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November 10, 2011

endure | excel | achieve

We predict

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east bay

section champs

eat their dust

Pgs. 6, 27

st. mary’s feels the need for speed. Pg. 14

Moreau Catholic eyes an NCS title

Pg. 24

mr. everything Berean christian’s logan lisle can do it all. Pg. 28 impulse: November is a gamer’s paradise. Pg. 31

all access

going the distance Despite a late-season slump, St. Mary’s has high expectations for postseason glory. Pg. 14

Patrick Mariolle

Photo by Butch Noble

First Pitch.................................................... 6 Locker Room............................................. 8 AAA SportStars of the Week...............11 Health Watch...........................................12 Behind the Clipboard.............................18 Tee2Green................................................20 Tri Steps....................................................23 Impulse......................................................31 Training Time............................................32 Camps + Clinics......................................33 Photo Finish..............................................38

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Red Zone: Logan Lisle does it all for Berean Christian. Pg. 28 NCS volleyball: Sectionby-section, we break down the tourneys. Pg. 27

do as I say: Coaches say a lot, but truth within the program is paramount. Pg. 18

ON THE COVER: Moreau Catholic setter, Jessica Marin.

Photo by: Philip Walton/www.waltonphotography.biz

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For the diehard high school sports fan, the holidays are finally here

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here are plenty of stretches in the it to avenge its only loss from this year traditional academic school year (Enterprise-Redding), and a finals loss when it’s great to be a publication from a year ago (Paradise). that details high school sports.

■ Norther Section-Division II: We’ll However, for me, it doesn’t get any go with another No. 2 in Sutter. We realbetter than the next five weeks. This ize they just lost to top seed Orland 28-7 issue releases on Nov. 10, which will be on Nov. 4, but we think the second time the opening night of football playoffs for will be the charm. some teams in the Sac-Joaquin Section.

■ Norther Section-Division III: We’re The Northern Section will begin football intrigued by Pierce-Arbuckle, but three playoffs the following night, and the No. 2 seeds in a row is just silly. Top-seed North Coast and Central Coast Sections Durham and its fierce defense gets it done. open things up Nov. 18.

■ Norther Section-Division IV: And while football will be king for Hamilton-Hamilton City has been the the month-long stretch that ends with gold standard in this division for quite the California Interscholastic Federation some time. A current eight-game winning State Championship bowl games on Dec. streak makes us think that won’t change.

16-17, it’s most certainly not the only ■ Sac-Joaquin Section-Division I: sport that makes this stretch great.

You know it’s a tough playoff field when There are four state championship Grant-Sacramento is a No. 6 seed. We events during this time — more than any like — surprise — the No. 2 seed, though: other season.

Pleasant Grove-Elk Gove, Girls golf gets it started on Nov. 15 — ■ Sac-Joaquin Section-Division II: hosted in our half of the state this year at We’re going to be disappointed if the Poppy Hills Golf Course in Pebble Beach. final doesn’t boil down to the undefeated You can read about some of the qualifysquads of Buhach Colony-Atwater and ing teams the North State is sending in Elk Grove. And we’ll take Elk Grove. (And this issue’s Tee 2 Green section beginning yes, the Thundering Herd are a two seed.) on page 20.

This bracket also features a No. 6 seed The CIF State Cross Country Champi(Folsom) who could run the table — and onships come along less than two weeks maybe score 200 points while doing so. later, as the state’s best distance runners ■ Sac-Joaquin Section-Division III: descend on Woodward Park in Fresno We like Del Oro-Loomis. And we’ll let Nov. 26. Girls volleyball falls one week you guess what seed they are. later on Dec. 3 at Concordia University ■ Sac-Joaquin Section-Division in Irvine. Northern California claimed IV: Escalon and Colfax is another allan unprecedented four state titles when unbeaten title match that we’d like to see. the volleyball championships were held at And we’re taking the defending champ, San Jose State a year ago. We can bet that Escalon, winners of 22 straight. the Southern California teams can’t wait ■ Sac-Joaquin Section-Division V: to play host this time around.

We’ll pick Le Grand. Not because they’re Chace@ And then finally there’s state football. the top seed, but because the name of the SportStarsOnline.com But amongst all that state championschool makes us think of ZZ Top. ship madness, section championships ■ North Coast Section-Division I: (925) 566-8503 will also be decided in those four sports, Finally to a section without brackets. We as well as water polo, soccer and field don’t need one for this division, though. hockey in some sections.

De La Salle-Concord makes it 20 straight.

AND EVEN STILL ... December brings the opening of ■ North Coast Section-Division II: Somebody might winter sports and basketball tournament season. end up surprising us, but we feel pretty confident that this is Seriously, we dare you to think of a better five-week winWindsor’s year. dow of the high school sports season.

■ North Coast Section-Division III: Cardinal NewmanJust the thought of football playoff games getting underSanta Rosa will be the top seed and certain favorite. And way the very day this magazine hits the streets has us giddy. while we love Campolindo-Moraga’s rags-to-riches story To celebrate, we figured we’d throw some quick blind stab (check out the Red Zone on page 29), we don’t see them toppredictions out for as many section championship football pling the Cardinals. brackets as possible. Some will be a little easier than others ■ North Coast Section Division IV: Salesian will be the since they don’t have brackets drawn up yet. And just so you heavy favorite, but we’re taking Ferndale — the little giants don’t think we only care about football, you can turn to page from Humboldt County — mainly because we’re banking on 27 for a breakdown on some of the section volleyball tournathe fact that Wildcats will be the No. 2 seed. ments that are already underway.

Space considerations will make me draw the line there. But Here we go. We’ll start with the sections that have brackets we’re not done. Visit us on our homepage at www.SportStaralready. sOnline.com where we’ll list even more predections by the ■ Northern Section-Division I: We’re going with No. end of the week, including the Central Coast Section.

2-seed Foothill-Palo Cedro here. The bracket sets up for Until then, enjoy the next five weeks. ✪

FIRST PITCH Chace Bryson Editor

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

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your ticket to bay area sports admit one; rain or shine This Vol. #2, November 2011 Whole No. 35 is published by Caliente! Communications, LLC, 5356 Clayton Rd, Ste. 222, Concord, CA 94521. SportStars™© 2010 by Caliente! Communications, LLC. All rights reserved. Subscription rates: 24 issues, U.S. 3rd class $42 (allow 3 weeks for delivery). 1st class $55. To receive sample issues, please send $3 to cover postage. Back issues are $4 each. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of Publisher is strictly prohibited.

The staff and management, including Board of Directors, of SportStars™© does not advocate or encourage the use of any product or service advertised herein for illegal purposes. Editorial contributions, photos and letters to the editor are welcome and should be addressed to the Editor. All material should be typed, double-spaced on disk or email and will be handled with reasonable care. For materials return, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope. SportStars™© and STARS!™© Clinics are registered trademarks of Caliente! Communications, LLC.

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count’EM

Number of players initially called in by the US Soccer Federation for their combined Under-23/Under-20 men’s camp in Duisburg, Germany. Among those called in is David Bingham, former California High School and University of California-Berkeley goalkeeper. He currently plays for the San Jose Earthquakes.

To see a clip of an amazing goal Bingham scored against West Bromwich Albion of the English Premier League, go to www.SportStarsOnline.com! Also called in was midfilelder Sebastian Lletget of San Francisco, who currently plays for the EPL’S West Ham United reserves.

reasons we’re thankful The holiday season is upon us, and we always find ourselves getting a bit reflective around the holidays. So before we tuck into our turkey and stuffing (and pie!), here are the top five things that we’re thankful for.

1. High school athletes. Not just because we’d have to find someone else to write about if they weren’t around. They pour so much time and dedication into honing their skills for nothing other than the sheer joy of the thing, and every time we watch them go to work, we see something we’ve never seen before.

2. High school coaches. You wanna talk about time and dedication? Let’s talk about the men and women who give a lot – instruction, wisdom, inspiration – for a little.

3. High school parents. Yeah, yeah. We’ll admit you make us nuts sometimes when you, ahem, lack a little perspective about your schools’ teams. But you’re fierce advocates for your kids, and we dig that. Plus, who else would drive the carpool?

4. Northern California. Seriously. Is there a better place in the world to live for a high school sports fan? You can’t beat the competition and talent just oozing out of this place we call home. Not to mention the fact that, with the exception of one weird thunder-and-lightning show, we haven’t REALLY had to deal with any inclement weather throughout the fall season. Can the folks in Texas or Ohio make that claim? We’re just saying.

5. Choice. Don’t wanna play football? Try water polo. Not your bag? Cross country anyone? How do you feel about golf? Volleyball? Tennis? Lacrosse? Don’t like the fall options? Wait ‘til basketball/soccer/wrestling rolls around. Or baseball, softball, swimming/diving/track/badminton… What we’re saying here is that there’s a sport for every body. And that makes us pretty thankful.

— Bill Kolb

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rapidFIRE

Scariest movie you’ve seen

Best Halloween costume you saw this year

Paranormal Activity 3

Ron Burgundy

Avatar

Jordan Louis, College Park, football

Drag Me To Hell

Sydney Shipley, Pinole Valley softball

Chatter is an occasional Locker Room feature where we highlight and respond to reader emails or Facebook posts. Join the conversation any time by emailing Editor@SportStarsOnline.com or visiting us at www.facebook.com/sportstars.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the article regarding Damariay Drew (Issue #34, Oct. 27). I have read it several times and it brings tears to my eyes every time. I fell in love with this kid the first time he stepped foot on a football field at age 9. He just has this smile that melts your heart.

His story is an inspiration to players, coaches and parents.

He had people in his life from the very beginning who didn’t give up on him, regardless of what was going on in his life, and eventually he began to believe in himself. I am very proud of the young man he has become and look forward to all the things that lie ahead of him.

—Michelle (e-mail, Oct. 28) We couldn’t agree more, Michelle! For those of you who missed the article, you can find it at www.SportStarsOnline. com.

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When will the next NBA game be played

Favorite item on Thanksgiving menu

Blowout all the way

Hopefully sometime next year

Mashed potatoes

Last play of the game

After Christmas

Stuffing

Win via blowout or on the last play

Favorite energy drink

sayWHAT? “I knew No. 77 Jake Simonich is a DivisionI tackle, and if I didn’t bring my ‘A’ game I would’ve gotten owned all night. I knew I had to bring every ounce I had on every single play.”

De La Salle-Concord junior defensive end, Austin Hooper, after posting a career-high five sacks on Oct. 28 against San Ramon ValleyDanville and Cal-bound quarterback, Zach Kline. De La Salle won the game 40-3.

November 10, 2011

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November 10, 2011

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Powered by

brett stephens campolindo . football . junior

Butch Noble Like us on Facebook

BRETT’S QUICK HITS Favorite NFL team: Packers Favorite athlete: Aaron Rodgers Highlight of the season: Beating Miramonte

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Not many predicted the Campolindo Cougars football team to hold a perfect 10-0 record heading into the North Coast Section playoffs, and Brett Stephens doesn’t seem to mind. The junior quarterback was electric in a 3122 win over Las Lomas on Nov. 5 as he threw for 226 yards and one touchdown and rushed for 63 yards and two more TDs. The win clinched the outright Diablo Foothill Athletic League title.

SportStars: How does it feel being 10-0?

Brett Stephens: We’re really satisfied with all the work we’re putting in. All the hard work in practice is paying off. It’s been really special.

SportStars: Do you still feel like people are doubting you guys? Like you’ve got something to prove still?

BS: Not as much anymore, I think we’ve proven ourselves. I think we enjoy playing with that mentality ‘cause it’s worked for us so far.

SportStars: Main reason for your team’s dominance?

BS: A lot of chemistry and teamwork. Coaches have done an awesome job all year. Mainly just teamwork, I’d say.

honorable mention

Nick Ratto The St. Joseph Notre Dame senior helped the Pilots capture their first Bay Shore Athletic League title since 1999 by posting the top finish (15:03) at Point Pinole Regional Shoreline in Richmond on Nov. 3.

carly childs The Alameda senior golfer shot a record-setting 7-under-par 64 at the NCS championships, then followed that up by winning the NorCal championships on Nov. 7.

Rickimae Torres The Dougherty Valley-San Ramon sophomore tennis standout won her second DFAL singles title in two years, ousting Acalanes’ Tessa Karagocev 6-4, 6-3 on Nov. 5.

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There’s no running away from shin splints

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thletes that have pain in their lower leg usually describe their injury as “shin splints.” However, this term is used to describe a variety of overuse injuries in the lower leg including medial tibial stress syndrome, stress fractures, and compartment syndrome.

Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) is one of the most common leg injuries in athletes.

There are many suspected causes of MTSS, but current research does not implicate any one factor above the others.

Overuse by sudden increase in duration, frequency, or intensity of impact activities may lead to muscle fatigue or failure of the bones to remodel appropriately. Over-pronation occurs when the foot rolls inward and the arch collapses, which may cause increased stress on the muscles of the lower extremity. Muscle strength and flexibility imbalances that cause biomechanical faults have also been implicated in medial tibial stress syndrome.

MTSS usually presents as pain that occurs in the lower third of the tibia or shin bone. It usually is described as a dull ache and is tender to the touch along the inside of the lower leg. At the initial injury phase, pain may only occur at the beginning and end of a workout. As the injury gets worse, pain may also happen during and after activities, and at worst, even at rest.

The condition is most prevalent during preseason training,

due to increased load to the body, or late in the season after prolonged stress to the tissues. It is important for athletes to seek professional medical advice when dealing with shin splints, because more serious conditions such as stress fractures, a small crack in the bone, or compartment syndrome (increased pressure in the muscle compartment) may need to be ruled out.

The best treatment for medial tibial stress syndrome is REST! This allows the muscles to heal and the bones to remodel. Other treatments that have shown promise in current research include strengthening of the soleus (one of the two calf muscles), controlling over-pronation, promoting proper shock absorption, and cross-training.

The best prevention is proper mechanics and gradual increases in impact activities.

Remember, medial tibial stress syndrome is one pain you just can’t run away from. The earlier that you allow the damaged tissues to heal, the faster you can return to your sport of choice. ✪

Health Watch Tuan Mai

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Tuan Mai is a physical therapist, certified athletic trainer and a certified strength and conditioning specialist for Sports Medicine Center For Young Athletes, a division of Children’s Hospital Oakland with a facility also located in Walnut Creek.

If you have questions or comments regarding the “Health Watch” column, write the Sports Medicine Center For Young Athletes staff at Health@SportStarsOnline.com.

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finishing 14

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KICK November 10, 2011

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Despite a late-season swoon, the St. Mary’s boys cross country team is ready to go after its fourth NCS title in six years LEAD RUNNERS

Following are the North Coast Section teams who DyeStatCal.com ranked among the Top 10 in the state as of Nov. 1.

BOYS Division III: Campolindo #2, Piner-Santa Rosa #3, Miramonte #5 Division IV: St. Mary’s #9, Sir Francis Drake-San Anslemo #10 Division V: St. Joseph Notre Dame #4, University-S.F. #6, Athenian #7 GIRLS Division I: Granada #2 Division III: Campolindo #2, Acalanes #10 Division IV: Arcata #9 Division V: University-S.F. #1, Urban-S.F. #5, Marin Academy #6, College Prep #7

LEFT: Led by Stevie Greene (center) and Patrick Mariolle (right), the St. Mary’s boys break away from the starting line at the BSAL Championships. RIGHT: St. Mary’s junior Guy Forte mid-race on Nov. 3.

Butch Noble

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S

By Chace Bryson | Editor

t. Mary’s High cross country coach Jeff Rogers could see the signs. He saw it coming.

A mere four hours before his varsity boys were to toe the line for the Bay Shore Athletic League championships on Nov. 3 at Point Pinole Park in Richmond, Rogers was extremely candid.

“St. Joseph could get us today,” he said. “They’re running extremely well, and we’ve been a little flat lately.”

He was right. Under threatening gray skies, St. Joseph Notre Dame won it’s first BSAL boys team title since 1999 by edging the Panthers — who entered the race ranked No. 9 in the state for Division IV by DyeStatCal. com —by 12 points (34-46). To be fair, the Pilots also went into the race as a state-ranked team, occupying No. 4 in Div. V. It was certainly not the way St. Mary’s wanted to open its postseason slate. But it just might be the race the Panthers needed to experience in order to propel them to a fourth North Coast Section title in six years.

St. Mary’s is more than likely to enter the NCS Championships on Nov. 19 at Hayward High School as the favorite to win the NCS Div. IV race. But until then, it will be taking a look in the mirror.

“You’re gonna hit a couple of rough patches,” Rogers admitted. “Unless you’re the De La Salle football team or something, your’e going to have to overcome some adversity and illness, or whatever. Someone will have to step up and overcome.”

And as far as team make-up goes, the Panthers are perfectly suited for overcoming such things.

Lead by a trio of returning three-year seniors — Duncan Calvert, Stevie Greene and Nate Hill — there’s no shortage of leadership for the Panthers. Add returning junior Patrick Mariolle to the fold, and there’s no lacking for experience, either.

“Those are the guys,” Rogers said of his leading foursome. “If you want to win a championship of any sort, those are the guys you build around. They have been here. ... They understand the commitment. They run in the summer. They organize their own Saturday workouts.”

And they know this group is in a funk. Which, coincidentally, is the first step to getting out of one.

“The past couple races we’ve run, we have just been in a bit of slump,” Greene said a few days after the BSAL championships loss to St. Joseph. “It’s a a bunch of different things, and I’m not really sure if there’s one thing to pinpoint.”

What Greene is sure of is that it’s in the past.

“We know we can’t do anything about BSALs now, so we’re just going to get focused on NCS,” he said. “We’re trying not to November 10, 2011

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do too much and getting everybody relaxed and into the groove of running again.”

Groove is a perfect word to describe the first two months of the season for the Panthers.

Rogers knew he would be returning the quartet of Calvert, Greene, Hill an Mariolle off a team which finished second at NCS and 10th overall at the California Interscholastic Federation State Championships. But beyond that, he wasn’t entirely certain.

“We didn’t know who our fifth runner was going to be,” said Rogers, now in his 10th season leading the St. Mary’s boys program.

“And at the state-meet type level, you’re only going to be as good as your fifth runner. Once it’s a 200-person race, without a good No. 5, the wheels will come off.”

The search for a good No. 5 didn’t last long for the Panthers. And better yet, he was someone quite familiar with the rest of the team.

Victor Munoz, a senior, had been part of the cross country program since he was a freshman. However, most of his running success had come during track season in the spring.

Despite plenty of hard work over his first three years, his times just weren’t progressing enough to make impact at the varsity level.

And he readily admits that he considered dropping the sport and just focusing on his spring running.

But he didn’t.

“It was the team,” Munoz said of his reasoning for sticking with the sport. “I’d had a lot of good experiences with the team, and I didn’t want to let that go. So I just kept running.”

He turned out to be just what the Panthers needed in 2011. When the team got together to run its first two-mile time trial, Munoz really stood out.

“It really showed early on,” Greene said of Munoz’s breakthrough. “When we did that first time trial, you could definitely see it.”

It was certainly enough to make Rogers giddy. “This is the great part about cross country,” the coach said. “I grew up a basketball and football type guy, and I appreciate those sports. But there is something about cross country, that as an educator and parent, is rewarding in its reinforcement of that lesson that we all teach our kids about how hard work pays off. If you go out, work hard, and commit to something, you’ll see results.

“There are basketball and football players who go out and work their tails off, and come senior year they might still be on the bench.

In cross country, you can see your results, see your times go down, and see the fruits of your labor. ... And that’s what happened with Victor.”

Munoz’s impact was felt almost immediately as St. Mary’s travelled to Palo Alto for the Stanford Invitational — the first big meet of the season on Sept. 24 — and promptly won the Division IV race.

In a race featuring 232 competitors, the Panthers placed four runners inside the Top 30 and Munoz secured a respectable 54th 16

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November 10 , 2011

Butch Noble

Jeff Rogers is in his 10th season coaching the St. Mary’s varsity boys.

place finish. It was a good enough for a score 130, seven better than perennial powerhouse San Lorenzo Valley-Felton.

Greene was the top-finisher for St. Mary’s at Stanford. He took 10th overall while Calvert grabbed 16th and Mariolle 21st.

“Going in we probably would’ve settled for a top three or four finish,” Rogers said. “But we went down there and won, and beat a really good San Lorenzo Valley team. And ran fast.”

The success continued into October. Midway through the month, DyeStatCal.com had the Panthers ranked No. 1 in Division IV. A few weeks later St. Mary’s grabbed a first place finish in its Division IV race at the Mt. Sac Cross County Invitational. They accomplished the feat after three runners finished inside the Top 10.

Calvert and Mariolle placed fifth and sixth, respectively, and Greene came in ninth.

In fact, St. Mary’s will head into the NCS championships having still not lost to a Div. IV team from California yet this season. That fact alone will lead most to naming the Panthers as the team to beat at NCS, despite other strong teams such as Sir Francis Drake-San Anselmo and Cardinal Newman-Santa Rosa.

“They’re all teams that we’ve beaten before,” Greene said. “We just have to make sure we do everything right.”

But the team still has that funk to solve. Or does it?

“Historically our team has faired well in the big meets,” said Rogers, pointing out that since 2005, the Panthers have finished no worse than second at NCS. “If you gave me first pick of all the Div. IV teams right now, I’d take my team. I feel pretty good about who we are and the talent we have. But they still have to go out there and they’ve got to perform.”

So maybe it was just a few bad races. Either way, the Panthers are more than ready to find out.

“We know what we need to do,” Greene said. ✪

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Coaches may mislead the public, but honesty within a program is key If we’re coming off a 20-win season, I’ll allow that we did reasonably well, but we lost a lot of talent/ leadership/ singing ability/ whatever, and it will be hard to maintain that standard.

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Can I always believe what coaches say?

C.B., Concord

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es, the C.B. from Concord is our esteemed editor Chace Bryson, and though he didn’t ask that question in so many words, it was, in essence, the topic of his column last issue.

But it’s also important for athletes and families to understand just how devious the mind of a coach can get when it comes to milking every single milliliter of advantage from every possible situation.

So, to begin with, I always start with the premise that my basketball team will be terrible — at least for public consumption. Now if we happen to be coming off a .500 season, I might acknowledge that we have a chance to win a couple games, but only if we get lucky and the stars align.

If we’re coming off a 20-win season, I’ll allow that we did reasonably well, but we lost a lot of talent/ leadership/singing ability/whatever, and it will be hard to maintain that standard.

November 10, 2011

And, though it will pain me greatly, if we’re coming off a very good year with a lot of very good players back, the words “We might be pretty good” could escape through my clenched teeth.

Again, for public consumption, I don’t want to put any pressure on the players, nor do I want any other coach or team to worry about us.

Hopefully, in fact, they won’t bother to scout us or pay any attention to how we do until we meet on the court. (This is unlikely, I concede, but you never know — I’m convinced one team we played last year didn’t bother to scout us, and it definitely changed the way the game played out.)

All that said, to my players and parents, I will be much more honest — though given my personality, I tend to think we’ll do worse than we will. (In fact, before games against any decent opponent, I watch the other team warm up and I’m convinced we’ll lose. “That girl is really good,” I’ll think, or “She’s going to get every rebound.”)

Behind the Clipboard Clay Kallam

Still, I try to never to mislead, either for good or bad. If I feel we’re going to win easily, I will say so; if I think we’re going to have a hard time winning, I’ll say that too.

I think players respond to that honesty much better than to a constant refrain of “These guys are really good” (even if they’re 2-17) or “We can beat them” (even if they’re No. 5 in the nation). But at the same time, it’s important to let the players and families know that what they read in publications like this one, or hear me say to other coaches and folks from other teams, is much more designed to give us a better chance to win than it is to convey how I really feel.

In short, I’d rather be underestimated than overprepared-for. I’d rather sneak up on teams than have them excited to play us. I’d always rather be the hunter than the hunted.

And if I can convince a sportswriter that we’ll be lucky to beat the Santa Maria fourth grade CYO team, that will work too. ✪ Clay Kallam is an assistant athletic director and girls varsity basketball coach at Bentley High in Lafayette. To submit a question for Behind the Clipboard, email Coach Kallam at clayk@fullcourt.com.

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Recruiting 101: National Scouting Report has the answers On Nov. 9, plenty of high-profile basketball, baseball and softball players (among other sports) had a chance to put ink to paper and secure college scholarships to play their sport at the next level.

Not every high school athlete in Northern California is that lucky, but National Scouting Report asserts that there are plenty more scholarships available than kids and parents think. It boils down to where to look.

The folks at NSR own a wealth of recruiting knowledge that they graciously offered to share to our loyal readers. We’ll do so Q&A style, listing a few of here and then providing more on occasion during the year. If there’s a specific question that comes to your mind, email it to us at Editor@SportStarsOnline.com and we’ll make sure the fine people at NSR answer it for you.

For more information about the National Scouting Report, visit www.nsr-inc.com, or you can email Stacey Harris at sharris@nsr-inc.com.

Here’s four questions to get us started.

in order to receive an athletic scholarship money in Div. I or Div. II as a freshman, you must meet the minimum academic requirements and test scores.

The Eligibility center will calculate your core course grades from your freshman year through your senior year and “qualify” you upon graduation. You should register at the beginning of your junior year.

How many NCAA schools offer golf and how many scholarships do they have?

(Jonathan Metz San Ramon Valley golf, Sr.) NSR: Believe it or not there are 733 Men’s golf programs 4.5 scholarships for Div. I and 3.6 for Div. II (These scholarships can be broken up to field a full team) Women have 430 programs with 6 scholarships for Div. I and 5.4 for Div. II. What is the Clearinghouse?

(Zach Parrella, Valley Christian-Dublin football, Sr.) NSR: Well Zach, I hate to confuse you but it’s now called the NCAA Eligibility Center and in order to receive an athletic scholarship money in Div. I or Div. II as a freshman, you must meet the minimum academic requirements and test scores.

The Eligibility center will calculate your core course grades from your freshman year through your senior year and “qualify” you upon graduation. You should register at the beginning of your junior year. (You must do this yourself; your coach can’t help you) NCAAEligibilty.org (NAIA also has eligibility center) I received a questionnaire. What do I do with it?

(Sean Visperas, Weston Ranch-Stockton basketball, Jr.) NSR: A questionnaire is that shiny piece on mail you receive from a college athletic department with an information form attached. The coaches are on a fact-finding mission to see if you would qualify for their institution and sports program. It doesn’t mean they are recruiting you, but they have identified you as a potential prospect! (Colleges send out hundreds of these for the few scholarship they offer.) The number of questionnaires you receive will indicate the amount of exposure you have with colleges.

Does Div. III have athletic scholarships?

(Devon Hutchins, West-Tracy football, Sr.) NSR: No. Div. III does not offer athletic scholarships. But don’t get discouraged. You can, and will, get recruited by these schools, and they will offer you a “financial package” based on your financial need. “Need-based” scholarships comes directly from the schools endowment and the primary criterion for qualification is your financial need. “Merit-based” is based on an outstanding quality or accomplishments that you have.

(Excellent grades and test scores).

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tee2green

2011

NorCal Girls Golf Championships Mission San Jose grinds out its first regional championship

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By Chace Bryson | Editor

ill Kriskovich has spent enough time around high school golf to know that anything is possible, on any certain course, any certain day.

But even the 11-year coach of the Mission San Jose-Fremont girls golf team is willing to admit he wasn’t expecting what his team delivered on Nov. 7 at Stanford University Golf Course.

“We didn’t really know what to expect,” Kriskovich said of his team’s performance at the California Interscholastic Federation Northern Regional golf championships. “We were just crossing our fingers for a Top 3 finish.”

The Warriors, who shot a five-golfer score of 392 to finish second at the North Coast Section Tournament of Champions, returned a score of 400 at Stanford.

“If I would’ve known we’d shoot a 400 before the tournament, I would’ve told the girls, ‘Have fun today, and we’ll have our end of the year party next week,’” Kriskovich said with a chuckle.

As it turns out, the team now has plans for the third week of November.

The Warriors are headed to the CIF State Championship Tournament as the Northern California champions.

Monica Chen led the charge for Mission San Jose with a 2-over-par 72, a score that was just one stroke off of being the low round of the afternoon. Madison Hirsch delivered a 7-over 77. Taneesh Sra posted Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

tee2green

an 83, Meredith Hirsch and Amy Huang finished out the scoring with 84’s.

“Our goal all season was to qualify for NorCals,” Kriskovich said. “So, one thing that may have helped (that day) was that the girls may have been thinking that they’d already reached their goal and the rest was gravy. The pressure was off.”

Amador Valley-Pleasanton, who topped the Warriors by five strokes in the NCS championships, came in second at NorCals — twelve strokes behind. Christian BrothersSacramento took third place with a score of 418. Both teams also qualified for the state championships at Poppy Hills Golf Club in Pebble Beach on Nov. 15 in Pebble Beach.

Alameda senior Carly Childs took the individual with a 1-over 71. After her record day at the NCS championships she has now played her last 32 postseason holes in 6-under par. ✪ Norbert von der Groeben

UPPER LEFT: Monica Chen of Mission San Jose-Fremont watches a drive during her round at the NorCal Golf Championships on Nov. 7. TOP: Alameda’s Carly Childs continued her stellar postseason with her second straight medalist performance, posting a 1-over 71.

BOTTOM: Meredith Hirsch of Mission San Jose (left) and Cristina Glebova of Valley ChristianSan Jose each take a critical look at their upcoming putts.

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I

Nutrition, Part II: Fueling the body during, after workouts and races

n the last installment, we discussed daily nutrition. Now we will discuss workout nutrition: Before, during and after the workouts and races. Again, nutrition is a BIG topic, and there is A LOT of information you can read.

And, it is very individual. You should begin to experiment to figure out what works for you.

During and directly after training, your body needs certain types of foods at certain times, as well as hydration. Some of the packaged race nutrition, like Clif bars, Gu and Nuun, are easy to use, mostly because they’re packaged for training, and are formulated to give your body what it needs and when. That is not to say you can’t eat real food during training, like roasted potatoes or almonds on a bike ride. But during intense or on-the-go training/racing, pre-packaged foods can be great.

potatoes, beets, leafy greens, as well as synthetic sports drinks or powders.

There are many products from which to choose, including Gatorade, Nuun, Camelback, and other powders that can be added to water. Read the calories on the back. Some products contain more sugar calories, and if you are trying to lose weight, those products are not necessarily the best calories for you.

Tri Steps

Water and Electrolytes It is important to hydrate, before, during and after a practice — or anytime you sweat. Most people begin a workout, or a regular day, already dehydrated.

Hydrating your cells is not water alone. Drink plenty of water AND replace your electrolytes. Generally speaking, electrolytes, like potassium, calcium and magnesium, help keep water in your body working in the right places, not just flushing out your system. Electrolytes are found in everyday foods like bananas, oranges, bran, tomatoes, carrots,

Recovery and Timing of Fuel Begin Experimenting

Nutrition is what you eat, and also when you eat it. There are windows of optimal periods in which to take in food to speed metabolism, and prepare or repair your body.

During exercise, your muscles experience load, leading to micro tears in the fibers. There is a 15-45 minute window of recovery after a workout, where you should be eating and drinking to restore a 3:1 ratio of carbs to protein. This helps your muscles to be ready to work the following day.

There is a big difference between electrolyte drinks and recovery drinks. Electrolyte drinks help hydrate, while recovery drinks will have amino acids (protein) to help your muscles You should be drinking a recovery drink between 15-45 minutes for maximum effect. After 45 minutes your cells are starving and don’t absorb as much.

After practice, start with a recovery drink, then eat a meal of lean protein, whole grains, and lots of fresh, raw fruits and

Liz Elliott

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vegetables when you get home.

Eating right every day, with a mix of lean protein, good carbohydrates including lots of vegetables, and essential fats, as well as timing your fuels during and after a race, will help train your body to burn fat as fuel. That is the ultimate goal.

Your body contains about three days of fat as fuel, and about one hour of carbohydrates. This is why you must eat about 100-300 calories per hour — depending on your body weight, height, gender and fitness — during a race.

Go to Sports Basement, or your favorite local all-inclusive sports store, and buy a variety of different food items to try right before and during your workout. Go for the least processed foods, but with the understanding that sports foods are processed and packaged for training and racing.

Begin a practice with eating something 15 minutes before — something with quick sugars, easily digestible, and about 100 calories — like a Gu or gel. Then take in about 100-250 calories of food every hour.

Eat before you are hungry and drink before you are thirsty.

If you are hungry or thirsty, it’s already too late. ✪ Liz Elliott is the head coach of the Tri-Valley Triathlon Club based in Dublin. Liz specializes in preparing beginner triathletes for their first triathlon or set of triathlons. Contact her at liz@trivalleytriclub.com. Find the first three installments of TriSteps in issues #28, 31 and 33. All can be accessed at www.SportStarsOnline.com.

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After stumbling out of the gate, Moreau Catholic may have built its 24

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very high school athletic team tends to start its season with high hopes. It’s natural.

There are new faces. A new schedule. A new outlook.

For the Moreau Catholic High girls volleyball team, there was something even better to look forward to: A new playoff divi-

sion.

The Mariners, consistently one of the smallest Division III teams in the North Coast Section, moved down into Division IV, giving them a chance at an NCS crown without having to go through the perennial powerhouses of Campolindo, Bishop O’Dowd and Albany. Add that to the fact that they opened the year ranked among the Top 15 teams in the East Bay, and it seemed like the sky was the limit.

Only not everything went to plan.

After being swept in a pair of losses to California and Irvington, the Mariners found themselves at 1-2 after their first three matches.

“We did have a slow start at the beginning for a couple of reasons,” Moreau Catholic coach Ami Schelin said. “We had a plan for the team, and there were going to be some big changes to how the girls were used to playing.

I didn’t over-schedule our preseason in order to give us the time to work through these changes, and when we did start playing against other teams ,we were still working on finding our rhythm.”

self into an NCS title contender

It wasn’t time to panic just yet. With a long season still ahead of them, the Mariners just needed to figure out how to work best with each other.

“I think it was just the fact that it was a whole different team,” senior opposite hitter Jade Santos said. “We had new players and we had to re-start things and get our chemistry with the newcomers.”

It was a steady process for the Mariners, as they rattled off six straight wins in the Hayward Area Athletic League before heading into an early season tournament. That was where Schelin and the Mariners started to get into a rhythm.

“Things were coming together slowly, but the day that really turned it around for us was at the Concord Tournament,” Schelin said. “Even though we went 3-3, that day was exactly what this team needed.”

That day included close losses to a pair of East Bay Athletic League teams in Carondelet and Granada, and a win over another EBAL team (Livermore).

Most importantly, what that tournament did was set them up for perhaps the biggest win in school history.

Bishop O’Dowd had not lost an HAAL match since November 2004, a stretch that covered 88 straight league games. The Mariners were a definite part of that, being on the losing end of several matches with the Dragons. But in the match that followed the Concord Tournament, the Mariners — who had been the HAAL runners-up in the previous two seasons — brought an end to the Bishop O’Dowd streak with a thrilling fivegame win.

Suddenly, Moreau Catholic wasn’t under the radar anymore.

“The girls confidence went way up after the At opposite hitter, Jade Santos is O’Dowd match. They were still on a high for a one-third of the senior trio that propels couple of days after,” Schelin said. “We wanted Moreau Catholic. She had a 14 kills, 23 them to enjoy what they had accomplished, but digs and four aces in the Mariners’ Oct. we also knew that we had to push them harder 11 upset of Bishop O’Dowd. going into the final weeks of the season.

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“We had to be prepared for every team we were about to face for a second time.”

The Mariners had gone from the hunter to the hunted.

And even though the rematch against O’Dowd didn’t go as hoped, they established themselves as a favorite in the NCS playoffs which began Nov. 9.

“When we started (the season) we were playing as individuals,” Santos said. “But when we saw how good each one of us was, we really started playing together as a team, and we really got our chemistry. We’ve improved so much.”

Even though they may be a favorite, the 16-team section tournament will be no cake walk. Berean Christian, Salesian, Marin Catholic-Kentfield, Cardinal NewmanSanta Rosa and St. Patrick-St. Vincent are among several teams that make Division IV perhaps the deepest NCS division in 2011.

The Mariners have not played any of these teams headto-head, but have played Analy-Sebastopol (which swept Marin Catholic) tough, losing in a deciding third game at the Concord Tournament. And of course, they have beaten Bishop O’Dowd, a four-time defending NCS champ.

With that win alone, one could get carried away enough to pronounce Moreau Catholic the team to beat.

“NCS is going to be tough, but the team is looking forward to the challenge,” Schelin said. “The team needs to play strong and stay focused on the task at hand. Our practices consist of (assistant coach) Joe (Tui) and I working with the girls to clean up their play, as well as pushing them to expect more from themselves. This team does not quit, which makes them very enjoyable to work with.”

The Mariners are bound to be a marked team, and they are going to have to stand up to everybody’s best shot.

“I would rather be the team that no one saw coming, but it’s too late for that,” Schelin said. “I would say that we are the team to watch out for. When our backs are up against a wall, these girls usually come out fighting.”

It will be hard to bet against a team led by three very talented seniors. That’s what the Mariners have in Santos, Arianna Cruz and Jessica Marin, each of whom are doing a lot of the heavy lifting for this very balanced team.

They are a perfect trio because one of them passes, one sets and one hits — and each one does their job very well.

Santos, the opposite hitter and team leader in kills also leads the team in service points and aces while ranking second in digs. On top of that, she is the second leading setter on the team.

Marin is the team’s first setter, one of the top passers, and is second on the team in both serving categories.

Cruz digs nearly five balls per game and is also a very good server.

“They have it in them to lead this team, and each of them do it in their own way,” Schelin said. “Marin has no problem getting on her hitters to pick it up, and runs the offense by letting her hitters know where she wants them as well as where and how she wants them to hit it — which is exactly what we need her to do. Jade is more of a quiet leader that lays everything out on the line and leads by example. Ari is a combination of the two of them.”

But don’t be fooled. Moreau Catholic is more than just a team with three players. This team epitomizes the word team, as everybody contributes.

“Every player brings something different to the team.

And if we were missing even one of them the chemistry would not be there,” Schelin said. “The girls really enjoy being around each other and love to play this game together.” ✪ 26

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When we started (the season) we were playing as individuals,” Santos said. “But when we saw how good each one of us was, we really started playing together as a team, and we really got our chemistry. We’ve improved so much.”

Senior Jade Santos

Moreau Catholic’s Remy Puou (14) and Lauren Brown provide a formidable block combo in a tournament match against Acalanes on Oct. 29.

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Division I

A glance at the NCS Div. I-IV playoff fields by Matt Smith

Division II

TOP SEEDS: Foothill (27-8), San Ramon Valley (31-8), California (18-7), Granada (15-13), Monte Vista (20-14), Heritage (22-13) THE FAVORITE: In a season without an absolute Div. I favorite, the team with the most offensive firepower should be considered the favorite, and that is San Ramon Valley. The Wolves corrected a late season swoon to rally for a co-EBAL title, and have two of the best hitters in the East Bay in Erin Sherwood and Emily Reder.

THE BRACKETBUSTER: Watch out for Monte Vista. The one thing that can turn a match around is the ability to play defense, and the Mustangs can certainly do that behind standout libero Katie Hirsch. She can frustrate hitters by digging nearly everything hit in her general direction.

THE TOP STORYLINE: After winning the Div. I title a year ago, and graduating star hitter Cait DeWitt along with several other key pieces, the fact that Foothill is the top seed and the co-EBAL champ says a lot about head coach Dusty Collins and the program he has built. What the Falcons did this year was remarkable.

CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: San Ramon Valley d. Foothill 3-2.

TOP SEEDS: Maria Carrillo-Santa Rosa (31-3), Redwood-Larkspur (28-8), Northgate (24-8), Carondelet (21-14), Las Lomas (1916), Montgomery-Santa Rosa (17-12) THE FAVORITE: It’s hard to go against Redwood, which seems to get in the Div. II final every single year. Even though the Giants are the No. 2 seed this year, they need to be considered the favorite as much as Maria Carrillo does.

THE BRACKETBUSTER: Carondelet could easily be the top team in the bracket. After playing in the brutal EBAL, and nearly winning it all, the Cougars come into the playoffs as a very hot team after beating Foothill and California in the final week of the season.

THE TOP STORYLINE: Jim Changaris took over a Las Lomas team that did not do as well as some had expected in 2010. Not only did he win his 700th match as a coach this year, but he took a team that had very little expectations and helped the Knights earn a top five seed.

CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: Carondelet d. Maria Carrillo 3-2.

Division III

TOP SEEDS: Bishop O’Dowd (25-11), Campolindo (19-10), Albany (30-6), Sonoma Valley-Sonoma (26-7), Miramonte (15-5) THE FAVORITE: How do you go against a defending state champion that only seems to be getting better after adjusting to life without five starters? I guess you don’t. Campolindo, though not the top seed, is the favorite and will have the target on their back despite an early season 3-2 loss to Bishop O’Dowd.

THE BRACKETBUSTER: Albany has two things that you need to win in the playoffs: An Sophie Seiberth, campolindo experienced setter Bob Larson in McKenzie Giblin, and a freakishly good hitter in Kyra Holt. If Albany digs the ball and passes to the setter, watch out.

THE TOP STORYLINE: Campolindo nearly being the top seed a season after graduating almost an entire starting lineup from a state title team is quite an accomplishment. The junior setter Sophie Seiberth stepped up, and Annie Shurtz is embracing the role of outside hitter. This team might not stop at NCS this year.

CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: Campolindo d. Bishop O’Dowd 3-2.

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Division IV

TOP SEEDS: Salesian (25-9), Marin Catholic-Kentfield (25-12), St. Patrick-St. Vincent (27-6), Berean Christian (23-10), Cardinal Newman-Santa Rosa (22-7), Moreau Catholic (22-11) THE FAVORITE: Not only has Salesian beat eight Div. I or II teams, it has handled teams in its own division as well. The Pride are not a big team, but are scrappy and have a talented setter in captain Valerie Larsen.

Salesian is a team that finds a way to get it done.

THE BRACKETBUSTER: Moreau Catholic is a very under-seeded team.

After a slow start, the Mariners really got rolling, establishing themselves as a team to be reckoned with after a win over Bishop O’Dowd. This team should be considered a serious threat to reach the semi-finals, and possibly the finals.

THE TOP STORYLINE: The top dog, Salesian, is the top story out of Division IV. Not much was expected out of this squad after last year’s team lost a few key seniors and fell short in the semis.

CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: Salesian d. Marin Catholic 3-1

Erin Sherwood, San Ramon

Jonathan Hawthorne

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When it comes to Logan Lisle, one position is not enough By erik stordahl | SportStars Logan Lisle knows a thing or two about multitasking.

It’s not uncommon for football players to man two or three positions; some will play on both offense and defense, essentially playing every single snap of a game. But the Berean Christian senior takes it up a notch.

Running back. Wide receiver. Linebacker. Safety. Kicker.

Yes, those are all the positions Lisle plays.

Berean Christian “I had no idea,” Lisle said of all the positions his coaches enlisted him for when the season started. “I just thought I was gonna come play football and play running back. But coaches were telling me to do this and that, and I’m like ‘OK, let’s do it.’”

The “this and that” is quite a helping for any athlete as football is one of the most physically-taxing sports. He plays enough positions to fill a one-man fantasy football show; his versatility is a gridiron-sized reason why his Eagles are 7-2 overall and 4-0 in Bay Football League action.

Lisle comes from a long line of athletes in his family. The youngest of seven children, it seems he had no choice but to play sports growing up.

“It’s like I was born to play sports,” Lisle said. “I mean every day there was something going on in the house that was competitive. And no one took it for fun. Someone had to win and I definitely didn’t want to lose.”

Lisle received his share of licks from his siblings early on but it only fueled his competitive spirit and caused him to elevate his game. But then again, you don’t play five different positions on a football field without having some pretty good athletic ability.

And, make no mistake, his coaching staff is grateful for his services.

“He’s an outstanding receiver, he’s an outstanding running back,” said Berean head coach Mark Barcelon. “He’s an outstanding linebacker. He can play safety, he kicks our PATs and, when his quads not sore, he can kick off.”

Lisle’s quad, a nagging injury, flared up in the second half of the Eagles rout of California School for the Deaf-Fremont as Berean won 42-13 on Oct. 28.

That game was business as usual for Lisle, who racked up two rushing touchdowns in the first half. He finished with 69 rushing yards on eight carries and four receptions for 32 yards as Berean scored the final 35 points of the game turning it from nail-biter to a blowout.

“Our defensive coach, Coach Hatcher, just made some adjustments with the defense,” Barcelon said. “We needed to stiffen up our run defense, and the guys just did everything he asked.”

Berean capitalized on an underwhelming special teams

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Jonathan Hawthorne

Berean Christian senior Logan Lisle does a little bit of everything on the field. He plays multiple positions on both sides of the ball, including running back, receiver, linebacker and safety. He also works as the team primary kicker.

In an Oct. 21 game against Valley ChristianSan Jose, Lisle accounted for all 35 of the Eagles points in a 35-14 win.

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Red Zone He’s an outstanding receiver, he’s an outstanding running back.

He’s an outstanding linebacker. He can play safety, he kicks our PATs and, when his quads not sore, he can kick off.”

Pieced together, Campo’s offensive line has triumphed

Berean coach Mark Barcelon unit from CSD as the Eagles blocked two punts and experienced favorable field position throughout the final 24 minutes, leading to four touchdowns.

Lisle and his teammates might not be so fortunate when they face off against also league-undefeated Salesian on Nov. 12 — for what will essentially determine the Bay Football League title.

The Pride features a towering presence on the offensive line with standout Freddie Tagaloa, who creates gaping holes for running back Marshall Malic. Berean will no doubt have its hands full in that contest.

“Salesian is undefeated, they are the reigning (league) champions for more years than I can count,” Barcelon said.

“They are the odds-on favorite and we need to do everything we can to prepare for them.”

A BFL championship banner is one that’s eluded the Eagles since 2001.

Lisle knows firsthand about Salesian’s dominance over not only the BFL, but also the Eagles. During his tenure at Berean, Lisle’s team has experienced defeat every year at the hands of Salesian, including a 46-18 drubbing last year.

Salesian continued on to win the North Coast Section Division IV championship.

Similar to Berean, Salesian features a power run game with the likes of Malic and senior Michael Page Jr.. But the Pride defense hasn’t been too shabby, either. Through seven games on the field (they have one win by forfeit), Salesian has yet to allow more than 21 points in a game.

Whatever the outcome of the Nov. 12 battle and the Eagles’ eventual playoff run, one thing is for sure: Lisle will just be getting started with his 2011-12 athletic endeavors.

In addition to his do-it-all effors on the football field, Lisle will also be lacing up his sneakers for basketball in the winter and heading out to the baseball diamond in spring.

And if that’s not enough, Lisle explained how one year he tried to play basketball and soccer in the same season. He ended up casting off the latter because it proved to be too time-consuming.

With a nonstop athletic motor like Lisle’s, how does he stay in shape year round?

“I’ve been doing all these cross-fit trainings throughout the year,” Lisle said.

Barcelon explained that there’s more to Lisle than just his athletic abilities.

“More than that he’s just a great young man,” Barcelon said. “His faith in Christ is strong and he’s a solid guy. I just think really highly of him.”

And don’t think any of this success is going to his head.

“I do a lot, but if I didn’t have all those other guys, we would not be where we are now,” Lisle said. ✪

The success of Campolindo’s offensive line this season has been remarkable considering the patch-work nature in which it was constructed.

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Bob Larson

Undersized, inexperienced and out of position: Meet the 2011 Campolindo offensive line.

The Cougars, who went 5-6 in 2010, saw their entire starting front five graduate at the end of the last school year, and had precious little in the way of a depth chart up front to begin with.

So they entered the 2011 season with a patchwork, repurposed bunch, a lot of effort, and more than a fair amount of hope.

The result?

Well, with a convincing 31-22 win over bruising Las Lomas on Nov. 4, the Cougars put the finishing touches on their first Diablo Foothill Athletic League crown since 2008, not to mention a 10-0, 6-0 regular-season run that exactly NOBODY saw coming.

“I don’t know how we got here,” Campolindo coach Kevin Macy said. “Nobody in their right mind would have thought this team could go undefeated.”

If you’re an East Bay fan, you likely already know some of Campolindo’s big names: quarterback Brett Stephens (who tossed and ran the Cougars to a nearly 40-point-per-game average),

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Red Zone

All records through Nov. 5 Rank (Last Wk.) School........................ Record 1 (1) De La Salle-Concord....................... 8-1 2 (2) Bellarmine-San Jose....................... 8-1 3 (3) Buhach Colony-Atwater.................. 10-0 4 (4) Pleasant Grove-Elk Grove.............. 9-1 5 (5) Lincoln-Stockton.............................. 9-1 6 (6) Elk Grove......................................... 10-0 7 (7) Del Oro-Loomis............................... 9-1 8 (8) Grant-Sacramento........................... 7-3 9 (9) Folsom............................................. 9-1 10 (10) Marin Catholic-Kentfield.................. 9-0 11 (11) Vacaville........................................... 9-1 12 (12) Cardinal Newman-Santa Rosa....... 8-0-1 13 (13) Palma-Salinas................................. 8-0-1 14 (14) James Logan-Union City................ 9-0 15 (15) Escalon............................................ 10-0 16 (16) Granite Bay...................................... 8-2 17 (17) St. Mary’s-Stockton......................... 8-2 18 (20) San Ramon Valley-Danville............ 8-1 19 (19) Oakdale............................................ 10-0 20 (NR) Windsor............................................ 9-0

Facts-Figures-Fallout DROPPED OUT: No. 18 Leland (Lost to Oak Grove-San Jose 40-24 on Nov. 4) BIGGEST MOVER: Very little shifting this week as the Top 17 teams all took care of business.

Windsor finally breaks into the rankings after a 14-7 Sonoma County League title-clinching win over Casa Grande-Petaluma on Nov. 4.

TOTAL TEAMS STILL RANKED FROM PRESEASON TOP 20: 12 KNOCKING AT THE DOOR: Oak Grove-San Jose (8-1), Freedom-Oakley (8-1), Serra-San Mateo (7-2), Campolindo-Moraga (10-0) SMALL SCHOOL TOP 5 (600 enrollment cutoff): 1. Le Grand (10-0), Central CatholicModesto (8-2), 3. Salesian-Richmond (9-0), 4. Bradshaw Christian-Sacramento (9-1), 5.

Ferndale (8-1). rankings updated every wednesday at www.Sportstarsonline.com

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all-everything wideout and defensive back Griffin Piatt, scrappy tailback Reiner Ebarle, punishing linebacker and tight end Vince Graziano.

But none of those guys really get the opportunity to do the magical things they’ve done this year without the nameless, selfless ones up front.

Senior left tackle Tim Meier anchors the group. He was strictly a defensive lineman last year. Center Wesley Brumbaugh, left guard Greg Wiessler and right tackle CJ Toohey, all juniors, played junior varsity in 2010.

Right guard Danny Fox played JV last year, too. At linebacker.

“We had no returners,” Macy said. “Zero kids who took a snap on the offensive line last year. We just had a couple of guys with JV experience. But they’ve really held together. It’s one of our quiet stories of the year.”

The enormous Las Lomas defensive front dwarfed the diminutive Campolindo crew. And yet, with the undefeated season and the league title on the line, the Cougars did what they’ve done all year.

“They’re just hanging in and fighting,” Macy said. “There’s not much more we can ask them to do. …There’s not a lot of size. It was a big, physical league this year, and we were the smallest. Every game.”

The improbable ones managed to keep Stephens upright all game against Las Lomas — no mean feat — and helped the Cougars to nearly 400 yards of total offense.

“They were unbelievable,” Stephens said. “They’ve worked so hard.

They’re a funky unit, but they work together and communicate. They’re the story of our season: Keep fighting, keep working, never stop.”

Colfax, Lincoln do not go gently

Neither sleet, nor lightning nor doom of night – even a pitch black night without lights — could keep Colfax High School’s football team from finishing the 2011 regular season unbeaten.

On Oct. 28, the Falcons (10-0) looked like the might have a entered the postseason missing a game – or even with a forfeit loss – but thanks to the will and flexibility of school personnel, their game with long-time rival Lincoln was saved.

And Colfax — as it made habit most of the season — pulled off a lopsided victory, 56-14 on a night not soon forgotten around these parts.

A game that started at Colfax at 7:30 p.m and ended one minute short of midnight in Lincoln.

Talk about a long-distance victory.

“I know I’ve never been a part of anything like it before,” Colfax athletic director Rob Hitchcock said. “And I truly doubt I ever will again.”

The problem on this night was a power outage, a stage four PG&E special in Colfax, slamming the lights pitch black on the then home team’s 13-0 lead with 4:07 left in the first quarter at approximately 8 p.m.

The 2,500 fans in attendance literally gasped — some screamed, Hitchcock said — because the stadium literally went black.

“It was pretty scary,” Hitchcock said. “Especially a couple days from Halloween. We were worried someone was playing a prank.”

Once dim emergency lights provided a glow, calmer minds and administrators joined forces to come up with a plan. They considered to wait for the lights to take full effect — estimated at 10:30 p.m. They considered postponing until Saturday and Monday, but youth leagues had obligations and no one wanted to play on Halloween. That’s when a forfeit was talked about.

Finally, Lincoln athletic director Donna Tofft suggested hightailing down Highway 80 and finishing the game off in Lincoln. No one was using the field.

So roughly 1,000 from the game, entered an assortment of vehicles and made the 45 minute drive. The game was resumed at 10:30 p.m. and finished off – with a running clock because of the lopsided score – and Colfax’s perfect, unscathed season remained in check.

When Ben Rooker booted home an extra point extending Colfax’s lead to 14-0, the game resumed. Hitchcock assumed a high school record had been broken. “Longest elapsed time between a touchdown and extra point,” he said.

Colfax, a CIF State Bowl contender, would score much more rapidly over the next hour en route to its ninth straight win without a loss. ✪ — Bill Kolb and Mitch Stephens

Sideline Soundbite

“The thing is, we didn’t actually tell anybody that I was going to do that, so the fake would be better. Nobody else on the offense knew, Coach told me to keep it, and I didn’t tell anyone else so they’d run the fake right.”

— Campolindo-Moraga quarterback Brett Stephens on a naked bootleg play that resulted in a touchdown during the Cougars’ 31-22 win atr Las Lomas-Walnut Creek on Nov. 4.

Outside the box (score)

While the Concord High football team came up short in a 31-22 loss to College Park-Pleasant Hill on Nov. 4, the Minutemen offense still may have come away with the stat of the game. In a shocking display of clutch efficiency, Concord went 6-for-7 in converting 4th-down attempts.

Furthermore, all three touchdown passes

by Wyatt Morrow, below, came on 4th-andgoals.

Philip Walton

The Best Of Times

If you every played high school sports, and those days are behind you (which describes everyone at SportStars HQ), we’re pretty sure you’ve sat around with your former teammates and talked about lacing up the sneakers or putting the pads on one more time. Well for the football alumni of Liberty-Brentwood and Freedom-Oakley, it’s happening. A full-contact football game between alumni of all ages will take place at Falcons Stadium on the Freedom campus on Nov. 11 at 6 p.m. The event, put on and fully-funded and administrated

by Alumni Athletics USA, will act as a fundraiser for both schools. SportStars will be on hand to see these brutes relive their glory days. Stop by, pick up a magazine and sign up for our iPad2 giveaway. For more information on these type of games, visit www.alumniathleticsusa.com.

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

impulse

Stop! Gamer Time!

Welcome to Impulse, your onestop shop for gadgets, gizmos and gear. Compiled by staff writer Erik Stordahl, Impulse provides you with what’s currently hot on the market. This week, we get our video game nerd on and preview the treasure trove of games recently released or are coming out in this month. There’s a downright filthy lineup of games being released soon and we’re here to cover the best of the ’em.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception

(PC, PS3, Xbox 360; Nov. 8) Does it get any bigger than MW3? The renowned FPS unleashes its latest chapter in the revolutionary franchise. Grab a controller and suit up for a wild ride of graphics, sounds and visuals so intense, you’ll think you’re actually out in battle. Don’t worry, sooner or later you’ll realize you’re just sitting six inches from the TV screen in the comfort of your parents’ living room. Or not.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

(PS3, Xbox 360; in stores now) If MW3 is the biggest game, this one comes mighty close. Embody the character of Nathan Drake and continue to battle mercenaries and other bad dudes in his latest adventure.

When you finish the epic campaign, gear up for a gnarly multiplayer where you can square off against your mad chill bros at your place or online. We suggest taking it easy on them at first then blasting them when they least expect it. It’s better that way.

(Wii; Nov. 20) Link is back after a five year hiatus for what promises to be a more-than-worthy addition to one of the most storied video game franchises ever. Travel through new breathtaking landscapes while saving the princess YET AGAIN. This is rumored to have 50-100 hours of gameplay. That. Is. CRAZY. We’re sure your parents and teachers will totally understand you staying home from school to keep playing.

Battliefield 3

(PC, PS3, Xbox 360; in stores now) We’ll be honest: it looks crazy similar to just about everything from the Call of Duty franchise but we say that’s definitely not a bad thing. Take down more bad dudes and the like whether it’s in the campaign or multiplayer.

The latter promises to be nothing but quality.

Need for Speed: The Ride

(PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii; Nov. 15) For those of you without a driver’s license and are itching for the next best thing, pick up a copy of the new Need for Speed. Travel at uber-fast speeds to unlock cool cars and tracks. Just don’t get a speeding ticket.

Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary

(Xbox 360; Nov. 15) The one that started it all is getting a makeover. Take on the Elite in a refined campaign with updated graphics and new villains. Then throw down with your friends in the revamped and brand-spankin’ new multiplayer maps. You can never go wrong with Master Chief and this one should be good to the last second.

Batman: Arkham City

(PS3, Xbox 360: in stores now) No, this isn’t the title of the next movie. It IS, however, a superb entry to the video game series. This one’s got loads of secrets hidden throughout and the replay value is through the roof. You’ll be playing this one for hours on end for sure.

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Don’t get sucked into the three myths of speed training How do young athletes develop speed, quickness and agility?

Unfortunately, they need to do it the slow, old-fashioned way. They can play with ladders and bungee cords all they want, but that is like putting mag wheels on an Escort.

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very day I get emails and phone calls from parents, and more often than not these questions fall under the same categories. So I put together this list of the Top 3 Speed Training Myths that I get asked about most often.

If any of these myths are a part of your young athlete’s training, you need to make an immediate change.

1. There is a magic drill for increasing speed.

This is the myth that developing speed and agility is not a process of gaining strength and power, but rather the lack of a specific drill. The reality is it comes down to horsepower and the nervous system, two areas that change slowly over time.

How do young athletes develop speed, quickness and agility? Unfortunately, they need to do it the slow, old-fashioned way. They can play with ladders and bungee cords all they want, but that is like putting mag wheels on an Escort. The key is to increase the horsepower, the brakes, and the accelerator by getting stronger legs.

Think about it this way: If you stand at the starting line and take a quick first step but fail to

November 10, 2011

push with the back leg, you don’t go anywhere. The reality is that a quick first step is actually the result of a powerful first push. Lower body strength is the real cure for slow feet and the real key to speed and to agility. The essence of developing speed lies in single-leg strength and single-leg stability work such as landing skills. If they can’t decelerate, they cannot accelerate, at least not more than once.

2. Interval training is the same as speed training.

Running repeat 100s, 200s and so forth will not improve top speeds.

Even running repeat 40s with short recovery will not improve acceleration and top speeds. Speed work is defined at 2-8 seconds of maximum-intensity running with full recovery.

That means at least two minutes of light dynamic movement between each effort. This goes against the experience of some coaches, but simply put, is the only way to improve speed. An athlete must be able to focus on proper form and maintain intensity in order to get faster.

3 . Lift your knees.

I hear so many parents and coaches yelling to

Training Time Tim Rudd for IYCA

their kids when they want them to run faster, ‘Lift your knees. Get your knees up’. This is one of the most backwards cues given to athletes. The way to run faster is to apply more force to the ground.

Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

So the more force you apply to the ground, the more the ground will give back.

When athletes are told to lift their knees, we’re telling them to use their hip flexors to lift instead of their glutes and hamstrings to drive down.

It is critical to learn proper form early and get an advantage over those who still aren’t getting the best instruction. Young athletes must be cued to step over the opposite knee and drive the foot down into the ground, with the foot landing underneath the hip.

Your athletes are being held back from reaching their full potential if even one of these myths has penetrated into their training program. So hopefully your young athletes are not still being victimized by these outdated training philosophies. ✪ Tim Rudd is an International Youth Conditioning Association specialist in youth conditioning (level 3), speed and agility (level 2), and nutrition specialist (level 1). For more information on anything you read in Training Time, email him at tim@ fit2thecore.com.

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

camps + clinics BASEBALL/SOFTBALL Golden Era Baseball Based in the East Bay, we offer several instructional-based programs as well as 9U thru 18U Club Teams. We are currently taking sign-ups for our Hitting Classes.

Please see our website for full details: www.

GoldenEraBaseball.com.

The Pitching Center We develop baseball players to their full potential. The Pitching Center has grown to become the Total Player Center (TPC), a full service baseball and softball training academy.

Age- and skill-specific programs are available for students ages 8-high school. Info: 925-416-1600, www.thepitchingcenter. com.

SportForm Based in Concord, SportForm provides individual and team instruction in baseball, softball, lacrosse.

Highly trained professionals provide accelerated and advanced skills clinics. Prepare to Perform! Info: 925-459-2880.

All American Softball Girls of all ages welcome. Check into our six-week softball improvement program for all ages. Info: 916-3741907, www.softballschool.com.

BASKETBALL Bladium Triple Threat Academy Alameda’s Bladium Sports & Fitness Club hosts multiple hoops camps for ages 6-12. Designed for players of ALL skill levels. Registration: AlamedaSales@bladium.com, 510-8144999; www.bladium.com.

Mike Allen Sports Learn the basics of basketball, sharpen your skills and improve daily at the Ballin’ Ambassadors basketball

clinics! Hosted by MIke Allen Sports in the South Bay, registration is easy. Go to www.mikeallensports.com to reserve your spot. 408-279-4123.

CHEER CheerGyms.com We offer the best clinics in California!

Customize your clinic to fit your needs.

Whether basic stunting techniques or working on twist cradles out of one leg stunts, we take your team to the next level! Info: 866-6857615, www.CheerGyms.com.

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

EastBaySportsAcademy.com.

EQUESTRIAN Kelly Maddox Riding Academy Develop new friendships with other horse-crazy kids. Weekly activities include learning horse colors, markings and breeds; art and crafts; a farrier demonstration and human horse show; bareback riding and more! Info: 925-575-4818, www.

KellyMaddoxTraining.com.

Franklin Canyon Stables Based in Martinez, we provide two covered arenas and easy access to trails. Whether beginning rider or experienced equestrian, we have a place for you.

Instruction in horsemanship on the ground and in the saddle, all while having fun. Info: 925-228-1801; www. kimshorsetraining.com/franklin_canyon. html.

Castle Rock Arabians Activities for tweens and teenagers, where we build team

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spirit through various team activities on horseback. Visit the ranch by appointment. Info: 925-933-3701, www. castlerockarabians.com.

Earthquake Arabians Fall and Christmas Break camps are around the corner for Earthquake Arabians! Horsin’ Around Fall Camp: Nov. 2123. Christmas Break Camps: Dec. 19-23 and Dec. 26-30.

Registration is OPEN. Log on to www. earthquakearabians.com for more info.

925-360-7454.

FITNESS Aspire Pilates Dramatically increase core strength, power, flexibility, balance, focus and joint stability, while preventing injury. Aspire prides itself on helping propel athletes to the next level by addressing muscular imbalances, helping athletes increase body awareness, correcting faulty body mechanics, and accessing untapped strength. Info: 925-680-4400, www.

AspirePilatesCenter.com.

Fit 2 The Core As a Youth Conditioning, Speed/Agility and Nutrition Specialist with the IYCA, Fit 2 The Core Training Systems Boot Camps offer an innovative approach to getting young athletes back on the field postrehabilitation, and continuing the process by progressing their bodies to handle what they must endure on the field or court. Info: 925-639-0907, http:// f2cbootcamps.com.

TransForm FX At TransForm FX Fitness Boot Camp, we believe that parents can take better care of their kids when they take care of their own health and fitness. This is the reason

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camps + clinics we have designed our adult fitness boot camp workouts to fit your busy lifestyle.

Each boot camp workout is carefully designed to help you burn fat and increase your cardiovascular endurance in less time. Info: 925-289-8042; www. transformfxfitness.com.

Walnut Creek Sports & Fitness We offer more than 70 group classes per week. Members also enjoy our heated pool, sauna, spa and steam room. Massage, skincare and chiropractic services are available. Call us today for your free one week pass! Info: 925-932-6400, www.wcsf.net.

ENRICHMENT Dianne Adair Enrichment Programs We offer a wide variety of enrichment programs for your child during the school year. Activities include: Homework help, 4th & Up Club, art and crafts, science, sports and games. Info: www. dianneadair.org.

E.Nopi and Palm Academy Concentration is on early literacy, critical thinking, problem solving, social understanding, physical coordination, creativity, cooperation and self control.

Programs serve children from infancy to preschool, kindergarten, and through 12th grade. Students learn at their own pace. Locations: Fremont, 510-9799794; Newark (E.Nopi), 510-793-6674; Pleasanton, 925-461-6284.

FUZE Fit For A Kid! FUZE is a privately-held, DOJ-certified, youth-only health club and curricula modeled after the principles of the Positive Coaching Alliance. FUZE enhances athletic development,

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socialization and self-esteem. Info: 408358-7529; www.fuzefit.com.

GOLF Dave DeLong Junior Golf Camp For advanced and beginning junior golfers, and designed for golfers 7-15.

Camps include a 4 to 1 ratio of students to teachers. Safety is top priority, as are player development and enjoyment.

Boundary Oak Golf Course, Walnut Creek. Info: 925-997-3683; www. delonggolf.com.

Coach Rick Golf Learn to play on the course, where it matters. Golfers of all ages can sign up.

For more info, call 510-917-6442; www.

ThePersonalGolfCoach.com.

The First Tee - Contra Costa The First Tee is a youth development program for boys and girls 7-18.

Participants learn about golf and life skills and values inherent to the game, rules and etiquette.

Instruction occurs at Diablo Creek Golf Course in Concord. Info: 925-686-6262, Ext. 0, angela@thefirstteecontracosta. org; www.thefirstteecontracosta.org.

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

Each receives a minimum of 12 hours of instruction over an 8-week period.

Instruction is at three Oakland courses: Metropolitan Golf Links, Lake Chabot GC and Montclair GC. Info: 510-3522002; www.thefirstteeoakland.org.

The First Tee - San Jose

The First Tee of San Jose develops youth throughout Silicon Valley, through the game of golf.

Participants learn to appreciate diversity, resolve conflicts, build confidence and set goals. We welcome participants ranging from second to 12th grade.

Scholarships available. Info: 408-2882973; www.thefirstteesanjose.org.

The First Tee - Tri-Valley The First Tee of the Tri-Valley offers The First Tee Life Skills Experience Classes seasonally, for ages 7-17, at the Pleasanton Golf Center on the Alameda County Fairgrounds. Info: 925-462-7201, www.

TheFirstTeeTriValley.org.

LACROSSE Atherton Lacrosse Our lacrosse camps are designed for boys and girls ages 5-14, who are beginner or intermediate players.

Our group of coaches and staff are leaders in the lacrosse community. Info: 888-526-3330, www.

AthertonLacrosse.com.

Sportform Based in Concord, Sportform provides individual and team instruction in baseball, softball and lacrosse.

Highly trained professionals provide accelerated and advanced skills clinics.

Prepare to Perform! Info: 925-459-2880, www.sportform.co.

MARTIAL ARTS United States Karate Systems USKS offers adult and

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

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camps + clinics children’s programs, kickboxing fitness, mixed martial arts. Providing excellence in martial arts instruction and services for the entire family. 925-682-9517; www. usksmartialarts.com.

MOTORSPORTS Keigwins@theTrack We conduct motorcycle schools and practice events (“track days”) in the West at famous race tracks. For experienced motorcyclists looking to improve skills and build confidence. Riders provide their own motorcycles and protective gear. Keigwins@ theTrack takes care of everything else. Info: www.keigwin.com; 650-949-5609.

Umigo You’ll learn passing techniques, cornering techniques, throttle & breaking techniques, advance seat position, kart operation, kart control, real racing, and improving your lap times. Racers must be at least 10 years old and at least four feet, 10 inches tall. Two- and four-day camps are available. Info: www. umigoracing.com.

OUTDOOR SPORTS Bear Valley Mountain Soccer, Archery, Tennis, Climbing, Cycling ... If there’s an outdoor activity

you enjoy, there’s a good chance you can do it Bear Valley. Info: www.bearvalley.com.

University of Surfing Instructor Matt Cole offers lessons/camps in Pacifica. 650-359-1425, mattcolesurfs@ hotmail.com; www.universityofsurfing.com.

SOCCER Heritage Soccer Club The Pleasant Hill/Martinez-based competitive soccer club welcomes players ages 8-18. Topflight coaching staff with experience spanning years in the high school and college ranks teach new skills and help hone existing ones. Info: www.heritagesc.com.

SWIMMING/DIVING Walnut Creek Swim Club WCSC is a recreational team, celebrating its 50th anniversary. Led by the experience of coach Brad Hoy, the staff is the finest in the area. WCSC believes in finding the healthy balance between competition and family fun. Sponsored by the City of Walnut Creek, Info: 925-766-5664, www.walnutcreekswimclub.org.

Sherman Swim School We are a Lafayette swimming and diving school celebrating our 50th year. Our yearround schedule allows children and adults to

learn, retain, and improve their swim skills with little interruption. Info: 925-283-2100, www.ShermanSwim.com.

VOLLEYBALL Pacific Rim Volleyball We offer several skill-based camps and clinics, including setting camp, hitting camp and an all-skills camp. Campers will be evaluated and placed in a group that challenges their level of play. Registration for beach volleyball is going on now as well. Info: www. pacificrimvolleyball.com.

U.S. Youth Volleyball League We’re the leader in developing and maintaining youth volleyball leagues for boys and girls ages 7-15. With an emphasis on positive reinforcement, we seek to build confidence and self-esteem in each child. Info: 1-888-988-7985; www.

USYVL.org.

MULTI-SPORT City of Concord Skyhawks Sports Skyhawks Sports and Concord teamed up to provide safe, fun, skills-focused sports camps for ages 4-12. Camps range from soccer to lacrosse to our popular multi-sport camp (soccer, basketball, and baseball) in one camp. Info: 925-671-3404; www.concordreg. org.

Advertiser Index ❒❒ A A A Northern California, Nevada & Utah..................10 ❒❒ Aabco Printing..........................................................34 ❒❒ America’s Navy.............................................................4 ❒❒ Army National Guard Recruiter.....................................7 ❒❒ Aspire Pilates Center..................................................34 ❒❒ Back Forty B B Q.........................................................19 ❒❒ Big O Tires....................................................................2 ❒❒ Cheer Gyms................................................................26 ❒❒ Club Sport Renaisssance ............................................32 ❒❒ Community Youth Center...........................................34 ❒❒ Crowne Plaza.............................................................33 ❒❒ Diablo Car Wash & Detail Center.................................33 ❒❒ Diablo Rock Gym........................................................36 ❒❒ Diablo Trophies & Awards...........................................36 ❒❒ Diablo Youth Rugby....................................................35 ❒❒ E Teamsponsor...........................................................39 ❒❒ Earthquake Arabians..................................................21 ❒❒ East Bay Sports Academy...........................................16 ❒❒ Excellence In Sport Performance................................29 ❒❒ Fit 2 The Core..............................................................19 ❒❒ Heavenly Greens.................................................. 40/22 ❒❒ Home Team Sports Photography................................33 ❒❒ Jory’s Flowers.............................................................21 ❒❒ Kaiser Permanente.....................................................13 ❒❒ Kinders B B Q................................................................3 ❒❒ Lone Tree Golf Course.................................................21 ❒❒ Mc Coveys..................................................................17 ❒❒ Mike Allen Sports.........................................................5 ❒❒ Mountain Mike’s Pizza................................................12 ❒❒ Niles Personal Fitness.................................................36 ❒❒ Rocco’s Pizza...............................................................36 ❒❒ Rockin Jump...............................................................18 ❒❒ Scandia Family Fun Center.........................................12 ❒❒ Simply Selling Shirts..................................................36 ❒❒ Sports Stars Magazine................................................37 ❒❒ Sutter Urgent Care......................................................40 ❒❒ The Mt. Diablo Memory Center Sport Concussion Program.........................................33 ❒❒ Unflappable: The Whitney Reed Story........................34 ❒❒ Usks Concord.............................................................34 ❒❒ Velocity Sports Performance......................................36 ❒❒ Walnut Creek Sports & Fitness....................................23

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Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

*Name____________________________________________________________ Address (optional) _____________________________________________________________ *City/State ___________________________ *Zip______________ Phone (optional) __________________ E-mail: _______________________________________________ Check the most appropriate option for each. All information held in confidence Are you: ❏ Female ❏ Male ❏ Married ❏ Single ❏ Age 12 or below ❏ 13 to 19 ❏ 36 to 45 ❏ 20 to 25 ❏ 46 to 55 ❏ 26 to 35 ❏ Over 55 ❏ Student ❏ Full-time employed ❏ Part-time employed ❏ Self-employed ❏ Not employed ❏ Retired Number of people living in your home: Male: Age(s) __ / __ / __ / __ / __ Female: Age(s) __ / __ / __ / __ / __

Home ownership: ❏ I own my home ❏ I rent/lease ❏ I live with my parents Education: ❏ Pre High School ❏ In High School ❏ High School Grad ❏ Some College ❏ College Grad ❏ Post annual household income ❏ Less than $35,000 ❏ $35,001 to $50 000 ❏ $50,001 to $75,000 ❏ $75,001 - $100,000 ❏ $100,001 - $150,000 ❏ above $150,000 Do you own: A mobile/smart phone? ❏ No ❏ One ❏ Two or more A credit card? ❏ No ❏ One ❏ Two or more A laptop/tablet? ❏ No ❏ One ❏ Two or more A car? ❏ No ❏ One ❏ Two or more Social Media Do you use: ❏ Faceboook ❏ Twitter

In which sports do you regularly participate?

Check all that apply ❏ Baseball/Softball ❏ Basketball ❏ Cheer/Gymnastics ❏ Endurance: Swim/ Bike/Run ❏ Equestrian ❏ Football ❏ Golf ❏ Hockey ❏ Lacrosse ❏ Motorsports/BMX/ Skateboarding ❏ Outdoor/Adventure/ Snow board/Ski/ Mountaineering ❏ Rugby ❏ Self Defense/ Wrestling/Fencing ❏ Soccer ❏ Tennis/Racquet sports ❏ Volleyball ❏ Other _____________ Which sports do you watch regularly (check all that apply) High School Sports ❏ In person ❏ On TV Teen League Sports ❏ In person ❏ On TV College Sports ❏ In person ❏ On TV Pro Sports ❏ In person ❏ On TV Jr. Sports (younger than high school) ❏ In person ❏ On TV What other sports publications do you regularly read? ❏ Pro sports magazines ❏ College sports magazines ❏ High School sports magazines ❏ Endurance magazines (swim, bike, run) ❏ Outdoor / Adventure magazines Do you primarily read these magazines: ❏ In print ❏ Online

Do you participate in games or tournaments as a coach? ❏ routinely ❏ somewhat often ❏ occasionally Team Parent? ❏ routinely ❏ somewhat often ❏ occasionally Player? ❏ routinely ❏ somewhat often ❏ occasionally Golf Do you consider yourself an: ❏ avid golfer ❏ Sunday golfer ❏ Occasional golfer How often do you golf? ❏ weekly ❏ monthly ❏ annually How much do you spend per year on Greens Fees $___________ Equipment $___________ Endurance: (Swim, Bike, Run) How often do you participate in Running, Biking &/or Swimming/Diving? ❏ routinely ❏ somewhat often ❏ occasionally Types: ❏ Fun runs (5k/10k) ❏ Marathons ❏ Triathalons About SportStars Magazine Please rank each of the following sections in order with ‘1’ as your favorite, etc...: (rank as many as you can) __ First Pitch (Editors Opening Column) __ Behind the Clipboard (Coaching Advice Column) __ Health Watch (Medical / Health Advice Column) __ Locker Room (Quick & Fun: Rapid Fire/Digits/Top 5) __ Game Day (Breaking Game Coverage) __ AAA SportStars of the Week (Honoring teen athletes) __ Training Time (Training Tips & Techniques) __ Club Scene (News & Coverage of league play) __ Features (In-depth stories on players and teams) __ In the Paint (Basketball Coverage - seasonal) __ Red Zone (Football Coverage - seasonal) __ Extra Bases (Baseball/Softball Coverage - seasonal) __ Tee2Green (Golf) __ TriSTARS (Endurance: Swim/Bike/Run, Outdoor & Adventure) __ Camps & Clinics (Resource) __ Impulse (New Products) __ 24/7 (Events Calendar) __ Photo Finish (Last Page Photo) How often do you read SportStars Magazine? ❏ Every issue ❏ 3 out of every 4 issues ❏ 1 or 2 of every 4 issues How would you classify yourself as a SportStars Magazine reader? ❏ I read it cover to cover ❏ I read most of the articles ❏ I read one or two articles each issue Do you prefer to read SportStars Magazine...

Print Edition ❏ Daily ❏ Every issue ❏ Monthly Internet Edition ❏ Daily ❏ Every issue ❏ Monthly How long do you spend reading each issue: ❏ More than one hour ❏ 30 minutes to one hour ❏ Less than 30 minutes How many others read your copy of SportStars Magazine? ❏ 1 ❏ 2-4 ❏ 5-7 ❏ 8-10 ❏ more than 10

Do you keep your copies for future reference? ❏ Always ❏ Often ❏ Sometimes Where do you pick up your copy of SportStars Magazine? ❏ School ❏ Restaurant ❏ Retail store ❏ Gym/health club ❏ I subscribe ❏ Other Name of location ___________________________________ How often do you visit our website? ❏ Daily ❏ Weekly ❏ Monthly ❏ other Would you say reading SportStars Magazine influences your decision to: ❏ Play sports ❏ Buy sports equipment/goods ❏ Work out/stay healthy ❏ Eat healthy ❏ Watch sports Would you say you use SportStars Magazine to choose: ❏ Where to play sports ❏ Where to watch sports ❏ Where to select a camp or clinic ❏ Other _________________________________________ What subjects do you think there should be more coverage of in SportStars Magazine?

1. _______________________________________________ 2. _______________________________________________ 3. _______________________________________________ Contest ends Dec. 15, 2011. No purchase necessary to win or enter. Return this survey to SportStars Magazine c/o Reader Survey Prize, 5356 Clayton Rd., Ste. 222, Concord, CA 94521 or fax to (925) 566-8507.

Piedmont High’s Emily Hahn, front, leads a pack of runners toward the finish line during the varsity girls race at the Bay Shore Athletic League cross country championships on Nov. 3. PHOTO BY Butch Noble

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

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

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SportStars™

November 10, 2011

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