennis (Ages 9-14); Climbing (Ages 12-16); Cycling (Adult) Bear Valley’s Day Camps for Kids 3-18 provide mountain fun for ages 3-8(Cub) and ages 12-18 (Grizzly). There are flexible options for campers to participate in the full eight-week program, visit for a week, or even drop in just for the day! Campers will have the chance to participate in

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adventure sports within a safe learning environment while exploring the beautiful Bear Valley region.

Whether in day camp or resident camp, every camper will have the opportunity to enjoy a selection of mountain activities including: Rock Climbing, Sailing, Canoeing, Hiking, Swimming, Disc Golf, Arts and crafts, Kayaking, Biking, Wilderness adventures and more! Info: www.bearvalley.com Camp Jones Gulch Check out our wide variety of Teen Adventure Camps for both boys and girls. Camp dates range from early July to Mid-August. Info: 650-7471200, www.CampJonesGulch. org.

City of Concord Skate and Swim Concord’s Skateboard Camp provides a great way for children to learn and improve their skateboarding skills from sponsored and experienced instructors. Participants will learn skateboard safety, taking care of their skateboard and all the essentials from dropping in, kickflips, the ollie and much more. Camps are great for all skill levels. There is also a full day camp option that combines the half day skateboard camp with a half day of swimming and water games at the Concord Community Pool.

For information and to register, visit www.concordreg.org or call (925) 671-3404.

and college ranks. Coming up in June is the third annual 6v6 Blowout Tournament. Go to www.heritagesc.com to learn more about this exciting event and to learn more about their upcoming camps and clinics throughout the summer.

World Cup Soccer Camps With over 20 years of experience, Ruedi Graf runs one of the most respected soccer camps in the Bay Area.

World Cup camps and skills clinics are offered to various ability levels on a wide variety of dates. Info: 408-354-4949, www.WorldCupSoccerCamps. com.

SoccerInsight.net 2011 Summer Camp Available to ages 5-12, the SoccerInsight.net camps are offered over two weeks in June and three weeks in August. The camps are held from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. @ Paul Goode Field, The Presidio in San Francisco. Info:415-595-3760, www.soccerinsight.net.

SWIMMING-DIVING SOCCER Heritage Soccer Club Stay tuned this summer for dates and times for Heritage Soccer Club’s camps and clinics. Heritage is a Pleasant Hill/Martinez based competitive soccer club. Players ages 8-18 can tryout, compete at the highest levels in the area and travel all over the country playing in some of the biggest tournaments. Learn new skills and hone existing ones from Heritage’s top flight coaching staff which has years of experience spanning the high school

February 24, 2011

Walnut Creek Swim Club WCSC is a recreational team sponsored by the City of Walnut Creek that is celebrating it’s 50th anniversary this year. We have deep roots in the community with our head coach, Brad Hoy, being part of every one of those 50 summers. Led by his experience, his staff is the finest in the area. WCSC believes in finding that healthy balance between competition and family fun to produce well-rounded young athletes.

Whether you are new to the sport or a seasoned veteran, as young as 4 or as old as 18, our WCSC family has a place for you!

Sherman Swim School We are a Lafayette swimming and diving school celebrating our 50th year. Our year-round schedule allows children and adults to learn, retain, and improve their swim skills with little interruption.

Lessons are usually offered on M-W-F’s and T-Th’s in sessions of 3-4 weeks. We teach from 9-month-olds to adults, from non-swimmers to competitive levels. Since our lessons are private, they are tailored to each student’s age, ability, and readiness.

“Our instructors love children and have received extensive in-water training.

Private lessons coupled with patient, encouraging teachers & extremely comfortable water (90°-92°) create an ideal learning environment for swimmers of all ages.”

We also offer beginning and competitive diving classes.

Beginning sessions typically have three students and are 30 minutes long. Classes are taught in three-week sessions.

Either on M-W-F or T-Th. With enough practice, you could have a chance to compete on our competitive diving team which competes in diving meets year-round.

Come spend your summer in our warm waters. Info: 925283-2100, www.ShermanSwim.com California Sports Center Among the many camps offered by San Jose’s Cal Sports Center includes its Swim Summer Camps at Sunnyvale Swim Center on the campus of Fremont High. The camps are held from either 9 a.m.-noon, or 9 a.m.-4 p.m. for ages 6-14.

Info: 408-732-2257, www.

CalSportsCenter.com

TENNIS Summer Tennis at Valley Vista Break away from the same old summer camp routine and get your kids involved

football

Mark Panella

F

De La Salle HS quarterbacks coach

ootball camps are primarily places where players go to learn more about their prospective positions and to fine-tune their skills. Let’s not forget that they are supposed to be fun as well as educational.

The De La Salle Quarterback Camps will be just that — fun and educational. We will cover the basic fundamentals of what it takes to be a quarterback in today’s world.

At De La Salle we start from the ground up. We will work on the fundamentals of footwork and how that translates into a more efficient throwing motion, which results in the passes being on time and at the right distance.

We will also work with the quarterbacks to find “the slot”.

Each quarterback has their own unique arm angle and we will work to help them find the best angle (“slot”) for their particular motion.

Leadership and confidence play a large role in the success of the position. We will offer some valuable tips that will help them become good leaders, which in turn will breed confidence.

Having the ability to diagnose a defense and to have an understanding of different secondary coverage schemes will also enhance the confidence of a quarterback.

We will cover the basic secondary coverages and where the soft spots are in many particular zone defense. We will work with the quarterbacks on the mental aspect of the game as well.

Some of our best players have not always been blessed with the best talent, but they have been blessed with a good strong work ethic and the ability to be coachable. The Quarterback Camp will be tied together with our Receiver Camp so our quarterbacks will have plenty of hands to throw to.

For more information, call (925) 288-8100, ext. 7090, or email summercamps@dlshs.org.

in tennis, one of the fastest growing sports that the whole family can enjoy together for years to come. Enroll your kids in tennis camp at ClubSport Valley Vista.

ClubSport Valley Vista has successfully been hosting summer tennis camps in the Walnut Creek area for more than 30 years, with expert instruction. Tennis pro Dale Miller and his team of sea-

soned professionals will teach your children the fundamentals of tennis or help them improve their skills for recreation or competition.

Kids ages 7-12 years old will enjoy warm summer days focusing on all aspects of tennis including: stroke production, conditioning, strategy, footwork, the psychology of the game and most importantly having fun! Players will

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camps + clinics guide

Softball

Martin Soares

W

President, East Bay Vipers Softball

hen researching information on the perfect camp or clinic structure, I called on the advice of a few of my friends and recalled past experiences. I had been to a few clinics in my years around the game, and I wanted to make sure my camp was worth the money spent. I did not want it to be an autograph session with a few words or tough-to-understand instruction I wanted to be associated with the best instructors, who not only played the game, but who could explain how it was played. Often the greatest players make the worst coaches, they know how to do it but can’t explain or show how.

As far as my camps are concerned, I spoke with Cindy Ball (Assistant coach, University of Washington). We came up with a few people to approach. I needed to find the perfect coordinators and instructors. Kris Zacher (University of Wisconsin), Danielle Lawrie and Ashley Charters (University of Washington) not only delivered based upon experience, name recognition and format, but each treated the campers with respect. Each participant felt that the coaches were there for them, and everyone from age 7-18 took something away from the clinic.

To break it down, here are three main camp styles to consider: Beginners — Fundamentals! This is where campers can learn the fundamentals of catching, throwing, hitting and fielding.

Intermediate — Repetition! Players learn new skills and turn the fundamentals they were taught into daily habits.

Prospect camps (advanced) — For high school freshmen, sophomores and juniors who are interested in playing collegiately. Scouts from various schools will be on hand to evaluate, so this is your chance to show off your skills.

Expectations for each are different and it’s important to know what to expect. Here are four questions to ask yourself before attending: Is this a beginner, intermediate or advanced camp? Am I ready to dedicate this time to be there?Am I willing to listen?

What are my expectations?

Good luck and have fun.

be grouped according to level of play and age; in addition campers will enjoy supervised swim time every day. Tennis camp has an extended care option in which campers will also enjoy arts and crafts,

fitness fun, games, sports activities and more.

ClubSport Valley Vista holds camps Monday through Friday , June 13 through Aug. 15. Camps are held from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Before and

after camp, extended care is available starting at 8:30 a.m. and until 5:30 p.m. for your convenience.

ClubSport is located at 3737 Valley Vista Road in Walnut Creek. ClubSport Valley Vista members receive discounted rates.

We look forward to seeing you and your children this summer at Valley Vista Junior Tennis Summer Camp 2011!

For additional information and pricing please contact us at 925-934-4050.

Youth League Tennis The YLT is open to kids ages 7-14 and has instructional tennis classes taking place through the East Bay beginning as early as March.

Info: www.YouthLeagueTennis.org

VOLLEYBALL U.S. Youth Volleyball League The United States Youth Volleyball League will be hosting a series of volleyball camps this Summer in several Northern and Southern California locations. The USYVL is the leader in developing and maintaining youth volleyball leagues for boys and girls ages 7-15. Its motto “Volleyball starts here,” clearly represents its commitment to the development of the sport in the U.S. Since its inception in 1997, it has serviced over 70,000 children.

USYVL summer camps are typically three-days long, with each day meeting for three hours. The camp is for beginner, intermediate and advanced players, and players will be grouped accordingly, by the camp director, based on age and playing experience.

The camps are coed, but depending on the makeup of the camp, there may be groups that are separated into just boys or girls, still by age and playing experience.

USYVL camps boast a player-to-coach ratio of 8 to 1. Those coaches focus on teaching the following skills: spiking, serving, setting, passing, blocking, defense, offense and game strategy. Six-, four- and two-person formats will allow kids to play in every position. Each camp is taught by volleyball instructors who

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creighton school of wrestling have played or coached volleyball at the club, high school, college or higher level. The registration fee includes a t-shirt, completion certificate, snacks and water.

The USYVL’s mission is to provide every child the chance to learn and play volleyball in a fun, safe, supervised environment. One of the main tenets of the program is to encourage children to do their best with their abilities. With an emphasis on positive reinforcement, the program seeks to build confidence and self-esteem in each child. Information: 1-888988-7985 or visit our website atwww.USYVL.org.

Diablo Valley Volleyball Club Seven one-week skills clinic sessions are offered from June-August. Camps differ in age groups served. Each

camp has a maximum limit of players allowed. Two sessions take place in Brentwood and the other five are in Walnut Creek. Info: www.DiabloVBC. org

WRESTLING Creighton Wrestling The Crieghton School of Wrestling in Mountain View offers its 2011 summer camps from June 20-July 9. The

youth camp takes place from 10 a.m.-noon on weekdays, and the Elite camp follows from 1-5 p.m. weekdays. Both camps will take place at the JLS Middle School Wrestling Room in Palo Alto. Guest clinicians include NCAA-champion wrestlers Tony Davis, Gerry Abas and Jordan Leen.

Youth: K-8th grades; Elite: advanced middle school/experienced high school wrestlers.

Youth, $175/week/camper; Elite, $275/week/camper.

Early reg./multi-week discounts available. Info: creightonschoolofwrestling@ yahoo.com; http://CreightonSchoolofWrestling.com Community Youth Center The CYC in Concord offers three types of week-long wrestling camps. The Elementary

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camps + clinics guide

Camp for ages 5-10 runs from July 5-8.

The All Corners Camp for ages 11-18 runs from July 1822, and the Advanced Camp serves the same age group and runs from Aug. 8-12.

Each camp runs from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. daily at the CYC. Camp fees vary slightly. Info: 925-671-7070, Ext. 229, www. communityyouthcenter.com.

wrestling

Braumon Creighton

I MULTI-SPORT Cal Camps Enrollment for Cal Athletic Camps for the summer of 2011 is now open. Space is limited, so please make sure you reserve a place now by visiting CalBears.com/camps.

Camps are offered in a variety of sports for girls and boys ages 5-19, with week-long, half-day, full-day and overnight options.

In addition, there are several choices for adults this summer — the Cal Football Women’s Huddle, Volleyball Adult Skills Camp and Adult Tennis Camps sponsored by coaches Amanda Augustus and Peter Wright.

Most camps will take place on campus in Berkeley and are held from June through August. Due to construction to renovate and retrofit Memorial Stadium, camps that had been held in the stadium previously have relocated to either Witter Rugby Field, Maxwell Family Field or Underhill Field.

The Cal Rowing/Crew Camps include land practices at the Cal ERG room on campus as well as rowing practice at the T. Gary Rogers Rowing Center in Oakland. The Cal Golf Camps are located at the Metropolitan Golf Links in Oakland, the site of state-of-the-art short game and practice facilities for Golden Bear Golf, and will also utilize the facilities at

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February 24, 2011

CreightonSchoolOfWrestling.com

love summer time! I have fond memories of working hard in the wrestling room, weight room and the track during the summer, fighting for every point. The matches had no referees, but you better believe they meant something. Summer camp is where I developed my technical, strategic, mental and conditioning edge.

Some say, “Summer wrestlers make winter champions.” I believe that statement is true. Outside of the practice room, away from most of your teammates, this is where champions are made. I can think back to many of the “break-through” workouts I’ve had over the years — most of them did not occur during high school or college, most occurred when I was training in small groups or one-on-one with another great training partner, or at summer camp.

I can remember learning the “The Boot Scoot” (a duckunder technique) from Lincoln Mcllravy himself, and learning the “Cowboy Ride” from the greatest Oklahoma State Cowboy of all-time, John W. Smith. This was my opportunity to get inspired, motivated and to learn winning wrestling technique from the best. I remember hearing 4x UCO National Champion Johnny Nimo say, “Be mean!”

He fired me up like no one else had. Summer time is where wrestlers catch the championship fever that drives them all the way to the gold.

When looking for the right summer wrestling camp, I looked at the following: Logistics: Is it affordable, close enough, commuter vs. residency and the right timing with vacations, etc.?

Style: Will they be teaching a style that I like or one that I can benefit from?

Expert clinicians: Will there be guys there I want to see, that match my style, and can they add to it?

Lesser strengths: Will this camp help me address my lesser strengths?

Mira Vista Golf & Country Club in nearby El Cerrito.

The 2011 Cal Athletics Camps include the following sports: Baseball, Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball, Boys’ and Girls’ Rowing/Crew, Field Hockey, Football, Boys’ and Girls’ Golf, Rugby, Boys’ and Girls’ Soccer, Strength & Conditioning, Boys’ and Girls’

Swimming, Boys’ and Girls’ Tennis, Volleyball and Water Polo.

Information, including dates, prices, registration forms and other details, is available at CalBears.com/camps. Enrollment is based on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, please contact the Cal Summer Camps office at

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsMag.com

camps + clinics guide calcamps@berkeley.edu.

City of Concord Skyhawks Sports Skyhawks Sports and the City of Concord have teamed up to provide safe, fun and skill-focused sports camps this summer for youth between the ages of 4-12. The 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. There is also a full day camp option that combines your child’s favorite sports camp with a half day of swimming and water games at the Concord Community Pool.

For information and to register, visit www.concordreg. org or call (925) 671-3404.

Renaissance ClubSport Renaissance ClubSport proudly announces the it’s ninth season of camps in the Walnut Creek area, providing day camp options for children in the community. Renaissance ClubSport offers a unique activity-filled experience for children. This year, spring and summer camps offer just what you need to keep your children active and engaged during school breaks.

Sports camp is one of our

most popular camps, lead by seasoned camp director and local school teacher, Ken Ruderman. Ken has been the camp director for the past eight years and has developed a devoted following of campers who return year after year.

His engaging spirit inspires children and staff to excel at what they do. For campers, it may be to challenge themselves physically and participate in new activities to make new friends and learn new skills. With Ken’s leadership skills he has developed a team of camp leaders that know how to keep kids participating and interested in the days activities.

Sports Day Camp is for children ages 5-12 years old, and focuses on a different sport each day including: football, soccer, swimming, basketball, bocce, kickball, racquetball and karate with Sensei, Pedro Bernardy.

Kinder Camp with Rosa Herrera is a great experience for little ones ages 3-5 years old. Rosa and her creative team create age-appropriate crafts and activities that ignite young imaginations.

Renaissance ClubSport Spring camp runs April 4 and April 25, summer camps will begin June 13 and end August 19. Enrollment is open and early registration is encouraged as camps fill up fast! Contact Renaissance ClubSport at 925-942-6344 for pricing and additional information SportForm Based in Concord, SportForm provides Individual

Jonathan Hawthorne

Rachel Kuehnle practices her pitching release at the Monte Vista High softball camp held Feb. 12 in Danville.

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February 24, 2011

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27

camps + clinics guide and team instruction in the sports of baseball, softball and lacrosse. Prepare to Preform!

Info: 925-459-2880

Also CABERNET BASEBALL CLUB The Livermore-based club hosts The Pitching Center’s Spring Break Baseball Skills Camp 2011, April 5-7. Players ages 8-14. Lil’ Baseball also offered, March 2-May 14, for ages 3-7. 925-416-1600, www. thepitchingcenter.com.

NORCAL GRIZZLIES BASEBALL Camps and classes offered at various locations. NorCal Grizzlies Baseball has programs to help accelerate the baseball development for players of all ages.925-606-1605, www.norcalgrizzlies.org.

ADDIDAS JR PHENOM BASKETBALL CAMP Moreno Valley-based Phenom Basketball Inc. offers a boys camp June 23-26 @ Alliant International University, San Diego. $575 registration

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fee includes uniforms, meals and lodging. Joe Keller & Staff, 951-247-9669,www. adidasjrcamp.com or www. phenom150.com.

LEGARZA BASKETBALL CAMP San Carlos-based camp offers sessions in Larkspur, San Francisco, Burlingame, San Mateo, San Carlos and San Jose for boys/girls, incoming K-8th grades. 415-334-3333 or www.legarzabasketball.org SARATOGA BASKETBALL Sessions available for boys/ girls in 3rd-9th grades. Net proceeds from camp tuition go to the Global Ischemia Foundation to help research for brain-injured individuals.

650-678-1614, www.saratogabasketball.com.

SPARTAN BOYS’ BASKETBALL CAMP Offered June 20-24 and Aug. 8-12, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. daily @ San Jose State University.

Brent Davis, asst. men’s basketball coach, 408-924-1222, www.sjsuspartans.com.

BAY AREA JUNIOR GOLF CAMP PROGRAM Junior golfers, 6-17, may attend 3-day camp, camp clinics and weekly junior camp programs. Held @ Shadow Lakes

February 24, 2011

& Deer Ridge golf courses.

Coach Rick, 510-917-6442, www.BrentwoodsPGA.com.

TWISTERS SPORTS CENTER (GYMNASTICS) Gymnastics mixes with rock climbing, recreation, Tae Kwon Do and more. For boys/girls ages 18 months to 14 years @ Twisters Sports Center, Mountain View. Fees/schedule/registration: 650-967-5581, www. twisterssportscenter.com.

USKS (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 PACIFIC SOCCER ACADEMY Summer Soccer Camp, 9 a.m.-noon at Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center.

All-day option available. Info: 408-357-7546, psa.jessica@ gmail.com; www.pacificsocceracademy.org.

SAN FRANCISCO VIKING SOCCER CLUB Weekly sessions offered weekdays July 11-Aug. 12 @ South Sunset Fields for ages 5-12. Info: 415-753-3111,

www.sfvsc.org/camp/index. php.

SOCCER BASICS Serving youth in Albany, Berkeley, El Cerrito, Oakland and Kensington. Summer Camps 2001 offered for ages 7-12 in various sessions @ Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School. Info: 510-232-4625, www.soccerbasics.net.

UNIVERSITY OF SURFING Instructor Matt Cole offers lessons/camps in Pacifica.

650-359-1425, mattcolesurfs@hotmail.com; http:// universityofsurfing.com/index. html.

TERRAPINS SWIM TEAM Camps and clinics open to all ages and ability levels @ Concord Community Pool.

Fees/registration: www.terrapinswim.com.

WALNUT CREEK AQUANUTS Summer Trainee Program 2011 held June 20-Sept. 5 @ Clarke Memorial Swim Center, Heather Farm Park, Walnut Creek.Info: 925-934-4792; www.aquanuts.org.

ADDISON-PENZAK JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF THE SILICON VALLEY Various sports camps offered in one- and two-week sessions for K-10th graders @ the APJCC,in Los Gatos.

Fees/registration: 408-3577416, camp@svjcc.org; www.

SiliconValleyJCC.org/camp.

ALL OUT SPORTS LEAGUE Offering camps, individual games and league play in various sports @ Central and East Contra Costa locations for ages 4-14. Info: 925-203-5626, http://www.alloutsportsleagueclayton.com.

BALD EAGLE SPORTS CAMPS The Mountain View-based camp organization offers multisport and basketball camps in various area cities and towns.

Info: bob@baldeaglecamps. com, 888-505-2253; www. baldeaglecamps.com.

CYO ATHLETICS SUMMER CAMPS AND PROGRAMMING The San Francisco branch of Catholic Charities offers a variety of camps for boys/ girls entering 2nd grade, and through age 17. Info: 415-9721294, http://camp.cccyo.org.

CITY OF PINOLE SUMMER CAMP The Camps all happen at Pinole Youth Center. Schedules/fees/registration: 510-7249004, youth@ci.pinole.ca.us; www.ci.pinole.ca.us. ✪

USTA NorCal

Tennis

Rich Rogers

I

USTA NorCal, Manager of Operations

f you’re trying to get your young child started in tennis, and want to use a summer camp to gauge their interest, here’s a good way to go about it.

Look for a camp that features 10-and-under tennis using the QuickStart Tennis play format for a new and better approach to introducing kids to the game. Balls are lower in compression; they bounce lower and don’t move as fast so they are easier to hit. This allows kids time to get to the ball and helps them develop optimal swing patterns.

Racquets are sized for small hands, and the courts are smaller and easier to cover. All that equals more fun, and less frustration. Full-sized courts are reconfigured to accommodate up to six 36-foot courts, so instead of waiting in line, kids can spend their time playing.

Kids learn to play baseball by first playing T-ball — they use shorter, lighter bats and larger, softer balls. Kids learning basketball shoot baskets with kid-sized balls and lowered backboards. Soccer is the same way, smaller fields with smaller goals. But when it comes to learning tennis, many of us still make children play on adult-sized courts with yellow balls and adult-sized racquets. This is asking a lot of a kid who could be two-thirds the size of an adult.

But tennis has finally caught up.

QuickStart Tennis follows the same logic as other youth sports like baseball or soccer, and the benefits are immediate. Within an hour, kids are rallying, having fun and psyched for more. They’re playing real tennis and having real fun. And isn’t that the point?”

The ideal tennis camp gives your child a chance to play the first time out and keep playing without waiting in lines.

Your child will enjoy learning and playing, and they’ll keep coming back for more. The techniques and skills they’ll learn in camp will serve them for the rest of their lives.

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsMag.com

February 24, 2011

Score! camps + clinics guide

Your ultimate guide to finding the right camp

Youngsters work on their technique as they practice fielding ground balls during a training session at The Pitching Center in Pleasanton.

Contributed/ The Pitching Center

EDITOR’S NOTE: Jason Sekany is a former pitcher for the Boston Red Sox and Cincinnati Reds organizations who co-founded the The Pitching Center in Pleasanton. When he filed this article for his expert column, we thought it would make a fitting end to our Camps Special.

W

By JASON SEKANY | Contributor

ith so many sports skills and activities camps out there to choose from how can I determine which ones are the best for my young athlete?

We are asked this question countless times throughout the year at TPC and Cabernet. With first-hand experience in hundreds of camps as participants, trainers, directors and parents of participants, we have found that the answer is simple: It is different for each player!

Not much help right? Well from there it gets a little more complex. To give you an objective method to determine a

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February 24, 2011

great event for your player we have put together a scoring system based on what we have determined to be key factors in selecting a camp that will best fit what you are looking for.

When looking at the details for a camp, score each of your options from 1 (low) to 5 (high).

Location: Is the camp nearby your home or work?

Let’s face it, one of the benefits to having your kids attend a camp is the time it provides for work or other responsibilities we have as parents. The closer the camp, the more time you have to get things done. Is the camp at a local park, a college/professional sports facility? Camps held at the latter of the two typically will be better organized and often involve staff better trained to provide higher quality instruction. Will the camp be held at an indoor or outdoor facility.

Weather can be an issue (heat, cold, rain) that can hinder the quality of the experience or even force cancelation.

Reputation of camp director/organization: Is the camp put on by a person or organization that

is known and reputable? Do they have valid insurance and is their staff appropriately screened? Written testimonials mean very little. Promoters are not going to post negative comments! Ask those you know and trust about their past experience with the organization’s events and look for professionalism in the registration process.

Skill specificity: Are you looking for a camp that will focus on specific skill work in your sport (i.e. pitching, goal-keeping, etc)? Most camps generally will be designed to cover the basic skills within your respective sport. These are skills that are applicable to all players. If you are looking for specificity, be sure that the camp lists the specific skill you are looking for, or contact the camp director to find out if your desired skill will be covered. Keep in mind, progressive and advanced skill development almost always requires ongoing training beyond the time frame of a camp.

Player/coach ratio and age range: Most large camps do not list player to coach ratios, and often staff will be assigned based on enrollment. Camps are designed to be group training and play. They are generally not the best training option for someone looking for advanced development, even if they advertise as covering advanced skills.

Before placing significant weight on the ratio, find out how the participants will be divided. A quality event will group players based on age first. Camp leadership will also remain flexible to move participants to an appropriate group if a change is in the player’s best interest. Don’t expect or ask the camp director to place your player with an older group because you think he/she is “too good” for his/her actual age group. It is best to ask if kids will be moved if they are obviously advanced for their assigned group.

Duration: How many days is the camp and how long does it last each day? Longer does not equal better! You have to keep your player’s age, interest level and attention span in mind. There is only so much information that your player is going to be capable of absorbing over the duration of the camp. First, ask yourself if the duration of the camp fits with your player’s attention span and level of interest. Second, does the camp fit your work/errand schedule?

Price/value: Though last on our list, this is often the first question asked. The price is almost always going to be a function of the factors above. If you find an ad for a camp that will be five hours a day for five days and is only $100, don’t expect expert trainers, high-level skills instruction and small coach/player ratios. That’s not at all to say that it can’t be a great camp. When scoring this item, unless price is clearly the number one factor, try not to score based on price but rather value. When scoring, determine your perception of what you get for the price you pay.

■ add it up: Once you have gathered the information to answer each of the questions above, you are ready to compile a score for each camp you are considering.

If your score is: Less than 18 — Poor choice for your player From 18 – 24 — Good choice for your player Greater than 24 — Great choice for your player This scoring system is designed to be a quick and relatively easy way to select what camps fit your player’s needs/ wants, along with your schedule and budget. The true score for your camp will be measured by your player’s experience.

Camps are more about fostering your player’s love for the particular sport, activity or skill than they are about development. The number one question to ask following the camp is “Did you have fun?” If the answer is yes, you scored!! ✪ Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsMag.com

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31

Bob Larson

Neto Corona stands in an empty stadium at Liberty High. He’s bound and determined that the cancer which cost him his sophomore season won’t keep him from retaking Ohmstead Field as a player in the future.

Moving

Forward One season after being named as his league’s best offensive player, 15-year-old Liberty soccer star Neto Corona is showing his courage in his battle against cancer

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February 24, 2011

F

By matt smith | Contributor

or the Liberty High boys soccer team, the season may have ended sooner than they wanted, or expected it to.

The Lions were looking to follow up their first North Coast Section Division I playoff appearance last season, with another one this time around. The playoff dream did not happen. But for one Liberty player in particular, the season ended much more prematurely, and abruptly.

As a member of the Lions playoff team a year ago, Jose “Neto” Corona was voted the Bay Valley Athletic League’s Offensive Player of the Year — the first time a freshman had taken home the award.

His ability, and his passionate approach to soccer, had many figuring Corona to be the Liberty High leader this winter, and a frontrunner for the BVAL MVP award.

But before any of that could come to fruition, something wasn’t quite right, and Corona could tell something was wrong. Very wrong.

“He was getting tired easily and he didn’t know why,” Liberty High coach Alfredo Zamora said. “We didn’t even know when the whole thing started, he was keeping it pretty quiet, and then all of a sudden we found out.”

Corona, who turned 15 on Feb. 9, finally went to the doctor in November of last year. He was diagnosed with Stage 2 testicular cancer. And suddenly it wasn’t just soccer that was

in jeopardy.

“I was feeling fatigued all the time so I went to the doctor,” Corona said. “I knew when I had it, and I was scared that I couldn’t play soccer anymore.”

For Corona, not being able to play soccer anymore is like telling many people they can’t walk, talk or breathe anymore.

It’s something that is as much a part of him as anything else.

And his love for the game is only overshadowed by his ability.

The diminutive but fiery forward has been standing out since he started playing club soccer at East Diablo five years ago, which is when the current U16 head coach, Keoni Clifford, started to get to know him.

“He has a no-holds-barred approach, with soccer, and in life,” Clifford said. “He won’t beat around the bush with you on the field or off the field. You always know where you stand with him.”

Praise of Corona by his coaches goes a lot deeper than just his passion and talent for the game.

“He’s a good kid and he’s very polite,” Zamora said. “If you tell him to do something, he’d go out and do it, and he played with a lot of passion.”

A small, but very quick player, Corona was very hard to mark in his first year at Liberty. And where most 14-year-olds are playing freshman or junior varsity soccer, he was scoring Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsMag.com

Bob Larson

Even as a freshman, Corona’s ball skills were more than ready for the varsity game. His footwork helped guide him to seven goals and BVAL Offensive Player of the Year honors.

goals against the much-respected defenses of Deer Valley, Antioch, Monte Vista and Pittsburg. He put seven balls in the net over his first varsity season.

“He was hard to avoid because he stood out so much,” Zamora said. “So we brought him up (from JV) in the first week.”

But for now, picking apart the back line of opposing defenses is a memory in the back of Corona’s mind.

His entire focus is on the road to recovery.

After months of intense chemotherapy and many long days and nights at the hospital — which included times when he missed his brothers’ birthdays, and Thanksgiving — the treatments ended in January.

“At the beginning, I thought it would be easy,” Corona said.

“But once it started, the only thing I could think of was if I’d be able to play soccer again. Before this, I was at the top of my game, but when I found out, it crushed my dream of a college scholarship or playing professionally.”

For a lot of 15-year-olds, finding out they have cancer, and then going through chemotherapy, may lead them to give up on their dreams.

However, even the discovery of tumors in his lungs hasn’t derailed Corona’s spirit. And a lot of that has to do with the fact that Corona has seen the outpouring of support he’s received throughout the East Bay and its soccer community. It has inspired him.

“At first I didn’t want to go outside or go to school because I didn’t want anyone to see me, and I didn’t want to see myself,” Corona said. “But a lot of people supported me. I didn’t even know a lot of the people who were supporting me, so I used that as motivation.”

The outpouring of support for Corona was on display in mid-December during a taco night fundraiser.

“There were four or five hundred people there that night,” Clifford said. “He comes from a small community, and when

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all these people from all walks of life showed up, it just overwhelmed him.”

Julio Borge, the head coach at Antioch High, a league rival, showed up with his entire team in support of the young striker.

“When we heard what happened it was a shock to everybody,” Borge said. “Soccer is a small community and if someone goes down in that community we want to be there for them. This was an opportunity to show that we care and to help out anyway we can.”

Corona realized that he wouldn’t be in this fight alone, and being a strong kid already, he was able to summon even more

February 24, 2011

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strength and courage in his battle against cancer. “Since I’ve known him, his strength has been his internal fortitude in everything and anything that he does,” Clifford said. “If he gets knocked down, he’ll get up one more time, and he’ll keep on getting up.”

Eventually, he conquered the fear that kept him from wanting to see people and be seen.

He also has found the resolve to begin watching soccer again. He has watched some games on TV, and attended some Liberty High matches to watch his older brother, junior Manny Corona, play this season.

And like a true striker, even while watching his brother’s games, Corona sits in the stands and sees all the moments in the game where he could have, and would have, scored.

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February 24, 2011

There may be some people who think it’s a long shot for him to play soccer again. But the doubters out there clearly don’t know Neto Corona.

He’s not looking at it as a long shot. In fact, he’s taking the opposite approach.

“If there is anyone saying that I won’t be able to play again, I want to prove them wrong,” Corona said. “It’s going to take 120 percent dedication, but I am going to do whatever it takes. And I know it’s going to take a lot.”

Corona believes in himself.

“He will most definitely be back,” Clifford said. “He’s one of those guys that I would never count out. This ordeal that he is going through is just going to be another obstacle that he’s going to overcome.” ✪

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsMag.com

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35

Running

silent

Short on hype, the El Cerrito boys basketball team is as big of an NCS Division III title contender as anybody else

By Chace Bryson | Editor

Michael Booker likes the quiet.

He scans the papers. Surfs the web. Reads the blogs. Nowhere does he find much talk on the success or promise of his El Cerrito High boys basketball team.

The same team that Booker coached to a 20-6 record in the regular season, winning the Alameda Contra Costa Athletic League outright for the second straight season.

The same team that has been awarded the No. 2 seed in the North Coast Section Division III tournament.

The same team that features a core group of four seniors from a 2009-10 Gauchos squad that went 27-5 and reached the California Interscholastic Federation Division III Northern regional semifinals after opening the section playoffs as a No. 4 seed.

Still, Booker sees very little.

All the hype and chatter surrounding the Division III bracket belongs to Bishop O’Dowd. The Dragons entered the NCS playoffs with a 21-5 record and ranked No. 11 in the most recent state rankings by CalHiSports.com.

“We don’t worry about what’s not being written about us,” Booker said. “Bishop O’Dowd is the defending (Div. III) NorCal champion. They were a free throw away from being a state champion. That’s the team everybody is looking at. Our thing is that we would just like the opportunity to play them again.” ◆◆◆ Few teams in the East Bay were able to

stand toe-to-toe with Bishop O’Dowd a year ago, and El Cerrito was one of them.

The teams first met in the NCS Div. III semifinals last March and the Gauchos had the score deadlocked at 31-31 going into the break. However, the Dragons regrouped and outscored El Cerrito 24-10 in the third quarter to go on and win 66-57. A little more than a week later, the teams met again and El Cerrito once again had Bishop O’Dowd on the ropes before it pulled away for a 52-38 victory.

When the Gauchos gathered to set goals for the 2010-11 season, winning the ACCAL crown was the first one. Gaining a top seed in the NCS playoffs was the second. There’s a good chance you can guess what the third one was.

So far, the Gauchos are two-for-two. So what will it take to get No. 3 accomplished?

“We’ve got to be physically and mentally strong,” Booker said when considering a rematch with Bishop O’ Dowd, a game that would come to fruition only if both teams reached the NCS final scheduled for either March 4 or 5.

“In both playoff games (against O’Dowd) last year we had lapses late that cost us. That was a from a mental perspective. ... We’ve got to think like Bishop O’Dowd does, and Bishop O’Dowd thinks ‘We’re going to the champion and anything else is not acceptable.’ We have to think the same thing.”

There are signs that the Gauchos are getting there.

If anything that seems to be the way the Butch Noble

Jamontee Condor drives to the basket in El Cerrito’s 53-51 loss to Pinole Valley on Feb. 17. Condor is one of four key seniors who have led for the Gauchos.

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February 24, 2011

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsMag.com

team attacked its league schedule this season.

In their first big league game of the season, the Gauchos raised eyebrows by besting Berkeley 68-49. The visiting Yellowjackets were 9-1 at the time. Then, slightly less than a month later, El Cerrito traveled to Berkeley and came away with a 66-65 win.

It wasn’t until the final game of the season, playing at home against Pinole Valley on Feb. 17, that the Gauchos suffered their only league defeat. ◆◆◆ “It was a trap game for us,” Booker said of the 53-51 loss to Pinole Valley.

El Cerrito had clinched the outright league title with a win at Alameda two nights before, and it was generally considered that the team had already locked in its No. 2 seed in the section tournament.

But that didn’t mean the loss wasn’t felt in the locker room.

“I’ve only seen the locker room like that one other time,” Booker said. “It was not very happy.”

But with every disappointment comes a teachable moment and Booker wasn’t going to let it pass.

Senior Jabri Jenkins got the message.

“We learned that we can never take a night off,” he said. “We can be beaten, even on our home floor. We showed a few flaws and we just had to get back to practice and work on them.”

Jenkins, Bobby Syvanthong, Jamontee Condor and Eric Nelson comprise the senior nucleus that make the Gauchos go.

Jenkins, a 6-3 wing, is the only Gaucho to average double figures in scoring so far this year with 13.8 points per game.

Condor, a 5-9 guard, is extremely close to being the second, averaging 9.9 a contest. And the lightning-quick Syvanthong makes sure they get the ball, averaging nearly six assists a game and almost three steals as well.

“We try to feed off each other,” Jenkins said of the foursome.

“We have to carry a lot, and so we try to help each other out.

We all know this is our last go-around and we’re going to dig down and fight this out to the end.”

While the three guards do their thing, it’s 6-7 post Nelson that Booker singled out as potentially the biggest factor for El Cerrito if they hope to make a deep run and beat the likes of Bishop O’Dowd.

“Eric Nelson has to come ready to play,” the coach said. “He has to play big. We’re only going to go as far as he allows us to go. We have to have some post play in the playoffs. As a team, we have to focus on our shot selection and finishing around the basket. If we can do that, it’s going to be hard for a team to beat us in our gym.”

Bishop O’Dowd features one of the best young big men in the state, 6-8 junior Brandon Ashley. And Jenkins is convinced that Nelson isn’t going to be pushed around by the allstate talent.

“You can just look at Eric and tell and he’s just more ready this time around,” Jenkins said of Nelson, who is averaging 8 points, 8 rebounds and more than 4 blocked shots per game.

“He hasn’t backed down from anyone this year. That’s going to be a tough matchup for Ashley because Eric is good de-

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fensive player. He’s going to contest some shots and get a lot rebounds.” ◆◆◆ Booker and Jenkins are both willing to talk about the potential matchup with Bishop O’Dowd, but they also aren’t taking the rest of the Division III field for granted.

The 13-team field may be the deepest of any NCS boys playoff bracket from top to bottom. Of the 13 teams, eight have at least 18 wins. Five have at least 20 wins. And the team with the most wins of any, San Marin (25-4), was handed a No. 5 seed.

The Gauchos do have the comfort of holding home court advantage through the semifinals and a first-round bye that automatically puts them in the quarterfinals where they face either Sir Francis Drake-San Anselmo or San Rafael on Feb. 25.

And in the meantime, Booker hopes everything stays quiet.

Because, as far as he’s concerned, his team is ready.

“Collectively we just have to play with a sense of urgency and know that we are one of the top teams,” He concluded. “If a team is going to beat us, it’s going to have to beat us playing their best game while we’re playing our best game. ... We’re gonna compete. I’m excited.” ✪

February 24, 2011

SportStars™

37

in the paint

Road to State: SportStars’ section playoff breakdown Northern California’s first postseason basketball tipped off Feb. 21. By the time you pick up the next issue of SportStars, the Northern California regional championships will be just a few days away. In the meantime, basketball enthusiasts should have more than enough to savor at the sections level. Here’s SportStars’ take on what to expect in each of the NorCal’s six sections.

GIRLS CENTRAL COAST The favorites: Palo Alto (Division I), Presentation-San Jose (Division II), St. Ignatius-San Francisco (Division III), Scotts Valley (Division IV), Pinewood-Los Altos (Division V) The best team nobody’s talking about: Gilroy (Division I) — It’s been a long time since the Mustangs lost (Dec. 7, to be exact), and though they haven’t played the toughest schedule, the name of the game is winning, and Gilroy has reeled off 17 in a row.

Toughest bracket: Just because the Division II bracket is a little deeper, give the edge to the Mitty-Presentation group over the Pinewood-Eastside Prep group. Both, though, are top-heavy and expect the favorites to sail into the finals.

The two games you shouldn’t miss: Presentation vs. Mitty; Pinewood vs. EastsidePalo Alto — There’s no way to choose between these two huge games between archrivals.

Predicted champions: Gilroy (Division I), Presentation (Division II), St. Ignatius (Division III), Menlo-Atherton (Division IV), Pinewood (Division V).

NORTH COAST The favorites: Berkeley (Division I), Dougherty Valley-San Ramon (Division II), Bishop O’Dowd-Oakland (Division III), St. Mary’sBerkeley (Division IV), St. Joseph Notre DameAlameda (Division V).

The best team nobody’s talking about: McKinleyville (Division IV) – The Panthers have lost only to Division I L.A. power Narbonne and

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February 24, 2011

Marin Cathlolic in the first game of the year – at Marin Catholic.

Toughest bracket: Division I — Berkeley and Carondelet are the two top teams in the Bay Area, and Deer Valley is capable of producing a big game.

The one game you shouldn’t miss: Berkeley vs. Carondelet — The Cougars beat the Yellowjackets by two, and Berkeley returned the favor by beating Carondelet by three. That means in two games, they’re separated by one point.

Predicted champions: Berkeley (Division I), Dougherty Valley (Division II), Bishop O’Dowd (Division III), St. Mary’s-Berkeley (Division IV), St. Joseph Notre Dame (Division V).

NORTHERN The favorites: Pleasant Valley-Chico (Division II), Paradise (Division III), Anderson (Division IV), Hamilton (Division V).

The best team nobody’s talking about: Enterprise-Redding (Division III) – Freshman post Jordan Kimbrough gives the Hornets some sting inside, and Jaclyn VanSchooten lives up to her name from three-point distance.

Toughest bracket: Division III – Quality over quantity here, as even though there are only six Northern Section D-III teams, Paradise and Enterprise aren’t going to just coast to the finals.

The one game you shouldn’t miss: Anderson vs. Lassen — The two teams are on track to play for the section title, and in their first meeting, on a neutral court, it was a one-point Anderson win.

Predicted champions: Pleasant Valley (Division II), Enterprise (Division III), Lassen (Division IV), Liberty Christian-Redding (Division V).

OAKLAND The favorite: Castlemont (Division I) The best team no one’s talking about: Skyline, which may have lost 11 times, but has also beaten both Castlemont and McClymonds.

The one game you shouldn’t miss: Castlemont vs. Oakland Tech – Tech beat Castlemont by five, but the Knights have a one-point win over the Bulldogs. Always a war no matter what the records, this will be a good one.

Predicted champion: Castlemont (Division I) SAN FRANCISCO The favorite: Washington (Division I) The best team no one’s talking about: Lincoln, which has overcome some early injuries and is playing well down the stretch.

The one game you shouldn’t miss: Washington vs. Lowell – It was 40-37 Washington the first time, but don’t be surprised if Lowell wins the one that really matters.

Predicted champion: Lowell, but if Lincoln finishes in one of the top two spots, it will advance to the NorCal Division II playoffs due to its enrollment.

SAC JOAQUIN The favorites: St. Francis-Sacramento (Division I), St. Mary’s-Stockton (Division II), Sacramento (Division III), Modesto Christian (Division IV), Bradshaw Christian-Sacramento (Division V).

The best team nobody’s talking about: El Camino-Sacramento (Division II) – You’d think a team that’s gone 26-1 would be getting a little love, but the Eagles are just an afterthought as fans anticipate the Del Oro-St. Mary’s final.

Toughest bracket: Division II – St. Mary’s, Del Oro-Loomis and El Camino are just the start – aside from that power trio, 12 teams have won 17 or more games, and four have won 20 or more. Inderkum, in fact, is 25-2, and gets even less attention than El Camino.

The one game you shouldn’t miss: Sacramento vs. Vanden-Travis AFG — The two played once this season already, in Phoenix, and only a desperation three-pointer as time expired gave Vanden the win. Expect another thriller if they meet again.

Predicted champions: St. Francis (Division I), St. Mary’s (Division II), Vanden (Division III), Bear River-Grass Valley (Division IV), Bradshaw Christian (Division V)

BOYS CENTRAL COAST The favorites: Serra-San Mateo (Division I), Archbishop Mitty-San Jose (Division II), Sacred Heart Cathedral-San Francisco (Division III), Sacred Heart Prep-Atherton (Division IV), Pinewood (Division V) The best team nobody’s talking about: Salinas (Division I) — Drawing the No. 3 seed despite a 23-1 record will have the Cowboys off the radar a bit. However, during their 16-game win streak they’re allowing opponents just 41.6 points per game.

Toughest bracket: Division III — Any of the top four seeds — Sacred Heart Prep-Atherton, St. Ignatius-San Francisco, Burlingame and Aptos — are all capable of taking home the crown if they get hot.

The one game you shouldn’t miss: St. Ignatius vs. Sacred Heart Cathedral — If the top

two teams meet in the Division III final, it will be their third meeting this season. Each has a win over the other this season, including a 42-40 win for SHC on Jan. 11.

Predicted champions: Serra (Division I), Archbishop Mitty (Division II), St. Ignatius (Division III), Santa Cruz (Division IV), Pinewood (Division V).

NORTH COAST The favorites: Castro Valley (Div. I), Montgomery-Santa Rosa (Div. II), Bishop O’Dowd (Div. III), Salesian (Div. IV), UniversitySan Francisco (Div. V) The best team nobody’s talking about: Cardinal Newman-Santa Rosa (Div. IV) — The Cardinals are 23-5 and haven’t lost a game to Division IV team all season. Two of their five losses are to Div. II-favorite Montgomery by a combined six points.

Toughest bracket: Division III — Any of the top five seeds ought to be considered serious threats. Eight of the 13 teams in the field have 18 wins or better.

The one game you shouldn’t miss: Castro Valley vs. De La Salle-Concord — Notoriously boasting one of the best defenses in the section, or state for that matter, De La Salle will have its work cut out for it against Castro Valley’s “Big 3” of Juan Anderson, Roderick Bobbitt and Chris Read.

Predicted champions: De La Salle (Division I), Las Lomas (Division II), El Cerrito (Division III), Salesian (Division IV), University-San Francisco (Division V).

NORTHERN The favorites: Chico (Division II), FoothillPalo Cedro (Division III), Orland (Division IV), Trinity-Weaverville (Division V).

The best team nobody’s talking about: Chico (Division II) – Sure, everybody is knows about them in the Northern Section. But not outside of it. Which we expect to change when they make a run at a NorCal title.

Toughest bracket: Division IV – Between seeds No. 1 and 12 there’s not that big of a gap.

In fact, No. 9 seed Wheatland played top-seeded Orland to just a three-point loss on Dec. 16.

The one game you shouldn’t miss: Chico vs. Pleasant Valley-Chico — They are crosstown rivals who have already battled three times this season, with two of the three games being decided by single digits (Chico won all three).

Make matchup No. 4 for a section crown, and watch the sparks fly.

Predicted champions: Chico (Division II), Paradise (Division III), West Valley-Cottonwood (Division IV), Trinity (Division V).

OAKLAND The favorite: Oakland (Division I) The best team no one’s talking about: McClymonds — Despite a mediocre record just over .500, the Warriors had won 10 straight before a 57-55 loss to Oakland on Feb. 18.

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in the paint

NorCal Girls Top 15

NorCal Boys Top 15

15. (nr) Paradise...............................................23-2

Records are through Feb. 19. Teams from the Central Section are not considered.

Rank (Last week) Team Record 1 (1) Archbishop Mitty-San Jose.................... 25-2 2 (2) Castro Valley.......................................... 25-1 3 (4) Salesian-Richmond............................... 18-11* 4 (5) De La Salle-Concord............................. 22-4 5 (3) Bishop O’Dowd-Oakland....................... 21-5 6 (6) Granite Bay............................................ 24-3 7 (7) Burbank-Sacramento............................ 22-4 8 (14) Sheldon-Sacramento.......................... 16-7 9 (10) Sacramento......................................... 22-5 10 (12) Woodcreek-Roseville ....................... 23-4 11 (13) Chico.................................................. 24-1 12 (11) Franklin-Elk Grove ............................ 22-5 13 (14) San Ramon Valley............................. 24-2 14 (nr) Serra-San Mateo................................ 19-8 15 (9) El Cerrito.............................................. 20-6 *Forfeited 10 games (ineligible player)

The one game you shouldn’t miss: The final – It’s a threeteam race between Oakland, Castlemont and McClymonds.

Whichever two face off in the final should deliver the goods.

Predicted champion: Oakland (Division I) SAN FRANCISCO The favorite: Washington (Division I) The best team no one’s talking about: Mission — The Bears have already secured a 20-win season and have won 11 straight since Jan. 18. They also have a 49-48 quality loss to St. Ignatius.

The one game you shouldn’t miss: Washington vs. Lowell – The Eagles nipped the Cardinals 53-49 in the teams’ one meeting this season on Jan. 21.

Predicted champion: Washington SAC JOAQUIN The favorites: Sheldon-Sacramento (Division I), Woodcreek-

Roseville (Division II), Sacramento (Division III), Modesto Christian (Division IV), Ripon Christian-Ripon (Division V).

The best team nobody’s talking about: El Dorado-Placerville (Div. III) – The No. 3-seeded Cougars roll into the playoffs with a 20-game winning streak.

Toughest bracket: Division I – No brainer here as Sheldon, Franklin-Elk Grove, Jesuit-Carmichael and Granite Bay probably make up the best group of top four seeds in the section.

The one game you shouldn’t miss: Sheldon vs. Jesuit — The teams faced each other twice in a two-week span between Jan. 26 and Feb. 9 and Sheldon won both games by three points (82-79 and 74-71).

Predicted champions: Jesuit (Division I), Woodcreek (Division II), Sacramento (Division III), Modesto Christian (Division IV), Ripon Christian (Division V).

— Clay Kallam & Chace Bryson

Records are through Feb. 19. Teams from the Central Section are not considered.

Rank (Last week) Team

Record

1. (1) Berkeley..................................................25-1

2. (2) St. Mary’s (Stockton)..............................20-2 3. (3) Carondelet...............................................23-3

4. (4) St. Mary’s (Berkeley)..............................24-4

5. (5) Dougherty Valley.....................................24-2

6. (6) Presentation-San Jose...........................20-6 7. (7) Mitty-San Jose........................................20-7 8. (8) St. Ignatius-S.F........................................20-6 9. (9) Bishop O’Dowd.......................................19-7 10. (10) Del Oro-Loomis..................................22-3 11. (11) Deer Valley..........................................17-7

12. (12) Eastside College Prep........................19-7 13. (13) Pinewood-Los Altos Hills....................21-5 14. (14) St. Francis (Sacramento)...................21-6

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February 24, 2011

SportStars™

39

tee2green

Santa Clara hosts the first B

Event will include free ticket giveawa SportStars Staff Just as the sunshine returns, so does the Bay Area Golf Show.

Coincidence? We think not.

If the warmer weather has got you thinking about dusting off the irons — or even better, shopping for some new irons — then the Bay Area Golf Show on March 11-13 at the Santa Clara Convention Center is where you want to be.

Just as it has in the past, the Bay Area Golf Show plans to offer its golf-enthusiast patrons maximum value just for walking through the door. This time around it will be offering free passes to both the PGA Nationwide Fresh Express Classic at TPC Stonebrae in Hayward and the PGA Champions Tour Charles Schwab Cup at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco to the first 300 attendees during each day of the show.

If that’s not enough to entice you, here’s a few more things the event promises in its press release.

■ Up to 1,000 daily attendees will receive a coupon for a free greens fee at Spring Valley Golf Course in Milpitas. Also, all attendees at the three-day show will receive a 2-for-1 coupon to Bayonet Black Horse. The first 500 each day will receive a

one-year subscription to Golf Digest and a two-ball sleeve of Bridgestone balls.

■ UNBEATABLE DEALS — The 4,000-square foot Golf Mart Superstore will be offering the lowest prices of the year on name-brand clubs and equipment, while over 80 exhibitors from the golf industry will demo the latest products and services.

■ DEMO LINE — Want to try before you buy? Swing for yourself the latest in club technology from all of the industry’s big boys on the interactive Golf Mart Demo Line.

■ FREE LESSONS — Leading area pros and golf experts will be on-hand all weekend in the Free Lesson Area and on the Main Stage to provide golfers with tips to better their game.

Beginners and pros alike will be able to stop by for a once-in-alifetime opportunity to receive a personal lesson from one of the area’s top golf instructors.

■ INTERACTIVE CONTESTS — As always, the Bay Area Golf Show will give attendees the chance to show off their skills to win vacation packages, free golf and more in the 50-Foot Putt, Long Drive Challenge, and Short Game Central!

For more information, visit BayAreaGolfShow.com.

Submitted photo

A patron at a previous Bay Area Golf Show lines up a putt, trying out one of the newest MacGregor putters while attempting to put the ball in the hole and win some swag. It’s one of the many perks of these events — try out new products and win stuff at the same time.

40

SportStars™

February 24, 2011

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsMag.com

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February 24, 2011

SportStars™

41

twenty-four7 BASEBALL March 12: Antioch — Antioch Little League Spring 2011 Season Opening Day Ceremonies. 10-11:30 a.m. at Antioch High School. 925-4318478, www.antiochlittleleague. com.

BASKETBALL Through Feb. 26: Walnut Creek — SportStrong AAU Basketball Club Evaluations for the Girls 8th Grade Travel Team. Contact Coach Michael Casten: 925-3832939, mdcasten@sbcglobal.net; www.SportStrongGirls.com.

Through March 31: Danville/ Walnut Creek — SportStrong AAU Basketball Club Spring/ Summer teams now forming.

Boys/Girls, 3rd grade-high school.

Signups/details: Dave See, 925 229-2749, sees4@comcast.net; www.sportstrong.com/SCORE. php.

Feb. 27, March 6, 13: Pleasanton area — SportStrong AAU Basketball Club Evaluations for the Girl’s High School Teams. Signups/details: Coach Jim Clark, eibacademy@ yahoo.com; www.sportstrong. com/SCORE.php.

FOOTBALL Ongoing: Walnut Creek — WCYF Marauders. Open for registration in the Midget division.

Art Thoms, thoms3@ifn.net, 925786-0721; www.wcyfmarauders. com.

April 4-Sept. 10: Oakley — Flag Football League Signups. For

boys/girls, 4-14. League play is between 8 a.m./5 p.m. Sats., Sept. 10-Nov. 12, @ Freedom Basin. $120/player. Online registration: www.DiabloFootball. com. 925-625-2222.

FUNDRAISERS Feb. 25: Antioch — The First Tee of Contra Costa 2011 Wine Tasting Fundraiser. 6-10 p.m. @ Lone Tree Golf Course & Event Center. Info./signup: 925-706-4232, online @ www. lonetreegolfcourse.com.

Through Feb. 27: Concord — Walnut Creek Aquanuts Loverball Bingo. 5 p.m.

Tuesdays/6 p.m. Sundays @ Blue Devils Bingo Hall. www.Aquanuts. org.

March 12: Walnut Creek — Walnut Creek Pony League’s 7th Annual Crab Bash & Auction. 6-10 p.m. @ Shadelands Art Center. Contact Margarita Zeglin, mzeglin@ berkeley.edu.

April 23: San Jose — The First Tee of San Jose Night at the SaberCats Game. 7:30 p.m. @ HP Pavilion. $16. Fifty % of each ticket sold donated to The First Tee of San Jose. Tickets: Jennifer Schwarzbach, 408-673-3400, Ext. 31210; j.schwarzbach@ thesanjosesabercats. com. 408-288-2934, www. thefirstteesanjose.org.

April 29-May 1: Williams, AZ — Hike for Shelter, Inc.: Conquer The Canyon. 16-week training begins in January.

Karen Leffler, 925-323-2996, hike@shelterincofccc.org; www. shelterincofccc.org/hike.htm.

GOLF Feb. 28: Concord — The First Tee of Contra Costa Golf/Life Skills Program begins. Boys & Girls 7-18. Continues for 12 weeks @ Diablo Creek Golf Course. Volunteers needed.

925-686-6262, Ext. 0, angela@ thefirstteecontracosta.org; www. thefirstteecontracosta.org.

Ongoing: Berkeley — Junior Academy. Ages 5U at Tilden Park Golf Course. 510-848-7373, doi@tildenparkgc.com; www. thegolflearningcenters.com/ tildenpark.

GYMNASTICS Ongoing: Concord — Open Gym. 8-10 p.m. Mon., 7-9 p.m. Thur., 10:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. Sat. For ages 8+. 925-680-9999, info@ eastbaysportsacademy.com; www.eastbaysportsacademy.com.

HOCKEY Ongoing: Oakland — Family Hockey Playgroup. 11-11:45 a.m. Ages 5 and older. Learn-ToPlay Program: Youth. Noon-1 p.m. Ages 11 and older. LearnTo-Play Program: Adults. Ages 18 and older. Groups offered Saturdays (excluding holidays) @ Dry Ice Inline Hockey Arena. 510638-9097, www.dryicehockey. com.

MARTIAL ARTS Ongoing: Concord — Kids Karate LVL 1 at In-Shape Health

Club. Fees and registration: 925602-5600, www.inshapeclubs. com.

Through March 26: Concord — Karate-Shorinji RyuIntroductory Class. Ages 10+ at Centre Concord. Info: 10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. weekdays, 925-671-3404, www. cityofconcord.org. Registration: www.concordreg.org; by fax or at drop-off sites.

Through March 28: Concord — Beginning Fitness Training.

Ages 14+ at Centre Concord.

Info: 10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. weekdays, 925-671-3404, www. cityofconcord.org. Registration: www.concordreg.org; by fax or at drop-off sites.

RECREATION Ongoing: Antioch — Public Skating. At Paradise Skate.

Wed.-Sun.; Mon.-Tues. reserved for private skating/parties. 925779-0200, www.paradiseskate. com.

SOCCER Feb. 24, 27: Concord — Diablo FC’s 2011 Season Tryouts.

U12-U14 in Concord. 925-7792101, www.diablofc.org.

March 26-27: Pleasant Hill — Girls SoccerFest. Pleasant Hill - Martinez Soccer Association, PHMSA, AYSO Region 281. 925686-2824, www.phmsa.org.

April 2-3: Pleasant Hill — Boys SoccerFest. Pleasant Hill Martinez Soccer Association, PHMSA, AYSO Region 281. 925686-2824, www.phmsa.org.

SWIM March 9: Walnut Creek — Walnut Creek Swim Club Open House. 7-9 p.m. @ Sports Basement. www. walnutcreekswimclub.org.

March 26: Walnut Creek — Walnut Creek Swim Club Tryouts. 11 a.m. @ Clarke Memorial Swim Center. Ages 4-18. With questions, call Head Coach John Tsubota, 925-3016787, www.walnutcreekswimclub. org.

May 7 or 28 or June 4: Concord — Lifeguard Review.

15+, at Concord Community Pool. Prerequisite applies. Info: 10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. weekdays, 925-671-3404, www. cityofconcord.org. Registration: www.concordreg.org; by fax or at drop-off sites.

May 25-28 or June 2-28: Concord — Lifeguard Clinic.

15+, at Concord Community Pool. Prerequisites apply. Info: 10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. weekdays, 925-671-3404, www. cityofconcord.org. Registration: www.concordreg.org; by fax or at drop-off sites.

Ongoing: Concord — Swim Classes in Heated Outdoor Pool for all ages at In-shape.

Fees and registration: 925-6025600, www.inshapeclubs.com.

TENNIS Through March 26: Walnut Creek — Lifetime Tennis Winter Youth Tennis Lessons. Junior Development Teams, ages 8-17,

at Walnut Creek Tennis Center.

Sessions: Mon./Fri./Sat. 925-9450105.

Ongoing: Pleasanton — Youth Lessons.

Bronze Team, ages 7-18; Silver Team, ages 9-16; Gold Team, ages 12-18. 925-931-3449, www. lifetimetennis.com.

Danville — USTA Adaptive Tennis: Just Another Tennis Clinic. Meets twice a week and is assisted by high school students. www.norcal.usta.com.

Walnut Creek — Youth Lessons. Beginning to intermediate lessons, ages 7-15. 925-931-3449, www. lifetimetennis.com.

Richmond — Tennis Instruction for Youth. Classes Mon.-Thur. @ Nichol Park. Recreation Department, 510-620-6793; www. ci.richmond.ca.us.

Fresno — Break The Barriers, Inc. Offering lessons to students @ their 32,000-square-foot Ability Center. Funded by USTA’s adaptive tennis program.

Schedule: 559-432-6292. www. norcal.usta.com.

Fresno — USTA Adaptive Tennis: Fit-4-All. Programs @ Fresno Pacific University. For people who utilize wheelchairs or have special needs. www.norcal. usta.com.

Sacramento — USTA Adaptive Tennis: Paralympics Sport Sacramento Club program.

Open to adults and children with disabilities. www.norcal.usta.com.

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Fit 2 The Core. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Golf Mart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Heavenly Greens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

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SusanPrep.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Law Offices of Frankel & Goldware . . . . . . . . . 37

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Team Zero Video Productions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Lone Tree Golf & Event Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

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USKS Martial Arts Concord. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Massage Envy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

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Walnut Creek Sports & Fitness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Oakhurst Country Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

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Wooden It Be Nice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

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Crowne Plaza. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

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Dave DeLong School of Golf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Diablo Car Wash & Detail Center. . . . . . . . . . . 35

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Sky High Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Kinders BBQ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Concord Movie. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

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State Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

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Crow Canyon Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Simply Selling Shirts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

SportStars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Kaiser Permanente. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

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ShankMeister.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

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Scandia Family Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

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Clayton/Countrywood Fitness Centers. . . . . . . . . . 34 Club Sport Renaissance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Rocco’s Pizza. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

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Smokin Okie’s BBQ Joint. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

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Peninsula Building Materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

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Sport Clips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Hometeam Sports Photography. . . . . . . . . . . . 34

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Cheer Gyms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Odwalla. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

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Championship Athletic Fundraising. . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

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Jory’s Flowers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Kelly Maddox Equestrian Training . . . . . . . . . . 33

e Name________________________________________________ Phone_______________________ E-mail________________________________________ Sp

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Address__________________________________________________________ City____________________________ State____________ Zip _______

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❒❒ Enter me to win! But no subscription at this time! ❒❒ Hey, while I’m at it, sign me up for a subscription! For 24 issues, U.S. 3rd class $24 (allow 3 weeks for delivery).

Prizes subject to change. Entries must be received by the 25th. ❒❒ ❒❒ ❒❒ ❒❒ Expiration date_______________ Card #_______________________________ Total___________ Signature________________________________________ Support Your Local Business • Say You Found Them In SportStars™

Mail: SPORTSTARS Interactive, 5356 Clayton Road, Suite 222, Concord, CA 94521 • Fax: 925.566-8507 February 24, 2011

SportStars™

43

impulse Robbing homers in style There’s no deception behind this silvery, shiny glove.

Sure, the Louisville Silver Slugger FL1300SS is a lot of glitz and glamour but it also has that old school, meat & potatoes feel to it. With this glove you get the best of both worlds as you’ll really stand out in the field while still snatching and gobbling up every pop-up, liner or Texasleaguer that comes your way. We suggest going with the glove from one of the most trusted brands that’s been around since Chester A. Arthur was president. Hit up www. slugger.com for more info.

Team Zero Get taped, get seen

Belting homers in comfort Unless you’re an absolute beast like Vlad Guerrero, we strongly recommend picking up a pair of batting gloves for this season. Sure, you wanna prove your manhood by belting mammoth homers with your bare hands. We get that. But just so that your hands don’t end up like a chewed up corpse by the third game of the year, pick up a pair of Easton batting gloves. The comfort level falls somewhere in between ‘really, really comfortable’ to ‘heavenly.’ Go to www.eastonbaseball. com for more info on how to order these bad boys.

Every athlete wants recognition, and we’re not talking about just from parents. We’re talking about colleges.

Unfortunately, college scouts can’t see every stud athlete this season. They just don’t have that many frequent flier miles (and that much free time). Make it easier on them by sending in a DVD of your own. Team Zero can help. They’ll put together a killer highlight reel that can make you look like the second coming of LeBron or Kobe. OK, that might be pushing it. Give ‘em a call so you can make that big step and get noticed by colleges all over the country. Parents: This can also make a great gift for grandma and grandpa so they can see little Junior in action. Reach out to them now: www. dnbsportsvideopro.com.

Fundraising at the ‘Forty’ If you’re gonna host a fundraiser, it makes sense to have it at a restaurant with good food. Back Forty is the obvious choice here.

Calling all schools, teams and organizations: Host your fundraiser at Back Forty and get 15 percent of all sales donated back.

They’ve got enough room to house an army and even more food to fill its bellies. Reach ’em at |(925) 935-1440 • fundraisers@backforty.us, www.backforty.us

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SportStars™

February 24, 2011

Fake grass = real joy Let’s be honest, unless you’re some grass aficionado, mowing the lawn is the worst task in the history of the Saturday-morning cartoon-halting, blissful-sleep-interrupting chorefest. It makes those hot summer days feel hotter and longer. You have more important things to do than waste your best days cutting the grass. Like going to the movies, getting sunburned at the beach and dropping some serious coinage at the arcade. Let 1st Impression Lawns make your life better. They have artificial turf, synthetic lawns, fake grass ... call it what you want. Their synthetic lawns mean no more mowing, watering, sowing, chemicals and noise. 1st Impression also installs tennis and bocce courts along with lacrosse, soccer and baseball fields. Hit ‘em up now to request your FREE consultation: (925) 899-8712. www.1stimpressionlawns.com.

— Erik Stordahl

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsMag.com

photo finish

Berean Christian senior Annie Malott (left) braces for a header in front of Alhambra’s Anne Whipple during the Eagles’ NCS Division II quarterfinal on Feb. 19. One game earlier, No. 13 seed Berean Christian had the upset of the tournament by knocking off No. 4 Campolindo.

Photo by Bob Larson

Want to submit your pic for Photo Finish? Send it to us at editor@SportStarsMag.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.

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

February 24, 2011

SportStars™

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