SJ Issue 69, July 18, 2013

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July 18, 2013

vol. 4. issue 69 Sac -Joaquin

xfactor NorCal Volleyball Club Dominates

LEVEL UP • Prevent Soccer Injuries • Fuel Your Body

Liittle League World Series Comes To Bay Area

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St. Francis volleyball’s Gabby Palmeri, Hannah Liserra, Allie Wegener and Loni Kreun

can be unforgiving when 31 Soccer it comes to injuries. Here’s how to prevent them.

dreams: West Sacramento 18 big Little League continues a journey it hopes will end in Williamsport, Penn., at the World Series. learner: Elizabeth Schultz is 21 fast a natural golfer.

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Our editor dares 8 first pitch: you.

He doubledog dares you: Just try not to get caught up in the passion and charm of the Little League World Series.

room: They say the 10 locker clothes makes the man. And probably the woman, too. (But do they say it?) Either way, it’s true in sports. Fashion maven Bill Kolb keeps us in the loop. of the week: 12 Sportstar Taylor Nelson, Granite Bay

Is the grass always 24 Clipboard: greener on the other side of the fence? Careful before you find out. on the cover: Graeme Farrell of West Sacramento.

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Fence: Tryouts, sign-ups, 41 The fundraisers and more!

41 Camps + Clinics July 18, 2013

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Livermore, Bay Area get gift in the Little League World Series

W

hile I’ve had the privilege to cover sports at every level during my professional career, I’ve always maintained an enjoyment of the relative purity of high school sports. There’s a passion that flows through good high school sports competition, and it’s something that can rarely be duplicated at the higher levels.

And then there’s Little League baseball.

I dare any sports fan — regardless of whether he or she has a deep passion for baseball — to attend a Little League game and not be at least slightly caught up in its charm.

Little League was a big part of my childhood. I played from T-Ball through Majors in the Central Tehama Little League (CA District 1). Once in high school, I spent many a spring and summer evening in working as a Little League umpire or watching my younger siblings play.

Since SportStars came to being three summers ago, we’ve covered our share of Little League teams who have performed well outside their local districts. But only a few of those stories involved getting out to actual games. Also, because we’re a high school and primary teen sports magazine, often our focus has been on the high school-age levels of Little League. Fun, but not quite as charming as the 10-13 year-olds.

So when I heard that a Little League World Series was coming to the Bay Area (Livermore) and that we would be it’s media sponsor, I was fired up.

I was even more juiced after further research revealed it would be for the organization’s newly-created Intermediate 50/70 Division. You’ll read a lot more about this division in the pages ahead, but the basics is that are for 11-13 year-olds and is just a slightly bigger version of the now-famous Little League World Series played by 11-12 year-olds in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

To get a grasp of the division, I took the two-plus hour road trip to Chowchilla on July 11 to watch Game 1 of the NorCal Division II Championship between Lemoore and Granada Little League of Livermore.

With Chowchilla being a very rural town along Highway 99, much like my own home town, I was instantly submerged in nostalgia. Chowchilla’s facilities were superb, and the District 10 hosts had things running incredibly smoothly. The venue and competitions were everything you’d expect from a Little League game played predominantly by 13-year olds.

Nearly the entire time I was there, I constantly found myself revisiting the same thought: There really is nothing like Little League baseball. While the vibe of high school sports can’t be replicated by collegiate and professional sports, the Little League game and experience just can’t quite be replicated by travel ball or other organizations.

There is simply an unquestionable charm that comes from watching Little League competition. I would venture to guess that a lot of it is based in the camaraderie of the kids who play. In so many cases, these are kids who have grown up with each other and played with or against one another since they picked up a bat and ball. They all come from the same town or suburb — and that town or suburb claims ultimate ownership of those kids. It’s the essential hyper-local sports experience.

Admission to the Intermediate World Series that begins in Livermore on July 30 is free, and I can’t urge you enough to go take in a game. Be sure to see a game involving one of the international teams (there will be four), as well as one featuring the host team from Pleasanton (very likely the biggest crowds).

And don’t be surprised if some of the kids wow you with their skills, it is a World Series for crying out loud! They’re gonna be talented.

But if you go, and don’t crack at least one smile, well, you may not have a soul. ✪

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

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your ticket to california sports admit one; rain or shine This Vol. #4, July 2013 Whole No. 69 is published by Caliente!

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

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LAYAR LAYAR EXTRA: EXTRA: Watch the the Watch La Mirada Mirada La Football Football video video which which inspired this this inspired Top 5.

5.

Top

TOP 5 Developments in Uniform Absurdity (ahem)...Technology

So this wacky wacky video video last last week. week. A A high high school school football football team, team, pimping pimping its its upcoming upcoming season season with with a a crazy-high crazy-high So we we saw saw this production value value YouTube YouTube effort effort featuring… featuring… not not plays. plays. Not Not players. players. Not Not highlights highlights from from last last year. year. Not Not the the team’s team’s combined combined production GPA. GPA. (Heh. (Heh. Just Just checking checking to to see see ifif you you were were paying paying attention.) attention.) No. No. La La Mirada Mirada High High School’s School’s big big pitch pitch for for 2013: 2013: Unis.

Unis. Lots Lots of of em.

Heck.

With five pant colors, four jerseys, and two helmets, the Matadores officially have more wardrobe changes em. Heck. With five pant colors, four jerseys, and two helmets, the Matadores officially have more wardrobe changes than than an Academy Academy Awards Awards host. host. Now, Now, this this very very nearly nearly sent sent us us spiraling spiraling into into a a curmudgeonly curmudgeonly tailspin. tailspin. But But then then we we thought. thought. What What an the hey? hey? Infinite Infinite uniform uniform combinations. combinations. It’s It’s like like playing playing dress-up. dress-up. Fun, Fun, right? right? Here Here are are our our top top five five recent recent developments developments in in the uniform uniform technology. technology.

1.

1. Oregon Oregon Football Football — — As As a a quarterback, quarterback, it’s it’s just just really really convenient convenient to to be be able able to to see see ifif your your shoulder-wing shoulder-wing appliqués appliqués are are lined up up correctly correctly by by checking checking your your reflection reflection in in your your center’s center’s mirrored mirrored helmet. helmet. lined 2. Alternate Alternate Jerseys Jerseys in in Baseball Baseball — — Watch Watch the the Red Red Sox-A’s Sox-A’s game game on on July July 12?

12? Who Who was was the the home home team? team? It’s It’s a a mystery! mystery!

2.

A A puzzle! puzzle! A A conundrum! conundrum! Why Why bother bother sticking sticking to to that that boring boring old old home-whites/road home-whites/road grays grays protocol. protocol. Hey Hey wait! wait! II know! know! How How about about different different colored colored pants! pants! Perhaps Perhaps a a nice nice plaid. plaid. What What about about the the shoelaces? shoelaces? Why Why hasn’t hasn’t someone someone explored explored THAT THAT option? option?

3. The The Golden Golden State State Warriors Warriors Tighty Tighty Goldies Goldies — — No No no. no. We We really really dig dig those. those. It’s It’s just. just. Cirque Cirque du du Soleil Soleil called. called. They They want want 3. their t-shirts t-shirts back. back. their 4.

4. That That innovative innovative new new Yankees Yankees look look — — You You have have to to give give the the evil evil empire empire credit credit for for evolving evolving with with the the times. times. Switching Switching itit up.

Or. Uh. Wait.

What do you mean it hasn’t changed in a hundred years?

And people LIKE that?

Oh. Well. up. Or. Uh. Wait. What do you mean it hasn’t changed in a hundred years? And people LIKE that? Oh. Well. Carry Carry on, on, then. then.

5. Nike Nike — — Where Where would would sports sports teams teams be be without without the the apparel-marketing apparel-marketing gurus? gurus? Monotonously Monotonously donning donning the the same, same, tradi5. tional digs digs that that theirtheir fansfans havehave come to know and and love love and and identify with with sincesince timetime immemorial.

Bo. Ring.

Thanks Phil for traditional come to know identify immemorial.

Bo. Ring.

Thanks the forward-thinking game-day aesthetic engineers who have…

Oh heck.

No. Forget it.

We tried.

But no.

It’s just awful.

Phil for the forward-thinking game-day aesthetic engineers who have… Oh heck. No. Forget it. We tried. But no. It’s Please stop now. stop now. just awful.

Please – Bill Bill “White “White Shoes” Shoes” Kolb Kolb –

sayWHAT

“I’m proud, but not satisfied. I have a game on Monday. It’s time to play.”

Recent Elk Grove graduate Ryan Tellez told the Sacramento Bee’s Joe Davidson on July 12, the night he signed with the Toronto Blue Jays for an $850K signing bonus — the most for any any player player drafted drafted later later than than the the 10th 10th round. round.He He began began his his professional professional career career for with the Dunedin Blue Jays of the Gulf Coast League on July 15.

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Points

accolades

1. (tie) St. Francis

5,900

SStar/Season: 1. League titles: 6. All-State Athletes: 1.

Section titles: 3. NorCal: 1.

Granite Bay 3. Davis

5,900

League titles: 11. Section titles: 5. NorCal: 1. State: 2

4,350

League titles: 13. All-State Athletes: 1. Section titles: 5.

4. Jesuit 5. Bella Vista

3,800

League titles: 5. Section titles: 3.

3,200

League titles: 7. Section titles: 6.

6. Vacaville 7. Placer

3,100

League titles: 6. Section titles: 4. State: 1

3,050

League titles: 11. All-State Athletes: 1. Section titles: 2.

8. Central Catholic 9. Rio Americano

-Modesto

3,000

League titles: 6. Section titles: 1. NorCal: 1. State: 1

-Sacramento

2,200

League titles: 5. Section titles: 4.

10. Plesant Grove

1,900

League titles: 2. NorCal: 1. State: 1.

-Sacramento

-Carmichael

-Fair Oaks

-Elk Grove

11. (tie) Vista del Lago........ 1,800

Yuba City........................1,150

St. Mary’s-Stockton.......1,800

25. (tie) Oakmont................1,100

14. Bradshaw Christian...... 1,500

27. (tie) Lincoln-Stockton....1,000

13. Christian Brothers........1,700 15. (tie) Capital Christian.... 1,400

Oakdale.........................1,400

Whitney...........................1,100 Ripon Christian...............1,000 Cordova..........................1,000

Del Campo.....................1,400

30. (tie) Sierra-Manteca......950

Elk Grove.......................1,350

32. (tie) Del Oro...................900

18. (tie) Folsom...................1,350 20. (tie) Bear River.............1,300 Merced...........................1,300

22. (tie) Brookside Chrstn...1,150 Sacramento....................1,150

Granite Bay football celebrates winning the Division I Bowl.

Phillip Walton

Vintage-Napa.................950

Franklin...........................900 Pioneer...........................900

35. (tie) Woodland Chrstn...800 Benicia............................800

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With the conclusion of spring sports and the subsequent postseason awards season, it’s time we officially crown the Sac-Joaquin Section’s first SportStars Cup champion. The SportStars Cup awards points for league and section titles, and regional and state performance to recognize the most successful program. The points are awarded as follows: 100 — Have an athlete named SportStars of the Year (Fall, Winter or Spring) 200 — Win a team league title 250 — Have an athlete be named AllState (First-team overall only) 300 — Win a section championship (team or individual) 350 — Win a scholastic section championship for highest team GPA 400 — Win an individual NorCal title 500 — Win a team NorCal title 700 — Win an individual state title 1,000 — Win a team state title After leading the standings following a dominant fall, St. Francis finished its wire-to-wire run at No. 1. However, the Troubadours will have to share the inaugural Sac-Joaquin SportStars Cup with Granite Bay. St. Francis earned a hard-fought Delta River League title in girls soccer and added a league title in track and field to end with 5,900 points.

Granite Bay caught St. Francis with another section title in boys volleyball, and a boys golf league title. Granite Bay’s dominant swimming program collected two more league crowns. The Grizzlies earned more section and state titles than the Troubadours, but the single-sex school multiplier helped St. Francis keep pace.

With 4,350 points, Davis was a somewhat distant third. In the spring, the Blue Devils baseball team won the Delta Valley Conference title but could not add an SJS banner in a crowded Div. I field. The Blue Devils’ girls swim team earned an SJS team title on the strength of Tara Halsted’s two individual and two relay team wins at the section meet.

Three schools won multiple SJS titles in the spring. Jesuit claimed crowns in swimming and golf, Bradshaw Christian won in baseball and girls soccer, and Bella Vista won in girls soccer and boys tennis for a section-best six SJS titles in 2012-13. Bella Vista previously collected section crowns in boys soccer and girls cross country, as well as individual wrestling titles by Shayne Tucker and Victor Trujillo.

Granite Bay led all schools with two state titles, both coming in the fall. Football won the Div. I State Bowl and freshman Maggie Bell won the Div. II girls’ race at the CIF State Cross Country Championships.

The only SJS spring state title belonged to Nia Dorner of Cordova. The senior sprinted to the girls’ 400-meter championship.

—Jim McCue

July 18, 2013

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The Grizzlies’ captain and setter filled the same role for the Northern California Volleyball Club (NCVC) 18-1 Moxie team, and helped her club team produce a fifth-place finish in the Open Division at the USA Junior Nationals in Dallas, Texas. Nelson’s leadership and ball distribution paved the way for Moxie to win its pool and finish strong. The fifth-place finish matched NCVC’s best finish ever at the Junior Nationals, and Nelson earned AllTournament honors. As a junior for Granite Bay, Taylor helped the Grizzlies capture the Sierra Foothill League title and advance to the Sac-Joaquin Section Division I championship match.

She has verbally committed to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and is scheduled to graduate early to enroll in college and train with her new teammates this winter.

SportStars Magazine: How difficult was the competition in the Open Division at Junior Nationals?

Taylor Nelson: It was, by far, the best tournament I have ever played in. We had to overcome the loss of two starters to injury before Junior Nationals, and we brought it together as a team and played hard against top teams.

SSM: Has it ever been a challenge “playing up” one age group and assuming a leadership role as the setter?

TN: I have always played up

July 18, 2013

honorable mention

taylor nelson

breanna alford

granite bay . volleyball . senior

The Miramonte senior forward was named to the AllTournament team at the End of the Oregon Trail tournament on July 11.

austen moomau The 13-year-old Granada Little Leaguer hit eight home runs over his team’s first six games in the Intermediate Little League NorCal Division II Tournament.

derek hill James K. Leash since I started with the club at age 10, so I never feel like I am a year younger than my teammates. I like having that role and have been comfortable with it since I have played with some of the girls for four or five years.

SSM: How did it feel to know that this group of girls was playing together as a team for the last time at the Junior Nationals?

TN: It was definitely bittersweet. It was a great way to finish and we just wanted to enjoy it while we could.

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The Elk Grove outfielder was named to the A’s roster for the Area Code Games to be played in Long Beach in early August. As a junior, he batted .417 with 27 runs and 27 RBI.

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Transfers: The Ins & Outs I’ve been told I’m good enough to get a scholarship of some sort, and I don’t think my family can afford to send me to college unless I do.

But my high school program is really bad, and I’ve realized I need to transfer to have a better chance to get that scholarship I really need. I’ve just finished my freshman year – what are my options?

—J.E., Hayward

ow much time do you have?

The high school transfer rules are nothing if not complex, arcane and subject to manipulation at every level, but I’ll do the best I can in the space I get.

The North Coast Section web site (or any section web site) will have lots of information — hit the “Eligibility Transfer Information” link — but good luck plowing through the bureaucratese. Everything you need to know is there somewhere, but figuring out exactly what applies to you is no easy task.

We can begin with this, though: The easiest way, from the CIF standpoint, to transfer to another school is to move into its attendance area. If that happens, you’re im-

H

mediately eligible — well, almost.

Here’s the first big red flag flying over any transfer, and it says “Undue influence.” That means if the section office gets your transfer application and decides that a coach or administrator from the school you want to transfer into influenced you into making the move, then you are ineligible for a full season.

“Undue influence” is an ambiguous phrase, so you’re at the mercy of the section office — and sometimes, those officials are more suspicious of some schools than others because of previous issues. They’ll also look to see if they think the transfer is “athletically motivated,” another nono. In other words, if you transfer from a school that went 0-11 in football to one that went 11-0, then they could rule you ineligible for a year.

There are some hardship exceptions, which you can find on the websites, but if you don’t qualify under those nine categories, and since this would be your first transfer (you’ve just finished your freshman year), even if you don’t move, you can play varsity sports in your first season — after you sit out for a designated time. (If you play a fall sport, you wouldn’t be eligible to play, though you can

practice, until Oct. 7; in the winter, the eligibility date is Jan. 6; in the spring, it’s April 7.)

Of course, even then you have to fill out loads of paperwork, and one item on there involves “pre-enrollment contact.” What that means is they’ll ask you and the school to which you’re transferring to list all contact with school personnel (such as coaches) prior to your transfer application. Just because you’ve said hello to the coach at the new school, or even worked with him at a camp, doesn’t immediately make you ineligible — but if you have had contact, and don’t list it in the transfer form, you’re out a full year.

But the best thing you can do is begin the process as quickly as you can. Sometimes the school you’re transferring to will move slowly, and that could make a big difference. As much as possible, take charge of the process, fill out the paperwork and follow up with your section to make sure you’ve done everything right. Hopefully you’ll be eligible immediately and in a place where your chances of a scholarship are much better. ✪ Clay Kallam is an assistant athletic director and girls varsity basketball coach at Bentley High in Lafayette. To submit a question for Behind the Clipboard, email him at clayk@ fullcourt.com

There’s a lot to grasp and pay attention to when moving schools. Be thorough, or you may be sorry

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AND

HEART MO IE

x

Injuries, early-tournament hiccup, couldn’t derail the 18U girls of the Northern California Volleyball Club By jim mccue | Senior Contributor

T

he Northern California Volleyball Club (NCVC) 18-1 Moxie girls team knew that the road to the USA Junior Nationals would be smoother than the path through the ultra-competitive Open Division in Dallas, Texas.

But head coach Jason Borchin had no idea that the challenges his team faced before heading off to the Lone Star State would be greater than facing the top club teams from all around the nation.

NCVC’s 18-1 Moxie girls were forced to make adjustments when two key players were lost to injury in the months before the premiere national showcase event, but the team posted an 8-3 record to match NCVC’s best-ever Junior Nationals result with a fifth-place in the Open Division.

“The competition was great, and we had to grind out our victories,” Borchin said. “A lot of people played great, but every one of those girls won a match at some point for us.”

Borchin expected that his team could hold its own in Dallas thanks to a 12-person roster that featured

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James K. Leash

St. Francis High standout Allie Wegener was one of 11 players on the NCVC 18-1 Moxie team with an NCAA scholarship.

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11 NCAA scholarship recipients. NCVC’s top girls team was an assemblage of the top girls volleyball players from the Sac-Joaquin Section together for one last hurrah as a group before going their separate ways.

All-State outside hitter Gabriella Palmeri, who led St. Francis to the CIF Division I state final and will play at Pepperdine in the fall, was perhaps the biggest name on the team, but the supporting cast of stars all had headliner talent that earned them tickets to compete at the highest levels of college volleyball.

Included on the roster were recent graduates Cassidy Denny (El CaminoSacramento; Colorado State), Allie Wegener (St. Francis; UC Davis), Loni Kreun (St. Francis; Montana State), Maddie Cannon (Rio Americano-Sacramento; Santa Clara), Morgan Lees (Del Oro-Loomis; Long Beach State), Kirstin Schauble (Placer-Auburn; Seattle), Katie Sullivan (Vacaville; Portland), Kyndra Trevino-Scott (Bella Vista-Fair Oaks; Hawaii-Hilo), and Taylor Nelson (Granite Bay; Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo), who will be a senior for the Grizzlies in the fall.

Also on the roster were Vista del Lago libero Caroline Sipiora (Utah) and Lincoln-Stockton opposite Hailey Bethune (Washington State). Sipiora, who missed much of her senior season recovering from a torn ACL, re-injured the same knee two months before the Junior Nationals, and will rehabilitate the knee again locally before enrolling at Utah in the spring. Bethune suffered a broken hand just two weeks before the Dallas trip, leaving the Moxie squad short-handed for its biggest competition.

“We had to practice a lot of new lineups in preparation for the Junior Nationals,” Borchin said. “Players were in different positions and assuming different roles, and we had to bring in some alumni to play at practice and help us get ready.”

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The depleted roster looked lost in its first match in Dallas, forcing the girls to regroup to determine the legacy this group would leave behind.

“We talked after the match about how they wanted their season to end,” Borchin said. “I told them that they could go through the motions or fight for it.”

NCVC took the discussion to heart, and battled to six consecutive hard-fought victories, including a win over the pool’s top seed from Southern California to earn the team the pool title and a bye into the top eight of the Open Division.

Despite a pair of losses to start play in the medal round, the 18-1 Moxie lived up to its name and played to its full potential to win its last two matches and claim fifth place. The final match was a gritty 26-24, 27-25 triumph over the National No. 1 seed.

“I have never seen such a total team effort,” Borchin said of his team’s run. “They played their hearts out for that fifth-place finish.”

Nelson, the setter and team captain, earned All-Tournament honors, and the team produced the club’s highest finish for a girls team in its history.

“Our collective goal was to just go out and compete for every point,” Borchin said of competing in the Junior Nationals. “This was, by far, the best team I have ever coached in their talent and the way that they interacted with each other and played together as a team.” ✪

LEFT: Cassidy Denny, a three-year varsity standout for El Camino, will be attending and playing for Colorado State in the fall.

boysroundup GIRLS roundup

RIGHT: Maddie Cannon (5), a Rio Americano grad, will be on volleyball scholarship with Santa Clara in the fall.

NCVC’s 17-1 Black team was the only other girls squad to compete in the Open Division. The team featured top SJS talent that will get one final shot at high school glory this next school year after finishing 22nd in Dallas. The 17-1 Black squad featured Maddy Deters and Nicolette Pinkney from Granite Bay, Ali Koumelis and Megan Sullivan from St. Francis, and Bella Vista’s Sara Hibbs among its stars.

In the National Division, the 16-1 Black and 15-1 Black teams both posted 11th place finishes while the 14-1 Black squad finished 10th in the American Division.

››››››››››››› Three NCVC boys teams earned medals at the USA Junior Nationals held in Reno, Nevada.

The 16-2 Blue team placed second to bring home silver medals in the Club Division, and the 16-1 Black and 15-1 Black squads both earned bronze medals with third-place finishes in the Club Division.

The club’s 18-1 Black team, which featured recent high school graduates Justin Beskeen (Bear River-Grass Valley; Cal State Northridge), Trevor Bryant (Nevada Union-Grass Valley; UC Santa Barbara), Bobby Curtis (Nevada Union; Cal State Northridge), and Griffin Galvin (Vista del LagoFolsom; UC San Diego), competed in the Open Division and finished 25th in the nation.

Two other teams, the 17-1 Black and 14-1 Black, also competed at the highest level in the Open Division. Both teams also finished 25th in their age group. NCVC’s 17-2 Blue (54th Club Division) and 14-2 Blue (19th Club Division) rounded out the club’s participants at the USA Junior Nationals. ✪

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West Sacramento Little League and its timeless Memorial Park take center stage for the Majors Section 4 Tournament THE ROAD TO WILLIAMSPORT

Section 4 Tournament July 13-19 Memorial Park, West Sacramento Division 2 Tournament July 20-28 Mahany Park, Roseville West Region Championships August 2-10 San Bernardino, ESPN Little League World Series August 15-25 Williamsport, Penn. ESPN

West Sacramento Little League’s Graeme Farrell follows through and watches the flight of his home run during an early-round Section Tournament game against Arden.

James K. Leash Photo

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I

n Little League Baseball, the biggest stage one can reach is Williamsport, Pennsylvania for the Major (11-12 year olds) World Series in late August.

Despite five baseball divisions, including a new Intermediate Division which will hold its inaugural World Series in Livermore this year, the marquee event is the annual world championship game at Howard J. Lamade Stadium in the birthplace of Little League Baseball.

ESPN brings its cameras, crews, and big-name announcers to join thousands of fans from all over the world to witness what has become a true spectacle in sports.

Through the years, the event has grown from a small regional tournament in 1947 to an international media extravaganza.

The small Williamsport fields have grown into a huge sports complex that might be confused with a Major League Baseball spring training facility.

So, it is a bit ironic that the road to Williamsport goes through West Sacramento this year. The Section 4 Major All-Star Tournament runs through Friday, July 19 at historic Memorial Park, a throwback ballpark that much more resembles the field that Little League Baseball founder Carl Stotz created in a Williamsport lot for the neighborhood kids.

From the old-school dugouts, which are truly dugouts below field level, to the small central snack bar nestled between the league’s two baseball fields, West Sacramento Little League’s host field and facilities have not changed much since the property was first donated to the city to be used for Little League Baseball more than 50 years ago.

Memorial Park sits in the middle of a cozy neighborhood southwest of Interstate 80 and the city’s modern baseball gem, Raley Field. Hundred-year-old trees stretch toward the sky like an outfielder reaching over the fence to steal a home run, and provide ample shade for spectators to watch youngsters play

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ABOVE: Woodcreek catcher Kyle Kern cocks his arm to throw to third base during his team’s early-round win over Rocklin in the Section 4 Tournament at Memorial Park.

RIGHT: During the same game, Rocklin’s Matt Corsetti (1) and Ryan Mooney (12) celebrate following a big hit from one of their teammates.

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our national pastime from metal bleachers on each baseline or from lawn chairs beyond the outfield fence.

“The park is definitely old school,” West Sacramento manager Adam Williams said. “You don’t find this anymore with the fields in the middle of a neighborhood.

“This isn’t a complex like you find elsewhere. There is just a vibe here that you can’t get anywhere else except for here in West Sac.” That vibe is not lost on visiting teams, including those from leagues across the region that are accustomed to large complexes with baseball and softball fields grouped with soccer fields and indoor sports facilities.

Woodcreek manager Nick Rotteveel has coached and watched his two sons, including Majors all-star Greg Rotteveel, play at Memorial Park for years, and enjoys every opportunity to make the trip back in time to West Sacramento.

“I love this place,” the manager said. “You don’t see parks like this anymore.

It is a perfect place to play. The park is absolutely gorgeous. It’s a beautiful place and they always run a wonderful tournament.”

Williams is one of the many West Sacramento faithful that have lived and breathed Little League baseball for years. In addition to managing his 12-yearold son, Tommy, through the different age groups, Adam’s wife, Lindsay, runs the snack bar, giving them a unique perspective of throwback youth baseball.

West Sacramento Little League is not only a throwback in terms of its fields, which are maintained by league volunteers, but also in its size. The league has roughly 400 kids, a stark contrast to the mammoth leagues that have up to 800 players, and feeds primarily to the one local high school, River City.

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“We are unique because of our size,” West Sacramento Little League vice president Dawn Farrell said. “There is a lot of intergenerational stuff where kids and grandkids are playing on the same fields in the same park.”

The small-town feel of the league, along with the fact that no West Sac Major team has advanced past the sectional tournament since 2000, gives the locals a bit of an underdog role playing against the newer and bigger suburban leagues in the region.

That has not kept West Sacramento from challenging for sectional titles and a shot to play at the district, regional and international levels. This year’s group of 11- and 12-year-olds have been on the cusp of a section title during their Little League careers, and are among the favorites in this year’s field of Major teams.

West Sacramento opened tournament play with a strong showing, routing Arden 13-2 in four innings to set up a winner’s bracket showdown with nemesis Woodcreek. West Sac would fall to Woodcreek 9-5, but Williams was hopeful that the home field advantage could be a difference-maker in finally getting his kids to the next level — even if it means fighting its way back from the loser’s bracket.

When Williams found out that West Sacramento was going to host the Major All-Star Tournament for the first time in 13 years, the manager was ecstatic for his team, as well as the community.

“For the boys and the community to have the chance to do something that we have been so close to for the past few years right in our back yard, I couldn’t ask for anything better,” he said. “As a manager, this can’t get any better. What Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

better way to finish with this group of kids than playing in their backyard.”

In addition to Woodcreek coming to the neighborhood ballpark, teams from Rocklin, Arden, and the Pocket area qualified for the postseason tournament. The winner will advance to the Division 2 Tournament, hosted by District 54 at Mahany Park in Roseville. That means a Woodcreek win in the sectionals would give Rotteveel and his team a home field advantage at the next level, albeit without the old school vibe.

But for one week, the attention is focused solely on West Sacramento. Farrell believes that the league and community were up to the challenge of hosting a first-class tournament and showing off the unique charm of West Sacramento and Memorial Park.

“There is a lot of civic pride in the league, and in the park,” she said. “This is a place where everyone knows your name and looks out for one another. We want that pride to show.”

Nothing could make Farrell, Williams, and West Sacramento prouder than to see their boys win a section banner on their home field. But they also know that the challenge of the competition will make any result sweet.

“To have the sections here, with this old vibe, the neighbors and boys that have been together forever, it’s like a dream come true,” Williams said.

And even small old school leagues can dream of the big time and bright lights of Williamsport and the Little League World Series. ✪

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Phillip Walton

Granada Little League’s Austen Moomau watches the flight of his first-inning home run during the Intermediate NorCal Division II final on July 11.

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Little League’s brand new division prepares to play its first International World Series in the Bay Area INTERMEDIATE DIVISION BASICS

›› AGE GROUP: 1113, though restrictions can be implemented at the district level to make it 11-13, 12-13, 12-only or 13-only. ›› MOUND DISTANCE FROM PLATE: 50 feet ›› DISTANCE BETWEEN BASES: 70 feet ›› FENCE DISTANCE: 200 feet min. for regular season; 225 min. for tournament. ›› REGULATION GAME: 7 innings ›› PITCH COUNT RESTRICTIONS (SINGLE GAME): 95 for 13-year olds; 85 for 11-12-year olds. ›› PARTICIPATION: Every rostered player must be in the game for at least one at bat and six defensive outs. >> NOTABLE RULE DIFFERENCE FROM MAJORS: Base runners may lead off.

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By Chace Bryson | Editor

HOWCHILLA — Lemoore Little League coach Brady Holaday stood along the left field line as his players filed out of the dugout painted in frustration following a 7-6 loss.

Holaday was biting his lower lip as well, talking to his coaches and wearing the type of wry smile coaches flash when they know their teams have let one slip away.

But this was only Lemoore’s first loss of the NorCal Division II Tournament. It was, in fact, the Intermediate team’s first loss period since its All-Star postseason began. And because Little League will forever be about enforcing the positives, Holaday had his silver lining ready.

“We knew that (first loss) was going to happen eventually,” he said. “We’re not stupid. We’ll come back tomorrow and be stronger.”

They were indeed.

Depsite trailing Granada Little League 9-5 and being down to their last three outs, Lemoore scored seven runs in the top of the seventh and won 12-10. That July 12 night, Holaday, his 11 players, and a throng of supporters left the tournament site of Chowchilla and made the 70-minute drive back to Lemoore.

But on July 29, the team of mostly 13-year-olds — along with potentially the entire population of Lemoore — hopes to be traveling to the same town it sent Granada home to: Livermore, the host city for the first Little League Intermediate 50/70 International World Series.

If Lemoore is to get to that point, it would need to win the Western Region Championships in Irvine, taking place July 19-26. The West representative would join four other regional champions, four international champions and a host team from District 57 at Max Baer Field for the first Intermediate World Series games on July 30.

“That’s their dream,” Holaday said. “It’s the same one they’ve

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had since they all started playing together at 9 years-old. Their dream is to play in a Little League World Series.” ◆◆◆ Whether it was Dave Wetmore’s dream to host and direct a Little League World Series is unclear, but he’d certainly put his research in.

“I’ve been around Little League baseball for more than 25 years,” said Wetmore, who has been the California District 57 Administrator for the past 11 years. “I’ve attended several Little League World Series for other age groups. But it’s a big difference between attending and hosting.”

Wetmore was given the opportunity to find out firsthand when the Little League International Board of Directors selected Livermore — over Chicago and Vancouver — as the first World Series site for its brand new Intermediate 50/70 Division.

The Intermediate 50/70 Division was instituted for 2013 after a three-year pilot program was completed in an attempt to develop a transitional league from Majors — the showcase division featuring 11-12 year-olds playing on field dimensions of 46 feet from pitching mound to plate and 60-foot base paths — to Juniors, which is for 13-14 yearolds who play on high school fields (60-foot mound distance and 90-foot base paths).

The Intermediate Division is offered to 1113 year-olds with field dimensions of 50 feet from mound to plate and 70 feet between the bases. It also features an expanded set of rules which allows for a closer facsimile to high school baseball.

“I think it’s outstanding that they finally went to this,” Holaday said. “It’s a stepping stone for 60/90. For a lot of the kids, it’s kind of 50-50. Half can make that jump but the other half can’t. There’s a lot of kids who once 46/60 is done and 50/70 is done, the game is too big and too fast for them. This kind of keeps an avenue open for some of these kids.”

Wetmore, whose District 57 took part in the pilot program, has had an extended view of the success of the new division.

“Now that it’s a full-phase division, you see kids who want to stick around,” Wetmore said. “I think that No. 1, in the long term, it will become a retainer to keep 13-year-olds in the Little League program. For parents, it can also be a huge gain in expense, too, as travel ball programs (which have tournaments with 50/70 options) can be very expensive. I just think the pluses far outweigh any of the firstyear hurdles that we’ve had.”

The hurdle most often mentioned is facilities and finding fields that can be easily converted to the new dimensions.

That obviously won’t be a problem in Livermore as the District is already near completion on a $50K renovation of Max Baer Park, a makeover that will be ready for live ESPN coverage of the World Series. The changes that have been made include adding a grass infield, building a two-story press box, 24

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Little League CA District 10

The Lemoore Little League All-Stars won the Intermediate NorCal Division II Championship, advancing to the West Regionals Tournament in Irvine beginning July 19. The West Region champ advances to the Little League World Series in Livermore on July 30.

and the plan to bring in as much seating as possible.

The field will be ready. Will Livermore be? ◆◆◆ Livermore is no stranger to playing host to big events. It is an annual stop on the AmGen Tour of California bike race, and The Course at Wente Vineyards has hosted lower-level PGA Tour events.

This will be different, though. In a good way, according to Wetmore.

“I’m not sure if the residents and business owners have quite realized the impact that this event has,” he said. “The AmGen riders are world-class athletes who are likely staying in San Francisco, being bussed out, someone is holding their bike and they get on and leave.

These are Little League kids and families of 10 teams who are going to be staying in Livermore, eating pizza, drinking soda, being kids.”

Wetmore and his committee are doing their best to prepare businesses for the fact that there may be more than just a few players and parents. For instance, it didn’t take much to get Holaday theorizing on the type of support that would follow Lemoore to Livermore if the team made it that far.

“They’d have to shut (the town) down,” the coach said. “There would literally be storefront windows with signs saying ‘Headed North’. It wouldn’t take much. It’d be fun.”

Nine teams will be making Livermore their home away from home: representatives of the East, Central, Southwest, Southeast and West Regions, as well as international teams from Japan, Ecuador, Puerto Rico and Canada. The 10th team belongs to District 57. Pleasanton National gained an automatic “Host Team” berth by winning the Dist. 57 Tournament.

Pleasanton defeated the same Granada team that Lemoore finally vanquished in Chowchilla. Despite the inspired run by the Livermore team, its exit allowed Wetmore to exhale just a touch.

“If two District 57 teams had ended up in this thing for some reason, my counterparts would have probably had some questions for me.” ✪

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Tak

LEFT: Pleasanton National pitcher Evan Wolfe.

RIGHT: Pleasanton catcher Mitch Benson.

Phillip Walton

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king Home Pleasanton National embraces its opportunity to compete as Little League World Series host team — but it’s no charity case

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By Chace Bryson | Editor

t’s a mid-July evening in Pleasanton, and while a handful of Intermediate Little League teams go over their travel itinerary for their trip to the Western Regional Tournament in Irvine — the last step to reaching the World Seires — a baker’s dozen worth of 13-year-olds from Pleasanton National hold another practice.

While the aforementioned Western Regional attendees have been battling their way through Section and Division tournaments the past three weeks, Pleasanton National has just kept on practicing. It’s known since June 22 that it’s going to be participating in the Intermediate Little League World Series as the District 57 Host Team.

That doesn’t mean the gravity of the opportunity has truly sunk in yet.

“They couldn’t believe that they just get to go and play in this thing,” Pleasanton National coach Dave Lander said. “I don’t think they really realized the magnitude of it until recently when they were like ‘Oh, ok. This is a WORLD SERIES.’” The first World Series for Little League’s new Intermediate 50/70 Division is being hosted at Max Baer Park in Livermore, a mere seven miles away from their home turf. Opening Ceremonies begin July 29 and games start on July 30.

“Not very many teams get to do this very often,” Pleasanton third baseman Jimmy Kaufman said. “I’m really excited to have a chance to represent Northern California and the Bay Area.

But it probably won’t sink in really until the (opening ceremonies) parade downtown the night before.”

Exactly how did this once in a lifetime opportunity befall Pleasanton National? Well it started when Livermore and Little League District 57 was given the hosting rights over other finalists, Chicago and Vancouver. The host district is allowed to field its own team, which is decided by the district’s all-star tournament.

Pleasanton went 4-0 in the tournament, winning three of the games — including the final — by six runs or more. They defeated Livermore 10-2 in the opener and Granada 12-3 in the quarterfinals. Danville played them the toughest in the tournament, losing 6-3 in the semifinals. In the championship, Granada came back from the loser’s bracket but could do little to change its fortune as Pleasanton rolled to a 9-3 win and stamp its ticket to the big dance.

“We probably played them 6-7 times this year and only beat them twice,” Granada coach Matt Walker said of Pleasanton National. “They’re a good team.”

Granada was given a chance to still qualify for the World Series through the other tournaments, and reached the final of the NorCal Division II Tournament before Lemoore ousted them to advance to Western Regions.

“Seeing Granada’s run definitely gave us a pretty good gauge for where we’re at,” Lander said.

“We were hoping they might make it all the way back.”

Pleasanton’s core starts with 6-foot-2 right-handed ace Evan Wolfe. Lander has been coach-

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ing him for three years and says he’s really developed into a strong pitcher over the past year. All of the Pleasanton pitchers have benefitted this season from the presence of pitching coach Eddie Delzer, a member of the 1984 Cal State Fullerton team which won the College World Series.

Behind Wolfe is a sound defense anchored up the middle by shortstop Cal O’Loughlin, second baseman Max Heverly and centerfielder Quinn Brinnon.

“O’Loughlin could pretty much play anywhere on the field we needed him to,” Lander said of his shortstop, one of two Pleasanton players headed to Amador Valley High in the fall. “But he really steadies us at shortstop. Heverly is a solid second baseman and our leadoff hitter, and Brinnon has probably been the best outfielder in the league since he was 8.”

Other key players include Mitch Benson, typically the starting catcher as well as one of the team’s pitchers behind Wolfe. Kaufman plays third base and catches while also providing a big RBI bat in the cleanup position. Kaufman is joined in the middle of the lineup by first baseman Trevor Wallace. Wallace, a left hander, is also part of the team’s pitching staff.

The rest of the roster includes Nate Lau, Max Lander, Drew McGinty, Drew Kobayashi, Trevor Burgmann and Nick Orecchia.

“Chemisty will be the key for us,” Benson said.

“We’ll have to be good at our small ball and just playing together as a team. We need to come up big in big situations.”

The situations won’t come much bigger than the World Series. But it’s worth betting that a hometown fan base will play a factor too. ✪

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Intermediate Little League World Series: A General Guide WHERE: Max Baer Field #1, Max Baer Park, Murdell Lane, Livermore OPENING CEREMONIES: July 29, which includes a parade through downtown Livermore beginning at 6 p.m. PLAY BALL: Games begin July 30. FORMAT: Double elimination TEAMS ATTENDING: 10, six U.S. teams and four international teams.

QUALIFIED TEAMS (as of July 16): CA District 57 host — Pleasanton National; Latin America — C Unidas Miraflores LL (Guayquil, Ecuador); Puerto Rico — Juan A. Bibiloni LL (Yabucoa, Puerto Rico); AsiaPacific — Osaka LL (Japan).

U.S. REGIONS STILL TO QUALIFY: West, East, Central, Southeast and Southwest.

Each region will have a champion by July 26.

Grant Riddiough, Granada

SCHEDULE/TICKETS OPENING DAY MATCHUPS (JULY 30) Latin American (Ecuador) vs. Puerto Rico, 9 a.m.

U.S. Southwest vs. U.S. East, noon Canada vs. Asia-Pacific (Japan), 3 p.m.

Pleasanton National vs. U.S. Central, 6 p.m.

CHAMPIONSHIP: Aug. 5, 7 p.m., broadcast live on ESPN2.

TICKETS: Admission to ALL Intermediate Little League World Series games are free. Seating is available on a firstcome, first-served basis.

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WWW.SPORTSTARS ONLINE.COM/LLWS: Beginning July 25, Sport StarsOnline.com will begin adding various content to our own online program for the World Series. As the final teams qualify we will begin adding rosters, videos, previews and fun facts.

We will continue adding to the site throughout the event.

MORE ONLINE COVERAGE/INFO: ›› www.intermediateworld series.org ›› Facebook: Facebook.com/SportStars Facebook.com/Intermediate WorldSeries ›› Twitter: @SportStarsMag, @5070WorldSeries

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Obsessed

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By erik stordahl | SportStars

hen Elizabeth Schultz entered the US Women’s Open qualifier in June, she knew the odds were stacked against her.

In the 68-player field, only three would make it to the prestigious tournament in New York. Of the participants, most were collegiate standouts hailing from powerhouses like Cal and UCLA. And this was a 36-hole tournament – something Schultz had never competed in before. Not to mention she had never even played

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Phillip Walton

Elizabeth Schultz’s relentless drive and passion for golf led her to the U.S. Women’s Open after just four years

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this course – Lake Merced Golf Club in Daly City – which features a design geared to give even the most experienced golfers headaches.

Schultz approached the tournament with an open mind.

“At first I was little bit nervous,” said Schultz, who is entering her senior year at Acalanes-Lafayette, “But then I was like, yeah exactly, I don’t really have anything to lose ‘cause I didn’t think I was gonna qualify. I was just going there for the experience of playing in the qualifier.”

Her mentality shifted after the first day when she shot a 2-over 74, tied for seventh. Would the momentum carry over into the second day?

“It was interesting because I did better, and then most people actually did worse over their second 18 (holes).”

Schultz shot 1-over par on the second day, finishing at 3-over 147 for the tournament. But she had to patiently wait in the clubhouse as others filed in with their scores.

Her 147 held up and she qualified along with Livermore’s Casie Cathrea, who shot a 140, and Emily Childs of Alameda who shot a 143.

To think Schultz has been playing golf for only four years makes this accomplishment that much more impressive.

One fateful day in 2009, Schultz happened to be watching The Master’s on TV with family friend Dan Stanich. Intrigued by what she saw, Schultz, at this point an avid competitive swimmer, asked Stanich if he brought his clubs.

Schultz then proceeded to hit cotton balls wrapped in duct tape in her backyard for hours. She was immediately hooked.

Prior to this, her experience consisted of Wii Golf.

“She stood out there for two and a half hours hitting cotton balls,” Stanich said. “I’m like either there’s something wrong with her or she just likes golf.”

As she entered high school, Schultz had to make the difficult decision of choosing swimming or golf since there was no

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way she could devote enough time to excel in both. She chose the latter and Stanich has been with her every step of the way, teaching her the mechanics and nuances of the game. ◆◆◆ Over the years, Schultz has heeded Stanich’s tutelage and improved her game. She drives the ball roughly 270 yards on average and her strength is chipping and putting — “anything 90 feet and in,” says Schultz.

That skill set resulted in Schultz placing third at last year’s NCS Tournament of Champions and a 3-over 75 at the CIF NorCal Championships, missing the state tournament by four strokes.

She is insatiable. Her summer routine starts with four to five hours at Boundary Oak Golf Course in Walnut Creek, working on every facet of the game. Then it’s off to the gym where she engages in workouts specific for golf. At home, she studies up on the game yearning to discover more nuances.

Needless to say, there’s little time for a social life.

There have even been 10-to-12 hour days where Schultz simply doesn’t want to leave the course and Stanich will start

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driving away until Schultz relents. It’s that obsessive mindset that has catapulted her game to where it is now.

“She’s kind of rare for her age, that you have to literally pull her off of the golf course,” Stanich said. “She just loves to practice and that’s why she’s successful. It’s hard to get a teenage boy or girl to work that hard at a sport.” ◆◆◆ Schultz arrived at Southampton, N.Y. several days before the Open where she soaked in the entire experience.

The first of three practice rounds started on June 24, which meant Schultz got to rub elbows with the game’s elite. She was grouped with players like tour pro Ryan O’Toole and Birdie Kim — winner of the 2005 U.S. Open. Tour pros were stunned when they found out Schultz was a mere 16 years old and gave her advice on her young career.

She received the royal treatment in the locker room with her name embroidered on her locker that was filled with several boxes of balls along with food and beverages. Her locker was next to Lizette Salas.

“In my locker room I think was like Suzann Pettersen as well and Stacy Lewis,” Schultz said. “It was really cool.”

Schultz’s goal was simple: make the cut. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen despite a promising 6-over 78 on the first day.

She was devastated, but headed home determined to get better.

Since then, Schultz has won two junior tournaments with about 10 more to go until the fall golf season starts. This year she has her sights set on winning state.

Colleges have reached out to her and she’s narrowed the list to four: Cal, San Jose State, USF and Texas. Each has its own pros and cons, so Schultz will continue to whittle down the selection.

The end goal? Turning pro.

“There’s really nothing stopping her,” Stanich said. ✪

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soccer injuries: dr. mo mortazavi

STAY on the FIELD

How to avoid soccer’s most common injuries Soccer is a demanding game for players of all ages. Keeping up the pace and surging for the goal requires stamina and endurance. Young athletes often play multiple games a weekend or even in a single day, pushing their physical conditioning, bones and muscles. Those factors make contact and non-contact injuries common in soccer. Learning to prevent them is important for all players.

Concussions, traumatic musculoskeletal injuries such as knee ligament, hip tendon, ankle and growth plate injuries, are routine among young soccer players. Non-contact injuries typically involve joints or muscle attachments of the legs during powerful motions, such as cutting or kicking, and can be serious. Most concussions result from collisions with other players, goal posts or the field, or when the ball strikes a player’s head unexpectedly. ›› Concussions: To prevent concussions or their severity, neck-strengthening exercises are imperative.

Exercises protect the player’s head from axial and rotational forces. Studies have found head bands and helmets are also effective and may help prevent concussions. Younger children should train using smaller balls and avoid highspeed header contact. Finally, prompt identification and immediate treatment of concussions by removing kids from play can prevent prolonged symptoms, as well as more serious consequences. ›› Protect Growth: Growth plates allow the bones to grow in childhood. Hip growth-plate injuries are common in male and female soccer players, especially during periods of rapid growth in the early teen years. Multiple growth plates in the pelvis, where the powerful hip and quadriceps kicking muscles attach, are composed of fragile cartilage that turns into bone with growth. These are the weakest links in the musculoskeletal chain.

Injury to these fragile growth centers can occur from overuse or sudden avulsions. These injuries can be very serious, resulting in several months of missed play and may even require surgery. Prevention of these injuries requires

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a combination of a consistent hip, quadriceps and hamstring flexibility training programs, coupled with hamstring and gluteal strengthening for improved pelvic and core stability. This can help take tension and load off more vulnerable growth centers.

Identification of overtraining, as well as appropriate rest, recovery and off-season time, are critical to prevent these injuries. Even professional athletes have an off season. ›› Guard the Knees: Common knee injuries include acute injuries such as ligament tears, muscle strains and chronic overuse injuries. ACL injuries can be catastrophic because they almost always require surgery and recovery periods of up to a year. Preventing knee injuries is closely related to biomechanics, especially dynamic landing and cutting positions. Multiple studies have shown poor neuromuscular control, core stability and muscular balance are significant risk factors for ACL tears. Girls are at high risk for ACL rupture. Most of these injuries, which occur during cutting and landings, are associated with poor biomechanics.

ACL prevention training programs involve a variety of exercises that translate to better performance. Programs focused on correcting neuromuscular imbalances have decreased the risk of ACL injury by 50 percent. These programs stress: ■ Hamstring and gluteal strengthening to prevent quadriceps dominance.

■ Teaching better methods to absorb ground forces during cutting and landing by activating the correct muscles to prevent excess ligament stress.

■ Limiting leg dominance by focusing on single-leg exercises to balance limb strength, stability, and coordination.

■ Improving core and trunk neuromuscular control with motion of center of mass.

Knowing and practicing these prevention methods is the first step to staying on the field. ✪

Dr. Mo Mortazavi is pediatric sports medicine physician for the UC Davis Children’s Hospital.

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endurance: Liz Elliott

FuelingTheBody The number one question I receive as a triathlon coach is “What about nutrition? What do I eat?”

While I’m not a nutritionist, eating for health and performance is actually very simple. And most of “training” is actually learning how to eat. ›› FIRST: What you’re eating every day is more important than “race” food. For most of your life, even while training when possible, stick to as much unprocessed foods as you can. Processed doesn’t just mean packaged. If you can leave it in a cabinet for more than a week and can still eat it, it’s processed. When in the grocery store, try to stay with items that are made by nature. If it has too many ingredients, it is probably not the best product. Everyone knows to avoid donuts and candy, but be aware crackers, chips, pretzels and salad dressing, and most cereals, are processed foods. Eat “from the source” as much as possible. ›› SECOND: Good carbs are good. As an endurance athlete, you need carbs. There are three types of macro nutrients: protein, carbohydrates, and fats. You want lean protein, complex carbohydrates and essential fats in your everyday diet. Seek simple carbohydrates when you race. Lean proteins: As an endurance athlete, your body needs lean proteins to rebuild your muscles and muscle fibers. Examples are real chicken (not chicken nuggets), nuts, peanut butter.

“Good” carbs: Carbs is a carbohydrate, or something that has good starch. As an endurance athlete, carbs are very important. They help protein and good or essential fats work right in your body. They will be most of what you eat. All fruits and vegetables are carbs. There are many many choices. If you don’t like bananas, then eat fruits and vegetables you like eating, like apples and carrots. You can eat any fruits and vegetables you want, as well as wheat bread, and some rice or wheat pasta. Bad carbs are a big bowl of pasta or rice! A big bowl of pasta or rice can turn into bad fat on your body, and can make you very sluggish.

Essential fats: Essential fats are necessary to help you think. They cover your brain and spinal cord, cover your organs, and help proteins and carbs do their jobs. Also, fat is the best fuel to use if you teach your body to burn fat while working out — if you eat the right fats, and teach your body how to use those fats. Examples of good fats are avocados, nuts, peanut butter, olive oil.

If you get nothing else from this section, remember that all vegetables and fruits are carbs. ›› THIRD: Eat a combination of lean proteins, good carbs and essential fats every meal.

Some examples are a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on wheat bread. A piece of real chicken breast, broccoli, and olive oil. A glass of milk, an apple, and some walnuts. A small burrito with chicken or pork, extra lettuce tomatoes or salsa. ›› LAST: Avoid sugars in your regular diet, but don’t deny yourself a treat sometimes. If you deny yourself too much, you may binge eat (eat a lot of bad foods all at once). You know candy has a lot of sugar, but so do things you think are good for you. Orange juice and apple juice have lots of sugar. Choose water or milk over soda or juice.

Have fun with your diet, eat what you like within the groups, and you’ll see your energy and your performance pick up. ✪ Liz Elliott was an AllAmerican collegiate swimmer and is the head coach at Tri-Valley Triathlon Club.

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BAck up!

health watch: caron bush

Back pain in young athletes is not uncommon Running, jumping, swimming, volleyball, rowing. What do all of these have in common? Elevated incidence of non-specific back pain. Have you ever wanted to tell your parents or coach that your back doesn’t feel right? Or do you think children aren’t supposed the have back pain? Surprisingly, around 50-60 percent of kids do have some kind of back pain.

There are a lot of reasons why your back may be hurting. Sometimes this achy or sharp back pain is associated with stress, scoliosis, bad posture, weak muscles or a stress fracture of the vertebrae (spondylolysis). The back muscles aren’t very big and aren’t meant to handle heavy loads. Injuries happen with repetitive loading of the vertebral facet joints, sudden twisting motion causing disc herniations, direct blow to the back or a fall can all affect the nerves, bones or muscles.

It is always a good idea to mention to your coach and parent if you have any back pain. As a Physical Therapist who works with young athletes, I am always surprised at how long athletes play through pain and don’t complain because they want to stay competitive.

Listen to your body and you will be a better athlete. If you experience any kind of pain it is your body’s way of saying that something is wrong. More often than not I am able to change the way an athletes moves to optimize their muscular control and limit their pain.

Here are a few self help tips: ›› Keep your core/abdominals strong with planks, side planks ›› Limit the amount of hyperextension of your low back ›› Keep your hamstrings stretched, hold for 30 seconds three to four times before bed ✪ Caron Bush is a physical therapist for the Sports Medicine For Young Athletes, a division of Children’s Hospital Oakland.

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foot care: dr. sean m. dougherty

Best Feet Forward There are over 300 injuries associated with feet. A simple warm-up and stretch routine can prevent most of them

Your feet are one of the most overlooked parts of the body when it comes to sports and exercise.

In your feet are the 26 bones, 33 joints, 112 ligaments, and a collection of nerves, tendons, and blood vessels all working together that allow you to participate in athletic activities.

Improper foot conditioning can contribute to more than 300 various foot and ankle injuries or ailments seen during sports.

A proper warm up and stretching routine before athletic activities can significantly decrease the strain on your muscles, tendons, and joints. This leads to an overall reduction in the chance of an injury. If symptoms do begin to develop in your feet or ankles, seeking prompt medical treatment can lead to a faster recovery without prolonged disability.

When you exercise and participate in sports pay close attention to what your feet and ankles are telling you. ✪ Dr. Sean M. Dougherty is a foot and ankle specialist with Tri-Valley Orthopedic Specialists in Pleasanton.

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training time: tim rudd

GETwiththe

SYSTEM How an athlete is trained should be personal, not pre-ordained

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There are many program-oriented places out there for young athletes and very few system-oriented places. So what is the difference and how does it impact your athletes? ›› PROGRAMS: Predetermined action plan for achieving results. That means before the athlete even walks in the door, places that are program-based already have an action plan for him or her. ›› SYSTEMS: Method of achieving results where one procedure’s outcome determines the next. In other words your athletes action plan is based on systems of assessments and outcomes.

The critical thinking needed to address movement-based and performance problems is not so much about assigning a program to a particular problem. It’s about taking a problem to its source and systematically managing the primary issue, as well as detecting the secondary problems that could cloud judgment and clarity. Programs are limited when they depend on a preset plan without a set of procedures to modify it.

Systems are always more effective because they possess a constant reappraisal method. The system will continue to refine itself with built in procedures that match progress to baseline (where the athlete started).

Systems develop measured responses to the athlete’s specific movement and needs. They use an objective system to ensure continuous improvement in health and performance. Programs focus only on superhuman feats of speed, power and endurance, instead of athletic fundamentals and a balanced training approach. They do not consider it productive to build a superior foundation, even though most consistent physical accomplishments center on that platform.

Systems prioritize a qualitative standard (how well athletes move) first so they can eventually pursue a quantitative standard (optimal speed, power, strength, endurance). Systems balance quality with quantity, which ensures the most efficient and effective path toward your athlete’s goal of optimizing sports performance. ✪ Tim Rudd is an IYCA specialist in youth conditioning and owner of Fit2TheCore.

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weight training: anthony trucks

POWER FORPerformance ››››››››››››

›››››››››››› Building the bridge from the weight room to the playing surface So by now you know my job is to write about the weight room, but there’s an important bridge between the weight room and performance that is often never built. Well, I have my bolts and tools ready, so it’s time to go to work.

Anyone who knows about me, knows my primary job is to develop athletes to perform at peak, much like the NFL players I am working with right now to get ready for their training camps. In order to effectively accomplish this, I must make sure to do two very important things.

1) Work on efficiency of movement.

This is essentially making sure an athlete knows HOW to move the best way possible. This minimizes wasted motion and energy, and maximizes the effectiveness of the available strength/power in the body.

I have to teach them where their arms and legs should be and how they should move when accelerating, decelerating, running straight ahead, and changing direction. So I basically make sure the athletes know how to move as smoothly as possible.

2) Increase their power output so they are able to perform at their peak

ALL sports have an explosive need to be successful, which boils down to power. So once I have been able to get them to move correctly the only thing left to make them perform better is to make that movement happen FASTER. Its like adding NOS to a perfectly-tuned muscle car. The car can go fast already because it’s running efficiently, but adding that extra NOS/Strength makes it unstoppable.

So cross this bridge of enlightenment with me, and don’t worry, I’ve got the toll. ✪ Anthony Trucks is the owner of Trucks Training facility in Brentwood and covers weight training for SportStars.

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shoulder care: Jim Moran & tim terry

Baseball Stretching

NO-NOs

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Today we’ll look at a stretch which is typically performed during a pre-throwing stretching routine under the assumption that it will improve throwing velocity by increasing the flexibility of the shoulder into external rotation.

Stretching the shoulder into external rotation at 90 degrees (see Image) should be avoided because it targets the already loose ligaments of the anterior capsule. Further stretching the anterior capsule will lead to shoulder instability and highly increase the probability of injury.

Over the course of a playing career, the shoulder undergoes adaptive changes as a result of the extraordinary forces produced during the throwing motion. The dominant (throwing) shoulder develops an increased range of motion (ROM) into external rotation (slouched position) and decreased ROM into internal rotation (standing straight

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up, like a soldier at attention) when compared to the non dominant shoulder.

The increased ROM into external rotation is a direct result of the progressive loosening of ligaments within the anterior capsule. This ligament laxity not only affects shoulder ROM but also increases the likelihood of movement of the humeral head in the shoulder socket.

On the flip side, the decreased ROM into internal rotation, also referred to as GIRD (glenohumeral internal rotation deficit) can be attributed to tightness in the posterior capsule and cuff muscles (i.e., infraspinatus, teres minor). This posterior capsule and cuff tightness is also hypothesized to increase humeral head translation, which is the chief cause of injury to the labrum and rotator cuff tendons. ✪ Jim Moran is a shoulder specialist for Crossover Symmetry based in Denver. Tim Terry is a student at Denver Technical College.

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MLB Bar and Bistro Aprons

If you don’t own or work at a bar or bistro, then this item might be useless to you. But if you’re delusional and a diehard, then you won’t be stopped from picking up one of these. Pick your favorite team and invite a bunch of your friends over for the big game and take their orders. They’ll get a kick out of it.

JLab Go 4GB Waterproof headphones

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. Since we’re in the dog days of summer, we’re offering up some summer-y products.

Taking the World by Storm The community event, sponsored by SportStars Magazine, is back for the third time at Tesoro Fields in Concord on Aug. 3.

California Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla is hosting this exciting free soccer clinic for girls. The clinic will be led by the California Storm, a semi-pro women’s soccer team. Through preregistration, 200 girls ages 9-18 will participate in the clinic. The goal is for the girls to learn fundamentals but also to have confidence instilled on and off the field.

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Join the storm for free clinic ›› Saturday, August 3 ›› Girls ages 9-18 ›› 9 a.m.-1 p.m. ›› www.asmdc.org/ member/a14/sc ›› (925) 521-1511

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Listen to your tunes while swimming laps or scouring the surface of your pool for loose change. It can withstand all heavy conditions AND it’s wireless. It’s a must-have especially for triathletes in training.

Cool Aide Cooling Sports Towels

We’re not scientists so we don’t know exactly how or why this works. Just rinse it in water and shake out the excess water and moisture and you have a towel that will cool your body temperature up to 20 degrees. A nice feeling when you’ve been baking in the sun all day.

Fan Bands

With baseball as the only game in town right now (we can only handle so much of NBA free agency and NFL training camps that seem like it’s never coming), you need to rep your team with Fan Bands. Grab one or even two so that both wrists are properly adorned for game action. Go to FanBand.net to get yours.

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BASEBALL/SOFTBALL All Star Academy of Baseball All-Star Academy in Santa Clara features a 17,000-square foot indoor and outdoor training facility that is home to a variety of instructional programs designed to develop the total player. ASA offers All Skills Camps for ages 7-12, and Summer Boot Camps for 12 & under, middle school, high school competitive athletes. Info: 650-961-2255; www. asabaseball.com EJ Sports EJ Sports provides positive, instructive baseball programs that include camps, teams, conditioning clinics for ages 7-18. We provide an exciting, bully-free environment to help players improve athletically and build confidence. Our instructors possess the capability to teach concepts and relate to youth based on their comprehension level and athletic ability. Our staff consists of qualified coaches dedicated to improving and continually learning newest techniques in baseball. Info: 925866-7199, www.ejsports.com.

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

BASKETBALL All Out Sports League Our camps are geared toward teaching fundamentals. Every aspect is covered: dribbling, shooting, layups, passing, cross-overs, defense, help defense, boxing out and more.

Camps open to boys, girls ages 6-16. Info: 925-203-5636 or www.alloutsportsleague.com Hawk Basketball Academy We focus on skill development, challenging the individual to push themselves to become the very best. Focusing on: footwork, dribbling, proper shooting technique, reaching your highest level of performance, improving your mental game, preparing for CYO, high school and AAU. Info: 510-943-9252, facebook.com/hawkbasketballacademy.

I’m Possible Training (Mike Allen) Whether you’re beginner or on varsity, this program will help you excel. Improve ballhandling, footwork, shooting, overall fitness.

I’m Possible is a world-renowned basketball program authored by NBA skills coach Micah Lancaster. Mike Allen, head trainer for the Bay Area, located in Los Gatos, runs clinics for athletes of all levels from pros to AAU and high school. By registering, you can download the program, which lists a library of drills. Info: 408224-8503 or email mikeallen@possibletraining. com, www.possibletraining.com/mikeallen NorCal Courts Basketball Camps Norcal Courts in Martinez covers all major fundamentals: dribbling, passing, shooting, defense, rebounding. Camps run by quali-

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fied high school coaches from Cal Stars and Cagers Basketball. Info: 925-457-5081; www. norcalcourts.com CHEER CheerGyms.com Customize our clinics to fit your needs.

Cheergyms.com runs the best overnight residential camps. We offer practical, fun material and professional, knowledgeable staff.

Camps do not exceed 375 cheerleaders with one staff member fore every 15 cheerleaders.

Two-day camps also available. Private camps allow you to pick the hours, decide what they will learn. Camps also available for coaches.

Intense Training Camps let you can pick one specific thing to work on for just $10 per student per hour. Info: morton@cheergyms.com, 925-685-8176, www.cheergyms.com ENRICHMENT Dianne Adair Programs Come join any of our eight summer sites for our fun and exciting summer program. Each week campers choose from several camps including sports, fashion, drama, CSI, science and more. In addition to weekly camps, we have weekly field trips to places like an A’s or Giants game, museums, the Jelly Belly Factory, Six Flags, the pool, the movies, parks and the zoo. Field trips and camps vary by site. Offers, rates may vary at any of our nine locations. Info: www.dianneadair.org.

FITNESS Fit 2 The Core As a Youth Conditioning, Speed/Agility and

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Nutrition Specialist with the International Youth Conditioning Association, Fit-2 The Core Training Systems offers innovative approach to getting athletes back on the field. We work on a solid athletic foundation while focusing on individual progress. Instruction in movement training, injury reduction, linear/lateral speed development, foot speed and agility, power development, proper weight training techniques and functional

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strength training. Athletes are closely supervised, with attention on proper technique, safety. We offer 2 days/week or 3 days/week program options. Free two-week free pass. Info: www.fasteryoungathletes.com, 925-639-0907.

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

Working parents can take advantage of our extended hours for both morning and afternoon sessions. Families with multiple children receive 10 percent discount for each additional sibling registered for the same week. Info: 925-942-6344.

Trucks Training Trucks Training was started by people who grew up in the area, experienced the world and came back to provide a service that we feel our community lacks. We have proven records and know what it takes to achieve the next level of sports & fitness safely and effectively. Hometown feel from true hometown people. We offer 1-on-1, group and small group training for both fitness and sport-specific needs. Info: truckstraining.com; 925-756-7321 GOLF The First Tee-Contra Costa The First Tee Summer Camp is a youth development program for boys, girls ages 7-18. Participants will learn about golf and life skills and values inherent to the game. We have offerings at courses in Antioch, Concord, Martinez and Walnut Creek.

Fee assistance available. Info: Angela Paradise, 925-6866262, Ext. 0, www.thefirstteecontracosta.org.

GYMNASTICS East Bay Sports Academy Summer day camps offer the best in gymnastics, cheerleading, and tumbling. Half-day and full-day camps for girls, boys ages 5 and up for both recreational and competitive athletes.

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Our 13,000 square foot facility has the newest equipment, including the brand new super-bouncy, safety-rated Weller Spring Floor, which is the largest in the world. Gymnastics & cheerleading camps: July 22-25, August 5-8, August 12-15. Competitive gymnastics camp (Levels 4 & up): July 8-12. East Bay All-Stars Cheerleading also private minicamps and clinics for all kinds of cheerleading. Info: www.eastbaysportsacademy.com, 925-680-9999 .

MULTI-SPORT James Logan High School The James Logan Athletic Department hosts its 26th Annual Summer Sports Camps. For students in grades 3-12. All programs at James Logan High School. Summer camps remain for girls soccer, boys water polo and girls water polo/aquatics. Complete application form at http://loganweb.nhusd.k12.ca.us/ files/SummerSportsCampBrochure2013. pdf, and mail with full payment. Make checks payable to JLHS – “camp name” i.e. JLHSWrestling. Registration will also be taken on the first day of camp. No confirmation of enrollment will be sent. Students are to report directly to their camp location the first day.

Real Neal Sports Real Neal Sports is a sports performance program that teaches speed and conditioning, improves overall movement and athleticism, and is dedicated to building overall athletes and committed sports programs. Mike Neal works on your athlete’s performance

through weight training, agility exercises, plyometrics, flexibility, proper movement and running mechanics that will essentially improve their all around performance. The best part is, he comes to you. Mike will train you on your home field. Info: 925-237-0163 www. realnealsports.com SOFTBALL Pickles Softball Pickles Softball is based on helping your athlete become a better pitcher or catcher.

Pickles Softball is dedicated to the whole athlete and you will find that our instruction will go beyond the basic mechanics of pitching or catching and into what it takes to be a successful on and off the field. We work with athletes from ages 8-22 and no matter the age or skill level, we will help your athlete find success and self-confidence. Info: 925-4138432 www.picklessoftball.com SOCCER Heritage Soccer Club One fun-filled session remains: July 22-25.

Camp runs from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Cost for Heritage members is $150 for one session, $250 for both. Non Heritage players: $225/$325.

Sibling discounts: $50 each. Heritage camp focuses on learning new skills and honing existing ones. Compete in small-sided games and camp tournaments. Camp also includes keeper and striker training, conditioning, nutrition and developing your mental game.

Registration is open to boys and girls ages 7-14. Info: www.HeritageSC.com

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SWIMMING-DIVING Sherman Swim School Our year-round schedule allows children and adults to learn, retain and improve their swim skills. We teach from age 9 months to adults, from non-swimmers to competitive.

Our private or semi-private lessons allow you to progress at your pace. We also offer beginning and competitive diving classes. Info: 925-283-2100, www.ShermanSwim.com.

TRACK James Logan Track Track & Field Summer Camp! July sessions for ages 4-seniors. Learn from the coaching

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staff of the national champs. Coach Webb is the Head Coach of the 2013 World Youth Team and Jumps Coach of the 2011 World Youth Team. Info: Camp Director Lee Webb (510) 304-7172.

VOLLEYBALL Bay Area Blast Summer Clinics Offering summer skills clinics for players of all ages, skill levels at NorCal Courts in Martinez. Morning clinics for 6th-8th grade girls and boys or players who are beginner/intermediate level. Evening clinics for 9th-12th grade girls and boys or players who are intermediate/advanced level. Info: www.bayareablast. com/summerclinics.html City Beach The City Beach volleyball club is based out of Santa Clara and has achieved a vast amount of national success while sending an array of athletes to the

college level. The club offers summer camps and clinics. Info: CityBeach.

ClubSpaces.com Pacific Rim Volleyball Through private lessons and opportunity for year-round skills classes, athletes of any age or level can learn and improve the skills to gain a competitive edge. For athletes with limited experience, we help develop solid fundamentals. Our advanced training, for junior levels (12th grade & below) will provide athletes opportunity to excel at becoming elite players in preparation for high school and/or collegiate volleyball. Info: www.pacificrimvolleyball.com.

U.S. Youth Volleyball League Camps are for beginner, intermediate, advanced players for boys, girls.

We have a player-to-coach ratio of 8:1. Focus on spiking, serving, setting,

passing, blocking, defense, offense and game strategy. Six-, four- and twoperson formats allow kids to play in every position. Registration fee includes a T-shirt, completion certificate, snacks and water. Info: 888-988-7985, www.

USYVL.org.

WRESTLING Community Youth Center Offers young athletes opportunity to participate and excel in one of the world’s oldest sports. The program trains, challenges wrestlers at all age groups from kindergarten through high school, and all experience levels. The program is nationally recognized under the guidance of coach Mark Halvorson.

Info: 925-671-7070, Ext. 229, www. communityyouthcenter.com. ✪

Advertiser Index

❒❒ All American Sports Academy Clinic................................................................41 ❒❒ Army National Guard Recruiter..........................................................................7 ❒❒ Beeb’s Sports Bar & Grill..................................................................................26 ❒❒ Big O Tires Northern California/ Nevada............................................................2 ❒❒ Boomers!.........................................................................................................27 ❒❒ California Spirit Elite........................................................................................42 ❒❒ Cassidy Turley Real Estate................................................................................24 ❒❒ Championship Athletic Fundraising................................................................38 ❒❒ Cheergyms.Com..............................................................................................29 ❒❒ Children’s Hospital And Research Center..........................................................33 ❒❒ City Beach Sports Club....................................................................................39 ❒❒ Club Sport Renaissance...................................................................................37 ❒❒ Community Youth Center................................................................................44 ❒❒ Core Volleyball Club.........................................................................................43 ❒❒ Diablo Rock Gym.............................................................................................41 ❒❒ Diablo Trophies & Awards................................................................................43 ❒❒ Dickeys Livermore & Pleasanton.....................................................................27 ❒❒ E J Sports Elite Baseball Services.....................................................................41 ❒❒ Excellence In Sport Performance.....................................................................32 ❒❒ Fit 2 The Core...................................................................................................34 ❒❒ Halo Headband...............................................................................................44 ❒❒ Image Imprint.................................................................................................30 ❒❒ Impact Soccer..................................................................................................42 ❒❒ Kangazoom.....................................................................................................34 ❒❒ Law Offices Frankel Goldware Ferber Llp.........................................................26 ❒❒ Little League Intermediate World Series.........................................................21 ❒❒ Livermore Downtown.....................................................................................25 ❒❒ M L B Scout.....................................................................................................41 ❒❒ Mountain Mike’s Pizza.......................................................................................9 ❒❒ Muir Orthopaedic Specialists...........................................................................36 ❒❒ National Scouting Report................................................................................43 ❒❒ Pacific Rim Volleyball Academy.................................................................41, 43 ❒❒ Passthaball......................................................................................................44 ❒❒ Pickle Softball.................................................................................................43 ❒❒ Play It Again Sports.........................................................................................28 ❒❒ Rocco’s Pizza....................................................................................................43 ❒❒ Rockin Jump....................................................................................................15 ❒❒ Sacramento River Cats.....................................................................................17 ❒❒ Scottish Highland Gathering & Games............................................................45 ❒❒ Sherman Swim School....................................................................................42 ❒❒ Sky High Sports...............................................................................................41 ❒❒ Sport Chalet .....................................................................................................4 ❒❒ Sport Clips.......................................................................................................19 ❒❒ Sports Gallery Authenticated..........................................................................30 ❒❒ Sports Stars Magazine.....................................................................................46 ❒❒ State Farm Jimmy Harrington Agent...............................................................23 ❒❒ Stevens Creek Toyota.........................................................................................3 ❒❒ Summit Orthopedic Specialists.........................................................................6 ❒❒ Taking The World By Storm Soccer...................................................................47 ❒❒ Tesoro Golden Eagle Refinery..........................................................................13 ❒❒ The First Tee Of Contra Costa............................................................................44 ❒❒ Togo’s Sandwiches...........................................................................................14 ❒❒ Tri Valley Orthopedic Specialists Inc.................................................................35 ❒❒ Trucks Training................................................................................................32 ❒❒ True Soccer Foundation...................................................................................42 ❒❒ United States Youth Volleyball League............................................................48 ❒❒ Velocity Sports Performance2............................................................. 20, 42, 43 ❒❒ World Events ❒❒ 42

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