Issue 2, 6.24.2010 by Sport Stars Magazine

Diablo Valley Volleyball Club’s Cobra Kai 17s are preparing For Junior Nationals

vol. 1. issue 2

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AVENGERS

tra costa county athletes • june 24, 2010

Facts, Figures Five2Watch History Rosters

Contra Costa Seeks Payback in the All-Star Football Classic

De La Salle’s Kristian Ipsen Makes a (Small) Splash • Taking Aim on the NCPGA Youth Tour

Page 16

get into it

sportstars

No sweeping the leg here. Peter edwards and Cobra Kai are all about volleyball. 18

tommy Stephens & the contra costa all-stars are gearing up. 12

Golfers such as lauren contreras, above, are ready to take a tour. 22 First Pitch................................. 6

ON THE COVER

SportStar of the Week.......... 7 Locker Room.......................... 8 Wally’s World........................10 Training Time.........................21 Health Watch........................25 Twenty-Four7........................25 Advertiser Index..................28 Roller Derby.........................29 4

SportStars™

June 24, 2010

Berean Christian’s Chris Morgan by Bob Larson Contact Bob at larsonpic@aol.com

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JUNE

s t n e s e r P

Johnny Rivers Uncle Kracker Tower Of Power Diana Reyes Natalie Grant Evolution

Free Concerts

6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Free with admission

June 24 June 25 June 26 June 27 June 28 June 30

June 26th and July 10 12:45 p.m. Entry forms at www.AlamedaCountyFair.com

july Crystal Gayle Little Feat Con Funk Shun Blues Festival 12-8 p.m. Newsboys BeatleMajesty Grand Funk Railroad Tonic Lonestar War

July 1 July 2 July 3 July 4 July 5 July 7 July 8 July 9 July 10 July 11

16 DAYS OF LIVE HORSE RACING! Post time: 12:45 p.m. No racing June 28-29, July 6

Tickets Available Now at www.AlamedaCountyFair.com

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

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your ticket to bay area sports admit one; rain or shine This Vol. #1, June 2010 Whole No. 2 is published by Caliente! Communications, LLC, 5356 Clayton Rd, Ste. 222, Concord, CA 94521. SportStars™© 2010 by Caliente! Communications, LLC. All rights reserved. Subscription rates: 24 issues, U.S. 3rd class $42 (allow 3 weeks for delivery). 1st class $55. To receive sample issues, please send $3 to cover postage. Back issues are $4 each. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of Publisher is strictly prohibited. The staff and management, including Board of Directors, of SportStars™© does not advocate or encourage the use of any product or service advertised herein for illegal purposes. Editorial contributions, photos and letters to the editor are welcome and should be addressed to the Editor. All material should be typed, double-spaced on disk or email and will be handled with reasonable care. For materials return, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope. SportStars™© and STARS!™© Clinics are registered trademarks of Caliente! Communications, LLC.

Read Me. Recycle Me. 6

SportStars™

June 24, 2010

You can tell you’re old if you remember summer vacation

eason No. 284 that I’m convinced I’m growing old? Summer isn’t what it used to be. That could be interpreted several ways of course, but I’m talking about the summer for the young athlete. There isn’t one anymore. At least not if you’re remotely good at your sport. Most of the traditional three-sport high school athletes are extinct, and the majority of what remains are the highly-specialized and über-dedicated one-sport stars. (That last phrase had nothing to do with the name of this magazine. Really. That’s just how it came out. Weird.) OK. Back on point. Whether it’s playing in 50-60 baseball or softball games, attending multiple basketball camps, playing in 7-on-7 football passing leagues, or simply adhering to a daily training/conditioning schedule, there’s not a lot of time for sandy beaches or s’mores by the campfire. This is great for me as a sportswriter who is always looking for great stories about teenage athletes. But it still got me wondering when the last time a few of these extremely-dedicated athletes had a normal kid’s summer. Obviously, I thought it’d be fun to go with the most extreme example. “Well, last summer I actually coached a recreational swim team,” said recent Las Lomas High graduate and national record-holder, Kasey Carlson. “It was kind of normal, having a summer job and stuff. Working with the (younger) swimmers was fun, and it made me feel like a kid again.” She did miss two weeks of that job. Apparently she had to go to Rome and earn a bronze medal in the 100 breaststroke at the FINA World Championships. That’s right, she skipped out on her summer job to become a world bronzemedalist. Carlson’s 2010 summer lasted about two weeks. She swam in the Santa Clara International Grand Prix Invitational on June 18-19. She won the 100 breaststroke (see story, page 11). Then one day later, she was in a car headed to Los Angeles to begin training with her new swim coach at USC. “It’s going to be a different type of training,” Carlson said. “I’m still not exactly

FIRST PITCH Chace Bryson Editor

Chace@ SportStarsMag.com (925) 566-8503

sure all of what it will include, but I’m ready for that next step.” What’s she training for? Oh, the U.S. Swimming Championships that begin Aug. 3 in Irvine. So instead of wondering who her first college roommate might be (our bet is it’s another swimmer), Carlson is more concerned about finding out if she can perform well enough in Irvine to make the U.S. national swim team. “That’s basically where they choose the team that will compete internationally for the next two years,” she says in a ho-hum manner. OK, but there still has to be some normalcy about this girl, right? Of course. Ask her about her biggest fear over going away to college and she begins sounding like the average kid. “Well, I definitely hear the horror stories of how regular college students have had to pull all-nighters to get their schoolwork done,” Carlson said. “Add college-level athletics on top of that, and it’s a little scary to think about.” As I mentioned above, Carlson is certainly the extreme example. But a more reasonable case would be Campolindo baseball standout James Marvel, who is featured briefly in this issue. We wanted to arrange a time for young James to meet us so we could take his photo. He helped us out by squeezing it in between his two baseball practices, an infield-only workout at 1:30 in Concord and a full-squad practice at 4:30 in Moraga. His travel team, the Danville Hoots, were getting ready for a weekend tournament in Tuscon, Arizona. I have no shortage of great summer memories. Some of them include the many basketball camps I attended, but most of them involve fishing, swimming, waterskiing, and roller coasters. I’m OK with that, obviously. I may not have become that elite level athlete, but I do get to write about them. And that’s pretty cool, too. Even if it does make me feel old sometimes.

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of the week

kristian ipsen senior . de la salle . diving

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When it comes to diving, Kristian Ipsen is good. Like world-championship medalist good. Earlier this month, Ipsen — a Clayton resident and soon-to-be senior at De La Salle High — paired with partner Troy Dumais to win the silver medal in the men’s 3-meter synchronized diving at the FINA Diving World Cup in Changzhou, China. Ipsen, who also won his third straight North Coast Section diving championship in May, is currently training for a pair of national championship meets. We were able to catch up to him during a brief moment off the board and out of the pool. SportStars: When did you know you wanted to be a diver? Kristian Ipsen: I started doing it when I was 7 years old. I had done some gymnastics, and I tried swimming and loved the water but just got bored going back and forth. So we put the two together and found diving. SportStars: What’s the most random thing that’s crossed your mind while on the diving board/platform? KI: Walking down the board, most athletes are just thinking about the dive and going over pointers. A lot of times, my mind goes to a different place where I’m thinking, ‘Don’t trip, Kristian. Don’t fall off the board.’ Sometimes it helps me to be thinking of those other things because I can clear my mind and let my body do what it’s trained to do rather than over-think it. SportStars: Your family owns Skipolini’s Pizza. Have you asked if they’ll name a pizza after you if you win an Olympic medal? KI: I haven’t asked, but it’s funny you say that because the restaurant just began these new white pizzas with garlic-creme sauce. One of them is named after my middle name, Bettega. It’s the best one, too. Really good. Kristian’s Quick Hits Jamba Juice or Starbucks: Jamba Juice Most fascinating destination you’ve dived at: Malaysia. That place is crazy. Best movie you’ve seen recently: Iron Man 2. Sequels aren’t usually that good, but I was impressed.

honorable mention lauren contreras The soonto-be senior for Las Lomas High continued to build her golf resume by finishing second in her age group in the 36hole Northern California PGA Youth eTour Summer Circuit I championship on June 15.

brianna elder Elder polished off her Concord High softball career with a complete-game two-hitter in the NCS Division II softball championship. She struck out six as the Minutemen beat Rancho CotateRohnert Park 7-0 to win Concord’s first section title in any team sport.

james marvel Just a sophomore at the time, Marvel got the starting nod in the NCS Division II baseball championship for Campolindo and tossed a complete-game one-hitter. He struck out eight in the win over Alameda, and also went 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI.

June 24, 2010

SportStars™

where’d he go?

*x%@*!

There’s no crying, or time limit, in baseball!

Take a moment, if you will, to journey with me into the past. It is Sunday, October 27. The year is 1991. Yes, yes. we know. You weren’t even alive in 1991. Just go with us on this. You are in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in the awful Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome. Jack Morris is on the mound for the Twins, the heavily mustachioed hurler in the midst of an absolute gem against a very game Atlanta Braves squad. It is Game 7 of the World Series. After nine sparkling innings, the Twins and Braves are still scoreless, and this thing is shaping up to be an instant classic. Then, over the loudspeakers, comes an announcement. “Ladies and gentlemen. The game has reached its two-and-a-half hour time limit. By league rule, the game will be suspended until Tuesday, October 29 at 4 p.m., when it will resume where it left off.” Now, the good people of Minnesota are not known for their hot tempers. We’re talking about folks who look forward to ice fishing. Still, there woulda been a riot. All of this is sort of an oblique way of indicating our displeasure and genuine perplexedness at the decision by the North Coast Section to suspend the Division III baseball championship game between El Cerrito and Miramonte on Saturday, June 7. The Gauchos and Mats had battled for 10 brilliant innings full of scintillating defensive plays and fabulous pitching. But the timer ticked down to zero, and they got yanked off the field despite the matching zeros in the score column. The NCS would argue that there was a second game of a doubleheader that needed to be played, but it seems to us that rescheduling a game that hasn’t started would be easier than rescheduling one that has. That’s just us. Who knows how the game — eventually a 3-0 Miramonte win right around 5:45 p.m. on Monday, June 7 — would have played out had the teams been given a chance to stick it out and finish what they’d started? We know this: if Major League Baseball had made a similarly misguided decision back in ’91, the baseball world would have missed out on Morris’ 10-inning, complete-game shutout of the Braves. And that would have been downright criminal. By Bill Kolb

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Las h U.S. t swimmer at u o d an st encounter wit ar ly n ye o ru er fo h a g , in n o at troke, evalu Kasey Carls an elevator. the 100 breasts in t is al ed ps — alone, in m el h P l ae bronze h ic M swimming icon

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June 24, 2010

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Nikko Triggas, Campolindo, wrestling, Class of 2007

random acts of factness There have been several retrospectives on UCLA coaching legend John Wooden following his June 4 death at the age of 99. Among his career highlights was a nationalrecord 88-game win streak spanning over five seasons. It just so happens that De La Salle High basketball coach Frank Allocco was a member of the 1973-74 University of Notre Dame basketball team which snapped the streak with a 71-70 victory on Jan. 19, 1974. Allocco was recently honored by the California Coaches Association as the Boys Basketball Coach of the Year.

XXxxxxx

Nikko Triggas’ high school wrestling career was epic. Monumental. Staggering. Triggas won four North Coast Section championships in his years at Campolindo. That’s one for every year of high school, for those of you scoring along at home. And he’s on a short, illustrious list of guys who have won three medals at the California Interscholastic Federation championships — including a coveted and hard-won state title at 112 pounds in 2006. You know what? He hardly thinks about it at all. “I’m so caught up in what I’m doing now, I rarely think about high school wrestling,” Triggas said. All Triggas is doing now is steadily climbing the NCAA ranks — he placed eighth at the tournament this year at 125 pounds to achieve All American status for the first time — and making serious inroads into the Ohio State record books. “I’m on course to set the pin record at Ohio State,” Triggas said. He finished the 2009-10 season with 38 pins in three seasons on the mat (without a red-shirt year). The all-time pin leader in school history, Don Moxley, wrapped up his illustrious Buckeye career with 50, meaning Triggas (who might red-shirt in 2010-11 to add some muscle), has a tremendous shot at moving to the head of that class. Oh. Triggas also recently won his weight class in Greco at the University World Trials, meaning he’s a favorite heading into the University World Championships in Turin, Italy, in October. “That puts me right on track for the Olympic team,” Triggas said. Triggas was fifth at the Olympic trials in 2008, so an ascension to that lofty peak is certainly not out of the question. “I’ve got some work to do,” he said. “But I’m going to get it done.” Is it any wonder he doesn’t think about his Cougar days? By Bill Kolb Support Your Local Business • Say You Found Them In SportStars™

Top five things you can do to mitigate your high school sports withdrawals 1. Um. You’re holding it. Duh. 2. Two words: Wii Fit. 3. Hang around the local high-school fields and hope a game breaks out. Be careful not to get busted for loitering and/or stalking. Creep. 4. Lock your doors and pull the blinds; make sure you are well supplied with Funyuns, Pork Cracklins and the caffeinated, carbonated beverage of your choice; dig out your old VHS copies of locally broadcast games-of-the-week and have your own prep-sports marathon. What? You mean we’re the only ones who still have a grainy bootleg of the triple-overtime North Coast Section football championship epic between Las Lomas and Clayton Valley in 2003? Does this qualify as over-sharing? 5. Well. You can always watch the World C… Nah. Nevermind. By Bill Kolb June 24, 2010

SportStars™

There are plenty of sports, but not enough outfits

’ve spent a lot of time the past two weeks talking with people face-toface about our magazine. Usually, as they’re flipping through the pages, I’m standing in front of them, looking plain, bland and friendly, pretty much like the accompanying photo on this page. Generally, two questions are asked almost immediately: 1. “Hey, aren’t you wearing the same clothes as you’re wearing in the picture?” And, 2. “Love the magazine. But what are you guys going to cover in the summer, when there aren’t any high school sports?” I’m happy to report that the answer to No. 2 is even easier than the answer to No. 1. (Note to self: Buy some shirts that aren’t black, and shake things up by occasionally striking a different pose. The old hands-in-pocket and sly-grin-look usually works in front of a prospective customer, but every winning fashion style does have its limits.) But back to the issue at hand. Bottom line, there is never a shortage of youth sports, especially in this sport-crazed area. This week is a perfect example. Coming off a weekend in which the greater Bay Area hosted both a U.S. Open golf championship and a NASCAR event, there are plenty of top-flight athletic events involving high school athletes in Contra Costa County. The best part is, unlike the two abovementioned events, you can attend any of them for less than the cost of a typical Bay Area mortgage payment (and that’s in 2007 dollars). Take Saturday’s Alameda/Contra Costa All-Star Football Classic at Las Lomas High. For $10 ($5 seniors and students) you can see the cream of the Bay Area football crop, many of whom are still battling to catch college recruiters’ eyes, for less than the cost of parking your car at many professional sporting events. Best of all, the money is going someplace it’s needed, which is not into the pocket of a professional athlete. “High school sports are in desperate need of all the help they can get right now,” said promoter Neno Manuel, who

SportStars™

June 24, 2010

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

helped revive the decades-old fundraising game in 2009 after it had been inactive for 10 years. “And every little bit helps.” For Manuel, getting the game back on its feet was more than a labor of love. Given his family’s background, it was the natural thing to do. Manuel’s uncle, Butch Cattolico, was Contra Costa’s quarterback in the first AllStar game in 1966 (won by Contra Costa 32-7). Cattolico went on to become head coach at Los Gatos and is the second-winningest active coach in the state, behind some guy named Bob Ladouceur. Manuel’s Bay Area football connections run deeper than that. 49ers fans will remember his twin brothers, Sam and Sean Manuel, who were drafted by the team in 1992. “It just felt like something was missing all those years,” Manuel said. He probably had the same feeling last year even after helping to lead efforts to revive the game. He admits last year’s pregame ticket sales were slow but the game still drew about 2,200, thanks largely to a nice walk-up crowd. “Last year, not many people knew about it before the week of the game,” said Manuel, who spent most of Father’s Day handing out game flyers at a football camp at St. Mary’s. “We have pre-sold more this year, but it’ll mainly be walk-up.” If there’s one thing local sports fans should be used to doing after this past weekend, it’s walking up — whether around the Pebble Beach golf course or from the parking lot at Infineon Raceway. The difference is, this game will help ensure future generations of high school athletes can continue to compete and, quite possibly, produce a few more people who aren’t afraid to make a difference. Like Neno Manuel. SportStars will be happy to be a big part of the event Saturday night. We’ve got some fun things planned and I’ll be the guy inside the gate, handing out magazines. (Note to self: Don’t wear green pants and a black shirt and if you do, try something different, like maybe a sitting pose.)

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Carlson notches one more Bay Area victory before heading south By Chace Bryson | Editor

With her collegiate swimming career at USC nearer than ever before, Walnut Creek’s Kasey Carlson bid a temporary goodbye to the Bay Area with yet another championship-caliber swim in the breaststroke. Carlson’s parting shot came at the Santa Clara International Grand Prix Invitational on June 19 when she won the 100 meter breaststroke in a time of 1:09.13, beating second-place Keri Hehn by a full second. She was swimming for the Walnut Creek Aquabears in the Santa Clara meet, but her victory ended a one-month stretch that also saw her win three more North Coast Section championships to close out a stellar Las Lomas High career. Her 2009 NCS time in the 100 yard breaststroke remains the national high school record. Carlson wasn’t the only local swimmer to excel at Santa Clara. Carondelet sophomore Chelsea Chenault, of the Concord Terrapins, reached the finals in both the 200, 400 and 800 freestyles. She took seventh place in both the 400 and 800, and also took fourth in the 200.

Chace Bryson/SportStars file photo

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June 24, 2010

SportStars™

Bob Larson

Daniel Marcel, Chris Morgan,Willie Owens and Steven Porschet (from left) are eager to jump into action for the Contra Costa All-Star football team. Contra Costa and Alameda County clash for the 37th time since 1966 on June 26.

OneLast F

Hurrah All-Star Football Classic gives seniors one last shot at high school gridiron glory

SportStars™

June 24, 2010

By Chace Bryson | Editor

or Daniel Marcel, playing football has been an exercise in frustration. In his sophomore year at Freedom High, he tore the meniscus in his right knee, had surgery, and played in just three junior varsity games. As a junior, three games into his varsity career, the 6-foot-1, 265-pound lineman tore a ligament in his right thumb. He spent the rest of the season seeing several different physicians, each telling him different things. He finally got clearance to play, and then found he’d need surgery on it after all. Thus, he was forced to be a bystander through a majority of the season as the Falcons went 10-2 and reached the North Coast Section Division I quarterfinals. It was the most successful year of the program’s young history. Then Marcel reached his senior year. And this time it was his right ankle. “It was pretty banged up the whole year,” he said. He’d had enough, though. He was playing football. Of course, as luck would have it, it was a trying year for Freedom. The Falcons lost their first nine games of the season before winning their season finale — a 35-6 victory in the Battle for the Bell rivalry against Liberty. Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsMag.com

Bob Larson

Freedom High coach Kevin Hartwig coaches up the Contra Costa All-Star linemen during a practice on June 21. Marveling at the size of the all-star linemen, like Heritage’s Seth Magalei (left), Hartwig claimed,“We’re huge.” The 1-9 record was no fault of Marcel’s, however. Battling through the ankle injury, he earned himself a spot on the All-BVAL first-team defense. He also picked up an invitation to the 37th Alameda/Contra Costa All-Star Football Classic on June 26 at Las Lomas High. He’ll line up for the Contra Costa team, which coincidentally will be led by Freedom coach Kevin Hartwig. Together they’ll aim for redemption, a little bit for Freedom but mostly for Contra Costa — which lost to Alameda 14-0 last year in the first playing of the All-Star Classic since 2000. “(Freedom) didn’t really get much recognition this year because of our record,” Marcel said. “So this is our chance to show up in the all-star game and show what we can do.” When it comes to football coach personalities, Hartwig falls on the lower-profile end of the spectrum. He can yell with the best of them when he has to, but the majority of the time he maintains an even-keel with a dry sense of humor that can sneak up on people. It makes him almost perfectly suited to lead an all-star team, especially one that has just five days of practice time before playing the game. “It’s tough,” he said. “We’ve really just got to teach plays. (As a staff) we don’t really have time work on fundamentals, like we normally like to do. We are basically taking a freshman football approach. We’ll use a couple formations, a couple different looks in each one, and just let the athletes play.” He does have athletes. The assembled talent of recently-graduated seniors on the Contra Costa ros-

ter includes San Jose State-bound tight end Travis Raciti (College Park), Eastern Washington-bound running back and cornerback Andre Williams (El Cerrito), Williams College-bound quarterback Tommy Stephens (Campolindo), and a group of really big linemen led by 6-2, 300-pound Bryan Moss of Acalanes. “We’re huge,” Hartwig said. “It’s fun coaching guys that I can look up to. Like, physically look up to.” Hartwig knew what to expect when he saw some of the names on the list of roster invitees, but he’s found a few surprises in the first few workouts, as well. “Chris Morgan,” the coach said. “He’s a good little player.” It’s not surprising that Hartwig didn’t know a great deal about Morgan. After all, the senior class at Freedom has more students than the entire enrollment of Berean Christian — which recently named Morgan its Male Athlete of the Year. Heck, even Morgan was caught off guard when he received the invitation. “My first thought was ‘(They want) Chris Morgan from Berean Christian?,’” said Morgan, who will play for Diablo Valley College in the fall. “I’m just from this high school with 400 people. Knowing that I was hand-selected to play in the game was really humbling.” Because of his small-school background, Morgan didn’t necessarily come into the first workouts with a normal all-star mentality. He was fairly certain that nothing was going to be handed to him. “Almost everyone here has more experience and has played at higher levels than I have,” he said. “I feel like I need to play that

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June 24, 2010

SportStars™

Bob Larson

Kennedy High linebacker Cory Pettus goes up to snare a pass during practice drills on June 21.

much harder to get noticed.” He managed to catch Hartwig’s eye. Now the wide receiver’s goal will be to catch the eye and confidence of Contra Costa quarterbacks, Stephens and Lucas Gorton of Las Lomas. The quarterbacks each face the task of learning the basics of Hartwig’s no-huddle spread offense in just a week. As Stephens arrived to his first team workout on June 21, he wasn’t greatly concerned about it. In fact, he spent the previous week on a graduation trip in Southern California where his primary goal was not to be too concerned about anything. “Honestly, I just got back from the beach,” Stephens said with a smile. “I haven’t been throwing a whole lot. But I’m sure (the coaches) will keep it simple. But some of this stuff is natural ... And it’s an all-star game and you just gotta have a good time and go play.” Players actually getting on the field to play was a primary focal point of game promoter Neno Manuel. Manuel’s revival of the Classic a year ago turned out to be above and beyond his expectations. The game, played at LMC in mid-July, drew more than 2,000 fans and could only be considered a resounding success. But Manuel knew he had to change a few things. One of those things was a reduction in roster size. “The biggest thing we learned from last year’s game was just trying to focus on making it about the kids,” Manuel said. 14

SportStars™

June 24, 2010

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“Last year we over-invited and a lot of kids didn’t get the chance to play. This year, we scaled it back with the understanding that the kids who want to play or going to play.” When it comes to the Contra Costa roster, there is no shortage of guys who are itching to play. “I just want to leave it all on the field, and hold nothing back,” said Ygnacio Valley wide receiver Willie Owens, who attended the 14-0 Alameda victory last summer. “We just really want to represent our area well. That’s how I went to spend my last high school football game.” Marcel, who has committed to play for Division II school Southern Oregon in the fall, says he isn’t the least bit concerned about incurring another injury in what is only an exhibition game. “I just love going out there,” he said. “Once you put the pads on, it just feels right.” Reviving and continuing the Classic has become a labor of love for Manuel, devoting copious amounts of time and his own money. The success of last year’s event could be measured in several ways, most notably the large crowd and the fact that the game went off without any major injuries or controversy. However, Manuel gauges the success of his venture on scenes like the one he witnessed following the end of the 2009 AllStar Classic. “When the game was over, I saw how excited the kids were about the game and how much they enjoyed it,” Manuel said. “I felt bad for the team they had lost because it was the last high school game they were going to play, but the amount of joy the Alameda team showed really made it all come together. That felt good.”

A line of scrimmage runs through it David Raciti remembers the moment fondly. During an end of the year banquet for his son’s youth football team, a highlight reel was being played. Raciti’s son, Travis, was featured prominently during the highlight package. One of his new stepsons, Dominic Rolandelli — almost exclusively a soccer player to that point — viewed the highlights with wide eyes. “He leaned over to me and said, ‘Hey David, if I play football, could I have a highlight package, too,’” Raciti said. “And that was it.” That was the beginning of a brotherhood forged by football. The Alameda/Contra Costa All-Star Football Classic represents the final chapter, of the football portion anyway. As an 11-year-old only child, Travis Raciti suddenly had gained six step-siblings. “It was a real big transition for me,” Raciti said. “It was definitely an adjustment.” Almost immediately, he gravitated toward the stepbrother who was the same age as him. Both boys quickly discovered how competitive the other was. “I remember that one of the first times we met we played a game of H-O-R-S-E and I whooped him,” Raciti said. “He got so mad that he kicked the basketball...We would compete over everything. We’d see who could take the groceries out of the car and into the house faster, or who could take a faster shower. Pretty much anything. ” That competitive drive worked to a clear advantage in the sporting arena as well. Raciti was already a standout youth football player, and Rolandelli was a very physical soccer player. “I was just starting to tackle people in soccer,” Rolandelli said. “I was itching for contact.” So when he saw his stepbrother’s highlight package, he was hooked. Over the next seven years, the two played side-by-side; first with the Rebels and then for four years at College Park High. Each are coming off of their best individual seasons. Raciti was named the co-Most Valuable Player of the Diablo Valley

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Contributed photo

College Park step-brothers Dominic Rolandelli, left, and Travis Raciti. Athletic League as a tight end and defensive end. Rolandelli, a lineman, was a first-team All-DVAL selection on offense and a second-team All-DVAL selection on defense. Both made the other better, and both grew closer in the process. “I think football has really increased our relationship as brothers,” Rolandelli said. “We kind of both found out who we were while playing football, and found out what we thought about each other. “Without football we’d be completely different people. I don’t know if we’d even like each other, to be honest. We found that we had a lot in common.” The All-Star Football Classic can represent different things for many of its participants. For Raciti and Rolandelli, it marks the end of an era — the last time sharing a field together. Raciti earned and accepted a scholarship to play tight end at San Jose State. Rolandelli could have probably continued his playing career at a junior college, but elected to attend San Francisco State and pursue a career in film. “It’s definitely going to be a very emotional game,” Rolandelli said. “It means a lot to me that I can go out there and play one more time and that Travis will be there, too.” By Chace Bryson

June 24, 2010

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Two-sport tommy In addition to being the starting quarterback for Campolindo, Tommy Stephens also hit .291 with 20 runs scored and 17 RBIs for the Cougars’ NCS-championship baseball team. His younger brother Brett was also on the team and hit .311 as a freshman. Don’t be surprised if Brett lines up behind center for Campolindo next year, either.

poly bowl players

figures

For a handful of players on both sides of the ball, this isn’t their first All-Star game this year. Five players from the Alameda roster, and two more from Contra Costa, were participants in the first annual Polynesian All-Star Bowl in Fairfield on Feb. 27. Seth Magalei, William Fukofuka, Aosae Noa, Mailau Puamau, Carrington Reyes, Sinilau Tauteoli and Sione Tupouata all took part in the game.

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Travis Raciti (TE/DE, Contra Costa): One of the few NCAA Division-I scholarship signees still playing in the game, Raciti is headed to San Jose State. His most important role in the All-Star game will likely be on defense, but don’t be surprised if he makes a few plays at tight end, too.

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Contra Costa leads 21-14-1

facts

BrY an Moss (OL, Contra Costa): Didn’t think we’d put an offensive lineman on the list? We aren’t that short-sighted. Moss is one, big, dude. And he’s been known to open some big holes in the defense. Fellow Contra Costa All-Star back, Tyler Malley, played with Moss at Acalanes and will know where to look for a key block.

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Series record

Donovan Henderson (DB, Contra Costa): Henderson established himself as a top-tier safety during his senior year at Pinole Valley. His coach, Steve Alameda, went so far as to compare him to former Pinole Valley grad, Thomas DeCoud. DeCoud had a standout college career at Cal, and now plays in the NFL for the Atlanta Falcons.

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5: Contra Costa 1976-1980, 1987-91

2, Floyd Burnsed (Contra Costa)

Demetrius Brown-Ryan (RB, Alameda): Brown-Ryan rushed for 1,355 yards and 15 touchdowns during his senior year at St. Mary’s High. Amazingly, he finished in a dead-tie for the Bay Shore Athletic League rushing title. John Swett’s Evan Ray — who will play for Contra Costa — also ran for 1,355 yards.

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longest win streak

most coaching wins

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All-StarClassic

five2watch

Sione Tupouata (TE/DE, Alameda): Tupouata may or may not play due to his scholarship commitment to Utah. But if he does, Contra Costa running backs will want to make sure they know where he is. His nickname is “Concrete.” Need we say more?

serieshistory

37thContra Costa-Alameda

1966 — Contra Costa 32-7

1981 — Alameda 31-14

1967 — Alameda 14-7

1982 — Alameda 12-6

1985 — Contra Costa 6-0

1983 — Contra Costa 23-7

1968 — Contra Costa 33-13 1986 — Alameda 14-7 1969 — Contra Costa 14-0 1970 — Contra Costa 35-7 1971 — Alameda 23-14 1972 — Contra Costa 14-13

1984 — Alameda 12-7 1987 — Contra Costa 28-10 1988 — Contra Costa 14-12 1989 — Contra Costa 28-19 1990 — Contra Costa 34-21 1991 — Contra Costa 37-27 1992 — Alameda 27-17

1973 — Alameda 21-0

1993 — Tie 0-0

1974 — Contra Costa 19-6

1994 — Alameda 15-0

1975 — Alameda 13-7 1976 — Contra Costa 25-14

1995 — Alameda 14-6 1996 — Contra Costa 28-20 1997 — Alameda 8-6

1977 — Contra Costa 28-14

1998 — Alameda 18-7

1978 — Contra Costa 21-0

1999 — Contra Costa 35-7

1979 — Contra Costa 14-6

2000 — Contra Costa 21-20

1980 — Contra Costa 21-20

2009 — Alameda 14-0

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contra costa roster No. Name School Position 0 Bo McSwine.......................Acalanes..................... RB/DB 1 Andre Williams...................El Cerrito.................... RB/DB 2 Chris Morgan......................Berean Christian......... WR/DB 3 DeShaun McCoy................Heritage...................... RB/DB 4 William Lewis.....................Freedom..................... WR/DB 5 Garrett Slocum...................Liberty......................... WR/DB 6 Evan Ray............................John Swett.................. RB/DB 7 Travis Raciti.......................College Park............... TE/DE 8 Tommy Stephens...............Campolindo................ QB/DB 9 Shannen Edwards..............Richmond................... RB/DB 10 Donovan Henderson..........Pinole Valley............... WR/DB 11 Matt Guillaume...................College Park............... LB/DE 12 Lucas Gorton......................Las Lomas.................. QB 14 Steven Porschet.................Ygnacio Valley............ WR/DB 15 Corey Pettus......................Kennedy..................... WR/DB 18 Willie Owens......................Ygnacio Valley............ WR/DB 20 Tyler Malley........................Acalanes..................... RB/LB 25 Garrett Robinson................San Ramon Vly........... RB/LB 36 Damare McElmore.............El Cerrito.................... WR/DB 39 Brandon Norton..................Dougherty Vly............. WR/LB 42 Steven Frias.......................Salesian...................... TE/LB 45 Zach Preuss.......................California.................... OL/DL 47 Kyle Kragen........................San Ramon Vly........... TE/LB 51 Jerry Smith.........................El Cerrito.................... OL/DL 52 Jesus Ochoa......................Heritage...................... OL/DL 53 Arturo Hernandez...............California.................... OL/DL 54 Pone Faleofa......................Deer Valley................. OL/DL 55 Seth Magalei......................Heritage...................... OL/DL 56 Carrington Reyes...............Heritage...................... OL/DL 57 Reed Snook.......................Las Lomas.................. OL/DL 61 Dominic Rolandelli.............College Park............... OL/DL 71 Bryan Moss........................Acalanes..................... OL/DL 77 Kamaren Spencer..............Richmond................... OL/DL 78 Nick Novero........................Antioch....................... OL/DL 79 Daniel Marcel.....................Freedom..................... OL/DL

alameda roster No. Name School Position 0 Abraham Amiri....................Encinal........................ S/LB 1 Levy Wilson.......................Albany........................ RB/DB 2 J.R. Pabalate......................Tennyson.................... RB/DB 3 Aosae Noa.........................San Lorenzo............... FB/LB 4 Devinaire Richards.............San Lorenzo............... WR/DB 5 Joey Andrada.....................Piedmont.................... WR/DB 6 Qais Shaghasi....................Alameda..................... WR/DB 7 Lenny Jones.......................San Leandro............... TE/DE 8 Cormac Cragie...................Piedmont.................... QB 9 Joey Castro........................James Logan.............. WR/DB 10 Paco Prodigue....................Kennedy-F.................. RB/DB 11 Jonathan Willis...................James Logan.............. QB/DB 12 Demetrius Brown-Ryan......St. Mary’s................... WR/DB 13 Mailau Puamau..................Fremont...................... FB/LB 14 Randall Shumpert..............Skyline........................ RB/LB 21 George Roberson...............San Leandro............... RB/DB 22 T.J. Ner...............................Tennyson.................... FB/LB 25 Alvictor Bradford.................San Leandro............... RB/DB 30 Edgar Castaneda...............Alameda..................... K 31 Earl Harris..........................Oakland...................... LB/DB 43 Winters Heafey...................Piedmont.................... FB/DL 44 Sione Tupouata..................Fremont...................... TE/DE 50 Marcus Edwards................St. Mary’s................... OL/DL 51 Sinilau Tauteoli...................Fremont...................... OL/LB 52 Patrick Custodio.................San Lorenzo............... OL/DL 53 Julian Kamlley....................James Logan.............. OL/DL 54 Mister Simmons.................James Logan.............. OL/DL 55 William Fukofuka................San Lorenzo............... OL/DL 56 Jesse Mercado...................Encinal........................ OL/DL 70 D.J. Ingalls.........................Arroyo......................... OL/DL 74 Jacob Mehalas...................Hayward..................... OL/DL 78 Alex Beglinger....................Bishop O’Dowd........... OL/DL

June 24, 2010

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GOING NATIONAL

Three more Diablo Valley club boys teams will be competing at junior nationals. Here’s a look at each of their rosters. Diablo 18 Black (Club division) — Dylan Blackstone, Zack Dashner, Trevor Fast, Kit Karutz, Jason Lee, DJ Regan, Tyler Reyes, Scott Standring, Cole Stites-Clayton, Kyle Wu. Coaches: Brian Fujinaga, Kevin Fujinaga. Diablo 16 Black (Club division) — Gabe Domecus, Trevor Felix, Minh Ho, Nelson Fisher, William Henrikson, Alex Kalustian, Dan Kennedy, Bryan Lee, Alex Miramontez, Adam Vignaroli. Coaches: Sean Stratton, Gared Luquet.

best of the best try out

Diablo 14 Black (Open division) — Stevie Blard, Jorel Celestial, Julian Egoian, Ryan First, Connor French, Daniel Inouye, Peter Jones, Brecon Richards, Jonathan Santos, Michael Strandring. Coaches: Jessica Moore, Bryan Mall. For more information or tryout dates for Diablo Valley Volleyball Club, you can reach club president Sean Stratton at SeanStratton@sbcglobal.net or call 925-451-6581. Eight different members of the Cobra Kai 17s were first-team all-league selections during the high school season. Bay Counties Leauge-East: Carrillo*, Rajapuram Bay Shore Athletic League: Peretto Bay Valley Athletic League: Agopian*, Higgs (BVAL) Diablo Valley Athletic League: Carrillo*, D’Angina (DVAL). East Bay Athletic League: Dan Cleland*, Byrne (EBAL) *League MVP.

Cobra Kai setter Dan Cleland (right), a senior at Amador Valley High, is one half of a twin-brother duo for Diablo Valley. His brother Mark plays a utility role for the club team. Bob Larson/photo; Mike DeCicco/photo illustration

Mercy is for the

weak

Intensity and passion fuel the aptly-named Cobra Kai 17U volleyball team. By mitch stephens | Contributor

It was four days before a Southern California Volleyball Association tournament in Anaheim, the last big warm-up heading into next month’s junior nationals and Diablo Valley 17 boys volleyball coach Steve Siegmann was on edge. He clearly didn’t appreciate his team’s lackadaisical and non-defensive play during a 2½-hour practice at Foothill Middle School in Walnut Creek. He brought a sloppy scrimmage to a screeching halt. “What’s going on?” he yelled. “Is this how we’re going to come out and play Friday? I sure hope not.” Fast starts and relentless strikes have been the thrust of Siegmann’s philosophy since taking over this group of 11 high school all-stars in August. Strike first. Strike hard. No mercy.

It’s the team’s motto, after all. It’s why Siegmann tagged the team Cobra Kai, the fictitious bad-boy dojo bunch from the often mocked, yet undeniably beloved and recently resurrected “Karate Kid” flick series. Though Siegmann recites many of the lines from the movie tongue-in-cheek, he does, in principle, want his players to buy into an aggressive, never-let-up mindset on the court. On this day, his boys weren’t spending nearly enough and Siegmann appeared to be channeling original Cobra Kai instructor John Kreese himself. “Move low and stay down!” he kept preaching. “How many times do I have to say it?” Pleading for defense is nothing new for Siegmann, a former Northgate High School and Los Medanos

College volleyball standout. The 31-year-old has coached both genders at the high school and club volleyball scene for more than 10 seasons, including stints at Northgate (boys), Clayton Valley (girls), Antioch (girls), Campolindo (boys) and the last two seasons at Acalanes (girls). He’s coached at Diablo Valley Volleyball Club, which was founded 16 years ago, since 2003. Getting boys to fully commit on the defensive end is a tall order. “For the girls, it’s all about defense and ball control,” Siegmann said. “For the boys, it’s all about the power.” And the current Cobra Kai squad has more firepower than any he has ever coached. The same core group had trouble matching up against taller and more offensive-minded squads in previous seasons at younger age-groups. But with the addition to start the season of Jason Agopian (Deer Valley) and Mitchell D’Angina (Clayton Valley), a pair of 6-foot-6 hitters, joining already potent 6-3 threats Ricky Carrillo (Berean Christian) and Peter Edwards (De La Salle), along with 6-5 middle Brendan Byrne (De La Salle), Cobra Kai strikes quite hard – first, last and in between. As they suddenly showed at practice. The chiseled Edwards crushed a Dan Cleland set straight to the floor. “Way to attack that ball!” Siegmann yelled. Agopian, with shaggy hair flopping, went way up but miss-timed a high set. Hanging high for seemingly an eternity, the athletic Agopian still managed to put a kill to the floor without a touch. “That’s it,” Siegmann said. “Get a quality swing every time!” On the next sequence, Agopian got a good swing, but Byrne sent it back with a big block-winner, drawing “ooohs “and “ahhhs.” “No better feeling in sport than that,” Byrne said later. Said Siegmann: “We’ve usually not had the size to compete with the big teams in LA or junior nationals. We’ve got that now. We’ve got that and the ball control and the blocking. That’s why we are where we are.”

Austin bound That’s why the Cobra Kai qualified as one of the top 36 squads nationally to play in the Junior Nationals Open Division July 6-9 in Austin, Texas. The team qualified during a good showing in February in Wisconsin. They feature seven players who were recently voted first-team, All-League during the high school spring season, including Agopian, Dan Cleland and Carrillo, all picked as league MVPs. Though the hitters and setters Cleland 20

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Bob Larson

Deer Valley senior Jason Agopian is a 6-foot-6 outside hitter for Cobra Kai. He gave up a promising football career to focus strictly on volleyball. and Michael Doherty have hands in most of the points, the team’s MVP could be unsung and physically-unimposing libero Matthew Peretto, a 5-7 incoming junior at St. Patrick-St. Vincent in Vallejo. “He’s one of the best defensive players I’ve ever seen,” Siegmann said. “Opposing coaches always make a point to single him out to me after matches.” Beyond the team’s versatility and skills, its camaraderie and cohesion stand out, Siegmann said. Despite the seven different high schools the players claim loyalty to, when the players get together it’s similar to a family reunion. “Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever had a team get along so well,” Siegmann said. “There have been absolutely no conflicts, no drama. Not about personalities. Not about playing time. They just get along, support and cheer for one another.” The bond may be tighter because boys volleyball is such a tight fraternity. Gender equity is clearly reversed in this sport as there are 311 women’s Division I college programs compared to just 22 for men. At the Division II level, the numbers are also staggeringly one-sided: women 269, men 15. “It makes it tough because I’d really want to play volleyball in college,” Agopian said. “There aren’t many scholarships for boys to go around.” Though he’s getting Division I looks, Agopian probably had a better chance scoring a football scholarship. He starred as a youth and through his freshman season at Deer Valley. But in the ninth grade he was introduced to volleyball and left the gridiron high and dry. “It was either hit your head (in football) or hit the ball (in volleyball),” Agopian said. “I much preferred hitting the ball.” Byrne was also a late-bloomer, spending much of his youth playing basketball. His

mom Linda, who played collegiate volleyball at Santa Clara, finally swayed her son when he reached the eighth grade. He played his first full season as a freshman at De La Salle. A fast learner, he’s getting Division I interest. “There are so many things to learn about the game,” Byrne said. “I’m just now feeling fully comfortable on the court.” With his dad a former player and coach, Edwards grew up around the game and is extremely skilled beyond being physically gifted. With two more high school seasons ahead, he likely will be Cobra Kai’s most recruited player. “The high school season is good, but we’re much closer on this team,” Edwards said. “This team is definitely like a family. We all share a love for the game and really want to be playing.” Indeed, the club scene is much more volleyball sophisticated than at school, where Cobra Kai team members often get inundated with the same absurd inquiries from students. “They’ll ask, ‘do you guys wear spandex like the girls?’ “ Edwards said while rolling his eyes. Said Byrne: “Or they’ll ask, ‘so what’s your vertical (jump)?’ like jumping high is the only thing you need to do to be good at volleyball. Get real.” Said Agopian: “I get guys asking me if they go out for the volleyball team is it easier to go out with volleyball chicks? I’m like, ‘are you kidding?’ ”

Side outs Siegmann wasn’t kidding when he said this is one of the most enjoyable teams that he’s ever coached. Putting down his John Kreese guard for a moment, here are comments he made about each of his Cobra Kai players: Agopian: “He’s got the most personality

on the team. He keeps things fun and loose. On the court, there’s no one who has improved more since August. He played only the middle for his high school team, but for us he’s picked up every skill imaginable.” Byrne: “He’s another kid with a great personality and someone who has improved a ton since last year. We’d stick him just in the front row, but he’s worked really hard to be a more complete player.” Carrillo: “There’s no one who did more for his high school team. He took a lot of swings for us as 16s. He and Peter Edwards really carried us offensively then. With extra firepower he can relax and show off all his other skills.” Dan Cleland: “He’s got great footwork and has a lot of power behind his push. Solid hands. When he gives his brain a break and doesn’t think too much he’s fantastic. Personality wise, he’s a real quiet kid who leads by example. ” Mark Cleland: “He’s definitely got more personality than his twin. He’s your traditional utility man. He came play some libero, so outside, some defensive specialist. You can put him anywhere and he doesn’t care where as long as he’s contributing. That makes him very important.” D’Angina: “When he showed up in August he had the least experience. He’s really worked at picking things up and spent the season improving himself immensely. He’s got a lot more confident and a lot more consistent. He’s still a fine work in progress.” Doherty: “He could have played 16s, but chose to move up and it’s been to our advantage. He’s split time between setter and defensive specialist. He’s a great server with a lot of ability. I’m tough on setters but he’s hung tough.” Edwards: “He’s a big-time and very physical player. He really hits it hard. He and Ricky carried us offensively as 16s. With the extra firepower he can focus more on serve receive. He’s a very, very smart player.” Taylor Higgs: “Consistency is his strong suit. He’s not overpowering but his serving is superb. His floater is nice and flat.” Peretto: “He’s one of the best defensive players I’ve seen. He just sees the court so well. He anticipates. He’s our main servereceive player. Every match we play, the opposing coach always has something positive to say about Matthew. He’s truly outstanding.” Nikhil Rajapuram: “Nikhil displays great leadership. He’s very vocal. He make sure we stay intense. He may have the best work ethic on the squad. They all have good ones but Nikhil gives 100 percent all the time. On the good, he’s equally strong offensively and defensively. He’s improved vastly on defense and passing.”

Contact Mitch at mstephens@ SportStarsMag.com

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Aim to fit the M.O.L.D.

oung athletes need to know the “why”, “what” and “how” when being taught skills. Coaches and trainers must understand the universal laws of development that govern all human growth and how to apply them when developing training programs for young athletes. When working with young athletes, the acronym “M.O.L.D.”, developed by the International Youth Conditioning Association, provides an understanding of what specifically are the musts of training young athletes. The ‘M’ stands for Movement Must Dominate. Kids and teenagers don’t belong sitting on strength training machines producing force. And they certainly have no business performing “cardio” on pieces of machinery, either. Young athletes’ bodies are governed by the central nervous system to explore movements, environments and situations. This should be honored and respected, and must be enhanced within the training system for each athlete. Training programs for young athletes should involve moving and producing force through an unregulated and multi-directional manner, such as running, jumping, throwing, kicking, hopping, skipping, etc. The second letter, “O”, stands for Open to Communication Variances. With coaching, one size does not fit all. Just like physical ability, size, relative strength and potential, the way a young athlete needs to be communicated with is specific to that child or teen. In 15 years of coaching experience, IYCA founder and CEO Brian Grasso has found that every one of his young athletes fits somewhere into the following categories — and each required a different communication strategy. ■ High motivation/High skill — coach must delegate. ■ High motivation/Low skill — coach must guide. ■ Low motivation/High skill —coach must inspire. ■ Low motivation/Low skill — coach must direct. “L” brings us to Learning. Young athletes learn in different ways and speeds. Explain what the exercise is and its components. Demonstrate it. Explain it again. Then ask the athlete to explain and recite the components. This dramatically accelerates the learning process. It also provides young athletes with a divergent way of instruction, enabling them to learn in a manner that best suits each individual. Finally, there’s “D” — Don’t train, teach. A trainer or coach’s job is to enhance a young athlete’s skill. When quality skill exists, it can be built upon to introduce and produce even more skills. Even though the focus isn’t on enhancing bio-motors, it doesn’t mean they won’t improve. Human growth and development has seen to it that kids will develop speed, strength, agility and flexibility as a result of skill-based training.

Training Time Tim Rudd

Tim Rudd is the owner of Fit 2 The Core Training Systems located in Concord. You can contact Tim with questions or feedback at tim@fit2thecore.com.

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June 24, 2010

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swingingSUMMER Leisure time takes a backseat for the athletes of the NCPGA Youth Tour By Erik stordahl | Contributor For many kids, the first day of summer break probably went something like this: Noon: Rise and shine! 1 p.m.: Take a dip in the pool 2:30 p.m.: Break time! Cool down with some popsicles 4:00 p.m.: Catch a matinee showing of Iron Man 2. 6:00 p.m.: Return home. Figure out how to set the air conditioner. 9:00 p.m.: Waste some bad dudes on Xbox while talking some serious cybertrash Midnight: Go to bed, resting up for at least 60 more days of the same, with slight variations. The three-month educational hiatus can be a time littered with complacency, laziness and occasional boredom. It’s when opportunities often take a backseat to other personal, listless endeavors. Yet on June 14, 66 kids began their first day of summer by arriving to a golf course at 7:30 in the morning. Huh? Contra Costa Country Club in Pleasant Hill hosted the first stop in the summer portion of the Northern California PGA Junior Tour. This meant that the swimming pool was going to have to wait for local golfers Cody Blick, Nick Mazzoni, Lauren Contreras and Evelyn Chang. The junior tour, which remains fairly unknown unless one is truly plugged into the local golfing scene, features a five-tournament Summer Circuit that includes courses in Northern California and Nevada. Just like any legitimate golf tour, there are rankings and point standings. The top golfers at the end of the Circuit are invited to the iTour (Ignite)/eTour (Elite) Championship at Pasatiempo Golf Club in Santa Cruz. “The NCPGA is one of 41 sections in the United States,” explains Gary Xavier, Junior Golf Tournament Director of the NCPGA. “We created a youth sports organization that breaks down players into two categories: Elite and Ignite. Ignite is for boys and girls 11 and under. The Elite is for boys and girls 12-18.” Not just anybody can sign up for these tournaments, either. “If they’re going to be an Elite player they have to 22

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June 24, 2010

Butch Noble

San Ramon Valley senior Nick Mazzoni follows through on a drive during the second and final round of play at the NCPGA Summer Circuit I Tournament on June 15 at Contra Costa Country Club. Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsMag.com

“I pretty much work from 9-12 in the mornings, Then we have practice from 4-5. On days when we don’t have practice, I’ll play nine holes (at the course).” Nick Mazzoni have a 20 index (handicap) or better,” says Xavier. “The younger kids have to have an index of 40.” A handicap determines a player’s average score over par. Example: Par for most courses is 72. If one’s average score is 150, then the corresponding handicap would be an unspeakable 78. That won’t earn anybody an entry into a NCPGA tournament. But if you think these kids’ handicaps hover right around that 20 mark, guess again. Here’s a list of some the players’ handicaps: Blick: 1.2 Mazzoni: 4.2 Contreras: 7 Chang: 11 Because of the strict handicap qualifier, the NCPGA is able to host the cream of the crop at every tournament. What makes these players so good? It starts with the fact that these kids are consumed by golf. They’ll play anytime, anywhere, and in any weather. “I’ve played when it was hailing before,” says Chang, a soon-to-be senior at Dougherty Valley High. It’s all a means to an end for these kids, who hope to continue golfing at the next level. Playing on the junior tour increases exposure and helps improve that opportunity. Already recognized as an elite program, the NCPGA Junior Tour is close to receiving AJGA (American Junior Golf Association) status. On July 19-20 the AJGA will be attending the NCPGA Summer Circuit IV Championship at Round Hill Country Club in Alamo. “This will be an event that will be inspected by the AJGA,” says Xavier. “(It gives) our tour players (a chance) to receive exemption opportunities into their events, which are national-level events.” While Chang could take comfort that there wasn’t any hail, the Summer Circuit I Championship in Pleasant Hill didn’t come free of weather issues. The second day of the 36-hole tournament featured high winds. “The wind was gusting today,” said Blick, a junior at San Ramon Valley. “So it’s just whoever can play the best in these conditions (will win).” Mazzoni echoed the sentiment.

“(The wind) was moving the ball all over the place,” the San Ramon Valley senior said. “It definitely made it a lot tougher.” Heavy winds greatly enhance the difficulty of performing well on already tricky courses. It’s similar to a football team playing on a muddy field or running a marathon in sweltering summer heat. Think your ball will safely land on the fairway? Guess again. A few feet from the cup? No. Try the rough or the sand trap. And that’s what makes golf so intriguing — err, frustrating: Mother Nature can sometimes be your biggest (and only) opponent. Contreras, a senior at Las Lomas, knew she couldn’t use weather as an excuse. “(Contra Costa Country Club) is my home course,” Contreras said. “I need to do a little better.” Contreras shouldn’t feel like she wasted an opportunity, though. She placed second in the eTour Girls 15-18 division — even improving her score by two strokes on the second day, despite the windy conditions. In addition to battling wind, the players had to battle a little rust as well. It may been the first days of summer, but their lives were dominated by finals week just a few days prior. There’s no time to think about strategizing for the golf tourney when you’ve got Pythagoras and his golden ratio or the Periodic Table of Elements breathing down your neck. “Finals week was last week,” chimes in Blick. “So I didn’t get to play as much as I wanted to.” Spending a week away from golf for these players can have a direct effect on their games. It takes time to regain your swing, chipping and putting – basic motor skills for any golfer. The secret to success on the course is through repetition. Well, it’s not that big of a secret. Regardless of the sport, practice is often paramount. Golfers are downright meticulous in their approach whether it’s how many practice swings they attempt, or simply how they remove a club from their bag. One thing is certain: they never deviate from their routine. A week without habit and routine slims the chances of winning or performing at optimum level. For soon-to-be seniors like Chang, there’s even more to think about.

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June 24, 2010

SportStars™

Butch Noble

Dougherty Valley senior Evelyn Chang, left, sits in fourth place in the NCPGA eTour rankings for the 15-18 girls division. Cody Blick (San Ramon Valley) ranks 15th in the eTour 16-18 boys division.

NCPGA Youth Tour Summer Circuit Want to catch the rising golfers in action? Following is a list of the five remaining tournaments on the Summer Circuit schedule. Other info, including point standings for each age group, can be found at ncpgajuniortour.com. June 29-30

Summer Circuit II

Palo Alto Hills Golf & Country Club (Palo Alto)

July 12-13

Summer Circuit III

Brookside Country Club (Stockton)

July 19-20

Summer Circuit IV

Round Hill Golf & Country Club (Alamo)

Aug. 9-10

Summer Circuit V

The Resort at Red Hawk (Sparks, NV)

Aug. 16-17

Tour Championship Pasatiempo Golf Club (Santa Cruz)

“I have to work over the summer,” remarked Chang.. “I’m starting college applications, also.” Added responsibilities and time management make for quite the juggling act, yet Mazzoni has figured out a way to make it work. His job just happens to be at a local golf course. “I pretty much work from 9-12 in the mornings,” says Mazzoni. “Then we have practice from 4-5. On days when we don’t have practice, I’ll play nine holes (at the course).” Regardless of shifting priorities, when it comes to their time on the course, these players have very clear goals. “I just want to get back into competition,” explains Blick. “Maybe win a few tournaments.” Blick finished the Summer Circuit I Tournament in seventh place after shooting a combined 16-over par across 24

SportStars™

June 24, 2010

the two days. He finished eight strokes behind winner Kyle Harman of Manteca. Mazzoni came in fifth, just one stroke back of sharing in a tie for third place. He shot a 9-over 157 over the two-day event. Mazzoni has every intention to enter each of the other four Summer Circuit tournaments, beginning with the Summer Circuit II Championship on June 29-30 at Palo Alto Hills Golf and Country Club in Palo Alto. “I’m not signed up for them yet,” Mazzoni said. “But I should be playing in most of them.” It may mean a few less movies and a few less popsicles, but he’s OK with that. Erik is the author of the blog www.BayArea Sports360.com. Contact him at estordahl@ SportStarsMag.com. Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsMag.com

Don’t fear strength, conditioning

iguel, a 10-year-old little league baseball player, is awestruck by watching his favorite major league player, Albert Pujols, hit yet another home run. He hears from friends that Pujols engages in a strict strength and conditioning program. Consequently, Miguel requests that his parents allow him to start strength training so as to improve his baseball performance. His parents vehemently refuse to allow him to participate in strength exercises for fear that he may injure himself. Believe it or not this same mindset still exists among the public in these United States, although many health professionals have embraced the concept of strength training in youths. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) endorses strength training for adolescents. The main concerns and arguments regarding strength training in youths have historically been two-fold. First, there has been a fear of injury, especially around growth plates. Secondly, parents and coaches have asserted that younger athletes (prior to puberty) do not acquire many gains from strength training. Mounting evidence disputes the arguments and concerns above. Many authors have reported that young athletes do not suffer from a high number of growth plate injuries, as long as established guidelines are followed. Additionally, pre-pubescent athletes may achieve just as much relative strength gains as adolescents. Strength training offers other benefits for youth athletes. These include improved motor performance, injury protection, structural adaptations (including increased bone density), improved health and metabolic functions, and improved physical appearance. When designing strength training programs for youths, some general guidelines should be followed: ■ The child has medical clearance to participate in a strength program. ■ Competent and qualified professionals should oversee training sessions. ■ Adequate hydration should be ensured prior to, during, and after workouts ■ The exercise environment should be safe and appropriate for youths ■ Perform a warm-up and cool-down during the exercise session ■ Pay particular attention to youth responses to exercise ■ Progress resistance gradually as strength improves Now here is an example of a basic strength-training program: Triceps: standing barbell triceps extension Biceps: standing dumbbell curl Forearm muscles: reverse wrist curl Front shoulder: dumbbell front raise Rear shoulder: bent over dumbbell row Upper back: upright row Lower back: straight-leg dead lift Buttocks: dumbbell lunge Abdominals: bent-knee sit-ups Hamstrings/quadriceps: barbell squats Shins: toe raises Calves: barbell heel raise. Do 1-3 sets of 6-12 repetitions for adolescents (20-25 repetitions for prepubescents), every third day; increase the weight by about 5% whenever you can complete twelve repetitions.

Health Watch David Arakawa

David Arakawa is a senior physical therapist with the Sports Medicine Center for Youth Athletes. If you have questions about this column, or have a health concern you’d like addressed, contact David and his staff at health@ SportStarsMag.com. Support Your Local Business • Say You Found Them In SportStars™

twenty-four7 June 01 - 30 Concord Fitness — Fitness Classes At Diablo Rock Gym. Info: 925-602-1000, www.touchstoneclimbing.com. June 01 - 30 Concord Fitness —Intro To ClimbingWalk-in registration daily at Diablo Rock Gym. Recommended for ages 14U. Free/members; $25/nonmembers. 925-602-1000, www. touchstoneclimbing.com. June 01 - 30 Walnut Creek Fitness —TeenFit Certification Ongoing at Renaissance ClubSport. For teens ages 1217, this complimentary one-hour fitness orientation provides basic instruction on proper use of fitness equipment and common gym etiquette. This ensures a positive experience and the freedom to use the fitness center during non-primetime hours without parental supervision. Encourage your teen to make fitness a part of their routine by scheduling a TeenFit Certification at the Fitness Desk. Visit the Activities Desk or call 925-9388700. June 01 - 30 Walnut Creek Fitness —TeenFit CertificationTeens. 13U receive instruction on how to use the fitness center equipment safely and responsibly, at ClubSport Valley Vista. After receiving certification, your teenager can work out in the fitness center, during non prime-time hours, without a parent or guardian. Certification sessions are approximately 1-hour. Schedule at the Front Desk. 925-934-4050, www.clubsports.com.

follow us on facebook! recreational summer swim team for swimmers of all abilities, ages 4-18, at ClubSport Valley Vista. Emphasis is on team spirit, having fun, personal achievement and family-friendly activities. Cudas, a program for water safe swimers ages 4U, prepares students to participate on VVST. Info.: Front Desk, 925934-4050, www.clubsports.com. June 01 - 30 Walnut Creek Tennis — Drop-In Tennis Clinic. 3:30-5 p.m. Sat. at the Tennis Courts at ClubSport Valley Vista. Info: Front Desk, 925-934-4050, www.clubsports.com. June 01 - 30 Walnut Creek Tennis —Junior Sunday League. 5-6:30 p.m. Sun. at the Tennis Courts at ClubSport Valley Vista. Info: Front Desk, 925-934-4050, www.clubsports.com. June 01 - 30 Walnut Creek Tennis — Junior Tennis College. 4-5:30 p.m. weekdays, at ClubSport Valley Vista. Gold: Middle School advanced and High School intermediate; Platinum: High School advanced student. A month-to-month program for elementary through high school tennis enthusiasts.

June 01 - 30 Walnut Creek Swim —Teen I Swimming. Ongoing. Ages 14U, at Renaissance ClubSport. Older teens that need assistance in stroke technique will benefit from the class. Only available upon request. Packages consist of four 30-minute sessions. There will be a maximum of four swimmers in group sessions unless otherwise noted. Fees due at sign-up. $60, members; $90, guests. Visit the Activities Desk or call 925-938-8700. June 01 - 30 Walnut Creek Swim —Valley Vista Swim Team. Valley Vista Swim Team, is a

Focus on developing and improving existing skill sets and includes weekly lesson plans. Classes are based on age and skill level. 925-934-4050, www. clubsports.com. June 01 - 30 Walnut Creek Tennis — Junior Tennis College 9-10 a.m. Fri. at the Tennis Courts at ClubSport Valley Vista. Info: Front Desk, 925-934-4050, www.clubsports.com. June 01 - 30 Walnut Creek Tennis —Tennis 101. 9-10 a.m. Tues. at the Tennis Courts at ClubSport Valley Vista. Info: Front Desk, 925-934-4050, www. clubsports.com. June 06/01 - 12/31 Berkeley Golf — JUNIOR ACADEMY. Ages 5U at Tilden Park Golf Course. $159/two hours per week (Core Program); $99/ one hour per week (Try-Out Program. 510-848-7373, doi@tildenparkgc.com; www. thegolflearningcenters.com/ tildenpark. June 06/16 - 06/30 Antioch Recreation — Races In Sport Pool. 5 p.m. Wed. at Antioch WaterPark. Info: 925-776-3070, www.ci.antioch.ca.us.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 4 9 a.m.-3 p.m. For kids ages 7-14!

Cars are provided! ce! No fee to ra 29 u A y g. Register b hirt, Get free T-s ! es c run two ra

LIMITED TO FIRST 250 CONFIRMED RACERS! Pre-registration required to race, get T-shirt & be eligible for trophy. More information: Doug LaVenture (925) 673-5337, (510) 816-4221, dlav42@yahoo.com.

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twenty-four7 June 06/21 - 07/01 Walnut Creek Volleyball — Summer Volleyball Camp. For boys and girls entering grades 4-12. At Northgate High School. $125 per session. 925-933-0554, coachchangaris@sbcglobal.net. June 06/28 - 07/02 Concord Swim — Guard Start Junior Lifeguard. If you don’t know ... GO! Course No. 85193, ages 11-14, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily at Concord Community Pool. Offered by City of Concord. $140 residents/$145 nonresidents. Info: 10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. weekdays, 925-671-3404, www. cityofconcord.org. Registration: www.concordreg.org; by fax or in person drop-off sites available. June 27 Walnut Creek Cycling — Sunday Mountain Bike Group Rides. Meet in front of Sports Basement for a 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ride. All levels welcome. Info: dhuynh@sportsbasement. com., www.sportsbasement.com. June 25 Walnut Creek Community Event — GPS Trivia Night. “It’s in the Lyrics,” Song Trivia, 6-9 p.m., beginning at Sports Basement. Walk about 2 miles. GPS Trivia Hunt; pizza, drinks, raffle prizes; shopping. $18/person; $15/ person with a group of 6 or more. RSVP: 925-482-5705, info@ moderndaytreasurehunters.com; www.moderndaytreasurehunters. com. June 26 Antioch Soccer — Delta Youth Soccer League. Girls Draft Coaches will be notified by director for time and place. Info: 925-439-4396. June 26 Concord Martial arts — Concord Kung Fu Academy events. Seminar by Sifu Evelina Lengyel. Fees and registration: 925-672-9800, www. concordkungfu.com.

June 26 - 27 Oakland Hockey Roy— Sommer Hockey SchoolYouth. Classes, 10:45 a.m.-2 p.m.Sat.; 10:15 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sun., for ages 7-14. With Roy Sommer – Head Coach of the Worcester Sharks. $75. Emily Teachout, hockey manager, 510268-9000, Ext. 108, eteachout@ sharksice.com; www.oaklandice. com. June 27 Antioch SoccerDelta Youth Soccer League — Boys Draft. Coaches will be notified by director for time and place. Info: 925-439-4396. June 28 - 30 Concord Baseball — Mike Murphy Baseball Hitting Clinic. 9 a.m.-noon daily at Mike Murphy Baseball Facility. For ages 8-13; participants will be divided by their age groups. Learn the basics. $179/player. Registration: 925-798-4487, http://mikemurphybaseball.com. June 28 - 30 Lafayette Football — Acalanes Football Don’s Camp. 1-4 p.m. daily at Acalanes High School. For boys entering grades 3-8. $125. 925-280-3970, mivankovick@acalanes.k12. ca.us. June 29 AntiochCommunity Event — 1st annual Membership Appreciation Party/Open House. 5-9 p.m. at Trucks Training. Food, drinks, door prizes, sport and fitness demos classes, vendors, and more. 925-7567321, email gmantioch@ truckstraining.com; www. truckstraining.com. June 29 Lafayette Fitness — The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training. Information Meeting 6:30 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Building. Learn from coaches, mentors and teammates who train participants in running, walking, cycling and triathlon to help fight

full calendar listings at www.SportStarsmag.com cancer. 800-482-8326; www. teamintraining.org/mail. July 02 Concord Swim Stroke & Racing Skills Clinic — Clinic #2: Backstroke & Racing Skills. Ages 9-18, 6-7:15 p.m. at Concord Community Pool. Offered by Terrapins Swim Team. $25/one clinic; $80/all four clinics. Info. and registration: www.terrapinswim.com. July 02 - 30 Concord Martial arts— Taekwondo and Kenpo. Course No. 86153, ages 14+, 6:45-7:30 p.m. Mon., Wed., Fri., at Baldwin Park Dance Studio. Offered by City of Concord. $85 residents/$90 nonresidents. Info: 10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. weekdays, 925-671-3404, www. cityofconcord.org. Registration: www.concordreg.org; by fax or in person drop-off sites available. July 02 - 30 Concord Martial arts — Taekwondo and KenpoYouth-Beginning. Course No. 86147, ages 5-13, 6-6:45 p.m. Mon., Wed., Fri., at Baldwin Park Dance Studio. Offered by City of Concord. $85 residents/$90 nonresidents. Info: 10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. weekdays, 925-6713404, www.cityofconcord.org. Registration: www.concordreg. org; by fax or in person drop-off sites available. July 02 - 30 Concord Martial artsTaekwondo and KenpoYouth-Intermediate — Course No. 86150, ages 5-13, 6:457:15 p.m. Fri., Mon., Wed., at Baldwin Park Dance Studio. Offered by City of Concord. $85 residents/$90 nonresidents. Info: 10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. weekdays, 925-671-3404, www. cityofconcord.org. Registration: www.concordreg.org; by fax or in person drop-off sites available. July 03 - 10 Concord Basketball — Basketball Camp.

Course No. 84902, boys; Course No. 94903, girls. Offered by City of Concord. $540 residents; $570 nonresidents. Info: 10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. weekdays, 925671-3404, www.campconcord. org. Registration: www. concordreg.org. July 03 - 10 S. Lake Tahoe Basketball — Basketball Camp. One-week session only campers entering grades 3-8. 925-6712267, www.campconcord.org. July 03 - 10 South Lake Tahoe Basketball — SportStrong Youth Sports Foundation’s 2010 Basketball Skills Camp For boys and girls entering grades 3-8. At Camp Concord in South Lake Tahoe. Basketball, rafting, swimmingnoeing and more. Registration and info: 925-6713273, www.campconcord.org. About SportStrong: Dave See, 925-330-5316, sees4@comcast. net; www.sportstrong.com. July 04 Clayton Fundraiser — 4th of July Pancake Breakfast. 7-10 a.m. at Endeavor Hall. Clayton Valley Sunrise Rotary Club’s annual event benefits local charities. $5 adults; $3 children. Visit www.claytonvalleyrotary.org. July 05 Antioch Fitness — BIGGEST WINNER. Enter now to win $2,500, at Trucks Training. Teams of five enter to lose the most weight in six weeks. 925756-7321, email gmantioch@ truckstraining.com; www. truckstraining.com. July 05 - 09 Antioch Football — 2010 Summer Mega Camps for Kids 9 a.m.-noon daily. Flag Football at Dozier Libbey High School. Ages 4-17. $125. Contact Casey, 510-282-4986sey_c@ alloutsportsleague.com. Online registration: www. alloutsportsleague.com.

DeLong Shots Dave DeLong is the Director of Instruction at Boundary Oak Golf Course in Walnut Creek. He has been teaching, coaching and instructing for nearly 15 years. Tip of the week: For low chip, high pitches and even sand shots, do what the pros do by keeping your weight 60 percent on the left side (for right handed golfers) and moving the ball forward in the stance or back to hit the ball high or low. Never shift your weight during the swing. DIVOTS ■ NCPGA E/Tour and I/Tour Summer Circuit 2 June 29-30 Palo Alto Hills ■ NCGA Junior Tour July 21 -22 Poppy Ridge Livermore CA Contact Dave at ddelongolf@aol.com July 05 - 09 Antioch Volleyball — 2010 Summer Mega Camps for Kids 9 a.m.noon daily. Volleyball ball at Dozier Libbey High School. Ages 4-17. $125. Contact Casey, 510-282-4986sey_c@ alloutsportsleague.com. Online registration: www. alloutsportsleague.com. July 05 - 09 BerkeleyGolf — Nike Golf Junior Camps. Coed camps at Tilden Park Golf Course. Half day camps for ages 7-15. $275/first camp; $209/ second or third camp. Full day camps for ages 9-15. $499/ first camp; $374/second or third camp. Schedules, details, registration: 1-800-NIKE-CAMP, www.ussportscamps.com. July 05 - 09 Concord Basketball — Excel In Basketball Session 4 Day Camp. For grades 4-9 at De La Salle High School. $165. 925-7986502, www.excelinbasketball. com; excelcamp@gmail.com. July 05 - 09 Concord Swim — Guard Start Junior Lifeguard. Sand Surf and Saves. Course No. 85194, ages 11-14, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily at Concord Community Pool. Offered by City of Concord. $140 residents/$145 nonresidents. Info: 10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. weekdays, 925-6713404, www.cityofconcord.org. Registration: www.concordreg. org; by fax or in person drop-off sites available. July 05 - 09 Moraga Baseball — Saint Mary’s College Youth Summer Baseball Day Camp. 9 a.m.-noon, 1:30-5 p.m., or 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $200-$450; group

SportStars™

June 24, 2010

discounts available. Info: 925631-4637, lral@stmarys-ca.edu. Registration: www.smcgaels. com. July 05 - 09 Newark Basketball — Golden State Warriors Warriors Basketball Camp. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. the daily at Silliman Activity Center. For boys and girls ages 7-15. 510-986-5310, www.warriors.com. July 05 - 09 Richmond Soccer — Red & Black Soccer Camp. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays. For grades 4-8. Salesian High School’s sports facilities. $100 per week. Chad Nightingale, coordinator, 510-234-4433, Ext. 1015, cnightingale@salesian. com; www.salesian.com. July 05 - 11 Brentwood Golf — 2010 PGA-Sponsored Junior Promotions at B.A.Y. Golf. Take your daughter to the course week. 925-516-2837Online registration: www. golfinbrentwood.com. July 05 - 15 Concord Swim — Diving. For those who have completed Elementary Level III. Ages 6-14. Course No. 85174, beginner, 10:25-10:55 a.m.; No. 85179, beginner, 11-11:30 a.m.; No. 85184, intermediate, 11:35 a.m.-12:05 p.m. All Mon.-Thur. at Concord Community Pool. Offered by City of Concord. $64 residents/$69 nonresidents. Prerequisites apply. Info: 10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. weekdays, 925-671-3404, www. cityofconcord.org. Registration: www.concordreg.org; by fax or in person drop-off sites available.

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twenty-four7 July 06 - 15 Walnut Creek Volleyball — Summer Volleyball Camp. For boys and girls entering grades 4-12. At Northgate High School. $125 per session. 925-933-0554, coachchangaris@sbcglobal.net. July 06 - 22 Clayton Soccer — Soccer Camp for 3rd-8th Graders. 6:30-8 p.m. Tues./Thur. for 3rd-8th graders at Diablo View Middle School’s soccer field by the gym. Led by Felicia Fernandez. $65, includes soccer ball, snacks, certificates, and field rental. There will be a short inspirational talk each evening.

Players will be invited to a Family Picnic on July 31 at Clayton Valley Pumpkin Farm. Sponsored by Clayton Community Church Youth Ministry. See also Photo Camps and Dance Camps at www.claytoncc.com; click on calendar for July. 925-673-9060. July 06 - 29 Concord Martial arts — Kenpo-Kajukenbo Karate-Adults. Course No. 86120, ages 14+, 7-8:30 p.m. Tues. and Thur. at Willow Pass Community Center. Offered by City of Concord. $59 residents/$64 nonresidents. Info: 10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m.

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weekdays, 925-671-3404, www. cityofconcord.org. Registration: www.concordreg.org; by fax or in person drop-off sites available. July 06 - 29 Concord Martial arts — Kenpo-Kajukenbo Karate-Youth. Course No. 86116, ages 10-13, 6-7 p.m. Tues. and Thur. at Willow Pass Community Center. Offered by City of Concord. $49 residents/$54 nonresidents. Info: 10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. weekdays, 925-6713404, www.cityofconcord.org. Registration: www.concordreg. org; by fax or in person drop-off sites available.July 07 Danville

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July 07 - 28 Antioch Recreation — Races In Sport Poo. l 5 p.m. Wed. at Antioch WaterPark. Info: 925-776-3070, www.ci.antioch. ca.us. July 08 - 11 Moraga Volleyball

— Saint Mary’s College Girls Volleyball. Individual Skills Day Clinic, 12:15-4:30 p.m. Thur., 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Fri./Sat., 9 a.m.noon Sun. Ages 10-18. $280, includes lunch each day. 925631-4386, smccamps@stmarysca.edu; www.smcgaels.com. July 08 - 24 Concord Martial arts — Karate-Shorinji RyuAdults. Course No. 86128, ages 15+, 7:15-8:45 p.m. Thur. and 8-9:30 a.m. Sat., at Centre Concord. Offered by City of Concord. $45 residents/$50 nonresidents. Info: 10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. weekdays, 925-671-

3404, www.cityofconcord.org. Registration: www.concordreg. org; by fax or in person drop-off sites available. July 08 - 24 Concord Martial arts — Karate-Shorinji Ryu-Youth. Course No. 86124, ages 10-14. 6-7 p.m. Thur. and 9:30-10:30 a.m. Sat. at Centre Concord. Offered by City of Concord. $39 residents/$44 nonresidents. Info: 10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. weekdays, 925-671-3404, www. cityofconcord.org. Registration: www.concordreg.org; by fax or in person drop-off sites available.

Consumer word ads: $5, Business: $25. Up to 50 words. Add photo: $15. Frequency discounts: 4-6x 10%, 7-12 20%, 13-24 30%

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Fitness — The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training Information Meeting. 6:30 p.m. at Danville Community Center. Learn from coaches, mentors and teammates who train participants in running, walking, cycling and triathlon to help fight cancer. 800-482-8326; www.teamintraining.org/mail.

twenty-four7

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List your business in the print and online directory, advertise services and sell your new and used sports gear. Print neatly or type and include payment.

E-MAIL: info@SportStarsMag.com.

PHONE: 925.566.8500 (10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday). FAX: 925. 566.8507

MAIL: SportStars Marketplace, 5356 Clayton Rd, Ste 222, Concord, CA 94521 Payment must accompany copy. • Sorry, no refunds on classified ads. Deadline: 15th, 30th of each month. SportStars™ is published twice a month. Consumers: Up to 50 words.....................................................................$5 Businesses: Up to 50 words...................................................................$25

Additional words: 50 cents each...................................................._______ Photo: $15.........................................................................................._______ Minus frequency discount (see chart above)..............................._______ Discount: _____%............................................................................._______ TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED...................................................... $_______ June 24, 2010

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game day June 25 Concord Fundraiser — Road Runner Sports Lap-APalooza 5K for Kids, 4-5 p.m. at The Big C Athletic Club. For ages 17+. A fundraiser for the Sport Specific Conditioning Program. 925-671-7070, www. communityyouthcenter.com. June 26 Martinez Wrestling — DMW & PLA Present LuchAmerica 9. Bell time 7

p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club of Diablo Valley; doors open 6:45 p.m. $8; free for members and military. Proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Diablo Valley. Details: www. DevilMountainWrestling.com. June 29 - 30 Palo Alto Golf — Elite Tour Junior PGA Summer Circuit II Championship. 8 a.m.7:30 p.m daily. For players, ages

www.twitter.com/sportstarsmag 12-18, at Palo Alto Hills Golf and Country Club. Gary Xavier, 707449-4742, gxavier@pgahq.com; www.ncpgajuniortour.com. June 30 Concord Fundraiser — Injury Prevention for Local Young Athletes. Clinic and fundraiser with NFL Pro Linebacker Sam Williams, Oakland Raiders, 6-7 p.m. at Community Youth Center of Concord. Fit 2 the Core

Training Systems through the International Youth Conditioning Association is offering the clinic to educate parents, young athletes and coaches on injury prevention strateies. RSVP, Donnie Schwartz, 925-872-9214, donnie@fit2thecore.com. July 03 Livermore Race — Club Moto Saturday Summer Night Series. 4 p.m. practice with races to follow at Club Moto. $35 first class; $30 second class/ Peewees; $10 gate fee/$5 ages 12-6; ages 5U free. Hotline: 925308-4814; www.clubmoto.com. July 03 Livermore Race — Club Moto Saturday Summer Night Series - Round 2. 4 p.m. practice with races to follow at Club Moto. $35 first class; $30 second class/ Peewees; $10 gate fee/$5 ages 12-6; ages 5U free. Hotline: 925308-4814; www.clubmoto.com. July 04 San Ramon Race — Run San Ramon 5K/10K. 8:30 a.m., San Ramon Park, Alcosta Blvd/Bollinger Canyon Road. Paved loop courses.

$25. Info: 209-795-7832, info@ onyourmarkevents.com; www. onyourmarkevents.com. July 10 Brentwood Baseball — 2nd Annual Father/Child Baseball Skills Event. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at Oak Meadow Park. Parents team up with their sons or daughters, ages 5-14, to compete in pitching, hitting, accuracy, throwing and running. $65. Contact Casey, 510-282-4986sey_c@ alloutsportsleague.com. Online registration: www. alloutsportsleague.com. July 10 Livermore Race — Club Moto Saturday Summer Night Series - Round 3. 4 p.m. practice with races to follow at Club Moto. $35 first class; $30 second class/ Peewees; $10 gate fee/$5 ages 12-6; ages 5U free. Hotline: 925308-4814; www.clubmoto.com. July 10 - 11 San Francisco Race — San Francisco Triathlon. 7 a.m.-noon Sat., 5K-10K Run Race; 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., Olympic Distance Triathlon; 7 a.m.-noon Sun., Sprint Distance Triathlon. At Treasure Island. Visit www.tricalifornia.com.

GAME DAY July 11 Fairfield Soccer — NorCal Premier Soccer. Hosted by NorthBay Elite FC U8/U9/U10, at Solano Community College. Info: http://norcalpremier.com. July 11 Waterford Recreation — Wargaming at The Paintball Zone. Offered second Sundays monthly by Modesto Airsoft and Combat Enterprises. Info: www. modesto.combatenterprises.com July 12 - 13 Stockton Golf — Elite Tour Junior PGA Summer Circuit III Championship. 6 a.m.7:30 p.m. Mon., 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Tues. For players, ages 12-18, at Brookside Country Club. Gary Xavier, 707-449-4742, gxavier@pgahq.com; www. ncpgajuniortour.com. July 13 - 15 Brentwood Golf — Summer Junior Camp. For ages 6-15, at The Golf Club at Brentwood. 8-11 a.m. Tues./Wed., 7-10 a.m. Thur. Beginners and Intermediate Golfers Welcome. $150/ participant. 925-516-3400, info@ thegolfclubsofcalifornia.com; www.thegolfclubsofcalifornia. com.

Get the information you crave from SPORTSTARS advertisers. Just by checking the boxes on the form below and mailing or faxing it in, you’ll get the product and service information you need! ❒❒ Absorber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 ❒❒ Alameda County Fair . . . . . . . . . . . 5 ❒❒ All Out Sports League . . . . . . . . . 26 ❒❒ All Star Football Classic . . . . . . . . 14 ❒❒ Antioch Indoor Sports Center . . . . 15 ❒❒ Big C Athletic Club . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 ❒❒ Big O Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

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SportStars™

June 24, 2010

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Jim Cottingham

Undead Betty jammer, Sew Evil (right), competes in a recent derby at Paradise Skate roller rink in Antioch.

Undead Bettys bring roller derby to life By patrick mccormick | Contributor These are not your average soccer moms (or should we say sock-her moms). Paradise Skate roller rink in Antioch is the home of Contra Costa County’s first roller derby team, the Undead Bettys. These skaters are not only undead, they are also undefeated after rocking SoCal’s Inland Empire Derby Divas 232-88 in front of a sold out hometown crowd June 19. The energy of the bout could be compared to that of a hockey game. It’s hard not to use clichés, puns, or words from the old Batman TV series like “Blam!,” “Wham!” or “Kerplow!,” to describe a derby bout. The majority of the skaters on the team are working moms who are also nurses, teachers, and college students by day, and derby girls at night. “This is what we do to relieve stress” says Undead blocker Cemetery Mary. The popularity of roller derby is spreading fast thanks in part by the Drew Barrymore film “Whip It”. “‘Whip It’ has definitely helped breathe life into derby, creating awareness and a new fan base” said Goldie Brawn. In fact the new generation of fans now spans all ages, and junior leagues are sprouting up. Haley Caddow, a 15year old in attendance on June 19, already had her derby name picked out. “Drama for Your Mama,” she exclaimed. To find out more about the growing sport visit www. undeadbettys.com. Support Your Local Business • Say You Found Them In SportStars™

June 24, 2010

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photo finish

You got something on your chin: Las Lomas lineman Reed Snook, right, gets up underneath the facemask of Salesianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Steve Frias when the two lock-up during a practice drill on June 21 at Las Lomas High. Both Snook and Frias were first-team all-league linemen in their respective leagues. Photo by Bob Larson

SportStarsâ&#x201E;˘

June 24, 2010

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I WILL NOT BE PART OF GENERATION XXL.

To be a champion... Train like a champion. Think like a champion. Grab every entry li ke a champion. Dry off like a champion.

11-3/

Dries the best

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