SJ Issue 67, June 6, 2013

scan now for a whole new experience Scan this cover for an exclusive issue preview video.

vol. 4. issue 67

FREE

june 6, 2013

sac-joaquin

Casa Robles Softball

3 in 4 Elk Grove Baseball

Back on Top Corey Pereira Goes Low Level Up Gets

YOU PRIMED

››› you

like like li k e js softball We

sports

sports

s

e c n a domin pg20 can’t protect yourself 31 You from concussions if you don’t understand the symptoms and how to communicate them.

pitch: Mitch Stephens 8 first pinch-hits for us this week and tell us the tale of Campolindo athletic director Bob Wilson.

It’s a story of courage and love.

It’s not to be missed.

We all know that 13 Clipboard: sometimes when a coach says

the wait: Elk Grove 14 worth hadn’t won a title since 2007. It’s seniors made sure that streak ended in 2013. in: Ponderosa’s Corey 18 linked Pereira shoots way to third at state.

6

SportStars™

June 6, 2013

Get Digital with layar! scan pages 1, 20 26, 27, 29, 40 Score Digital Content: Scan SSM With LAYAR

us on facebook

room: The NCAA Letter 10 locker of Intent might be a bad contract, but it’s far from the worst.

SportStars of the Week: 12 Chandler Eden, Yuba City impulse: Don’t you hate it when 27 you’re playing Candy Crush and your battery dies? Not any more.

‘voluntary’ what they really mean is ‘mandatory.’ Sure you can miss them, but do so at your own peril. on the cover: Ponderosa pole vaulter Kylee Trageser.

Photo by James K. Leash

Fence: Tryouts, sign-ups, 40 The fundraisers and more!

39 Camps + Clinics

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

Out On Top

EDITOR’S NOTE: Days before the last high school sporting event of the season, Mitch Stephens — a national columnist for MaxPreps.com and long time friend of SportStars — contacted me with a column idea. I immediately agreed and offered up my soapbox. Enjoy his First Pitch. — Chace Bryson

T

he end.

That’s how movies finish, not how stories begin.

But the end for Campolindo athletic director Bob Wilson, how he finished off a 35-year run in sports and education, was more important than how it started. He didn’t want to conclude a rich, joyous merry-go-career sitting at home, in the dark — sick and broken.

Yes, the thymic carcinoma returned to his chest in December. Yes, he couldn’t possibly get to campus following chemotherapy and radiation for four months.

But come May, the 61-year-old Wilson was hell-bent on a return to finish what he started. He announced before the school year this would be his last after 14 years at Campolindo and 21 before that in West Contra Costa County.

“You want to leave on your own terms,” Wilson said.

“Besides, coming to school has made a big difference. Being around the kids and coaches gives you a lot of spirit.”

The Cougars gave him more than that.

For the last two seasons — about the time of Wilson’s rare cancer diagnosis — Campolindo has been selected the state’s top Division III athletic program

by Cal-Hi Sports. With a mighty flurry upon Wilson’s return in May, the Cougars might just make it three straight. › Led by a national record and four wins from USC-bound Steven Stumph, the boys swim team won its ninth straight North Coast Section title. › The boys volleyball team won NCS and NorCal titles, and Saturday, in poetic fashion, the baseball and softball teams won section crowns as well. › The softball crown was a complete shock, while the baseball squad won its fourth straight title, not giving up a run over four playoff games. Wilson made the 90-minute drive to Santa Rosa for the baseball game.

“It’s a great way to go out,” Wilson said. “I never cease to shake my head at how good these kids are and how well the community of parents and coaches work together.”

But Wilson tied it all together, which is no easy task, said longtime football coach Kevin Macy. Moraga is huge on support, but also on demands to succeed in every walk of life. Besides recent state-title runs in girls volleyball, football, cross country and basketball, the Campolindo Academic Decathlon team recently won a national championship.

“Sports and academics run at a fever pitch in this community, and Bob has always been the perfect person in the middle to balance it all,” Macy said.

“He’s been the godfather of Campolindo’s glory days of sports.”

Interesting, considering Wilson grew up on the other side of the hill and attended blue collar El Cerrito High and taught and coached at Harry Eells, Richmond, Kennedy and Pinole Valley.

His move to Campolindo was seamless. “He’s interested in every kid and knows about all of them,” said Campolindo teacher and former cross-country coach Chris Walsh. “He’ll come in on Monday morning and tell some JV player, ‘I heard you had a double and triple against Alhambra.’

Walsh believes Wilson’s return had an impact on Campolindo’s success the final month, spiritually if not physically. The titles definitely had a positive impact on Wilson. “Way down deep, every man wants to be proud of his craft,” Walsh said. “They want a sense of what they built was good and productive and successful. If Bob didn’t know it already, I think these championships helped him understand it now.”

Almost like a movie.

The end. ✪ 8

SportStars™

June 6, 2013

Score Digital Content: Scan SSM With LAYAR

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

Caliente!

LLC

PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER IN USA

your ticket to california sports admit one; rain or shine This Vol. #4, June 2013 Whole No. 67 is published by Caliente!

Communications, LLC, 5356 Clayton Rd, Ste. 222, Concord, CA 94521.

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

Read Me. Recycle Me. Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

rapidFIRE Movie you Last app you can’t wait to downloaded see Find my iPhone

Celeb you’d want a follow from on What would your DJ name be Twitter

Despicable DJ Peanut Me 2

Best summer vacation

Last band you listened to

Mila Kunis

Mexico

Slightly Stoopid

Ray Romano

Sound Palm Desert Remedy

Pilar Souder, College Park soccer

Man of Snapchat Steel

DJ Brueck Your Neck

Will Brueckner, Acalanes golf

count‘em

0 2 4 The number of runs allowed by the Campolindo baseball team over four North Coast Section playoff games.

10

SportStars™

June 6, 2013

The number of pitchers required to accomplish the feat. Senior Trent Shelton & junior Matt Ladrech each threw a pair of complete game shutouts.

Score Digital Content: Scan SSM With LAYAR

Consecutive NCS titles for the Cougars, joining just two other schools: Casa Grande-Petaluma (2004-07) and St. VincentPetaluma (1986-89)

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

Top 5 contracts as lopsided as the national letter of intent As it turns out, Placer High School football standout Eddie Vanderdoes, one of the most heavily recruited athlete’s in Sac-Joaquin Section history, made one huge mistake. He trusted Notre Dame. He trusted the NCAA. He signed the %!&^%@!($@! National Letter of Intent. And. Apparently.

He will pay for it. According to NCAA rules, the 6-foot-4, 305-pound defensive lineman must either become a Golden Domer, or forfeit an entire year of college eligibility in order to change his school of choice to UCLA. If, conversely, Vanderdoes had signed the odious NLI and the Fighting Irish had — ooops! — accidentally extended too many scholarship promises or something idiotic like that, the consequence to Touchdown Jesus would have been … wait for it … NOTHING. For those of you following along at home, that means that the NLI ranks among the worst contracts in the long, sad, litigious history of agreements between parties.

Here are the top five contracts that are almost as onesided as the National Letter of Intent. Almost.

1. Faust v. Mephistopheles — Sorry to go all literary on you, but, well, you makes a deal with the devil, and you takes your chances. We still think Heinrich came out better than Eddie.

2. Idol v. Whip* — No really. Throw me the idol. It’s cool.

We’re in this together.

3. Zito v. Giants — Any time you out-bid yourself by, like, $20 million (yes, YOU, Brian Sabean), chances are you are not really winning that deal.

4. Trojans v. Horse — Wow. What a lovely parting gift.

Those Greeks are really pretty okay guys.

5. Billy Beane v. Major League General Managers (yes, all of them) — Fleecing, line one. Why does anyone take his calls?

— Bill What-Could-Possibly-Go-Wrong Kolb * Really? You haven’t seen Raiders of the Lost Ark? Netflix this now, people.

random act of factness

On June 6, Stanford pitcher Mark Appel, a Monte Vista-Danville graduate, was selected No. 1 overall in the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft. He became the 11th California high school product to be taken No. 1 overall, but just the second from Northern California. The only other NorCal No. 1 also came from the Bay Area, and won a World Series ring there as well — Pat Burrell.

The Phillies selected Burrell (Bellarmine Prep-San Jose) No. 1 out of the University of Miami (Fla.) in 1998. Burrell’s ring came with the Giants in 2010.

How’d Appel get so good? Well, he’s trained for a long time at The Total Player Center in Pleasanton. Find their ad on page 7. Tell ’em SportStars sent ya.

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

Score Digital Content: Scan SSM With LAYAR

June 6, 2013

SportStars™

11

Powered by

Like us on Facebook

12

SportStars™

The right-hander tossed a no-hitter and struck out 14 to lead the Honkers to a 2-0 victory over Colfax in the Sac-Joaquin Section Div. III final at Sacramento City College. The team’s ace, who is headed to Oregon State in the fall, also drove in the game’s first run in the top of the seventh inning with a double and scored the second run before finishing off his no-no. For the season, Eden posted a 6-2 record with a 1.83 ERA, but in three postseason starts, he was 2-0 with two complete game victories and 36 strikeouts in only 19.1 innings pitched.

SportStars Magazine: Could you have dreamed up or scripted a better way to end your high school career than with a no-hitter in the section final?

Chandler Eden: Definitely not. It was a great way to end it and I was so proud of my team.

We started off the season a little shaky, so winning sections was great.

SSM: Was there a specific pitch that you relied on that was working real well for you?

CE: I felt like all of my pitches were working—fastball, curve, and change-up. My curve ball was probably my out pitch, but I used my change as an out pitch against the lefties.

SSM: What were you feeling throughout the game with a nohitter going and the score tied 0-0 until the 7th inning?

June 6, 2013

honorable mention

chandler eden

sydni scott

yuba city . baseball . senior

The VintageNapa senior was a combined 6-for-8 with four runs and seven RBI in the Crushers’ two wins over Pleasant Grove to claim the Div. I section title. For the season, Scott batted .487 and drove in 33 runs.

david smith The Elk Grove senior pitched back-to-back complete games in the playoffs, shutting out Pleasant Grove 5-0 and downing St. Mary’s 9-1 in the first game of the Div. I Championship Series.

nia dorner Doug Guler CE: I didn’t even realize that I had a no-hitter until late in the game, and no one was talking about it. I felt some pressure because we weren’t hitting the ball and (Devon) Loomis was throwing real well for Colfax, too. In the final inning, I was real excited and pumped up to get the last three outs.

Score Digital Content: Scan SSM With LAYAR

Cordova’s senior sprinter recorded the second-fastest 400-meter time in the nation this season to win the CIF state final with a personal-best time of 53.0 seconds. She also finished fourth in the state in the 200 meter final.

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

I play two high school sports, and both coaches have made it really clear that if I don’t play their sport during the summer, I won’t have much of a chance to make varsity. I don’t have time to do both — I have to work — and it just doesn’t seem fair.

R.R., San Francisco

agree — it’s not fair. And it’s not right. But sadly, that’s the way it is.

Back in the day, only the really devoted spent their summer touring gyms or baseball fields. Sure, there might be a camp here or there, but nobody thought the world would end if an athlete didn’t play 35 games (at least) in the summer.

But the competition for college scholarships is much more intense, and those scholarships are much more important because college is much more expensive than it once was. There was a time, not that long ago, when tuition at a UC was about $500 a year, so the pressure to pay for college was correspondingly much less. But now, with student loans a burden to be borne for most of a lifetime, the hunt for scholarships is much more cutthroat.

That individual focus translates into team performance. Obviously, if all 12 guys on my basketball roster play all summer, and only four guys on another team’s roster play all summer, I’m going to have an advantage because my players are presumably going to improve more. So a competitive high school coach clearly wants his players getting better, and he doesn’t want to lose ground to another team if his guys don’t put in as much time.

Which leads to ultimatums like the ones you got, and even though it’s not really “fair,” in a sense, to demand summer participation, it’s also not really “fair”, in a sense, for a potential varsity athlete not to work hard on his game in the offseason. After all, when it comes to team sports, the skill level of every player

I

is important, and those who don’t do their best to enhance their skills are letting everyone else in the program down.

In other words, if you play one sport in the summer and not the other, you’re letting down the players in the sport you skip; if you pass on both sports, you’re letting down everyone. On the other hand, you have to work, and even if you didn’t, shouldn’t you have the right to do what you want with your summer?

There is no simple answer, but this is what I tell my players: I’m not going to penalize a girl who doesn’t participate during the summer — but in a program with players fighting for starting spots, and even places on the varsity roster, the girl who doesn’t play is liable to get passed by. While she’s taking a photography course, say, her teammates are getting better, and come the season, that could make a difference.

Of course, if a girl doesn’t pick up a basketball from March to November, and walks on the court for the first day of tryouts and is still one of the best players in the school, then she’s still going to make my team. I’m not going to punish my program by denying talented players an opportunity to contribute just because they didn’t want to spend the summer looking at the walls of a gym from the inside.

I will, though, definitely give the girls who put in the time and effort more chances to prove themselves, and if it comes down to a tough choice for those last couple spots on varsity, the edge is going to go to the girl who sacrificed during the summer, not the one who worked on her tan. ✪

Summer Programs They shouldn’t be mandatory, but avoid them at your own risk

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

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

Score Digital Content: Scan SSM With LAYAR

Jume 6, 2013

SportStars™

13

James K. Leash

Elk Grove’s Derek Hill watches his line drive during the SJS Div. I Championship Series. RIGHT: The Thundering Herd’s senior slugger Rowdy Tellez (44) flashes a grin from within the championship dogpile.

14

SportStars™

June 6, 2013

Score Digital Content: Scan SSM With LAYAR

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

First Class Elk Grove baseball’s first title T run since 2007 was paved by its seniors, both on the hill and at the plate

Story by Jim McCue • Photos by James K. Leash

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

he Class of 2013.

Elk Grove’s senior baseball players closed out their careers with a Sac-Joaquin Section Division I title and made it clear the Thundering Herd was the class of the section, and perhaps Northern California in 2013.

Elk Grove’s senior class, headlined by sluggers Rowdy Tellez and Dom Nunez and pitchers David Smith and Mikey Wright, was the driving force behind a perfect 7-0 postseason run capped by a 2-0 series sweep of St. Mary’sStockton in the matchup between the North and South large-school champions.

Elk Grove (30-5) finished the season winning eight in a row and 11 of the team’s last 12 games.

“They are an outstanding group,” head coach Jeff Carlson said of his senior class. “Guys like Rowdy and Dom had outstanding careers and I am so glad and proud that this group went out the right way.”

Tellez and Nunez were definitely the marquee names for the Thundering Herd all season, but the playoffs brought out the best of the pair of four-year varsity starters.

Tellez was 14-for-22 in the postseason with three home runs and 13 RBI despite starting with an 0-for-4 opening performance in an out-bracket game. In the final series against St. Mary’s, the first baseman was 7-for-8, including a 4-for-5 high school finale that included a pair of doubles, a home run, and four RBI — increasing his career total to a Northern California-record 176 RBI. Nunez, who moved from the infield to catcher for his final season, also blasted a homer in the finale. He batted .390 with 37 RBI for the season, but almost equally important was his ability to keep pitchers honest against Tellez. By getting on base often from the No. 3 spot in the order, Nunez forced opposing pitchers to pitch to the intimidating slugger batting cleanup.

While the bats garnered much of the headlines for the Herd, Smith and Wright had equally impressive and influential seasons on the mound. Flying under the radar to start the season, the pair piled up solid numbers in the regular season before raising their game when it mattered most.

Smith, who finished the season with an 11-2 mark and 0.99 ERA, was 4-0 with a save in the playoffs. His three-hit gem in Elk Grove’s 9-1 series-opening victory over St. Mary’s was one of two postseason complete games for him. In 23.1 playoff innings he allowed just one earned

Score Digital Content: Scan SSM With LAYAR

June 6, 2013

SportStars™

15

"You can’t do it without them.

We would not be here if it wasn’t for them.

They shut the door.”

Records are final Rank, Prev. Team

Record

1. (2)

St. Francis-Mountain View

29-4

2. (4)

Campolindo-Moraga

21-6-1

3. (7)

Elk Grove

29-5

4. (1)

Granada-Livermore

24-2

5. (6)

Serra-San Mateo

27-7

6. (NR)

Amador Valley-Pleasanton

18-10

7. (11)

De La Salle-Concord

19-8

8. (5)

Bellarmine-San Jose

25-7

9. (3)

Casa Grande-Petaluma

19-1

10. (10)

Clayton Valley Charter-Concord

22-5

11. (14)

Pleasant Grove-Elk Grove

24-9

12. (NR)

Yuba City

22-11

13. (9)

Davis

22-8

14. (8)

Jesuit-Carmichael

21-8

15. (15)

College Park-Pleasant Hill

20-6-1

16. (NR)

Acalanes-Lafayette

20-7

17. (13)

Woodcreek-Roseville

20-7

18. (17)

Capital Christian-Sacramento

25-5-1

19. (19)

James Logan-Union City

19-8

20. (NR)

Pacific Grove

31-0

DROPPED OUT No. 12 Oak Ridge-El Dorado Hills., No. 16 CaliforniaSan Ramon, No. 18 Pinoeer-Woodland and No. 20 Valley Christian-San Jose.

BIGGEST MOVER Without question the biggest mover was Amador Valley.

The Dons were in these rankings through March and

into April before an early-May skid put them on the shelf.

Three weeks later they were NCS Div. I champions after defeating No. 1 Granada in the semifinals and No. 11

De La Salle in the championship game. Yuba City also

was noteworthy, as it entered the rankings at No. 12 after an impressive run to the SJS Div. III crown.

TEAMS STILL RANKED FROM PRESEASON TOP 20: 12

16

SportStars™

June 6, 2013

— Dom Nunez said of Elk Grove’s senior aces, including Mikey Wright, left

run while striking out 28.

Wright finished the season with an unblemished 7-0 record and 1.68 ERA, including a pair of complete game victories in the playoffs. He went the distance for the Thundering Herd in the 11-2 championship series clincher. The victory capped a four-game streak to end the season in which Elk Grove’s bullpen was never summoned.

“You can’t do it without them,” Nunez said of the senior aces.

“We would not be here if it wasn’t for them. They shut the door.”

With the performances turned in by Smith and Wright, Carlson believes that the pair of right-handers emerged from the shadows and earned respect and attention by the end of the year.

“I know it’s hard as good players because they want some of that pub and to be recognized, but those guys handled it well,” Carlson said of his pitchers relative anonymity through much of the season. “They are so humble and they were a bit under the radar, but they aren’t anymore.

“They are going to make names for themselves (at San Jose State for Smith and Nevada for Wright), and will do great things for those programs.”

All season long, Nunez and Tellez heralded the team concept and were again quick to praise their classmates and the entire roster after the team accomplished the goal it set before the season.

“We had seniors who controlled the dugout, and everyone had their own role and did their part,” Nunez said. “That just shows the kind of team that we had.”

Said Tellez, “It takes 30 men to win, but only nine of us are on the field.”

Score Digital Content: Scan SSM With LAYAR

A total of 10 seniors concluded their high school careers with the program’s seventh section championship and first since 2007. Outside of Tellez and Nunez, none were selected in the early rounds of the 2013 Amateur Draft that began on June 6, but players like D.J. Mico, Joseph Villasenor, Lorenzo Wood, Mason Crump, Robert Ortega, and Paul Perez had their role as leaders and mentors to the next generation of Thundering Herd players.

“It’s kind of been a cycle, and it helps as a coach to have those types of guys,” Carlson said of the program’s consistent senior leadership. “We have been fortunate to have guys in the program who have helped mentor younger guys like Jake Rodriguez did with Dom and Dom has done with Nick Madrigal.

“That’s how our program works and I am just fortunate to have those kinds of guys and the assistants that I have.”

Tellez and Nunez were the only players in the Class of 2013 that experienced the team’s last trip to the championship series, making the victory a little sweeter for them. In 2010, Elk Grove was swept in convincing fashion by St. Mary’s in the first of three consecutive titles for the Rams. The pair never forgot that feeling and made sure to share it with their classmates and teammates to ensure a repeat performance would not happen.

“We had a chip on our shoulders since (losing to St. Mary’s as freshmen in 2010),” Tellez said. “We said that if we catch them again in the section finals, it’s not happening again. It would be a rout and we would be putting it on them.”

The two-game series sweep saw Elk Grove outscore St. Mary’s 20-3 while pounding out 26 hits in 14 innings to claim the section banner and stake claim to the title of the class of the Sac-Joaquin Section in 2013. ✪ Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

DIVISION II Del Campo 2, Benicia 0

Junior pitcher Sam Long tossed a complete game, allowing just five hits to a prolific Panthers’ offense and striking out six. The section final win followed a 3-1 win over Bethel-Vallejo in a semifinal series game in which Long went the distance while fanning 14 batters.

The section championship was the third for the Cougars, but the first since they won Div. I titles in 1985 and 1995. Long, who had to sit out the first 30 days of the season after transferring from Rosemont, was strong throughout the season for the Capital Valley League champions, and peaked in the postseason. Despite being just a junior, Long will graduate early from Del Campo in December and head to Sacramento State early on a baseball scholarship. Like they had much of the season, seniors Derek Rodigo and Jared Biggs led Del Campo’s offense in the final. The duo scored the team’s two runs and accounted for three hits against Benicia ace Ryan Bohnet, who suffered his first loss of the season.

Doug Guler

Del Campo senior Derek Rodigo gears up to take a swing during the Cougars’ SJS Div. II championship win over Benicia. Rodigo scored the first run of the game in the top of the seventh inning.

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

DIVISION III Yuba City 2, Colfax 0

Senior pitcher Chandler Eden saved his best for last.

The Honkers’ right-hander tossed his first career no-hitter and struck out 14 batters to out-duel Colfax ace Devon Loomis and secure Yuba City’s fifth Div. III title and first

since the program won four straight from 2007-2010.

With the score tied 0-0 after six innings, Eden doubled home pinch runner Rocky Moreno with two outs in the top of the seventh to break the deadlock. Yuba City added another run before Eden returned to the mound and struck out the side to cement the victory and a place in the storied program’s lore.

“It was a great way to end it and I was so proud of my team,” Eden said of the historic win. “We started off the season a little shaky, so winning sections was great.”

Loomis went the distance and allowed only one hit through the first six innings. The Falcons’ senior struck out four in the complete-game loss.

DIVISION IV Oakdale 4, Central Catholic 1

The Mustangs were hitless through five innings, but rallied for four runs on just two hits in the sixth to win the program’s fourth consecutive SJS Div. IV title and sixth in seven years. Oakdale starter Eddie Machado allowed just one run through 5.2 innings, but reliever Bryce Dyrda was credited with the win after he struck out all four batters he faced.

Central Catholic took a 1-0 lead in the sixth inning before Oakdale took advantage of two walks, a hit batter, and a Raiders error to turn two hits into four runs. Dyrda’s two-out single tied the game for Oakdale, and he scored on a two-run error that ended the scoring. ✪ — Jim McCue

Score Digital Content: Scan SSM With LAYAR

June 6, 2013

SportStars™

17

Sub-par (and that’s a good thing)

Ponderosa golfer Corey Pereira capped brilliant run of below-par efforts, takes third at state In any other sport, a sub-par performance would be cause for worry. But Ponderosa senior golfer Corey Pereira compiled a brilliant final season with sub-par efforts in every tournament he played in.

Pereira capped his final high school campaign with a 2-under-par 69 at Quail Lodge Golf Club in Carmel to earn a third-place finish at the CIF State Golf Championships on June 5.

Pereira’s round tied De La Salle-Concord golfer Josh McCarthy, but he was awarded third-place on a tiebreaker. Jack Chung of Sunny Hills-Fullerton took home top medalist honors with a 5-under 66.

For the season, Pereira achieved his goal of shooting below par in every tournament he played. When the stakes were highest, the unflappable senior maintained his consistency to record top three finishes in the Sac-Joaquin Section Masters Championship, CIF/NCGA Northern California Regional Championship, and the state tournament.

“My goal for the season was to play every round under par in tournaments and I achieved that,” he said. “Ultimately, though, you just want to play your round and do your best out on the course.”

Pereira’s best was good enough to capture the Section Masters individual title with a 4-under 68 at The Reserve at Spanos Park before qualifying for state with a 2-under 70 at Diablo Grande Golf Course. His finale was sub-par, as usual, with a round that featured two bogeys, two birdies, and a chip-in for eagle.

Pereira was projected to be among the section’s top golfers in 2013, and inherited some new, lofty expectations for SJS golfers. In 2012, the section had its first individual (Austin Smotherman, Del Oro-Loomis) and first team (Granite Bay) state champions to raise the bar for the next crop.

One year after one team and four individuals, including Pereira, represented the section at the CIF State Golf Championships, Pereira and East Union’s Will Brink were the lone SJS participants in the field.

Pereira credited the prior state tourney experience for his top three finish and called it a satisfying conclusion for both himself and Ponderosa golf coach Richard Fox, who is retiring. “I knew what to expect this year,” he said. “I knew that I would be playing with the best and have to beat the best to win.

“It was a nice way to finish for me and my coach.”

Pereira, who was travelling to Santa Barbara for some post-graduation and post-golf relaxation with friends, said that while he may not have achieved his goal of winning, his state tournament experience did meet his expectations.

“You always have to set your goals high to win every tournament,” he said, “but my expectation was to just go out and do my best. And I was able to do that.” ✪ — Jim McCue, Senior Contributor

NCGA.org

James K. Leash

18

SportStars™

June 6, 2013

Score Digital Content: Scan SSM With LAYAR

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

James K. Leash

Casa Roble junior Krystal Aubert, center, leads the charge as the Rams dugout rushes to congratulate Kaitlyn Garcia on her game-winning hit in the SJS Div. II final.

20

SportStars™

June 6, 2013

Score Digital Content: Scan SSM With LAYAR

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

Senior pitcher Kaitlyn Garcia personified the bulldog-like grit that lead Casa Roble to a third SJS title in four years

K

By jim mccue | Senior Contributor

aitlyn Garcia knows all about playing hard to the very last pitch of every game.

As Casa Roble’s senior ace, she has wound up and delivered every pitch for the Rams for three seasons. But on the very last pitch of her final high school game, Garcia delivered at the plate.

Her walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the seventh inning capped a comeback win that gave Casa Roble its third Sac-Joaquin Section Division II crown in four years, and Garcia’s second championship win.

“She is great on both sides,” Casa Roble senior shortstop Ali Aguilar said of Garcia’s all-around game. “Pitching, she is all we have, and she has a great bat, too. You always know she is going to do something great.”

In all three years that Garcia owned the pitching circle as the Rams’ lone hurler — she pitched every one of the team’s 482 innings since earning the ace role as a sophomore— no pitch was as big as the one she sent screaming off her bat through the Christian Brothers’ infield to score Aguilar for the game-winner on May 22 at Sacramento Softball Complex.

“It was very exciting,” she said of the finish. “We all wanted to go out with a big bang. The coaches were saying, ‘This is your time and your game,’ in the final inning, so I was prepared for that.”

The Rams were the top seed in the Division II field after having won the Capital Valley Athletic League title by one game over Christian Brothers. However, the Falcons had romped over Garcia and Casa Roble in the last meeting between the teams during the regular season. In the May 3 league contest, Christian Brothers spoiled the Rams’ Senior Day by pounding out 10 hits off Garcia en route to a 9-0 romp.

So, when the Falcons jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the final before the Rams even batted, there was a sense of déjà vu for Casa Roble coach Ken Kenobbie.

“There was a lot of concern because we started off just like that the last time they beat us,” he said. “I think it might have been a little bit of nerves, but we pulled it together.”

Part of the cause for concern for Kenobbie and the Rams was the fact that Stanford-bound junior Haley Snyder was in the circle for the Falcons and riding a playoff hot streak that included 53 strikeouts in her 30 postseason innings.

Casa Roble’s focus was to make contact and not allow Snyder to rack up strikeouts with her rise ball. The Rams put the ball in play and tied the game in the third inning, setting the stage for an exciting finish. But that finish was in doubt when Christian Brothers — who had reached the final from the loser’s bracket of the double-elimination tournament — scored in the fifth to lead 3-2 and put the teams on course to play a second and deciding game for the title.

Garcia’s motivation to win the game went beyond the desire to earn another

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

Score Digital Content: Scan SSM With LAYAR

June 6, 2013

SportStars™

21

››››››

“She just does everything so well, and she’s a bulldog.

We definitely would not be here without her.”

— Rams coach Ken Kenobbie on Kaitlyn Garcia, left

Senior Kaitlyn Gacia has pitched every inning for Casa Roble for the past three seasons.

22

SportStars™

June 6, 2013

Score Digital Content: Scan SSM With LAYAR

banner to hang at the Orangevale school.

“I told my teammates that if we have to play two, it’s not going to be a good one,” Garcia said after the game, admitting to some late-season fatigue.

But Garcia simply decided to take matters into her own hands when she got her opportunity at the plate.

“She’s definitely the workhorse, that’s for sure, pitching every inning for us, she’s got to hit, too, and sometimes run the bases,” Kenobbie said of Garcia. “She just does everything so well, and she’s a bulldog. We definitely would not be here without her.”

Garcia did have help from her defense and fellow hitters to assist Casa Roble in its quest for the section championship. As more of a contact pitcher, Garcia relies on her teammates to handle the balls opponents put in play, and to pick her up if she is not on top of her game.

“I have to rely on my defense a lot,” she said. “I trust that my teammates have my back even if I don’t have my best stuff.”

Leading the way for the Rams all season was the left side of the infield. Aguilar anchored the infield at shortstop while junior Krystal Aubert was solid at third base. The pair tied for the team-lead with 26 RBI each and accounted for 11 of the Rams’ 18 home runs on the season.

Aguilar, heading to Pac-12 power Washington in the fall, batted leadoff and hit a team-best .484 with an .828 slugging percentage on the strength of 10 doubles and six homers. Aubert batted .390 with 33 runs scored from the No. 3 spot in the lineup, just ahead of Garcia.

Senior McKenzie Kenobbie, who along with Aguilar won her third section title as a four-year varsity player, batted second and posted a .397 average while stealing 14 bases in 15 attempts.

The final inning showcased the top of the Casa Roble lineup at its best.

Aguilar knocked in the tying run with a fly ball to left-center that turned into a two-base error. Kenobbie followed with an infield single to third, and Aubert drew a walk to load the bases for Garcia’s heroics.

And her hit was no fluke. In her senior season, Garcia batted .366 with two home runs and 25 RBI to support her 24-5 record and 1.95 ERA. “Everyone always talks about her pitching,” Aguilar said, “but they forget the other side, and that she can hit bombs.” ✪ Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

DIVISION I

Rank, Prev. Team

Record

1. (3)

James Logan-Union City

26-1

2. (1)

Archbishop Mitty-San Jose

27-1

3. (2)

Amador Valley-Pleasanton

22-3

4. (6)

Vintage-Napa

34-1

5. (7)

Sierra-Manteca

25-2

6. (14)

Casa Roble-Orangevale

24-5

Super sophomores Baylee Robben and Emily Oestreich led Vintage-Napa to a pair of wins over Pleasant Grove to win the Div. I title. The Crushers (34-1) avenged their lone loss of the season — a 3-1 decision to Pleasant Grove — with a 14-2 victory to force a final game in the doubleelimination format followed by a 14-7 win for the title.

Robben, who batted .449 for the season, was 15-for-26 with three home runs and 23 RBI in the postseason. Oestreich gave up an uncharacteristic seven runs in the final, but finished the year with a 33-1 record and 1.48 ERA. Pleasant Grove (22-11) entered the final with a perfect 4-0 record in the playoffs before falling victim to the explosive Vintage bats. The Eagles led the Crushers 7-6 after five innings, but Vintage scored twice in the sixth to lead 8-7 and added six runs in the final frame to cement the program’s first-ever SJS softball title.

7. (18)

Concord

22-4

DIVISION III

8. (12)

San Benito-Hollister

25-3

9. (5)

California-San Ramon

21-5

10. (10)

Petaluma

26-2

11. (17)

Clayton Valley Charter-Concord 22-4

12. (4)

Alhambra-Martinez

23-3-1

13. (15)

Pleasant Grove-Elk Grove

22-11

14. (NR)

Gilroy

19-12

15. (8)

Rocklin

26-5

16. (9)

Elk Grove

24-9

17. (NR)

Pioneer-Woodland

24-6

18. (NR)

Freedom-Oakley

19-6-1

19. (NR)

Christian Brothers-Sacramento

20-11-1

20. (19)

Kimball-Tracy 25-8

Records are through April 27 (source: MaxPreps.com)

Pioneer captured its first Div. III title and second SJS championship overall with a pair of wins over Antelope. The young Patriots (24-6) lost to the Titans 6-2 on May 18 to drop to the loser’s bracket, but rode a hot offense to take two from Antelope at the Sacramento Softball Complex on May 22. Junior Angelica Navarro had a key double in a five-run second inning in the first game and had a home run in the sixth inning of the second game in which her team rallied from behind. Pioneer scored four runs in the sixth

Vintage senior, Sydni Scott inning on the strength of back-to-back homers from sophomore Erin Lipelt and Navarro. Antelope junior shortstop Ashleigh Hughes, who has committed to Alabama, could get another shot against Pioneer in next year’s playoffs as the Patriots graduate just three seniors from their roster.

DIVISION IV

Junior Allie Walljasper, who committed to LSU after her freshman season, helped the Timberwolves (25-2) to their second title in three years with a 4-0 shutout of Kimball-Tracy in the final. Walljasper posted an 18-2 record and 0.47 ERA with 227 strikeouts in 120.1 innings pitched during the regular season. ✪ — Jim McCue

DROPPED OUT No. 11 Woodcreek-Roseville (19-9), No. 13 CarlmontBelmont (25-4), Tracy (25-6) and Roseville (20-9-1).

BIGGEST MOVER Concord picks up the title of biggest mover to finish the season. The Minutemen jump 11 spots from 18 to No. 7. They did so by fighting their way to a second-straight NCS Div. II championship, and did so as the No. 4 seed. It was our opinion that the Div. II field was the deepest of all the NCS tournaments, and Concord’s run included a road victory over the division’s top seed, No. 10 Petaluma.

TEAMS STILL RANKED FROM PRESEASON TOP 20: 10

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

Score Digital Content: Scan SSM With LAYAR

June 6, 2013

SportStars™

23

Several Sac-Joaquin athletes set record marks in a stellar final two weeks to the track and field season

T

By jim mccue | Senior Contributor

rack and field athletes can experience the highest of high and lowest of lows, with the difference determined by inches or hundredths of a second.

Ideally, the runners, jumpers, vaulters, and throwers reach their peak to record their best time or distance at the end of the season.

Ponderosa senior pole vaulter Kylee Trageser’s season exemplified the ups and downs felt by a number of student-athletes who experience the thrill of victory and agony of defeat on the sport’s biggest stages.

After a productive offseason in which she trained with Bella Vista-Fair Oaks pole vault coach and guru Clay Taft to prepare for her final track and field season, Trageser was ready to take on top competition in invitationals and work toward new heights by season’s end.

Unfortunately, she suffered a sprained ankle after her first meet, and then a thigh injury that kept her grounded until the Delta River League Championships. Finally recovered, Trageser easily won the league title with a 12-foot-3 vault and followed that up with a Sac-Joaquin Section Division I title by clearing 12-8.

“Everything was coming together at the right time,” Trageser said.

With her jumps trending higher, BYU coaches told the Cameron Park senior that she could walk on to the Cougars’ team next year. They also told her that if she could hit the 13-foot mark in her final two meets, she would earn a scholarship.

Trageser’s progression and success continued at the SJS Masters Meet at Elk Grove High where she had the section title in hand before getting a shot at the 13-foot mark for a paid ride to Provo. On her final attempt at a personal record, Trageser cleared the bar and experienced a mix of emotions.

“I had been waiting and hoping for 13 feet all season and tried not to put pressure on myself,” she said. “You have to take it one bar at a time, but getting 13 was like a weight lifted off of my shoulders.

“I just realized that all of the hard work paid off and was pretty emotional.”

Trageser’s section win had already punched her ticket to the CIF Track and Field Championships in Clovis, but eclipsing 13 feet paved the way to BYU. At the state meet, she failed to clear 12 feet and finished 10th, but the experience outweighed any disappointment with her final height of 11-5.75.

“I had to miss my graduation and Sober Grad Night to compete at state, but the experience was awesome,” she said. “The stadium is absolutely insane with thousands of people watching. It was great to get there and have a chance to compete with the best of the best.”

Center’s Xavier Howell also peaked in the postseason, and made history in the process. The senior broke a 33-year-old Section Masters Meet high jump record with a leap of 7 feet the day before Trageser topped 13 feet.

“Seven feet was a goal of mine,” Howell said. “It was great to reach that goal, but then I saw it as more of a stepping stone for my confidence. Once I reached that goal, I knew that I could set a new goal to jump higher.”

24

SportStars™

June 6, 2013

Score Digital Content: Scan SSM With LAYAR

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

BOYS

SJS @ the State Meet

Event

Name (School)

Place (Mark)

100

Austin Mitsch (Jesuit)

6 (10.68)

200

Austin Mitsch

3 (21.3)

Luis Matos (Golden Valley)

6 (21.68)

400

Bryce Houston (Rodriguez)

7 (47.59)

300JH

Dallas Hoofard (Atwater)

6 (37.95)

High jump Xavier Howell (Center)

5 (6-7)

Pole vault Ryan Pust (Golden Valley)

9 (15-3.75)

Adam Thomas (Benicia)

11 (15-3.75)

Shot Put

Afolabi Olabode (Golden Valley) 10 (56-2.75)

GIRLS Event

Name (School)

Place (Mark)

200

Nia Dorner (Cordova)

4 (23.82)

400

Nia Dorner

1 (53.00)

3200

Madeleine Ankhelyi (Vista del Lago) 6 (10:26.95)

Clare Carroll (Vista del Lago)

16 (10:48.54)

100H

Daria Cook (Vacaville)

2 (13.74)

Patriana Perry (Vacaville)

3 (13.87)

300H

Patritana Perry

4 (42.58)

Triple jump Jannell Hadnot (Tokay)

2 (40-3.5)

Tiara Webb (Monterey Trail)

8 (38-5)

Tais Marinho-Gomes (C. Oaks) 12 (36-2.75)

Pole vault Kylee Trageser (Ponderosa)

10 (11-5.75)

Discus

Hannah Chappell (Oakdale)

7 (138-7)

Kayla O’Brine (St. Francis)

12 (110-8)

James K. Leash

Ponderosa senior Kylee Trageser flashes a huge grin after successfully landing a vault of 13 feet at the SJS Masters Championships on May 25.

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

Score Digital Content: Scan SSM With LAYAR

June 6, 2013

SportStars™

25

Howell’s record jump was not a sure thing as he had already won the event and was starting to prepare for the 4x400 relay. He credits the adrenaline of preparing to race for lifting him over the 7-foot mark, as he decided to take one last jump before the relay.

The leap was the state’s top mark for the season, and may have placed higher expectations on Howell at the state meet. He could not match the height in Clovis, but still finished on the podium with a 5th-place jump of 6-7. Despite the lower height, Howell’s spirits were still lifted by the trip to his first state meet.

“It was like a vacation for me and nice to get out of Sacramento for a couple of days,” Howell said of the trip south.

“The results were not what I expected, but to have the experience of competing at state was great.

“A lot of people looked to me to perform well, but I knew I would be OK with whatever place I got.”

For many, just reaching the state meet is a goal achieved. Benicia pole vaulter Adam Thomas was more worried about qualifying for the state meet to enjoy the Section Masters as much as he enjoyed the trip to Clovis.

“At the Masters, I was freaking out because I knew I had to do well to get to state,” he said. “Once I got 15-1 in the finals, the pressure was gone because I knew I qualified.”

Thomas had a personal best of 15-8 earlier in the season, and cleared 15-6 in the preliminary round at the Masters before feeling some of the pressure to return to Clovis for a third time. The third trip to the state meet was a charm for Thomas, who had not reached the finals in his previous two tries.

At this year’s CIF State Track and Field Championships, the Northeastern-bound vaulter finally qualified for the finals where he finished 11th with a 15-3.75 vault. At both the section and state meets, Thomas tied Golden Valley’s Ryan Pust, but fewer misses at the Masters gave Thomas the title. Pust took 9th at state.

“I remember my sophomore year being overwhelmed by the crowd,” Thomas said of the packed stadium at the state meet. “I couldn’t believe that many people cared about track and field.

“This time, it was not as daunting, and I enjoyed hanging out with the other vaulters and competing against the state’s best.”

On the track, personal bests and section firsts highlighted the section’s performances. Cordova senior Nia Dorner, who won her fourth Section Masters title in the 400 a week earlier, turned it up a notch at the state meet.

Dorner raced to a personal-best 53.0 in the 400 meter final to earn the first-ever sprint title for a SJS girl. The time was also the second-fastest mark recorded during the 2013 season. The Texas-bound sprinter earned a second podium finish with a 23.82 in the 200 meters, good for fourth place.

Jesuit senior Austin Mitsch recorded a double-podium effort at state after fierce head-to-head battles with Antelope’s Robert Ellis a week earlier at the section meet. In Elk Grove, Mitsch edged Ellis in the 100 meters, but Ellis got the best of Mitsch in the 200 with a personal-best time of 21.32.

In Clovis, Mitsch shined with a PR of 21.30 to take third place in the 200 and a 6th-place finish against some of the top sprinters in the nation in the 100.

Any anticipated battles between Mitsch and Ellis at state were quashed by a pulled hamstring suffered by Ellis in the 200 meter final. After clocking in a 21.32 at the section meet, Ellis valiantly hobbled down the track in Clovis for a 1:09.78 and a huge ovation for the display of courage and determination from the appreciative crowd. ✪

Lucky No. 13 Click or scan your way to SportStarsOnline.com to watch amazing sequential shots of Ponderosa’s Kylee Trageser clearing 13 feet.

26

SportStars™

June 6, 2013

Score Digital Content: Scan SSM With LAYAR

Cordova’s Nia Dorner, state gold-medalist (400 meters).

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

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.

Precision Travel Werx

If you’re determined to get your kids out of the house for a real outdoorsy vacation, you’re gonna need a trailer. Load up your mountain bikes, fishing equipment, camping gear and you’re set. We suggest going with the Atlas 8, the ideal trailer for camping trips, Iron Man events and other mountainous, manly and/or womanly adventures.

Candy Crush Saga

Wait, what’s Candy Crush? If you’re part of the one percent who still asks this question, we’re gonna take it easy on you. Think of the most addicting thing in the world and multiply it by a color bomb and a coconut wheel. If you don’t want to have a social life anymore, this is the app for you. You can play it on Facebook, your smart phone or tablet.

MEElectronics

Now that it’s summer, we’re sure you’re going to do everything in your power to get in top shape for next season. We’re also sure you’re overdue for new headphones. Grab a pair of sports headphones from MEElectronics. They’re colorful, comfortable and they’re yours for as low was $29.99.

Get ‘em at www.meelec.com

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

Lenmar iPhone battery case

It’s probably the worst feeling when you’ve patiently waited to get all your lives back in Candy Crush only for your phone to die with no charger around. Have no fear! Grab a Lenmar Meridian iPhone case and your troubles will go away. Lenmar keeps your phone charged at all times, no matter how much Candy Crush you’re playing. Go to www.lenmar.com to get your case now.

Score Digital Content: Scan SSM With LAYAR

June 6, 2013

SportStars™

27

Sabrina Ionescu and Gabby Green each shed longshot expectations to make USA Basketball rosters 28

SportStars™

June 6, 2013

U

By clay kallam | Contributor

SA Basketball tryouts are always full of surprises – unfortunately, all of them aren’t good ones.

Gabby Green found that out the hard way in 2011, when she went to the U16 session in Colorado Springs, Colo., and played really well — so well, in fact, that most observers thought she had earned one of the 12 spots on the team.

But instead, Green was cut and a player who had missed all but one session with an injury was picked ahead of her.

In 2013, Sabrina Ionescu lived a different script. One of 91 players who came to this year’s U16 tryouts without an invitation, Ionescu was just one of a horde of unknown players who were chasing a dream.

For Ionescu, though, the dream came true.

She outlasted not only the other 90 players who applied to come, but also 23 of the 33 players who had been invited to the Memorial Day weekend tryouts.

Two weeks earlier, Green also pulled off an upset, making the USA Basketball U19 team despite competing against college players when she still has a year of high school left to go.

Score Digital Content: Scan SSM With LAYAR

Gabby Green. Photo by Phillip Walton Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

USA

Women's Hoops Summer 2013 What's at stake?

Though everyone knows about the Olympics, FIBA (the association that runs most international competitions) also holds world championships for both U19 and U17 national teams.

Each youth team is on a two-year cycle: In the first year, it goes through a regional qualification (for the U.S., FIBA Americas), and then the next year, there’s a world championship.

This year’s U16 team, then, is the precursor to the U17 team that will play for a world title in 2014. So the U16s will head to Cancun, Mexico, to try for the third straight gold medal at this level — and in fact, the U16s have not lost a game in the only two previous FIBA Americas’ competition.

That said, though, there will be another tryout for the U17 team that will be playing for the world championship in 2014, so there’s no guarantee that Sabrina Ionescu or any other member of this year’s team will get to play in the world championships.

Gabby Green’s U19 team is playing for a world title this year, and will begin training July 1. A trip to the Canary Islands for a preliminary tournament will set the stage for the big event in Lithuania starting July 18.

See Sabrina & Gabby in action!

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

Miramonte freshman Sabrina Ionescu, right, goes up strong against Duke-bound Oderah Chidom of Bishop O’Dowd during the NCS Div. III final in March.

The United States has won five straight gold medals at the U19 level, and stars of previous teams include luminaries such as Tamika Catchings, Cappie Pondexter, Candice Wiggins, Nneka Ogwumike and Diana Taurasi. ✪

— Clay Kallam

Photo by Jonathan Hawthorne

Score Digital Content: Scan SSM With LAYAR

June 6, 2013

SportStars™

29

“The first time,” says Green, “not hearing my name called, I was devastated,” so she approached her second go-round with a little trepidation.

“It was a mixed feeling when I got the invitation,” she says.

“I was going to be playing against older girls, and I was real nervous. After the first night, I got more comfortable.”

That’s when Green began to show the perimeter skills rare in a long, 6-foot-1 athlete who has spent a lot of time at the point.

“But I wasn’t a point guard there,” says Green. “I was more of a two or a three so I got the ball on the wing and made good passes.”

“She showed an amazing amount of maturity,” says Katie Meier, the U19 coach who’s also the coach at Miami of Flori-

30

SportStars™

June 6, 2013

da – and that’s not surprising. Not only did Green have to go through getting cut in 2011, she followed that up by breaking a bone in her foot and missing nearly nine months.

She had surgery after the injury and screws were inserted into her right ankle where it meets the tibia, and the feeling was the screws could stay there. “But my foot wasn’t right,” says Green, so she had another operation in December to take the screws out.

“I didn’t feel 100 percent until the summer,” she says, and her recovery showed during an outstanding season for St. Mary’s of Berkeley.

“She has a huge basketball IQ,” says Meier. “She’s incredibly coachable, and she was very, very steady.”

Of course, Green was all that in 2011, though she didn’t

Score Digital Content: Scan SSM With LAYAR

make the team — but there was one difference.

“You had a different selection committee,” says Carol Callan, Women’s National Team Director for USA Basketball, and different committees will value different skills differently.

(USA teams are not chosen by the coach, but rather by a fiveperson selection committee that changes regularly.)

Another factor, though is the makeup of the roster. “As the committee pieces together its roster, they fit players around the first seven or eight” – and the first seven or eight on the U19 team include players such as Breanna Stewart of Connecticut, Bashaara Graves of Tennessee and Alexis Jones of Duke, all of whom played major roles on Top 10 college teams this past season.

“It was very hard for the 2014s to make this U19 team,” says Meier. “It was amazing how they held up.”

In fact, Green wasn’t the only rising high school senior to make the team. The consensus top two 2014s in the country, Brianna Turner of Texas and A’ja Wilson of South Carolina, will join Green on the roster.

Ionescu didn’t have that kind of reputation coming into this year’s trials, but the open tryouts gave her a chance.

“We opened up the process for situations just like this,” says Callan, who is also the non-voting chair of the selection committee.

“There are certain players who draw your attention,” says Callan, and Ionescu, a rising sophomore at Miramonte, was one of those. “She also did all of the little things, as well as the things that make you turn and look.”

Sue Phillips, the U16 coach (and coach at Archbishop MItty-San Jose), also noticed her coachability.

“She immediately understood what we wanted to do,” says Phillips. “She put forth a well-rounded game and is very versatile. She’s great at directing traffic, and I feel confident in her decision-making. She made her teammates better.”

But though Ionescu, like Green, had spent a lot of time at the point in high school and club basketball, she was on the wing in Colorado Springs. “I’m used to playing there,” she said, and she was also comfortable in the four-out, one-in set that Phillips ran.

That comfort level showed in the second of three sessions Sunday. “The session before, I didn’t play that well, I thought,” she says. “The second session I wanted to play harder.”

That translated into getting an offensive rebound and converting a reverse layup on her team’s first possession, and after that, she was everywhere. She made shots, delivered good passes and defended well.

“The criteria for what a player should be,” Callan says, “she was it.”

But amidst all the talent, invited and uninvited, Ionescu was still a long shot. In fact, when she heard the name “Sabrina” as the team was announced, her first thought was that maybe there another Sabrina — which of course there wasn’t.

She couldn’t get too excited (though that’s not her style anyway) as 31 of the 43 players listening to the announcement didn’t make the team, but afterward she “hugged and thanked all the coaching staff ” and waved to her mom who was outside watching.

Green also had the same issue when she heard her name called, especially since she knew first-hand how painful it was to not make the final roster. “I covered my face, but I was so excited,” she says. “I was standing next to Linnae Harper (who also made it), and after all the names were called, we turned to each other and said ‘Oh my God, we’re on the team’.”

It took longer than she thought, but now Green, like Ionescu, will be chasing a gold medal for the United States this summer — and both know they beat the odds to do so. ✪ Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

For Whom The Bell’s Rung Concussion safety starts with knowing the symptoms and communication Among athletes, a concussion is known as “getting your bell rung.” It’s an evocative and amusing phrase, but it downplays the seriousness of the injury.

On-field or off, a blow to the head should never be “walked off” or underestimated.

Concussion can disrupt brain function, and continued play after an initial head injury can even lead to death.

Derived from the Latin word “concutere,” which means to shake violently, a concussion can also be caused by even a mild bump to the head. It does not necessarily result in a loss of consciousness. In fact, although symptoms of concussion usually occur right away, they also can occur over the course of several days.

Recognizing symptoms is particularly important, because a concussion doesn’t necessarily show up on CAT scans or MRIs. That’s because a concussion is not an injury of the brain itself, which is what scans are designed to reveal. Rather, it’s an injury of brain function at a neurological level.

Symptoms vary greatly and are highly individualized, because each concussion is unique. I tell my patients to think of their concussion as a fingerprint: It is unlike any other in the world, because the brain performs so many functions on a daily basis and varies from person to person. Typical symptoms include: › PHYSICAL: Headaches, balance disorders, visual disturbances, sensitivity to light, sensitivity to noise, dizziness, nausea, vomiting › COGNITIVE: Feeling sluggish, fogginess, amnesia, difficulty concentrating, confusion › EMOTIONAL: Sadness, anxiety, irritability, depressed, feeling more emotional than usual › INSOMNIA: Difficulty falling asleep or sleeping more than usual Concussions have been getting more media attention, and for good reason. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that up to 3.8 million concussions occur each year in the Unites States, and more than 300,000 involve sports-related activities.

Athletes who sustain a concussion are at extra risk, because a second impact to the brain occurring soon after the original injury can produce irreversible brain damage known as “Second Impact Syndrome,” which can be fatal.

Do helmets prevent concussions? Absolutely not! Helmets decrease the incidence of skull fractures, but they will not ward off concussions.

What should you do if you see an athlete receive a blow to the head? REMOVE THEM FROM PLAY IMMEDIATELY! Make certain that he or she is evaluated by a physician who has expertise in treating concussions. Athletes should not return to play until they have received medical clearance from their physician.

Education is the best way to prevent a concussion from becoming life-threatening.

Proper techniques that avoid using the head when tackling should be mandated. Before the start of any sport season, meet with parents, coaches and athletes to discuss the dangers of concussions and the long-term consequences if they are not treated appropriately. Remind athletes to look out for one another, and to report to an adult immediately if they suspect that they or one of their teammates has sustained a concussion.

As a coach or parent, your role is vital. To prevent fatalities, it is imperative to take a team approach that involves coaches, parents, teachers, athletes and athletic trainers.

This way we can create a better and safer environment for student athletes to enjoy the pleasure of their respective sports. ✪

Artemio Perez

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

Artemio A. Perez is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine for Saint Francis Memorial Hospital and its Center for Sports Medicine in Walnut Creek.

Score Digital Content: Scan SSM With LAYAR

June 6, 2013

SportStars™

31

get mental: erika carlson

Are you a BIG GAMER? You shouldn’t be It’s a mistake I see often from top athletes.

Nate, a tennis player on track to play in the 2016 Olympics, was taught to step on to the court in BIG matches with what he calls, “Warrior Mentality.” This mentality is focused on dominating and winning.

Intensity is high. He thinks about destroying his opponent.

Sounds like a warrior alright. Only one problem — Nate’s performance falls short every time he does this.

Why does this strategy consistently backfire? Simple; this is not how he practices.

In practice, he works on playing with a calm mind and energized body. He strategizes shots and focuses on good footwork.

His thinking is simple and he easily reads his opponents next shot. The “Warrior Mentality” obliterated his ability to do any of that. It overwhelmed him and completely took away his mental performance, and therefore his physical skills disappeared too.

The lesson here is simple: Compete like you practice. AND … practice like you compete. The urge to “do more” in BIG games will hurt you. A more effective strategy is to do more IN PRACTICE (train with more intensity, increase your speed, adversity and pressure) so that the BIG game feels normal. Your game is your game. ✪ Erika Carlson is a certified mental trainer and owner of Excellence in Sports Performance in Pleasanton.

32

SportStars™

June 6, 2013

› compete Like you practice › practice like you compete › raise your intensity in practice › keep mentally calm › simple thinking

Score Digital Content: Scan SSM With LAYAR

› compete at a completely different intensity level › be lazy in training › do more, try harder › focus only on your opponent › focus on winning

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

training time: tim rudd

Building a nutrition plan In the last Issue I shared the Six Nutritional Mistakes Limiting Athletes performance. With this column, I want to share with you how to build a better plan that will ensure an athlete is avoiding the mistakes that limit his or her health and performance.

Here is how you can build a better plan today:

Eat every 2-3 hours, no matter what.

Eat at least two servings of fruits and veggies with each feeding. › Carrots › Broccoli › Blueberries › Strawberries

Eat at least one serving of lean, complete protein with each feeding.: › Chicken › Lean beef › Fish

Always use workout nutrition; 30-45g carbs and 15g protein/hour of training or competition.

Balance your fats by adding good fats in with each meal. › Make sure to avoid trans fats.

If you’re about to eat something with trans fats listed on the food label, don’t eat it. › Balance your saturated fats (everyone gets plenty) with: › Fish Oil (6-10g/day) › Flax Oil (1 tbsp/day; unheated)

› Olive Oil (1-2 tbsp/day; unheated) › Mixed Nuts (1/2 cup/day) › Ground Flax Seeds (2-4 tbsp/day) › 1 Avocado › Coconut Oil or Butter 1-2 tbsp/day for cooking)

If you’re going to eat non-fruit and veggie carbs (pastas, breads, rice, cereals), choose high fiber and multi-grain varieties and eat them at breakfast and within the few hours after training.

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

34

SportStars™

June 6, 2013

Score Digital Content: Scan SSM With LAYAR

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

shoulder care: justin dudley

Strength&Stroke Limiting injuries among swimmers starts with refined technique, strength of shoulder complex Competitive swimmers train anywhere between 3,000 to 10,000 yards or meters per day, using the freestyle arm stroke for most of the distance.

At an average of 8 to 10 arm cycles per 25 yards, a swimmer can complete nearly 1 million shoulder rotations each week. This high volume of training puts swimmers at an increased risk of shoulder injury if their mechanics are not perfect.

Faulty mechanics can be the result of poor technique, and/or poor shoulder strength and control.

Here, we will primarily focus on the demands of swimming as they relate to strength and control of the shoulder complex — and leave detailed technique training to your respective coaches.

Studies show an incidence of shoulder impingement and overuse injury in 30-50 percent of competitive and masters swimmers. Incidence of shoulder pain has been on the decline since the implementation of the ‘new’ biomechanics of swimming introduced in the late 90’s and early 2000’s.

Accordingly, the swimming stroke is now often taught as an early catch with an early exit.

Another important technique has been to get away from a thumb first water entry, as this places the shoulder in a position of impingement. Instead, the focus is on utilizing a finger first entry followed by a straight pull-through.

Swimming is a complex and integrated relationship of muscle firing of the scapula, rotator cuff, and primary functional movers of the shoulder complex. Poor strength, function and control of these muscles, particularly the scapular and rotator cuff musculature, can result in pain and overuse injuries. Similarly, it has been shown that pain can alter the mechanics and firing patterns of the muscles of the shoulder complex leading to further stroke dysfunction and more severe pain. Thus it is important to utilize scapula and rotator cuff activation and strengthening programs for both injury prevention as well as rehabilitation. ✪ Justin Dudley is an in-house Physical Therapist for Crossover Symmetry, based in Denver,

36

SportStars™

June 6, 2013

Score Digital Content: Scan SSM With LAYAR

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

tri-steps: liz elliott

Some of the best competitive runners, swimmers & bikers are those who find fun in their sport Play is essential for kids (and adults). Aside from having your child in organized sports, it’s equally important to allow for unstructured but active games with other children, with family, or whatever seems comfortable for all involved.

Play helps with creativity, social skills, stress management, and allows kids to socialize and play with a goal.

A good youth program in any sport will provide a time for “down time”, where participants are still moving without calling it “exercise”.

Actually moving without a goal can help with racing as well. The

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

best racers are the ones who can manage anxiety the best. When athletes can associate sport with play, no matter a practice or race, it is easier to learn and embrace racing as another form of play at an early age.

Have your kids on structured sports teams to learn valuable skills in discipline, and look out for bike rides, fun runs, and other events in your community that associate exercise with something fun to promote life long love of movement. ✪ Liz Elliott was an All-American collegiate swimmer and is the head coach at Tri-Valley Triathlon Club.

Score Digital Content: Scan SSM With LAYAR

June 6, 2013

SportStars™

37

health watch: james faison

Running program might help prevent nagging lower-leg injuries for track athletes Every year, around track season I see a steady number of athletes head to the athletic training room with lower leg injuries.

Shin splints, achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis ... and the list goes on.

A progressive lower leg strengthening and flexibility program before your season starts may help ‘season’ your feet for the rigors of running on the track.

One strategy that has helped my athletes prepare for the season is a “Socks on Turf” gradual training program. Since field turf has more cushion than the track, certain running drills can be done on the turf without the jarring impact of the track.

My high school has a field turf playing surface, and incorporating some barefoot running drills on the turf has helped prepare my athlete’s feet and ankles for the volume of training that is coming up in their season.

The program is quite simple, and all it requires is some properly fitting socks and a 15 yard square of turf on the field.

Wearing socks on the turf while exercising helps to protect your feet by reducing friction, preventing cuts, and keeping your feet clean.

The five main drills that you should use are jogging, side shuffles, skipping, toe walking and heel walking. The “Socks on Turf” program is meant to be done two times a week over the 2-4 weeks right before tryouts.

“SOCKS ON TURF” Running Program: › Jogging 10 yards x2

› Side shuffle 10 yards x2 › Skipping 10 yards x2

› Toe walking 10 yards x2

› Heel walking 10 yards x2 All of these drills must be pain-free, and should help you get your foot and ankle ready for the upcoming season.

If there is any pain before, during or after exercise, discontinue immediately.

For more information on preseason conditioning programs, visit the Sports Medicine Center for Young Athletes at Children’s Hospital. We have facilities in Oakland and Walnut Creek. ✪ James Faison is an Athletic Trainer and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist at the Sports Medicine For Young Athletes, a division of Children’s Hospital Oakland. He is also the Head Athletic Trainer at Berkeley High.

38

SportStars™

June 6, 2013

Score Digital Content: Scan SSM With LAYAR

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

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: 650961-2255; www.asabaseball.com Blankenship Baseball We are a year-round competitive program based in Danville. The camp focuses on teamwork, hustle, sportsmanship.

We also offer small group training and one-on-one training.

Info: lancerblankenship@sbcglobal. net or 925-708-3173.

Cabernet Baseball Club The Livermorebased club not only hosts The Pitching Center’s Spring Break Baseball Skills Camp 2013, it also is home

39

SportStars™

June 6, 2013

to training and recreational leagues in other sports — including football, soccer, futsal, softball and lacrosse.

Lil’ Baseball offered for ages 3-7. Info: 925-416-1600, www.cabernetindoorsports.com EJ Sports EJ Sports provides positive, instructive baseball programs that includes 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: 925-866-7199, www. ejsports.com.

Total Player Center In an effort to develop baseball players to their full potential, The Pitching Center has become the Total Player Center (TPC), a fullservice baseball/ softball training

academy. We provide comprehensive, fully-integrated 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.

NorCal Grizzlies Baseball Camps and classes offered at various locations. NorCal Grizzlies Baseball has programs to help accelerate baseball development for players of all ages. 925606-1605, www. norcalgrizzlies. org.

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

Camps open to boys, girls ages 6-16.

We hold a multi-week Spring Academy in Clayton, four-day Summer Academy in Antioch. Info: 925-203-

Score Digital Content: Scan SSM With LAYAR

5636 or www.alloutsportsleague.com Bald Eagle Basketball Camp Campers get improved skills, passion for becoming their best.

Our unique format gives campers a choice period each day to play more basketball, go swimming, play sports camp games, have fun in our activity arcade — whatever summer fun they choose! This year we’ve ramped up our staff with more coaches who have high level playing and/or coaching experience, not to mention their PCA Certification like every staff member at Bald Eagle Sports Camps. Info: 888-505-2253.

CalStars The Stars Basketball Academy offers youth and high school summer camps. The SBA is a fundamental based skills development camp for kids in third grade-high school. We offer three youth (3rd-8th) sessions and two high school sessions. Camps are conducted by Clay Kallam (Bentley HS), Kelly Sopak (Miramonte HS), Dan Middleton (Northgate HS), Raul Reyes (Miramonte HS) and Elgin Leslie (Campolindo HS). Camps also

assisted by former high school, college players. Info: www.calstars.org.

FastBreak Basketball Margaret Gartner, highly-decorated girls basketball coach for Carondelet, leads this girls camp focused on fundamentals. Three week-long sessions: Session I, June 24-28, Grades 4-10; Session II, July 15-19, Grades 1-6 and Session III, July 22-26, Grades 4-10. Learn, improve basketball fundamentals, skills while having fun. Info: www.FastBreakBball.com; or email Fastbreak_club@yahoo.com Golden State Warriors The Golden State Warriors will be conducting camps this spring, summer for boys and girls ages 7-15.

In addition to high quality instruction, each camper receives a reversible Warriors jersey, headband, certificate, two tickets to a Warriors home game and more. Info: 510-986-5310 or go to http://warriors.com/camps.

Hawk Basketball Academy We focus on skill development, challenging the individual to push themselves to become

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

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: 408-224-8503 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 qualified high school coaches from Cal Stars

40

SportStars™

June 6, 2013

and Cagers Basketball. Info: 925-4575081; 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 for 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 Bald Eagle Jr. High Leadership Camp Giving your child a road map to create success is extremely powerful. Our Jr. High Leadership Camp includes tangible experiences working cooperatively with peers, leading groups,

public speaking, making friends, understanding community service, living an active lifestyle through fun camp activities. Info: 888-505-2253.

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 Nutrition Specialist with the International Youth Conditioning Association, Fit-2 The Core Training Systems offers innovative approach to getting athletes back on the field.

Score Digital Content: Scan SSM With LAYAR

We work on a solid athletic foundation while focusing on individual progress.

Instruction in movement training, injury reduction, linear/lateral speed development, foot speed and agility, power development, proper weight training techniques and functional strength training. Athletes are closely supervised, with attention on proper technique, safety. We offer 2 days/ week or 3 days/week program options. Free two-week free pass. Info: www.fasteryoungathletes.com, 925639-0907.

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 Walnut Creek Sports & Fitness We offer more than 70 group classes per week.

WCSF raised money for Walnut Creek Schools through our annual Turkey Trot 5K, 10K & Kids’ Fun Runs. We thank the community for helping raise over $25,000. Free one week pass. Info: 925-932-6400, www.wcsf.net FOOTBALL All Out Sports League Camps held in Antioch and Clayton.

Our four day non-contact camp teaches every position on the football field and are geared toward the fundamentals. Every aspect is covered:

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

blocking, tackling, running, defense, offense, special teams and more.

Camps are open to boys, girls ages 6-16. Info: 925-203-5636, www.alloutsportsleague.com Diablo Football Camps We offer contact and non-contact camps for players ages 6-14, which take place at Laural Ball Field and Shady Oaks Park in Oakley. Info/ registration: 925-625-2222, www.

DiabloFootball.com.

LinemenInc Camps Utilizing top college coaches and former NFL linemen, LinemenInc has produced a nationally-recognized camp and coach’s clinic. LinemenInc blends a fast paced, technically skill-oriented curriculum with a level of competition not found in other camps. Tuition is reasonably priced and includes camp, room, meals and jersey. In 2012, LinebackerInc was added. Info: www. linemeninc.com.

NorCal Football Camps Led by Ken Peralta, Norcal Football Camps are focused on serving youth ages 7-14. Norcal Flag Football Leagues serve kids entering grades 2-6. Info: Ken, 650-245-3608, norcaly-

outhfootballcamp@yahoo.com; www. norcalfootballcamps.com.

GOLF The First Tee-Contra Costa The First Tee Summer Camp is a youth development program for boys, girls ages 7-18. Participants will learn about golf and life skills and values inherent to the game.

We have offerings at courses in Antioch, Concord, Martinez and Walnut Creek. Fee assistance available. Info: Angela Paradise, 925-686-6262, Ext. 0, www.thefirstteecontracosta.org.

The First Tee-Oakland Participants receive a minimum of 12 hours of instruction over an eight-week period. Instruction is conducted at three City of Oakland affiliate courses. We introduce the game of golf in a way that allows participants to progress with the mechanics required. Offered at little or no cost. Info: 510-352-2002; www.thefirstteeoakland.org The First Tee-Silicon Valley Seasonal classes are offered at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course (San

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

Jose) and Palo Alto Golf Course.

We welcome participants ranging from 2nd to 12th grade. Scholarships available.

Info: www.thefirstteesiliconvalley.org The First Tee-Tri-Valley We offer seasonal camps for youth ages 7-17, held at the Pleasanton Golf Center. Life Skills Experience Once-a-week summer slasses also available.

Info: 925-4627201; www.TheFirstTeeTriValley.org.

LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Camp All-girls golf camp at Boundary Oak Golf Course taught by highly skilled LPGA and PGA member Teaching Professionals. Improve your short game, irons, woods and trick shots.

Practice on the range and short game area where we will play a lot of games while building on the fundamentals.

Etiquette and character built into

the curriculum. Finish by playing nine holes. Info: LPGAKatie@gmail. com; 925-482-4547 GYMNASTICS East Bay Sports Academy Summer day camps offer the best in gymnastics, cheerleading, and tumbling. Halfday and full-day camps for girls, boys ages 5 and up for both recreational and competitive athletes. Our 13,000 square foot facility has the newest equipment, including the brand new super-bouncy, safety-rated Weller Spring Floor, which is the largest in the world. Gymnastics & cheerleading camps: July 15-18, 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 .

HORSEBACK RIDING Earthquake Arabians Our skilled staff and individual instruction gives each rider an opportunity to advance at his or her own pace while

Score Digital Content: Scan SSM With LAYAR

creating individual goals for success.

If a competitive riding program is what you’re looking for, Earthquake Arabians has been continuously successful in the Arabian show ring. Spring and summer camps are around the corner.

Info: www.earthquakearabians.com, 925-360-7454.

LACROSSE Atherton Lacrosse Join Atherton Lacrosse and learn the basics of the game in their spring, summer and fall camps. Every camper receives access to the best high school, college and professional lacrosse coaches in the Bay Area in a setting with an extremely low coach-to-camper ratio. Every camper receives a free t-shirt. Dates and Info: www.athertonlacrosse.com.

MARTIAL ARTS USKS Adult and children’s programs, kick box fitness, mixed martial arts.

Providing excellence in martial arts instruction and services for the entire family. 925-682-9517;

June 6, 2013

SportStars™

41

www.usksmartialarts.com.

OUTDOOR/ADVENTURE Bear Valley Mountain Outdoor adventures including kayaking, tennis, cycling, hiking, camp fires and more. Soccer (ages 9-16); archery (9-adult); teen climbing and Bear Valley’s Day Camps for ages 3-18 provide mountain fun. Eight-week, weeklong and day camps. Every camper will have the opportunity to enjoy a selection of mountain activities including: rock climbing, sailing, canoeing, hiking, swimming, disc golf, art and crafts, kayaking, biking, wilderness adventures and more.

Info: www.bearvalley.com.

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

Info: 925-602-1000.

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

Skateboard deck

42

SportStars™

June 6, 2013

Score Digital Content: Scan SSM With LAYAR

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

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

SOCCER EuroSoccerCamps.com We offers Skills, Goalie, Player Development, and Team Camps. We motivate players to challenge themselves and excel beyond the camp. We believe serious learning happens when it’s fun.Players are grouped by age and then moved to appropriate skill level. The Skills Camp uses progressively more sophisticated soccer drills (ages 5-10). Player Development Camp prepares players (11 and older) to be an effective contributor to the team effort. Our Goalie Camp focuses on agility, defense, and strategies to protect the goal (ages 7-14). The Team Camp helps team coaches and players to do their best as a team (all ages). 877-812-1235

Gino’s Soccer Academy The official camp of the Walnut Creek Soccer Club, run by WCSC Director of Coaching, Tom Ginocchio, and staffed with WCSC club coaches & players.

Five one-week programs for ages 4-17 in July and August.

Along with regular full- and half-day soccer programs, GSA runs the following specialty programs: team camps (recreational, competitive), advanced player academies, high school player academy, goalkeeper academies, all boys/all girls academies.

Info: www.ginossocceracademy.com, 925937-4466 Heritage Soccer Club Two fun-filled sessions: June 24-28, 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

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

and striker training, conditioning, nutrition and developing your mental game. Registration is open to boys and girls ages 7-14. Info: www.

HeritageSC.com West Coast Soccer Programs designed to bring professional experience and guidance to youth players across Northern California. The WCS coaching staff has created a curriculum to build the necessary foundation for your child to continue to grow. WCS camps, clinics and training programs create an environment that encourages experimentation and a passion for the game. Info: www.westcoastsoccerclub.com West Contra Costa Youth Soccer League Our program caters to competitive youth players ages 8-9. The main focus is not winning, but on development of total player within framework of a team.

We also offer specialized training for strikers and goalkeepers. Younger ages focus on foot skills. We desire to promote personal responsibility, fitness, sportsmanship and teamwork. Info: 510-758-5288, http://wccysl.com.

SWIMMING-DIVING Sherman Swim School Our year-round schedule allows children and

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

ShermanSwim.com.

TENNIS ClubSport Valley Vista Our camps are designed so that we touch on every major aspect of the game: stroke production, conditioning, strategy, footwork and psychology. Our low prices help make summer camp more affordable than ever. Eight sessions offered between June 17 and Aug. 16 geared toward players ages 7–16 from beginner to intermediate levels. ClubSport Valley Vista members receive discounted rates. Info: 925-934-4050.

VOLLEYBALL Bay Area Blast Summer Clinics Offering summer skills clinics for players of all ages, skill levels at NorCal Courts in Martinez. Morning clinics for 6th-8th grade girls and boys or players who are beginner/intermediate level. Evening

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

Score Digital Content: Scan SSM With LAYAR

June 6, 2013

SportStars™

43

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

44

SportStars™

June 6, 2013

Score Digital Content: Scan SSM With LAYAR

advanced players for boys, girls.

We have a player-tocoach ratio of 8:1. Focus on spiking, serving, setting, passing, blocking, defense, offense and game strategy.

Six-, four- and two-person formats allow kids to play in every position. Registration fee includes a T-shirt, completion certificate, snacks and water. Info: 888-9887985, www.USYVL.org.

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

MULTI-SPORT Bald Eagle Sports Camps A great blend of non-traditional “ultimate” games along with traditional summer

activities, especially the soft-sword “Zaber Games” that no other camp in the Bay has.

Every activity is inclusive of any level athlete, and our message creates encouragement from coaches and teammates. Even the non-sports child will feel motivated to play and love our camp and the highly competitive athlete will feel challenged.

It’s the perfect mix of fun activity, message and culture. Ages K-8th grades. Info: 888505-2253.

Cal Camps Camps are offered in variety of sports for girls, boys ages 5-19, with week-long, halfday, full-day and overnight options. Most camps on campus in Berkeley and are held from June through August. The 2013 Cal Athletics Camps include the following sports: baseball, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls rowing/crew, field hockey, football, boys and girls golf, girls gymnastics, rugby, boys and girls soccer, softball, boys and girls swimming, boys and girls tennis, boys and girls volleyball and girls water polo. Info: CalBears.com/camps.

City Beach Kids Camp Camps in Fremont for ages 6-15 and are chock-full of activities, including rock climbing, interactive games, free play at the

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com

entertainment hub and courts (based upon availability).

Camps are offered in 1-, 3- and 5-day session (w/ full- and half-day options) and run from June 20-Aug.30. 510-651-2500 x105.

De La Salle Camps Our athletic summer camps provide a fun, skillbuilding week for kids. Camps appeal to local youth with a variety of athletic interests. De La Salle will offer the following sessions: football, track & field, lacrosse, wrestling, quarterback & wide receiver, lineman, volleyball, baseball, soccer, water polo and strength & conditioning. Week-long sessions run through June 27. Info: summercamps@ dlshs.org; 925-288-8100, Ext. 7090.

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

Info: www.eastbaysummercamps.com Saint Mary’s College Camps We offer boys and girls overnight, day, team

and specialty athletic camps for ages 4-18.

Camps include: multisport (badminton, basketball, flag football, handball, paddleball, soccer, softball, street hockey, swimming, tennis, volleyball), individual sport camps (baseball, boys basketball, girls basketball, golf, rugby, lacrosse, boys soccer, girls soccer, softball, tennis, volleyball). Each clinic features the head coach of the respective Gaels’ program. Info: www.smcgaels.com, smccamps@stmarys-ca.edu, 925-631-4386. ✪

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

Score Digital Content: Scan SSM With LAYAR

June 6, 2013

SportStars™

45

Advertiser Index

❒❒ 1-To-1 Pediatrics.............................................................................................34 ❒❒ Alameda County Fair.......................................................................................17 ❒❒ Army National Guard Recruiter..........................................................................4 ❒❒ Back Forty B B Q..............................................................................................22 ❒❒ Bay Area Blast Volleyball Club.........................................................................22 ❒❒ Big O Tires Northern California/ Nevada............................................................2 ❒❒ Bigfoot Hoops.................................................................................................30 ❒❒ Blaze Volleyball...............................................................................................40 ❒❒ Cal Athletic Camps..........................................................................................46 ❒❒ California Family Fitness....................................................................................3 ❒❒ Championship Athletic Fundraising................................................................44 ❒❒ Cheergyms.Com..............................................................................................21 ❒❒ Children’s Hospital And Research Center..........................................................33 ❒❒ Club Sport.......................................................................................................13 ❒❒ Club Sport Renaissance...................................................................................36 ❒❒ Community Youth Center................................................................................46 ❒❒ Concord Police Association..............................................................................46 ❒❒ Core Volleyball Club.........................................................................................40 ❒❒ Diablo Rock Gym.............................................................................................45 ❒❒ Diablo Trophies & Awards................................................................................45 ❒❒ E J Sports Elite Baseball Services.....................................................................41 ❒❒ East Bay Sports Academy................................................................................40 ❒❒ East Bay Youth Football...................................................................................42 ❒❒ Excellence In Sport Performance.....................................................................38 ❒❒ Fit 2 The Core...................................................................................................34 ❒❒ Game Changers Sports And Event Center........................................................16 ❒❒ Halo Headband...............................................................................................46 ❒❒ Hawk Basketball Academy............................................................................. 40 ❒❒ Home Team Sports Photography.....................................................................43 ❒❒ Image Imprint.................................................................................................44 ❒❒ James Logan Track...........................................................................................43 ❒❒ Kangazoom.....................................................................................................45 ❒❒ Little League Intermediate World Series.........................................................19 ❒❒ M L B Scout.....................................................................................................41 ❒❒ Marin Waves Track Club...................................................................................41 ❒❒ Mountain Mike’s Pizza.......................................................................................9 ❒❒ Muir Orthopaedic Specialists...........................................................................39 ❒❒ Pacific Rim Volleyball Academy.................................................................41, 42 ❒❒ Passthaball......................................................................................................46 ❒❒ Pro Hammer Bat..............................................................................................45 ❒❒ Rocco’s Pizza....................................................................................................45 ❒❒ Rockin Jump....................................................................................................47 ❒❒ Sacramento River Cats.....................................................................................26 ❒❒ Saint Francis Memorial Hospital......................................................................32 ❒❒ San Leandro Crusaders Youth Football & Cheer...............................................43 ❒❒ Sherman Swim School....................................................................................42 ❒❒ Sky High Sports...............................................................................................45 ❒❒ Sport Clips.......................................................................................................15 ❒❒ Sports Gallery Authenticated..........................................................................26 ❒❒ Stars Fitness: Sports Therapy And Rehab Specialists........................................35 ❒❒ Stevens Creek Toyota.........................................................................................3 ❒❒ Summit Orthopedic Specialists.........................................................................5 ❒❒ Sutter Delta.....................................................................................................37 ❒❒ The First Tee Of Contra Costa............................................................................46 ❒❒ Tpc / The Pitching Center...................................................................................7 ❒❒ Trucks Training................................................................................................38 ❒❒ United States Youth Volleyball League............................................................48 ❒❒ Velocity Sports Performance.....................................................................42, 45 ❒❒ World Events...................................................................................................42

46

SportStars™

June 6, 2013

Score Digital Content: Scan SSM With LAYAR

Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.com