SJ Issue 62, March 7, 2013

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sports are great. But 34 Youth sometimes they can do better.

35 Concussion prevention: Get on it.

pitch: It’s state basketball 6 first time! Whoo! What could possibly go wrong? I mean, unless they bungle the new Open Division, everything will be fine. Wait?

What? They did? Really? C’mon guys.

Sports teaches life 12 Clipboard: lessons like you can’t please all

Dylan Walsh of 14 warrior: Las Lomas, left, showed he belonged at state. times two: Johanna 30 power Grauer and RaeAnn Garza own

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room: As you’ve proba8 locker bly figured out: We’re pretty smart.

Next, we fix the NFL Combine. of the Week: 10 SportStars Jeramy Sweany, Vacaville wrestling As you’ve probably 33 IMPULSE: figured out, we like shiny things.

Those are right here.

the people all the time.

on the cover: (L to R) Franklin-Elk Grove baseball seniors Taylor Waters, Tyler Blake and Ryan Sarginson. Photo

by James K. Leash

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

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CIF’s new state hoops tourney has Open wounds

T

he phrase “competitive equity” gets bandied about a lot by the California Interscholastic Federation and its 10 governing sections.

It seems to be THE most important piece of criteria each time a section re-aligns its leagues.

And yet it doesn’t appear it commanded the same importance on March 3 — when the 10 section commissioners gathered to draw up the state championship basketball tournament.

Why involve competitive equity in THAT? This is the first year of the CIF’s new Open Division of the state basketball tournament. The theory behind its creation was to pull out the eight best NorCal teams, and eight best SoCal teams, regardless of division, and place them in an elite tournament while the other five divisions played out as normal. All eight spots in the bracket did not have to be filled in the invitation-only field. Byes could be awarded to the top two seeds.

The plan was muddled with confusing criteria to determine Open Division eligibility — so much so that some programs weren’t entirely sure if they would be considered for the elite field or not — and the execution of it seemed worse.

Just ask the Brookside Christian-Stockton girls.

The defending Division V state champions are a very respectable 27-4 and won their Sac-Joaquin Section final with extreme ease on March 1. However, they are not ranked among the Top 20 girls teams in the state by CalHiSports.com. But on March 8 the Knights will play their first state tournament game against Bishop O’Dowd-Oakland, the No. 12 team in the nation according to MaxPreps.com.

This is the same Bishop O’Dowd team which defeated Brookside Christian by 31 points (70-39) at a showcase event on Jan. 19. And it could’ve been worse had the Dragons not sat their stars late in the game.

Brookside Christian played two other teams which made the Open Division draw: St. Mary’s-Berkeley, which beat the Knights by 19 (71-52) on Jan. 26, and Sacramento, which topped them by 16 (58-42) in early December. It’s hard for us to look at those scores — along with Brookside’s fourth loss of the season, a 66-38 defeat to a St. Ignatius-San Francisco team which is a top seed in Div. II — and say the Knights belong in this field. They do not.

And maybe they don’t belong in Div. V, either, as several eyesore-like blowouts during the regular season suggest. But we still would’ve liked to hear the rationale for their inclusion in the Open Division.

There was plenty more outcry about how the Open Division altered the state tournament as a whole. It wasn’t just in Northern California. There were boys and girls programs in the bottom half of the state left confused and frustrated as well.

“It is a joke,” St. John Bosco-Bellflower boys coach Derrick Taylor told Eric Sondheimer of the Los Angeles Times after his team was selected for the Open Division. “Criteria means nothing. They originally said we didn’t meet the criteria to be in the Open Division. They had no idea how to do this. They should have scrapped the whole thing.”

The CIF didn’t necessarily help itself by choosing not to have a post-selection press conference, something it’s done in the past after choosing state championship bowl game participants in football.

Here’s what I find funny. We’ve been headed in this direction with the state basketball tournament since 2004. That was the first year the CIF stopped allowing teams to petition-up in divisions for state championship sports.

Why not rescind that rule? Let Brookside Christian play up to Division IV or III where they would be challenged, but not over-matched. Let the Bishop O’Dowd girls — who won their Div. III state championship last year 62-24 — to petition up to Division I. Put a rule in place that necessitates a one-year, one-division bump for any school winning back-to-back regional titles.

This doesn’t seem hard. ✪ 6

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

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your ticket to california sports admit one; rain or shine This Vol. #4, March 2013 Whole No. 62 is published by Caliente!

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

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rapidFIRE Your clumsiest injury Dislocated shoulder falling off a ski lift

Favorite weekend activity

Relax, watch movies

Nikki Bridges, California-San Ramon softball

Sprained ankle while skipping

Who tops your Sport you wish you Favorite sports concert bucket list could play better movie

E40

What TV show would you want to guest on

Pretty Little Liars

Imagine Sleeping Dragons

New Girl

Johanna Grauer, Amador Valley-Pleasanton softball

say what

“We just lost the section final by 29 points. If we’re going in the Open Division, we are going to have to get a lot better in 72 hours.”

Miramonte girls basketball coach Kelly Sopak as quoted in the Bay Area News Group story following the NCS Div. III girls basketball championship won by Bishop O’Dowd. Both teams were indeed placed in the CIF Northern Regional Open Division. O’Dowd is the No. 1 seed and Miramonte is the No. 7.

GIRLS HOOPS: CIF Open Division State final, March 23, Sleep Train Arena, 6 p.m. — It’s likely an SJS team won’t be involved, but the Bishop O’Dowd team expected to represent NorCal is a once-in-a-generation team for this region.

Whichever power emerges from the South should provide a matchup for the ages. Any hoops fan should be there.

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SOFTBALL: Victory PreSeason Tournament, March 7-9, various sites — 42 teams spread out in three round-robin fields, including regional power Woodcreek.

BASEBALL: De La Salle at Campolindo, March 9, 3 p.m. — Matchup of defending NCS Div. I and II champions. Nuff said.

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layarEXTRA THE PRESSURE COOKER

Dr. Doug Gardner, a friend and contributor to SportStars’ health and mental training coverage over the past three years, spent a week at the NFL Combine and shared his thoughts.

Here’s a few tidbits. For the whole article, go to SportStarsOnline.com or scan this page with your Layar App. “If you think school is difficult, the SAT is tough and the recruiting process daunting, imagine having your future employment potential dissected under a microscope, both physically and mentally over a four day period of time. ... After spending a week at the NFL Combine, I came away with a greater appreciation for athletic performance under the most stressful of situations. ... From a mental standpoint, I have not witnessed a more pressurized environment for athletes.”

Top 5 nfl combine suggestions

count‘em

Number of victories by pin for Clovis High state champion wrestler Nick Nevills.

He’s not a NorCal athlete, but he still gets a major tip of the cap from SportStars after his dominant run through the heavyweight bracket in Bakersfield March 22-23. Nevills won each of his matches by pin, with none going longer than 3:42. It was the second state title for the junior, who will have a chance in 2014 to become just the 18th wrestler ever to win three.

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BOYS LACROSSE: Marin Catholic at De La Salle, March 19, 7 p.m.

— These programs have four NCS titles between them since 2009.

TRACK AND FIELD: Stanford Invitational, March 29-30, Stanford University, Stanford — The first of the state’s BIG track and field events of the spring.

BOYS HOOPS: CIF Open Division NorCal final, March 16, Sleep Train Arena, Sacramento, 8 p.m.: Can Salesian, Bishop O’Dowd or Archbishop Mitty run the table for a shot at the state title? It’ll be worth going to find out.

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Terrelle Pryor works out prior to the draft in 2011.

Scott Terna/Cal Sport Media/ ZUMAPRESS.com

Sure the vertical leap, broad jump and 40-yard dash are helpful evaluation tools. We guess. But here are five other things we’d add to the NFL Scouting Combine if we really wanted to test a player’s NFL-readiness.

1. Media Stiff Arm — There’s nothing trickier than holding a slavering pack of reporters at bay after a rough game without inadvertently throwing a teammate or coach under the bus, or dropping an accidental homophobic slur (we’re looking at you, Chris Culliver). Wanna impress us? Show us how quick you are with a quip with fourteen handheld recorders in your face.

Simply saying, “No Comment” will result in an immediate disqualification. “Gobble gobble turkey” is also frowned upon.

2. Checkbook Balancing Act — Something like 70-percent of former NFL athletes end up blowing through their bazillion-dollar bonuses and contracts long before they’re able to tap into the Social Security network. Show us a little financial acumen, gentlemen. That’s right. Now carry the one…

3. Brain Game — Forget the Wonderlic (and, yeah, we’re pretty sure some of you already have).

We’d like to see if you actually know anything about, well, ANYTHING. Here’s last Sunday’s New York Times crossword puzzle. See you next week.

Oh. No. 27 down? You got that wrong.

4. Separation Drill — No no. Not how well you can separate from a defensive back. How well you can separate yourself from your former posse.

And that bottle of Cristal. And that gaggle of lovely ladies over there. And focus on your job.

5. Caber toss — Oh come on. You knew that was coming.

— Bill “I want winners!” Kolb

BOYS GOLF: De La Salle Golf Invitational, March 11, Diablo Country Club, 10 a.m. shotgun: The most loaded of any NorCal tourney, 23 of the state’s top programs attend.

SOFTBALL: Queen of the Mountain Tournament, March 14-16, Willow Pass Park, Concord: Field will feature national No. 1 Amador Valley.

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BOYS VOLLEYBALL: Deer Valley Tournament, March 16, Deer Valley HS, all day: First chance to gauge the top NCS contenders for 2013.

BASEBALL: St. Ignatius-S.F. at St. Francis-Mountain View, March 19, various sites: A key early-season WCAL matchup for two highly-ranked programs.

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Sweany captured the CIF State Championship at 195 pounds with a pin of Elk Grove’s Scott Votino under the spotlight at Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield on March 3. Sweany’s state title was an impressive followup to the Sac-Joaquin Section Masters championship he won the previous week at Stockton Arena. Over the grueling two-day schedule at the state tournament, Sweany recorded two decisions and three pins, including the title-winning pin at the 4:00 mark in the final. The win not only gave the storied Vacaville program its 11th state champion (and second in as many years), but also lifted the Bulldogs to a third-place team finish in California.

SportStars: What was the atmosphere like at state, especially under the spotlight for the final match?

Jeramy Sweany: I was just really excited. I felt that I had trained hard to get there and it’s every wrestler’s dream to win a state championship.

SSM: What was going through your mind during the championship match?

JS: The match was real exciting to me because we would have dropped to fourth place in the team standings if I did not get the points for first place. I wanted to win the title to help the team “plaque” at state.

SSM: Did you have a large contingent down in Bakersfield,

March 7, 2013

honorable mention

Jeramy Sweany

dalayna tyler-scott

vacaville . wrestling . junior

The KennedySacramento senior played big in a pair of playoff wins. In a victory over Burbank, she scored 11 points and hauled in 9 rebounds before posting 16 points, 5 rebounds in a semifinal win over Oak Ridge.

keith heyer Del Oro’s senior right-hander pitched a nohitter in his first start of the season, a 2-0 win over Colfax on Feb. 28. Heyer struck out nine and walked two.

chaya durr

James K. Leash especially for the final match?

JS: It was huge to have my whole family there to support me, but I also had all of my teammates there. It was a great feeling to win in front of so many people that have helped me get to where I am now.

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The Sacramento junior guard scored a gamehigh 27 points for the Dragons in their 48-37 win over Florin in the SJS Div. II final on March 2. She also scored 16 in the semifinal.

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★★★ Not sure your I coach likes you?

My coach doesn’t like me, and it’s just not fair. I work hard and do what I’m supposed to do, but the coach isn’t fair. What can I do?

G.E., Livermore

CHANGE

THEIR MIND ★★★

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’ve answered this before, but it comes up all the time, so I’ll address it again.

First, coaches are human beings, hard as that may seem to imagine. That means they have likes and dislikes, just like any other human being, and it’s certainly possible that the coach doesn’t like you in particular, for whatever reason.

But good coaches rise above their likes and dislikes, and do what’s best for the team because that’s what they’re hired to do — and that’s what they want to do. What’s best for the team usually is measured in wins and losses, but that’s not always the case. Sometimes what’s best for the team is to teach talented players that their individual skills aren’t as important as they think; sometimes what’s best for the team is to devise a system that allows that talent to shine, even at the expense of the some other players.

Of course, not all coaches are good coaches. Some coaches do give in to their biases, and play players they like instead of players who give the team a better chance to win. Those coaches don’t last long, naturally, or they soon learn that they must put aside their feelings if they want to be successful.

Here’s what’s really important, though: Your coach is your coach, and there’s nothing you can do to change that. If you want to play, you have to do a couple things. ›› Do what the coach asks you to do, and do it with a positive attitude — and don’t do it because you expect to be

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rewarded. Do it because you’re part of a team, and successful teams do what their coaches tell them to do, even if they disagree. ›› Get better. Listen to what the coach says to you, and to what he says to other players. Try to improve every day; try to be a little bit better after every practice than you were when you started. You may think no one will notice, but the coaches will.

It may make a difference; it may not. And you know, you might not be quite as good as you think. It may be that the coach doesn’t play you because another player gives the team a better chance to win, not because he doesn’t like your haircut.

And finally, it’s important to remember that your coach is just the first of many bosses you’ll have in your life, and some of those bosses are going to be very hard to work for. They will treat you unfairly, they will make your life miserable, but in the end, you have to figure out how to deal with them.

So do the best you can to learn from this situation, and to understand that even though life isn’t always fair, you still have to live it. Maybe it’s true that the coach doesn’t like you, and there’s not much you can do about that — but one thing you can’t do is quit trying. In the long run, if you learn that lesson, it’s more important than wins or losses or worrying about whether someone likes you or not. ✪ Clay Kallam is an assistant athletic director and girls varsity basketball coach at Bentley High in Lafayette. To submit a question for Behind the Clipboard, email Coach Kallam at clayk@fullcourt.com

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What p

Las Lomas’ Dylan Walsh’s state appearance was brief.

That he even got there was impressive enough

D

By bill kolb | Contributor

ylan Walsh had no business being on the floor at the California Interscholastic Federation wrestling championships at Bakersfield’s Rabobank Arena.

Not because he was undeserving of the honor, mind you, but because no one in his condition should be able to compete at that level.

Walsh, the Las Lomas heavyweight, wrestled the final month-plus of his senior season with a broken, dislocated rib, and torn cartilage in his chest.

And at 250 pounds, the undersized Walsh was surely taking a pounding on that injury from the 285-pounders he was up against.

“It was not pleasant,” Walsh deadpanned. “I had to put it out of my head for the time being, and deal with it the next day.”

“I didn’t know if he’d make it through league,” Knights coach John Welch said. “And at (the North Coast Section tournament), I knew his ability to compete, but I didn’t know if he could get through getting slammed. What he did blew me away… He really impressed me.”

All Walsh did was obliterate the NCS field, eventually topping Newark Memorial’s Jacob Claussen 3-1 in a final that wasn’t that close.

His only loss against a section opponent this season came in the match where he injured his rib. He tangled with Eureka’s Josh Hanson in the final of the Puma Classic at Maria Carillo-Santa Rosa on January 26. The two came down hard out of bounds, and Walsh felt a pain in his chest.

He wrestled on — because that is what he does — but Hanson pulled out a 6-3 victory.

Welch said that, between the rib and Walsh’s chronic migraine struggles, the big Knight was only able to practice two days a week for most of the season.

For his part, Welch was probably glad that Walsh was limited in his practice time.

“He’s so strong,” Welch said. “He kept hurting

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Las Lomas wrestler Dylan Walsh, top. Photos by Bob Larson

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pain? other kids. Nobody could compete with him. So I ended up being his training partner.

And I am beat up.”

Welch brandished a badly swollen right hand, courtesy of his senior grappler, and laughed.

“I told him, ‘I love having you in the program, but I’m kind of glad you’re leaving,’” Welch said.

Despite the pain in his head, or in his chest, Walsh refused to tap out at any point.

“I had to kick him out of the room,” Welch said. “He wouldn’t leave, even when he had a migraine. He never excused himself. Any other kid, I would have kicked him off the team for missing so much time. But Dylan, I’m just so impressed that he could do what he did. He’s a very, very tough kid.”

“He rises up when the chips are down,” co-coach Dave Yi said. “The best of Dylan comes out when there is an obstacle in front of him. When he is challenged — when something is not going his way — that’s when you see the Great Dylan Walsh.”

That Dylan Walsh appeared to be on display at state. Despite the pain in his chest, Walsh topped Reedley’s Christian Garcia 3-2 in his 2013 state opener. Then, disaster struck.

Again.

Walsh was trailing Ponderosa’s Jeff Camilli in the second round when Camilli shot in and drove Walsh off the mat. Walsh landed awkwardly on his right foot, and went down. “He couldn’t get up,” Yi said. “We had to help him. He tried to finish the second round, but he couldn’t go on. He couldn’t even walk to the trainer. … Having it end on an injury like that, it’s tough. His whole career he’s kind of had the injury bug. It must have been pretty frustrating. But he’s such a tough kid mentally, he’s just pushed through the pain. … Winning the section as a senior after being in the finals the year before, that’s a big accomplishment. A lot of kids his age probably would have quit. He won the section.”

“I try not to make excuses for myself,” Walsh said. “You have to play the cards you’re dealt.”

Walsh was forced to injury default out of the match, and the tournament, and officially finished with a 1-2 mark. Camilli went on to place seventh in the tournament.

Walsh learned on Sunday that the fifth metatarsal was broken in what is known as a Jones fracture. It is the same injury that hampered him for much of the 2011-12 season.

Even so, he wasn’t going to let a little foot pain end his season.

“I tried to keep going,” he said. “I didn’t know it was broken. The coaches had to pull me.”

With the indignity of the abrupt end of his high school career still so fresh and raw, Walsh struggled to accept the impressiveness of his overall body of work in 2012-13.

“I’m pretty happy with myself to a degree,” he said. “I just wish it had gone a little better in the end. Right now, it’s just kind of bitter. I was definitely not expecting it to end that way.”

Walsh was already home on Saturday afternoon before the tournament had concluded, having departed Bakersfield shortly after sustaining the injury on Friday. And after all he has endured in pursuit of his sport, maybe it’s more accurate to say that he had no business not being on the competition floor when all was said and done. ✪

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STUNG

The California Interscholastic Federation championship wrestling tournament has been characterized as a meat-grinder.

And on Saturday at Bakersfield’s Rabobank Arena, most of the representatives from the North Coast Section got a pretty good idea what sausage making looks like. From the inside.

Seven NCS grapplers made it to the quarterfinal round on Friday night. Only one of them, James Logan 126-pounder Artemio Flores, won that crucial match.

But even Flores, the NCS champ, could not escape the rending and tearing that takes place on the competition floor in one of the nation’s top-five high school championship tournaments. He lost 5-3 to eventual champ Johnny Parada (San Fernando) in Saturday morning’s semifinal, then lost two more tough matches to finish sixth overall.

Flores was one of three NCS champs from Logan who advanced to the quarterfinals.

Clayton Hartwell (195) went pin, pin, pin to reach the quarterfinals, where he himself was pinned by Vacaville’s Jeramy Sweany, the eventual champion. Hartwell rallied early on Saturday, winning two overtime matches in consolations before losing 5-2 to eventual third-place medallist Trevor Smith of Ripon 5-2 and then getting pinned in first round of the fifth-place match.

Colts 138-pounder Jacob Macalolooy went 3-1 from his outbracket start on Friday, dropped his quarterfinal match,

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and then lost his first tilt on Saturday to miss medalling by one match. The fourth musketeer, 120-pounder Jacob Donato went 0-2, as the Colts scored 57 team points to place 22nd overall and lead the charge for the NCS. Section champion De La Salle placed 32nd with 34 points, but failed to put a wrestler into medal contention. It is the first time that the Spartans have not medalled since Erik Sandie (285s) placed seventh in 2003 to earn the school’s first state medal.

Liberty’s Austin Solari (132) placed sixth. He dropped two tough matches to Poway’s Ralph Tovar. Tovar topped Solari in the quarterfinal round, forcing him to win a couple of consolation matches to earn his medal. Tovar nipped him again in the fifth place match.

Heritage’s Joey Vigil (113) also managed to make a space for himself on the podium, pinning his first two opponents on Friday before getting pinned by Saint John Bosco’s Zahid Valencia in the quarterfinals. Vigil rallied to win a consolation match and guarantee himself a medal, but dropped a tough 5-4 seventh-place match and finished eighth.

Eight NCS wrestlers reached the podium, including Windsor’s Perez Perez (106, sixth) and Oscar Rios (195, eighth), El Molino’s Taryn Christiansen (182, eighth), and Terra Linda’s Nate Keeve (220, fourth).

— Bill Kolb

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NCS wrestlers come up short at state finals

Jacob Macalolooy was one of three James Logan-Union City wrestlers to reach the quarterfinals, but missed medaling by one match at 138 pounds. Teammates Artemio Flores and Clayton Hartwell could do no better than sixth place.

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There was a lot more to the Cougars than the bright colored shoes they wore to the SJS Div. V final The Capital Christian boys basketball didn’t even need to wait for the opening tip of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division V boys final to make a statement.

The Cougars sprinted out onto the Sleep Train Arena floor for pregame warmups donning bright pink high tops as a change of pace and a show of team unity in support of breast cancer survivors.

“It was kind of one of our motivational things,” Capital Christian junior center and fashion leader Nifae Lealao said. “With the way our season went, you know, new accessories could maybe help.”

Capital Christian ended up needing all the help they could get in a second half that saw the Cougars make just four field goals while committing 15 turnovers.

But despite their struggles after the intermission, the Cougars held off Brookside Christian 40-39 to claim their second consecutive section title.

Early on, Capital Christian was as hot as the pink on their shoes. They raced out to leads of 8-0 and 15-4 with fast break baskets that were rarely launched from farther than 8 feet from the rim. The game was going according to plan for the Cougars — a plan the coaches devised to slow down the Knights’ fast-paced offense which averaged more than 86 points per game.

“We watched them play and they are electric,” Jones said of scouting Brookside Christian. “We worked all practice long to work on slowing them down. Our goal all year has been to hold teams to single digits quarter-by-quarter, and we did that.”

Brookside Christian could not find a rhythm and appeared flustered as each minute passed without its potent offense firing on even a single cylinder, let alone all of them. In compiling a 27-1 record en route to the section championship game, five Knights averaged double digit scoring, but Brookside Christian’s starting five had only 10 points combined at halftime of the section final.

While the scoring failed to pick up significantly for the Knights in the second half, their defense came alive to force turnovers and get the offense untracked enough to turn a 32-18 deficit into a tight contest down the stretch. Brookside Christian had a chance to take its first lead of the contest with less than a minute remaining in the game when Kenyon Williams stepped to the line to shoot a pair of free throws.

The sophomore guard made the first, but missed the Photos by James K. Leash second to set up an intense final 25 seconds. Tied at 39-39, LEFT: Capital Christian celebrates its SJS final players from both teams were wildly diving for loose balls victory as the buzzer sounds. ABOVE: Cougars and scrambling for a shot before Capital Christian’s Tyler junior center Nifae Lealao calls for the ball during Jennings corralled a missed shot near the top of the arc and the second half of the championship game. quickly attempted to bring the ball up for one final shot.

A foul was called with 0.7 seconds left on the clock, setting the stage for Jennings to play hero after missing a pair of free throws one minute previously. This time, the junior guard buried the first before purposely missing the second in an attempt to run out the clock. The Knights grabbed the rebound and were awarded a timeout with 0.5 second left, but the desperation three-quarter court heave by Nick Payne missed to seal the game for the Cougars.

“There was a little nerves,” Jennings admitted. “I wasn’t exactly having a great game, but I told myself that I can’t let my

capital christian

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team down.”

The finish, while uncharacteristically wild to spectators inside the arena, had less of a crazed effect on the Cougars players.

“We’ve been in that situation many times,” said Trey Belton, who led the Cougars with 8 points. “It’s kind of fun because it makes things interesting.”

The game may not have been as interesting or close down the stretch had Brown not been without the services of junior forward D.J. Wilson, who suffered a season-ending back injury the day before the championship. Wilson, who averaged 10 points per game during the season, would have provided more size for the Cougars to stifle the smaller Knights. But adversity has been a common theme for Capital Christian, especially toward the end of the regular season. The Cougars dropped their final two Golden Empire League contests before the playoffs began.

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“We’ve been through just about anything you can imagine — we’ve had flus, broken bones, torn ACLs. You name it, they’ve been through it,” Brown said. “Now, I think they are ready to move forward and use all of the things that went wrong as passion for the next upcoming games.”

Next for the Cougars (24-4) will be a run in the California Interscholastic Federation Northern Regional Playoffs where they advanced to the second round last year before dropping a narrow 44-42 decision to Branson. Brown thinks that the team’s ability to overcome adversity and use past trials as motivation will carry his players father than they have been — perhaps to the state championship they set as a goal at the beginning of this season.

“They want more,” Brown said. “I believe in them. I have no doubt in my mind that they can do it.” ✪ — Jim McCue, Senior Contributor

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Capital Christian’s 6-foot-6 sophomore forward Trey Belton, center, battles a pair of Brookside Christian players for rebounding position. Belton led the Cougars with eight points in the final.

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Christian Brothers players and coaches erupt from the bench as the final horn sounds on their SJS title win. Photos by James K. Leash

TOUGH

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Gritty defense, mental strength in the clutch paid off for the Falcons When the going got tough in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division III girls final, the Christian Brothers Falcons got going. Led by 18 points from junior Alicia Gonzalez and 15 from senior Niel Valmores, including a pair of gameclinching free throws with 5.5 seconds remaining, head coach Ron Gully’s team showed grit in earning a 61-56 decision over Vanden-Fairfield at Sleep Train Arena.

“They were a bigger, stronger team than us,” Gully said of the Vikings, “but tonight I think that we had the bigger heart and we wanted to finish the game off maybe a little bit more.”

The Falcons’ desire was built through a rigorous nonleague schedule that included high-level competition at the Oak Ridge Tournament and

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West Coast Jamboree in the Bay Area. They also faced the adversity of preparing for league play without the services of Valmores, the team’s point guard. She was out for a sevengame stretch against perennial powers like Sacred Heart Cathedral-San Francisco, Nevada Union-Grass Valley, and Miramonte-Orinda.

“At the beginning of the season, we didn’t say that we wanted to win section. We didn’t even say that we wanted to win league,” Gully said. “We just said that we wanted to be the toughest team every game.

“That was our goal, and I think that helped us finish this tonight.”

Vanden took its first lead at 35-34 late in the third quarter and also led 39-38 in the fourth quarter, but Christian Brothers dug deep each time and found a way to regain the lead and eventually hold off the Vikings. Gonzalez scored eight of her game-high 18 points in the final quarter, using exceptional ball-handling skill and athleticism to find openings to the basket.

“Everybody knows about Ana (Burch) and Niel, but (Gonzalez) really came on at the end of the season, and showed what she could do tonight,” Gully said.

While Gonzalez ran the floor and sank a number of clutch shots to maintain the Falcons’ lead in the fourth quarter,

Seniors Sarina Munoz, top, and Niel Valmores each hit a pair of game-clinching free throws inside the final 30 seconds of the team’s championship victory.

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Junior guard Alicia Gonzalez scored a team-high 18 points in the final.

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senior captains Sarina Munoz and Valmores sealed the victory by hitting 4 of 4 free throws in the final 30 seconds (Christian Brothers converted only 18-of-34 attempts from the foul line for the game).

Gully pointed to a daily practice drill — the “Monarch” drill, in which the players are forced to make free throws or watch their teammates suffer with wind sprints for each miss — as instrumental in keeping his team sharp during the league season.

“Our free throw shooting is not as good as I think we can be, but when it mattered tonight at the end of the game, I think that (preparation and practice) paid off.”

Prior to the championship game, the Falcons had not been tested since a 72-58 nonleague loss at Oakland Tech on Jan. 19. Christian Brothers rolled through the Capital Valley League, beating their league foes by an average of 35 points per game, and won its first three postseason games by an average of 45 points, forcing the players to reach way back in time for the experience of a tight game.

“In the preseason, we stuck together, even without our quarterback (Valmores),” Gully said. “This team held together then and believed in themselves, and I think that definitely helped us tonight.”

The Cougars (24-7) advanced to the CIF Norther Regional playoffs, where they are confident that they can improve on last year’s run that ended in the second round on the road. With the section championship, Christian Brothers’ seeding will be improved, giving the Falcons more opportunity to fight their battles on their home court.

“I know that we got beat pretty bad by (NorCal power) Miramonte earlier in the season, but that was without our point guard,” said Gully. “I think the state championship is a total possibility.”

“This is my favorite team I’ve ever coached,” he added. “They’re my girls.”

And tough ones, at that. ✪ — Jim McCue, Senior Contributor

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Baseball Preseason Top 20 Records are from 2012 1. Campolindo-Moraga (23-4-1) Three-time defending NCS Div. II champion is STILL loaded with talent across the diamond.

2. St. Francis-Mountain View (26-5-1) Senior OFs Kort Peterson and Hunter Simmons lead one of the deepest rosters in the state.

3. Elk Grove (20-9) This isn’t just the Ryan Tellez Show, but his presence sure won’t hurt.

4 .Serra-San Mateo (19-13) Orlando Razo and Blake Peters both return to the mound for the defending WCAL champs.

5. De La Salle-Concord (20-7) Spartans will be favorites to repeat as NCS Div. I champs behind pitchers Andrew Buckley, A.J. Puckett.

6. St. Mary’s-Stockton (27-6) All the Rams do is win championships it seems. Can senior Joey Caffese help deliver a fourth straight SJS Div. I title?

7. Franklin-Elk Grove (22-12) The Wildcats proved to be legit contenders last postseason, and their returning talent should put them in the mix once more.

8. Valley Christian-San Jose (25-8) The Warriors are still young, and still very talented. Junior shortstop Bryson Brigman leads the charge.

9. Davis (25-8) If new faces on the mound can keep the Blue Devils in games, their offense should take care of the rest.

10. St. Ignatius-S.F. (23-8-1) Jack Klien and Matthew Krook will be a 1-2 pitching/hitting punch for the defending CCS Div. II champs.

11. Granada-Livermore (17-10) 12. Casa Grande-Petaluma (20-7) 13. Jesuit-Sacramento (20-8) 14. James Logan-Union City (15-10) 15. Foothill-Pleasanton (16-9) 16. Pioneer-Woodland (16-13) 17. Pleasant Grove-Elk Grove (23-6) 18. Granite Bay (23-9) 19. St. Mary’s-Berkeley (23-6-1) 20. Amador Valley-Pleasanton (11-12)

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Ryan Tellez, Elk Grove James K. Leash

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softball Preseason Top 20 Records are from 2012 1. Amador Valley-Pleasanton (26-1) Began the season as MaxPreps.com’s No. 1 team in the nation; have won 38 of last 39 games since April 2011.

2. James Logan-Union City (24-1) Open the season as No. 5 in the nation after closing 2012 with 21 straight wins — beating Amador Valley in NCS Div. I final.

3. Woodcreek-Roseville (26-4) Timberwolves return several key starters, including pitcher Amanda Horbasch and slugging 1B Lexi Wilkerson.

4. Archbishop Mitty-San Jose (28-2) Last year’s CCS Div. II champs need to replace key starters, but have plenty of talent to do so.

5. Elk Grove (20-7-1) Thundering Herd graduated just three seniors from its 20-win team, opened at No. 15 in CalHiSports.com’s state rankings.

6. Alhambra-Martinez (22-5) All-State Shortstop Kylee Perez leads talented returning class bent on returning to the NCS final after a Div. II semifinal exit a year ago.

7. San Benito-Hollister (23-3) CCS Div. I champions graduated just two seniors from last year’s squad.

Program has 52 wins last two seasons.

8. Heritage-Brentwood (22-3) All the pieces are in place for a deep postseason run from the Patriots, who feature power, speed and pitching.

9. Ponderosa (22-9) Bruins return 11 of 14 from its 2012 SJS Div. I runner-up, including all four pitchers who combined for a 1.97 team ERA.

RaeAnn Garza, James Logan

James K. Leash

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10. Sheldon-Sacramento (21-9) Several seniors have moved on, but sophomore Zamari Hinton will lead a punishing offense if the Huskies pitching can keep up.

11. California-San Ramon (16-10) 12. Carlmont-Belmont (24-4) 13. Casa Roble-Orangevale (18-6) 14. Sierra-Manteca (18-6-1) 15. Freedom-Oakley (13-8-1) 16. Petaluma (24-4)å 17. Concord (24-4) 18. Leigh-San Jose (19-10) 19. Johansen-Modesto (10-13-1) 20. Livermore (14-12)

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After breaking through for its first SJS title in 2012, FranklinElk Grove is hoping to get back by staying grounded Story by Jim McCue photos by james k. leash

Franklin’s towering 6-foot-6 pitcher and first baseman, Tyler Blake.

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C

hampionships bring a lot of things — experience, accolades, notoriety, high expectations, and a target for others to aim for. What they do not bring is any assurance of future success.

“We learned that (winning the Sac-Joaquin Section Division I North championship) is not out of our reach, or only for the teams that we hear about,” Franklin High senior outfielder Kyle Zanzi said of the Wildcats’ underdog run to the city championship in 2012. “We are more ready for game situations and all that comes with being in the playoffs, but it’s not a guarantee that we will get back there.”

Franklin earned the city title by defying the odds and defeating higher seeds during a memorable playoff run. The underdog Wildcats finished third in the Delta Valley League and had to win a play-in game on the road at Vintage-Napa just to earn the right to face league foes like Elk Grove and Davis, as well as Division-I powers like Pleasant Grove and Jesuit.

Coach Bryan Kilby’s squad exceeded everyone’s expectations except their own last year to set the bar even higher for the 2013 Wildcats. While that might be intimidating or overwhelming to some teams, Franklin seems to have the proper perspective facing even greater odds to repeat.

In 2013, the Div. I playoff field has been expanded, and will include Div. II-champion Woodcreek and numerous other powerful area programs. Returning to the Div. I section championship series will be a challenging task for Franklin, but Kilby and his players know that they cannot look that far forward if they want to succeed this season.

“We’ll go out and take the same approach that we did all year long (in 2012), and just take it one game at a time,” Kilby said. “We’re not going to catch anybody by surprise this year.

Every game is going to be a battle.”

The battles begin immediately in defense of the title as the Wildcats opened their nonleague schedule March 4 with a loss to local rival and Div. I-contender Pleasant Grove.

Franklin will also face playoff contenders Vacaville, Granite Bay, and Rocklin before concluding a challenging nonleague slate at the 43rd Annual Easter Classic in Fresno. That tournament will feature Central Section heavyweights such as Clovis West and BullardFresno.

The Wildcats struggled to a 1-5 start last season before finally beginning to jell at the Fresno tournament. They hope to enter league play this year with more wins than losses, team chemistry established, and player roles defined.

“Our long-term goal is to repeat what we did last season and play a couple more games,” senior third baseman Ryan Sarginson said. “In the short term, though, we need to use the early season to find the nine and see where they all fit.”

Kilby has a pretty good idea about “the nine” that will be relied upon most on a game-togame basis, but every Wildcat — from the head coach down to the last player on the roster — knows championships are not possible without the contributions of role players.

“Every kid has a strength or they would not be on the team,” Kilby said. “Everyone has their role and we need to make sure they know what their role is and don’t try to do too much.

“If we can get guys to do what they are comfortable doing, we can be successful — just keep the game simple, go out there and have fun.”

The Wildcats’ strength lies in a potent offense that will put the ball in play and force opponents to make plays. The batting order — from top to bottom — does not feature anyone who will strike fear in opponents with the threat of a tape measure home run. Rather,

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Franklin’s lineup has players capable or manufacturing runs when needed.

“In this day and age with the new technology, especially the BB core bats, you have to manufacture runs,” Kilby said. “We’ll try to play for a run every inning. That will be our goal.”

That goal is achievable if the lineup understands its roles and plays to its strengths. Sophomore shortstop Hank LoForte, who will lead off for the second consecutive season, is a contact hitter with exceptional speed. The second slot is owned by Sarginson who is excellent at putting the ball in play and moving runners like LoForte into scoring position.

That sets the table for the heart of the order, starting with senior Tyler Blake, a powerful 6-foot-6 slugger with a sweet left-handed swing. Zanzi follows Blake with great plate discipline and speed that will test opposing infielders and outfielders. Seniors Riley Simmons and Nick Frei also provide consistent contact to keep the Wildcats moving around the bases.

The offense is complemented by a solid defense that rarely beats itself with errors. LoForte and Sarginson anchor the left side of the infield while Zanzi and Simmons lead an outfield that covers a lot of area beyond the dirt. The biggest question mark for Kilby lies in the pitching staff.

The 2012 squad featured three seniors — Kyle Von Ruden, Josh Pigg, and Brandon Keup — that pitched nearly 60 percent of the innings for Franklin en route to the title.

“Offensively and defensively, we are pretty strong,” Kilby said. “On the mound, replacing three

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of our seniors who ate up a lot of our innings is going to be a big ingredient of the key to our success.”

Blake, a towering lefty, will be the team’s ace while Connor Adams steps up to the role of the No. 2 starter. Both pitchers posted 3-2 records and sub3.00 ERAs last season, but neither will likely make headlines by mowing down hitters with doubledigit strikeouts. Cameron Keup, a crafty sophomore hurler and younger brother of Brandon, will round out the starting rotation, but the Wildcats’ bullpen will be filled with seniors eager to record outs when needed.

“We need to pitch for contact and let the defense do what they do,” said Frei, a senior catcher who has received the majority of Wildcats pitchers since Little League. “We have a solid top three and some great pitchers coming in from the bullpen.”

Regardless of the Wildcats’ strengths and challenges, Kilby understands that the bar has been raised with the program’s first championship and expectations are high for Franklin.

“Our kids know that our expectations are high,” the coach said. “We just want to get better every day and try to improve as the season progresses.”

Through the progression, though, Sarginson, one of the team’s three captains, will try to make sure his teammates enjoy every day that they are working to get better.

“We don’t want to get the mentality that we have to go out and win every game,” Sarginson said. “We have to make sure that we remember to have fun out there because we’re playing the greatest game.”

And nothing is guaranteed. ✪

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Franklin senior catcher, Nick Frei.

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INFIELD Joe Caffese

› SCHOOL: St. Mary’s-Stockton › YEAR: Senior › SCOUTING REPORT: The Cal Poly-bound senior pitcher/infielder played a big role in the Rams’ run to the SJS Division I title in 2012 with a 6-1 record, 1.01 ERA, and 59 strikeouts in 48.1 innings pitched. He also contributed at the plate with a .322 average and 22 RBI.

Mauricio Dubon

› SCHOOL: Capital Christian-Sacramento › YEAR: Senior › SCOUTING REPORT: The speedy shortstop was a tough out at the plate and on the basepaths. Dubon hit .543 with 45 runs scored and 48 RBI, and swiped 22 bases in 23 attempts. Half of his 44 hits went for extra bases, including five homers.

Korey Hall

› SCHOOL: Dixon › YEAR: Senior › SCOUTING REPORT: Hall led all SJS batters in 2012 with a .612 average, and had 24 extra-base hits. Hall helped the Rams to the Div. V semifinals with his big bat and solid play at the third base.

outFIELD Jalen Brown

Derek Hill

› SCHOOL: Rosemont-Sac. › YEAR: Senior › SCOUTING REPORT: Brown proved his worth to the Wolverines with a .451 batting average and .557 on-base percentage in 2012. He had 32 hits, scored 26 runs, and was successful in 15-of-16 stolen base attempts.

SCHOOL: Granite Bay YEAR: Senior SCOUTING REPORT: The Cal baseball signee hopes to add an SJS baseball title. Knapp played outfield and catcher last season and posted a .434 batting average and .536 on-base percentage while scoring 32 runs.

› SCHOOL: Buhach ColonyAtwater › YEAR: Senior › SCOUTING REPORT: The Cal commit is a two-way star, with a potent bat in addition to his live arm. He was a perfect 8-0 with a 1.26 ERA in 2012, and struck out 101 batters in just 61.1 innings pitched.

Stephen Nogosek

› SCHOOL: Elk Grove › YEAR: Senior › SCOUTING REPORT: The Thundering Herd’s jack-of-all-trades played every position in the infield, including toeing the slab as the team’s closer in 2012. The UCLA-bound Nunez hit .429 with 44 runs scored and 29 RBI and added a pair of saves in the closer role. › SCHOOL: Elk Grove › YEAR: Senior › SCOUTING REPORT: “Rowdy” racked up a .568 batting average despite opposing teams’ attempts to pitch around the 6-foot-4 first baseman. He belted 7 home runs and drove in 47 while adding 11 stolen bases. He spent his offseason playing in the Area Code Games and PG All-American Games.

› SCHOOL: Sonora › YEAR: Senior › SCOUTING REPORT: Stevenson pitches much bigger than his 5-foot-7, 155-pound frame. He had 119 strikeouts (in 77.1 IP) in 2012, and was 12-3 and 1.09 ERA. Sonora should challenge for the Div. IV section title.

Ryan Tellez

Aaron Knapp

pitchers Daulton Jefferies

› SCHOOL: Woodcreek-Roseville › YEAR: Senior › SCOUTING REPORT: Nogosek was especially dominant in the postseason where he pitched a pair of complete-game wins (including Div. II final) and added a save in the semifinal. For the season, the Oregon-commit was 8-0 with a 1.02 ERA, and struck out 100 batters in 75.2 innings.

Dom Nunez

› SCHOOL: Elk Grove › YEAR: Junior › SCOUTING REPORT: Hill was a newcomer to Elk Grove in 2012 and fit in just fine. He hit .451 with 32 hits, 20 runs, and 19 RBI. In the field, he was solid, making just one error from his center field position.

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utility Grant Heisinger

SCHOOL: Bradshaw Christian-Sac. YEAR: Junior SCOUTING REPORT: As a sophomore, Heisinger did it all. The shortstop/pitcher batted a whopping .575 with a section-best 50 hits to go along with 43 runs and 29 RBI, and he was 21-for-21 on steals.

On the mound, Heisinger went 5-0 with a 1.35 ERA and struck out 36 batters in 36.1 innings.

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Contributed

Ben Ritchey (above)

SCHOOL: Capital Christian-Sac. YEAR: Senior SCOUTING REPORT: The talented Mr. Ritchey posted a 9-3 record with a 1.14 ERA, and fanned 86 batters in just 61.1 innings. At the plate, he batted .506 with 41 runs scored and 34 driven in. With a solid senior class that includes Mauricio Dubon, the Cougars could be a favorite in Div. V.

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Photo by Jonathan Hawthorne

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rauerGarza and

Sitting down with the two pitchers of nationally-ranked Amador Valley and James Logan

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By Chace Bryson | Editor

his is only a scrimmage. But what’s happening between the James Logan and Amador Valley High softball teams at Oak Grove Middle School on March 2 doesn’t quite have the same look or feel as the scrimmage happening on the neighboring field.

It would’ve been foolish for anyone to have expected it to.

This is the first time the full rosters of both teams have competed against one another since last June, when James Logan won an epic North Coast Section Division I final 1-0 over Amador Valley — a win that denied the Dons a perfect season and a mythical national championship.

Softball in the East Bay has seen its share of dynasties over the years, but the concurrent dominance of the Colts and Dons has a once-in-a-generation feel to it. Amador Valley opened the season ranked No. 1 in MaxPreps.com’s Xcellent 25 National Rankings; James Logan sat at No. 5.

At the hearts of these two clubs are two pitchers who have yet to play a high school season without starting in an NCS final. James Logan senior RaeAnn Garza has pitched in three, winning twice. In 2011, her sophomore year, she lost to an Amador Valley freshman named Johanna Grauer.

As pitchers, they could not be more different if they tried. Garza is a finesse pitcher who forces ground balls and relies on a fundamentally strong defense behind her. Grauer trusts her defense too, but doesn’t need it nearly as often — as evidenced by her 17-strikeout performance in last year’s championship loss.

Below is an interwoven transcript of separate conversations with both pitchers during their respective breaks between games during the March 2 scrimmage jamboree.

■●■ Is this the first time you two have seen each other since last year’s final?

Garza: I believe we actually saw each other the weekend after the championship game. We both had a (club) tournament in Huntington Beach, so we saw each other then. But it’s always friendly. It’s always ‘hello.’ We’re friends.

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grauer: We played on the same 14U team a few years ago. It’s not like there’s a personal rivalry where we dislike each other. Well there’s a competitiveness there, but it’s not like there’s tension. It’s relaxed.

What are the first thoughts that come to mind when you think of last year’s final?

Garza: It was a fight till the end. They almost came back in that last inning. They never gave up. We never gave up. And it was just a great game. Two good teams. grauer: It was heartbreaking. ... In terms of as a pitcher. The first thing I think of is throwing a rise instead of a drop ball (to Garza, who hit an RBI double in the top of the seventh for the game’s only run), because I had her on the drop ball and I decided to switch it up and that’s what she hit. Personally, that’s something I always think of.

Garza: I hit a deep fly ball. Jazmine Reed was on first base. She took it upon herself to steal on that pitch. She was already going. If we didn’t have her speed at first base, she probably would’ve ended up third. So most of that, I would say, was Jazmine Reed.

How much do you remember about the pregame? I was taken aback at how stark the contrast was between the two teams. One team (Amador Valley) appeared extremely loose and the other seemed to be quiet and exceedingly focused.

Garza: We knew we wanted to win. We knew Johanna was a great pitcher. We knew they’re a good team.

We just wanted it so bad. There was no goofing around before the game. Everybody was serious. Not tight, but SO focused.

Did you look over and think Amador Valley might be too loose?

Garza: Uhh, I’m not sure. ... No comment. grauer: I felt like the looseness was good. I don’t think it’s good to go into a game all tense. To me, when the team is really quiet it’s like they’re nervous. Versus a team who is really relaxed and loose. It can come off as cocky, but it was more like we were confident and trying to stay relaxed.

Is this definitely a rivalry now?

grauer: It does feel like it, definitely. When I was a freshman we beat them twice that year and last year we beat them the first time. ... A lot of people at our school know about it now, and if they find out we’re playing them they are like, ‘Oh, you gotta beat ‘em.’

This scrimmage was really the first chance to officially turn the page from how last year ended. How easy will that be for your team?

Garza: We know that we have to. (Amador Valley) is a very good team and the final could’ve gone either way. We’ve been keeping up our hard work and we hope to be in the championship game with them again this season. grauer: We’re off to a good start with that. We had a coaching change which sort of accelerated (turning the page). But our chemistry is still really good and we are ready to move forward.

You both have been pitching in pressure-packed games since your freshmen season. What have you learned in the time since that has made you a better pitcher? grauer: I’m a lot more confident in what I’m doing. I know what to expect. I know what the feeling going into the championship game is like now. I kind of know how to control the emotions and stay really focused.

Garza: I feel like I’ve learned a lot from playing teams (like Amador Valley). You realize how good of hitters they are and what you need to do. Facing those teams have helped me grow. My coach has helped me grow. My teammates, they have my back. I’m not a high strikeout pitcher. If I produce a ground ball my defense is going to get that out. Knowing they’re there for me is a really big deal.

What will it take for your teams to do it all over again this June? grauer: Almost all of us are returners. We know what we’re doing. We’ve done it before, so it’s really relaxed. ... We just need to work on staying into the game all seven innings. And hitting consistently.

Garza: We need to trust each other and work hard. ... We’ve been there so many times, why can’t we do it again? If we put in the hard work, we can do it. ✪

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Amanda Horbasch › SCHOOL: Woodcreek › YEAR: Senior › SCOUTING REPORT: Horbasch sparkled as the Timeberwolves’ ace a year ago, posting a record of 13-4 with a 0.96 ERA and a 158 Ks through 117 innings.

Jenna Curtan › SCHOOL: Woodcreek › YEAR: Junior › SCOUTING REPORT: The versatile Curtan was the ultimate table-setter for the Woodcreek lineup in 2012. She hit .404 with 38 hits, 28 runs scored and 18 SB. Allie Walljasper › SCHOOL: Sierra › YEAR: Junior › SCOUTING REPORT: A true doublethreat, the LSU-bound talent went 13-4 with a 0.48 ERA and 226 Ks in the circle. At the plate, she hit .368 with 5 HR.

Morgan Lamb › SCHOOL: Elk Grove › YEAR: Sophomore › SCOUTING REPORT: When a freshman hits .410 and leads her team with 26 runs scored, it’s hard not to take notice. The infielder also led the team with 34 hits, two triples and a HR. Taylor Martinez › SCHOOL: El Camino › YEAR: Senior › SCOUTING REPORT: The talented 1B/OF was not easy to pitch to in 2012. She lead her team in several offensive categories, including average (.560), hits (42), RBI (26) and HR (3).

Breonna Bejaran › SCHOOL: Modesto Christian › YEAR: Senior › SCOUTING REPORT: Last season was a tough one for the Crusaders, but not for Bejaran, who batted .653 with 23 RBI, 9 doubles, 2 triples and 8 HR. Katelyn Harden › SCHOOL: Hughson › YEAR: Senior › SCOUTING REPORT: The pitcher was a force in the circle and at the plate. Her pitching numbers included a 25-1 record with 285 Ks and just 29 walks in 155 IP. On offense, she hit .518 with 37 RBI.

Krystal Aubert › SCHOOL: Casa Roble › YEAR: Junior › SCOUTING REPORT: Absolutely mashed at the plate a year ago. The infielder led the Rams in nearly every offensive category, including average (.508), runs (31), RBI (27) and extrabase hits (16).

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Kobie Pettis › SCHOOL: Argonaut › YEAR: Junior › SCOUTING REPORT: Pettis was named a Sophomore All-American after a season in which she hit .659 with 58 hits, 53 runs, 31 RBI and 18 SB.

WANT MORE?

Paris Hallums › SCHOOL: Ponderosa › YEAR: Senior › SCOUTING REPORT: Hallums returns as the Bruins ace after posting a 13-3 with seven shutouts a season ago.

She held a 1.97 ERA with 124 Ks. Zamari Hinton › SCHOOL: Sheldon › YEAR: Junior › SCOUTING REPORT: Hinton blossomed into an offensive force for the Huskies a year ago, hitting .522 with 19 RBI and 27 runs scored. Expect those numbers to go up as she migrates toward the heart of the lineup in 2013.

Gabrielle Maurice › SCHOOL: Johansen-Modesto › YEAR: Senior › SCOUTING REPORT: Named CalHiSports.com’s Junior Player of the Year, Maurice batted .614 with 36 runs, 27 RBI and 9 HR. Of her 35 hits, 23 went for extra bases.

Ponderosa senior, Missy Silveira.

Photo by James K. Leash.

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Our preview coverage will continue with Jim McCue’s exclusive online feature on Ponderosa at SportStarsOnline.com on March 11. Here’s a teaser: Paris Hallums and the Ponderosa softball team were rolling in the 2012 Sac Joaquin Section Division I playoffs before the offensive juggernaut of Sheldon derailed the Bruins’ title hopes.

But, a new season brings new hope for Ponderosa.

The Bruins, who finished with a 22-9 overall record and won the Delta River League with an 8-2 mark last year, return Hallums, their ace pitcher, and a host of promising young bats to challenge Sheldon’s dynasty.

Ponderosa won a Division II title back in 1980, well before any of this year’s players were born, but a new chapter is being written for the program that has finished three times as section runner-up in the last 11 years.

It’s time to flip the script. ✪

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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 of what’s currently hot on the market.

Should you like any of the products showcased here, you can easily use the Layar App on your smart phone to pull-up a direct link to the company’s website.

Scan. Click. Buy. Simple.

XX2i Optics Sunglasses

These babies just won the Gear Institute Best Value Award for sports sunglasses under $150. The package comes with two sunglasses, five lenses, pouches for frames and lenses, and a hard case.

The five lenses are all different colors and shades, so you can customize for any conditions you’re facing on the trail. We dare you to find a bigger bang for your buck. Visit www.xx2i.com for more info.

under armour

Pro Hammer Bat

We know you’re smart and know this is the Baseball/Softball Preview issue, so there’s no need for us to hit you over the head with one of these.

The Pro Hammer bat helps you locate the sweet spot every time. You’ll be turning weak groundouts and popouts into dingers in no time. Go to www.prohammerbat.com to get yours now.

If you’re anything like us then you’ve been glued to your TV watching hour upon hour of the NFL Combine. We geek out watching how fast 300-pound linemen can run the 40, how nimble quarterbacks are running the shuttle drill and how much tiny running backs can bench 225 pounds.

You probably noticed the colorful spandex these dudes were wearing.

And, yup, it’s another sports apparel signature of Under Armour. UA is ideal for working out, so we suggest you royally hook yourself up and ace that tryout. Hit up www.underarmour.com

KIND Healthy Snacks

Don’t be fooled by other health bars.

With KIND, you can actually pronounce all of the ingredients of what you’re eating, which makes for a shocking twist these days.

They have a library of flavors to choose from, which makes it tough for us to choose our favorite. You should definitely try Madagascar Vanilla Almond, Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate + Protein, and Fruit & Nut Delight. The best part is it tastes good AND it’s healthy. Like, for reals healthy.

We can get behind that. Go to www.kindsnacks.com to learn more.

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Ways youth sports culture is killing self motivation

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Get Mental Erika Carlson

Today’s “professional model” of competitive youth sports has tremendous advantages over the former recreational sport model that most of us parents grew up with.

In regards to development, young athletes are learning more, faster and sooner than ever before.

My 10-year old daughter already knows more about soccer than I did when I was 25! This model is excellent for identifying the best talent and helping to build the competitiveness of our clubs, colleges, national and professional teams. It also helps drive coaching education with licensing by national governing bodies, giving our kids better coaching and better sport experiences. All great news for our elite youth athletes.

However, there is a downside to this training model: Deficient self-motivation. Here’s why.

Highly organized sports from a young age — Prior to this hyper-competitive era we live in, athletes could be seasonal and try a number of sports. They could choose to not play one year and play the next. Athletes often played multiple sports, usually one per season. This approach allowed athletes to pause and take time to recover mentally and physically, reducing the chance of injury and burnout. Unlike today’s sport world, they could step away and decide what they really wanted to do. If they were in, they were IN. In other words, they were much more likely to be self-motivated.

Authoritative coaching styles – Authoritative coaches (think “My way or the highway!”) have been around forever. There are some athletes who thrive under the tutelage of a hard-nosed coach. There are many who don’t. So why do authoritative coaches kill self-motivation? Because their motivator is fear. Fear of the being yelled at. Fear of being singled out. Fear of making a mistake. It’s true, fear IS the best motivator (this generally helps us survive as humans). The problem is that once fear is removed, there is often a complete lack of motivation.

In other words, motivation becomes dependent on the presence of fear. This is one explanation for why former athletes who once thrived in a strict, highly disciplined, authoritative program could not transfer what they learned from sport to life in general. This also explains athletes who are highly motivated during practice but not outside of it. The true test of motivation is if an athlete can work hard on their own.

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No free time — Anyone who is a youth athlete or a parent of a youth athlete lacks free time. That was not the case 25 years ago. There was down time. There was time to reflect on last weekend’s game and time to dream about next weekend. So what does that have to do with motivation? My 15 years as a Mental Skills Coach has taught me first hand that when an athlete knows their “why” (“Why do I play?”

“Why am I out here…again?” “Why am I not home hanging out with my friends?”) motivation is stronger and more resilient.

Finding your “why” requires reflective thinking, self-awareness and adversity challenges. Ironically, in today’s culture the best opportunity some athletes get for free time is when they are injured. Free time can be any time away from the court or field with friends, hiking, biking going to the beach — anything that allows for time to ponder possibilities and figure out your “why.”

Why does being self-motivated matter?

› It’s up to you to get it done – At the end of the day, it’s your sport experience. You will put in the sweat and you will reap the benefits and satisfaction. Blaming others for failures will get you nowhere. Being proactive and responsible will. › Your profession (probably not sports) will require it — Sports are a great training ground for life. Working in a system with others, learning to be disciplined and work through conflict, even learning how to win, are skills you will need for the rest of your life. Chances are you will not be a professional athlete (don’t let me stop you) but if there’s any chance of it, being self-motivated will be KEY for making that happen. › If you do the work, you get the credit — I’ve talked to a lot of athletes over the years. Not one person has ever told me that they regretted working really hard towards a goal. I know it’s cliché to say, but many athletes have told me the journey towards a goal matters. It often matters more than the goal itself. ✪

Erika Carlson is a certified mental trainer and owner of Excellence In Sport Performance in Pleasanton.

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health watch: lauren small

Concussion prevention through neck strengthening Concussion prevention has become a hot topic amongst everyone associated with athletics, especially parents, coaches, and medical professionals who treat adolescent and young athletes. While there are many devices on the market that claim to prevent concussions, there is a much less expensive, yet very effective way to reduce the risk of a concussion, and it works for all sports.

According to Dr. Cantu, a leading concussion expert, daily neck strengthening exercises, if done properly, can help prevent concussions more than any product on the market today.

The exercises are easy to do and do not require any special equipment.

They can be done at home by using your hand to resist head flexion, extension, lateral flexion and rotation. You can also use a partner or a resistance band instead if you choose, the important thing is that there is some form of resistance in order to strengthen the muscles. Several sets of 10 repetitions in each direction, every day, will decrease head acceleration that is a leading cause of concussion.

It is important to note that neck strengthening is something that should be done in addition to practicing proper techniques for your sport and utilizing appropriate protective equipment. While there is no way to completely prevent a concussion during physical activity, playing smart will go a long way. ✪ Lauren Small is a certified athletic trainer at the Sports Medicine Center for Young Athletes of Children’s Hospital Oakland

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Watch your back!

powered by Trucks: anthony trucks

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Be sure to pull, not just press Do you ever notice the big buff guys walking around the gym with their huge chests, shoulders, and arms and it looks like their shoulders are squeezing together in the front? Well that’s not a good thing.

What’s happening is their front pressing muscles are so much stronger in comparison to their back pulling muscles that they are in fact tightening their chest and shoulder muscles which actually damages their back and pulling muscles — which can inadvertently lead to a rounded back. This rounded back is also present in individuals who spend lots of time sitting in front of a computer and not working out. So whether you work out or not, you need to strengthen your back so you can keep your back posture and strength.

The simple point is that 90 percent of people who train, and 100 percent of those who don’t, neglect the need to build a strong back. If you are a person who works out, studies show that simply building your pulling muscles will in fact increase the ability for you to press/push more weight.

If you are a person who spends no time in the weight room but a lot of time sitting with your hands in front of your body, then doing some simple exercises to build your back strength will help your posture to ward off pain later in life, and that old person hunch that looks so sexy. ✪ Anthony Trucks is the owner of Trucks Training facility in Brentwood and covers weight training for SportStars.

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Training time: Tim Rudd

Maximizing effectiveness of inverted row The row is a pulling exercise that is great for acceleration, throwing, pushing, pulling, performing other exercises, posture, shoulder health, anti-extension core stabilizers, scapular stability/mobility, grip, lats, rhomboids, and mid and lower traps — all things that are important for increasing athletic performance in any sport. But of course, only if it’s done right.

Here are four ways to increase the effectiveness of the exercise:

Start in the top position. Ensure that the athlete’s body is in a neutral position (head, shoulder, hips, knees and ankles aligned and core stabilized).

The athlete’s shoulder blades should be retracted, shoulders relaxed and wrists remain neutral. This prevents anterior tilt of the shoulder blades, preventing shear forces on the cuff and tendons of the shoulders and elbows.

The elbows barely pass the midline of the body ensuring that we keep scapular stability as well as ball socket integrity of the shoulder joint.

At the bottom, the body line should still be neutral (plank position), shoulders relaxed and shoulder blades protracted.

The athletes should descend out of the top with control and pull back up slowly for beginners and faster as the athlete advances and masters this movement. There are many ways to advance this movement, by decreasing the angle, adding resistance, decreasing stability by using only one arm, changing grips and adding rotation. The possibilities are limitless, but it is important to follow the proper progressions and stress quality over quantity, especially if the goal is to improve performance on the field or court. ✪ Tim Rudd is an IYCA specialist in youth conditioning and owner of Fit2TheCore.

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tri steps: liz elliott

Get

!

Geared

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Spring is almost here, and it’s time to make sure you have all the gear needed for training and your upcoming races. While there are always more and better items you can buy, many items are “nice to haves.” Here is a short list of “must haves.” › Working bike, with at least 2 water bottle cages. Get fit.

Get it tuned. › Working, newer helmet. › Run shoes right for your feet and gait. Go get fit. › Non-cotton, wicking sport clothes. › At least one pair of bike shorts › At least one pair of tri shorts. › Wetsuit if doing open water swimming. › Swim gear - swim suit, goggles right for your face, swim cap. › Sun glasses. › Sun block. › Water bottles.

Again, this is by no means everything you will want, or need, but this will get you started.

Gear also includes nutritional items for before, during and after workouts. You need gels, bars and electrolytes for during your workouts, and recovery for after your workout. While I always recommend real, unprocessed food as your regular diet, packaged “sport” foods specifically designed for optimal nutrition absorption and time-released, (not the granola or other types of bars) are not only designed for your body while working out, but also packaged perfectly for use during a run or ride. Since last season your tastes may have changed. Go to a sports store, and pick up an array of products to sample and begin to try in your early season workouts. ✪ Liz Elliott was an All-American collegiate swimmer and is the head coach at Tri-Valley Triathlon Club.

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10-year NFL veteran brings his multi-level combine to Dublin T

By erik stordahl | SportStars

he Donovin Darius Next Level Football Camp is quickly becoming a staple in the Bay Area.

A 10-year NFL veteran (nine seasons with the Jaguars, one with the Dolphins), Darius has made his home in Jacksonville, FL., but is passing on his knowledge of the game of football to youngsters and high schoolers locally. For those ready to take on the college level, it’s advised they take part in his Spring Combine and Football Camp in Dublin on April 6.

Just like the NFL Scouting Combine, this one tests high school athletes’ speed, agility, footwork, endurance, flexibility and more. Scouting combines have been popping up in recent years and most high schoolers show up to these events unprepared.

Darius has been running his own combine for more than five years and will coach these athletes on events like the 40-yard dash, shuttle run, and others.

He’ll also give them tips on how to improve in each area so they can make stronger impressions in front of college coaches and scouts down the line.

“This is a more hands-on approach,” said Stacey Harris, who helps run the Combine. “Every kid leaves a better football player because of the way (Donovin) runs the camp.”

But it’s not just for elite high school players, it’s

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also for younger kids who simply want to get their feet wet.

“It’s a great intro to the sport,” Harris said. “They’ll learn footwork, technique, endurance, flexibility — the basics. And we measure those things.”

“They learn how to be students of the game,” Darius said.

He’s also big on developing the character of these athletes and shaping them to become role models amongst their peers.

“Athletes have great opportunities to be leaders,” Darius said. “The problem I’m trying to help solve is an identity problem, and help turn these athletes into a generation of leaders.”

In addition to running a series of drills, high school athletes will get the chance to sit down oneon-one with Darius where he can go in-depth on how they can improve positionally, whether they’re a linebacker or wide receiver.

The Spring Combine and Football Camp will be held at Emerald Glenn Park in Dublin on April 6.

It’s $75 for youth athletes and $99 for high schoolers.

Prizes will be given to Fastest Man, Most Improvement, Most Coachable, Offensive MVP and Defensive MVP. Prizes include autograph footballs, trading cards, gift certificates, training gear, and more.

For more info on the Combine, check out www. dariusnextleveltraining.com ✪

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BASEBALL/SOFTBALL

All Star Academy of Baseball All-Star Academy in Santa Clara features a 17,000-square foot indoor and outdoor training facility that is home to a variety of instructional programs designed to develop the total player. ASA offers All Skills Camps for ages 7-12, and Summer Boot Camps for 12 & under, middle school, high school competitive athletes. Info: 650-961-2255; www. asabaseball.com 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-onone training. Info: lancerblankenship@sbcglobal. net or 925-708-3173.

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

The Pitching 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: 925416-1600, 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.

925-606-1605, www. norcalgrizzlies.org.

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BASKETBALL

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

Camps open to boys, girls ages 6-16. We hold a multi-week Spring Academy in Clayton, four-day Summer Academy in Antioch. Info: 925-203-5636 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 (3rd8th) sessions and two high school sessions.

Camps are conducted by Clay Kallam (Bentley HS), Kelly Sopak (Miramonte HS), Dan

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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 weeklong 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: 510986-5310 or go to http:// warriors.com/camps.

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

I’m Possible Training (Mike Allen) Whether you’re beginner or on varsity, this

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program will help you excel. Improve ball-handling, footwork, shooting, overall fitness.

I’m Possible is a world-renowned basketball program authored

by NBA skills coach Micah Lancaster. Mike Allen, head trainer for the Bay Area located in Los Gatos, runs clinics for athletes of all levels from pros to AAU and high school. By registering, you can download the program, which lists a library of drills. Info: 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. The Spring Break Camp is April 1-5: 5th graders (9-11 a.m.), 6th-8th graders (noon-2 p.m.), high schoolers (3-5 p.m.). Sessions have fun, exciting drills that will help them become better players. Camps run by qualified high school coaches from Cal Stars and Cagers Basketball. Info: 925-457-5081; www.norcalcourts.com

CHEER

CheerGyms.com Customize our clinics to fit your needs. Cheergyms.com runs the best overnight residential camps. We offer practical, fun material and professional, knowledgeable staff. Camps do not exceed 375 cheerleaders

with one staff member 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.

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FITNESS

Children’s Hospital “Learn What It’s Like To Be An Athletic Trainer.”

Workshop exclusively for high school students, March 1-2. Includes: Overview of careers in sports medicine; ankle injuries and taping techniques; wrist, hand, thumb injuries and taping; knee injuries and RICE therapy; stretching techniques; low back injuries and CORE Training; sports concussions; shoulder injuries, rehabilitation. Class credit, certificate of completion and reference materials. Run by Children’s Hospital Sports Medicine staff, held in Oakland. Also available: yoga, athletic development, speed camps, circuit training. Info: 510-428-3558 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. We work on a solid athletic foundation while focusing on individual progress.

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

Info: www.fasteryoungathletes.com, 925-639-0907.

Renaissance ClubSport We offer sports, speciality camps for kids 5-12 during school breaks. Participants have 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: 925932-6400, www.wcsf.net

ages 6-14, which take place at Laural Ball Field and Shady Oaks Park in Oakley. Info/registration: 925625-2222, www.DiabloFootball.com.

Football University From the creators of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Exclusively for nation’s most elite youth, high school players. For many younger players this level of coaching is simply not available, so the Football University experience focuses on intense positionspecific technique taught by our expert faculty. The 2013 Bay Area camp will be held at Dublin High from April 26-28. Info: footballuniversity. org 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.

Next Level Training Combine This spring combine and football camp is April 6 at Emerald Park in Dublin for football players ages 7-18.

The camp will feature 10-year NFL defensive back Donovin Darius. Youth camp are 9 a.m-noon, high school camp is 1-4 p.m. Focuses of the combine will include speed, agility, strength, quickness and conditioning. Info: DariusNextLevelTraining.com; 904-290-3320 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, 650245-3608, norcalyouthfootballcamp@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:

FOOTBALL

All Out Sports League Camps held in Antioch and Clayton. Our four day non-contact camp teaches every position on the football field and are geared toward the fundamentals. Every aspect is covered: blocking, tackling, running, defense, offense, special teams and more.

Camps are open to boys, girls ages 6-16. Info: 925203-5636, www.alloutsportsleague.com Diablo Football Camps We offer contact and non-contact camps for players

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Advertiser Index ❒❒ All Out Baseball & Softball In Season.........................28 ❒❒ All- Star Academy......................................................41 ❒❒ Army National Guard Recruiter.....................................7 ❒❒ Bear Valley Mountain Camps......................................13 ❒❒ Big O Tires Northern California/ Nevada.......................2 ❒❒ Cabernet Indoor Sports..............................................40 ❒❒ Cal Athletic Camps.....................................................46 ❒❒ Cal Stars Girls Basketball............................................44 ❒❒ Championship Athletic Fundraising...........................12 ❒❒ Cheergyms.Com.........................................................18 ❒❒ Children’s Hospital And Research Center.....................38 ❒❒ Club Sport..................................................................35 ❒❒ Club Sport Renaissance..............................................22 ❒❒ Community Youth Center...........................................45 ❒❒ Core Volleyball Club....................................................41 ❒❒ Diablo Rock Gym........................................................44 ❒❒ Diablo Trophies & Awards...........................................44 ❒❒ Dianne Adair Enrichment Programs.............................3 ❒❒ Donovin Darius Next Level Football Combine....... 39, 45 ❒❒ E J Sports Elite Baseball Services................................42 ❒❒ East Bay Sports Academy...........................................16 ❒❒ Excellence In Sport Performance................................34 ❒❒ Fit 2 The Core..............................................................37 ❒❒ Golden Key Realty & Mortgage Bankers Inc...............46 ❒❒ Hawk Basketball Academy.........................................41 ❒❒ Head First Baseball.....................................................27 ❒❒ Heritage Soccer Club..................................................23 ❒❒ Home Team Sports Photography................................43 ❒❒ Image Imprint............................................................41 ❒❒ Impact Soccer.............................................................23 ❒❒ Jump Highway...........................................................41 ❒❒ Linemeninc................................................................44 ❒❒ Mike Allen Sports L L C...............................................47 ❒❒ Mountain Mike’s Pizza................................................11 ❒❒ Muir Orthopedic Specialists........................................37 ❒❒ National Scouting Report...........................................42 ❒❒ Passthaball.................................................................45 ❒❒ Pro Hammer Bat.........................................................43 ❒❒ Rocco’s Pizza...............................................................44 ❒❒ Rockin Jump...............................................................32 ❒❒ Saint Mary’s Athletic Summer Camps.........................42 ❒❒ Sky High Sports..........................................................44 ❒❒ Sport Clips..................................................................21 ❒❒ State Farm Jimmy Harrington Agent..........................15 ❒❒ Stevens Creek Toyota..................................................17 ❒❒ Sutter Delta..................................................................5 ❒❒ The First Tee Of Contra Costa .................................45,46 ❒❒ Tpc / The Pitching Center............................................27 ❒❒ Trucks Training...........................................................34 ❒❒ U S Cryotherapy..........................................................36 ❒❒ United States Youth Volleyball League.......................48 ❒❒ Velocity Sports Performance......................................43 ❒❒ Velocity Sports Baseball.............................................42 ❒❒ Walnut Creek Soccer Club...........................................21 ❒❒ West Coast Soccer Club...............................................42

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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 Spring classes begin in early March and seasonal classes are offered at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course (San 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 Classes begin in early March. Oncea-week summer slasses also available. Info: 925462-7201; 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. Half-day and full-day camps for girls, boys ages 5 and up for both recreational and competitive athletes. Our 13,000 square foot facility has the newest equipment, including the brand new 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 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; 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.

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Diablo Rock Gym Offering kids summer camps every week June-August.

Ages 6-17; multiple kid and/ or week discounts. Info: 925602-1000.

Epic Indoor Skatepark Skateboard and scooter camps available in June, July and November.

Only $250 for a week or $50 per day. Skateboard deck or scooter grips included with a full week of camp. Lunch and snack provided. Info: www. epicindoorskate.com.

fitness, sportsmanship and teamwork. Info: 510-758-5288, http://wccysl.com.

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

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.

RUGBY

SOCCER

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 oneweek 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, 925-9374466 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 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,

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SWIMMING-DIVING

Sherman Swim School Our year-round schedule allows children and adults to learn, retain and improve their swim skills.

We teach from age 9 months to adults, from non-swimmers to competitive.

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

TENNIS

VOLLEYBALL

Bay Area Blast Summer Clinics Offering summer skills clinics for players of all ages, skill levels at NorCal Courts in Martinez.

Morning clinics for 6th-8th grade girls and boys or players who are beginner/intermediate level. Evening clinics for 9th-12th grade girls and boys or players who are intermediate/advanced level. Info: www. bayareablast.com/summerclinics.html City Beach The City Beach volleyball club is based out of Santa Clara and has achieved a vast amount of national success while sending an array of athletes to the college level. The club offers summer camps and clinics. Info: CityBeach.

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

For athletes with limited experience, we help develop solid fundamentals. Our advanced training, for junior levels (12th grade & below) will provide athletes opportunity to excel at becoming elite players in preparation for high school and/or collegiate volleyball. Info: www. pacificrimvolleyball.com.

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

Six-, four- and two-person formats allow kids to play in every position. Registration fee includes a T-shirt, completion certificate, snacks and water. Info: 888-988-7985, www.

USYVL.org.

WRESTLING

Community Youth Center Offers young athletes opportunity to participate and excel in one of the world’s oldest sports. The program trains, challenges wrestlers at all age groups

from kindergarten through high school, and all experience levels. The program is nationally recognized under the guidance of coach Mark Halvorson. Info: 925-671-7070, Ext. 229, www.communityyouthcenter.com.

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: 888-505-2253.

Cal Camps Camps are offered in variety of sports for girls, boys ages 5-19, with week-long, half-day, 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 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. Spring camps: March 29, April 1-5. Info: CityBeach.com; 510-651-2500 x105.

De La Salle Camps Our athletic summer camps provide a fun, skill-building 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 June 8-June 27. Info: summercamps@dlshs.org; 925-288-8100, Ext. 7090.

East Bay Youth Sports Association We are a year-round, full-service youth sports organization dedicated to the growth and development of character, sportsmanship, confidence, teamwork, ability and fun. We offer 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: multi-sport (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. ✪

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