SJ Issue 90, Sept. 2014 by Sport Stars Magazine

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September 2014

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Nate Jones found stability in his life when he moved in with his great aunt and uncle in Tracy, and it shows on the football field.

ZONE: The Honor Bowl cel24 RED ebrates its 5th anniversary— this isn’t just another football game. 4

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September 2014

The game can be won or lost by what’s going on between your ears. So, what can you do to get better?

BREAKDOWN: 10 STATE The Bay Area and Sac-Joaquin sections have had a rivalry that has just grown bigger and better over the last several seasons. And now that regional battle could go a long way in determining postseason bowl game matchups.

pitch: Football is back 6 First and that is awesome. But it’s far from the only thing to love about the fall. NorCal volleyball is about as good as it gets, and that’s only the beginning for local sports nuts.

8 locker room: Willie Williams: Not

bad for a beginner. The basketball star was playing in his first varsity football game and had a night to remember. How many yards did he have? For an unofficial count, he had all the yards. For the exact number, we’re making you flip a few pages.

on the cover Rocklin’s Maddie Haynes. Photo by James K. Leash

camps & Clinics

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Find your sport. Turn to page 35.

Fence: Tryouts, sign-ups, 36 The fund-raisers and more!

37 Advertiser’s index

It’s not ALL about football

ell, it happened. The calendar finally turned over to September, football is being played under brilliant sunsets and the fall season is officially upon us. Not that we’re complaining. We love finding fun summer stories to fill the gap between school years, but few things charge us up more than a new season of competition to start covering. We’ve already showed that passion with a jam-packed football preview that came out Aug. 21. If you haven’t seen one yet, you can still view it on SportStarsOnline.com. This issue, however, we begin to turn the focus a bit and showcase something other than football. Volleyball gets the spotlight. And if there is one sport in which NorCal has really held its own in recent years, it’s girls volleyball. Over the past four years, Northern California has won 13 of the 20 state championships contested, including three in 2013. It’s a better winning percentage than any other team sport at the state level over that span. There’s nothing to suggest that trend should be changing anytime, either. Between the teams of the Central Coast Section’s West Catholic Athletic League, the North Coast Section’s East Bay Athletic League and the Sac-Joaquin Section’s Sierra Foothill League, we’d be shocked if a few state banners weren’t heading north again this December. Those leagues don’t include other perennial state contenders like Campolindo-Moraga, Bishop O’DowdOakland or Branson-Ross. This fall won’t be just about football and volleyball, though. It’s also worth noting that five Northern California cross country teams will be attempting to defend state titles — Yreka (Division IV boys), St. Joseph Notre Dame-Alameda (Div. V

boys), Campolindo (Div. III girls), San Lorenzo Valley-Felton (Div. IV girls) and Branson (Div. V girls). The CIF doesn’t have state playoffs in water polo (though we wish they would at least organize regional championships), but we’re pretty sure that San Ramon Valley-Danville and Davis would be a favorites if they did. If you’re a fan of the sport, we highly recommend going to see the Wolves and their star player Kat Klass before the season is up. Klass will be attempting to help San Ramon Valley to a fourth straight NCS Div. I title. Davis senior Colby Stapleton would be another player worth seeing as the Blue Devils seek a SIXTH consecutive SJS Div. I crown. Other fall story lines we’ll be watching include: ›› Palo Alto senior Michelle Xie’s quest for a state girls golf title. Xie was a postseason machine last fall, taking medalist honors at the Central Coast Section and CIF NorCal Championships before a Top-10 finish at the state tournament. ›› Jesuit-Carmichael and Granite Bay’s race for Div. I supremacy in SJS boys soccer. Last year the teams met in the Div. I final and Granite Bay prevailed 2-1 in overtime, avenging a 5-0 loss to the Crusaders in the previous year’s championship match. ›› Can Dougherty Valley-San Ramon sweep the NCS team titles in both girls golf and girls tennis, as it did in 2013? They were only the third school to accomplish the double, joining Branson, which won both Div. II titles in 2012, and Monte Vista-Danville, which swept the sports in 2004 when there was just a single classification. Seeing as how there were very few seniors on either of the Wildcats championship teams, there’s a good chance for a repeat. Now you know how we plan to spend our fall. Also, there’s football. ✪

Rocklin’s Maddie Haynes can wreck it with NorCal’s best.

join our team PHONE 925.566.8500 FAX 925.566.8507 Editorial Editor@SportStarsOnline.com Editor Chace Bryson • Chace@SportStarsOnline.com Staff Writer Jim McCue • JimMcCue16@gmail.com Contributors Bill Kolb, Matt Smith, Clay Kallam, Ben Enos, Dave Kiefer, Liz Elliott, Tim Rudd, Trevor Horn Copy Editor Bill Kruissink Photography Bob Larson, Jonathan Hawthorne, James K. Leash, Norbert von der Groeben, Phillip Walton, Doug Guler, Dean Coppola, Berry Evans, III Marketing/Events Ryan Arter Editorial Intern Mike Young Creative Department Art@SportStarsOnline.com Production Manager Mike DeCicco • MikeD@SportStarsOnline.com Publisher/President Mike Calamusa • Mike@SportStarsOnline.com Advertising Sales@SportStarsOnline.com, 925.566.8500 Account Executives Leslie Ellis • Leslie@SportStarsOnline.com Camps & Clinics: Ryan Arter • Camps@SportStarsOnline.com Alameda County: Berry Evans • Berry@foto-pros.com Central Valley, World Events: Anthony Grigsby • Area Director anthony.grigsby@worldeventssports.com Darin Wissner • dwissner@wordeventssports.com Reader Resources/Administration Subscription, Calendar, Credit Services Angela Paradise • Info@SportStarsOnline.com Distribution/Delivery Phillip Walton • 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. #5, September 2014 Whole No. 90 is published by Caliente! Communications, LLC, 5356 Clayton Rd, Ste. 222, Concord, CA 94521. SportStars™© 2010-2014 by Caliente! Communications, LLC. All rights reserved. Subscription rates: 16 issues, U.S. 3rd class $35 (allow 3 weeks for delivery). 1st class $55. To receive sample issues, please send $3 per copy for $6 total fo bulk. 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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Rapid Fire

Mitch Daniels Concord Football

Kyron Basped Sacramento Football

Do the 49ers make the playoffs again Yes

Trending What’s hot this week in the world of stuff that’s hot Donnie Wahlberg married Jenny McCarthy and is going to head out on tour with his new band ‘Unvaccinated Kids on the Block’. California high school Coachella Valley is dropping it’s Middle Eastern themed mascot and accompanying belly dancers, but will keep the nickname ‘Arabs.’ Redskins owner Dan Snyder scoffed at their weakness and humanity. Celebrity phones were hacked with many embarrassing photos leaked to the public. That’s why at SportStars the worst you’ll find on our phones is editor Chace Bryson with his acapella version of Baby Got Back. The NFL is back! How many more Niners will be arrested?

Comedian Joan Rivers fell into a coma but is reportedly being taken out of it. Reached with the news, friend Jay Leno asked if they could try the same thing with his career.

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Does Derek carr keep the raiders QB job Yes Yes surprise team of 2014

Texans

Raiders

who will be the league mvp Jamaal Charles Chiefs RB

Tyrann Mathieu, Cardinals DB

super bowl winner 49ers beat Patriots

Seahawks

Daniel Gluskoter/Cal Sport Media/ZUMAPRESS.com

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count 'em

Top 5 burning questions as the nfl season kicks off It’s Thursday, and you know what that means: The NFL Season Opener! You know. The traditional Thursday night opener. For the sport that is played on Sunday. And Monday. And some Saturdays. And alternating Wednesdays in months ending in ‘er.’ And pretty much whenever the heck Roger Goodell can sucker a network into a media contract. Whatever. We can work our way up to total football saturation later in the season. For right now, bring it. Here are our top five burning questions for the season, opening Sept. 4. Thursday. 1. Who? … the devil is going to play defense for the Niners with NaVorro Bowman gimpy and Aldon Smith and Ray McDonald in the pokey? Us? Is it us? We better go hydrate. 2. What? …in the world were the Raiders thinking with the whole Matt Schaub experiment? ‘Hey, he can’t be any worse than Matt Flynn?’ ‘We needed another washout Matt to not take snaps for us?’ ‘The Eagles just wouldn’t part with Matt Barkley?’ All of the above? 3. Where? … will it all end? After the league chucked its usual “play the Super Bowl in a warm-weather climate stadium” last year, opting for the snow-swept tundra of East Rutherford, N.J., instead, we wanna know when Anchorage gets it’s shot. Juneau? Barrow? After some serious flirting with Kansas City, Super Bowl XLIX is purportedly going to Arizona. But we still like Alaska in February. 4. When? … can we expect to see Richard Sherman, Ndamukong Suh and Richie Incognito in an NFL Charities commercial together, rehabilitating their images? Think they might let Ray Rice and Aldon Smith in on the act? Jim Irsay is on the phone… 5. Why? … not put all that seriousness aside, kick up your feet, pop a cold beverage and just enjoy the opener? The Shield is counting on you. — Rose-Colored Bill Kolb

That’s the number of all-purpose yards gained by Liberty-Brentwood receiver Willie Williams in the Lions’ thrilling 27-26 season-opening win at Central-Fresno. Williams — a basketball standout for the school who was playing in his first varsity game — had five receptions for 97 yards, rushed four times for 40 yards, had kick return touchdowns of 91 and 93 yards and also caught the game-winning TD pass as time expired. We see you, Willie. We see you.

say what? “They’re relentless on defense. I’m happy we played them, though. We’re definitely going to grow from it.” Jesuit-Carmichael WR Isaiah Bailey’s comments to the Sacramento Bee’s Joe Davidson after the Crusaders’ 63-0 season-opening loss to state powerhouse De La Salle-Concord on Aug. 29

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Turf Wars SJS vs. Bay Area football: Local battles to become bowl wars

Last year’s cover story in SportStars by Ben Enos focused on football bragging rights being decided in games between teams from the Bay Area and the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section. At the time Enos wrote the story, the Sac-Joaquin held a 114-90 edge in reported games from the 2009 to 2013 season. But with a half-page press release issued by the CIF state office on Aug. 25, a lot more may be on the line during these Bay vs. SJS matchups. On that day, the CIF announced there will no longer be a Northern California Open Division bowl game to determine which NorCal team will play the South in the Open Division state bowl game. The two state Open Bowl selections instead would simply skip any regional bowl and take one week off while the other divisional regional bowl games are being held. The CIF mentioned in its release that two separate committees “indicated a strong desire” to return the Open Division to its original format. In reality, the committees basically are saying that based on history, and on new playoff divisions within the CIF Southern Section, why bother with a regional Open Division game? If you look at recent history, there’s probably an 80 to 90 percent chance that the game is going to be De La Salle of Concord in the north vs. whichever team from the Southern Section wins the Pac-Five Division (last year that was St. John Bosco-Bellflower). Most immediate media attention in the north focused on it being good news for Folsom, which has had two outstanding undefeated seasons derailed by De La Salle in the NorCal Open Division final only to watch other teams from its backyard (Granite Bay in 2012 and Del Oro last year) get a shot at a Division I state title. With no more NorCal Open Division game, Folsom isn’t going to be pulled up to play De La Salle. The media attention instead, however, should have focused on the fact that one less team from Northern California is going to go to a bowl game at all. Using last year’s section final results and going by the resumés of the teams at the time, Del Oro, in fact, wouldn’t have been chosen to play CIF Central Coast Section Open Division winner Serra of San Mateo. It would have been Folsom vs. Serra and Del Oro would have been turning in uniforms. “Before, it was four teams from the NCS, CCS and Sac-Joaquin going for four spots and now it will be those teams going for three spots,” said Will DeBoard, the Sac-Joaquin Section media relations director. “And assuming De La Salle is in the Open Division, we’ll have to argue hard for our teams probably against the CCS.” You can bet the fact the CCS Open Division champion has lost to Granite Bay and Del 10

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Del Oro-Loomis vs. James Logan-Union City from 2014.

Photo by James K. Leash

Oro in the last two NorCal Div. I bowl games will be brought up by new Sac-Joaquin Section commissioner Mike Garrison during this year’s bowl selection meeting. Other results from some of these other NorCal Turf Wars games also may come into play during this meeting. It’s no longer just about bragging rights. It’s going to be about playing rights for one team from one of those sections. ✪ Mark Tennis is the co-founder of Cal-Hi Sports, and publisher of CalHiSports.com. Cal-Hi Sports is the authority in state rankings for football, basketball, baseball and softball, as well as the recognized state record keeper for all high school sports. Contact him at markjtennis@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter, @CalHiSports.

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State football Rankings

Julius Fullah of No. 25 Elk Grove

Jordan Parker of No. 11 Pittsburg (Previous ranking in parentheses; Records through Aug. 30) 1. (1) — St. John Bosco-Bellflower 1-0 It was no problem for the Braves in 63-14 opening rout of St. Louis-Honolulu. 2. (2) — De La Salle-Concord 1-0 If first-game romp past Jesuit was an indication, Sparta may not be touched this year in Northern California. 3. (4) ▲ Mater Dei-Santa Ana Both sides of the line were dominant in 38-18 win against Centennial-Corona.

1-0

4. (3) ▼ Servite-Anaheim 0-1 Friars lost first game but it was 47-28 to Bishop Gorman of Las Vegas, who some have No. 1 in the nation.

5. (5) — Folsom 1-0 It will be tricky to rank Bulldogs since they could go 16-0 but won’t have to play De La Salle or the CIF Southern Section Pac-Five champ. 6. (6) — Long Beach Poly 1-0 Jackrabbits got six sacks from DT Joseph Wicker in 54-14 win over Crenshaw. 7. (7) — Serra-Gardnea 1-0 QBs were alternated in first game. Will they do same in second vs. Bellevue (Wash.) 8. (8) — Alemany-Mission Hills 1-0 Warriors set to play a Washington team (Eastside Catholic) in second game as well.

14. (15) ▲ Westlake-Westlake Village 1-0 Jr. QB Malik Henry tossed three TD passes in first game as Warriors downed Canyon-Canyon Country 44-17. 15. (22) ▲ Helix-La Mesa 1-0 Highlanders moved up after 24-20 win over No. 18 St. Bonaventure.

16. (21) ▲ Oceanside 1-0 Coach John Carroll’s team faces Mission Viejo in U-T Honor Bowl in second game. 17. (17) — Clovis North-Fresno 1-0 USC-bound Jacob Daniel won’t play on defensive line until October due to knee rehab. 18. (18) — St. Bonaventure-Ventura 0-1 Loss to Helix was close and Seraphs have a lot of other tough games coming up. 19. (19) — Serra-San Mateo Padres season-opener is Sept. 5 on the road against No. 2 De La Salle.

0-0

21. (12) ▼ Mission Hills-San Marcos Loss by the Grizzlies in first game was to Timpview, a state champ last year in Utah.

0-1

20. (23) ▲ Upland 1-0 Washington State-bound Tyler Hilinski had five TD passes in 71-0 romp past Knight-Palmdale.

9. (10) ▲ Chaminade-West Hills 1-0 Coach Ed Croson’s team won season opener 73-23 over Venice.

22. (NR) ▲ JSerra-San Juan Capistrano 1-0 This is the first-ever State 25 ranking for the Lions, who are from same league as St. John Bosco, Mater Dei and Servite.

11. (11) — Pittsburg 1-0 Shurod Thompson’s pick six lifted Pirates past California-San Ramon in season opener.

24 (24) — Valley Christian-San Jose 0-0 Like No. 19 Serra, Warriors didn’t open when most of the rest of the state did.

13. (13) — Vista Murietta-Murietta 0-0 Coach Casey Candaele’s team playing at Del Oro in third game.

Dropped out: Previous No. 16 Hart-Newhall (lost to Chino Hills); No. 20 Mission Viejo (lost to Liberty-Bakersfield).

10. (14) ▲ Bakersfield 1-0 Marcus Bruce rushed for 205 yards and two TDs in 34-20 win over Oaks Christian, which beat Drillers last year.

23. (25) ▲ Grant-Sacramento 1-0 Pacer defense was nasty in 20-0 shutout of Burbank-Sacramento.

12. (9) ▼ Centennial-Corona 0-1 Loss to Mater Dei drops the Huskies but not below Vista Murrieta team they beat in CIFSS Inland Division final last year.

25 (NR) ▲ Elk Grove 1-0 Everyone got into the act during 55-7 win over Damonte Ranch of Reno in first game.

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Year-round athletes will benefit from a break in the schedule I’ve always really loved soccer, but it seems like the season never ends. There’s club all fall, high school in the winter, and club in the spring and some of the summer. And then there are clinics, and I get tired. My dad says I have to keep playing or other girls will pass me by, but I’m getting burned out on soccer. How can I get some time off? J.T., San Ramon A great question — but first, the crux of the matter: College scholarships. The American youth sports industry (and it is a business, no doubt) is geared to get athletes money to offset the cost of college. A full scholarship is conservatively worth $150,000, and maybe $250,000. Even a partial ride that contributes $5,000 a year is $20,000 total, and that’s not chump change. So given that reality, athletes need to be able to show off their skills in a specific sport at age 16 or 17, and in a sport like soccer, skills take time to learn. Game experience is also crucial, as making good decisions usually is a product of making lots of bad ones, and understanding the difference. So, at one level, to get that college money, it’s important to

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September 2014

play a lot and work hard on developing skills — but remember, it’s not like the people running those club teams and clinics don’t have a stake in teenagers playing a lot. The salaries for those who run the big soccer clubs can reach six figures, and the more months kids play, the more revenue the club generates. Now, most coaches (in high school or club) are not in it for the money, but most do like to win. And obviously, better players help them win more games. Players who develop more skills and have lots of experience are, on the surface, going to be better players, so most coaches always encourage kids to play their sport as much as possible. Still, as you point out, there’s more to the story than specialization. Over the years, I’ve come to believe that two of the most important things to team success are health and enthusiasm — and both can be negatively impacted by spending too much time on one sport. First, playing the same sport all the time can lead to repetitive stress injuries. In volleyball, for example, shoulders and backs can wear down due to many repetitions of the hitting motion; in basketball, knees and ankles are more vulnerable to injury; in soccer, the risk of concussion from the use of the

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head is also in the mix. Injuries, though, are part of any game, and to me, the greater negative comes from lack of enthusiasm. If all you do is play soccer (or basketball or volleyball) 10 months a year from age 12 on, there’s a good chance you’re going to get tired of it. If you play games pretty much year round, then all those competitions blend into each other, and a section playoff game in high school is not that much different than a tournament final — and it’s hard to get excited about either one. So, to answer your question, you are right, and you need some time off. Unfortunately, your dad (and your coaches) don’t see it that way, so you need to be strong and advocate for yourself. In the end, you’re the one playing, and you will not be the best you can be if you’re not as enthusiastic as you could be. Rest is vastly underrated in importance for young athletes, and taking time off is more vital to almost every teen’s career than another clinic or weekend tournament. ✪ Clay Kallam is an assistant athletic director and girls varsity basketball coach at Bentley High in Lafayette. To submit a question for Behind the Clipboard, email him at clayk@fullcourt.com

Rocklin girls volleyball shows no signs of slowing down after six 30-win seasons in the past seven years

nder coach Dave Muscarella, the Rocklin Thunder girls volleyball team has rolled to an elite status in the Sac-Joaquin Section. All Rocklin does is win it seems. Rocklin has won two Division II section titles, including last year’s championship, as the program has made 30-win seasons feel like status quo. Muscarella and the Thunder have compiled a 258-58 (.816 winning percentage) record over a seven-year span. With that success has come the recognition of the program consistently rolling out top talent, even as top players graduate. In recent years, the turnover has been more of a reloading process than rebuilding for the perennial playoff contenders. The 2014 reloading process has begun, and the Thunder is again expected to compete for Sierra Foothill League and Sac-Joaquin Section championships. Despite four graduated players moving on and taking the majority of Rocklin’s 2013 offense with them, Muscarella and his players believe the next wave of talent will pick up where past players left off. “We lost a lot of good offensive players, but we gained some good hitters from the JV team,” said senior libero Sierra Dierksen. “They might not be as experienced, but they have the potential to give us most, if not all, of what the graduating players contributed.” Gone are Megan Richwine, Bethany Mandon, Jolie Meade and Kate Mitchell along with their combined 983 kills. But Muscarella is confident in an influx of new hitters that will be led by a pair of junior captains in outside hitter Maddie Haynes and setter Megan McBroome. Both players begin their third year as varsity starters.

Story by Jim McCue | Photos by James K. Leash Sierra Dierksen 14

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Megan McBroome Subscribe to the Digital Weekly at SportStarsOnline.com

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From left, Maddie Haynes, Sierra Dierksen and Megan McBroome.

Haynes and McBroome played major roles in the Thunder’s Division II section title run in 2013, but the pair will shoulder even more of the load in 2014, at least until the new talent gains valuable experience during a challenging tournament schedule and a tough slate of SFL matches.

THE OLD GUARD Muscarella has been at the helm since 1999 and is an established and respected coach in the region. The 2013 section title was his second, and Rocklin has advanced to the section final in five of the last seven years. His knowledge and straight forward coaching style has propelled the Thunder to its current level, and has helped numerous players earn scholarships to continue playing in college. “(Muscarella) lets people know what he is thinking,” McBroome said with a chuckle, “but he is very good about letting players know what he wants from them.” McBroome and Haynes have heard Muscarella loud and clear, and have attracted plenty of recruiting attention thanks to their play at Rocklin and on club teams. 16

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“Committing took all of the weight off of my shoulders. I can focus on school and being a kid without the pressure of recruiting.” —Maddie Haynes Haynes, who had a team-high 314 kills to go along with 58 blocks and 42 digs last season, earned a spot on the USA 18U National Team that competed in the Continental Championships in Costa Rica this past July. She is considered among the top hitters in the section and, despite being a junior, has already committed to Cal. “Committing took all of the weight off of my shoulders,” Haynes said. “I can focus on school and being a kid without the pressure of recruiting.”

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Haynes’ clear strength is as an offensive threat, but she knows that her game needs to be well-rounded to continue to improve. She has worked to improve her defense and back row play so that she can remain on the floor to provide her talents and leadership. Both Haynes and McBroome were named team captains this season, and the consensus among teammates, including seniors like Dierksen, is that they have earned the labels despite being underclassmen. “I look to them as seniors because they have lots of experience,” Dierksen said. “They are great players and they can relate to their peers because we have a lot of juniors on the team.” McBroome quarterbacks the team’s 5-1 offense from her setter position, and will be key to the transition of talent this year. She recorded 964 assists (averaging 9.1 assists per set) and added 141 digs and 45 aces in 2013. Muscarella sees a high ceiling for his junior setter to continue to raise her game. “She is a smart setter and very cool-headed on the floor,” the coach said. “With maturity, she has gained confidence.” Follow us on Twitter & Instagram, and like us on Facebook!

NEW FACES McBroome’s confidence in a new group of hitters to work with will be vital to keeping opponents from keying on Haynes. “We definitely lost a lot of hitters, but we got some new talent,” McBroome said. “I feel that we can be just as good this year with new players stepping up.” Among the new players McBroome will distribute the ball to are top contributors from last year’s junior varsity team and a freshman that has Muscarella excited about the next few years at Rocklin. Sophomore Abby Nash will provide hitting support opposite Haynes while middle hitters Julianne Miller and Morgan Farrell will contribute offensive diversity in an effort to keep opposing defenses guessing. Muscarella has seen a fair share of freshmen players contribute through the years, but he is particularly excited by the play and potential of outside hitter Abby Marjama. “She is a pretty special freshman,” Muscarella said. “She is as good as any freshman that we have had coming through.”

Megan McBroome

GAINING EXPERIENCE The best way Muscarella knows to get his young talent experience is to have them face top competition early and often. The Thunder opened the season against Div. IV power Placer and will face section heavyweights St. Francis, Christian Brothers and El Camino in nonleague action. Additionally, Rocklin will travel to tournaments in Stockton and the Bay Area to face Northern California’s best in preparation for the realigned SFL. With the addition of Oak Ridge, the already-difficult SFL got tougher. Home-and-home matches against defending league, section, and state champion Granite Bay, Oak Ridge, Del Oro, Nevada Union, Folsom, and Woodcreek will have the Thunder ready for a run at a repeat championship.

“It is probably the toughest league in the section, maybe even in all of Northern California,” Muscarella said. “It is a great league to be in because every night is a challenge.” So, the challenge of reloading the roster to remain an elite program is one welcomed by the Rocklin coach and his players. “I want to lead the team to sections and help the girls around me to become better players,” Haynes said. “I am into everyone being a part of the team and contributing.” If Rocklin gets contributions from its entire roster, then the Thunder just might roll to another championship. ✪

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Sierra Dierksen

September 2014

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Sac-Joaquin Volleyball

Top Players Emily Baptista

Hilmar | OH | Jr. WHY SHE’S HERE: As a sophomore, she led the SJS with 772 kills and added 78 aces for the Yellowjackets. A dominant front row hitter, she is already drawing lots of interest from Div. I programs with her size (6-foot-2) and stilldeveloping strength.

Nastassja Bowman

Christian Brothers-Sacramento | OPP/S | Sr. WHY SHE’S HERE: Versatile and athletic, Bowman led the SJS Div. III champion Falcons in kills (224) and aces (35) while also contributing 230 digs, 126 assists and 50 blocks. She provides leadership and skill from everywhere on the floor.

Bowman

Maddie Haynes

Rocklin | OH | Jr. WHY SHE’S HERE: Powerful hitter led the Thunder with 314 kills and added 58 blocks. Missed majority of her club’s Junior Nationals appearance due to being added to USA U-18 squad for Continental Championships in Costa Rica.

Devin Herenda

El Camino-Sacramento | S | Sr. WHY SHE’S HERE: Herenda has dished out 2,681 assists in three years as a starter to bring experience and knowledge to the perennial playoff contender. She recorded 729 assists, 158 digs and 33 aces in her junior season.

Haynes

Sac-Joaquin Volleyball

Top 10 Teams To Watch 1. Christian BrothersSacramento (34-10 in 2013)

Key Returners — Nastassja Bowman, S, Sr.; Lauren Overstreet, OH, Sr.; Ashlynn Fresques, OH, Jr. Key Losses — Iris Anderson, OH; Jayme-Lee Bulda, S Rising Talent: Elizabeth Robinson, MB/OPP, Jr. Season Outlook: The Falcons return plenty of weapons from a team that won the Div. III section title (the program’s 8th SJS championship) and advanced to the NorCal semifinals in 2013. Bowman led the team with 224 kills last season, but will move to setter to set up a full complement of hitters. Coach Diane Heine’s roster includes just three seniors.

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Nocetti

2. Granite Bay (45-0)

Key Returners — Brigid Bell, OH, Jr.; Brooke Hershberger, MB, Sr.. Key Losses — Taylor Nelson, S; Maddy Deters, OH; Nicolette Pinkney, OH Rising Talent: Libby Deters, L, Sr. Season Outlook: There is no way the Grizzlies — or any team — could replicate their 2013 dream season which culminated in the CIF Div. I state title. However, Granite Bay remains among the section’s elite teams. Bell (258 kills, 46 aces, 25 blocks) and Hershberger (171 kills, 61 blocks, 29 aces) will be aided by sophomore setter Amanda Prather and 6-foot-1 junior hitter/blocker Emily DeMure.

3. Rocklin (30-11)

Key Returners — Maddie Haynes, OH, Jr.; Megan McBroome, S, Jr. Key Losses — Megan Richwine, OH; Bethany Mandon, MH; Jolie Meade, MH Rising Talent: Julianne Miller, MH, Jr. Season Outlook: The Thunder lost some firepower — 983 kills from a quartet of graduated hitters — but the future is still bright with juniors Haynes and McBroome preparing for their third year as varsity starters under coach Dave Muscarella. Miller and sophomore Morgan Farrell will move into the vacated MH slots. Freshman OH Abby Marjana will also help keep Rocklin near the top of the loaded Sierra Foothill League.

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Brooke Hershberger

Maddie Merlino

Granite Bay | MB/RS | Sr. WHY SHE’S HERE: The Princetoncommit returns after contributing 171 kills, 61 blocks, and 29 aces to the Grizzlies’ undefeated state championship run. She will be called upon to carry more of the offensive load with the graduation of several key players.

Rio Americano-Sacramento | S | Sr. WHY SHE’S HERE: In two years as a starter, she has recorded 2,370 assists, including 1,143 sets as a junior (10.1 assists per set). Additionally, she highlighted her defensive skills with 270 digs a year ago.

Madison Hunziker

Rio Americano-Sacramento | OH/MH | Sr. WHY SHE’S HERE: Led Raiders with 410 kills as a junior and will continue to be fed opportunities by fellow senior Maddie Merlino. Well-rounded player brings hitting, serving, blocking and digging ability along with experience and leadership.

Tayler Moore

Del Oro-Loomis | MB | Sr. WHY SHE’S HERE: As a junior, she recorded 112 blocks, including 52 solo blocks at a rate of 1.2 blocks per set. Moore’s imposing 6-foot-1 frame in the middle will be key to the Golden Eagles’ Sierra Foothill League run and postseason hopes.

Hershberger

Kyra Rogers

Mikaela Nocetti

Oakmont-Roseville | MB | Sr. WHY SHE’S HERE: The three-year starter has been instrumental in the Vikings’ rise to playoff prominence, which included a Div. III section title in 2012. As a junior, she had team highs in blocks (64), digs (233) and aces (37). She also slammed home 187 kills.

El Camino-Sacramento | OH | Sr. WHY SHE’S HERE: Portland-commit led the Eagles with 246 kills and 71 aces while also contributing 176 digs as a junior. Three-year starter has helped team to two Sac-Joaquin Section Div. II titles already.

Megan McBroome

Rocklin | S | Jr. WHY SHE’S HERE: She quarterbacked the Thunder’s Div. II section championship run, posting 964 assists and adding 141 digs and 45 aces. Her court presence will play a large role in Rocklin’s bid to repeat as section champion.

4. El Camino-Sacramento (28-11)

Key Returners — Mikaela Nocetti, OH, Sr., Devin Herenda, S, Sr., Elizabeth Dahlberg, MB, Sr.. Key Losses — Domonique Sacre, OH Rising Talent: Alivia Garner, L, Sr. Season Outlook: The perennial Div. II contender is loaded with nine returning seniors from a team that ousted No. 3-seed GregoriModesto from the playoffs in 2013. Nocetti and Herenda are fouryear varsity veterans who experienced the Eagles’ back-to-back Div. II titles in 2011 and 2012. Martin Soyama and his senior-dominated roster could use a challenging schedule to prepare for a run at a third section title in four years.

5. St. Francis-Sacramento (34-9)

Key Returners — Kylie Green, OH, Sr., Anna Donald, S, Sr.. Key Losses — Ali Koumelis, S; Anna Baytosh, OH; Lea Felton, MB/OH; Noa Nightingale, OH/S Rising Talent: Maddy Miller, L, Sr. Season Outlook: The Troubadours never rebuild, but coach Alynn Wright may need time to reload. St. Francis lost the majority of its starters to graduation, so the early season may be a growing period. Green (UC Irvine) and Donald (UC Davis) have already committed to Div. I schools, but lack a great deal of varsity experience. The development of the new rotation will determine if a 13th section title is in the cards.

Lindsey Vander Weide

McBroome

Pitman-Turlock | OH | Sr. WHY SHE’S HERE: Led Pride to SJS Div. I semifinals where it lost to eventual-state champion Granite Bay. She recorded 312 kills, 99 digs, 51 blocks and 19 aces as a junior.

Rogers

6. Oak Ridge-El Dorado Hills (18-15)

Key Returners — Marissa Quilici, MH, Sr., Olivia Reid, OH, Jr.. Key Losses — Moira McVicar, S; Maddie McGeorge, DS. Rising Talent: Elizabeth Cameron, S/RS, Jr.

7. Rio Americano-Sacramento (23-14)

Key Returners — Maddie Merlino, S, Sr., Madison Hunziker, OH, Sr., Meghan Merlino, OH, Soph.. Key Losses — Wendi White, DS/L; Michala Merlino, DS/OPP. Rising Talent: Josette Medeiros, Jr., MH/OH

8. Pitman-Turlock (33-5)

Key Returners — Lindsey Vander Weide, MB, Sr., Maddy Halteman, S/DS, Sr.. Key Losses — Moriah Halteman, DS Rising Talent: Stephanie Simmons, RS/MB, Sr.

9. St. Mary’s-Stockton (32-8)

Key Returners — Ngozi Nwabuzoh, OH, Jr., Jordan Cornwell, OH, Sr.. Key Losses — Jane Held, OH; McKenna Shelton, S. Rising Talent: Natalie Cortopassi, Jr., OPP

10. Vintage-Napa (28-5)

Key Returners — Adlee Van Winden, OH, Sr., Torrey Van Winden, MB/RS, Jr.. Key Losses — Natalie Lundeen, S/ MB; Greta Horn, S/RS. Rising Talent: Alana Brown, Jr., DS

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September 2014

SportStars™

Tracy High running back Nate Jones found solid ground after a cross-country move to live with his great aunt and uncle

s Tracy High standout senior running back Nate Jones the fastest football player in Northern California? Based on 100-meter dash results from the California Interscholastic Federation State Track and Field Championships and the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section finals from last season, the answer is yes. Jones won the section sprint title as a junior last May, then clocked 10.75 in the prelims at the state meet. He didn’t make it to the final, but by just one one-hundredth of a second. And it’s worth noting that California’s state meet is the toughest in the nation because there are no divisions. Jones wasn’t necessarily the fastest underclass sprinter from Northern California, but neither Amador Valley-Pleasanton’s JaMaun Charles or Castro Valley’s Aaron Jones play football. Those more familiar with Nate Jones’ background, however, might suggest it’d be more appropriate that he compete in the hurdles instead of sprints. As a youngster growing up mostly in Oklahoma, Jones moved frequently since his father was incarcerated and his mother had a difficult time maintaining employment. There were still gatherings in which Jones and his extended family stayed in touch. At some of those events, his great uncle, Lynn Dell Hawkins, and his great aunt, Susan Hawkins, couldn’t help but notice how Nate moved and how fast he was. “He had all this ability, and in the eighth grade we found out he was failing all of his classes,” said Hawkins, also a vice principal at Tracy High. “My wife (also a teacher) and I talked about it and

Story by Mark Tennis | Photos by Stu Jossey 20

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September 2014

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“I had never had that kind of bonding before. It was surprising that they took me in, but it felt like a true family. The stability has been amazing.” — Nate Jones we went to (Nate’s mom). The idea was to just make sure he could graduate from high school.” Jones’ days of moving from place to place were over. He began living with the Hawkins’ family prior to his freshman year at Tracy High. “I had never had that kind of bonding before,” Jones said. “It was surprising that they took me in, but it felt like a true family. The stability has been amazing.” However, sprinting on the track, shooting hoops in the gym or making moves on the turf have all taken a back seat to sitting at a desk. “We had a long way to go, but Susan worked hours on end with him,” Hawkins said. “It took awhile for him to even buy into the idea that, ‘Yes, you can do this.’ He had to realize that he could pass every class ... even failing one would mean that he couldn’t play.” Jones got the message. “At the beginning, (Lynn Dell) always talked about me getting that piece of paper, then going to college,” said Jones, referring to a high school diploma. “I know that sports is not forever. Since then, it has stuck in my head.” Other than a brief stretch of time during his sophomore year in which his grades slipped again, Jones has been passing his classes and has been able to take advantage of his 22

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athletic skills in football and track. Jones still says basketball is his favorite sport, but his lack of size (5-foot-9, 185 pounds) and his obvious speed makes him suited for the other two. “When his track times started dropping so fast during his sophomore year, I knew he might be special,” Hawkins said. “He’s not a track guy playing football but a football guy who does track.” At the end of his sophomore year, Jones gained a huge jolt of confidence when he won the San Joaquin Athletic Association varsity 100-meter dash crown. “Justin Davis of Lincoln-Stockton (now at USC) won that race the year before,” Jones said. “I began to work on my speed and learn how to translate it into football. Track also has helped me stay in condition for football.” Pushed in track and football workouts by best friends Eric Hawkins (graduated last June), Brandon Russell and Jason Nelson, Jones enjoyed a successful junior year for the Bulldogs. He helped Tracy to a 10-2 record, an SJAA title and a quarterfinal appearance in the SJS Division I playoffs. He rushed for 1,174 yards on just 113 carries (more than 10 yards per carry) and scored 19 touchdowns. “He got most of those yards really in about just six games,” said Tracy head coach Matt Shrout. “Nate wasn’t the starter Follow us on Twitter & Instagram, and like us on Facebook!

at fullback and was sharing with another guy. Once I realized there was some wasted talent there, I switched. It would have been dumb not to do it.” Jones then repeated as the SJAA 100-meter dash champ and added the section masters’ meet sprint title to his resumé. “Getting a taste of that competition at the state meet was really great,” Jones said. “The two sports really complement each other. I really like it when one sport just rolls right into each other.” As the 2014 season begins, Jones still doesn’t have the academic results he may need to get Division I college scholarship offers. At Tracy, however, the players don’t have to look far to find inspiration that someone can make it to the NFL without signing a letter of intent, going to a major college or even getting drafted. Indianapolis Colts long-snapper Matt Overton did just that and has made it a part of his life to stay connected to his high school and help Tracy players prepare for their future. “Matt came out to one of our games last year, pulled me aside and told me ‘You can do great things,’” Jones said. “I do have that attitude that not signing a letter of intent is not the end or anything close to that.” Shrout added that Jones also has become more of a team leader. “He’s a lot stronger than last year and he’s still faster than everyone else,” the fifth-year head coach said. “He’s worked hard all summer. This is the first summer, in fact, that he’s really lifted weights. He’s become a leader and is one of those who leads by example.” Before thinking too much about college and beyond, Jones still has to walk across the stage at Wayne Schneider Stadium next June and fulfill the promise he’s made to Lynn Dell and Susan, and to his mother. “We talk every day for him to stay focused on the opportunities he has in front of him and to stay humble all the time,” Hawkins said. “We still have work to do, but we’re proud of him.” ✪

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September 2014

SportStars™

Showcase celebrates five years of being much more than football

It is just 48 minutes of football, but players, coaches, spectators, and officials quickly realize that the Honor Bowl is much more than just that. “You can only tell (the players) so much of what this is about and how all of these people come together,” Elk Grove head coach Chris Nixon said. “It is not just another high school football game, and they had no idea that it was all going to be like this. They were awestruck.” The Thundering Herd, who soundly defeated Damonte RanchNevada 55-7, experienced much more than a blowout victory to start their 2014 season. The team received emotional pregame speeches from Honor Bowl founder Mark “Coach” Soto and former Elk Grove football coach Mike Clemons, met wounded veterans and military personnel, witnessed a tribute to former Elk Grove player Joe Nurre — who was killed in action in 2005 —

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the honor bowl and watched as local veterans parachuted down onto the 50-yard line between games. In all, 19 teams will participate in the two-week football showcase that includes five varsity games at Del Oro High and five at Oceanside High in Southern California. Del Oro is the lone school that will play on both weekends of the event. Veterans from across the Western United States participate to influence and motivate all involved while hundreds of volunteers help make the football, festivities and tributes come off as planned.

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Soto is the driving force behind the event and the organization’s goal to educate, empower and equip communities and their veterans. A former coach at Granite Bay and Del Oro, Soto wanted to combine his knowledge and connections in football with his passion for honoring the military and its veterans. Soto’s two sons, who both were deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan when they were serving in the military, served as motivation for Soto to give honor and support for the country’s veterans — many of whom return home injured physically and mentally. This year’s Honor Bowl — the showcase was also formerly known as the Battle for Veterans — marks the fifth year Soto has run the showcase, and the third year that the event has taken place over two weeks in locations at both ends of the state. Soto was seemingly in constant motion on the sidelines, the

James K. Leash

LEFT: Grant Meteer (8) and players from both Del Oro and KamehamehaHonolulu shake hands with servicemen prior to the their game at the 2014 Honor Bowl at Del Oro on Aug. 29. ABOVE: Honor Bowl founder and organizer Mark Soto delivers a motivational speech to the players of Elk Grove before the Thundering Herd’s Honor Bowl game on Aug. 30. field and about the stadium to pull off the opening night of the NorCal Honor Bowl on Aug. 29. Just before halftime of the second game (approximately 9:30 PM), Soto took a few minutes to enjoy some fried chicken and macaroni salad. It was his first “meal” since breakfast early that morning. When most of the players and fans had left the stadium around 11:30 PM, Soto sat quietly to reflect on the day’s events and think ahead to the following day and week. “We have been planning and working on this since the last Honor Bowl ended last year,” he said. “It’s a labor of love. We do this because we love it.” Soto and the Honor Group will begin planning for the 2015 Honor Bowl after the weekend at Oceanside concludes on Sept. 6 with the 2014 Honor Bowl’s final matchup between SerraGardena and Bellevue-Washington. The event has grown in stature as well as in the amount of money and support that can be given to veterans. More sponsors and volunteers have stepped up each year, allowing Soto to continue to dream bigger. “I knew that this had the energy to move the concept forward,” Soto said. “We have fresh

sponsorships this year which has helped us to impact so many athletes and veterans.” One of the NorCal Honor Bowl participants in 2014 was Kamehameha High from Honolulu. Head coach Doug Cosbie, a Northern California native and former NFL player, was happy to bring his team over to the mainland to provide the players with a great experience. “The military is such an important part of Hawaii, especially on Oahu,” Cosbie said. “Almost all of our players know someone in the military, and that was a big reason why we came to the event.” The possibility of Kamehameha or another Hawaiian high school hosting an Honor Bowl weekend in the future might have seemed like an impossible dream even a few years ago, but with Soto and the Honor Group’s passion and drive, that dream could become reality. “We want to keep advancing this forward and I think that we are right on the cusp of this becoming even bigger and greater,” Soto said. Bigger and greater than just 48 minutes of football, certainly. — Jim McCue

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September 2014

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Jonathan Hawthorne

Najee Harris (2) scored all 30 of Antioch’s points in the Panthers’ season opener.

Momentum Shift Gritty Opening Win Sets Table for Antioch For Antioch High football coach John Lucido, the first quarter and a half of the Panthers’ season-opener had to offer a lot of familiarity. There was no lack of effort from his team, but mistakes had piled up and host Acalanes-Lafayette — a 2013 playoff team — had taken advantage, built a 14-0 lead and were just outside the red zone looking for more. Lucido saw games like this a year ago when Antioch lost nine straight to close out its season. Then senior middle linebacker Kobie Beltram, a three-year varsity player, made the type of play third-year seniors make. Beltram stepped in front of a Casey Harrington pass and intercepted it at the Antioch 4-yard line. On the next play from scrimmage, Panthers running back Najee Harris — a two-way starter and just a sophomore — made the type of play Lucido could gladly get used to seeing in 2014. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound back burst through the left side of the line and made two defenders miss before racing down the sideline for 51 yards. Four plays later Harris scored on a 4-yard run and added a two-point conversion run. Then, 35 seconds later, after a muffed kickoff by Acalanes, Harris scored eight more points by adding a conversion run following a 24-yard touchdown haul. The Panthers lead 16-14 and went toe-to-toe with the Dons the rest of the way to hold on for a 30-28 win — one day prior to the one-year an-

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niversary of the program’s previous victory. “This is big for us,” Lucido said afterward. “We overcame a lot of penalties and mental mistakes to get that win. The makeup of the team is different this year. They really care about each other.” And they have Harris. The sophomore carried the ball 33 times for 276 yards and scored all 30 of the team’s points — four touchdowns and three 2-point conversion runs. “We knew Najee was a workhorse,” Lucido said with a grin. “He’s spent all summer training and getting ready for this moment.” For a team which was 1-9 a year ago, and a program which has just two Bay Valley Athletic League wins in the past four years combined, a hard-fought win like this can go a long way in building confidence. That’s confidence the Panthers will certainly need considering field renovations at Antioch High are expected to keep the team on the road for likely its entire 2014 season. “We were 1-9 last year, so if we want to turn that around we need momentum,” Harris said. “Momentum from a win like this is big for us, and hopefully we can take it into the next game.”

Records are through Aug. 30

Previous record in parenthesis

Phillip Walton

Pittsburg safety Shurod Thompson, left, had one of the Pirates’ four interceptions against California. With favorable matchups in at least three of its remaining four nonleague contests, it’s not a stretch to think Antioch could go into its BVAL-opener at Freedom-Oakley on Oct. 10 with at least four wins under its belt. “Facing the type of adversity they faced tonight — and overcoming it — is big,” Lucido said. “It shows the players they can count on each other and they know what they’re capable of going forward.”

PIRATES PLUNDER

Most expected the Pittsburg High defense to be good this season and, after a 19-7 season-opening win over California that saw the unit force five turnovers and score two touchdowns, the hype certainly seemed justified. Making that performance even scarier is the fact that even the parts of that win that went wrong seem to indicate the Pirates are only going to get better. A stagnant offense plagued by penalties left the defense on the field for long stretches in the first half, but the defense responded, limiting Cal to just a touchdown and tying the score thanks to Shurod Thompson’s 31-yard interception return for a score. That gave the Pirates a chance to adjust on offense and the results were immediate. An eight-play, 53-yard drive capped by Nick Moore’s 17-yard touchdown run gave Pittsburg the lead and the defense took over from there, taking the ball away three more times to ice the game. “It’s just the little things. Not big things, just little things,” head coach Victor Galli said. “Hopefully we can sharpen those up because it doesn’t get any easier from here.” Luckily for Galli, who notched his 100th career win with the victory, his offense might already be figuring it out — 208 of the Pirates’ 289 offensive yards came in the second half. Quarterback Keith Walker completed five of six passes over the last two quarters to help dictate the game. In the meantime, the defense looks more interested in collective success than individual glory. After one particular second-half interception, the Pirates were particularly jovial on the sideline, accusing each other of being selfish with the big plays. That attitude, combined with plenty of talent, could be a lethal combination moving forward. “Everybody is with each other and everybody has each other’s

Jake Browning back,” defensive coordinator Charlie Ramirez said. “There’s no substitute for that.”

BROWNING BLISTERS

Folsom quarterback Jake Browning officially became the state’s career passing leader after throwing for 520 yards and seven touchdowns in the Bulldogs opener. He now has 11,505 career passing yards. The state’s career passing touchdown mark is up next. He needs one to tie the 145 mark set by Jimmy Clausen of Oaks Christian-Westlake Village from 2003-06. He’s now 65 touchdowns shy of the national record of 210 set by Maty Mauk of Kenton (Ohio) from 2008-11. — SportStars Staff

1. (1)

— De La Salle-Concord

1-0

2. (2)

— Folsom

1-0

3. (3)

— Serra-San Mateo

0-0

4. (4)

— Elk Grove

1-0

5. (5)

— Grant-Sacramento

1-0

6. (6)

— Valley Christian-San Jose

0-0

7. (7)

— Pittsburg

1-0

8. (9)

▲

Clayton Valley Charter-Concord

1-0

9. (10)

▲

Oak Ridge-El Dorado Hills

1-0

10. (11) ▲

Milpitas

0-0

11. (13) ▲

Enterprise-Redding

0-0

12. (14) ▲

Archbishop Mitty-San Jose

0-0

13. (17) ▲

Foothill-Pleasanton

1-0

14. (NR) ▲

San Ramon Valley-Danville

1-0

15. (8)

California-San Ramon

0-1

16. (12) ▼

Del Oro-Loomis

0-1

17. (15) ▼

Campolindo-Moraga

1-0

18. (18) ▼

Granite Bay

0-0

▼

19. (19) — Franklin-Elk Grove

1-0

20. (18) ▼

0-0

Sacred Heart Prep-Atherton

DROPPED OUT: No. 20 Jesuit-Carmichael BIGGEST MOVER: San Ramon Valley-Danville hops into the rankings at No. 14 after a sound 44-17 win at Las Lomas-Walnut Creek in the teams’ opener Aug. 29. The Wolves racked up 273 rushing yards in the victory, averaging more than seven yards a carry. If SRV can find the same sort of offensive success in its second game of the season — at No. 7 Pittsburg on Sept. 5 — expect it to crack the Top 10. GAME TO WATCH (WEEK 2): We don’t get the whole Week 0 thing. So when we say Week 2 we mean Sept. 5. The game to be at will be No. 3 Serra at No. 1 De La Salle. The Spartans rolled to a 63-0 season-opening win against then-No. 20 Jesuit. However, Serra always plays DLS tough — which includes last season’s 21-14 come-from-behind win for the Spartans. KNOCKING ON THE DOOR (alphabetically): AnalySebastapol (1-0), Central Catholic-Modesto (0-0), Cosumnes Oaks-Elk Grove (1-0), James Logan-Union City (1-0), Liberty-Brentwood (1-0), McClymonds-Oakland (1-0), Sacramento (0-0) and Vacaville (0-0).

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September 2014

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get mental: erika carlson

Your mental game matters — so what should you do about it? Do your technical skills matter? Of course. How much time do you spend developing those skills? Most high school/ youth athletes spend an average of 10 hours per week practicing and competing at their sport. If you do additional work with specialized technical coaches, add a few more. For some youth athletes, this number is closer to 15 hours per week. Does your fitness matter? YES! How much time do you spend getting stronger, faster and more agile? Chances are you spend at least a few hours per week specifically training these areas, probably with a qualified athletic trainer or strength and conditioning coach. Exactly how much depends on your sport, whether or not you’re in season and your practice and game schedule. Does your mental game really matter? It does. It matters a lot. In fact, it determines whether you can leverage all of your technical skills, speed and strength under the pressure of a game. I like to refer to it as, “training insurance.” When you have a good mental day, your physical skills just work. It holds true with taking a test at school, performing well at work or in all performance endeavors. So ... how much time are you spending developing your mental game? I’m pleased to say that more and more athletes are actively working mental-training programs. However, when we compare the number of athletes who do specialized technical and/or strength and conditioning programs, mental training is still far behind. Why is that? Most coaches, parents and athletes won’t argue that it’s important. So why aren’t they doing something about it? To help answer that question, here is an excerpt form a recent Huffington Post article written by a colleague of mine, Dr. Jim Taylor. He says: “Old attitudes, habits and methods die hard and new approaches to improving athletic performance are not easily accepted.” It hasn’t been done in the past, so we must not need it. Taylor argues that we may have to wait for a new generation of coaches who have been exposed to sport psychology to help make it a widely accepted practice. I would add that general education for parents, coaches and athletes would help move this process along. Once people understand the goodto-great model of mental training, rather that the sick-to-well medical model that psychology uses, these attitude tend to disappear. “The reality is that the best athletes in the world have done pretty darned well without formal mental training,” Taylor wrote. That is true. However, that doesn’t mean it’s the best way to develop athletes. What about those athletes we’ve seen who have the talent and drive to be the best but just can’t perform with consistency? What if those athletes had a mentaltraining program in addition to their physical training? How many more great athletes would we have? Taylor adds: “Psychology (mental training) lacks the concreteness of conditioning and physical training.” The abstract nature of mental training makes it hard to “see” and measure mental improvement. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t work. Sport Psychology has been a field of study of over 100 years. There’s lots of scientific backing about what works. Finding a reputable mental-training professional with a program is key. Finally, Taylor says: “Sport psychology can suffer from ‘guilt by association’ with the broader field of clinical psychology that still carries the stigma that only screwed-up people seek professional help.” This is one of our biggest and oldest hurdles for potential clients to overcome. Again, once clients understand that mental training helps good athletes become great athletes, it makes good sense to develop their mental game. Your mental game really does matter. Whatcha gonna do about it? ✪ Erika Carlson is a certified mental trainer and owner of Excellence in Sports Performance in Pleasanton.

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September 2014

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concussions: hunter greene, m.d.

Check Your Head Don’t wait for a suspected concussion to have your brain scanned

It’s hard to make the concussion statistics any scarier than they already are. Millions of traumatic brain injuries occur each year in sports and recreation-related activities. Many concussions are difficult to detect and many athletes underreport their injuries. Concussions that are unrecognized or are mismanaged put athletes at risk of serious consequences from re-injury. Repetitive head trauma can lead to a permanent decrease in brain function. Timely diagnosis and prompt treatment can help prevent more serious complications. PRE-SEASON BASELINE TESTING Before an injury, obtaining baseline information on an athlete can make post-injury assessment more accurate because we have a snapshot of baseline brain function. At Summit Orthopedic Specialists, we use the ImPACT test. It’s a short neurocognitive computer test to evaluate multiple areas of brain function, including memory, problem solving, reaction times and brain processing speeds. AFTER A HEAD INJURY If you sustain a concussion (or suspected concussion), you should undergo a thorough evaluation and neurocognitive test within 24 to 72 hours after the injury. Your doctor should develop a comprehensive management plan focused on returning you to action safely. It can be difficult to determine if the brain has healed from a concussion. Even after all symptoms have subsided, healing may not be complete. Follow-up neurocognitive testing can be a helpful tool in determining when you’re back at your baseline and can safely to return to activity. Knowing the facts about concussion and taking the proper steps to treatment when you’re injured will get you back on the field faster. ✪ Hunter Greene, M.D., is a board certified orthopedic surgeon with Summit Orthopedic Specialists in Carmichael. He specializes in adult and pediatric sports medicine.

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September 2014

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Get Hip

to the flexor

Now that another school year is under way, the fall sports season is not far behind. Among those sports is my favorite — football. With football comes a lot of sprinting and the test is on to see how well the body has been prepared in the offseason to handle the rigors of the game. If you plan on playing a game that requires explosive sprinting over and over again, you better have prepared the legs to handle the load, especially the hip flexors. The hip flexors are one of the most important muscle groups needed to sprint because they help drive the knee. Despite that, they are typically the most under-trained and poorly prepared by most athletes because they are rarely isolated for exercises. They are usually only trained when running. For that reason, I make sure to put a special focus on the training of my athletes hip flexors because they are usually the first group of muscles to be sprained when doing repetitive sprints. Injuries to them can leave an athlete sidelined for weeks. HIP FLEXOR TRAINING TIPS ›› High hurdle walk-over: Walk over multiple high hurdles to increase range of motion strength and stamina of the hip flexors. ›› Hanging bicycles: Hang from a pull up bar and bicycle your legs as high as possible for a set time. ›› Seated straight leg lifts: Sit on your butt, back against a wall, and lift your straight leg up as high as possible to strengthen the muscle range. There are many ways to isolate and train the hip flexor, and I have given you a few of my go-to movements. Make sure you heed my warning and do the movements, or you just might be part of the group on the sideline watching the game instead of playing it. ✪ Anthony Trucks is an IYCA-certified trainer who covers weight training for SportStars.

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September 2014

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training time: tim rudd for iyca

Heart Science Heart Rate Variability measurements provide invaluable data for the training process

Heart rate variability (HRV) has been getting a ton of press lately, and with good reason. Coaches and athletes all know that training, nutrition and recovery always has been, and always will be, the defining factor in gaining an edge on the competition. Who can train the hardest? Who can really dial in their nutrition? And who is recovering the fastest and most completely from training? This is why trainers do what we do — to get the most out of our athletes’ bodies, to push their limits and test their boundaries. One of the tools I’ve used with increasing frequency over the past two years with my clients, athletes and teams is HRV monitoring via Joel Jamieson’s Bio-Force HRV. I want to give you a very brief synopsis of what HRV is and how it works. Then in my next column, I’ll provide you with how it relates to the athlete’s performance and how I use it to customize my programs and optimize that performance. Originally developed in the 1960s as part of the Russian space program, the science of heart rate variability has since found broad application in cardiac medicine. In the last two decades, this technology has spread into the elite levels of strength, conditioning and athletic performance. Many elite athletes and teams from the NFL, NBA, MLB, MLS, MMA and college sports have utilized this technology with great success. HRV provides a glimpse into an athlete’s autonomic nervous system profile, the part of the nervous system that is highly responsive to life stressors, such as training, practice, poor sleep, etc. The autonomic nervous system works to manage this stress through the parasympathetic (rest and recovery) and the sympathetic nervous system (flight or flight) for optimizing an athlete’s adaptability to stress. Heart rate variability measurements accurately pinpoint an athlete’s location on the fatigue-recovery-super compensation curve. This data helps coaches to fine-tune training and recovery strategies to maximize fitness and minimize fatigue resulting in the highest level of physical preparation when it matters most — competition. In the right hands, programming optimization through the science of heart rate variability can be the missing link in reaching new levels of performance. ✪ Tim Rudd is an IYCA specialist in youth conditioning and owner of Fit2TheCore.

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health watch: caitlin r. Mouille, pt, dpt, mtc

Setting up for success Volleyball is one of the most popular girls sports with school and club programs across the country. Each year more than 460,000 high school students participate in interscholastic volleyball. According to a 2012 survey by the National Federation of State High School Associations, volleyball is the third-highest sport for female participation at the high school level behind basketball and outdoor track and field. With the increased popularity of volleyball over the past two decades, the number of volleyball-related injuries has risen. Volleyball (court and beach) is considered one of the safest sports. However, players remain at risk for both acute and overuse injuries. Ankle injuries are the most common acute injury, accounting for 30 percent of volleyball injuries. They usually occur at the net when a player lands on the foot of an opponent or a teammate. Players are at greatest risk for injury within the first year following their initial injury. Knee tendonitis is the most common overuse injury. It is inflammation of the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone. Pain is usually located in this area, and can occur secondary to a repetitive poor-passing position and/or repetitive forceful jumping. A rotator cuff injury is an overuse injury of the stabilizing muscles of the shoulder. These muscles can get irritated or fatigued with overuse. In some cases, the muscle or tendon can tear. The rotator cuff

muscles are important for generating power and force while serving and hitting. How can injury be prevented? ›› Wear shoes that provide strong ankle and arch support with good shock absorption. ›› Use proper strength training techniques for the lower back, shoulders and legs. Specifically strengthen your rotator cuff, hip abductor, gluteus maximum and abdominal muscles. ›› Use an external ankle support (brace or tape) to prevent the ankle from rolling over, especially if there has been a prior ankle injury. ›› Warm-up your muscles with aerobic exercise (jog, bike or walk) followed by dynamic warm-up stretching. ›› For proper landing techniques while jumping, land with your hips back, knees bent (not past your toes) and knees apart (kneecaps facing your third toe). Never land with your knees facing inwards, straight knees or knees past your toes because these positions place an increased amount of stress on the front of your knees. ›› If your pain progresses, see your physician. ✪ Caitlin R. Mouille is a physical therapist for UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland.

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even more camps + clinics at sportstarsonline.com BASEBALL/SOFTBALL

All American Sports Academy The All American Sports Academy is recognized as one of the top year-round indoor training facilities for baseball and softball in Northern California. The Academy was established in 1997 and has produced over 400 All-Star, All-League, and All -Conference players. Our goal is to train all student athletes on the correct physical skills needed to compete at all levels, as well as understand proper practice habits and time management skills. We want to support, train, educate, and guide each student athlete towards a successful season on and off the playing field. Info: 209-833-2255, www. allamericansportsacademy.net. Got ‘Em Baseball College Development The College Development Camp is a camp geared toward those elite high school student athletes that have aspirations of playing at the next level. We have teamed up with numerous colleges, professional instructors, current MLB scouts, motivational speakers and life skills coaches to bring to you an unforgettable 4-day/3-night baseball and life skills experience. The College Development Camp for grades: 9-11 takes place at University of the Pacific & Delta College in Stockton. Max Number of Campers: 60. Info: baseball@ gotembaseball.com Headfirst Baseball Academy Though many people have heard about Headfirst, few understand the HF network, especially in the Upper Division. The basic principle is that we want to train young players who are willing to work hard to make the next level. We are proven in the area of recruiting talented players and developing them. Most importantly (and this is the most overlooked concept by young players) Headfirst is proven in having the relationships with colleges that will result in players being connected with their desired school. Info: MJi0209@aol.com; Mario74iglesias@ aol.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 full-service baseball/softball training academy. We provide comprehensive, fullyintegrated training programs that evolve based on the best research and information available in areas from health/safety, peak performance, education techniques and more. Age- and skill-specific programs are available for students aged 8-18. Info: 925-416-1600, www.thepitchingcenter.com. South Bay Sports Training Baseball/Softball These one-of-a-kind camps are a great opportunity for any young player to obtain the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to become a better player. Camps serve players aged 6-14. Info: (408) 2830643; southbaytraining@aol.com

CHEER/DANCE

California Spirit Elite Cheer Camp CSE Cheer Camp, based at our facility in Dublin, is four days of fun-filled activities. Learn cheers, make crafts and make friends! Learn more about our club at csecheer.com. Info: (925) 556-1095 CheerGyms.com Customize your clinic to fit your needs! Let us teach the clinic you need to take your team to the next level! We offer residential overnight camps that include many awards, team bonding ideas and an experience of a lifetime. We also offer Two-Day Camps for a less-pricey overnight experience. Finally, there are Private Camps in which your cheerleaders get all the attention. You pick the hours and decide what they will learn. Cheergyms. com facilities in Concord, San Jose and Petaluma! Info: morton@cheergyms.com, 925-685-8176

museums, the Jelly Belly Factory, Six Flags, the pool, the movies, parks and the zoo. Field trips and camps vary by site. Offers and rates may vary at any of our nine locations. Info: www.dianneadair. org.

FITNESS

Children’s Hospital Sports Speed Camps Learn and put into practice the five pillars of SPEED training. Emphasizing flexibility, stability, strength, power, and speed. We’ll give you the training secrets that will make you faster than you’ve ever been before. The 2-week program is best suited for athletes (ages 12-19) who play soccer, football, basketball, lacrosse, and track & field. Space is limited to 15 athletes per session with 3 sessions offered. Camps are held in Walnut Creek and Berkeley. 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 an innovative approach to getting your young athletes back on the field of play post-rehabilitation, continuing the process by progressing their bodies to handle what they must endure on the field or court. Athletes are closely supervised while being coached through the workout, with attention on proper technique and safety. For our Back to Sports programs we offer training weekdays, with 2 or 3 days/week options. Info: www.fasteryoungathletes. com, 925-639-0907. Renaissance ClubSport We offers sports and speciality camps for kids ages 5-12. Participants have fun-filled, active breaks as they receive instruction in a variety of sports, activities, and projects. For families with multiple children, we offer a 10% discount on each additional sibling. Info: Kids World at 925.942.6344. Trucks Training We know exactly what it takes to achieve the next level of sports & fitness safely and effectively. A true hometown feel from true hometown people. We offer 1-on-1, group and small group training for fitness and sport-specific needs. Info: truckstraining. com; 925-756-7321

FOOTBALL

AG Evaluations Artie Gigantino, a former NFL coach with the Rams and Raiders, and college coach at USC and Cal, offers players evaluations and consultations. Its guidance for your football future. Info: artiesports@ yahoo.com, 925-209-9465

GYMNASTICS

East Bay Sports Academy Summer Day Camps at East Bay Sports Academy offer the best gymnastics, cheerleading, and tumbling SUMMER CAMP FUN anywhere! We offer four AMAZING WEEKS of half-day and full-day camps for girls and boys ages 5 and up. Recreational and competitive athletes will benefit from training with most-committed coaches in the Bay Area. Our 13,000 square foot facility is clean, bright, and has the newest equipment

ENRICHMENT

Dianne Adair Programs Come join any of our eight Dianne Adair summer sites for our fun and exciting summer program. Each week campers will be able to choose from several camps, including sports, fashion, drama, CSI, science and so many more. We take weekly field trips to places like an A’s or Giants game,

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even more camps + clinics at sportstarsonline.com around. We host private mini-camps and clinics. We gladly welcome all high school, middle school and youth football teams. Info: www. eastbaysportsacademy.com, 925-680-9999.

LACROSSE

ENCORE Lacrosse Our camps are for those players looking to take their game to the next level. Jonathan Christmas is present at every camp where the focus is on developing each and every player according to the S.T.R.I.V.E. model (Sustainable, Training, Reactive coaching, Innovative, Video,

Energy). Beginners, check out our introductory and intermediate camps. All camps offer goalie training and there are a limited number of goalie discounts available. Camp locations include Walnut Creek, Belmont, Marin, Sacramento and San Francisco. Info: info@ EncoreLacrosse.com

MARTIAL ARTS

Hanabi Judo & Japanese Culture Camp Hanabi’s Judo and Japanese Culture Summer Camp is a fun, active introduction to the traditions of Japan. Every themed session will have children learning judo (a requirement in Japanese schools), Japanese songs, Japanese stories as well as the main artistic, linguistic or culinary activity. Info: (510) 530-8312; dan@hanabijudo.com

OUTDOOR/ADVENTURE SPORTS

Diablo Rock Gym We offer kids summer camps every week starting in June and ending in August. Sign up for a week at a time or multiple weeks. Ages 6-17; multiple kid and/or week discounts. Call for pricing, 925-602-1000. Keigwins@theTrack We conduct motorcycle schools and practice events (“track days”) at famous racetracks in the Western U.S. Events are for experienced motorcyclists looking to improve skills and build confidence. Riders provide their own motorcycles and protective gear. Info: www.keigwin. com; 650-949-5609. Tri-Valley Triathlon Club We will train you for a sprint, Olympic or half-ironman triathlon. Join us at one of our free practices occurring 3-5 times a week. Located in the East Bay with practices in Fremont, Newark, Union City, Pleasanton, Dublin, Livermore and San Ramon. Info: liz@trivalleytriclub.com

SOCCER

Impact Soccer Club A community-based organization dedicated to development of the soccer culture in Brentwood, Oakley, Antioch, Knightsen, Byron and Discovery Bay. Camps run by Impact Coaching Director Rick Morin. Rick has 30 years of coaching experience and coaches at Carondelet High and the Univ. of California. Impact’s Junior Academy Program, for under-6 provides age-appropriate training and proper foundation for young players. Info: richardmorin1@comcast.net, (925) 323-1410 West Coast Soccer Lead by nationally-recognized coach and former SJ Earthquake, Troy

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Dayak, the WCSC’s programs are designed to bring professional experience and guidance to youth soccer players across Northern California. West Coast Soccer camps 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 of our program is not on winning, but on the development of the total soccer player within the framework of a team. We also offer specialized training for strikers and goalkeepers. Info: 510-758-5288, http://wccysl.com.

SWIMMING/DIVING

Santa Clara Aquamaids JUMP IN with the Santa Clara Aquamaids and learn the basics of synchronized swimming! The Santa Clara Aquamaids are looking for swimmers ages 7-12, who are eager to learn, attentive, able to follow directions and work cooperatively in a group setting. Basic synchro skills are taught such as sculling, ballet legs, simple figures, arm strokes, land drilling, and more. The Santa Clara Aquamaids has been producing world-class synchronized swimmers and Olympic athletes since 1964. We have programs designed for beginning through elite levels. Info: 877 722-4630; 408 988-9936; info@aquamaids.org Sherman Swim School Located in Lafayette, our year-round schedule allows children and adults to learn, retain and improve their swim skills with little interruption. Lessons are offered on M-W-F’s and T-Th’s over 3-4 weeks. We teach from age 9-months to adults and non-swimmers to competitive levels. Our private or semi-private lessons allow you to progress at YOUR pace. We also offer beginning and competitive diving. Classes (30 min. long) are taught in three-week sessions. Either on M-W-F or T-Th. Info: 925-283-2100, www.ShermanSwim. com. Walnut Creek Aquabears Our Competitive Stroke Clinic is a four-week session designed with the summer-recreational swim-teamer in mind. Instruction includes each of the four competitive strokes and their associated turns, skills and drills. This class is coached by USS Aquabears swim team coaches. Info: 925-939-5990

even more camps + clinics at sportstarsonline.com VOLLEYBALL

Bay Area Blast Summer Clinics Bay Area Blast Volleyball Club (BABVC) is a volleyball organization in Martinez. Our primary goal is to build character and develop sportsmanship. BABVC offers personalized 1:1, 2:1 and 3:1 lessons and skills clinics designed for beginner and intermediate players. The clinics focus on player development in the fundamental skills. BABVC holds two summer skills clinics for boys and girls of all levels, each running three nights a week for two consecutive weeks from 7-9 pm at NorCal Courts in Martinez. Sessions cost $125. Info: tracyfeldmann@gmail.com City Beach Volleyball With facilities in Fremont & Santa Clara, we offer a wide variety of camps & clinics for junior girl players of all experience levels. Academic Camp is for the rising 10-12th graders looking for an opportunity to work with over 15 college coaches. Our traditional summer camp serves players of all levels. We also have Saturday Sessions available. Info: (408) 654-9330; aaron@citybeach.com dan@citybeach.com Core Volleyball Club We offer a competitive, fun environment where your daughter will enjoy competing at a high level not only in games, but in practices as well. Our goal is to prepare your daughter for the next level; whether that is her middle school, high school, or college program. Clinics are held at Velocity Sports Performance in Dublin. If you are looking for some extra touches prior to tryouts this is an excellent clinic for you. We work on all skill development and fundamentals. Info: info@teamcvc.com; Ph: 925-925-230-9795

National Academy of Athletics Our BUMP-SET-SPIKE VCamps are great for boys and girls ages 6-8 and 9-12. Campers grouped by age, ability to learn appropriate drills, skills, techniques. These week-long sessions are offered at different locations throughout Northern California. Info: info@naofa.us; Bay Area: 415-296-6686; North Bay: 707-541-2365; Toll Free: 866-90-SPORT Pacific Rim Volleyball Pacific Rim Volleyball Academy in Pleasant Hill is dedicated to providing athletes with the technical, tactical and physical training, to reach their highest potential. Pacific Rim will assist each athlete in reaching maximum performance through proper training and nutrition education. Our advanced training for junior levels (12th grade & below), will provide the opportunity to become elite players at the high school and/or collegiate level. Clinics are available for beginners, girls fall ball and skills-specific, boys skills-specific, open play and private lessons. Info: (585) 313-2215; rworsley@pacificrimvolleyball.com U.S. Youth Volleyball League The United States Youth Volleyball League is hosting a series of volleyball camps this summer in several Northern and Southern California locations. The USYVL is the leader in developing and maintaining youth volleyball leagues for boys and girls ages 7-15. Its motto “Volleyball starts here,” clearly represents its commitment to the development of the sport. Each camp is taught by instructors who have played or coached at the club, high school or college level. Registration fee includes a t-shirt, certificate, snacks and water. Info: 1-888-9887985, www.USYVL.org. sfsu.edu/gatorCamp; 415-338-2244. ✪

❒❒ AG Evaluations.................................................................................................................36 ❒❒ Big O Tires Northern California/ Nevada.............................................................................2 ❒❒ Borge U S A Indoor Soccer League....................................................................................22 ❒❒ Catchflame.Com...............................................................................................................36 ❒❒ Championship Athletic Fundraising.................................................................................23 ❒❒ Cheergyms.Com...............................................................................................................16 ❒❒ Club Sport..........................................................................................................................5 ❒❒ Club Sport Renaissance....................................................................................................33 ❒❒ Community Youth Center.................................................................................................37 ❒❒ Core Performance.......................................................................................................35, 36 ❒❒ Core Volleyball Club..........................................................................................................36 ❒❒ Diablo Futbol Club............................................................................................................34 ❒❒ Diablo Rock Gym..............................................................................................................35 ❒❒ Diablo Trophies & Awards.................................................................................................35 ❒❒ East Bay Parks..................................................................................................................37 ❒❒ East Bay Sports Academy.................................................................................................31 ❒❒ Excellence In Sport Performance......................................................................................32 ❒❒ Garaventa Enterprises......................................................................................................26 ❒❒ Halo Headband................................................................................................................37 ❒❒ Home Team Sports Photography......................................................................................35 ❒❒ Kangazoom......................................................................................................................25 ❒❒ M L B Scout Online...........................................................................................................36 ❒❒ Mountain Mike’s Pizza......................................................................................................13 ❒❒ Muir Orthopaedic Specialists............................................................................................30 ❒❒ Passthaball.......................................................................................................................37 ❒❒ Prepstarsonline.Com........................................................................................................12 ❒❒ Rhino Sports Of Northern California.................................................................................25 ❒❒ Rocco’s Pizza.....................................................................................................................35 ❒❒ Sky High Sports................................................................................................................35 ❒❒ Sport Clips........................................................................................................................17 ❒❒ Sports Stars Magazine......................................................................................................32 ❒❒ Sportstars Magazine Wing Stop.......................................................................................32 ❒❒ Stevens Creek Toyota..........................................................................................................7 ❒❒ Sutter Health East Bay........................................................................................................3 ❒❒ Tpc / The Pitching Center..................................................................................................25 ❒❒ U C Davis Health System...................................................................................................29 ❒❒ U C S F Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland......................................................................29 ❒❒ U S Cryotherapy................................................................................................................31 ❒❒ United States Youth Volleyball League.............................................................................40 ❒❒ Wingstop.........................................................................................................................13

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California-San Ramon tight end Matt Snyder goes up to grab a pass in traffic during the Grizzliesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; season-opener against Pittsburg on Aug. 29. Photo by Phillip Walton

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