SJ Issue 70, August 1, 2013

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vol. 4. issue 70 Sac-Joaquin

level up

keep those shoulders strong

August 1, 2013

Proof positive

Malik Pope seeks to reclaim throne

world awaits

Little league world series illustrated

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Pg. 18

Rafael Aguilar, Jesuit grad

to young arms from 25 Dangers overuse are well-documented.

So it’s up to you to protect yourself.

pitch: Football. Football.

6 first Football. Football. Football.

Football. Football. Football.

Football. Football. Football.

Football. Football. Football.

Football. Football. Football.

Football. We heart football.

Coaches love natural 32 Clipboard: athletes. If that isn’t you, the only

shoot: Trap Shooting is a 14 well, growing presence in high school club sports. it: Malik Pope is one of 22 believe the nation’s best and he’s about to

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prove it one more time.

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room: Sometimes you 8 locker get into the worst pickle you’ve ever been in. In those moments we like to look to the wisdom of the Sandlot. But mainly, we think about Wendy Peffercorn. of the week: 7 Sportstar Austen Sandoval, Jesuit golf

thing you can do is work harder. on the cover: Franklin-Elk Grove graduate Bryce Mann (James K. Leash photo); INSET: Del Oro senior trap shooter, Clay Thomas (Roxie Rice photo)

Fence: Tryouts, sign-ups, 32 The fundraisers and more!

33 Camps + Clinics

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SportStars’ 2013 Training Camp Begins NOW

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id you hear that?

That’s the sound of Summer passing us by. Seriously. It’s all but over. Heck, some of the year-round schools will be back in class this week.

Many of our readers will lament this — especially our student readers. But as much as we love the long days, vacation getaways and afternoons in the swimming pool, this is actually the time of year when SportStars HQ starts to get a little giddy. We start to think of watching football from the sideline as the Indian Summer sun sets behind the goalpost.

And you know, other sports, too.

While the football teams begin their double-day workouts, we treat the first three weeks of August as our own training camp. We hunker down and begin planning for another season of high school sports.

We make notes, lists and rankings. We start calling coaches. We put in the extra work. We also hydrate. It’s important. Hydrate, people. Seriously.

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In the hopes of sharing some of our excitement, we thought we’d offer up five burning questions we hope to expand on in our 2013 Football Preview coming out on Aug. 22.

1. Can Jake Browning and the Folsom Air Show keep the pace it set for itself a year ago?

Browning was just a sophomore last year when his varsity debut included a national record-tying 10 touchdown passes. He went on to set multiple state season passing records, and we’d be surprised if he doesn’t improve on them this season.

2. What could a Freedom-Oakley offense centered around five-star running back Joe Mixon look like?

We’re thinking it will look a lot like the no-huddle, spread-offense attack that coach Kevin Hartwig has employed over the past several years. But with a new quarterback and the graduation of Pac-12-talent Darrell Daniels as receiver, there’s no doubt Hartwig will figure out more

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ways to get the ball in Mixon’s hands. Which could mean Mixon lining up as a wildcat QB. Just a hunch.

3. What can be expected of Justin Alumbaugh’s first season as head coach of famed De La Salle?

A lot of winning. The anti-Spartans crowd won’t like this, but not much is changing on Winton Drive in Concord. The coaching staff is all still together, only Alumbaugh gets to do the postgame interviews now. Also, there’s still plenty of talent expected to suit up in Green/ Silver this season.

4. Could the Sac-Joaquin Section send three teams to the CIF State Championship bowls again?

Carson’s Home Depot Center was SJS central last December as Central Catholic, Oakdale and Granite Bay all reached the ultimate game. Central Catholic (Div. III) and Granite Bay (Div. I) each won their bowl. Three teams for a second straight year would be a tall order, but we aren’t foolish enough to bet against it either.

5. Could an imminent partnership with Cal-Hi Sports lead to the best SportStars Football Preview yet?

We hope to prove it come Aug. 22. Stay tuned.

See? Don’t lie. You’re as fired up as we are now. ✪

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Who’s Got Next?

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austen sandoval jesuit-carmichael . golf . junior

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kemet brown The 12-year-old West Sacramento Little League all-star led batted .524 with 4 home runs, 9 RBI, and a .615 on-base percentage to go with three stolen bases during the Section 4 tournament, which West Sacramento won for the first time since 2000.

connor laffan The West Sacramento Little League Majors all-star batted .833 with 4 home runs, 3 doubles, and 8 RBI to help his team earn a third-place finish in the Division II NorCal tournament. Laffan also scored 8 runs in the tourney.

bri moore

Contributed

The St. Mary’sStockton junior guard was recently among CalHiSports.com’s “Cream of the Crop” selections from the FILA 64 Las Vegas AAU tournament.

of your putting affected the rest of your game and raised your level of play?

AS: During the school season last year, I was hitting the ball well, but I was not scoring well. I am more confident in my putting, so I don’t feel that I have to put everything so close to the pin to score. That confidence takes some pressure off in the fairway because I expect that I will make my putts.

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honorable mention

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The junior-to-be fired a finalround 67 to win the Sacramento County Men’s Championship by one stroke at Ancil Hoffman Golf Course in Carmichael. After trailing by five strokes following a first-round 73, Sandoval played an incredible back nine, including birdies on four of the last five holes to capture the all-ages title. His two-day 140 (-4) was good enough for the victory one week after he won his age division and placed second overall at the County Junior Championship at Cherry Island GC. Sandoval expects to play a key role in the Marauders’ defense of the Sac-Joaquin Section Masters Championship team title in the spring, but will conclude a busy summer season at the 89th California State Fair Men’s Amateur Championship at Haggin Oaks over the Labor Day weekend.

SportStars: Have you ever had a closing run of birdies like that on a bigger stage?

Austen Sandoval: That is definitely the biggest stage that I’ve made a run like that. I just got into a groove. When things start clicking for me, I can make a lot of birdies, and things have been clicking for me this summer.

SSM: To what can you attribute your improved play and results this summer?

AS: I just started driving (a car) this year, so I have been able to spend all day at the course working on my game. I’m getting in a lot of work, and technically, I think that my putting has been the biggest improvement.

SSM: How has the improvement

Nominations: Editor@SportStarsonline.com Twitter: @ssotw

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get REEL

Film review: “The Motivation” The X-Games are upon us again, which means you’ll get your fix of all action sports including Motocross, Rally Car, BMX, and more. But if street skate is your thing, you’re gonna want to check out the documentary, “The Motivation.” Highlighted is the annual Street League Championship in New York City, known as the most prestigious street skate competition in the world.

The Motivation profiles the eight competitors in the days leading up to the event as they vie for the trophy and $200,000 prize. We’re given a behind-the-scenes look into their personal lives as they train and practice new tricks, while explaining how badly they want this title and the recognition as best street skateboarder in the world.

Most of the talented field are teenagers like Nyjah Huston, Sean Malto and Chaz Ortiz. Others are veterans like Paul Rodriguez and Chris Cole, and even a couple of them hail from other countries like Bastien Salabanzi (France) and Luan Oliveira (Brazil). They’ve experienced success in other events like the X-Games and Action Sports League but they all agree the Street League Championship is what they covet the most.

Former skater and now-MTV personality Rob Dyrdek founded the competition. He’s responsible for securing the competitors, obtaining TV rights and even designing the insane course layout that terrifies even the eight guys. We follow the competitors to NYC for an unforgettable tournament.

A must-see for street skateboarding fans, “The Motivation” will have your heart racing throughout and cheering for all eight of the competitors to the finish. The movie premieres July 30 in Los Angeles.

Rating:

say what

“As a swimmer, she’s more of a boxer than a ballerina. She’s a big strong powerful athlete who wants to get in, muscle and go.”

Concord Terrapins coach Paul Stafford talking about recent Carondelet graduate Chelsea Chenault, whom he’s coached for the past seven years. Chenault was recently named the Cal-Hi Sports State Female Athlete of the Year and is representing the USA at the FINA World Championships in Barcelona through Aug. 4.

FOOTBALL: Clayton Valley Charter at De La Salle, Aug. 30, 7 p.m. — What better way to kickoff the season than a trip to Owen Owens Field to see Justin Alumbaugh’s debut as the Spartans head coach? It doesn’t hurt that both teams were CIF Regional Bowl participants in 2012.

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out of four

SOCCER: Dublin United’s Shamrock Tournament, Aug. 10-12, Dublin — More than 120 boys and girls teams age U9-U19 take the pitch.

BASEBALL: New Balance Area Code Games, Aug. 6, Long Beach via ESPN3 — Several NorCal standouts made the Oakland A’s-sponsored roster for the national showcase event.

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BASEBALL: Little League Intermediate World Series, July 30-Aug. 5, Max Baer Park, Livermore — This inaugural event should be a must-see for any baseball fan.

PLUS: Admission is free.

GIRLS SOCCER: Mustang Stampede Tournament, Aug. 9-12, Danville — This top level tournament catering to U9-U15 levels begins its 32nd year.

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you’re TOP 5 Things We Learned Watching “The Sandlot”

KILLING me, Smalls!

The inaugural Little League Intermediate 50/70 International World Series kicked off in Livermore on Monday, July 29, y’all. The dreams of every kid who ever tossed around the old horsehide on some dusty field in the dead heat of summer or wrapped electrical tape around a wood bat (they still have those, right?) to get a few more hacks out of it culminate in this showcase event, right in the Bay Area’s backyard.

The Intermediate Division features 11-13 year-olds, meaning that this next bit of nostalgia might require a certain amount of Netflixing, just to get them up to speed. Because this summer is also the 20th anniversary of one of the greatest baseball movies of all time, “The Sandlot”. Download that one from Amazon Prime or something, kids. It’ll change your life. Because, here are the top five things we learned from Scotty Smalls and the gang.

1. Be Bold and Audacious — Even though you are a funny looking, twitchy kid with glasses, if you are daring, and you have a plan, you can kiss really pretty girls.

2. Relax and Just Play — “Man, this is baseball. You gotta stop thinking. Just have fun.”

3. Friends Matter — You can be the world’s biggest Oscar Meyer L 7 weenie, but, with the right eight friends, you can whup anybody.

4. Nicknames = Love — Nobody bothers coming up with a nickname for someone they don’t like. But if you are surrounded by folks with names like The Jet, Squints, Ham and Yeah Yeah, well, you know you’re among friends.

5. Insulting People is an Art Form — Appropriate escalation is important. Start slow, with something like “jerk” or “idiot.” Work your way up to “You bob for apples in the toilet, and like it.” Use caution before thermonuclear options like, “You play baseball like a girl.”

—Bill Kolb, S’mores aficionado and admirer of Wendy Peffercorn

FOOTBALL: Character Combine Honor Bowl, James Logan at Del OroLoomis, Aug. 30, 7:30 p.m. — Begin the season by honoring our veterans, and catch one heck of matchup.

Del Oro won last year’s midseason meeting in overtime.

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SOFTBALL: ASA/USA 16-Under Fast Pitch National Championships, July 28-Aug. 4, Twin Creeks Sports Complex, Sunnyvale — Take a day off from the Little League World Series and watch the girls play.

MAGAZINE HUNT: SportStars Football Preview 2013 Release, Aug. 22, Northern California — Once again, we’ll have our preview loaded with features, rankings, X’s and O’s.

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BOYS BASKETBALL: NorCal Clash, Aug. 25, El Cerrito High, 3:30 p.m.

— Top talent from the Class of 2014 takes on the Class of 2015.

GOLF: NCGA/PGANC Junior Tour Fall Series II, Aug. 24-25, Adobe Creek GC, Petaluma — The Junior Tour makes its North Bay swing as the points race hits the home stretch.

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join our team PHONE 925.566.8500 FAX 925.566.8507 Editorial Editor@SportStarsOnline.com Editor Chace Bryson • Chace@SportStarsOnline. com Staff Writers Erik Stordahl, Jim McCue Contributors Bill Kolb, Mitch Stephens, Matt Smith, Clay Kallam, Bryant West, Dave Kiefer, Liz Elliott, Tim Rudd, Jonathan Okanes, Hunter Hewitt, Joe Stiglich Photography Butch Noble, Bob Larson, Jonathan Hawthorne, James K. Leash, Norbert von der Groeben, Phillip Walton, Doug Guler Intern Ryan Arter Creative Department Art@SportStarsOnline.com Production Manager Mike DeCicco • MikeD@ SportStarsOnline.com Publisher/President Mike Calamusa • Mike@SportStarsOnline.com Advertising & Calendar/ Classified Sales Sales@SportStarsOnline.com, 925.566.8500 Account Executives Erik Stordahl • Erik@SportStarsOnline.com, Phillip Walton • PWalton@SportStarsOnline.com Sac Joaqin edition: Dave Rosales • DaveRosales64@gmail.com Reader Resources/Administration Ad Traffic, Subscription, Calendar & Classified Listings info@SportStarsOnline.com Distribution/Delivery Mags@SportStarsOnline.com Information technology John Bonilla CFO Sharon Calamusa • Sharon@SportStarsOnline.com community SportStars™ Magazine A division of Caliente! Communications, LLC 5356 Clayton Rd., Ste. 222 • Concord, CA 94521 •info@SportStarsOnline.com www.SportStarsOnline.com

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your ticket to california sports admit one; rain or shine This Vol. #4, August 2013 Whole No. 70 is published by Caliente!

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SportStars™© 2010 by Caliente! Communications, LLC. All rights reserved. Subscription rates: 24 issues, U.S. 3rd class $42 (allow 3 weeks for delivery). 1st class $55. To receive sample issues, please send $3 to cover postage. Back issues are $4 each. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of Publisher is strictly prohibited. The staff and management, including Board of Directors, of SportStars™© does not advocate or encourage the use of any product or service advertised herein for illegal purposes. Editorial contributions, photos and letters to the editor are welcome and should be addressed to the Editor. All material should be typed, double-spaced on disk or email and will be handled with reasonable care. For materials return, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope. SportStars™© and STARS!™© Clinics are registered trademarks of Caliente! Communications, LLC.

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Pleasanton National LL, Pleasanton

Juan Antonio Bibiloni LL, Yabucoa, Puerto Rico It’s officially, game on!

The inaugural Intermediate 50/70 Little League World Series hosted

by Livermore kicked off with an Opening Ceremonies parade on July 29 and the first pitch came a day later.

Ten teams — six from the U.S. and four international — will compete through Aug. 5 to become the first World Series champion for the newlycreated division for 11-13 year-olds. Here are the competing teams: HOST TEAM: Pleasanton National (CA. Dist. 57), U.S. WEST: Nogales National (Arizona), U.S. SOUTHWEST: Post Oak (Houston, TX), U.S. SOUTHEAST: Rutherfordton (North Carolina), U.S. CENTRAL: Georgetown (Jenison, MI.), U.S. EAST: Collier Township/Charles Valley (Collier Township, PA.), CANADA: Southwest (Lethbridge, Alberta), LATIN AMERICA: C Unidas Miraflores (Guayaquil, Ecuador); PUERTO RICO: Juan Antonio Bibilioni (Yabucoa, PR), ASIA-PACIFIC: Izumisano (Osaka, Japan).

As the official media sponsor of the event, we plan to be there every step of the way. Visit SportStarsOnline.com/LLWS for all of our coverage throughout the tournament. The site will feature the game schedule along with stories, rosters, and links to photo galleries and video. You can also get updates through our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram feeds.

Also: Go to the games. It’s free!

FAR LEFT: Puerto Rico second baseman Anibal Lazu leaps above the bag to snag a throw. LEFT: Chris Bohrer of Latin America-Ecuador fires a pitch on July 30.

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High school trap shooting competition is growing rapidly, and it’s Sac-Joaquin Section schools leading the charge

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ith increased specialization and dedication to established sports such as football, baseball/softball, basketball, and soccer, it is difficult for newer sports to find room on the high school sports schedule and busy social calendar of teenagers.

But one young sport is shooting to the top of the list of the fastestgrowing sports in Northern California.

Trap shooting is doing so both figuratively and literally as student-athletes are increasingly hitting the range at local shooting clubs to hone their craft and compete against students of rival high schools.

“Trap shooting gives who that don’t play other sports a unique opportunity to participate in athletics for their school,” said Kim Lewis, who coaches the Granite Bay High School trap team along with her husband, Gary. “The girls and boys are on a level playing field and there is no bench.

Everyone shoots.”

The number of participants is steadily growing as evidenced by the dramatic increase of youth shooters in the California Youth Shooting Sports Association (CYSSA). The organization, formerly the California Scholastic Clay Target Program started in 2001 with just five kids, is nearing 1,000 members shooting for nearly 40 teams in Northern and Central California, including 19 high schools that had full teams during the 2013 spring season.

The majority of high schools with teams that compete in CYSSA tournaments are from the Sac-Joaquin Section, including established programs at Woodcreek and Del Oro. Granite Bay is a newer program, heading into its fifth season in 2014, but every program is seeing growth regardless of how long it has been around.

“The sport is definitely growing fast,” said Clay Thomas, who will be the Del Oro team president as a senior this year. “We had just 20 shooters four years ago, and we keep getting more people coming out.”

Del Oro coach Fred Jenson has nearly as many kids in his program now as he used to see in entire tournaments when he began coaching at

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HIGH SCHOOL TRAP SHOOTING

Tournaments are sanctioned by California Youth Shooting Sports Association (CYSSA) The CYSSA clay target program is a team-based youth development program for school-age youths (grades 12 and under). It uses participation in shooting sports to provide its participants with a positive, life-enhancing experience. The sport is designed to instill in its athletes a set of personal values or character traits that teaches fair play, individual responsibility, sportsmanship, self-discipline, and personal commitment – qualities that will serve them well throughout their lives.

During the 2013 season, 37 teams (19 high school and 18 trap club) competed in three separate divisions, based on school enrollment. ›› SCORING: A squad of five competitors position themselves on an arc 16 yards behind the trap (target thrower). In turn, each signals for a target, and attempts to break it. When five targets have been thrown for each competitor, they change positions moving one post to the right (post five goes to post one). This continues until each has attempted to break 25 targets. ›› HOT SHOT: 13-year-old Penryn Elementary School student Jack Roth won his division at the US Open Nationals in Las Vegas with a perfect 200/200, received a standing ovation at the award ceremony. ›› NEXT LEVEL: Top shots can earn college scholarships, and the country’s best can be invited to train to earn a spot on the Olympic Trap team.

Local talent attracted the attention of Robert Mitchell, president and CEO of USA Shooting. Mitchell was impressed with local shooters and said he would consider a relationship between the organization and the USA Olympic Shooting Team. ›› More information: http://shootcyssa.com Source: Roxie Rice

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Del Oro senior Clay Thomas will be the team’s president in 2013.

All photos by Roxie Rice

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“Safety is the No. 1 rule because you can have no accidents when it comes to shooting a shotgun.”

— Granite Bay senior Dakota Burley.

Below, Colfax’s Brooke Santos hits a target.

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the Loomis school eight years ago. The Golden Eagles’ trap shooting team began when Shane Brammer started it as his senior project in the 2006-2007 school year with a few buddies wanting to shoot competitively. Now, Del Oro attracts a diverse group of interested students seeking a different sport.

While some of the high school students joining the trap shooting team have experience with firearms through hunting with family members or shooting BB guns and air rifles for sport, Jenson says that a large number of interested participants have never handled a firearm or ever done trap shooting.

Regardless of experience with firearms, every participant is held to the same high standards of gun safety. Before any studentathlete ever approaches the trap range with a shotgun, extensive safety training is required.

Coaches emphasize safety over everything else, with many programs requiring parents to complete a safety training course with their children before participation is allowed.

“Safety is the No. 1 rule because you can have no accidents when it comes to shooting a shotgun,” Granite Bay senior Dakota Burley said.

Potential shooters must learn the 10 rules of safe gun handling before participating, and they are expected to have them memorized and followed at all times with the penalty being disqualification from a tournament or even from the team.

“The focus is always on safety,” Granite Bay senior Chandler Dale said. “There is zero tolerance for goofing off anytime, whether it is at practice or otherwise.”

Coaches and participants alike are asked to take full responsibility for correcting and/ or reporting any safety violations at practices and tournaments regardless of who is committing the infraction. Everyone involved in the sport is working toward changing the often negative connotation or assumptions of young men and women with guns.

“Shooting and guns get such a bad rap, so it is nice to be able to show people that we have good gun owners who are young and responsible,” Thomas said.

Not only are the local shooters responsible, they proved this past season that they are among the top shots in the state of California. Taylor and graduating senior Malcolm Dougherty helped lead Del Oro to a firstplace finish at the CYSSA State Trap Championship in Division I. The Golden Eagles edged Woodcreek while Granite Bay finished third in the varsity competition. The next month, Granite Bay claimed the U.S. Open varsity title in Las Vegas with Del Oro finishing third behind Woodcreek.

The CYSSA has three separate divisions for competition at the varsity and JV level based on school enrollment. In Division II, Sonora claimed the state championship by edging De La Salle-Concord at both levels while Colfax’s young program is working to catch more es-

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compete in Las Vegas. He believes tablished programs such as Sumthat if some of his football brethmerville and Sutter Union in Diren went out to the trap range for vision III. a tournament, they might have The big three trap shooting been a little easier on him and programs — Del Oro, Granite perhaps appreciated his “fringe Bay, and Woodcreek — all reside sport” more. in the Sierra Foothill League when “People don’t understand the it comes to traditional sports such level of competition until they go as football, baseball, and basketout and see a tournament,” Burley ball, so the natural rivalry has carsaid. ried over well to the trap range.

Thomas pointed out the simiWhile the competition is just as larities of trap shooting with fierce, coaches and shooters alike mainstream sports, with an equal believe their rivalry has a different emphasis on physical and mental feel from the other sports. strength to win.

“It’s not like football or other “There is both physical and sports in regards to the intensity mental fatigue during a tournaof the rivalry,” Jenson said. “We ment, but obviously it’s not the take jabs at each other and talk a same as football,” he said. “Your lot, but it is all in fun. We spend arms can get tired toward the end so much time together that we of a round or tournament, but don’t want any bad blood between you’ve just got to concentrate and teams or shooters.” fight through it.”

Jenson and Lewis agreed the “Trap shooting is mostly a camaraderie between the shootClay Thomas sights things up as the sun sets in the foothills. mental game,” Taylor added. “You ers always outweighs any hard have to be focused on your shootfeelings over winning and losing. ing and your targets. You can’t let a few misses get to your head or you will not have a chance Teams often share post-tournament food and good-natured trash talk.

“It’s always good to beat (Del Oro) in any sport,” said Burley, who also plays linebacker for to succeed.”

Taylor and his fellow competitors, coaches, and shooting enthusiasts are hopeful that their the defending SFL and State Division I football champions. “I always have fun going up against young sport can gain even more traction and continue to grow while establishing trap shooting them and we are all friends at the range, but you still never want to lose to your rivals.”

Burley received a fair share of grief and disbelief from his football coaches and teammates as a respected high school sport on level with football, baseball/softball, basketball, and soccer.

At the very least, they will give it their very best shot. ✪ when he notified them that he would miss Granite Bay’s senior football retreat in Santa Cruz to

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BIGONMEN CAMPUS In Linemen Win Games, Jon Osterhout has provided a program that has helped launch several players to the next level

LWG Hall of Fame (so far)

James K. Leash photos

Del Oro graduate and current American River College lineman, Zach Heath leads the way through an agility drill with Rio Americano grad and current ARC teammate Bob Roseberry right behind him.

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Following are the top five perfomers to go through LWG since it began in 2011, with thoughts

by Coach Osterhout 1. Zack Nash, DL, Vacaville/Sacramento State/Arizona Cardinals — Hands down, the best player I have ever coached. Has all the redeeming qualities of a consummate professional.

2. Nate Iese, DE, Sheldon HS/UCLA — Physically gifted, freakish athlete. He has a motor that runs non-stop and has a burning desire to succeed. No doubt, the most fluid defensive player I have worked with.

3. Eddie Vanderdoes, DT, Placer/UCLA — Size, shear power, explosiveness, nimble and cat quick. Eddie has a lot of the qualities that Ndamukong Suh flashed in my duration working with him at Nebraska.

4. Steven Moore, OL, Elk Grove/Cal — Size, strength in lower body. He has a great ability to maintain a low center of gravity with tremendous structure and extremely swift feet.

5. Gavin Andrews, OL, Granite Bay/Oregon State — Mountain of a man.

Thick upper and lower body, ability to stay thick and square while maintaining leverage on defenders. He’s a finisher who wants to be great and is willing to go above and beyond.

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By trevor horn | Contributor

hether he knew it or not, Jon Osterhout was sitting on a gold mine.

Three years ago, the former Sacramento State AllAmerican offensive linemen knew there was an untapped number of talented linemen on both sides of the ball in the Sacramento area that were not getting the proper training in the offseason.

With a multitude of training facilities honed in on skill positions like quarterbacks, receivers, linebackers and defensive backs – Osterhout knew that linemen, the backbone of a successful program, were not given the same chance to practice and improve.

So in April of 2011, Osterhout created Linemen Win Games.

With his 10-plus years as an offensive and defensive line coach at Sacramento State, Nebraska and now American River College, Osterhout enlisted a few of his local coaching comrades, pulled together a few local linemen and started something special.

Osterhout runs the camp on Saturdays and Sundays from February through the end of July at the practice field of American River, where he is the offensive coordinator for one of the top junior college programs in California.

“My purpose in building Linemen Win Games was to advance and maximize the potential growth of the student-athlete,” Osterhout said. “I wanted to instill and empower the linemen with the core fundamentals and advanced skill set to guide them to excellence on and off the football field.”

In the three years since LWG first started, linemen from Pop Warner to the NFL have spent time training with the program.

Currently eight offensive linemen in the Pac-12 Conference have ties to LWG, including Eddie Vanderdoes (Placer) and Nate Iese (Sheldon) at UCLA, Oregon State starting right tackle Gavin Andrews (Granite Bay), and Aaron and Matt Cochran (Buhach Colony) and Steven Moore (Elk Grove) at Cal.

SEE 5 MORE!

Scan this page with your Layar app or visit SportStarsOnline.com/LWG to see the rest of Osterhout’s list.

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Zach Nash, a linebacker with the Arizona Cardinals, also trains with LWG. Osterhout coached Nash at Sacramento State and the two have remained close.

And all of them credit the fundamentals they learned from LWG as a big factor in their development. “(Osterhout’s) the best at what he does,” Nash said. “He’s the best. He is a coach through and through.”

Iese was a one of the first players to begin training at LWG. As a raw talent with loads of potential, it seemed a perfect fit. Iese said Osterhout “felt I had a lot of potential. It benefited me a lot.” “(Osterhout) helped me a lot,” Iese said. “When I first started there, there wasn’t a lot of players.”

Andrews is a sophomore at Oregon State and has been listed as the starting right tackle since spring ball. The Granite Bay product credits LWG as a launching pad from high school to college that has helped his maturation process on the field.

“I definitely look at Coach O as the next step between high school and college,” Andrews said. “I feel like I had an advantage (heading to OSU). It’s great to have the knowledge. He teaches universal techniques so you understand. But he doesn’t interfere with what your coaches will teach you.”

During the two-hour training sessions, Osterhout, with his tall and stout former linemen physique and deep baritone voice will occasionally remind players what to expect from different coaches they may have or in the schemes they will run in college.

“I felt like I knew things (other incoming freshmen) didn’t know and I was ahead of the game,” Moore said about the knowledge he has gained at LWG before arriving at Cal last summer.

LWG works offensive linemen in a timely fashion between drills with running drills early in the session followed by pass protection.

“In the offensive line portion of LWG on Saturday practices, we spend the first half on run emphasis and the back end on pass protection,” Osterhout said. “The reasoning behind structuring practice that way, is to get the offensive linemen accustomed to work their pass fundamentals when tired.”

Osterhout has also taken knowledge of other sports into consideration.

“I use the analogy of golf with the players all the time in regards to muscle memory,” Osterhout said. “It is no different in football. In golf, if you want to be great you have to stay steady at the practice fields. You have to hit your woods, irons, wedges, and get around the green and chip and putt. Each of those has a specific skill set and body structure that changes for you to be successful. This takes discipline and a willingness to take what you learn and apply it at home on your own during the week. “ Despite having a large number of LWG clients now playing at four-year universities, players from Pee Wee levels to junior high and high school train right alongside the big boys on a weekly basis.

Tyrus Barnett started working out at LWG as a seventh grader and now is slated to start this fall as a sophomore at Antelope High.

“It is very gratifying and I feel fortunate to be a small part of helping them maximize their potential as a student-athlete,” Osterhout said. “There is no better feeling than seeing the light bulb go on after weeks/months of trying to master a specific skill set.”

That mindset has rubbed off on the players that have come through the program.

“Coach O is really committed and is in it for the kids,” Iese said. “I love doing it. (The younger players) look up to us. It’s really nice to know they like us helping them and we are giving back.”

One of the current high school clients at LWG might be the most highly recruited player in the region.

Roseville senior offensive tackle Kolton Miller gives very high praises for LWG and Osterhout.

Miller, a mammoth of a human being at 6-foot-8 and 290 pounds, said he credits Osterhout with “really like 95 to 99 percent” of the reason why he has been offered

by Arizona State, Arizona and Texas Tech among the near dozen schools seeking his services.

“All of the technique I learn here, it helps,” Miller said. “I have the height, but without this, I wouldn’t have my 11 offers right now.”

Osterhout takes great pride in helping mold players like Miller and Eddie Vanderdoes, Iese, Moore and Andrews before him.

With the praise that Miller gave to the coach, it was reciprocated right back on the Roseville senior.

“Kolton has a tremendous upside,” Osterhout said. “He has several things that 20

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“He's the best at what he does. He’s the best.

He is a coach through and through.”

— Zach Nash of the Arizona Cardinals and a Linemen Win Games grad said of Osterhout, below you just can’t coach. Additionally, he is a very good athlete and most importantly has a high football IQ with a burning desire to improve every time he steps foot on the lot.”

Osterhout also runs Winning Up Front, a threeday, full contact camp at Sheldon High that incorporates everything the players learn in shorts and t-shirts to pads.

“We go out here, we’re sharpening up the knife,” Miller said of LWG. “But when we go to the camp, it raises your skill level so much higher. The camp is really the boost to put it all together with the pads.”

Thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the lives of so many young men, Osterhout is ready to tackle the next opportunity to mold another lineman.

“LWG has given me the ability to work with all walks of life and help make an impact on a larger audience of young men as they prepare for their upcoming season,” he said. “Additionally, not only are we giving them skill sets in the sport of football, but we are working to improve their practice habits, character development, and football IQ. ✪ Reach Trevor Horn at trev.horn@gmail.com and follow on Twitter @trevhorn

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Somethin To After a broken leg and a subsequent fall in a ranking of national recruits, Malik Pope is on a mission

I

By jim mccue | Senior Contributor

t’s all about the numbers.

In high school basketball, the number of points scored determines the number of wins, which translates into playoff berths and ideally team championships.

Individual players can contribute points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals in measurable numbers while also adding immeasurable contributions such as leadership, hustle, and desire.

Laguna Creek-Elk Grove small forward Malik Pope contributed impressive offensive numbers, including 16.3 points and 6.9 rebounds per game in the 22 games he played in as a junior for the Cardinals. But the most telling numbers from Pope’s junior season may have been the 1-5 record the team posted with his talent and leadership out of the lineup.

Pope missed Laguna Creek’s final four games, including a first-round playoff loss, after fracturing his left tibia. The injury, which occurred in front of the entire team, took its toll on the Cardinals, who never recovered or returned to the strong lateseason form that the team had developed.

“It was real tough,” head coach Paul Casey said of the injury.

“We were on a roll in league play, and he broke his leg basically in front of the whole team. I am not sure that we got over it.”

The injury took a measurable toll on the team as their numbers (in wins) decreased. Pope, who continues physical rehabilitation while missing the AAU season, lost valuable game time, which also decreased another important number to a college prospect like the talented star.

When the Rivals 150 was released at the start of the summer, Pope was among just two northern California players on the Class of 2014 national recruiting list, and he was the highestranked prospect from the region at No. 14. Despite the apparent positive number given to Pope, it was a drop of 7 spots from a No. 7 ranking among juniors the previous year.

While the drop has not necessarily slowed down the phone calls and letters pouring in to Casey and Pope in hopes of landing the rising star, it has ignited a determination and fire in Pope.

“Falling from No. 7 to No. 14 was a disappointment,” he said bluntly when asked if the drop in the rankings bothered him.

“When I get back on the court, I will show that I am a better player than 14.”

At a recent shootaround, Pope appeared strong and healthy, both physically and in spirit. He and other Cardinal players traded shots, barbs, and advice as they began the process of working on their individual skills and team chemistry.

Laguna Creek will look to improve upon a 15-13 record and

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6-4 mark in the Delta Valley Conference. Pope’s healthy return and a mix of returning and incoming talent provide a positive outlook, but Casey understands that the season is still a long way off.

“Our main focus in August and September will be getting in shape and getting our grades straight,” the coach said. “It’s about getting the work done to be ready.”

Pope’s preparation has included increased workouts and shootarounds mixed with a focus on basketball games rather than the recruiting game.

“Right now, I have to focus on school before I can think about the season or the recruiting process,” Pope said. “Having everything in order with my grades is going to be huge.”

With his raw talent and a Division-I frame, Pope’s mobility in the rankings is likely to be upwards.

“The sky’s the limit for him. If he wants it, he can do it,” Casey said. “He’s special. I’ve been doing this since the 1970’s, and you don’t see too many 6-foot-9 kids who can move like him and have the skill set that he does.”

Filling out his big frame and getting stronger to play closer to the basket are some of the things that Casey sees as key to his top player’s progression on the court.

College recruiters see the current talent and potential for stardom, making a Div. I scholarship a likely result of the hard work Pope continues to put in. But the senior-to-be is in no rush to determine his college future before his high school career is over.

Pope says that he has sought advice from close friends like Dakarai Allen and Darin Johnson of nearby Sheldon, who accepted scholarships to San Diego State and Washington, respectively. With no “dream school” in his sights, he will take a measured approach to see where he feels most comfortable and sees the best fit at the next level.

With the motivation to prove the ranking numbers wrong, Pope could post some big offensive numbers to help Laguna Creek reach numbers (in wins) that they have not seen since the program’s high water mark of 23 wins in 2006.

“I always think that things happen for a reason,” Casey said of Pope’s injury. “If that motivates him more, that will only make him a better player.

“He is going to get better and better. I think that he can go anywhere.”

With the rankings set, Pope is content to focus on numbers other than the Rivals 150.

“I have a huge outlook and expectation for the upcoming year,” Pope said. “I have a lot to prove, to be honest, but I am excited about what we can do as a team.” ✪

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shoulder strengthening: duggan moran

Protect the foundation

Proper strengthening of scapula leads to fewer shoulder injuries in all overhead-motion sports The shoulder and the scapula are intricately linked: what affects the scapula will affect the shoulder and vise versa. The scapula, or shoulder blade, is the triangular shaped bone in the upper back that is the critical link between the arms and rest of the body. It is the foundation upon which all upper extremity strength and function is built.

Unlike a house where the foundation is fixed, the scapula moves in three dimensions, like a gyroscope, changing the orientation of the socket to follow the movement of the arm. When raising your arm fully over your head, 2/3 of the motion occurs at the shoulder and 1/3 occurs at the scapula.

Scapula upward rotation changes the orientation of the shoulder socket.

As the scapula is moving in sync with the arm, it needs to remain a stable base of support to efficiently transfer energy from the body into the arms. Without a strong scapular foundation, energy transfer will be lost due to inefficient and excessive scapular motion decreasing performance potential.

In the past, the emphasis given to strengthening the scapular muscles in overhead-throwing athletes was under-val-

ued and immensely under-addressed. These scapular stabilizing muscles control the position and movement of the scapula which are vital to arm health and performance.

Clinical and field testing from the youth level to the professional ranks has proven that most overhead athletes have weak scapular stabilizing muscles and many of them suffer from scapular dyskinesis, meaning that either the position and/or movement of the scapula is dysfunctional.

In fact, the latest research indicates that most injuries at the shoulder are a direct reflection of a misaligned scapula.

Studies show that scapular dyskinesis is involved in 68 percent of rotator cuff problems and 100 percent of shoulder instabilities. The scapula allows or disallows proper overhead throwing mechanics. When the scapula is dysfunctional, the arm has to make up for what the scapula was supposed to do one step prior in the kinetic chain. This produces added stress to the shoulder and elbow. At right is a posture test to demonstrate how scapular positioning can affect range of motion at the shoulder..

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bad posture This image demonstrates how a poorly positioned scapula can create shoulder impingement.

The subject stands in a slouched position with his shoulders rolled forward. With his arms at his side he attempts to raise his arms overhead at a 45 degree angle. As the arms move above shoulder height he will be unable to fully raise his arms overhead. The poorly positioned scapula is causing the rotator cuff tendons to impinge as the arms are raised above shoulder height.

good posture This image demonstrates how good scapular positioning improves shoulder range of motion.

The subject stands at attention like a soldier, with the shoulder blades retracted down and pinched together and the shoulders pulled back, the subject is able to lift his arms fully overhead. The scapular stabilizing muscles are activated, placing the scapula in a more optimal position which prevents shoulder impingement.

Traditional shoulder tubing exercises typically do not address these key scapular stabilizing muscles. Proper implementation of a comprehensive shoulder program that includes scapular strengthening, like Crossover Symmetry, will significantly reduce the risk of injury while improving throwing velocity. ✪ Duggan Moran is the president and founder of Crossover Symmetry, a Denver-based company focused on scapula strengthening.

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injury prevention: dr. earle paynton & Dr. Robert Fife

What is Active Recovery and how can it help you prevent injuries?

No one knows his or her bodies the way athletes do. Athletes are extremely tuned in to how their bodies feel and minor tweaks here and there are all part of the game.

However, the key to elite performance is managing an injury before it occurs because hopefully it never will. Injuries take time to heal and that is why it is critical to account for this fact regardless of the season. The term most closely associated with this account for time is known as Active Recovery and it is absolutely essential for elite training programs to utilize.

From the football in the NFL to the football in England’s Premier League, the trainers and medical professionals responsible for these athletes do everything they can to help facilitate this Active Recovery continuous phase. Active Recovery is multi-dimensional and has many players and components. For this reason, it should be performed daily either by the individual players themselves, or by a specialist in sports therapy.

Stretching, deep tissue massage, RockTape, cold laser, ultrasound, interferential, ice therapy, heat therapy, and many others help to reduce inflammation and improve circulation which in turn helps reduce risk for injury and improve performance.

Here’s a brief glance at one major knee injury, the ACL tear:

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ACL Tear:

›› From excessive anterior (forward) sliding in combination with medial (inward) rotation of the Tibia causing the ligament to fail. ›› Majority of ACL injuries are from a noncontact situation. ›› Females are at increased risk for non contact/non-dominant kicking leg. ›› Males are at increased risk for ACL injury in their dominant leg. ›› Bone development variations between genders have been associated with this increased risk in females. ›› Biomechanical differences in how players sprint, jump/land, cut and kick all impact the player’s overall risk for injury.

How To Prevent an ACL Tear: ›› Eliminate muscle imbalances through proper stretching, strengthening, and conditioning exercises. ›› Improving body biomechanics and body control through proper technique and agility drills. ›› Improve nutrition and hydration. Avoid unnecessary harmful substances like energy drinks, sodas, and junk food.

Dr. Paynton and Dr. Fife specialize in sports medicine and rehabilitation at STARS Rehab. They will be presenting physicians in the Doctors Workshop at the Taking the World By Storm Soccer Clinic on Aug. 3.

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& Take a break health watch: kelli Adams

It’s time to take Overtraining Syndrome seriously It is now very common to see young athletes train and compete in their respective sports year round. Not only do they play for their schools, they may play on a club team as well as participate in camps.

Athletes are always looking to improve their skills/overall performance levels. But some athletes may be pushing themselves beyond the limit by exercising excessively without adequate rest periods. Our bodies have a hard time adjusting to this which may result in physical and mental changes which are not necessarily a good thing in this case. Overtraining syndrome has been associated with poor performance, exhaustion and chronic fatigue.

Other clues to overtraining syndrome may be irritability, moodiness, depression, a change in sleep patterns, loss of enthusiasm for your sport as well as a loss of that competitive edge. Athletes who overtrain may complain of muscle soreness that doesn’t go away after several days, may be prone to frequent viral illnesses and injury.

The most effective way to treat overtraining syndrome is to rest.

Once you have gone through an adequate recovery period which may be anywhere from a few days to several weeks, you do not want to jump back into daily excessive workouts. It is better to take things slow and start light training on an every other day type schedule.

To prevent something like overtraining syndrome from happening again you should consider getting adequate sleep, drink plenty of fluids such as water throughout the day, avoid extreme environmental conditions, rest at least six hours between exercise bouts and make sure you ingest adequate calories throughout the day.

Kelli Adams is a physical therapist assistant and certified athletic trainer at Sports Medicine for Young Athletes, a division of Children’s Hospital Oakland with a second facility in Walnut Creek.

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tennis injuries: dr. hunter greene

P EE K

As with any sport, tennis injuries can and do occur. As a tennis player, I’ve experienced some myself. And as team physician for the Sacramento Capitals World Team Tennis, I’ve seen the importance that proper technique and training routines can have on preventing many common overuse injuries in the sport.

Whether you’re a new player or a tennis veteran, learning more about these common conditions can help you avoid them.

TENNIS ELBOW

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This is caused by overuse of the muscles that extend the wrist or bend it backward. Proper strengthening of these muscles, along with a regular warm-up routine, will help decrease the likelihood of experiencing this injury. Also pay attention to racquet grip size and proper technique.

SHOULDER INJURIES

Shoulder overuse injuries are usually due to poor strength and conditioning of the rotator cuff muscles. When they are fatigued or weak, there is increased “play” of the ball in the shoulder socket, irritating the tissues and producing pain with overhead motions such as serving.

STRESS FRACTURES

About 20 percent of junior players suffer stress fractures, compared to less than 8 percent of pros.

Stress fractures result from increasing training too rapidly. They can occur in the leg or foot and are preventable with proper strength and endurance training prior to extensive tennis playing.

Appropriate footwear is also important.

MUSCLE STRAINS

These usually occur from quick, sudden moves. A good warm-up followed by proper stretching can help reduce your chances of a muscle strain. A warm-up can include a slow jog, jumping jacks or riding a bike.

The best stretches are dynamic stretches, such as leg swings and arm circles.

Hunter Greene, M.D., is an orthopedic surgeon with Summit Orthopedic Specialists in Carmichael, where he specializes in sports medicine.

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training time: tim Rudd

Reaching speed potential isn’t about having fast feet

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ACCESS THE VIDEO To see Tim Rudd’s video on acceleration mechanics, simply scan this page using the Layar app.

Or you can also access it at SportStarsOnline.com/Fit70.

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As previously discussed, strength is a great indicator of how much of an athlete’s speed potential they are using.

If they are weaker, they are further from reaching their true speed potential. If they are stronger, then they are much closer to reaching that potential.

Many athletes try to accelerate by moving their feet faster, which is a huge mistake. With this strategy, even if an athlete is strong they still would not accelerate that well.

The goal is to be able to put as much force in the ground as possible to create the forces necessary to optimally accelerate. This simply cannot happen with fast feet.

The forces that need to be created require a powerful triple extension of the ankles, knees and hips. When athletes are able to finish each stride with triple extension they are able to generate optimal power from the power producers of the posterior chain (Glutes).

This requires that the power leg (front leg) stay on the ground longer to finish with a complete triple extension of the ankle, leg and hip, and the trail leg finish through with a powerful punch in preparation for the next powerful push.

Arm drive also plays a very important role in acceleration and contributes 30 percent in optimal acceleration mechanics. So if your athlete’s arm drive is dysfunctional, then they could be losing up to 30 percent of their acceleration potential.

Tim Rudd is an IYCA specialist in youth conditioning and owner of Fit2TheCore.

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powered by trucks: anthony trucks

Properly stretching & training your hips will go a long way in strength training

When it comes to strength training for athletic development the primary need is for lower body development, and more importantly the musculature of the hips.

Not only are the hips the center of gravity for the athlete, but the hips contain, and/or control, the most explosive grouping of muscles in the body. Oddly enough the hips are an area that is neglected in regards to strength and flexibility, or they’re very poorly trained. Just think back to how many times you’ve seen an athlete unable to touch their toes, change direction correctly, or simply have good body control.

If you’re like me, while watching some games, you can’t figure out how some athletes were able to make the team in the first place.

So now that we’ve established the importance of the hips, how do we improve them?

First things first, you MUST work on stretching the hips to increase mobility. This will increase the range of motion for an athlete to work in, which can translate to better power output and better body control.

The goal is to stretch in multiple ranges to loosen ALL of the hip muscles. The next phase is to build MOBILITY into the movement range by strengthening the muscles that work in the newly-attained range of motion. Mobility is gained by doing FULL range of motion lifts. Unlike body builders, range of motion is an athletes BEST friend.

So start stretching.

Anthony Trucks is the owner of Trucks Training facility in Brentwood and covers weight training for SportStars.

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Chasing Potential The coaches love this new guy who’s tall, strong and fast — but he’s not very skilled. My technique is a lot better, and I also understand what’s going on better than he does. But the coaches keep giving him chance after chance. So what’s more important, his physical abilities or my skills?

R.J., Santa Rosa

A

great question — and to make it really clear what’s at issue, I’m going to rephrase your question. Instead of abilities vs. skills, let’s talk about potential vs. production.

“Potential,” as the saying goes, just means you haven’t done anything yet. But on the other hand, there’s also another old saying attributed to the great French general Napoleon. Before a major battle, there was talk that the French might lose, and one of the young commanders said “But we have God on our side.”

“God,” said Napoleon, “is on the side of the big battalions.”

In the same way, the sports gods are on the side of talent.

That talent, of course, has to be somewhat skilled, but the wide receiver who runs a legit 4.4 doesn’t really need to have

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a lot of double moves at the high school level — all he needs is a quarterback who can throw the ball a long way. And then if the speed guy learns how to run a couple patterns, and how to block a little, he’s going to be a lot more valuable than a much slower wide receiver who has every move in the book.

So coaches look at kids who are great athletes as potential stars; they look at kids who aren’t great athletes but are very skilled as complementary players. And coaches know all too well that you win games with stars, because a complementary player needs a star to take most of the attention.

Sadly, you can see where I’m going with this. If a 6-1 girl walks into my gym who runs well and has decent hand-eye coordination, I’m going to work with her as much as she wants to help her develop her skills. That 5-9 girl who understands everything that’s going on but isn’t really quick enough to defend on the perimeter is still going to get my attention, but I owe it to my program to see just how good the 6-1 girl can be.

And what that means is I’m going to give her chance after chance, just as your coach is going to give that tall, strong,

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fast athlete chance after chance. The return on the investment of coaching time and coaching energy into a potential star is exactly the same as paying rookies big signing bonuses — things may not work out as you hope, but the reward is well worth the risk.

One of the unfortunate aspects of sports is that it reinforces the old “life isn’t fair” complaint, but then again, since life really isn’t fair (why wasn’t I born as handsome as Brad Pitt and as athletic as LeBron James?), we all need to maximize what gifts we have and live up to whatever our potential might be.

The tall strong fast kid may never figure out how to play and may never acquire the skills he needs to excel because just like everyone, he has inherent limitations he simply may not be able to overcome. In the end, your production could easily be more important than his potential — but at the high school level, potential generally has the upper hand because if the light goes on for a natural athlete, the whole team gets better in a hurry. ✪

Clay Kallam is an assistant athletic director and girls varsity basketball coach at Bentley High in Lafayette. To submit a question for Behind the Clipboard, email him at clayk@ fullcourt.com

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BASEBALL/SOFTBALL

All Star Academy of Baseball All-Star Academy in Santa Clara features a 17,000-square foot indoor and outdoor training facility that is home to a variety of instructional programs designed to develop the total player. ASA offers All Skills Camps for ages 7-12, and Summer Boot Camps for 12 & under, middle school, high school competitive athletes. Info: 650-961-2255; www. asabaseball.com EJ Sports EJ Sports provides positive, instructive baseball programs that includes camps, teams, conditioning clinics for ages 7-18. We provide an exciting, bullyfree environment to help players improve athletically and build confidence. Our instructors possess the capability to teach concepts and relate to youth based on their comprehension level and athletic ability. Our staff consists of qualified coaches dedicated to improving and continually learning newest techniques in baseball. Info: 925-866-7199, www. ejsports.com.

Total Player Center The Total Player Centeris a full-service baseball/ softball training academy. We provide comprehensive, fully-integrated programs that evolve based on the best research and information in areas from health/safety, peak performance, education techniques and more. Age- and skill-specific programs available for ages 8-18. Info: 925-416-1600, www. thepitchingcenter.com.

BASKETBALL

All Out Sports League Our camps are geared toward teaching fundamentals. Every aspect is covered: dribbling, shooting, layups, passing, cross-overs, defense, help defense, boxing out and more. Camps open to boys, girls ages 6-16. Info: 925-203-5636 or www.allout-

sportsleague.com Hawk Basketball Academy We focus on skill development, challenging the individual to push themselves to become the very best. Focusing on: footwork, dribbling, proper shooting technique, reaching your highest level of performance, improving your mental game, preparing for CYO, high school and AAU. Info: 510-943-9252, facebook.com/hawkbasketballacademy.

I’m Possible Training (Mike Allen) Whether you’re beginner or on varsity, this program will help you excel. Improve ball-handling, footwork, shooting, overall fitness. I’m Possible is a world-renowned basketball program authored by NBA skills coach Micah Lancaster. Mike Allen, head trainer for the Bay Area located in Los Gatos, runs clinics for athletes of all levels from pros to AAU and high school. By registering, you can download the program, which lists a library of drills. Info: 408224-8503 or email mikeallen@possibletraining.com, www.possibletraining.com/mikeallen

CHEER

CheerGyms.com Customize our clinics to fit your needs. Cheergyms. com runs the best overnight residential camps.

We offer practical, fun material and professional, knowledgeable staff. Camps do not exceed 375 cheerleaders with one staff member fore every 15 cheerleaders. Two-day camps also available. Private camps allow you to pick the hours, decide what they will learn. Camps also available for coaches.

Intense Training Camps let you can pick one specific thing to work on for just $10 per student per hour. Info: morton@cheergyms.com, 925-685-8176, www.cheergyms.com

ENRICHMENT

Dianne Adair Programs Come join any of our eight summer sites for our fun

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and exciting summer program. Each week campers choose from several camps including sports, fashion, drama, CSI, science and more. In addition to weekly camps, we have weekly field trips to places like an A’s or Giants game, museums, the Jelly Belly Factory, Six Flags, the pool, the movies, parks and the zoo. Field trips and camps vary by site. Offers, rates may vary at any of our nine locations.

Info: www.dianneadair.org.

FITNESS

Fit2TheCore As a Youth Conditioning, Speed/Agility and Nutrition Specialist with the International Youth Conditioning Association, Fit-2 The Core Training Systems offers innovative approach to getting athletes back on the field. We work on a solid athletic foundation while focusing on individual progress. Instruction in movement training, injury reduction, linear/lateral speed development, foot speed and agility, power development, proper weight training techniques and functional strength training. Athletes are closely supervised, with attention on proper technique, safety. We offer 2 days/week or 3 days/week program options. Free two-week free pass. Info: www.fasteryoungathletes.com, 925-639-0907.

Renaissance ClubSport We offer sports, speciality camps for kids 5-12 during school breaks. Participants have funfilled, active breaks as they receive instruction in a variety of sports, activities and projects.

Working parents can take advantage of our extended hours for both morning and afternoon sessions. Families with multiple children receive 10 percent discount for each additional sibling registered for the same week. Info:

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925-942-6344.

Trucks Training Trucks Training was started by people who grew up in the area, experienced the world and came back to provide a service that we feel our community lacks. We have proven records and know what it takes to achieve the next level of sports & fitness safely and effectively. Hometown feel from true hometown people. We offer 1-on-1, group and small group training for both fitness and sportspecific needs. Info: truckstraining.com; 925756-7321

FOOTBALL

All Out Sports League Camps held in Antioch and Clayton. Our four day non-contact camp teaches every position on the football field and are geared toward the fundamentals. Every aspect is covered: blocking, tackling, running, defense, offense, special teams and more. Camps are open to boys, girls ages 6-16. Info: 925-203-5636, www.alloutsportsleague.com

GOLF

The First Tee-Contra Costa The First Tee Summer Camp is a youth development program for boys, girls ages 7-18.

Participants will learn about golf and life skills and values inherent to the game. We have offerings at courses in Antioch, Concord, Martinez and Walnut Creek. Fee assistance available. Info: Angela Paradise, 925-686-6262, Ext. 0, www.thefirstteecontracosta.org.

GYMNASTICS

East Bay Sports Academy Day camps offer the best in gymnastics, cheerleading, and tumbling. Half-day and full-day camps for girls, boys ages 5 and up

for both recreational and competitive athletes.

Our 13,000 square foot facility has the newest equipment, including the brand new superbouncy, safety-rated Weller Spring Floor, which is the largest in the world. Gymnastics & cheerleading camps: August 5-8, August 12-15. East Bay All-Stars Cheerleading also private minicamps and clinics for all kinds of cheerleading. Info: www.eastbaysportsacademy.com, 925-680-9999 .

MULTI-SPORT

Cabernet Indoor Sports The Livermore-based club is home to training and recreational leagues in baseball and other sports — including football, soccer, futsal, softball and lacrosse. Lil’ Baseball offered for ages 3-7. Info: 925-416-1600, www.cabernetindoorsports.com Real Neal Sports Real Neal Sports is a sports performance program that teaches speed and conditioning, improves overall movement and athleticism, and is dedicated to building overall athletes and committed sports programs. Mike Neal works on your athlete’s performance through weight training, agility exercises, plyometrics, flexibility, proper movement and running mechanics that will essentially improve their all around performance. The best part is, he comes to you. Mike will train you on your home field. Info: 925-237-0163 www.real nealsports.com

OUTDOOR/ADVENTURE

Bear Valley Mountain Outdoor adventures including kayaking, tennis, cycling, hiking, camp fires and more.

Soccer (ages 9-16); archery (9-adult); teen climbing and Bear Valley’s Day Camps for

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ages 3-18 provide mountain fun. Eight-week, weeklong and day camps. Every camper will have the opportunity to enjoy a selection of mountain activities including: rock climbing, sailing, canoeing, hiking, swimming, disc golf, art and crafts, kayaking, biking, wilderness adventures and more. Info: www. bearvalley.com.

Diablo Rock Gym Offering kids summer camps every week June-August. Ages 6-17; multiple kid and/or week discounts.

Info: 925-602-1000.

Epic Indoor Skatepark Skateboard and scooter camps available in November. Only $250 for a week or $50 per day.

Skateboard deck or scooter grips included with a full week of camp. Lunch and snack provided. Info: www.epicindoorskate.com.

Heritage camps focuses on learning new skills and honing existing ones. Compete in small-sided games and camp tournaments. Camp also includes keeper and striker training, conditioning, nutrition and developing your mental game. Registration is open to boys and girls ages 7-14. Info: www.HeritageSC.com West Coast Soccer Programs designed to bring professional experience and guidance to youth players across Northern California. The WCS coaching staff has created a curriculum to build the necessary foundation for your child to continue to grow. WCS camps, clinics and training programs create an environment that encourages experimentation and a passion for the game. Info: www.westcoastsoccerclub.com

RUGBY

Diablo Rugby Youth rugby is one of the fastest growing sports in the U.S. Based in Clayton, our club is dedicated to providing a positive rugby experience for boys at high school, jr. high and youth levels. Info: 925-3815143, http://diabloyouthrugby.clubspaces.com.

SOFTBALL

Pickles Softball Pickles Softball is based on helping your athlete become a better pitcher or catcher. Pickles Softball is dedicated to the whole athlete and you will find that our instruction will go beyond the basic mechanics of pitching or catching and into what it takes to be a successful on and off the field. We work with athletes from ages 8-22 and no matter the age or skill level, we will help your athlete find success and self-confidence. Info: 925-413-8432 www.picklessoftball.com

SOCCER

Heritage Soccer Club

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SWIMMING-DIVING

Sherman Swim School Our year-round schedule allows children and adults to learn, retain and improve their swim skills. We teach from age 9 months to adults, from non-swimmers to competitive. Our private or semi-private lessons allow you to progress at your pace. We also offer beginning and competitive diving classes. Info: 925-283-2100, www.ShermanSwim.com.

TENNIS

ClubSport Valley Vista Our camps are designed so that we touch on every major aspect of the game: stroke production, conditioning, strategy, footwork and psychology. Our low prices help make summer camp more affordable than ever. Eight sessions offered between June 17 and Aug. 16 geared toward players ages 7–16 from beginner to intermediate levels. ClubSport Valley Vista members receive discounted rates. Info: 925934-4050.

VOLLEYBALL

Bay Area Blast Summer Clinics Offering summer skills clinics for players of all ages, skill levels at NorCal Courts in Martinez. Morning clinics for 6th-8th grade girls and boys or players who are beginner/intermediate level. Evening clinics for 9th-12th grade girls and boys or players who are intermediate/advanced level. Info: www. bayareablast.com/summerclinics.html City Beach The City Beach volleyball club is based out of Santa Clara and has achieved a vast amount of national success while sending an array of athletes to the college level. The club offers summer camps and clinics. Info: CityBeach.ClubSpaces.com Pacific Rim Volleyball Through private lessons and opportunity for yearround skills classes, athletes of any age or level can learn and improve the skills to gain a competitive edge. For athletes with limited experience, we help develop solid fundamentals. Our advanced training, for junior levels (12th grade & below) will provide

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athletes opportunity to excel at becoming elite players in preparation for high school and/or collegiate volleyball. Info: www.pacificrimvolleyball.com.

U.S. Youth Volleyball League Camps are for beginner, intermediate, advanced players for boys, girls. We have a player-to-coach ratio of 8:1. Focus on spiking, serving, setting, passing, blocking, defense, offense and game strategy.

Six-, four- and two-person formats allow kids to play in every position. Registration fee includes a T-shirt, completion certificate, snacks and water. Info: 888988-7985, www.USYVL.org.

WRESTLING

Community Youth Center Offers young athletes opportunity to participate and excel in one of the world’s oldest sports. The program trains, challenges wrestlers at all age groups from kindergarten through high school, and all experience levels. The program is nationally recognized under the guidance of coach Mark Halvorson. Info: 925-671-7070, Ext. 229, www.communityyouthcenter.com.

MULTI-SPORT

City Beach Kids Camp Camps in Fremont for ages 6-15 and are chockfull of activities, including rock climbing, interactive games, free play at the entertainment hub and courts (based upon availability). Camps are offered in 1-, 3- and 5-day session (w/ full- and half-day options) and run until Aug. 30. 510-651-2500 x105.

East Bay Youth Sports Association Year-round, full-service youth sports organization dedicated to growth, development of character, sportsmanship, confidence, teamwork, ability and fun. Family friendly schedules and a relaxed, enjoyment of sports in a less-than-competitive atmosphere that offers both the player and their families the best that youth sports can offer. Our camps schedule includes spring break camps for ages 5-12 and summer camps for ages 5-14. Info: www.eastbay summercamps.com. ✪

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Advertiser Index

❒❒ 1-To-1 Pediatrics.............................................................................................28 ❒❒ Army National Guard Recruiter........................................................................11 ❒❒ Big O Tires Northern California/ Nevada............................................................2 ❒❒ Blaze Volleyball...............................................................................................34 ❒❒ California Family Fitness....................................................................................3 ❒❒ California Spirit Elite........................................................................................33 ❒❒ Championship Athletic Fundraising................................................................36 ❒❒ Cheergyms.Com..............................................................................................37 ❒❒ Children’s Hospital And Research Center..........................................................27 ❒❒ City Beach Sports Club......................................................................................5 ❒❒ Club Sport.......................................................................................................30 ❒❒ Core Volleyball Club.........................................................................................33 ❒❒ County Connection..........................................................................................23 ❒❒ Diablo Rock Gym.............................................................................................35 ❒❒ Diablo Trophies & Awards................................................................................35 ❒❒ E J Sports Elite Baseball Services.....................................................................33 ❒❒ Excellence In Sport Performance.....................................................................26 ❒❒ Fit 2 The Core...................................................................................................28 ❒❒ Garaventa Enterprises.....................................................................................22 ❒❒ Head First Baseball..........................................................................................36 ❒❒ Home Team Sports Photography.....................................................................36 ❒❒ Image Imprint.................................................................................................34 ❒❒ Impact Soccer..................................................................................................37 ❒❒ Kangazoom.....................................................................................................35 ❒❒ M L B Scout.....................................................................................................34 ❒❒ Mountain Mike’s Pizza.....................................................................................39 ❒❒ Muir Orthopaedic Specialists...........................................................................29 ❒❒ National Scouting Report................................................................................32 ❒❒ Pacific Rim Volleyball Academy.................................................................33, 34 ❒❒ Passthaball......................................................................................................37 ❒❒ Rocco’s Pizza....................................................................................................35 ❒❒ Sherman Swim School....................................................................................31 ❒❒ Sky High Sports...............................................................................................35 ❒❒ Sport Clips.......................................................................................................20 ❒❒ State Farm Jimmy Harrington Agent...............................................................14 ❒❒ Stevens Creek Toyota.......................................................................................40 ❒❒ Summit Orthopedic Specialists.........................................................................3 ❒❒ Taking The World By Storm Soccer...................................................................24 ❒❒ Tesoro Golden Eagle Refinery..........................................................................21 ❒❒ The First Tee Of Contra Costa............................................................................37 ❒❒ The Sports Authority.......................................................................................17 ❒❒ Togo’s Sandwiches.............................................................................................6 ❒❒ Tpc / The Pitching Center.................................................................................35 ❒❒ Tri Valley Orthopedic Specialists Inc.................................................................31 ❒❒ Trucks Training................................................................................................26 ❒❒ True Soccer Foundation...................................................................................32 ❒❒ United States Youth Volleyball League............................................................38 ❒❒ Velocity Sports Performance............................................................... 16, 32, 35 ❒❒ World Events...................................................................................................32

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