December 2009 - January 2010

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SPOTLIGHT SPORTS MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009 – JANUARY 2010 ISSUE TWO

CO-PUBLISHERS/EDITORS JIM SCHWAB SCOTT KARL STAFF WRITER BRAD HOLLINGSWORTH GRAPHIC DESIGNER JILL DAVIS COVER DESIGN JILL DAVIS COVER PHOTOGRAPHY STEPHANIE SUNDELL WWW.CREATIVEPHOTOGRAPHYINC.NET COPY EDITOR CHRISTOPHER GREENSLATE PRINTER ADVANCED WEB OFFSET

Features

3 16 20

KRAMER & MCCANN LCC Hoopsters

ROCKETING TO THE NBA Our interview with Chase Budinger

OHS FOOTBALL’S HEART AND SOUL Jake Fely & Rene Siluano

ADVERTISING INFORMATION 760-809-2700 jim@spotlightsportsmag.com

Trainer’s Tips

© 2009 BY SPOTLIGHT SPORTS ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED IN ANY MANNER WITHOUT PERMISSION. ALL IMAGES ARE © AND THE PHOTOGRAPHS ARE REPRODUCED WITH THE PERMISSION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHERS AND/OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES.

6 Improve Your Speed A Velocity Training Tip

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein. However, Spotlight Sports, its subsidiaries, affiliates, advertisers or agents, shall not be responsible for errors, misprints, omissions or any misinformation.

VISTA’S SYDNEY WITT PAGE 7

School Highlights 5 RANCHO BUENA VISTA 7 VISTA 11 SAN MARCOS 12 MISSION HILLS 15 TRI CITY CHRISTIAN

30 Get More From Your Swing Explosive Rotational Exercises

SPOTLIGHT SPORTS 300 CARLSBAD VILLAGE DRIVE SUITE 108A-338 CARLSBAD, CA 92008 jim@spotlightsportsmag.com scott@spotlightsportsmag.com

With respect to financial, medical, nutritional or physical training information found within, this publication is not a substitute for readers’ responsibility to seek personalized attention. The accuracy of the material is to be considered limited to its intended use, and is not guaranteed. Spotlight Sports shall not be liable for any claim, loss, expense or damage of any kind to user, or to any third party, related to the use of information contained herein.

in this issue

18 EL CAMINO 23 ARMY NAVY ACADEMY 25 LA COSTA CANYON 26 CARLSBAD 28 OCEANSIDE

Extra Credit 9 Pressure Use it to Your Advantage 14 Protein is Power How Much is Enough?

LA COSTA CANYON’S DENNIS KRAMER PAGE 3

30 A Deadly Reality Teen Driving Crashes

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YOUR LOCAL NORTH COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

SUBSCRIBE TODAY! A portion of the proceeds goes to ANY school you choose.

For just $25 a year, you will receive a one-year subscription!

For details and to submit a Subscription Form, see page 10.

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manager’s desk THANK YOU FANS!

Winter Season is Underway!

Participation in high school sports establishes longterm friendships, fosters the importance of team work, and can be a major factor in shaping one’s life. Spotlight Sports does a wonderful job of encouraging young athletes in this regard.

– Claude “Bud” Lewis, Mayor of Carlsbad At last we have a first class sports publication for the players, parents and families of north county athletes. What a joy it was to open the new Spotlight Sports magazine and see so many photos while reading in-depth stories about our local athletes.

The publication covers a wide range of sports and provides a outlet for refreshing positive sports journalism. We are very excited and can’t wait for the next edition.”

– Ric & Bonnie Bethel, Former Athletic Director and Counselor, Rancho Buena Vista High School.

What a treat! In an era in which negativity often dominates the media, I am delighted to discover Spotlight Sports, a new publication devoted to positive news stories highlighting current and former North County student-athletes. I applaud spotlight sports for heralding youth who accomplish great things, in both their field of endeavor and the classroom. Congratulations, Jim and Scott, for creating a wonderful new publication that celebrates the excellence exhibited by the youth throughout our region. And congratulations to everyone recognized for their accomplishments in a much appreciated and very positive publication, Spotlight Sports.

– Ray Patchett, Former Carlsbad City Manager and Current Resident

One down and many to go! I am so thankful to everyone who was a part of making our inaugural issue so special.

This issue gives us a chance to recap some fall sports while spotlighting a few winter athletes gearing up for their season. Just as these athletes prepare, we too at Spotlight Sports are preparing for more to come. We plan to expand our magazine into two new San Diego markets in early 2010 helping us cover close to 30 schools. Additionally, we are working on our website so that, in time, it can be the “go to” site for scores, schedules and overall information pertaining to local high school sports.

Finally, while this is a job, it is also a passion. It was started with a desire to draw attention to high school athletics as well as find a way to financially support these programs. Spotlight Sports is committed to doing both and in 2010 will be creating new ways to accomplish this. Please enjoy our December Issue and the remainder of 2009.

Happy Holidays and a prosperous New Year!

“Thank you guys for giving the community exactly what was needed. You hit the ball out of the park with the first edition. spotlight sports should be required reading by all athletes and parents.”

– Willie Buchanon, Former SD Charger, Green Bay Packer, and Current Oceanside HS coach and alum

Scott Karl Co-founder

It was great to see kids I recognize from our area acknowledged in your magazine for their talent in high school sports and academics. As a student athlete I appreciated the articles with tips on both college admission and preventing injury. I look forward to seeing future issues.

– Jacqueline Ramsey, High School Junior

Scott Karl is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1995 – 2000. Scott played for the Milwaukee Brewers, Colorado Rockies, and Anaheim Angels. He now resides in Carlsbad with his wife and children.

I really love the magazine. I enjoyed the articles I read. I thought they were very good and as a high school student it is a great magazine to be educated with and learn other skills of the game. One thing I liked a lot was there are tons of pictures and it wasn’t all just words. Also, it was cool to learn stuff about the different athletes.

– Justin Hepner, High School Senior

SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS

Job well done! I recently had a chance to sit down and read through the spotlight sports magazine that you produced and thoroughly enjoyed it! I am new to the San Diego area, specifically North County, but a longtime athlete and sports fan. I particularly enjoyed the ‘Trainer Tips’ section as well as the athlete Q&A’s.

– Daniel A. Sletten, NASM-CES I just picked up a copy of your magazine in the athletic office of our school; kudos to you! Love the graphics, content and advertisers for both the kids and parents.

– Cole Wilson, Parent 2 S P OTLIGHT SPO RT S

As one season ends, another begins. The fall high school sports season produced many amazing performances and achievements. Congratulations to the all the athletes and coaches that spent countless hours practicing, training, and competing. The results sometimes are less significant to the real purpose of shaping and molding the lives of those who participate.

The winter sports season is now upon us with a full complement of basketball, soccer, wrestling, and girl’s water polo. The North County has an abundance of amazing and talented athletes. See for yourself. Attend a high school sporting event. If you missed out on a football game this season, make a point to see a basketball game this winter. It’s an exciting atmosphere, outstanding form of entertainment, and an opportunity to see some of the remarkable talent from around the county many of whom will be playing at a higher level.

I offer my sincere gratitude to all those that have let us know what they think of our magazine. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and we have published some of the comments we received. It reinforces what we are doing and trying to accomplish; passionately deliver what is good about high school sports in a positive way.

Continue to keep the feedback coming. We want to hear from you. Let us know what we are doing well or would like to see in future issues.

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS. It needs to be stressed that this publication does not get printed without their support. Without them we cannot continue to spotlight these dedicated athletes. Please patronize their businesses or call them to let them know you saw their ad in Spotlight Sports Magazine. Not only will we appreciate it, but so will all our current and future standout high school student athletes.

Lastly, I again urge you to support your local high school athletic team by attending an event; you will be glad you did. It’s some of the best entertainment value you can get these days.

Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ spotlightsports and Twitter twitter.com/spotlightsport.

Do your part to help promote our local high school student athletes. This magazine you are reading would not be possible without their support. Please tell them spotlight sports sent you!

DJO Compex Muscle Stimulator Allied Health Carlsbad Max Muscle Sports Nutrition Sunglass Lounge Dr Steve Beuligmann DDS Don Rushworth Realtor Velocity Sports Performance ProActive Physical Therapy Flippin Pizza / Knockout Pizza Kia of Oceanside Capital Growth – Patrick Brennan La Costa Chiropractic Tip Top Meats Creative Photography Carlsbad Big Cat Promotions

| D E CE M B E R 2009 – JAN UA RY 2 0 1 0

I Drive Safely Dr. James Fosnot, Clinical Psychologist Halstrom High School, Vista Twenty/20 Grill - Sheraton Senor Grubby’s Elliott Insurance Agency Wells Fargo (Carlsbad Main) Klinge Realty El Camino Country Club Dr. Teresa Smith DDS Dr. Kathleen Alderete Chiropractor William Freed – Walwick & Freed Attorney True Fitness Socal Soccer North County Cobras

Jim Schwab Co-founder

Jim Schwab has coached Carlsbad Youth Baseball (CYB) for 10 seasons. His business background is diverse with an entrepreneurial spirit. His last business was sold to a large international manufacturing company. Jim was a state ranked junior tennis player and captain of his high school tennis team. He resides in Carlsbad with his wife, Kelly, and two children.

LA COSTA CANYON BOYS BASKETBALL

Kramer & McCann Give Mavericks a Full Plate

BY BRAD HOLLINGSWORTH PHOTOS: THOMAS MILLS

F

or the La Costa Canyon boys basketball team,

last season ended with a whimper. As the 20092010 season beckons, the Mavericks hope the year finishes with a bang.

And redemption is a dish best served with plenty of banners.

After losing in last year CIF Division I semifinals to Torrey Pines, 57-56, on a buzzer-beater, La Costa Canyon has come up with a three-step process to try and erase last season’s heartbreak conclusion.

1. Win the Avocado League.

2. Win the CIF-San Diego Section Division I title.

3. Compete for a state championship.

“It is a process, and I believe in having a dream and creating goals to reach it, and then creating the work and discipline to get there,” said LCC coach Dave Cassaw. “It is based on what we did this summer and where do we think we should be. It was definitely tough what happened last year when the ball went through the basket.”

“We thought about it through the spring and summer and to be on the threshold of the title game has only made us hungrier.”

Heading up the line of this year’s basketball buffet are James McCann and Dennis Kramer. This pair of seniors don’t believe this year’s series of goals are arrogant or braggadocios, just high standards for a Maverick program that is among the elite in San Diego County.

“Yes, our goals are very high,” admitted McCann, “People would say we are getting ahead of ourselves, but we want to set our goals as high as possible.”

Kramer agrees.

“We want to go for a CIF championship and then go further than that…maybe a state championship.”

Cassaw has plenty to work with in McCann and Kramer. Each brings a distinctive skill set to the court, which will force opposing teams to account for them on every trip down the floor.

A WINNING ATTITUDE

Winning for Dennis Kramer, 6’ 10”, above, and James McCann, 5’11”, right, was fostered in the countless hours spent in the gym working on their games. For part of the time, the duo played together on the San Diego AllStars, traveling to Las Vegas and throughout Southern California competing against the best AAU talent.

“Having two guys like this at the same time is unique,” Cassaw said. “They put winning first and are not about stats. Some kids just want to put numbers up, but they are more about winning than anything else.”

Winning for Kramer and McCann was fostered in the countless hours spent in the gym working on their games. For part of the time, the duo played together on the San Diego All-Stars, traveling to Las Vegas and throughout Southern California competing against the best AAU talent.

“The biggest thing I learned is how to display your skill set and be organized in an unorganized setting,” said 5-foot-11, 160-pound McCann, who is receiving interest from UCSD, University of Puget Sound, University of Rochester and Hamilton (New York).

While McCann is still considering his post-high school choices, Kramer is signed, sealed and delivered to the University of San Diego. The 6-foot-10 center/ forward believes his improved play against top-flight players will make a difference this season and at the Division I level. “(USD) was the right fit for me,” said Kramer, whose final choices included the University of Portland and Stanford. “The way the frosh class is developing, along with the coaching staff and education made my decision easier.”

Says Coach Cassaw, “Kramer and McCann put winning first and are not about stats. “

While Kramer plays center in high school, he shot countless 3-pointers to expand his game from the low post.

“I want to be multi-dimensional and don’t always want to have my back to the basket,” Kramer said. “I want to be a guy who can step out and shoot it.”

Improving his perimeter game was paramount for McCann. He knows that knockdown 3-point shooters are extremely valuable.

“My strength is going to the basket,” McCann

“I want to be multi-dimensional and don’t always want to have my back to the basket,” Kramer said.

“I want to be a guy who can step out and shoot it.” explained. “I really worked on my shot this summer because I want to take advantage of teams that give me a little cushion.”

Cassaw sees McCann and Kramer’s value more in the locker room than on the court.

“They are tremendous… ‘the tops’ and all those letter-of-recommendation phrases,” Cassaw said. “In both cases, they are intelligent and coachable. They make tough plays at tough times and are a coach’s dream.”

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MAVERICKS CONT. FROM PREVIOUS PAGE CLOSE-KNIT GROUP Aside from the obvious individual talent, the Mavericks boast a close-knit group of veteran players that they hope will play well enough together to withstand a tough non-league schedule, in addition to the rigors of league and postseason play.

“Really our biggest strength is we have a good core group and good chemistry,” McCann said. “We played a lot this summer, and we worked, and developed some good players.”

“With the football season still going on, we’re a little short on guys,” Kramer said. “But we are getting better every day and we improve more when we have all our guys.”

At a school like La Costa Canyon, athletic success can be inspiring or a burden. For both McCann and Kramer, these school-wide expectations are not a problem.

“There is always a little bit of pressure,” McCann said, “and when you have a good team there is a lot of pressure from great expectations.”

The comparisons to other teams on campus have never been an issue for Cassaw either.

“I never have thought of it that way,” Cassaw said.

“I’ve learned to have tunnel vision and know what our team is capable of every year. We measure our success with ourselves.”

Serious expectations for McCann and Kramer didn’t begin when they hit the LCC campus. Both have older and younger siblings who set a standard for excellence that each has followed.

For McCann, he will be the third scholarship athlete in his family. His oldest sister, Kelly, graduated and played soccer at Duke. His other sister, Allison, is a soccer player at undefeated Stanford.

“It’s been better with older siblings because they show you the ropes,” McCann said. “You are just surrounded with great athletes.”

“Really our biggest strength is we have a good core group and good chemistry,” McCann said. “We played a lot this summer, and we worked, and developed some good players.”

The same is true for Kramer. His older brother, Josh, who went to Torrey Pines, played at Holy Cross and Concordia (Irvine), while his younger sister Lisa, a sophomore, plays on the LCC volleyball team.

“Josh has helped me a lot, but we never really have played one-on-one,” said Dennis about his brother who is seven years older. “He comes to practice and bangs on me. I think it has made me a lot better.”

McCann and Kramer hope to find redemption this season.

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4 S P OTLIG HT SPO RTS | D E CE M B E R 2009 – JA NUA RY 2 0 1 0

RANCHO BUENA VISTA LONGHORNS Soldedad Gomez is such a skilled player, she brings the level of play up for everyone else.

TINY DYNAMO IS FOURYEAR VARSITY STARTER

By Coach MIKE SALDANA Soledad Gomez is not going to intimidate the opposition with her size, considering she stands around five feet tall. The other teams learn soon enough just how dangerous a player this young lady has been her entire high school career. Soledad’s size nearly kept me from selecting her for varsity her freshman year. My two captains intervened to convince me, and fifteen minutes into our first game, Soledad cemented herself as a four-year varsity starter in the midfield.

Soledad puts pressure on opposing teams with her outstanding individual skill, often making crowdpleasing moves that leave opponents shaking their head. However, it is her knowledge of the game that makes her invaluable to our team. Soledad is one of those special players that make other players better.

First-Ever RBV National Letter-of-Intent Signing Ceremony Organized by Coach Leo Fletes, the ceremony was presided over by Principal Varda Levy, to a gathering of family, friends and school personnel, to celebrate the achievements and opportunity of these student athletes to play at the next level.

HighLights

Soledad is just as impressive in the classroom. She pushed herself academically and achieved a 3.5 GPA while taking difficult classes, such as Physics Honors and Pre-Calculus. All of the hard work paid off, as Soledad will continue her academic and soccer career at San Diego State University in the fall.

SEATED FROM LEFT: Baseball players Reed Reznicek (Indiana) and Anthony McIver (Notre Dame), volleyball player Lily Straight (Cal State University Monterey Bay), baseball players Tony Wolters (USD) and Jimmy Allen (Cal Poly San Luis Obispo), and softball player Berkleigh Massey (Fairleigh Dickinson University).

RANCHO BUENA VISTA LONGHORNS 1601 Longhorn Drive Vista, CA 92081 760-727-7284 http://rbvhs.vusd.k12.ca.us ATHLETIC DIRECTOR Marty Nellis

Men’s Soccer

By Coach MIKE SALDANA When you think about Rancho Buena Vista Men’s Soccer, player names immediately come to mind. One player stands out because of his technical and tactical prowess, being able to make the impossible seem simple, yet consistently maintaining humility and poise where others might become self-absorbed. Another player stands out for his commitment and tireless work ethic as well as leadership skills and a tenacious desire to perform. These qualities would inspire almost every fellow athlete at any level of play.

Yet our reputation as a program precedes us.

Three straight league championships in the last three years does not hinge on one player, no matter how skilled or inspirational. All eighteen players on the Varsity squad need to “buy in” to what we as coaches are offering. The young men, who are on Varsity, as well as those in our lower levels, know that when you play for RBV you will work hard, you will be pushed mentally and physically, and you will be expected to put your ego aside and play with heart, not just for you, but for your fellow player as well.

In the end, it isn’t about one player standing out.

It’s about everyone, the standouts and the soldiers, the starters and the subs, working together so that we all can share in the glory and pride of wearing the Longhorn on our chest.

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TRAiNER’s TiPs

SPEED MATTERS. PERIOD.

BY TODD WILLIAMS, CSCS

H

ow important is speed? Far more important

than most people realize! Team speed becomes an issue every time an opposing player takes off down the sideline with the ball. Speed changes things. A fast player changes a game. A fast team changes a season. Speed moves you up the depth chart.

It makes the phone ring from colleges and adds zeroes to many professional athletes’ contracts. Speed is a deal maker and a game changer. The good news is that speed can be taught.

HOW DO YOU TEACH SPEED?

Marlon Lucky worked with a well-educated speed coach to help him improve the speed and efficiency with which he runs.

One way we can make an athlete faster is by forcing them to move faster.

There are two main factors to consider when teaching speed: physics and physiology. Most high school athletes don’t realize that the physics lessons they learn in the classroom apply on the field or court. An understanding of physics helps a speed coach teach proper body mechanics. Your body, like a car, will move faster and more efficiently when it is properly aligned or positioned. A sprint has different phases: the start phase, the acceleration phase and the top speed phase. Your body will move through different positions during different phases of the sprint. A well-educated speed coach can recognize and correct poor alignment or mechanics which will in turn improve the speed and efficiency with which an athlete runs.

Physiology also comes into play in making an athlete faster. Neuromuscular coordination refers to the communication between mind and body. An athlete needs to recruit certain muscles to perform certain functions at high rates of speed. When an athlete is placed in a situation calling for greater speed, the body will attempt to adapt and move more quickly. Simply put, one way we can make an athlete faster is by forcing them to move faster. This technique is generally referred to as over speed training. A well educated speed coach also knows how to safely and appropriately incorporate over speed training once an athlete is utilizing sound running mechanics.

SPEED DRILLS: IMPROVING MECHANICS

In any speed instruction program, sound mechanics are the first order of business. Practice alone does not make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect. An athlete who wishes to get faster needs to practice under the watchful eye of an expert. Below are just two examples of drills we used to improve speed mechanics.

Wall Drills Wall Drills are designed to teach proper body alignment as well as leg action during the acceleration phase of running. It teaches the athlete to maintain a 45-60 degree forward lean while taking those first few steps after take off. In addition to that, wall drills teach the

“sweeping” forward to backward leg action of the acceleration stride cycle.

Heel Recovery Butt kickers are a top speed running drill that focuses on the backside of our stride cycle. They help to ensure that the athlete’s foot follows the proper path during this phase of the cycle. They teach athletes to pull their heels under their center of mass as opposed to behind their center of mass. Correct heel recovery mechanics will lead to a faster turnover thus speeding up the stride cycle and overall speed of the athlete.

Todd Williams is available to answer athletes’ questions and can be reached via email at tewilliams@ velocitysp.com or by phone at 760.444.0097.

SPEED DRILLS: OVER SPEED

After an athlete has mastered proper running mechanics, over speed training can be used to increase an athlete’s speed. Without solid mechanics, over speed will simply reinforce bad habits or cause injury. Over speed drills are intended to stress the body into a higher rate of seed Fast Leg When an athlete can properly demonstrate a sound stride cycle, we begin drills such as the fast leg series.

These drills help athletes increase the speed of their stride cycle by working on their stride one leg at a time at a faster rate than the athlete is able to achieve in a full stride. This trains neuromuscular coordination.

Bungees Bungees can be used to launch an athlete forward at a faster rate of speed than the athlete would normally produce. This causes the athlete’s body to respond in kind by turning his or her feet over fast enough to maintain the artificially induced rate of speed. This is a classic example of over speed training.

Teaching speed requires a well trained expert, the right curriculum and enough space to undertake perfect practice.

An athlete who wishes to get faster needs to practice under the watchful eye of an expert.

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Log on to www.spotlightsportsmag.com/promo to enter. Prizes to be awarded Feb. 1, 2010.

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VISTA PANTHERS

HighLights SPOTLIGHT ON DESIREE ROBINSON

Water polo player Sydney Witt credits her coach with helping her to become a stronger player.

SPORT BASKETBALL HEIGHT 5’5” PTS PER GAME 12 NOTABLE 4-YEAR VARSITY

n What is your greatest sports memory as a youth or in high school? My greatest sports moment would probably have to be my sophomore year when we became avocado league champions. It was exciting because we were the team to beat.

n Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career? My dad for sure. He encouraged me to always work hard and believe, because anything’s possible.

He always guides me in the right direction whether it’s with basketball or academics.

n What is your favorite clothing or shoe store? My favorite store would have to be the Vans shoe store. You can get two for the price of one.

n What kind of music do you like to listen to? Alternative Christian Music

SPOTLIGHT ON SYDNEY WITT

n If sports ended tomorrow for you what kind of career would you focus on? I would pursue a career that had a mixture of health science and criminal justice.

SPORT WATERPOLO

n What is your greatest sports memory as a youth or in high school? It would be playing varsity as a freshman, winning my first CIF and being a part of our school history by being the first girls water polo team to win CIF at Vista High School.

VISTA PANTHERS 1 Panther Way Vista, CA 92084-3199 (760) 726-5611 http://vhs.vusd.k12.ca.us ATHLETIC DIRECTOR Pat Moramarco

n Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career? My coach, Dave Spence. He has taught me a lot about water polo and about life.

n What is your favorite clothing or shoe store? My favorite clothing stores are Target and Macy’s.

n Where is the most interesting place you have traveled and why were you there? When I

Desiree Robinson

was on 14 & unders, we went to Seattle Washington for a tournament and after our games it started to snow.

n What is your favorite restaurant? What do you like to order? My favorite restaurant is Macaroni Grill and I always get Fettuccini Alfredo.

n If sports ended tomorrow for you what kind of career would you focus on? I would focus on becoming a physical therapist or sports medicine.

n If someone offered you a free vacation week where would you go and what would you do there? I would go to Maui, Hawaii. It is so beautiful there and a former coach, Shawn Donahue, now lives there and he was a great coach.

SPOTLIGHT ON DANIEL THRELKELD SPORT WRESTLING

GRADE SENIOR NOTABLES 3-YR VARSITY; AVOCADO LEAGUE 1ST TEAM

SPOTLIGHT ON STEPHEN QUE

n What is your greatest sports memory? My greatest sports memory is hitting a homerun off my friend Mark Smith in Little League.

n What is your favorite clothing or shoe store? Plato’s Closet

SPORT BASKETBALL POSITION SHOOTING GUARD HEIGHT 5’11” AVE. PTS PER GAME 15

n What do you like most about your sport? I love the physical and mental demands of wrestling. It shapes you as a person; it highlights your imperfections and forces you to overcome them.

n What is your greatest sports memory as a youth or in high school? Beating #2 ranked Hoover, beating #4 ranked Foothills Christian, blowing out Rancho Buena Vista twice, scoring 17 points in one quarter

n Do you want to wrestle in college? I definitely plan to wrestle in college. I have several options – right now my first choice is NYU.

Where do you like to hang out with your friends away from campus? I like to hang out with friends on the dance floor, karaoke place, in the library.

n Where is the most interesting place you have traveled and why? Last summer I lived with a wrestling family in Oak Park, Illinois, just outside of Chicago. I spent a week before Nationals wrestling with the number one team in Illinois.

n Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career?

The biggest influence in my sport career has been my mom because her love for me motivates me to become the best person I can be. I LOVE you mom :)

n What is your favorite local restaurant? Los Cabos res-

n What is your favorite clothing or shoe store? Footlocker.

taurant in Vista. I love the Huevos Rancheros.

n If you had a free vacation where would you go? I’d go to the Sautee-Nacoochee Valley in Georgia, shoot fireworks over the Chattahoochee River, see my family and have a great time.

n Where is the most interesting place you have traveled and Stephen Que scored 57 points in their 2009-2010 season opener.

why were you there? Probably the Philippines because it is so different from the United States… I was there to visit my long lost family.

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ExtrA CRedit

Embrace Pressure for Success

BY JEFF GREENWALD

I

’m often asked how the best athletes in the world compete so well when the stakes are so high. “How do athletes deal with the stress with so much on the line?” Answer: They learn to thrive on it. Do you know what Pete Sampras told Inside Tennis what he missed the most about the game after his retirement? He said, “I miss feeling so nervous that I would throw up before the finals of Wimbledon.” Embracing pressure is critical if you want to compete at higher levels in your sport.

When you embrace pressure, you enjoy it, even thrive on it. This is the time to reach deeply into your guts and stand tall. Acknowledge and accept your physical tension. Don’t try to cover it up by playing tentatively or rushing through your execution.

Across all sports, the very best athletes know how to focus on the right things when the game is on the line. Research now demonstrates that successful athletes have an uncanny ability to engage in the task at hand. Those who are less successful are distracted by a variety of things—the outcome of the event, the perception of others, their self-image, technical and strategic concerns, self-doubt – all which impede their performance. The difference has everything to do with how they view the situation, the pressure, and

The team, fans, parents, or media may all be watching what you do next, but this fades into the background as you focus intently on your goal. The ability to embrace pressure like this will become your greatest memory one day when you look back on your experience in your sport.

You need to understand that your tension is actually the catalyst to peak performance. You need it. Without it, your best performance will not emerge. It simply means that you care and are excited to be there.

“The day I don’t

embracing the moment before them.

Though consistent training, superior talent, and skill naturally all play an integral part in the ability to execute under pressure, embracing the feeling of pressure is crucial if you want to raise your winning percentage. It all comes down to what pressure means and feels like for you. Are you secretly wishing you could be in the stands watching rather than competing or hoping the other team or opponent will hand you the win with their mistakes? I suggest yo u identify your true mind-set by asking yourself the question, “Do I really want to be here?”

Pressure is Subjective The amount of pressure you feel will depend on your belief in your ability to handle the situation at hand.

In all sports, you need to trust your technique and strategic decisions. Even at the most stressful times with your heart racing, the difference between success and failure in that moment lies in how you perceive the situation. Are you scared or excited about the opportunity before you?

Your challenge is to see close games as opportunities to dig deep, and execute your shots regardless of how nervous you may feel. When you view your nerves as signals that indicate excitement and opportunity, you will play better. In his book, Driven from Within, Michael Jordan says, “The day I don’t feel nervous is the day I know I must quit the game of basketball.”

Regardless of his nerves, Jordan always wanted the ball. He viewed his nerves in a positive light and always grabbed the opportunity to play and improve.

feel nervous is the

Greenwald’s Mental Edge Tips • Remind yourself that the nerves in your body mean that you care and are excited to compete. You need this energy to play your best.

• Focus and refocus on the task at hand.

Be present, not in the past or future.

day I know I must quit the game

of basketball.”

– MICHAEL JORDAN

• Love the battle and let the results happen. Don’t force it. Trust yourself without thinking about the score.

Next time you feel a pang of nervous energy worrying about the consequence of the event and feel some pressure, remind yourself, “I love this. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

• Identify your negative thoughts after your competition and replace with more productive thoughts (i.e. replace “I’m playing horribly” with “trust your shot/ swing. There’s still time to get back on track.”

Jeff Greenwald, M.A., M.F.T is an internationally recognized sport psychology consultant and author of The Best Tennis of Your Life. Mr. Greenwald was ranked #1 in the world and U.S by the ITF as a professional tennis player in 2002. He can be emailed at jeff@mentaledge.net.

• Imagine that you have a windshield wiper in your mind to wipe away distractions such as the score or negative thoughts.

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| D E CE M B E R 2009 – JA N UA RY 2 0 1 0

SAN MARCOS KNIGHTS

HighLights

SPOTLIGHT ON KATIE MARGOT SPORT WATERPOLO GRADE SOPHOMORE POSITION GOALKEEPER

n What is your greatest sports memory? Going to the Junior Olympics for water polo. n Where do you like to hang out? At Edwards theater in San Marcos n Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career? Keira Kenny. She is my club coach for the Vista Stars club water polo team.

n What is your favorite clothing store? Tilly’s n Where is the most interesting place you have traveled and why were you there? I went to Hawaii on vacation.

n What is your favorite restaurant? What do you like to order? The Elephant Bar. I love the

SPOTLIGHT ON SIMON OLGUIN SPORT WRESTLING GRADE SENIOR WEIGHT 135 AWARD 1ST PLACE CARLSBAD INVITATIONAL

n What is your greatest sports memory? Placing second at CIF Finals.

n Where do you like to hang out? At the Money Pit or at the park with friends.

Santa Barbara Burger

n If someone gave you $1000 right now what would you do with it? Buy some clothes and save the rest.

n What do you want to be after college? Maybe be a science teacher n If someone offered you a free vacation week where would you go and what would you do there? I want to go to Costa Rica and check out their beaches. I hear they are awesome. n What kind of music do you listen to? Whatever is playing in my brother’s car since he is the driver.

n Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career? Coach Barrios. He won state twice and he always pushes me to be better.

n What is your favorite clothing store? Pac Sun n Do you want to wrestle after HS? I want to wrestle at CSU Fullerton because they are good and still close to home.

n Where is the most interesting place you have traveled and why were you there? I went to Italy to visit my great grandma.

n What is your favorite restaurant? What do you like to order? Chik- Fil-A. I like the chicken sandwhich, no pickles and some waffle fries.

n If someone gave you $1000 right now what would you do with it? I’d give $100 to my church and then the rest on food, clothes and some gas for the car.

n What do you want to be when you are done wrestling? Probably be a high school principal

SPOTLIGHT ON SHANE MCPHERSON SPORT BASKETBALL POSITION FORWARD GRADE SENIOR HEIGHT 6’3”

n What is your greatest sports memory? Starting a CIF game as a Sophomore n Where do you like to hang out? At the Money Pit or at the park with friends. n Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career? Coach Barrios. He won state twice and he always pushes me to be better.

n What is your favorite clothing store? Foot Locker n Do you want to play hoops after HS? I definitely want to play after high school. I am not committed anywhere but I am interested in many schools.

n Where is the most interesting place you have traveled and why were you there? I went to Hawaii for a basketball tournament.

n What is your favorite restaurant? What do you like to order? Spaghetti Factory. I get a huge portion of spaghetti and meatballs.

SAN MARCOS KNIGHTS 1615 San Marcos Blvd.

San Marcos Ca 92078 760-929-2200 www.smusd.org ATHLETIC DIRECTOR Scott Jones

n If someone gave you $1000 right now what would you do with it? Buy lots of shoes and then put the rest in my brother’s college fund.

n What do you want to do after college? Something to do with big business. n If someone offered you a free vacation week where would you go and what would you do there? I want to go to Tokyo, Japan and go sightseeing.

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MISSION HILLS GRIZZLIES

HighLights SPOTLIGHT ON MELISSA ALLEN

SPOTLIGHT ON BROOKE BAGDASAR

SPORT BASKETBALL

SPORT VOLLEYBALL POSITION SETTER GPA 4.3 GRADE SENIOR

n What is your greatest sports memory as a youth or in

n What do you like most about your sport? I love how

high school? Last year vs. Imperial, we came back from being down big to win by one with a few seconds left.

fast-paced volleyball is, constantly going. Volleyball isn’t just brute strength, there is so much strategy involved. I find it nearly impossible to be bored at a volleyball match.

n Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career?

My coach, Chris Kroesch, has been my biggest influence. He has always pushed me to be the best that I can be and to never settling for being average.

n Do you have aspirations of playing sports after HS? If so, where and why that location? Hopefully. My top choice for college is the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.

My first priority is academics, but making the volleyball team would be icing on the cake.

n What do you like most about your sport? Even if you’re having a bad day or stressing out about things, it’s an opportunity to be with friends and forget about anything that’s going on.

n If someone gave you $1000 right now what would you

Jack Johnson, John Mayer…

do with it? I would take half and put it in my bank account for college. The other half I would use to buy items that are shipped to our troops overseas in Iraq through the United Club at my high school which is dedicated to solely supporting the soldiers fighting for our freedom.

n If someone gave you $1000 right now what would you

n If sports ended tomorrow for you what kind of career

n What is your favorite restaurant? What do you like to order? Any Italian food place. I love Fettuccine Alfredo and cheesecake!

n What kind of music do you like to listen to? The Fray,

do with it? I got my license recently, so it would go towards a new car.

would you focus on? I am hoping to either pursue medical school and become a physician or work in public relations

n If sports ended tomorrow for you what kind of career would you focus on? My favorite subject in school is psychology, so that is definitely a possibility.

n If someone offered you a free vacation week where would you go and what would you do there? I would go to Japan.

I have family there that I haven’t seen in a while.

SPOTLIGHT ON MAYA MATSUMOTO

SPORT SOCCER

SPORT SOCCER POSITION GOALKEEPER GRADE SENIOR 3.73 NOTABLE SELECTED AS MVP

high school? It had to be in Carlsbad Cup when we went to penalty kicks after a tough game. I was the 7th kicker and I scored the winning penalty kick for the championship.

n Where do you like to hang out with your friends away from school? Anything outdoors. Going to the beach, playing soccer, or just anywhere were I can socialize with them.

n Do you have aspirations of playing sports after HS? If so, where and why that location? I do want to keep playing soccer. I plan to keep playing at CSU San Marcos or possibly CSU Fullerton. I’m still keeping my options opened.

n Where is the most interesting place you have traveled and why were you there? I went on vacation with my family to Mexico to visit my grandparents.

n If someone gave you $1000 right now what would you do with it? I would give half to my parents and half for my college expenses I might need in the future.

n If sports ended tomorrow for you what kind of career would you focus on? Definitely criminology, I plan to study that while attending college.

n If someone offered you a free vacation week where would you go and what would you do there?

I would like to go to Barcelona and hang out with the Barcelona soccer team, and just have as much fun as i can.

GPA

n What is your greatest sports memory as a youth or in high school? My greatest sports memory is when my club team won Celtic Cup in San Bernadino.

n Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career?

My Dad, Sash Matsumoto, he has always driven me to be the best I could be. n What is your favorite clothing or shoe store? My favorite shoe stores are the Vans store and the Adidas store.

n Do you have aspirations of playing sports after HS? If so, where and why that location? I would love to play for St. Mary’s College of California or University of New Mexico.

n Where is the most interesting place you have traveled and why were you there? Hawaii with my soccer team, we went for a soccer tournament.

n What is your favorite restaurant? What do you like to order? Terri’s Japanese Café, I love to order the teriyaki bowl or the udon soup.

n If sports ended tomorrow for you what kind of career would you focus on? I would focus in college to become a physical therapist.

n If someone offered you a free vacation week where would you go and what would you do there? I would go to Barcelona, Spain and I would go enjoy the city’s beauty.

Maya Matsumoto was selected MVP of last season MISSION HILLS GRIZZLIES 1 MISSION HILLS COURT SAN MARCOS, CA 92069 760-290-2700 www.smusd.org/mhhs ATHLETIC DIRECTOR Ken Putnam

12

ALL PHOTOS ON THIS PAGE: JARED THORKELSON

SPOTLIGHT ON ISMAEL MARTINEZ n What is your greatest sports memory as a youth or in

Ismael Martinez loves playing soccer, and plans to study Criminology while attending college.

Brooke preps for a back set

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ExtrA CRediT

STUDENT ATHLETE ALERT! Think about this ... If you gain 10 pounds and 8 pounds are fat and 2 pounds are muscle, have you really helped yourself as an athlete? You might as well strap on 8-pound ankle weights. by eating protein and training hard you can reverse this and gain 8 pounds of muscle and 2 pounds of fat. Now you are a leaner, faster and stronger athlete!

That’s the difference that multiple servings of protein and an elevated nitrogen balance can make, and as you can see it is a HUGe difference!

While food and nutrients as a whole play a vital servings) is extremely important in building leanrole to the training athlete, protein ischart reallybythe when it muscle mass.

The following Dr.catalyst Peter Lemon, comes to making your body stronger. We at max muscle a renowned protein scientist, is a handy guide for sughave stated for more than 20 years that multiple servings gesting how(3-5 much protein you need to consume daily of protein hours between servings) is extremely and per meal, based on your weight. important in building lean muscle mass. The following chart by Dr. Peter Lemon, a renowned protein scientist, is a handy guide for suggesting how much protein you need Joe Wells is Founder andper CEO of Max Muscle. to consume daily and meal, based on your weight.

PROTEIN IS A POWERFUL MUSCLE-BUILDING NUTRIENT!

P

rotein is a vital component in building lean

muscle mass. They key is how much protein should a young athlete consume and when. Unlike carbohydrates, protein cannot be stored as a readily available nutrient. Protein is stored in the body as lean muscle mass. When your body needs protein to support vital functions, it relies on immediate protein

By Joe Wells, Max Musclethe Founder CEO from your diet (eaten within pastand 3-4 hours) or it will break down lean muscle mass. As an athlete the last thing you want is to lose any lean muscle mass.

Therefore it is vital that you supply your body with multiple servings of protein daily.

Most sports nutrition experts will agree, protein is the key factor in getting results from intense physical training. When protein is ingested, you elevate the nitrogen balance within your bloodstream. Elevated nitrogen puts your body in an optimal state for building and repairing muscle tissue. In fact, with a low Protein iswill a Powerful level of nitrogen in your blood, you begin to deteriorate lean muscle mass.

Once again, that’s not good!

Muscle-Building nutrient!

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He probablyprotein has less than 6 percent body relies on immediate from your diet (eaten within the past 3-4 hours) or itabout will break down lean muscle fat, meaning he has 15 pounds of body fatmass. on As athlete the last to lose any lean muscle hisanentire frame!

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In fact, with aof low level of nitrogen in yourof blood, you will gain 8 pounds muscle and two pounds fat. Now begin to deteriorate lean muscle mass. once again, that’s you are a leaner, faster and stronger athlete! That’s the not good! difference that multiple servings protein an 15 or many athletes will attest that of after they and gained elevated nitrogen balance make, and as youincreased can 20 pounds of lean musclecan mass, they actually times and vertical jump. This may seem crazy, but seetheir it is40 a HUGE difference! look at an athlete Lebron as James.

He play is 260a pounds While food andlike nutrients a whole vital of muscle, and jumps higher and runs faster than pretty much role to the training athlete, protein is really the all of his smaller competitors! He probably has less than 6 catalyst when it comes to making your body stronger. percent body fat, meaning he has about 15 pounds of body Wefataton Max Muscle haveInstated more than 20 years his entire frame! short for he has a ton of lean muscle that multiple servings of body! protein (3-5 hours between mass to propel his giant

Student Athlete Alert!

P

18 WWW.MAXMUSCLE.COM

MS&F

Estimated Daily Protein Intake Guide

Weight (lbs)

Total Daily Protein Intake (.8 x Weight)

4 Meals Average Amount of Protein Per Meal

5 Meals Average Amount of Protein Per Meal

6 Meals Average Amount of Protein Per Meal

100

80

20

16

13

110

88

22

18

15

120

96

24

19

16

125

100

25

20

17

130

104

26

21

17

135

108

27

22

18

140

112

28

22

19

150

120

30

24

20

160

128

32

26

21

170

136

34

27

23

180

144

36

29

24

190

152

38

30

25

200 210 220 230 240 250 260 270 280 290 300

160 168 176 184 192 200 208 216 224 232 240

40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60

32 34 35 37 38 40 42 43 45 46 48

27 28 29 31 32 33 35 36 37 39 40

ı November 2009

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| D E CE M B E R 2009 – JA N UA RY 2 0 1 0

BY JOE WELLS

TRI CITY CHRISTIAN EAGLES

HighLights

SPOTLIGHT ON MARISSA SMITH SPORT VOLLEYBALL HEIGHT 5’6” POSITION LIBERO GRADE SOPHOMORE

n What is your greatest sports memory? Being able to compete at the state championship level.

n Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career? My dedicated Parents, my amazing Coaches and Victoria Rodriguez, my other half on the volleyball court.

n What is your favorite clothing or shoe store? Target n What do you like most about your sport? The feeling of leaving it out on the floor and, as a Libero, taking away a hitter’s glory.

n Do you have aspirations of playing sports after HS? If so, where and why that location?

Honestly, my goal is to play somewhere in college, hopefully to help pay for my college. I would love to stay in California, it’s my home.

Miami for Junior Olympics last year.

n What is your favorite restaurant? What do you like to order? Panda Express, orange chicken or Macaroni Grill, anything on the menu.

n If someone gave you $1000 right now what would you do with it? Give it away. I wouldn’t know what to do with it if I kept it. Someone else probably needs it more.

n If someone offered you a free vacation week where would you go and what would you do there? Africa, on a medical missions trip.

Marissa led our team in digs with 537 averaging 5.7 per/game.

She had 54 aces on the year and led our team in service receptions with 387.

PHOTOS JOE RAMIREZ

n Where is the most interesting place you have traveled and why were you there? Probably

“Marissa is our spark plug. She is a competitor who truly loves the game of volleyball. Our team would not be the same without her. She always rises to the occasion in big games and not only does the expected but makes unbelievable plays to ignite our team.” – Coach Kristen Wright

SPOTLIGHT ON TARA HARRIS

SPOTLIGHT ON ANDREW TORKELSON

SPORT TENNIS CUM GPA 4.48 GRADE SENIOR

n What is your greatest sports memory as a youth or in high school? Getting five touch-

n What is your greatest sports

n What is your favorite clothing or shoe store? Tillys, Zumiez, and Pacsun.

memory as a youth or in high school?

My greatest high school sports memory is “The Bischoff Open.”

At the end of my freshman season, our team was split into two, and we battled. We had a ton of fun while still working on our skills.

It is named “Bischoff” after the assistant coach who came up with the mock match: Greg Bischoff.

n Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career? My brother, Josh, has influenced and motivated me for years. I can always count on him to agree to a tennis match, and he always improves my game.

n What is your favorite clothing or shoe store? I love Kohl’s, Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, Plato’s Closet, and Payless.

n What do you like most about your sport? Tennis is a sport that anyone can play at any time in his or her life. Also, it only requires one other person, which is much different than a team sport for which you have to round up almost twenty other people.

SPORT FOOTBALL HEIGHT 6’1” POSITION QB WEIGHT 185 GRADE SENIOR GPA 3.6

downs against Holtville my senior season.

n What do you like most about your sport? The physicality and metal strength needed for it. Also being able to hang with friends on the field.

n Do you have aspirations of playing sports after HS? Yes. USD, Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Ashland, Truman State University. I want to go to a place where I can benefit the team as best I can.

n Where is the most interesting place you have traveled and why were you there? Canada, for a cruise with the family. It was very fun fishing for crabs.

n What is your favorite restaurant? What do you like to order? Benihana, a mix of Japanese food. Eriberto’s to get a late night burrito.

n If someone gave you $1000 right now what would you do with it? I would go to Orange County and go shopping for a bunch of clothes and electronics.

n If sports ended tomorrow for you what kind of career would you focus on? Most likely becoming a fire fighter.

OF NOTE: COMP 132; ATT 236; YDS 1975 Y/G 164.6; COMP % .559; TD 21; INT 7; LONG 79

n Do you have aspirations of playing sports after HS? If so, where and why that location? I don’t think I’ll be playing any sports competetively after high school because I will need to focus on my studies in college, but I’ll play tennis recreationally for the rest of my life.

n What is your favorite restaurant? What do you like to order? My favorite restaurant is Marie Callendar’s. I get the “Creamy Potato Cheese” soup every single time I go there.

n If someone gave you $1000 right now what would you do with it? I would probably put it in the bank. I know that’s boring for a seventeen-year-old, but I’ve always been pretty responsible with money, so I would feel guilty just blowing it on something ridiculous.

n If sports ended tomorrow for you what kind of career would you focus on? I’m not exactly sure what career I will have, but I’m guessing it will be something in the mathematical field. Math has always been my strongest area of study.

TRI

n If someone offered you a free vacation week where would you go and what would you do there? If someone offered me a free vacation week, I would go to Greece for half of the time and Ireland for the other half. Those are two countries I have always wanted to visit.

CITY CHRISTIAN EAGLES 302 N Emerald Dr Vista, CA 92083-6199 (760) 806-8247 www.tccs.org ATHLETIC DIRECTOR Stan Bickley

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Chase Budinger’s Rocket Ride to the NBA

BY BRAD HOLLINGSWORTH

F

ive years ago, it was prep basketball’s equivalent

of the Beatles, the Backstreet Boys and the Jonas Brothers all rolled into one.

Throughout Chase Budinger’s senior season at La Costa Canyon High School, the Mavericks were similar to a rock band that created a frenzy whenever they walked into the gym. And while his teammates were solid players in their own right, it was the moppyhaired Budinger who was the front man that brought fans from three different counties to watch him play at the Carlsbad campus.

“It was special, very special and it was nothing, but packed gyms,” LCC coach Dave Cassaw remembered.

“It was such a rare thing, a rock star sort of thing. If Chase was injured, people I didn’t even know would call me and they wouldn’t go to games if he wasn’t going to play.”

The crush of fans packed the Mavericks’ gymnasium an hour or more before games, waiting for Budinger and his teammates to take the court. After games, La Costa Canyon set up a table for Budinger to sign autographs for kids. He would spend more than 30 minutes dutifully signing programs, jerseys, shoes and scraps of paper. It got so crazy that during the CIF playoffs opposing teams would stand in line for Budinger’s signature.

PHOTO COURTESY HOUSTON ROCKETS MEDIA RELATIONS

05 – 06, What A Year!

Many believe Hall of Famer Bill Walton is the greatest player ever to come from San Diego County, but no one created the hype and excitement that Budinger, who averaged 34 points, 11 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 3 steals per game, did during that magical season.

Now, Budinger is adjusting to the fast-paced life of an NBA player, where he is a key player off the bench for the Houston Rockets after spending three tumultuous years at the University of Arizona.

But as Budinger was returning to his Houston residence after practice, he still can’t really believe people made such a big deal of him and his high school teammates.

“It was pretty crazy because there was so much hype with my high school team and with it being my last year and what I had accomplished, people wanted to see what more I could do,” Budinger said. “Coming into my final season, there was a lot of pressure. But it was an opportunity to have fun like a normal high school kid just playing basketball.”

The exclamation point of Budinger’s prep career came in the CIF Division I finals against Eastlake in the first quarter. The 6-foot-7 guard/forward got the ball on a breakaway and used his 40-plus inch vertical jump to unleash a vicious windmill dunk that unofficially ended the game giving the Mavericks their first county title.

Budinger continued to ride the momentum to the McDonald’s All-American game that was held at San Diego State’s Cox Arena. He finished second in

the dunk contest and shared MVP honors with Kevin Durant, who now plays for the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder.

It seemed like Budinger would continue his ascent to one of the nation’s best collegiate players at the University of Arizona. However, things began to unravel over the course of his three years on the Tucson campus.

Things Aren’t Always What You Expect Budinger, who was Arizona’s highest profile recruit ever, started all 30 games his freshman year for the Wildcats, averaging 15.6 points per game. Then, legendary coach Lute Olson, stepped down because of health reasons, but Budinger responded averaging 17.1 points per game under interim coach Kevin O’Neill. He then flirted with the NBA draft, yet returned because of the belief Olson would return.

When the Hall of Fame coach decided to retire, Budinger was faced with a junior season under Russ Pennell, who had little coaching experience at the Division I level. To his credit, Budinger stuck with the Wildcats emerging as the team leader and All-Pacific 10 Conference selection.

“There was a lot of adversity because we went through three different coaches and how they came to be in those situations,” Budinger said. “Each year, we had to learn different systems, different coaches and different personalities.

“I went from a role player to a leader when I was there. It made me a better player, and I had no thoughts of going somewhere else. I always thought Coach Olson would be the coach, and then he was not there.”

After his sophomore year, Budinger was projected to be a mid-first round selection, yet he did not hire an agent, so he waited until the day before the deadline to return to the Wildcats. At the conclusion, Budinger hooked up with an agent and was ready to take on the next phase of his career: the NBA. Budinger did nothing to hurt his draft prospects and expected to be selected in the first round.

However, last June, was perhaps the darkest day of his basketball career when he slipped into the second round and was picked 44th by the Detroit Pistons and then traded to the Rockets on the same night.

“It was a tough day for me,” Budinger said. “I had high expectations and from what my agent was telling me that I would go in the first round. It was very emotional for me, but then I got drafted, and then traded, then I went on a plane to Houston and it was time to go be a professional.”

Cassaw was at that draft day party and was equally disappointed with how things turned out, but he knew that his former player would respond to the challenge.

The 6-foot-7 guard/forward got the ball on a breakaway and used his 40-plus inch vertical jump to unleash a vicious windmill dunk that unofficially ended the game giving the Mavericks their first county title.

see “ROCKET” on page 19 ISSUE T WO

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EL CAMINO WILDCATS

HighLights SPOTLIGHT ON CELINE DOERR SPORT 3-YEARS VARSITY TENNIS OTHER SPORTS 4-YR VARSITY SOFTBALL; 3-YR VARSITY WATER POLO AWARDS TENNIS MVP TWO YEARS, MOST INSPIRATIONAL WATER POLO GPA 5.0

n What is your greatest sports memory as a youth or in high school? Competing in ASA Nationals in Johnson City, Tennessee.

EL CAMINO WILDCATS 400 Rancho del Oro Drive Oceanside, CA 92057 760-757-8550 http://echs.oside.k12.ca.us/

n Where do you like to hang out with your friends? The beach or at Gandolphos!

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR Sean Helgesen

n What is your favorite clothing store? Lucky Brand Jeans n Do you have aspirations of playing sports after HS? Yes, I hopefully will continue to play sports at the collegiate level.

n Where is the most interesting place you have traveled and why were you there? Paris, France, to visit my family

n What is your favorite restaurant? What do you like to

MEET CHRIS GORMAN

order? Miso Harney Sushi.. Hawaiian Roll

n If sports ended tomorrow for you what kind of career would you focus on? Engineering or foreign affairs

n If someone offered you a free vacation week where would you go and what would you do there? St. Tropez. I’d shop and relax on the beach so I can get rid of those horrible tan lines!

SPOTLIGHT ON NATALIE REECE SPORT SOCCER GRADE SENIOR HT. 5'3" POSITION CENTER MIDFIELD GPA 3.81 NOTABLE 3-YRS VARSITY, TEAM CAPTAIN

n What is your greatest sports memory as a youth or in high school? My greatest high school soccer memory is definitely beating our rival (Oceanside High School) last year. It had been a while since El Camino soccer beat them, so it was great to be a part of it.

n What is your favorite clothing or shoe store? I shop wherever there are good deals on cute clothes. But I also really like Tilly’s and Charlotte Russe.

n What do you like most about your sport? I love the constant fast-paced action on the field. You’re always moving; there’s never a time in the game where you should be walking or standing still.

n Where is the most interesting place you have traveled and why were you there? I have traveled, as an exchange student, to Europe. I visited London, Paris, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. And the exchange took place in Germany. It was really cool to see the differences and similarities of the two cultures, and I have made life-long friends in other countries. n If sports ended tomorrow for you what kind of career would you focus on? I’m really into the sciences. Especially forensic science.

I love all the CSI stuff! But my second choice would be veterinary science.

n If someone offered you a free vacation week where would you go and what would you do there? I would love to go to Australia!

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SPOTLIGHT ON JOITA TE’I SPORT FOOTBALL GRADE SENIOR HT. 6'4" WT. 260 POSITION DEFENSIVE END

n What is your greatest sports memory? When we beat Carlsbad to get into the playoffs this season.

n Where do you like to hang out with your friends? In front

This year Chris Gorman is the captain of the Varsity Basketball team. He scored 20 points, made eight steals and six assists in a lopsided 38-point victory against Steel Canyon, and against fourthranked Maranatha, Chris had 24 points and seven assists in a 20-point win. His ability to score from the outside opens up the inside for the team’s big men to do their job.

He is a self-starter and a leader on the court as well as in the classroom, and currently has 3.3 GPA but knows there is always room for improvement.

He enjoys all competition to ensure that he strives to constantly improve himself. He always has a positive attitude towards life, and always tries to achieve his goals.

SPORT BASKETBALL GRADE JUNIOR HT. 5'10" WT. 160 POSITION POINT GUARD, CAPTAIN GPA 3.3

n What is your greatest sports memory as a youth or

of the 400 building at school. It’s the one place I can hang out with all my friends.

in high school? When we won the CIF Championship against Torres Pines last year at USD.

n Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career?

My mom. After my dad died she was the one who got me into sports and is my biggest fan.

n Where do you like to hang out with your friends away

n Would you like to play football after HS? If so, where and

n What is your favorite clothing or shoe store? I like

why that location? Most definitely. I plan on going to ASU after graduation. ASU has a lot to offer me on the football field and academically.

n Do you have aspirations of playing sports after HS?

n Where is the most interesting place you have traveled?

Buffalo, New York. It was my first travel and it’s cold in the winter and so different from sunny California

n What is your favorite restaurant? What do you like to order? Home Town Buffet because “it’s all you can eat”.

n If someone gave you $1000 right now what would you do with it? I would give half to my mother and the other half to my grandma.

n If sports ended tomorrow for you what kind of career would you focus on? Recreational Leader helping our youth.

n If someone offered you a free vacation week where would you go and what would you do there? I would go to London to experience new things and do a lot of site seeing.

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from campus? I like going to the movies, 24-Hour Fitness, and hanging out at my friends’ houses.

Chuck Taylor’s shoes and going shopping at Foot Locker.

If so, where and why that location? If so, where and why that location? Yes, I would like to play basketball at the next level. I would love to go to USD or UCLA. The schools are close to home.

n What is your favorite restaurant? What do you like to order? Wings and Things. I like to order Hot Wings.

n If sports ended tomorrow for you what kind of career would you focus on? I would like to be involved in music in some fashion or become a Physical Therapist.

n If someone offered you a free vacation week where would you go and what would you do there? I would go to visit Japan. I would go there to see all of the leading technology that they have.

Lemonade From Lemons

In It for the Long Haul

“He’s doing fantastic now and he has come a long way, but it was hard for him on draft day,” Cassaw said. “People were telling him things about where he was drafted, and he was just confused because all the information he received told him he would be drafted a lot higher.”

Budinger used his disappointment to fuel his fire during the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. He shot a scorching 72 percent from the floor, averaging 17.8 points per game for the Rockets. While no one expects him to continue his torrid shooting, Budinger made his mark with Houston’s coaching staff. “(Summer league) definitely gave me confidence,” Budinger told Rockets.com before the season. “I was able to come off screens and be very aggressive knocking down shots and hopefully I can carry that confidence right on through the regular season.

“I feel like I’m a guy who can come in and contribute right away. That’s where my mindset is at, and I just want to keep showing in practice that I can be a contributor, playmaker, and someone who can knock down shots.”

Budinger comes off the bench for the Rockets, playing about 18 minutes per game and scoring 8.7 points. He believes he’s right on schedule for the goals he set for himself this season.

“The first goal was to get playing time and earn my minutes,” Budinger said. “I just want to do whatever possible to get the team a win. I would love to be in the rookie/sophomore game but that is a long ways away.”

The coaching staff is equally impressed.

“Chase obviously got really good coaching growing up,” said Rockets’ assistant coach R.J. Adelman, “so I think the transition has been easier for him because he is so well-rounded.”

As a first year player, Budinger must endure the hazing that rookies experience, but he said it isn’t as bad as what his friends must do. Budinger’s list includes carrying luggage, getting donuts and lunch for veteran players, and cleaning locker room showers.

If the hazing ever gets too bad for Budinger, he can return to the volleyball court. As national high school player of the year his senior year, Budinger was often compared to Karch Kiraly, the best indoor and outdoor player ever. However, the sands of Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, are not in the forefront of Budinger’s mind.

“I don’t miss it at all. I am just too busy to miss it,” Budinger said. “My brother (Duncan) plays professionally in Europe, so when I am in town I will go and help him out.”

As Budinger moves forward with his professional career, he doesn’t see much difference between those early days at La Costa Canyon.

“There are a couple of differences at each level besides the players being bigger, stronger and faster,” Budinger said. “You are used to being the man and at the next step you have to start as a role player and work your way up.

“The huge adjustment is mentally when you are not ‘the man.’ It is adjustments that you have to

PHOTO: LUKE ADAMS, ARIZONA ATHLETICS PHOTOGRAPHY

“ROCKET” continued from page 17

make every year. To play 82 games is a big adjustment because I have never played more than 30 games in a season. I just need to keep my body healthy and my mind ready for what lies ahead.”

And the frenzy of an NBA season is nothing new to Budinger, who is now on tour with one of the best bands in basketball.

Steven A. Beuligmann, D.D.S.

Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

3039 Jefferson Street, Suite A Carlsbad, California 92008 760-729-5964 Fax 760-729-6991 ISSUE T WO

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HAIR R

Jake Fely

B Y

H

B R A D

H O L L I N G S W O R T H

When it comes to football, Oceanside High School is a lot of things. The Pirates are generally believed to be one of the elite programs in San Diego County for the past 15 years. The campus, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean, has housed some of the best prep talent in the nation, with college recruiters making it an annual stop during the spring to see what the latest crop looks like on the field. The 105-year-old school has sent so many players to college for football that it is too numerous to count and their NFL alumni could almost fill out a roster.

But this year’s Pirates, which boast six players who have verbally committed to Division I schools, stand out for more than just touchdowns and quarterback sacks. Watch Oceanside on a Friday night and your eyes are drawn to one thing that creeps out of the players’ helmets and halfway down their backs.

PHOTO: R. JOSEPH LOPEZ

air.

“It’s not for fashion and it’s not to be intimidating,” said running back/safety Rene Siluano, “We have a lot of Polynesian ethnicity on our team and we just hope it looks intimidating. We started doing it during our freshmen year. We called it ‘banging.’ We just left it long and want teams to see the mane.”

“I grew my hair out because it is a cultural thing,” said Jake Fely, who plays linebacker, and running back in goal line situations. “My mom said I have the best hair in the family, so I should show it off a bit.”

While Oceanside boasts the splashy receivers Jerry Whittaker, King Holder and DeMario Coleman with quarterback Quentis Clark at the controls, it is Siluano and Fely who are the heartbeat and rhythm of the Pirates.

“It’s all about performance and production. They don’t measure character by hair length,” said longtime OHS coach John Carroll. “When you are fortunate enough to have great players you don’t win championships unless you have guys who get after it. We’re just fortunate to have standout guys like Rene and Jake.

“They are middle guys who play like big-time guys.

You get that from them. They instill a passion for the game in and out of season and on the practice and game field. They just perform like big-time guys. They are players who get it done play after play. They aren’t big and super fast, but they play like it,” said Carroll.

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Oceanside Athletic Director Dave Barrett, who was the Pirates’ defensive coordinator for many years and is a graduate of the school, has seen his share of four-and five-star recruits on campus, but said Siluano and Fely’s abilities shouldn’t be solely measured in 40-yard times and bench press repetitions.

“Recruiting services look at the measurables, but they don’t measure the intangibles. There have been plenty of 5-star guys who do nothing and two and three star guys who come from high school and go to the NFL and end up in the Hall of Fame.

“Recruiting is a beauty contest and the real secret is to identify football players. Rene and Jake can play. They are guys who meet the profile, can compete and play.

They understand the steps it takes to be successful and you don’t have to be 6-3, 220 to play at the college level.

“Let’s be honest, if they couldn’t play, their long hair wouldn’t matter.”

Both Siluano, a two-star recruit, and Fely, a threestar player, will continue their football careers at San Diego State where both hope to lead the Aztecs back to Mountain West Conference prominence.

While each brings the lightning to the bright lights of Friday Nights, Siluano and Fely are different sitting on a bench on an autumn day. Siluano is more expressive and wants to be a pediatrician after his football days are over, while Fely, who breathes intensity, desires to be a police officer.

| D E CE M B E R 2009 – JA N UA RY 2 0 1 0

RENE SILUANO

Having played football since he was seven years old, Siluano has made his share of outstanding players, but the one that is etched in his memory forever is the last significant play of the 2008 season.

With Oceanside clinging to a 23-19 lead over Helix in the CIF-San Diego Division II championship game, Siluano made one of the greatest plays in Pirates’ long, storied history. The Highlanders, who drove the length of the field after an interception, were looking for Stanford-bound tight end Levire Tiololo in the end zone with just over a minute remaining. However, the jump pass from near the goal line, was supposed to fool the Pirates, but didn’t.

“Even the fans were closing their eyes,” Siluano remembered. “I saw the tight end in my peripheral vision and I saw the jump pass and I broke my assignment and went for it. After I intercepted the ball I couldn’t feel my legs, so I just fell down.”

It’s those types of plays that have typified Siluano’s prep career. If the Pirates need eight yards for a firstdown, Siluano will carry the ball nine or 10 yards, whether someone is pulling on his hair or not. Need a key play on defense; Siluano makes it with a hard hit, fumble recovery or interception.

“The most important thing about Rene is that he is coachable,” Carroll said. “He has accepted the expectations of the coaches and exceeded them. A lot of players ask “why?” Rene never does, he just does it.”

RAISERS PHOTO: R. JOSEPH LOPEZ

And that’s because, Siluano loves the game and will carry those fond memories on John Simcox Field to San Diego State.

“There is nothing better,” Siluano said. “The lights, the fans, the 11-on-11. It’s quite an adrenaline rush and is hard to explain. All the history, and the chemistry on the field, and the feeling of winning with your friends, is a celebration.”

That celebration will continue for Siluano with the Aztecs. He believes his experience at Oceanside has prepared him for the rigors of college football.

“I think I am extremely well-prepared for the next level,” Siluano said. “Coach Carroll always wants us to be at our best and it is a great environment for us, and I feel I have been in good hands.

“I am super excited about playing in college. High school football was a great experience, but I can’t wait for college. That level is so much more competitive and you have to play all out all the time.”

That shouldn’t be a problem for Siluano.

JAKE FELY

When asked about what the best thing is about football, Fely gets a devilish grin on his face and has his answer at the ready.

“It’s the best time to hit someone and not get in trouble for it,” said Fely with a laugh. “Just before I hit somebody, they look really scared. If they see me coming, you see that face. If they don’t, the only sound I hear is like air coming out of a paper bag real fast.”

Such intensity and desire is what makes Fely the heart-and-soul of the Pirates defense, which prides itself on a quick-strike attack blitz package that forces offense to play at a speed they are unaccustomed to.

“Jake is an intense, passion-driven player who is tough and physical,” Carroll said. “He is mentally tough and demanding of himself and those around him.”

Rene Siluano

PHOTO: R. JOSEPH LOPEZ

Such demands probably come from Fely’s family. His older brother, Josh, plays for San Diego Mesa College, and the younger Fely believes that is where his sharp edge came from.

“He taught me to always play with heart, and strive to be the best,” said Fely, whose fondest memory is combining on a sack with his brother in the 2007 CIF championship game. “He told me not to be a follower, but be a leader.”

Fely chose to be a follower when it came to selecting a place to play in college. His mother attended SDSU and he wanted to have his family watch him play in Qualcomm Stadium full time, not just in the CIF championship game.

The tradition of finishing a high school season in a professional stadium is not lost on Fely. He knows that each year the pressure builds for that year’s team to continue the legacy of those that preceded them. It is never talked about, but it is always there.

“You have to win and people will look at you different on campus if you don’t,” Fely said. “We will feel like we let down the tradition.

“But I love all those memories and the winning tradition. You have to be physical to be a starter here and that has prepared me for the next level. I wake up every Friday happy and surprised. I am not really nervous, but I have a feeling that is best in the world to do something great with your friends.”

However, there is something Siluano and Fely won’t admit. In one corner of the Pirates’ locker room, some players gather around a few lockers and talk not about game plans, but hair care.

Siluano admits that they don’t talk about it that much, but reveals there is some mention of conditioners. On the other hand, Fely is open about his go-to product “TRESemme”.

Because he knows that looking good is almost as important as playing well.

S I L U A N O & F E LY: S TAT S & FAV O R I T E S Role model?

RENE SILUANO: Grandfather, Elisia JAKE FELY: Father, Siliva

Singer or musical group?

RS: Boys 2 Men JF: Bob Marley

Inspiration?

RS: My family JF: My brother

Movie?

RS: Forrest Gump JF:Superbad

Athlete?

RS: Jerry Rice JF: Ray Lewis

Food?

RS: Mexician JF:Mexican

Football memory?

RS:2008CIF game vs.Helix JF:Getting a sack with my brother in state championship game School subject ?

RS: Math JF: Art

TV show?

RS: Sponge Bob JF: Anything on Comedy Central Thing to do besides football?

RS: Sleep and eat JF:Play video games

Position

Height

Weight

40 Speed

College Committed

Rene Siluano #14

RB/Safety

5’10”

190 lbs.

4.5 secs

San Diego State

Jake Fely #42

Linebacker/RB

5’10”

205 lbs.

4.6 secs

San Diego State

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| D E CE M B E R 2009 – JA N UA RY 2 0 1 0

ARMY NAVY WARRIORS

HighLights

SPOTLIGHT ON MIKHAIL STANICH SPORT WRESTLING GRADE SENIOR HOMETOWN SAN FRANCISCO OTHER SPORTS JV & VARSITY FOOTBALL, JV BASKETBALL, TRACK AWARDS 1ST TEAM, 215LBS

n What is your greatest sports memory? My greatest sports memory was going to CIF in two sports: football and wrestling.

n What is your favorite thing to do away from school?

Weight lifting or being with family and friends.

SPOTLIGHT ON WESTON LITTLEFIELD SPORT SOCCER GRADE JUNIOR AWARDS MOST VALUABLE PLAYER , ALL LEAGUE 1ST TEAM HOMETOWN SANTA ANA

n What is your greatest sports memory as a youth or in

n Do you have any pre-game rituals? Listening to metal/rock music and wearing my lucky shirt

n What do you like most about sports at your school?

Everyone is there for one reason and that is to win.

n Do you want to play

n Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career?

My dad. He’s taught me many new things and helps me stay motivated.

sports after HS? If so, where and why that location? Yes, San Diego State University Football – I love Southern California

n Do you have any pre-game rituals? Yes. Before each

n What goals have you set

high school? My greatest sports memory was winning the Nomads College Showcase Tournament.

game we get into a circle, wrap our arms around each other and pray.

n Do you have aspirations of playing sports after HS? If so, where and why that location? Yes. Preferably UCSB because the campus is awesome and some of my old teammates play there.

n What goals have you set for yourself this season? I am hoping for our team to have a better record than last year and make CIF.

n If someone gave you $1000 right now what would you do

for yourself this season?

To help the football and wrestling team go to CIF.

n What do you like and dislike most about being in high school? Like: being with friends; Dislike: waiting so long to graduate.

n If someone gave you $1000 right now what would you do with it? Buy my school new weights

with it? I would probably buy some clothes and diamonds.

n If sports ended tomorrow for you what kind of career

n If sports ended tomor-

you go and what would you do there? Hawaii, relax and tan on the beach.

row for you what kind of career would you focus on? I would follow in my mom’s footsteps and be an architect.

would you focus on? Become a mechanical engineer.

n If someone offered you a free vacation week where would

SPORT BASKETBALL GRADE SENIOR AWARDS PLAYMAKER OF THE YEAR, MVP, 1ST TEAM ALL CIP DIV IV HOMETOWN SANTIAGO, DR

n What is your favorite thing to do when you are not in school or playing sports? I like to sleep.

n Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career? Kobe Bryant

n What do you like most about sports at your school? I love the coaches and the bond between me and my teammates.

n Do you have aspirations of playing sports after HS? If so, where and why that location? I want to play in the NBA for any team that will sign me.

n Where is the most interesting place you have traveled and why were you there? Here in California because I’m here to live my dream.

n What goals have you set for yourself this season? I want to win a championship this season and promote my team. Next year I want to play in college.

n What do you like and dislike most about being in high school? I like high school because I have great friends and I dislike it because the food is bad.

n If someone gave you $1000 right now what would you do with it? I would give the money to my mom because she needs it.

n If sports ended tomorrow for you what kind of career would you focus on? If I couldn’t play sports I’d want to be a lawyer.

n If someone offered you a free vacation week where would you go and what would you do there? I’d want to go to Paris to see the sights, such as the Eiffel Tower and visit museums.

n If someone offered you a free vacation week where would you go and what would you do there?

I would go to Africa to watch the 2010 World Cup.

SPOTLIGHT ON RAFAEL RODRIGUEZ

ARMY NAVY ACADEMY WARRIORS 2605 Carlsbad Blvd. Carlsbad, CA 92008 760-729-2385 http://www.armyandnavyacademy.org ATHLETIC DIRECTOR John Maffucci

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| D E CE M B E R 2009 – JA N UA RY 2 0 1 0

LA COSTA CANYON MAVERICKS GRUBBS & NELSON LEAD THE WAY FOR THE MAVERICK WRESTLING TEAM

SPOTLIGHT ON JEN DUMIAK

The La Costa Canyon Wrestling team has an experienced group returning for the 2009-10 wrestling season. This group includes 9 seniors and 11 CIF placers. They are led by two state level wrestlers: Senior Bryan Grubbs is a two-time San Diego Bryan Grubbs County Masters Champion who placed 3rd in the California State Championships his sophomore year as well as placing 6th at the High School Nationals.

Last year he won the Texas state championship. Senior Nick Nelson was a state qualifier his sophomore Nick Nelson year and won a California Greco State Championship and placed 3rd in the Freestyle State Championships last spring. Nelson & Grubbs lead a veteran group of wrestlers that hope to make some noise at the State Championships this March in Bakersfield!

n Where do you like to hang out with your friends away from campus? Moonlight Beach in Encinitas

HighLights Madisen Irwin

SPORT BASKETBALL GRADE JUNIOR POSITION POINT GUARD HEIGHT 5'10"

n What is your greatest sports memory as a youth or in high school? Wining CIF last year

n Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career?

My dad because he is always the most honest with me on my game n What is your favorite clothing or shoe store? Urban Outfitters is my favorite clothing store.

n What is your favorite restaurant? What do you like to PETERBARKERPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

order? It’s a tie between Rico’s and Chipotle. I always order a burrito.

n If sports ended tomorrow for you what kind of career would you focus on? I would focus on something with science because it is the only thing interesting in school. n If someone offered you a free vacation week where would you go and what would you do there? I would go to Greece and go with the flow!

SPOTLIGHT ON MADISEN IRWIN

Jen Dumiak

SPORT BASKETBALL GRADE JUNIOR POSITION CENTER HEIGHT 6'4"

n What is your greatest sports memory as a youth or in high school? Winning the CIF 2009 championship against Poway whom we hadn’t ever defeated until we beat them in the CIF Finals last season.

DE/TE #8

n Where do you like to hang out with your friends away from campus? I love to shop, we love to go to the mall! My favorite clothing store is Hollister. n Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career?

My dad, he has inspired me to be unselfish, to be a team player, to be a leader to the younger girls and to work non stop on my game. n What do you like most about your sport? Intensity, need

SPOTLIGHT ON ADAM WITZMANN

Men’s Soccer

BY COACH DAVID COHEN

As juniors, Aubrey Brown, Senior Defender, and Taylor Wirth, Senior Defensive Mid-fielder, were both starters and impact players on last year’s team that was Champions of the Avocado League and ranked 2nd in the nation by ESPNRise. They were both Honorable Mention to the 1st Team Avocado League last year.

n What is your greatest sports memory as a youth or in high school? Winning CIF last year.

I say more! I am a people person, so I prefer team sports where I can bond with my teammates!

n Do you have aspirations of playing sports after HS? I plan on playing in college. Several schools are recruiting me and I have not decided where I want to play yet!

n What is your favorite restaurant? What do you like to

My dad.

order? It’s a tie between Flippin Pizza (pepperoni calzone) and Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza (Fettucine Alfredo pasta).

n Do you have any pre-game rituals? Certain music,

n What kind of music do you like to listen to? Any genre

n Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career?

superstitions, meals, etc… Eat the same lunch at Subman before every game.

n Do you have aspirations of playing sports after HS? If so, where and why that location? I want to play college football. I’m not positive where at yet, but we’ll see.

except heavy metal, my favorites are Fall Out Boy, Lil Wayne and Paramore Adam Witzmann

n Where is the most interesting place you have traveled and why were you there? Puerto Rico. I was there for a baseball tournament when I was 10.

n What do you like and dislike most about being in high school? I like being around my friends every day. I don’t like doing tons of homework.

Mavericks LA COSTA CANYON MAVERICKS One Maverick Way Carlsbad, Ca, 92009 (760) 436-6136 http://lc.sduhsd.net

n If someone gave you $1000 right now what would you do with it? By an alternator for my car.

n What is your favorite restaurant? What do you like to

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR John Labeta

order? Red Robin. Whiskey River Barbeque burger.

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CARLSBAD LANCERS

PHOTO: STUDIO Z

HighLights

Nick Heene

Daniel Romero

Edwin Ramos #34, Michael Swahn #54, Isaiah Fuson #51, and Joey Burzynski #50

Pigskin Team Captains United to Keep Up Team Spirit The senior football team captains all contributed to keeping the team spirits high on and off the field despite a disappointing 2009 football campaign noted for not having a home field. Life time friendships are easily forged through team work and competition provided by high school athletics. These players will pass on a legacy of hard work and spirited competition to the next group of Carlsbad High football players.

Chace Eskam

CARLSBAD LANCERS 3557 Lancer Way Carlsbad, CA 92008 (760) 331-5100 www.carlsbadhighschool.com ATHLETIC DIRECTOR Chris Greene

SPOTLIGHT ON JULIE ROWE SPORT BASKETBALL

POSITION 2,3,4, TEAM CAPTAIN

HEIGHT 5’7” NOTABLE AVERAGING 9 REBOUNDS PER GAME

n What is your greatest sports memory as a youth or in high school? My greatest memory in high school was attending a basketball camp in North Carolina.

n What is your favorite thing to do when you are not in school or playing sports? Anything outdoors like going to the beach, hitting the ski slopes or fishing with family by a lake.

n Do you want to play hoops after HS? I would love to play in college. I have my eye on Chico State or Monterey Bay.

n Where is the most interesting place you have traveled? I got to go to Jamaica on a family vacation.

n If someone gave you $1000 right now what would you do with it? I would give it to my mom and dad to help pay for the car they just bought me.

n Do you have a career in mind after basketball? I would really like to study Viticulture.

n If someone offered you a free vacation week where would you go and what would you do there? I’d go to Maui. I’d like to relax on the beach, eat sushi, possibly snorkel and hike by the waterfalls.

WRESTLING The Carlsbad High School wrestling team has quickly become one of the teams to beat in San Diego County. To go with an outstanding group of underclassmen, the team has three senior athletes that are among the best wrestlers in the county.

Daniel Romero, Chace Eskam and Nick Heene are senior standouts – young men who are ready to make some noise at the state level!

Daniel Romero (119/125) was the San Diego County Masters Champion at 103 lbs. last year.

Over the summer he wrestled for Team California in the National Duals. He has qualified two times for the California state tournament and this year he is looking to earn a state medal.

Chace Eskam (189/215) was a San Diego County Masters Finalist each of the last two years. He was also a State Champion in Greco-Roman style wrestling. Currently ranked 1st in the county, Chace has also qualified for the state championships twice and this year has his sights set on a High School State Championship!

Nick Heene (152/160) was 4th place in the San Diego County Masters in 2009. Nick spent the entire off season lifting weights, attending wrestling camps and working on his wrestling technique. A state tournament birth and medal are his very attainable goals for this season.

With the leadership of these senior wrestlers and the younger talent on this years Carlsbad wrestling team, the sky is the limit for this group of dedicated athletes. Good luck!

Walwick & Freed A PROFESSIONAL LAW CORPORATION

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Specializing in:

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760-722-4221 Email: wjfreed@sdlawyers.net 815 CIVIC CENTER DRIVE • OCEANSIDE, CA 92054

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OCEANSIDE PIRATES

HighLights

SPOTLIGHT ON MARKESE CRONK SPORT BASKETBALL HEIGHT 6’1” WEIGHT 180 POSITION GUARD NOTABLE 4-YEAR VARSITY, NEVER MISSED A GAME

n What is your greatest sports memory as a youth or in high school? My greatest sports memory was in high

school when I hit a three pointer at the buzzer to go to overtime and eventually win.

n What is your favorite thing to do when you are not in Dominique Zimmerman

school or playing sports? My favorite thing to do is skateboard in my free time.

Iesha Iwobi

n What goals have you set for yourself this season? If your season is completed what are goals for next year? My goals for this season are to average more than 20 points a game and to be a better player on the court.

COACH’S CORNER

Women’s Soccer

n What do you like and dislike most about being in high

BY HEAD VARSITY COACH GARY WALLACE Our team is off to a quick 5-0 start this season thanks to tough, gritty play as well as the leadership of two of our girls. Iesha Iwobi and Dominique Zimmerman have been instrumental to our team chemistry and were a big reason we took 1st place in the Classic Division of the Barron’s Tournament in Chula Vista. While both girls were chosen to the All-Tournament team, Iesha, our senior captain at 5’8” was recognized for her amazing skills and awarded MVP honors.

Dominique, a junior at 5’6”, has played all over the field for us and leaves an impact everywhere she goes. She is a student of the game as well as in the classroom having been voted our Scholar Athlete last season. She currently holds a 3.85 GPA. Iesha, too, leaves her impact much to the disappointment of our opponents. Last year she was our top goal scorer, team MVP, 1st team All-League and 2nd team All-CIF. Her superior skills and field awareness will serve her well as she strives to reach her goal of 30 goals in a season. Though that is a personal accomplishment, Iesha’s main focus has always been on the team and its success.

I am so thrilled to have two focused, dedicated and dynamic young ladies as an integral part of Oceanside High women’s soccer.

SPOTLIGHT ON HEATHER CHANCE

school? What I like most about high school is that everyone gets a chance to show their ability in school and sports.

n If someone gave you $1000 right now what would you do with it? I would donate it to some type of youth league or boys and girls club.

n If sports ended tomorrow for you what kind of career would you focus on? I would focus on computer technology and business.

SPOTLIGHT ON MANUEL GALICIA SPORT SOCCER HEIGHT 5’9” WEIGHT 145 POSITION FORWARD GRADE SENIOR

n What is your greatest sports memory as a youth or in high school? One special memory is when we got to the CIF as a sophomore. n Where do you like to hang out with your friends away from campus? I love going to TJ! n What is your favorite clothing or shoe store? Vans n What do you like most about your sport? Soccer makes me forget about outside problems. I just love playing. n Where is the most interesting place you have traveled? I don’t have the money so I don’t travel. n If someone gave you $1000 right now what would you do with it? Get new uniforms for the varsity team n If sports ended tomorrow for you what kind of career would you focus on? Maybe study how the body works n If someone offered you a free vacation week where would you go and what would you do there? I would go to Spain to meet Messi, a great soccer player.

OCEANSIDE PIRATES 1 Pirates Cove Oceanside, CA 92054 760-722-8201 http://ohs.oside.us ATHLETIC DIRECTOR Dave Barrett

SPORT VOLLEYBALL & WATER POLO AGE 18 HEIGHT 5-7 POSITIONS SETTER IN VOLLEYBALL/ POINT IN WATER POLO COLLEGE AZUSA PACIFIC

SPOTLIGHT ON JACKIE FA’ASAMALA

n What do you enjoy most about: Volleyball? The perfect set and then a kill and the look

SPORT BASKETBALL

on another team’s face; Water Polo? Making a goal outside the 5-meter and then shutting down the other team’s hole set.

n Role Model? Delfine Zimmerman (boyfriend’s grandmother). She is such a strong person and she teaches me a lot of life lessons. She told me that it’s not about the money, but about the memories.

HEIGHT 5’10 POSITION FORWARD GRADE SENIOR GPA 3.1

n Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career? My most recent influence

has been Coach Megan Johnson for teaching me so much and raising my basketball IQ in such a short amount of time.

n Do you have aspirations of playing sports after HS? If so,

and play water polo or volleyball, graduate, get married, and teach high school physics or chemistry.

where and why that location? Yes, but I still need to work on my skills. Therefore, I want to go to Saddleback JC because they can prepare me for the next level. I chose that location because they are a really good team and they come highly recommended.

n What are your goals this year? Graduate with honors, get

n Where is the most interesting place you have traveled and

n What are your aspirations after high school? Go to college

n Favorite Movies? Remember the Titans, Peter Pan

why were you there? When I was a little kid, I went to Disneyworld and it was spectacular. I was there on vacation with my family.

n What is the most difficult part of playing multiple sports?

n If someone gave you $1000 right now what would you do

accepted to a four-year school and play a sport.

Time management, keeping your grades up and not having enough time to rest your body if you get injured.

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with it? I would arrange for my dad and little brother to come down from Arizona and visit. After that, I would buy new basketball shoes then I would invest the rest and save up for a car.

DJO proudly sponsors:

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TRAiNER’s TiPs

Get More From Your Swing Explosive Rotational Exercises

T

he exercises in this article are designed to give

any athlete tools to excel at sports involving lower body power and upper body rotation.

Athletes, like those in baseball, softball, golf and hockey, should rapidly increase their power and quickness through these specific drills. Combine these movements with strength training and agility drills, and you are now training as an elite athlete would.

You are now ready to stand out in sports.

Batting Slingshot Swing

We normally train our athletes with three to four sets of 10 reps. For beginners or less conditioned athletes we begin with six reps to ensure maximum power.

These drills are designed to create power. Higher repetitions sets work more on conditioning and less on power.

We do a maximum of 10 reps per set. If an exercise calls for 10 reps then it is five to one side and five to the other side to complete the set.

Twist Slingshot Smart Toner™ is used around the waist again and we also use a Twist Smart Toner with a handle as a bat for upper body power training. Mimic the batting stance and make sure the swing plane is exactly like the athletes natural swing as the athlete swings the handle quickly and powerfully through their natural swing plane.

1. Lateral Squat Power Thruster

Most importantly these drills develop explosive hip power. After ensuring a proper hip drive is achieved, we focus on leg power to ensure a powerful stance.

Next, focus on the upper body where our intention is on creating a powerful rotational swing.

2. Slingshot Lateral Jump Power Thruster

1 Hip power and ensure full rotation of hips 2nd Leg Power through use of a powerful stance 3rd Upper Body Rotary Power and explosiveness ensured through quick hands and accelerated movement 4th Strong Core through Sport Core Movements Drills are completed with primary focus on athletic batting stance and skill. While mimicking the athletic stance, follow the Principle of Specificity and then apply the power and explosiveness to all the drills:

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CSCS

DRILLS

FOCUS

st

BY SPENCER AIKEN,

3. Batting Slingshot Swing 4. Box Jump with Power Thruster All exercises are initiated with an athletic stance.

Feet are about shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent, trunk tight, chest out, shoulders back, head up.

For added specificity to the athlete’s sport, standing in a batting stance is a natural progression of these exercises.

For more information on drill, tips, and maximizing your sports performance please feel free to call TrueFitness at (951) 296 7993, email at info@truefitness.biz or stop by our athletic training studio at 2949 Garnet Ave, 3rd floor, Pacific Beach, CA.

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Slingshot Lateral Jump Power Thruster For this exercise we use a Twist Slingshot Smart Toner ™ The starting stance is the same as Lateral Rotary Throws with the exception of the athlete has a Twist Slingshot Smart Toner ™ around their waist. We add a lateral jump to increase potential power and we conclude the exercise with a lateral rotary throw the same as in Lateral Rotary Throws

TRAiNER’s TiPs

Box Jump with Power Thruster Facing a box of any height with a medicine ball held by the shoulder of the opposite direction you about to rotate (rotating to the left then the med ball is held by the right shoulder) jump onto the box making sure to land in your athletic stance. Then laterally rotate and explosively throw the ball to your trainer. Medicine ball is returned once athlete returns to the ground.

Lateral Squat Power Thruster This drill is performed similar to the Squat Power Thruster with the exception that the athlete is perpendicular to the trainer. The athlete chooses one side to face and performs the exercise. Initial setup and movements are the same as a Squat Power Thruster, but the Lateral Squat Power Thruster incorporates a greater upper body twist and a more powerful rotational throw.

Hands are placed open palm and pinkie fingers are touching.

Dr. Kathleen Alderete Chiropractor Treating sports injuries and helping to maintain health in Carlsbad for over 10 years 2725 Jefferson St. Ste. 3 Carlsbad, CA 920008 (760) 730-0180 Chiropractic adjustments can enhance athletic ability by allowing the body to heal itself and function more efficiently.

Carlsbad

Oceanside

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ExtrA CRediT

A Deadly Reality: Teen Driving Crashes

BY RICK HERNANDEZ

I

t’s the terrifying news that every parent,

brother, sister, friend, relative or school official prays they never receive. The news that a teen driver, someone close to them, has died or been seriously injured in a car crash. Yet, traffic crashes in the U.S. kill over 4,000 teenagers each year, and are the number one cause of teen deaths. In addition, over 300,000 teens are injured in car crashes each year.

That’s virtually the entire population of Oceanside, Carlsbad and Encinitas.

With such numbers, one must question whether we are doing everything we can to prevent such occurrences in our own communities. Consider this. How many high school students take advanced calculus, having had no prior math instruction? How many players make the varsity team without years of practice? The obvious answer is, none. Achieving mastery level skills in any discipline is the result of years of training and practice. So why is it that the importance of properly training new teen drivers is so often overlooked?

We begin introducing the basic concepts of mathematics to five-year olds enrolled in kindergarten. It’s also around five years old that we begin to sign our kids up for sports, in hopes that the subsequent years of training and practice will produce the next Tiger Woods or Phillip Rivers. Unfortunately, the importance of developing proper driving skills and attitudes is often not a focus of our educational system – in school or at home. However, children start developing driving attitudes and behaviors from a very early age.

Every time they see mom or dad speed up to make it through a yellow light, they learn. Every time they see mom or dad driving over the posted speed limit on the freeway, they learn. By the time a child turns 16, much of their attitude, which will shape their driving behavior, has already been formulated. We must recognize that children are capable of learning driving safety concepts at a very early age. Instilling driving values early on is critical to the development of safe driving behavior.

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO TEEN CRASHES

Inexperience. Combine inexperience with immaturity and overconfidence, and you have a deadly combination. Safe driving is about learning how to manage risk and the driving environment. While the mechanics of operating a motor vehicle may come easier, risk perception involves subjectively assessing the degree of threat posed by a hazard and one’s ability to deal with the threat. Young novice drivers tend to underestimate the crash risk in hazardous situations, and overestimate their ability.

Speed. Speeding has long been the top cause of fatal crashes involving young drivers. Driving at excessive speeds can put a teen driver in a situation where they are going too fast and are unable to make the quick decisions necessary or maintain control of the vehicle. This often results in driving off the road, being 32 S P OTLIG HT SPO RT S

Teen drivers are found at fault in 66% of ALL FATAL collisions that they are involved in, although they only represent 4% of the state’s licensed drivers.

The leading cause of DEATH for Americans 15 to 20 years old is motor vehicle collisions.

unable to avoid a sudden hazard, or losing control of the vehicle while entering a curve.

Seat Belts. Teens buckle up far less than adults do, and among their peers and in a party mood they are even less likely too. They are required by law, yet too often young drivers die as the result of not wearing their seatbelt. In 2008, it is estimated that 42 California teens would be alive today had they simply buckled up.

Distractions. According to one study, as many as 87 percent of teen crashes involve some type of driving distraction. Distractions include cell phones, loud music, other passengers, eating, reading, putting on makeup, etc. Not only do distractions take your eyes off the road and your hands off the wheel, they take your mind off the task of driving. Cell phone use and texting have become an activity that nearly every teen participates in. This can be disastrous behind the wheel. Most states, including California, have passed laws banning the use of handheld cell phone and texting while driving.

Carrying passengers. Teens driving with two or more passengers increase their risk of a crash by nearly four times. Friends may distract the teen drivers and encourage them to take more risks.

Night driving. After 9:00 p.m., the risk of a teen driver being involved in a crash is three times higher.

This is because the task of driving at night is more difficult; they have less experience driving at night than during the day; and because teenage recreational driving, which often involves alcohol, is more likely to occur at night.

WHAT CAN WE DO? As a newly licensed teen driver, or the parent/guardian of a young driver, there are a few easy, yet effective strategies that if followed, can save lives.

Always buckle up. Before you even turn the ignition, buckle your seat belt and ensure that all other passengers have done the same. Not only is it the law, but your chance of surviving a major crash is dramatically increased if you are wearing your seat belt.

Slow down. Speed is the number one cause of teen traffic crashes. Higher speeds give you less time to react to hazards and changes in the driving environment. Besides, study after study has proven that speeding does not get you to your destination any faster than obeying the posted speed limit.

Eliminate driving distractions. Never, ever “text” while driving, and make it a practice to refrain

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from all cell phone usage. Just like conversations with other passengers, cell phone conversations take your mind off the task of driving. You are less aware of things going on around you when you are talking on the phone. Also try to avoid handling CD’s, food, makeup, or other in-car distractions while the vehicle is in motion.

Limit your exposure. Understanding and obeying the driver licensing laws will limit your exposure to high risk driving situations. These laws were designed to help you gain more experience, providing you with the skills and knowledge to deal with high risk situations over time. For more information on the California driver licensing laws, visit: http://teen. idrivesafely.com/California/info/permittolicense.html Additional practice. Driver education does not end the day you get your permit – it just begins. It is critical for parents/guardians to spend additional time driving with their teen, particularly at night and during more challenging driving times, such as rush hour or during adverse weather. Providing constructive feedback during these supervised drives will enable the new driver to gain valuable experience and insight into their own strengths and weaknesses.

A Family Agreement. Set some rules governing the previous issues before letting your teen out on the road. This may be your last real chance to affect your teen’s driving behavior in a meaningful way.

LEADING CAUSES OF DEATH FOR TEENS Motor Vehicles 35% Suicide 12% Homicide 16% All Other 37%

SOURCE: CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL

Rick Hernandez is Managing Partner of I DRIVE SAFELY, a Carlsbad-based online driver education company – www.idrivesafely.com