SJ Issue 50, August 2, 2012

the big 5-0: we gotta celebrate!

vol. 3. issue 50

Pg. 8, 24

August 2, 2012

FREE

best in prep sports

sac-Joaquin

10 11

to go gameday just got more exciting.

california’s top prep stars dominating for the USA. Pg. 10

SJS baseball players making splash at area code games

midsummer

mania from karts to flying, we’ll make your summer explode

SURVIVOR

Sebastien GArcia beat cancer, and he’s just getting his feet wet

Being too hot to go outside is no longer an excuse not to have fun.

Indoor sports centers are exploding throughout NorCal. Pg. 26

put your foot down: But if you’re gonna do it while running — and without a shoe on — why don’t you just go ahead and see a doctor first? Pg. 16 principal concerns: Athletes, coaches can’t do their jobs without a good administration supporting them. Pg. 13

PHONE 925.566.8500 FAX 925.566.8507 Editorial Editor@SportStarsOnline.com Editor Chace Bryson. Ext. 104 • Chace@SportStarsOnline.com Contributors Bill Kolb, Erik Stordahl, Mitch Stephens, Doug Gardner, Matt Smith, Clay Kallam, Jim McCue, Eric Gilmore, Dave Kiefer, Liz Elliott, Tim Rudd, Jonathan Okanes Photography Butch Noble, Bob Larson, Jonathan Hawthorne, James K. Leash, Norbert von der Groeben, Phillip Walton, Doug Guler Creative Department Art@SportStarsOnline.com Production Manager Mike DeCicco. Ext. 103 • MikeD@SportStarsOnline.com Publisher/President Mike Calamusa. Ext. 106 • Mike@SportStarsOnline.com Advertising & Calendar/Classified Sales Sales@SportStarsOnline.com, (925) 566-8500 Account Executives Erik Stordahl • Erik@SportStars Online.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 • Deb Hollinger. Ext. 101 • Distribution/Delivery Mags@SportStarsOnline.com Distribution Manager Butch Noble. Ext. 107 • Butch@SportStarsOnline.com

50

Information technology John Bonilla

BIG BATS: The Area Code Games giving local talent a platform to strut their stuff.

Get in the fast lane WITH Sebastien GArcia Pg. 14

Pg. 30

And we can prove it. Take a walk through our past with covers from the first 50 issues, including some regional issues you probably haven’t seen yet.

Pg. 24

Caliente!

Pg. 34

Impulse..........................................................22 Training Time................................................33 10 To Go.......................................................34 Training By Trucks.......................................36 Camps + Clinics..........................................38 Photo Finish..................................................46 on the cover Sparks Piranhas swimmer Sebastien Garcia.

Photo by James K. Leash.

LLC

PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER IN THE USA

Behind the Clipboard.................................13 Health Watch ..............................................16

Board of advisors Dennis Erokan, CEO, Placemaking Group Roland Roos, CPA, Roland Roos & Co Susan Bonilla, State Assembly Drew Lawler, Managing Director, AJ Lawler Partners Brad Briegleb, Attorney At Law community SportStars™ Magazine A division of Caliente! Communications, LLC 5356 Clayton Rd., Ste. 222 • Concord, CA • 94521 info@SportStarsOnline.com www.SportStarsOnline.com

First Pitch........................................................8

Room...............................................10 th Locker AAA SportStars of the Week...................12 issue

we cover it all, for 50 issues

CFO Sharon Calamusa • Sharon@SportStarsOnline.com Office Manager/Credit Services Deb Hollinger. Ext. 101 • Deb@SportStarsOnline.com

clean it up: You won’t get results you want from weightlifting if you’re not doing it properly. Pg. 36 rock bands: Resistance will help give you the burst you want. Pg. 33

Get noticed. Join today! www.SportStarsOnline.com

your ticket to bay area sports admit one; rain or shine This Vol. #3, August 2012 Whole No. 50 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™

August 2, 2012

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

Numbers Game W

Numerical look back as we turn 50 issues old

e’re feeling a touch of excitement around SportStars HQ of late. First of all, our annual Football Preview issue is just three weeks away from release. And if you think we don’t take our football seriously then you clearly haven’t been paying attention.

But we have another reason to be excited here, and you’re holding it in your hands.

Or, possibly, reading it on your screen.

That’s right, we’ve turned 50. Issue Five-O. We’ve had some fun reminiscing amongst ourselves the past couple of weeks. Be sure to check out pages 24-25 to get a look at every SSM cover to date. But before you do, here’s a by-the-numbers breakdown of the first 50 issues of SportStars. Starting with...

0: Phone calls complaining about too much, or not enough, De La Salle coverage.

And when your office is set up in the heart of Spartanland, that’s a win, people.

1: Cornfield used for a cover shoot featuring hockey. That actually happened. (Issue 29) 2: Athletes featured in the pages of SSM who have gone on to become Olympians.

(Kristian Ipsen, diving, Issue 2; Maggie Steffens, water polo, Issue 10) 3: Unique covers created for our 2011 Football Preview (Issue 30) 4: Football games covered in 31 hours by one extremely-motivated (if not slightly looney) contributing writer, Jim Mannion. (Issue 9). Mannion’s love of high school football was clear in the piece he wrote, so we were extremely happy for him when he broke into the coaching ranks with the Las Lomas-Walnut Creek junior varsity team in 2011.

7: CIF sections that have had at least one of their teams covered or reported on by SportStars. The only ones which haven’t: Central, Southern and L.A. City. (We honored a Nike Coach of the Year from the San Diego Section in Issue 17) 8: State championships events we’ve sent writers and photographers to.

9: Strokes I lost by when I challenged Antioch girls golfer Kelsey Cast to brave nine holes of conversation with me. (Issue 8) 10: Full time SSM employees whose efforts helped produce the first 50 issues. We are currently at eight.

15: Age of regular SSM photographer Jonathan Hawthorne when he captured his first cover image for us. (Issue 14) 18: SportStars Athletes of the Year named so far (one male and one female per season). We’ve named 14 Bay Area athletes and four Sac-Joaquin.

21: Different photo contributors used over the fist 50 issues.

30: Sporting or community events that SSM has either completely produced, or played a partnering or sponsorship role in. The next events coming up are the Taking the World By Storm Soccer Clinic on Aug. 11, and the Rising Stars Girls Basketball Challenge: Underclassmen vs. Seniors at NorCal Courts in Martinez on Aug. 19. Read more about both events it in our new “10 to GO” section on Pages 34-35.

37: Strokes that Sac-Joaquin Edition contributor Jim McCue lost by in his recent 18Chace@ hole round with Del Oro-Loomis golfer Austin Smotherman. You can catch an excerpt SportStarsOnline.com of what he wrote about the round in this issue on page 10. At least I was smart enough not to golf against a reigning state champion.

(925) 566-8503 70: Percentage of our success rate on all of our league and section championship predictions over these two-plus years. Actually, we’re just making that number up. We HAVE been more right than wrong. We think.

74: Unique pages produced for our 2011 FB Preview (Issue 30, three editions), the most of any issue to date.

1,098: Tweets from our SSM account (@SportStarsMag). And we only just got into the Twitter World during the 2011-12 school year. Follow us if you aren’t already and expect bigger and better things for 2012-13.

1,600: Approximate number of Clif Bars mailed to our SportStars of the Week honorees over the first 50 issues. Clif Bar is just one of our many sponsors to our SportStars of the Week prize packages, but it was among the first to jump on board and has been with us since Issue 1.

6,510: Likes of the SSM Facebook page, which is getting more and more interactive by the month. Go there now. See stuff (photos/videos). Learn stuff (wacky stats/breaking prep news). Win stuff (tickets, autographed items, SSM swag). ✪ Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

First Pitch Chace Bryson Editor

8

SportStars™

August 2, 2012

Silver linings to Shaq Thompson’s struggles in his pro baseball debut

A recent report out of the Gulf Coast League highlighted (well, er, rather, low-lighted…) the diamond misadventures of Grant High School-Sacramento’s standout defensive back Shaq Thompson. The University of Washington-bound Thompson racked up one of the single worst hitting performances in the history of organized baseball (we checked with Elias Sports Bureau – No we didn’t. We totally made that up), going an astounding 0-for-39 with 37 strikeouts in 13 games with the Boston Red Sox’ minor league affiliate. Hard to find the silver lining in a short-season in which you only put the ball in play twice, but we here at SportStars are a pretty positive bunch. Here are our top 5 positive takeaways from Shaq’s rough ride around the Florida panhandle.

1. Any time you can put yourself in a sentence with Michael Jordan, that’s a good thing. Mike sucked at baseball, too.

2. We can actually think of 145,000 really positive elements. Thompson just by playing, justified his $45,000 signing bonus and potentially $100,000 worth of incentives over the course of his four-year development contract.

3. That lustrous mane of dreds looks waaay better in a football helmet than under a baseball cap, anyway.

4. Nowhere to go from here but up, right? Tremendous. Upside. Potential.

5. Think of it as outstanding motivation to de-cleat Pac-12 receivers who have the temerity to come across the middle. Take it out on the receivers. Those poor, poor receivers.

— Bill Kolb

James K. Leash

10

SportStars™

August 2, 2012

Jim Gensheimer/San Jose Mercury News/ zumapress.com

4

count’EM

Current California high school school students who are members of Team USA at the Summer Olympic Games in London. That includes two Bay Area table tennis stars, Lily Zhang of Palo Alto HS (pictured) and Ariel Hsing of Valley Christian-San Jose. The third member of the U.S. Women’s Table Tennis team is Erica Wu of Westridge-Pasadena, and women’s gymnast Kayla Ross will be a sophomore this fall at Aliso Niguel-Aliso Viejo.

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

playing18 Editor’s Note: Our primary Sac-Joaquin Section Edition contributor, Jim McCue, recently had a chance to play a round with the 2012 CIF state boys golf champion, Austin Smotherman. We made sure to have him write about it. Here’s an excerpt from his tales.

By the time I was done with a round of golf with state boys golf champion Austin Smotherman, my game and ego felt like it had been through 10 rounds with Mike Tyson.

Playing 18 holes with Smotherman, a 2012 graduate of Del OroLoomis who will leave for Southern Methodist University in Dallas on a golf scholarship in the first week of August, was a lesson in proper golf form and etiquette — as well as a lesson in humility.

It’s great to witness a special golfing talent up close, but it can also be a test in accepting one’s own lack of talent on the links. I quickly realized that there was no way that I could keep up with McCue the smooth, consistent swings off Smotherman and his friend and former high school teammate, Eric Ash, who will start his second year of school and golf at Sonoma State University this month.

So, instead of trying to match shots with guys that routinely shoot in the 70s, I skipped over the lob wedge and putter to pull self-deprecation out of my bag.

Winchester Country Club, a private course in Meadow Vista designed by Robert Trent Jones and his son, is a challenging par 72 among majestic homes and towering trees in the foothills between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe. The course stretches as long as 7,144 yards from the gold tees (where Smotherman and Ash teed off) with elevation changes on most holes. In short, it’s not for someone who plays golf about two to three times a year—which is my unfortunate situation, and the main reason the shots I took at my game were some of the best shots I took all day.

There were plenty of amazing shots to admire during our round, including maybe two or three that I contributed to the highlight reel. My personal favorite was Smotherman calling his shot on the par-5 13th hole. Stepping up to the tee box after posting 10 pars, a double bogey, and a birdie, Smotherman was anxious for another red number and boldly predicted a “crazy eagle” despite barely being able to see the 575 yards to the green.

With the wind at his back, he crushed his drive nearly 340 yards to set up a shot at the green with a low iron. Smotherman ripped his second shot toward the flagstick and hit the green pin high before the ball rolled just over the back fringe and settled in the short rough behind the green. After waiting for my next four shots to get my ball on the back edge of the green, Smotherman stood over his ball and stood by his prediction. His chip bounced softly on the green before rolling into the hole for a “crazy eagle” that had me and Ash shaking our heads more in awe than in disbelief.

Wanna read the rest of Jim McCue’s column? Go to SportStarsOnline.com or just scan here!

James K. Leash

Throughout the week we like to poll our Facebook fans on random things that come to our mind here at SportStars HQ. Come ‘Like’ us at www.facebook.com/sportstars to join the conversation. You just might find your comments in a future issue.

With the 49ers and Raiders polishing off their first full week of training camp, we dust off a question we asked on July 17: The Niners currently have the best odds of winning the Super Bowl at 4-to-1. The Raiders are 25-to-1. Who are you betting on this season.

■ “Neither” — Omar S. ■ “Niners all the way!” — Glen S. ■ “New England. Again.” — Rocco B. ■ “49ers! They are going to put together another incredible season.” — Jonathan H.

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

August 2, 2012

SportStars™

11

Powered by

Like us on Facebook

12

SportStars™

The former Vikings wrestler and 2012 state runner-up took sixth place in the 152-pound division at the ASICS/Vaughan Junior and Cadet National Championships in Fargo, N.D.. Elliott, a two-time Sac-Joaquin Section champ and 2011 145-pound state champ, posted an 8-3 record over three grueling days. He will continue his wrestling career at the University of Wyoming.

SportStars Magazine: What were your goals or expectations for Fargo?

Jake Elliott: I have been going to Nationals since freshman year, but this year I trained harder than ever and wrestled a lot of college guys to get ready. I thought that, with the preparation and training I had, that I could win a title. But things didn’t go my way, especially the last day when I made some stupid mistakes and wore down some.

SSM: Is there anything you believe you could have done differently to bring a different result?

JE: I think that if I had just a little more time that I could have been more ready. My coach (Wyoming assistant Chris Pendleton) thought that we could have done better with just a little more time. Another week of hard training and working on a couple of things could have made a big difference.

SSM: Why did you choose Wyoming to wrestle collegiately?

August 2, 2012

jake elliott oakmont-roseville . wrestling . 2012 grad

honorable mention

nicolo galletti The FoothillPleasanton senior cracked the quarterfinals at the USGA Junior Amateur on July 16-21 in New Hampshire. He then qualified for the U.S. Amateur Championship on July 23.

Alta Briggs The Folsom Sea Otters swimmer qualified for the finals of the Suburban Swim League Championship Meet in four individual events and was on 200 medley and 200 freestyle relay teams in the finals as well.

hannah suh JE: I got a lot of interest from Oklahoma State and considered going there, but I really liked the coaching staff at Wyoming. They have a lot of successful former national champions and All-Americas that wrestled at Oklahoma State, and they are all-around good coaches and good guys. If I’m going to grind out five years of wrestling in college, then I would want to grind it out with the coaches and wrestlers at Wyoming

The recent Evergreen Valley-San Jose grad picked up her third NCGA/PGANC Junior Tour event top 3 finish on July 24-25 at Poppy Hill GC. She’s sits fourth in the point standings.

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

Top down: A supportive principal can go a long way Sure, a team might be good in one year because of a bunch of talent, or a coach might manage to string together a couple good seasons, but in the long run, athletic success is directly related to administrative support.

How important is the administration when it comes to the success of a high school athletic program?

C.K., Walnut Creek

es, that C.K. would be me, and when I saw Campolindo splashed on the cover of the last issue of SportStars, it made me want to make sure that everyone knew just what a huge role recently retired Campo principal Carol Kitchens played in all that success.

First, though, I want to emphasize just how important administrative support is to any athletic program. If the principal feels athletics are an important part of a school, then year in and year out, the athletic program will be strong. If the principal, though, thinks that only football and baseball are important — as was true at one school I worked at long ago — then over time, only those two programs are likely to thrive.

Sure, a team might be good in one year because of a bunch of talent, or a coach might manage to string together a couple good seasons, but in the long run, athletic success is directly related to

Y

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

administrative support.

And so when a school the size of Campolindo (around 1,300), with an enrollment that’s primarily white and Asian, is dominant in so many sports, there’s no doubt that the administration is a big part of that success. (And just to make it clear, Carol Kitchens wasn’t just about athletics — Campo has always been a very strong academic school as well, and other extracurricular activities, such as the choir, are outstanding too.)

I had known Carol before I returned to Campolindo in 2006, and I knew she would help me, as best she could, be successful. But I didn’t realize how much she knew about the athletic programs until I sat next to her at a volleyball game for a while. A play happened on the court, and she said “Lizzie always does that” — and my head snapped around. If my principal knew how individual volleyball players performed over time, I had better make sure my teams were well-prepared and ready to go, because Carol Kitchens was clearly paying close attention.

At the same time, Kitchens was more than ably supported by athletic director Bob Wilson, who

Behind the Clipboard Clay Kallam

is the best athletic director I’ve ever worked for in a public school (I only make that distinction because I don’t want to upset my present, private school, athletic director). Wilson is calm, cool, collected, experienced and on top of everything — and he knows Kitchens has his back, so he can do his job without looking over his shoulder.

And you know, Campolindo’s success isn’t exactly a one-year wonder. There was one year in which the girls’ volleyball team won the state title, the cross country team won the state title and at least three other teams played for North Coast Section titles — and that was just the girls.

Yes, we had talent, but we also had a situation that couldn’t be better for coaches, and that was thanks to Carol Kitchens and Bob Wilson.

As I mentioned, Carol retired this summer, and she will be missed — and not only by athletes and those who work for her, but by all the students at Campolindo and the community that supports the school. ✪ Clay Kallam is an assistant athletic director and girls varsity basketball coach at Bentley High in Lafayette. To submit a question for Behind the Clipboard, email Coach Kallam at clayk@fullcourt. com

August 2, 2012

SportStars™

13

14

SportStars™

August 2, 2012

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

More than 800 swimmers swam at the Sierra Nevada Long Course Jr. Olympics in Roseville and one was particularly inspiring

T

he Roseville Aquatic Center was recently the center of youth swimming when local swim club California Capital Aquatics hosted the Sierra Nevada Long Course Junior Olympics in their home pool. Nearly 800 young swimmers age 9-18 converged on Placer County to attempt to earn a trip to the 2012 Western Zones in Grand Junction, Colorado, from Aug. 7-12.

Top finishers that meet specific time standards for their events qualify to move on to the zone meet. The host team from Roseville qualified a number of swimmers in the 15-16 and 17-over divisions to compete in Colorado, including Daniel Konieczny, Claudio Aravena, David Duran, Isabella Davis, Melissa Callaghan, and Samantha Whitecotton.

One of the most inspirational swimmers to post times worthy of a trip to the Western Zone Meet will not be making the trip to Grand Junction.

Sebastien Garcia, a 16-year-old swimmer from Sparks, Nevada, made the trip down the mountain to test himself against top competitors from the region, but will skip the Western Zones to attend camp in Berry Creek, California.

Garcia will be serving as a camp counselor at Camp Okizu, a camp for children with cancer that provides support for kids who have cancer or are recovering from cancer. As a survivor of childhood leukemia, Garcia will be making his ninth trip to Berry Creek and first as a counselor.

“I now that I can go to zones, but I want to continue to go to Camp Okizu,” Garcia said. “I have been there as a cancer patient and survivor for years and just want to be able to give back and help others like I have been helped by the camp in the past.”

Sebastien was diagnosed with childhood leukemia early in life and was limited in athletic pursuits and competition while he underwent nearly three years of treatment, including painful and physically draining chemotherapy. At age 9, Garcia’s parents placed their son in swimming lessons to provide a non-contact outlet to get Sebastien back in shape.

Despite initial resistance, Sebastien took to the pool and joined the local swim team to continue his physical rehabilitation and to fuel his competitive fire.

“I wanted to get my muscles stronger, but I didn’t like being slower than other kids my age,” Sebastien said. “I am just competitive and kept at it until I got as fast or faster than the other kids.”

Garcia, who attends Wooster High School’s accelerated learning International Baccalaureate program, has two more years of school left before he hopes to pursue a career where he can possibly give back for the support he has received as a cancer patient and survivor.

“I would like to go to college to maybe become an engineer or a doctor,” he said. “I would love to become a pediatric oncologist because I want to be able to help others that may be facing the challenges I have faced.”

As a 16-year-old, though, Sebastien has plenty of dreams in and out of the pool that are typical of any young man. When he is not in the pool, he says that he spends most of his time around cars and working with cars.

For the time being, Sebastien’s need for speed is limited to the pool where he swims freestyle, butterfly, breast and individual medley. The regional Junior Olympics provided one outlet for Garcia’s swimming prowess, but much bigger things are in store. ✪

Story by Jim McCue Photo of Sebastien Garcia by James K. Leash Support Your Local Business • Say You Found Them In SportStars™

August 2, 2012

SportStars™

15

Everybody get footloose?

Evaluating trend of barefoot running

W

hile out on a typical Sunday morning in the local park, it is not uncommon to see many people taking part in their weekend exercise routine; particularly running. What is becoming increasingly common is to see individuals jogging down the running paths and roads barefoot or with “minimalist” running shoes; shoes that provide little to no support to the foot.

The barefoot/minimalist running movement found its roots in studies from Harvard University’s Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, which demonstrated that humans had run barefoot for millions of years with minimal incidence of the common running injuries that we see today: ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, and knee pain. At the same time, the Harvard studies were gaining notoriety, Christopher McDougall’s book, “Born to Run,” was published. It chronicled the Tarahumara Indians in Mexico, who for years ran hundreds of miles without modern equipment, coaching or training regimes. In combination with the studies from Harvard, this book set barefoot running ablaze.

From the Harvard study, one of the critical findings was that the most common running technique that our barefoot ancestors had utilized was landing on the forefoot (near the ball of the foot) rather than the heel. It is the modern running shoe which causes this heel strike.

The advantages of a lifetime (this is the key word: lifetime) of landing on the forefoot while running are decreased impact forces, stronger arches and less energy expenditure.

Barefoot/minimalist running shoes promote this forefoot running pattern. In contrast, running shoes facilitate landing on the heel which theoretically leads to increased impact, weaker arches and more energy expenditure.

So should we all throw our $140 running shoes in the trash and go barefoot tomorrow?

Absolutely not. Even the Harvard researchers state that there have been no direct studies on the efficacy of forefoot running or barefoot running on injury rates. In fact there are several lawsuits pending against Vibram, Adidas, and Reebok (makers of minimalist shoes), who all have made claims that barefoot/minimalist running increases training efficiency and decreases injury.

From a personal standpoint, I have seen

an increasing number of athletes coming to my clinic with strained calf muscles, Achilles tendonitis and metatarsal stress fractures who have made too quick a transition to barefoot running. If you have been running by landing on your heel for years with running shoes and suddenly start landing on the front of your foot while barefoot running, it places a tremendous amount of stress on your calf and foot bones.

So do I recommend that you totally give up on barefoot running?

Absolutely not. Is the appropriate time to try barefoot running during your competitive track or cross country season? Probably not. How many Olympic athletes do you see running barefoot?

If you are going to try barefoot running, try it out during your offseason and as a supplement to running with shoes. First and foremost, always see your doctor for an exam before you embark on a radical change of running style to see if there are any structural issues which may preclude you from running with minimal support.

Second, once cleared by your physician, start barefoot running very slowly as your calf and arch muscles will quickly get sore.

Run no more than one barefoot mile a day, every other day, and then gradually increase your barefoot mileage by 10 percent per week. You can continue to run with shoes while making the transition to maintain your mileage. Third, practice barefoot running on a tennis court or a track before heading out on the road. Fourth, when you are sore you need to rest and take extra time to stretch your calves, hamstrings, and arches. Finally, remember the transition to barefoot running will take months, if not a full year, to make.

Remember there is no long term evidence that people who have been heel strikers their whole life can safely and easily make the transition to barefoot/minimalist running. If you decide to make the transition, take your time, expect to be sore and respect your body. ✪

Health Watch Nirav K. Pandya

16

SportStars™

August 2, 2012

Dr. Nirav K. Pandya is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon specializing in pediatric sports injuries at the Children’s Hospital in Oakland.

He sees patients and operates in Oakland and at our facility at Walnut Creek. If you have any questions or comments regarding the “Health Watch” column, write the Sports Medicine for Young Athletes staff at Health@ SportsStarsOnline.com.

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

Honor, Valor TDs

&

Behind the passion of a former football coach with two sons in the military, Battle for Veterans has become much more than just a football showcase

F

By jim mccue | Contributor

ootball and the military have long been connected metaphorically.

Combatants going to battle, launching offensive attacks to destroy the opponent and ensure victory, and leaving everything on the battlefield — all phrases which have been used to describe game plans for sports and war.

Battle for Veterans, a local nonprofit organization headed by former high school football coach Mark Soto, is seeking to connect football and the military more literally both on and off the field.

The Battle for Veterans Football Invitational, formerly the Battle at the Capital, will feature 16 football games, including seven varsity contests with top programs from Northern and Southern California.

The football event, which will take place over two weekends at Del Oro and Westlake High Schools, will also include youth, freshmen, junior varsity, and law enforcement teams battling it out on the gridiron.

As a football event, the Battle for Veterans has become a premiere high school football showcase, with section champions and State Bowl finalists highlighting the action. But, Soto and the rest of the Battle for Veterans volunteers are pushing to put the organization’s

18

SportStars™

August 2, 2012

James K. Leash

Battle for Veterans promoter Mark Soto works in his office with photos of his two servicemen sons on his desk.

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

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

August 2, 2012

SportStars™

19

TOP: Westlake High of Westlake Village, which along with QB Justin Moore represented Southern California in the CIF Open Division state bowl game last year, will play host to the 2012 SoCal weekend of Battle for Veterans. (Bob Sansoe photo) bottom: Oakdale coach Trent Merzon and running back Marcus Northcutt will travel to play Oceanside as part of the SoCal weekend on Aug. 30-31 (James K. Leash photo).

20

SportStars™

August 2, 2012

cause on the same level, or even above, the top-tier sporting event.

“I wanted to do something to say, ‘thank you’ to our veterans, but all that I knew how to do was coach football,” Soto said of the event’s growing focus on military appreciation. “We want to give as much back to our veterans and to raise awareness to the plight and needs of military men and women.”

Soto first became involved with the Battle at the Capital in 2010 when the event’s out-of-state promoter needed local support to pull off the football showcase. With the help of Del Oro coach Casey Taylor and the Loomis community, a military appreciation theme was added, but costs recouped by the promoter outweighed the contribution to the cause. As the father of two sons in the military, both of whom have been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, Soto’s passion for the cause grew greater and became his primary focus.

In 2011, Michael Mathews joined Soto in focusing more effort and resources on using the football showcase as a vehicle to inform and inspire teams and communities to honor and appreciate the sacrifices veterans have made along with supporting injured veterans and their families. Mathews, the Director of Development for Battle for Veterans, brought valuable business experience to help the organization become a non-profit and to help structure the organization for sustained growth. Over the past two years the duo has grown the event to include a greater military presence, including a military vendor fair, a flyover, and military exercise demonstrations.

“When I got involved, we met these veterans,” Mathews said. “We had dinner in their homes, heard their stories, and saw their progressions. Once you witness it, you begin to understand and appreciate what they do for us and what they are dealing with. It has been very rewarding.”

Battle for Veterans hopes that the proceeds from this year’s football invitational can be forwarded to wounded veterans and their families in the form of creating career, business, and personal development opportunities through strategic partnerships and private donations. Soto, Mathews, and other contributors are unpaid volunteers working to raise funds and awareness for veterans, especially wounded soldiers returning from war.

“It is a 100 percent volunteer effort for us,” Soto said. “All proceeds go to veterans and their families.

Our hearts are pure. I am just thankful that I can do something that I love with football and help my sons and other soldiers at the same time.”

Soto’s passion for the cause has been one of the organization’s greatest assets in attracting football programs, communities, and sponsors to support Battle for Veterans. The group is working on other fundraising efforts and partnerships to assist veterans, including pledge/sponsorship opportunities for California International Marathon participants, a Sacramento River Cats military appreciation weekend, and partnerships with local vendors as part of the Shop for a Cause program still in development.

“You can see the passion in Coach Soto and it is contagious,” said Dave Samarzich, the Director of Football Operations at Upland High School. “Everyone wants to do this. (Battle for veterans) may be stuck with me for a long time.”

Upland, a football powerhouse in Southern California’s Inland Empire, has won four Southern Section titles under head coach Tim Salter. It is one of many schools that have jumped at the chance at being part of the football invitational as well as the cause.

“We started researching the organization and event and quickly realized how organized it was and what it stands for,” Salter said. “Once we got all of the information, we were all in.”

Before last year’s football showcase, Soto sought out high-profile football programs from Southern California and the rest of the state to further legitimize the sporting event. He looked for schools with strong football traditions and recent success to bolster the football lineup, and ended up finding powerhouse programs that had a similar passion and appreciation for the military.

Westlake High School was one of the first high schools in Southern California to have multiple former students killed in action, including a pair of former football players. When Soto visited with head coach Jim Benkert and the rest of the Westlake staff, fate connected him with the Warriors’ Director of Football Operations, Hector Castro.

“By chance, we were seated next to each other and (Soto) noticed my memory wristband,” said Castro, who wears the wristband in memory of his son, A.J., who was killed in Afghanistan in August 2010, just months before the meeting. “We realized there was a connection between us. He felt that we were all brought together for a reason and I believe that it was meant to be for us to meet and for the program to be a part of (Battle for Veterans).”

Westlake travelled to Loomis in 2011 and defeated host Del Oro in a thrilling overtime game. The loss was the only blemish on the Golden Eagles’ record before the two teams would cross paths again at the CIF State Bowl Championships. After Del Oro fell in the Division II title game, the team was leaving the field and passed by Westlake, which was about to take the field for the Open Bowl Championship game with De La Salle-Concord. The two teams, with a relationship and camaraderie built through their meeting at the Battle at the Capital, exchanged handshakes and hugs in passing.

Westlake upped the ante this year and will travel to Loomis again for an Aug. 24 game against Granite Bay before hosting the festivities on Aug. 31 and playing Del Oro in a rematch. Castro said that the Westlake program and community had an easy choice to make in accepting greater involvement for the cause.

“One of the things you look at is what would (AJ and other soldiers who were killed in action) want us to do,” Castro said. “Soldiers love each other like brothers and they believe that no soldier should be left behind. I think that he would want me to be helping soldiers in any way that we can.”

In addition to expanding to another week of games and activities and taking the cause to Southern Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

BATTLE FOR VETERANS

James K. Leash

Mark Soto, right, stands with two of his Battle for Veterans partners. Rick Sutter, left, is the Director of Media, and Michael Mathews works as the Director of Development for the event. The three stand at the center of the Del Oro High football field that will host the first weekend of games on Aug. 24-25.

California, Battle for Veterans is looking to continue to get bigger and better. This year’s events will have an added Evening of Honor dinner (each Thursday night — Aug. 23 and Aug. 30) open to the public and a post-dinner gathering with the football programs being addressed by keynote speakers, including veterans who will benefit from the weekend’s events.

Kevin Bracy, a Sacramento native and motivational speaker who will address the gatherings on both weekends, has no military experience, but is embracing the opportunity to “straddle the line between paying homage to the veterans and making an emotional connection with the student-athletes.”

“It is a great responsibility and I am very humbled,” Bracy said of being asked to be a keynote speaker.

“My message is about the veterans as well as it is about inspiring the student-athletes to do all that they can do. The freedom to Support Your Local Business • Say You Found Them In SportStars™

dream and achieve is not free.”

Soto wants to spread that message to as many people as he can reach, and his dreams include further expansion of the football invitational in the future. Plans are already being made for 2013 with Oceanside, who will be playing Oakdale in the Southern California event this year, hosting a weekend of games and activities outside the gates at Camp Pendleton near San Diego.

Where the football invitational, and more importantly the cause, expands to after that is unknown, but Soto sees no reason to restrict Battle for Veterans’ reach.

“I am willing to see this go as far as it can go,” Soto said. “The goal is to take this across the United States, but we know we have to do that strategically and with a good business plan.”

A plan that will surely include able generals planning to claim territory across the nation in the name of Battle for Veterans. ✪

Battle for Veterans is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that supports wounded veterans and their families. Mission: To work together with war veterans and families to celebrate achievements and build community awareness of their challenges. We are committed to creating career, business, and personal development opportunities through strategic partnerships and private donations. As they succeed, we succeed! www.battleforveterans.org 2012 Football Invitational Schedule of Events Northern California ■ Thursday, August 23 Evening of Honor – Sponsor Appreciation Dinner, 6 p.m. (Tickets available) Evening of Honor presentation, 7:30 ■ Friday, August 24 (Del Oro HS) Franklin-Elk Grove vs. Thousand Oaks (Junior Varsity), 3 p.m.

Franklin-Elk Grove vs. Thousand Oaks (Varsity), 5 p.m.

Parachute Jump Team/Fly-By/Honor Festivities, 7 p.m.

Del Oro vs. Oaks Christian-Thousand Oaks (Varsity), 7:30 p.m.

■ Saturday, August 25 (Del Oro HS) Roseville vs. Bradshaw Christian (USA Football Midgets), 9 a.m.

Lincoln vs. Antelope (USA Football Midgets), 11 a.m.

Granite Bay vs. Elk Grove (USA Football Midgets), 2 p.m.

Nevada County Sheriffs vs. Placer County Sheriffs (Battle of the Badges), 5 p.m.

Parachute Jump Team/Fly-By/Honor Festivities, 7 p.m.

Granite Bay vs. Westlake (Varsity), 7:30 p.m.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ■ Thursday, August 30 Evening of Honor – Sponsor Appreciation Dinner, 6 p.m. (Tickets available) Evening of Honor presentation, 7:30 p.m.

■ Friday, August 31 (Westlake HS) Westlake vs. Alemany-Mission Hills (Frosh), 2 p.m.

Oceanside vs. Oakdale (Varsity), 5 p.m.

Condor Flyover/Parachute Jump Team/Honor Festivities, 7 p.m.

Westlake vs. Del Oro (Varsity), 7:30 p.m.

■ Saturday, September 1 (Westlake HS) North Oxnard vs. Elk Grove (PYFL Seniors vs.

USA Midgets), 9 a.m.

Westlake vs. Roseville – (GCYFL Seniors vs.

USA Midgets), 11 a.m.

Westlake vs. Oaks Christian (Junior Varsity), 2 p.m.

Upland vs. Windsor (Varsity), 5 p.m.

Parachute Jump Team/Honor Festivities, 7 p.m.

Oaks Christian vs. Granite Bay (Varsity), 7:30 p.m.

August 2, 2012

SportStars™

21

Welcome to Impulse, your one-stop shop for gadgets, gizmos and gear. Compiled by staff writer Erik Stordahl, Impulse provides you with the latest and greatest and what’s currently hot on the market. This week we peel back the layers of one of the most anticipated events of the year: the Taking the World By Storm soccer event. We’ll give you the scoop on who’s gonna be there, how much autographs will be (free), and how much free swag you’ll walk home with. KABOOM.

Cal Storm

The no-brainer inclusion of the party. We figured if we’re gonna have an event named after the Cal Storm, then the Cal Storm should probably be there. They’re an elite group of female soccer pros who reside all over Northern California, and they’ll be taking on one lucky youth girls team in an exhibition match. Oh, and before all this, they’ll be sharing their tricks of the trade on the field so bring your cleats and shin guards.

SWAG

Because we love you guys so much, everybody is getting a SWAG bag just for showing up. What’s in the bag?

Pop Chips — Everyone will get a bag of maybe the most addicting snack known to mankind (this time we’re so not kidding).

Odwalla — They donated boxes of their chocolate and peanut butter energy bars.

SoccerSavings.com — They’re hooking you up with soccer balls and Team Discount Cards.

VitaCoco Water — You’ll get samples of this healthy, tasty refreshment. Hit us up at our booth and say VitaCocoWater five times fast and you’ll win a million bucks (not really).

CLIF Bar — Their Clif Kids Fruit Rope will go straight from the bag to your stomach in nano-seconds. It’s soooo good.

Jumbo Sunflower Seeds — We may or may not have a contest to see if you can stuff a whole bag in your mouth and cleanly and meticulously pick out all the seeds while saying the alphabet. Good times.

Mountain Mike’s — You’ll get coupons to use for the mondo pizza party you’re inviting everyone to after the event.

GU Energy — Just when you thought you couldn’t eat any more, you’ll find room for GU’s Chomps and Electrolyte Brew.

Mmm. County Connection — When you realize you ate all the food, you’ll notice your hands are full with stress balls, pencils and bike reflectors and and … Sports Authority coupons

Raffle Prizes

Sports Authority — Five lucky winners will get a $20 gift card. All you have to do is juggle the soccer ball 5,000 times in the pouring rain without screwing up. There might be something else to it but we’re not sure. … *crickets* … We’re kidding!

Brenden Theaters — You’ll have the chance to win family passes, which is perfect because then you’ll be able to drag your family to yet ANOTHER screening of The Dark Knight Rises. We heard that if you see TDKR 100 times, you turn into Batman.

Big 5 Sporting Goods — They’re giving away two $25 gift cards. If you’re a winner with these guys and Sports Authority, you’re probably well on your way to outfitting an entire soccer team.

Fit 2 The Core — Five lucky winners will get a $125 gift card, which means your body will be put through the ringer with these guys and their boot camps. You’ll thank us later, we hope.

Sponsors

Our friends at Tesoro Golden Eagle Refinery are graciously hosting the event, and our friends at Garaventa Enterprises, Wells Fargo, SportStars Magazine and PG&E are sponsoring this shindig. There you have it. This might be the most free stuff given away at any event, ever. The Taking the World By Storm event promises to be top-notch, quality fun for the whole family. See you there!

22

SportStars™

August 2, 2012

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

50

th issue

Odds & Ends from 50 Issues

SportStars Athletes of the Year winners

MALE Bay Area 2010 Fall: Ricky Lloyd, Concord football 2011 Winter: Travean Duffy, Las Lomas-Walnut Creek basketball 2011 Spring: Joe Ross, Bishop O’Dowd-Oakland baseball 2011 Summer: Jon Jay Chavez, De La Salle-Concord wrestling 2011 Fall: Michael Barton, De La Salle-Concord football 2012 Winter: Aaron Gordon, Archbishop MItty-San Jose basketball 2012 Spring: James Marvel, Campolindo-Moraga baseball Sac-Joaquin 2012 Winter: D’Erryll Williams, Sheldon-Sacramento basketball 2012 Spring: Austin Smotherman, Del Oro-Loomis golf

24

SportStars™

August 2, 2012

Lloyd

Steffens

FEMALE Bay Area 2010 Fall: Maggie Steffens, Monte Vista-Danville water polo 2011 Winter: Brittany Boyd, Berkeley basketball 2011 Spring: Ciarra Brewer, James Logan-Union City track and field 2011 Summer: Trinity Wilson, St. Mary’s-Berkeley track and field 2011 Fall: Carrie Verdon, Campolindo cross country 2012 Winter: Hannah Huffman, Carondelet-Concord basketball 2012 Spring: Sasha Wallace, Holy Names-Oakland track and field Sac-Joaquin 2012 Winter: Courtney Range, St. Mary’s-Stockton basketball 2012 Spring: Daje Pugh, Fairfield track and field

Memorable Soundbites “My coach calls me “Piranha.”

Because I’m hungry for boards.”

— Chairese Culberson, Berkeley girls basketball (Class of 2011) from Issue #20.

“We’ll see you next year.”

— Member of the Home Depot grounds crew to the De La Salle administrators as they lead players out of the locker room following the Spartans third straight CIF Open Division state bowl game victory.

Then and Now Breaking down Issue #1 vs. #50 Category No. 1 No. 50 Pages produced 32 63 (across both editions) Ads 19 66 Total editorial contributors: 7 12 Distribution outlets: 500+ 1,600+ No. of days to plan/produce issue: 35 12

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

The Great Cover-up 50 Issues, but more than 50 covers. Enjoy the covers you might have missed from our different California editions!

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

10 Soccer

volleyball

6 6 5 Track/XC

basketball

baseball/softball

covers: what’s what

13 13 Football

What sport has been on our cover the most? Let’s do the math

August 2, 2012

The rest Golf.................... 3 Swimming....... 3 Water Polo....... 3 Tennis................ 2 Wrestling......... 2 Lacrosse........... 2 Cycling.............. 2 One each......... 6 SportStars™

25

Playing your sport while beating the heat has never been easier

I

By erik stordahl | SportStars

t’s here. The dog days of summer. The temperature is dancing around triple digits and people are running out of sunscreen fast. School’s still a few weeks away but it’s too hot to go outside and actually do anything. That’s why it’s important to hit up the great indoors.

SportStars is offering up a plethora of indoor, air-conditioned fun zones that’ll keep people far, far away from the melting sun.

There’s so much to do, so much to cover. With so many locations opening up left and right it’s a piece of cake to find the right one for everybody. From rock climbing gyms to go-karting, from indoor soccer to laser tag and boatloads more.

One place that’s been a staple in the East Bay for almost 20 years is San Ramon Sports. They host indoor soccer leagues for kids, teens and adults.

“Coming up, we’ve got the youth indoor soccer session, which starts in November” Christopher Penna said, who manages San Ramon Sports. “We also have our adult indoor soccer leagues that run year round. Everything gets really busy during the colder months.”

While outdoor soccer leagues can shine in the summer, San Ramon Sports flourishes for 365 days a year in its 40,000-sq.-ft indoor facility.

In addition to soccer leagues, San Ramon Sports has batting cages, parties, lacrosse and Lil’ Kickers soccer classes for kids 18 months to 9 years old.

“Soon we’re going to be starting construction in some new space we acquired.” Penna said. “With a redesigned entrance, TVs and food court, it will provide a place for our customers to hang out after a game, adding more of a social element to the facility.”

Another facility is Rockin’ Jump. Maybe the bounciest game in town, Rockin’ Jump boasts an arena full of trampolines. Attractions like the Rockin’ Splash (where kids jump from trampolines into soft foam cubes), Rockin’ Dodge (the dodgeball zone where leagues are currently going on), Rockin’ Dunk (the basketball zone) and Rockin’ Robics (trampoline exercise classes) make Rockin’ Jump an ideal destination for kids and their parents.

Kids have the option of becoming a member. For $30, your get access to exclusive member-only events/discounts, four free hours of anytime jump, and two bucks off your first hour of any time jump for one year. That’s a $78 value.

Rockin’ Jump also hosts birthday parties, celebrations, team building events and fun corporate retreats.

For go-karting enthusiasts, it’s hard to go wrong with Umigo.

Umigo offers the unique experience of motor sports racing without the commitment of the time and money required in real racing.

One can arrive at Umigo, get suited up with the provided suits and helmets and proceed to have a blast on the track within the 54,000 square foot warehouse. With over an acre of track area and more than 25 different track configurations, people are sure to get

26

SportStars™

August 2, 2012

San Ramon Sports the racing experience they and their friends are looking for.

No experience is necessary. Umigo is here to help people try it for the first time or help them learn the line if they are an old pro.

Umigo hosts many groups as well and creates a race experience like no other. Whether it’s a company outing, a family get together, a club event, a birthday party, a bachelor party or any kind of group event, Umigo has the space and resources to make events memorable.

For an afternoon or evening of family-friendly fun, check out City Beach and their facility with rock climbing, kids’ camps, Family Fun Night and birthday packages. With their rock gym, there is no experience required. Their Rock Club offers something for every level of experience, including the “Me? Climb a wall?” kind.

New climbers can use their auto belay system, which allows one to clip and go (minors must be supervised).

City Beach makes Saturday night the place to be with their Family Fun Night from 6-9 p.m. It’s the perfect time to spend an evening with kids, letting them burn energy while parents jump in or sit back, have a drink and enjoy some quiet. A wristband gets access to rock climbing and family fun activities including inflatables, ping pong, badminton, and KidZone complete with hula hoops and coloring tables.

Cabernet Indoor Sports hosts a ton of camps and clinics. Based in Livermore, Cabernet boasts a lot of real estate. Because of all the space, campers can choose from soccer, baseball, softball, basketball or all of the above.

These camps are for athletes of all ages and levels.Those wanting to advance their game can do so through training. Via the Total Player Center, Cabernet offers training programs for teams, leagues and coaches.

This is all just the tip of the iceberg. Continue reading for an all out blitz of indoor arenas, facilities, and fun zones that must be checked out. ✪

Boomers! — This is an ideal place to spend a Saturday.

Enjoy go karting, mini golf, laser tag, bumper boats, an arcade and more. They also host birthday parties and other celebration events like Grad Night.

Bowlmor — Bowlmor Lanes Cupertino is Silicon Valley’s premier upscale bowling alley. They’ve taken America’s favorite activity and turned it into a high-end, high-energy experience. With 32 lanes and a full service sports bar and restaurant, gourmet cuisine by Celebrity Chef David Burke, and its brand new Silicon Valley Bocce Club, Bowlmor Lanes is the ultimate entertainment destination.

Midway Paintball — Midway Paintball offers six different fields: turfed airbag tournament pro fields, western town, hyper ball city, arena field, battlefield with two tanks, and coming in the fall a castle field. No experience or equipment is required. Ideal for birthday parties and team building.

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

Diablo Rock Gym — In addition to having a full-fledged rock wall, DRG offers an indoor-heated pool, weights, yoga, CrossFit, indoor cycling, fitness classes, card machines, and a positive community of healthy, motivated people.

iFly — This is the safe place people can experience human body flight. Indoor skydiving at iFLY SF Bay is safe for kids, challenging for adults, exciting for teens and realistic for skydivers. No experience necessary, great fun for ages 3 and up.

EPIC Indoor Skatepark — EPIC is the premier skate zone for Greater Sacramento. They hosted a stop of the Free Flow Tour on July 28. It was their third year hosting and served as the only stop of the tour in Northern California. The top three winners got a $500 travel voucher to go to the Dew Tour in San Francisco.

Sky High Sports — This bouncy arena has an AIRobics class. Be sure to check out their dodgeball tournaments.

They also host special days for special needs kids on the first Tuesday of every month from 2-5 p.m.

Hardwood Palace — This facility could probably fit two or three Costcos. It boasts 70,000 square feet, eight beautiful maple hardwood courts, seven flat screen TVs, free Wifi, and a sky view mezzanine that allows visitors to watch games from above the action.

Antioch Paintball Park — Their experienced staff will guide first-timers and ensure a safe and fun environment for everyone. Perfect for birthday parties, team building events, or just having fun on a Saturday. After a round of paintball, be sure to check out the skatepark, too.

Sky Zone — This indoor trampoline park offers up 3-D dodgeball arena, Sky Zone’s flagship sport. Choose also from SkyRobics (for adults and kids) and Sky Camp. They also specialize in birthdays and team/corporate events.

East Bay Sports Academy — Sign up for recreational and competitive gymnastics teams led

by EBSA’s experienced staff. Join their all-star cheer squad and compete in local, regional and national tournaments. High school cheer squads can also receive training from EBSA.

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

Bladium — With more than 175,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor options, Bladium offers inline hockey, two soccer fields, volleyball and basketball courts, a boxing ring, a rock-climbing wall and multiple rooms for group fitness classes.

August 2, 2012

SportStars™

27

NorCal Courts — Recently opened, NorCal Courts has three full-size high school basketball courts all under one roof complete with large wireless varsity scoreboards on each court, new wooden floors, free wi fi, cafe seating for 30 people, lots of bleachers for parents and fans, and plenty of parking.

GoKart Racer — Hi-caliber racing machines on three Europeandesigned road courses. Their karts are designed and maintained to be completely safe and stable while providing real racing action. They supply racing suit, helmet, and instruction to get racers started.

Universal — Universal Sports Academy is the newest sports facility located in downtown Martinez. It is set to offer a 48,000 square foot sports complex. Sports offered will be: soccer, batting cages, slow pitch softball leagues, pitching lanes, speed and conditioning, gym memberships and personal training.

28

SportStars™

August 2, 2012

Headfirst — Headfirst Baseball has been a top development program for youth players throughout the Bay Area. The academy offers one on one instruction, team instruction, pitching classes, hitting classes, and the “Little Rookies” program, which teaches the game to young players ages 4-7.

Black Diamond Gymnastics — In addition to providing gymnastics and cheerleading, Black Diamond Gymnastics offers dance, karate, adult fitness along with their very own Little Diamonds Preschool, Kids World, and Party Zone.

Laser Craze — This futuristic laser tag center in Rocklin boasts laser tag and the Game Zone (a giant arcade), and the Crazy Zone (fun-filled inflatable play structures for kids 10 and under.)

Bridges Rock Gym — Located in El Cerrito, Bridges offers up climbing, sacklining, yoga, training & fitness and a cafe to wind down after a full, intense day of rock-climbing fun.

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

Where It’s All Happening ■ Antioch Indoor Sports Center; contact: Steve Fosenburg; Antioch, 925-778-6363, www.antiochindoorsportcenter.com.

■ Antioch Paintball Park; contact: Jeff Warrenburg; Antioch, 925-757-2468 (75-PAINT) ■ Berkeley Ironworks; contact: Lyn Barraza; Berkeley, 510-981-9900 ■ Black Diamond Kids Center; contact Shelby St. Pierre-Kromer, Brentwood, 925516-6619, www.blackdiamondkidscenter. com ■ Bladium Sports & Fitness Clubs; contact: David Walsh; Alameda, 510-814-4999 x 131, www.bladium.com ■ Boomers!; contact: Jessica Frick; Livermore, 925-447-7275 x101, www. boomersparks.com ■ Boomers!; contact Misty Ramero; Modesto, 209-545-5248, www.boomersparks.com ■ Bowlmor Lanes & Carnival; contact Neil Bhatnagar; Cupertino, 408-252-2695 x5967, www.bowlmor.com ■ Bridges Rock Gym; El Cerrito, 510-5255635, www.bridgesrockgym.com ■ Cabernet Indoor Sports; contact: Kelly Kechriotis; Livermore, 925-455-8300 x0, www.cabernetindoorsports.com ■ Cameron Karting; contact: Brett Buckwalter; Sonoma, 707-938-9986, www. cameronkarting.com ■ City Beach Sports Club; contact: Jeannie Ruesch; Fremont, 510-651-2500 x104,

www.citybeach.com ■ Diablo Rock Gym; contact: Hans Florine; Concord, 925-602-1000, www.touchstoneclimbing.com ■ Driven Raceway; contact: Bill Lewis; Fairfield, 707-426-3748; contact: Matt Stearn; Rohnert Park, 707-585-3748 x701, www.drivenraceway.com ■ Dublin Iceland; contact: Steve Nelson; Dublin, 925-829-4445, www.dubliniceland. com ■ Encore Gymnastics, Dancing & Climbing; contact: Virginia Kelly; Walnut Creek, 925932-1033 x225, www.dscreationencoregym. homestead.com ■ Epic Indoor Skatepark; contact: Jan Killingsworth; Rocklin, 916-408-4200, www. epicindoorskate.com ■ Folsom Sports Complex; contact: Derrik Perez; Folsom, 916-984-2850, www.folsom. ca.us/depts/parks_n_recreation/folsom_ sports_complex/batting_cages.asp ■ GoKart Racer; contact: Dave Robison; Burlingame, 650-692-7223, www.gokartracer.com ■ Granite Arch Climbing Center; contact: Bob Balzhiser; Rancho Cordova, 916-8527625, www.granitearch.com ■ Great Jump Sports; contact: Shahab Tabrizi; Milpitas, 408-957-8915, www. greatjumpsports.com ■ Hardwood Palace; contact: Royce Browning; Rocklin, 916-543-4433 x11, www.hardwoodpalace.com

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

■ I-FLY SF Bay; contact: Brandon Cole; Union City, 510-489-4359 x204, www.

IFLYSFBAY.com ■ K1 Speed; contact: Joey Nagase; Santa Clara, 408-338-0579, www.k1speed.com/ santa-clara ■ Laser Craze; contact: Susan; Rocklin, 916-259-2729, www.lasercrazeca.com ■ Le mans Karting: contact: Eric Traylor; Fremont, 510-770-9001, www.lemanskarting.com ■ Midway Paintball Facility; contact: Holli Smith; Vacaville, 707-399-9400, www.midwaypaintballfacility.com ■ Mission Cliffs Climbing and Fitness; contact: Donna Dunlap; San Francisco, 415-550-0515.

■ Nazareth Ice Oasis; contact: Hanna Hanhan; Redwood City, 650-364-8090 x113, www.iceoasis.com ■ NorCal Courts; contact: Dan Middleton; Martinez, 925-465-4498, www.norcalcourts. com ■ Norcal Indoor Sports Center; Ian Striegler, Woodland, 530-406-1100, www. norcalindoorsports.com ■ Oakland Ice Center; contact: Melissa Fitzgerald, Oakland, 510-268-9000, www. oaklandicee.com ■ Off The Wall Soccer & U.S. Soccer Coaching; contact: Elena Hunt, Santa Clara,408-988-6900, www.offthewallsoccer. com ■ Off The Wall Soccer Inc.; contact: Josh

Fitzgerald; Sacramento, 916-669-1303, www.offthewallextreme.com ■ Paradise Skate; contact:; Jeff Warrenburg; Antioch, 925-779-0204 x1, www. paradiseskate.com ■ Payless Batting Cages; contact: Mike Carzino; Concord, 925-825-7526, www. paylessbattingcages.com ■ Planet Granite; contact: Mike Griffin, Belmont 650-591-3030, www.planetgranite.com ■ Planet Granite; contact: Stephanie Ko Pound Sunnyvale 408 991-9090 X214, www.planetgranite.com ■ Rockin Jump; contact: Andrew Wilson Dublin, 925-828-7676, www.rockinjump. com ■ Rocklin Sports Complex/Cal Family Fitness; Rocklin, 916-625-9100 ■ Rocknasium; Davis, 530-757-2902, www. rocknasium.com ■ RPM Indoor Kart Racing; contact: Brent Webb; Sacramento, 916-368-7223, www. raceplacemotorsports.com ■ Sacramento Pipeworks; contact: Vaughn Medford; Sacramento, 916-341-0100, www. touchstoneclimbing.com ■ San Ramon Sports; contact: Chris Penna; San Ramon, 925-831-9050, www. sanramonsports.com/ ■ Silver Creek Sportsplex; contact: Joy; San Jose, 408-225-1843, www.silvercreeksportsplex.com ■ Sky High Sports; contact: Dennis

Cassidy; Concord, 925-682-5867, www. jumpskyhigh.com ■ Sky High Sports; contact: Janelle Ildefonzo; Santa Clara, 408-492-1139, www. jumpskyhigh.com ■ Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park; contact: Jeannette Mortensen; Rocklin, 916644-9966 x0, www.skyzonesports.com ■ Speed Factory; Roseville, 916-780-7223, www.speedfactorykarting.com ■ Stonehenge Climbing Gym; Modesto, 209-521-3644, www.climbstonehenge.com ■ Strikes Unlimited; contact: Kari Pegram; Rocklin, 916-626-6370, www.strikesrocklin. com ■ Super Franks Fun Adventure; contact: Frank; Pleasanton, 925-271-5877, www. superfranks.com ■ The Entertainment Zone: QZAR; contact: Trisha; Concord, 925-521-9663, www.q-zar. com ■ Umigo Indoor Kart Racing; contact: Jim Buck; Livermore, 925-373-7223 x2, www. umigoracing.com ■ Universal Sports Academy; contact: Tommy Sparacino; Martinez, 510-325-3474, www.usamartinez.com ■ Valley Rock Climbing Gym; Livermore, 925-960-2455, www.larpd.dst.ca.us/open_ space/rock_climbing_gym.html ■ Vertex Climbing Center; contact: Sarah McKay; Santa Rosa, 707-573-1608, www. climbvertex.com ✪

August 2, 2012

SportStars™

29

KNOWthe

code Two sets of teammates lead impressive list of regional standouts at prestigious Area Code Games

“It is amazing to play against such great hitters and pitchers. You get to see guys just as good as you are and better.

And as a batter, you can face guys with Major League velocity.

It’s a blast.”

—­ Rowdy Tellez

30

SportStars™

T

By jim mccue | Contributor

he long summer baseball season for local athletes progresses through showcase tournaments and American Legion ball before culminating with the Area Code Games, a national tournament that features the top talent primarily from the senior class of 2013. Eight regional teams were selected by tryouts and player evaluations in late June and early July to bring major college and professional prospects together for a weeklong showcase in Southern California.

Players from Northern and Central California, including talent from the Goldby Sac-Joaquin Section (SJS), were invited to try out for the Oakland Athletics roster on July 5 in Stockton. In all, 11 of the 35 prospects selected to represent the region hail from SJS programs, including two pair of local teammates hoping to prove their worth and attract more attention from college and pro scouts alike.

Division I powerhouse Elk Grove, Eden which advanced to the semifinals of the Division I North playoffs before falling to eventual champion Franklin-Elk Grove, will be represented by its top two talents in Rowdy Tellez and Dom Nunez. Yuba City, a perennial Division III contender that was eliminated in the semifinals of the section playoffs, will send its talented battery of Chandler Eden and Cooper Goldby.

While Tellez and Nunez have already committed to play collegiately at USC and UCLA respectively, Eden and Goldby are hoping to use the Area Code Games to improve their skills and boost their stock while facing the best competition they will likely see before making the jump to the next level.

“I’m definitely looking to showcase my talent and maybe find someplace to go to college,” said Goldby, whose

August 2, 2012

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

26th AREA CODE GAMES Eight regional teams with the top high school players (Class of 2013, 2014,

2015 are eligible) in the nation play in

a week-long tournament at Blair Field on the campus of Long Beach State

University from August 5-10. Northern

California players were selected for the

Athletics roster at tryouts held in Stockton at Banner Island Ballpark in early July. All

games in Long Beach are free to the public, and are heavily attended by college and professional scouts and coaches.

Games on Aug. 7 will be streamed live on ESPN3.com.

■ SAC-JOAQUIN SECTION PLAYERS ON ATHLETICS

Jonah Wesley, P, Tracy Trevin Hasletine, P, Davis Chandler Eden, P, Yuba City Daulton Jefferies, P, Buhach ColonyAtwater Joey Caffese, P, St. Mary’s-Stockton Marcus Vidales, OF, Pioneer-Woodland Aaron Knapp, OF, Granite Bay Willie Calhoun, INF, Benicia Dom Nunez, INF, Elk Grove Rowdy Tellez, 1B, Elk Grove Cooper Goldby, C, Yuba City

■ ATHLETICS SCHEDULE: Aug. 5

2:00 p.m.

vs. Royals

Aug. 7

8:30 a.m.

vs. Reds

Aug. 8

11:30 a.m.

vs. Brewers

Aug. 9

12 p.m.

vs. Yankees

Aug. 10

11:30 a.m.

vs. White Sox

James K. Leash

Elk Grove baseball standouts Dom Nunez, left, and Rowdy Tellez hang out prior to a late-May matchup against Davis. This will be Nunez’s first year participating in the Area Code Games and the second year for Tellez, who was the youngest member of the Athletics roster a year ago.

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

August 2, 2012

SportStars™

31

father, Scott, is the northwest scouting supervisor for the Miami Marlins. “I have never done anything like this before and faced the pitching we will see, so it will be a great challenge.”

Goldby, a catcher for the Honkers who batted .307 with 18 runs and 14 RBI as a junior, will have the opportunity to receive familiar pitches from battery-mate Eden if the two are paired up for action during the five scheduled games in Long Beach. Both pitcher and catcher are excited for the opportunity and to have a familiar face to share another baseball experience with.

“It makes it easier to have someone to throw to who knows my pitches,” said Eden, who has played on travel ball and high school teams with Goldby since the two were 11 years old.

“He’s my favorite catcher to throw to and I hope to be able to have him behind the plate when I get to throw to some of the best hitters in the country.”

“I’m real happy to have a pitcher that I know on the team and hopefully throwing to me at the Area Code Games,” Goldby said. “It will be great to try to get Yuba City some attention down there and maybe put the school on the map for more people.”

Getting their school on the map with the mix of top national talent which will be at the plate and in the field in each and every game will be a challenge, but the Honkers’ duo is embracing the chance to test themselves against the best.

Notable Area Code Games alumni include Northern California talents such as CC Sabbathia, Dustin Pedroia, and Jimmy Rollins, as well as Major League Baseball stars like Albert Pujols, Ryan Howard, Roy Halladay, and Troy Tulowitzki. Just four years ago, Rookie of the Year candidates Bryce Harper and Mike Trout were showcasing their talents at the same tournament that locals will be attending next week.

“Everyone there will be legit,” Eden said of the potential lineup of hitters he could face on any given day. “There will be a lot more competition than I have ever seen, but I look at it as an opportunity to show what I can do. Hopefully someone will notice me and what I can do.”

Tellez and Nunez are past the “getting noticed” stage, but the Thundering Herd teammates can expect lots of opponents to target them in an attempt to gain attention. Striking out a player committed to a top tier Division I program can raise the stock of lesser-known players.

After finishing an impressive sophomore season at Elk Grove last year, Tellez was the lone underclassman to earn a spot on the Athletics roster. The experience was both eyeopening and invaluable for the young rising star.

“It is amazing to play against such great hitters and pitchers,” Tellez said of the 2011 Area Code Games. “You get to see guys just as good as you are and better. And as a batter, you can face guys with Major League velocity. It’s a blast.”

Tellez also enjoys seeing more pitches to hit at the Area Code Games and similar showcases. In his junior season at Elk Grove, Tellez batted .568 with 7 home runs and 47 RBI despite being pitched around whenever possible. In Long Beach, he expects opposing pitchers to come right after him with their best stuff, and he expects big things from himself and the Athletics team.

“The coaches are confident in our team and I think that this year we will impress more people,” he said of the talented roster.

Regardless of the results over the Athletics’ five games, local players like Tellez, Nunez, Eden, and Goldby will bring valuable experience and great stories back from their summer baseball finale.

And that could go a long way in the spring. ✪ 32

SportStars™

August 2t, 2012

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

Viva La Resistance: Using bands to create an explosive first push T wo weeks ago I attended the Annual Summit for Athletic Revolution in Louisville. Athletic revolution is the franchise created by the IYCA, established to do exactly what the name implies, revolutionize the way we develop our young athletes.

There were a lot of great speakers at the event, and the hands-on workshops were very educational. But one stood out, and that was the presentation by Dave Schmitz (aka: the Band Man). I currently use resistance bands for speed work, but always learn new concepts when I see him. I think the biggest benefit besides performance improvement is the versatility of this training tool for parents and coaches.

Resistance bands are one tool that can be used anywhere and provide a stimulus for speed and strength that free weights just can’t do. It also provides a stimulus to speed training that really has an immediate impact your athlete’s nervous system.

Resistance bands train athletes on how to improve deceleration footwork, how to handle forces created by increased momentum, ground reaction and gravity. They help to train accelerated deceleration — which is important for injury prevention and optimally developing Tim Rudd for IYCA change of direction performance. It trains horizontal velocity, which dead weight just cannot do.

Athletes can be linked together for partner training, which increases learning potential and teamwork as they have to stay focused while their partner is performing a skill. Also, they need to resist the dynamic resistance by staying balanced, which increases body awareness, core strength and reinforces an optimal athletic stance.

So today I want to share how to utilize resistance bands using a lateral shuffle deceleration skill set.

Lateral Deceleration/Acceleration Skill Set: ■ Skill Set 1: Breaking Foot or Push Foot Outside the Box (Shoulders) ■ Skill Set 2: Drop the hips and bend the knees. Hips should be back, shoulders forward (eyes and chest up) and knees flexed (positive shin angles) ■ Skill Set 3: Foot must be flat with emphasis on loading inset of the foot. This prevents rolling of the ankle and allows for stronger and safer push off.

■ Skill Set 4: Breaking foot is pointed in (Toes are perpendicular or in slightly).

Now of course all of these skills should happen simultaneously, but it’s vital for the athlete to understand each step in the skill first, so they fully understand what is expected of them and how it will improve their change of direction performance.

This is a key to the long term athletic development model.

This should be taught from static repeats to random specificity (5 Principles Of Movement Sequence). Bands can be implemented sooner in this sequence as they force athletes into optimal angles of deceleration and acceleration.

Teaching the five-step resistance band progression using shuffling: ■ Step 1: Quick one step take off (keeping amplitude short while getting used to band) ■ Step 2: Acceleration stop (walk back staying low to avoid sling shot effect) ■ Step 3: Two step deceleration (teaching stopping with short amplitude movement) ■ Step 4: Gradual build up to full drill and whistle control (work into full drill as group control improves) ■ Step 5: Do a three-repetition set. (This will demonstrate repeat speed and conditioning) Yes, this can be done with just body weight. The band forces the athlete to be at optimal acceleration and deceleration angles, and adds an accelerated component that really trains them to be better prepared to accept and produce the forces necessary to dominate in their sport. ✪

Training Time

Tim Rudd is an International Youth Conditioning Association specialist in youth conditioning (level 3), speed and agility (level 2), and nutrition specialist (level 1).

For more information on anything you read in Training Time, email him at tim@ fit2thecore.com.

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

August 2, 2012

SportStars™

33

GIRLS WATER POLO

Swimoutlet.com 2012 USA Water Polo Junior Olympics, Aug. 2-5, Stanford University and surrounding sites — The boys tournament was completed on July 31, and the girls invade the South Bay for their run at glory. Champions will be crowned at 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U and 18U, and plenty of the local clubs will be in the mix. Lamorinda WPC, Stanford WPC, Davis WPC, American River, Stockton WPC, San Jose Almaden, Santa Clara and Marin will all be represented. To see all the schedules, visit http:// schedules.juniorolympics.com.

1

GIRLS SOCCER

Taking the World By Storm soccer clinic and exhibition game, Aug. 11, Tesoro Fields, Concord — Our Bay Area readers might have heard of this by now.

We hope so anyway. This is the second running of this event, which is organized

by Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla to promote confidence and universal leadership skills in young women. It features the Women’s Professional Soccer League’s Sacramento-based California Storm. The soccer clinic, run by Storm players, is free to the first 250 registered girls ages 10-16. Following the clinic, the Storm will square off in an exhibition against the Central Valley Revolution U18 girls out of Santa Clara

2

GOLF

Junior Tour of Northern California Tour Championship, Aug. 13-14, Mayacama Golf Club, Santa Rosa — Prior to last summer, the NCGA and PGA-Northern California finally decided to join forces to create the ultimate Junior Tour for NorCal amateurs. The results have been fantastic. The 2011 Tour Championship was held at Stevinson Ranch GC in late October. Justin Paglia (De La Salle-Concord) won the boys championship flight by two strokes over William Brueckner (Acalanes-Lafayette). Andrej Bevins (Christian Brothers-Sacramento) finished in a tie for third. Livermore’s Casie Cathrea won the girls championship flight.

3

As die-hard high school & teen sports enthusiasts, we realize that you face many tough choices on what games to see, which

SOCCER

athletes to watch and

Mustang Stampede soccer tournaments, Aug. 15-17 (girls U15-17) and Aug. 24-26 (boys), Danville — The Tri-Valley becomes Destination No. 1 for competitive soccer clubs during August. The Stampede typically draws 200-300 teams for EACH of its boys and girls tourneys. Need your fix for some high-end club soccer? Throw the folding chair in the car and find some shade in one of several Danville parks that hosts matches.

4

34

SportStars™

August 2, 2012

everything in between.

10 To Go is our attempt at lending a hand with such quandaries. Behold our list of the Top 10 things to put on your prep sports Butch Noble

bucket list for August.

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

MAGAZINE HUNT

SportStars 2012 Football Preview Release, Aug. 23, throughout Northern California — Coming out one day before the football season begins full-throttle, our preview will tell you just about anything you want to know about the upcoming season. Full of features, rankings, predictions on each section and league throughout NorCal — we don’t like to brag, but when it comes to our FB Preview, we do. Find it. Read it. Love it.

5

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Rising Stars Challenge: Seniors vs. Underclassmen, Aug. 19, NorCal Courts, Martinez — Putting a new spin on the late-summer showcase, this event features NorCal’s top incoming seniors against its top underclassmen. It will all happen under the roof of the East Bay’s newest indoor courts facility. Bragging rights are at stake. Scheduled to appear for the Seniors team are all-state talents Courtney Range (St. Mary’s-Stockton), Rachel Howard (Berkeley) and Ariell Bostick (Bishop O’DowdOakland). The Underclassmen are slated to have Natalie Romeo (Carondelet-Concord), Kelli Hayes (Archbishop Mitty-San Jose) and Tiara Tucker (Brookside Christian-Stockton).

6

MustgoGames Bay Area Must Go

FOOTBALL

De La Salle-Concord at Bellarmine Prep-San Jose, 7 p.m., Aug. 31, San Jose Community College — It’s the seasonopener for the two teams which were arguably the best Division I teams in Northern California in 2011. De La Salle won the overall state title after a 35-0 win over Westlake-Westlake Village in the CIF Open Division state bowl game.

Bellarmine played the most exciting CIF Bowl game of state championship weekend when it lost the Div. I game in a 42-37 thriller to Santa MargaritaRancho Santa Margarita. Most importantly, though, when the Spartans and Bells played at De La Salle a year ago, the De La Salle needed two overtimes to survive 26-23. This will be the first must-see Bay Area game of the 2012 season.

7

BASEBALL

Area Code Games, Aug 5-10, Long Beach — Arguably the strongest mid-to-late summer baseball showcase tournament held in the Western Region, the Area Code Games feature eight all-star teams of players ages 15-17 from various regions of the U.S. The regions are determined by the Major League baseball club in that area.

Northern California’s all-stars will wear the green and gold of the Oakland Athletics. The roster is chock-full of Bay Area and Sac-Joaquin talent, including Brett Stephens, Trent Shelton and Robbie Tenerowicz (Campolindo-Moraga), Rowdy Tellez and Dom Nunez (Elk Grove), Andrew Buckley, Austin Puckett and Hunter Mercado-Hood (De La Salle-Concord) and Jordan Paroubeck (Serra-San Mateo).

Here’s the best part: If you don’t want to drive to Long Beach, on Aug. 7 each game will be streamed live at ESPN3.com

8

James K. Leash photo

Rowdy Tellez

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

Butch Noble

FOOTBALL

Pittsburg Jamboree Scrimmage, Aug. 17, Pittsburg HS — Always held the Friday before the start of the regular season, the Jamboree tends to be looked at as the dawn of the new high school football season in the East Bay. As it gives fans their first chance to view the new talent for two of the region’s top programs — De La Salle and the host Pirates — it’s always better attended than most scrimmages. California-San Ramon and James Logan-Union City will be the other varsity teams attending. Football junkies should circle this date on their calendar.

9

sac joaquin Must Go

FOOTBALL

James K. Leash

Battle for Veterans Football Showcase, Aug. 24-25, Del Oro HS, Loomis — This is the Northern California half of Coach Mark Soto’s two-weekend event of celebrating high school football and honoring veterans of the armed forces. The three varsity matchups of the weekend include Franklin-Elk Grove against Thousand Oaks (5 p.m., Aug. 24), Del Oro against Oaks Christian-Westlake Village (7:30 p.m., Aug. 24) and Granite Bay vs. Westlake-Westlake Village (7:30 p.m., Aug. 25).

10

August 2, 2012

SportStars™

35

Cleaning up the Power Clean: A lift rarely taught correctly

W

hen it comes to athletic lower body power development, the most important aspect is to increase the rate of force development of the extension of the three lower body joints. We call this “Triple Extension” of the ankle, knee, and hip.

Whenever someone tries to jump or sprint they coil down/load these joints (triple flexion), and then they forcibly extend these joints to create forward propulsion (triple extension). There are multiple exercises to create this increase of force, but the most widely used exercises are olympic lifts, mainly the power clean.

The power clean is a phenomenal exercise to accomplish this, but here’s where it gets tricky. This lift is used to create stronger and faster athletes, but the problem is that it is widely used INCORRECTLY. This lift isn’t like a bench press or a squat where you can sometime “muscle” it out. Due to the large amount of weight used, the speed of the lift, and the amount of joints being used, this lift is a double-edged sword. You can either get great gains if its done correctly, or get massive injuries — either immediately or over time.

Also, because of the sheer technical proficiency needed, it’s a tough lift to learn. This makes it even tougher to coach. With this in mind, it makes me sick sometimes when I walk into weight rooms at some high schools and see how poorly the lift is being performed — mostly because coaches haven’t taken the time to study, understand, or perform the lift themselves, and therefore making it impossible to coach correctly.

Below I am going to go through the Power Clean progression that we use at Trucks Training to “TEACH” our athletes how to perform this very beneficial lift.

Trucks Training Power Clean Progression:

Powered by Trucks

Anthony Trucks

SET UP Grip: 1) Overhand normal, or 2) Overhand with lock grip. Shoulders should be over the bar w/ flat heels and back. Shoulders lift WITH hips and keep same spatial orientation. Don’t yank with arms and don’t bend elbows.

FIRST PULLS Follows from DL’s: bar stays close to shins to set up scoop. If bar is too far from body then second pull can’t take place correctly ■ Over knees drill 2x8

SCOOP The First Pull sets up the scoop. (Hang cleans start at beginning of scoop level) with arched back and arms straight. The bar slides up thighs because it has to come high off the thigh for the second pull to get triple extension.

■ Start from a hang position and slide bar up to tall body position 3x5 ■ First pull to scoop full motion 3x5 ■ BB Power Shrugs 3x5

SECOND PULL Triple extension is KEY. Get high on your toes, hyperextend hips, shrug shoulders, keep arms straight…. All together. Bar “pops” high off thighs.

■ Sand bag clean jumps with straight arms release from ground 3x5 ■ Sand bag High Pulls with elbows high by ears from ground 3x5 ■ Barbell High Pulls with elbows high by ears from hang 3x5

CATCH Bar must pop up or else it’s not a catch. It’s called the “catch” for a reason. You are NOT going to get ALL fingers on the bar on catch so learn to accept that and let go of the full grip. Keep elbows high & pointing towards opposite wall. Don’t “jelly fish” the catch. Be as solid as possible. Set the hips back to gather weight and control the catch (why front squat is so important) ■ Partner high pull and catch drill 3x5 There you have it. Enjoy. ✪ Anthony Trucks was a decorated football player for Antioch High and the University of Oregon before spending time on multiple NFL rosters. His Trucks Training facility has been operating since 2008. Powered By Trucks runs once a month in the magazine and will include additional content at SportStarsOnline.com. Send your weight training questions to Anthony at Contact@TrucksTraining.com.

36

SportStars™

August 2, 2012

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

BASEBALL/SOFTBALL Blankenship Baseball We are a year-round competitive baseball program based in Danville.

The Camp focuses on teamwork, hustle and sportsmanship. We also offer small group training as well as one-on-one training. Info: lancerblankenship@ sbcglobal.net or 925-708-3173.

Cabernet Baseball Club The Livermore-based club hosts baseball and softball camps for players ages 8-14. Lil’ Baseball also offered for ages 3-7. 925-4161600, http://cabernet. thepitchingcenter.com.

EJ Sports EJ Sports provides individual, group, team, coaching and manager clinics in many levels of baseball. Among the numerous different services offered, the Spring Clinic, Summer Clinic and the Fall League for children of Little League age has proven to be successful, instructional and most of all fun for the kids. Contact EJ Sports for a list of upcoming clinics, or contact your local little league to see if they participate in our coaches and managers training program.

Info: 925-866-7199, www.ejsports.com.

The Pitching Center In an effort to develop baseball players

38

SportStars™

August 2, 2012

to their full potential, The Pitching Center has become the Total Player Center (TPC), a fullservice baseball/softball training academy. We provide comprehensive, fully-integrated training programs that evolve based on the best research and information available in areas from health/safety, peak performance, education techniques and more. Age- and skill-specific programs available for students age 8-High School. Info: 925-416-1600, www. thepitchingcenter.com.

BASKETBALL CalStars The Stars Basketball Academy (SBA) is pleased to announce our youth and high school summer camps. The SBA is a fundamental based skills development camp for kids in 3rd grade-High School. We offer three youth (3rd-8th) sessions and two high school (9th-12th) sessions. Go to www.calstars. org for more info.

Golden State Warriors The Golden State Warriors welcome players of all skill levels to participate in a variety of summer camps that will run in gymnasiums throughout the Bay Area from June 11-Aug. 17. The camps are typically for boys and girls ages 7-15. Info: camps@gs-warriors.com; 510-986-5310.

Mike Allen Sports Learn the basics of basketball, sharpen

your skills and improve daily at the Ballin’ Ambassadors basketball clinics!

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

CHEER East Bay Sports Academy East Bay Sports Academy offers the best in gymnastics and cheerleading training. Our top of the line recreational and competitive programs earned us the exclusive “Best in the East Bay” award for Best Gymnastics Classes 2011. You can bring your team to be a part of the excitement, as our talented & motivated staff becomes your team’s best support system. All of our team camps are custom-built to complement your coaching needs and team goals. Info: 925-680-9999, www.

EastBaySportsAcademy.com.

Xtreme Cheer Camps Xtreme is a competitive All-Star Cheerleading, Dance and Recreational Tumbling Gym in Antioch. In it’s 4th year Xtreme is ready to take the competition world by storm yet again! The All-Star gym staff

are enthusiastic, trained professionals and maintain many certifications in order to stay current on the latest teaching techniques. All of our camp classes are fast-paced, fun and geared toward achieving your child’s goals. Info: 925565-5464; xtremetumbleandcheergym@ yahoo.com ENRICHMENT Dianne Adair Programs Come join any of our eight Dianne Adair summer sites for our fun and exciting summer program. Each week campers will be able to choose from several camps, including sports, fashion, drama, CSI, science and so many more. In addition to our weekly camps, we have weekly field trips to places like an A’s or Giant’s game, museums, the Jelly Belly Factory, Six Flags, the pool, the movies, parks and the Zoo. We also offer many “in-house” field trips like Games2U Mobile Entertainment, the Bubble Lady, Furs, Skins and Tails, magicians, clowns, singers and many more. Field trips and camps vary by site. Please consult your site of choice for more details. Bring in this article and receive half off our $40 summer registration fee. Info: www.dianneadair. org.

FITNESS Aspire Pilates Dramatically increase core strength, power, flexibility, balance, focus and joint

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

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

AspirePilatesCenter.com.

Fit 2 The Core As a Youth Conditioning, Speed/Agility and Nutrition Specialist with the International Youth Conditioning Association, Fit2-The-Core Training Systems offers an innovative approach to getting your young athletes back on the field of play post-rehabilitation (which gets your athletes to normal function), continuing the process by progressing their bodies to handle what they must endure on the field or court. For F2C’s Back to Sports programs we offer training weekdays, with 2 days/week or 3 days/week program options. Bottom line: Our program gets your athletes back on the field.

Sign up today for your two-week free pass at www. fasteryoungathletes.com, or call 925-639-0907 for more information.

TransForm FX At TransForm FX Fitness Boot Camp, we believe that parents can take better care of their kids when they take care of their own health and fitness. We have designed adult fitness boot camp workouts to fit your busy lifestyle. Each boot camp workout is designed to help you burn fat and increase your cardiovascular endurance in less time. Info: 925-289-8042; www. transformfxfitness.com.

Walnut Creek Sports & Fitness Walnut Creek Sports & Fitness is offering a wide range of different sports fitness camps and classes in 2012. Here are three we’re featuring. Pilates for Sports — An ideal form of fitness for athletes

to improve performance & prevent injuries. Hardcore Golf Fitness — A four-week golf-specific fitness camp is the ultimate physical conditioning program for golfers of any age who want to take their game to the next level. TRX Team Fitness —A cutting-edge six-week small group personal training program is a team-sports inspired program for athletes of all levels who want results in a challenging, motivating environment. For all info: Contact Bob Boos, Personal Training Director.

Phone: (925)932-6400 or email: bob@wcsf.net FOOTBALL Football University From the creators of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl comes a one-of-a-kind football training experience exclusively for the nation’s most elite youth and high school players. Born out of the appreciation that the most successful and skilled football players have mastered great technique, and that for many younger players this level of coaching is simply not available, the Football University (FBU) experience focuses on intense position-specific technique training taught by our expert faculty of former and current NFL coaches who have a passion for sharing this experience with young athletes.

NorCal Football Camps Space is available in all of this year’s camps & Flag Football leagues. Led by Ken Peralta, Norcal Football Camps are focused on serving youth ages 7-14. Norcal Flag Football Leagues serve kids entering grades 2-6. Info/registration: Ken, 650-2453608, norcalyouthfootballcamp@yahoo.com; www. norcalfootballcamps.com.

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

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

August 2, 2012

SportStars™

39

will learn about golf and the life skills and values inherent to the game.

In addition to golf skills, rules and etiquette, participants are introduced to The First Tee Nine Core Values - honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgment. Our Summer camps are four days a week, 4 hours/day @ Diablo Creek Golf Course, Concord. We have several weeks and facilities from which to choose. Fee assistance available. Info: Angela Paradise, 925-686-6262, Ext. 0, angela@ thefirstteecontracosta.org; www.thefirstteecontracosta. org. See you on The First Tee! The First Tee-Oakland The First Tee of Oakland participants receive a minimum of 12 hours of instruction over an eight-week period.

Instruction is conducted at three City of Oakland affiliate golf courses. Each of the golf courses donates their range, golf course and classroom use. We introduce the game of golf in a way that allows participants to progress with the mechanics required, and that teaches the values of the game, celebrates the fitness aspect of playing, and is offered at little or no cost.

Info: 510-352-2002, info@thefirstteeoakland.org; www. thefirstteeoakland.org.

The First Tee-Silicon Valley The First Tee of Silicon Valley develops youth through the game of golf throughout Silicon Valley. We impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices though the game of golf. Participants learn to appreciate diversity, resolve conflicts, build confidence and set

40

SportStars™

August 2, 2012

goals for their future. Seasonal classes are offered at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course (San Jose) and Palo Alto Golf Course. We welcome participants ranging from second to twelfth grade. Scholarships are available upon request. www.thefirstteesanjose.org.

The First Tee-Tri-Valley We’re a youth development organization using golf and its etiquette to teach important life skills and core values. We offer seasonal The First Tee Life Skills Experience Classes and Summer Camps for youth ages 7-17, held at the Pleasanton Golf Center on the Alameda County Fairgrounds. Once-a-week Summer Classes will be held Monday-Saturday, beginning in June. Info: Call our office, 925-462-7201; www.

TheFirstTeeTriValley.org.

HORSEBACK RIDING Earthquake Arabians Spring and summer camps are around the corner for Earthquake Arabians! Registration is OPEN. Log on to www. earthquakearabians.com for more info. 925-360-7454.

Franklin Canyon Stables A well structured riding program housed at Franklin Canyon Stables in Martinez which provides two covered arenas and easy access to trails. Kim Bredehoft teaches riders of all levels with an instruction program that builds confidence and enables clients to reach personal goals that benefit them in all parts of life. Info: 925-228-1801; www.kimshorsetraining. com/franklin_canyon.html.

LACROSSE Atherton/Vitality Lacrosse Join Atherton Lacrosse and learn the basics of the game in their spring, summer and fall camps. Every camper receives access to the best high school, college

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

and professional lacrosse coaches in the Bay Area in a setting with an extremely low coach to camper ratio.

Every camper receives a free Atherton Lacrosse T-shirt. Every camper needs a lacrosse stick - we have partnered with Sling It! Lacrosse to bring the best value possible. Go to www.athertonlacrosse.com for more info. Sign up with Vitality Lacrosse to join one of their summer leagues in the Peninsula, Marin, East Bay, Petaluma and San Francisco. We serve the entire Bay Area! Go to www. vitalitylacrosse.com for more info.

MARTIAL ARTS USKS Adult and children’s programs, kick box fitness, mixed martial arts. Providing excellence in martial arts instruction and services for the entire family. 925682-9517; www.usksmartialarts. com.

OUTDOOR/ADVENTURE SPORTS Bear Valley Mountain Bring the entire family to mountain summer camps.

This summer, Bear Valley has residential & day camps for soccer, archery, climbing & a variety of outdoor adventures including kayaking, tennis, cycling, hiking, camp fires & so much more. Bear Valley’s summer camps offer outdoor recreation programs for the whole family & is a great place to visit. Info: www.bearvalley.com.

Camp Jones Gulch Check out our wide variety of Teen Adventure Camps for both boys and girls. Camp dates range from mid-June to mid-August. Info: 650-747-1200, www.

CampJonesGulch.org.

City of Concord Skate and Swim Concord’s Skateboard Camp provides a way for

children to learn from experienced instructors and improve their skills. Participants learn skateboard safety, care of their skateboard, and all the essentials from dropping in, kickflips, the Ollie and more. All skill levels.

There is a full-day camp option that combines the halfday skateboard camp with a half-day of swimming and water games at the Concord Community Pool. Info: www.concordreg.org ,925-671-3404.

CYO Camp We’re located 60 miles north of San Francisco near the historic town of Occidental, and have provided summer camp to youth of the Bay area for over 60 years. Our seven-day traditional camps, for participants entering grades 3-9, focus on cultivating friendships, personal values and outdoor skills. Info: www.cyocamp.org.

Diablo Rock Gym We will be offering kids summer camps every week starting in late June and ending August 18. Sign up for a week at a time or multiple weeks.

Ages 6-12; multiple kid and/or week discounts. Call for pricing, 925-602-1000.

Keigwins@theTrack We conduct motorcycle schools and practice events (“track days”) at famous racetracks in the Western U.S. Events are for experienced motorcyclists looking to improve skills and build confidence while having enormous fun riding in an ideal, expertlymanaged environment. Riders provide their own motorcycles and protective gear. Keigwins@theTrack takes care of everything else: Info: www.keigwin.com; 650-949-5609.

RUGBY Diablo Rugby Youth rugby is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States. Both non-contact and contact versions of the game are popping up in summer leagues, physical

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

August 2, 2012

SportStars™

41

education classes, after school programs, YMCA’s, Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs and backyards all over the country. Based in Clayton, our club is dedicated to providing a positive rugby experience for boys at High School, Jr. High School and Youth levels.

925-381-5143, diabloyouthrugby@gmail.com; http://diabloyouthrugby. clubspaces.com.

SOCCER Diablo FC With a history that goes back two decades, the Diablo Futbol Club has proved to be the premier training ground for youth soccer players in the area. Headquartered in Concord, Diablo FC offers training to boys and girls from levels U6 to U23, and has premier, gold, silver and bronze level teams with players from throughout Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda counties.

For complete info, call (925) 798-GOAL or visit www.diablofc.org.

Gino’s Soccer Academy Gino’s Soccer Academy is in its 14th season of running summer soccer camps. We are offering eight one-week programs this summer and have programs to challenge and enrich the game of every soccer player. Whether you are just beginning, or have been playing for ten years, you will leave the Soccer Academy on Friday a more knowledgeable, better player than when you came to us on Monday. Half- and full-day sessions available. Ages 4-17. Info: www.ginossocceracademy.com.

Walnut Creek Soccer Club The Walnut Creek Soccer Club uses all the resources available to provide the proper coaching and playing environment for all members. Our goal is for every member of our club to learn and grow as a soccer player and person. We will promote a positive learning environment for our players and families as we work to provide the highest level of coaching and coach’s education. Info: wcsc_info@wcsc.org; www.wcsc.org.

West Contra Costa Youth Soccer League Our program caters to competitive youth players ages 8-9 regardless of race, creed, gender or religion. The main focus of our program is not on winning, but on the development of the total soccer player within the framework of a team. We also offer specialized training for strikers and goalkeepers. We desire to promote personal responsibility, fitness, sportsmanship and teamwork.

510-758-5288, http://wccysl.com.

42

SportStars™

August 2, 2012

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

SWIMMING-DIVING Sherman Swim School Our year-round schedule allows children and adults to learn, retain and improve their swim skills with little interruption. Lessons are usually offered in sessions of 3-4 weeks. (During the slower months of Fall, Winter and Spring, schedules can be more flexible, such as M-W, W-F, or only one day/week.) We teach from age 9-months to adults, from non-swimmers to competitive levels. Since our lessons are private, they are tailored to each student’s age, ability and readiness. We also offer beginning and competitive diving classes.

Beginning sessions typically have three students and are 30 minutes long. Classes are taught in three-week sessions. Info: 925-283-2100, www.ShermanSwim.com.

Walnut Creek Aquanuts Summer Trainee Program 2012 held June 18-Nov. 12 in 5- and 6-week sessions @ Clarke Memorial Swim Center, Heather Farm Park, Walnut Creek.Info: 925-934-4792, WCA.Trainees@aquanuts.org; www. aquanuts.org.

Walnut Creek Swim Club Summer practice sessions will be offered 7:30-10 a.m. daily beginning in June @ Las Lomas High School. Info: www. walnutcreekswimclub.org.

TENNIS ClubSport Valley Vista ClubSport Valley Vista has successfully been hosting summer tennis camps in the Walnut Creek area for 33 years, with expert instruction. Tennis pro Dale Miller and his team of seasoned professionals will teach your children the fundamentals of tennis or help

them improve their skills for recreation or competition.

Camps are designed to touch on every major aspect of the game — stroke production, conditioning, strategy, footwork, psychology and most importantly, FUN! Players will be grouped according to level of play and age. ClubSport is located at 3737 Valley Vista Road in Walnut Creek. ClubSport Valley Vista members receive discounted rates. Info: 925-934-4050.

VOLLEYBALL Diablo Valley Volleyball Club Seven one-week skills clinic sessions are offered from June-August. Camps differ in age groups served. Each camp has a maximum limit of players allowed. Two sessions take place in Brentwood and the other five are in Walnut Creek. Info: 925-451-6581; www.DiabloVBC. org.

Pacific Rim Volleyball Through private lessons, and the opportunity for yearround skills classes, athletes of any age or level can learn and improve the skills needed to gain a competitive edge.

Our advanced training, for junior levels (12th grade & below), will provide athletes the 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 The USYVL is the leader in developing and maintaining youth volleyball leagues for boys and girls ages 7-15.

USYVL summer camps are typically three days, with each day meeting for three hours.

Camps are for beginner, intermediate and advanced players, and players will be grouped accordingly, based on age and playing experience. Info: 888-988-7985, www.USYVL.org.

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

August 2, 2012

SportStars™

43

Velocity Core Volleyball Club The Girls Volleyball Summer league is open to youth in fifth through eighth grades. Highly trained and experienced staff will teach the fundamentals using philosophies from Gold Medal Squared and USA Volleyball. This program is a great introduction to the world of club volleyball. For the more experienced players, staff will continue to emphasize fundamentals, and add advanced volleyball techniques with a heavy concentration on footwork and arm swing techniques. Teams will train twice weekly during this six week program with one Saturday tournament included. The registration fee includes a t-shirt for each participant.

Lead instructor: Jack Cowden, Foothill College and USA Volleyball High Performance coach. Dates are Tues/Thurs from July 9-Aug. 15, 2012. Cost is $200.00 WRESTLING Community Youth Center The CYC wrestling program offers young athletes the opportunity to participate and excel in one of the world’s oldest sports. The program trains and challenges wrestlers at all age groups from kindergarten through high school, and all experience levels from beginner to champion. The program is nationally recognized under the guidance of Head Coach Mark Halvorson. Info: 925-671-7070, Ext. 229, www.communityyouthcenter.com.

The Creighton School of Wrestling CSW was established to provide a successful youth wrestling program in the Palo Alto/Mid-Peninsula area that serves youth of all ages. Info: 650-2196383; creightonschoolofwrestling@yahoo.com.

MULTI-SPORT Velocity Sports Camps Our Spring Break Sports Specific Summer Camps provide campers with a fun-packed, enjoyable environment where they can increase their athleticism and develop a wider range of skills. Velocity Sports Performance is looking for boys and girls ages 8-14 who are dedicated to making themselves better as athletes. Our Team Training programs are designed to deliver a challenging workout that is organized, educational, progressive and customized for entire sport teams. Info: 925-833-0100, velocitydublin.com.

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

Most camps will take place on campus in Berkeley from June through August. Camps include the following sports: Baseball, Boys and Girls Basketball, Boys and Girls Rowing/Crew, Field Hockey, Football, Boys and Girls Golf, Girls Gymnastics, Rugby, Boys and Girls Soccer, Softball, Boys and Girls Swimming, Boys and Girls Tennis, Boys and Girls Volleyball and Girls Water Polo. Information: CalBears.com/camps. Or email calcamps@berkeley.edu.

City of Concord Skyhawks Sports Skyhawks Sports and the City of Concord have teamed up to provide safe, fun and skill-focused sports camps this summer for youth. Camps include Skateboard and Swim Combo, Soccer and Swim Combo, Soccer Camp, Basketball, Flag Football, Lacrosse and more. For ages 4-teen. Info: www. concordreg.org, 925-671-3404.

Saint Mary’s College Camps We offer boys and girls overnight, day, team and specialty athletic camps.

We have camps available for ages 4-18. Dates are posted and registration is open. Our various camp offerings include: Multi-sport, baseball, boys basketball, girls basketball, golf, rugby, girls lacrosse, strength and conditioning, boys soccer, softball, tennis and volleyball.

Info: Click “summer camps” at www.smcgaels.com for detailed information and to register online. More info: smccamps@stmarysca.edu, 925-631-4FUN (4386).

SportForm Based in Concord, SportForm provides Individual and team instruction in the sports of baseball, softball and lacrosse. Prepare to Perform! Info: 925459-2880.

City of Walnut Creek We offer 9-13 year-olds a fully-staffed and supervised recreational athletic camp. The program consists of eight weeks of sessions with your choice of two different sports for each of the sessions, with a ninth week session offering bowling. Our camp is specifically designed to teach and develop training skills, basic individual skills, sportsmanship, team strategies and concepts as well as building confidence and self discipline. Sports to choose from include: Tennis, Baseball, Multi-sport, Flag Football, Soccer, Lacrosse, Basketball, Golf, Volleyball and Bowling. Camp offerings run through August 17th. Info: www.walnutcreekrec.org or call 925-943-5858. ✪

44

SportStars™

August 2, 2012

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

Advertiser Index

❒❒ All American Sports Academy Clinic................................................................38

❒❒ Antioch’s Great Family Entertainment Centers.................................................43 ❒❒ Army National Guard Recruiter..........................................................................4 ❒❒ Battle At The Capital........................................................................................31 ❒❒ Bay Area Blast Volleyball Club.........................................................................40 ❒❒ Big O Tires.........................................................................................................2 ❒❒ Championship Athletic Fundraising................................................................33 ❒❒ Cheergyms.Com..............................................................................................30 ❒❒ Children’s Hospital And Research Center..........................................................29 ❒❒ Club Sport.......................................................................................................28 ❒❒ Community Youth Center................................................................................44 ❒❒ Community Youth Center................................................................................14 ❒❒ Core Volleyball Club.........................................................................................38 ❒❒ County Connection..........................................................................................32 ❒❒ Crowne Plaza..................................................................................................44 ❒❒ Diablo Car Wash & Detail Center......................................................................44 ❒❒ Diablo Rock Gym.............................................................................................36 ❒❒ Diablo Trophies & Awards................................................................................38 ❒❒ Dublin Dawgs Baseball Club............................................................................43 ❒❒ E J Sports Elite Baseball Services.....................................................................39 ❒❒ E Teamsponsor................................................................................................41 ❒❒ East Bay Sports Academy..........................................................................39, 13 ❒❒ East Bay Summer Camps 2012........................................................................37 ❒❒ Epic Indoor Skatepark.....................................................................................42 ❒❒ Excellence In Sport Performance.....................................................................42 ❒❒ Fit 2 The Core...................................................................................................16 ❒❒ Head First Baseball..........................................................................................36 ❒❒ Heavenly Greens...............................................................................................7 ❒❒ Home Team Sports Photography.....................................................................39 ❒❒ Hyatt Place Sacramento / Roseville.................................................................40 ❒❒ Image Imprint.................................................................................................42 ❒❒ Kinders B B Q.....................................................................................................5 ❒❒ Midway Paintball Park....................................................................................38 ❒❒ Million Miles Ahead........................................................................................45 ❒❒ Mountain Mike’s Pizza.....................................................................................15 ❒❒ Norcal Courts...................................................................................................41 ❒❒ Passthaball......................................................................................................44 ❒❒ Pleasant Hill Youth Football Rebels.................................................................38 ❒❒ Red Zone Training............................................................................................45 ❒❒ Renegades Volleyball Club..............................................................................40 ❒❒ Rising Stars Challenge Seniors Vs Underclassmen...........................................33 ❒❒ Rocco’s Pizza....................................................................................................36 ❒❒ Rockin Jump..............................................................................................40, 48 ❒❒ Sheldon Jr. Huskies Youth Football & Cheer.....................................................39 ❒❒ Sherman Swim School....................................................................................42 ❒❒ Simply Selling Shirts.......................................................................................38 ❒❒ Sky High Sports...............................................................................................36 ❒❒ Sports Gallery Authenticated..........................................................................42 ❒❒ Sports Stars Magazine.....................................................................................45 ❒❒ Stevens Creek Toyota.........................................................................................9 ❒❒ Sutter Urgent Care.............................................................................................3 ❒❒ Taking The World By Storm Soccer...................................................................47 ❒❒ Tesoro Golden Eagle Refinery..........................................................................21 ❒❒ The First Tee Of Contra Costa............................................................................44 ❒❒ Thunder Sox Baseball Club..............................................................................43 ❒❒ Tpc / The Pitching Center.................................................................................16 ❒❒ U S K S Martial Arts.........................................................................................45 ❒❒ Umigo Indoor Kart Racing...............................................................................23 ❒❒ United States Youth Volleyball League............................................................44 ❒❒ Velocity Sports Performance................................................................. 8, 36, 40 ❒❒ Walnut Creek Soccer Club................................................................................39 ❒❒ Wells Fargo Bank.............................................................................................19

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

August 2, 2012

SportStars™

45

Sacramento Water Polo Club’s Max Vigeant whips the ball around as he looks for an open passing lane during the Swimoutlet.com USA Water Polo Junior Olympics at Stanford University on July 28.

Photo by Jonathan Hawthorne

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

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

46

SportStars™

August 2, 2012

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com