NorCal Issue 117, June 2016

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JUNE 2016 VOL. 7 ISSUE 117

NORCAL EDITION

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JOIN OUR TEAM PHONE 925.566.8500 FAX 925.566.8507 EDITORIAL Editor@SportStarsOnline.com Editor Chace Bryson • Chace@SportStarsOnline.com Staff Writer Jim McCue • JimMcCue16@gmail.com Contributors Bill Kolb, Matt Smith, Clay Kallam, Dave Kiefer, Tim Rudd, Trevor Horn Copy Editor Bill Kruissink Photography Bob Larson, Jonathan Hawthorne, James K. Leash, Norbert von der Groeben, Phillip Walton, Doug Guler, Berry Evans, III Marketing/Events Ryan Arter CREATIVE DEPARTMENT Art@SportStarsOnline.com Production Manager Mike DeCicco • MikeD@SportStarsOnline.com PUBLISHER/PRESIDENT Mike Calamusa • Mike@SportStarsOnline.com

HOLLYWOOD HERE WE COME

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portStars will be experiencing a first this month, and many around our headquarters are excited about it.

For the first time in our six-plus years, we were asked to appear on television so that our vast knowledge of NorCal high school sports could be broadcast to the masses. Well, something like that. Actually, it wasn’t the first time we were invited, but it was the first time we were able to accept.

On Tuesday May 17, I ventured into San Francisco to the home of the Comcast Hometown Network program, ‘Game On.’ We’ve had a working partnership with the show — which showcases the accomplishments of female athletes throughout Northern and Central California — for more than a year now. The program is hosted by Anna Kagarakis (above with yours truly), whose voice Bay Area sports fans may recognize as an update anchor for sports talk radio station 95.7 FM The Game.

Game On producer Mark Baker reached out to us during the summer of 2014 to ask if we’d provide a female high school athlete of the week the show could highlight in each episode. We jumped on board, and hopefully you’ve seen one of those segments already — either as part of the show, or as clips we’ve placed on our website.

Beginning with this 2015-16 school year, Baker has been dutifully trying to expand our presence on the show by having me on set to provide analysis on some

of the top peforming girls athletes and teams. For various reasons, mostly deadline-related, the timing never quite worked out until this past month.

SportStars finally got to go Hollywood.

This was also a first for me. In the near-decade that I spent covering high school sports at a previous Bay Area publication, I’d been interviewed for television while on the sidelines or in the office. This was my first time on a set. There were a few nerves, but outside of one flub — which Baker has assured me won’t make it out of the editing room — it went extremely well.

Kagarakis and I taped a five-minute interview that covered some of the highlights of what was an exceptional year in girls high school sports. I provided SportStars’ top three girls athletes of 2015-16, as well as our top three girls teams. Want to know who we named? Well, you’ll have to wait until June 23. That’s the tentative run date for the episode. The show begins a run of new episodes beginning on June 2. They will air weekly at 7 p.m. on Thursday nights. So check your channel guide and begin watching (there are also episodes On Demand).

We’re proud of our partnership with Game On, and we hope we can continue to do more of these interviews. Perhaps one day both the show and the magazine can work together to tell an athlete’s story both on the page and on screen. That would be fun.

Until then, we’re off to sit pool side and bask in our celebrity status. ✪

ADVERTISING Sales@SportStarsOnline.com, 925.566.8500 Account Executives Camps & Clinics: Ryan Arter • Camps@SportStarsOnline.com Alameda County: Berry Evans • Berry@foto-pros.com Central Valley, World Events: Anthony Grigsby • Area Director anthony.grigsby@worldeventssports.com Darin Wissner • JustAGameEvents@gmail.com READER RESOURCES/ADMINISTRATION Subscription, Calendar, Credit Services Info@SportStarsOnline.com DISTRIBUTION/DELIVERY Phillip Walton • Mags@SportStarsOnline.com INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY John Bonilla CFO Sharon Calamusa • Sharon@SportStarsOnline.com COMMUNITY SPORTSTARS™ MAGAZINE A division of Caliente! Communications, LLC 5356 Clayton Rd., Ste. 222 • Concord, CA 94521 • info@SportStarsOnline.com www.SportStarsOnline.com

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honorable mention

GRANADA-LIVERMORE - SWIMMING - SENIOR The Matadors’ University of Florida-bound star won the 200-yard freestyle final in 1 minute, 33.7 seconds at the NCS Championships on May 14. The time set a national high school record that would stand for only a handful of hours. Santa Margarita-Rancho Santa Margarita swimmer Grant Shouls won the Southern Section 200 freestyle final in 1:33.26 later that night. Shouls owns the overall and private-school record with the time, and Rooney’s swim remains the public schools record. In addition to his 200 freestyle success, Rooney also set new NCS marks in the 100 freestyle and 100 butterfly. He will graduate as the NCS record holder in four individual events and one relay.

Cole Rodgers: The Granite Bay outside hitter recorded 21 kills and 11 digs in a five-set victory in the Sac-Joaquin Section Div. I final. He had a team-high 322 kills for the season and helped the Grizzlies advance to the NorCal Div. I final.

Got Send your nominations to: Next? Editor@SportStarsOnline.com or tweet us using #SSOTW

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Rae’vyn Lawler: The Sacramento High junior sprinter captured the Sac-Joaquin Section Masters Championship titles in both the 100 and 200 meters to advance to the CIF State Track & Field Championships in both events.

Faith Derby: The FreedomOakley junior’s tworun home run ended up being the difference in a 3-2 win over Castro Valley in the NCS Div. I softball quarterfinals May 27. She was 1-for-3, with a run, 2 RBI and a stolen base in the win.

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Andy Martin Jr. via ZUMA Wire

TOP 5 REASONS TO HOP ON THE SHARKS BANDWAGON

It’s June. It’s approximately 1,000 degrees outside. So. You know. Hockey weather. No really. This might seem strange to all you Teal-heads, but, yes, they actually DO play hockey in June. If you’re good enough. And this year, against all odds, that plucky lil’ team from San Jose is. Here are our top five reasons to go out and buy a split-screen TV so you can show the Sharks some of the love we know you’re showering on the Dubs.

1. It’s hockey on the West Coast. It’s not like anyone will stay up late enough to start a Twitter war with you, anyway.

2. Somewhere, Owen Nolan is smiling. And he might even have enough teeth left to do it up right.

3. Jonathan Cheechoo. Just because.

4. Maybe mute your set and tune into the Voice of the Sharks, because nobody calls a goal like Dan Rusanowsky. SCAR! 5. We don’t care what might have gone down in Games 1 and 2. Natural laws are not to be controverted. Sharks vs. Penguins? They’re gonna need a bigger boat.

-- Bill “Farewell and adieu to you fair Spanish Ladies” Kolb

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RAPID FIRE JESSICA SCOTT Sheldon-Sacramento Softball

ARMANI SMITH De La Salle-Concord Baseball

#

HASHTAG

A look at our favorite social media posts of the past several weeks. Got any good posts you’d like to nominate? email editor@sportstarsonline.com

SOCIAL MEDIA ATHLETE @HSSocialMedia May 31 “Social #Training: Ur social feeds should celebrate others’ acheivements as well as ur own.”

SUE PHILLIPS, Archbishop Mitty-San Jose girls basketball coach @coachsphillips May 28 “S/O to Mitty’s Baller @haleyjones19 for making quite an impression after day one of the USAB U17 Trials. #winner”

ELITE 11, invitationonly national quarterback camp/ competition @Elite11 May 22 “Jake Haener (Monte Vista-Danville QB), see you in L.A. #invited #Elite11 Finals #whosnext @jakehaener10”

FIRST THING YOU’RE GOING TO DO ON SUMMER VACATION Travel softball tournament

Go boating

FAVORITE TV CHARACTER Dr. Sherpherd, ’Grey’s Anatomy’

SpongeBob

ARE YOU ON THE SHARKS BANDWAGON? No

Not watching, but supporting

BUCKET LIST SUMMER CONCERT Beyonce

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? MICHAEL TAGLIAFERRI Maybe you saw it on SportsCenter’s Top 10 Plays in between the Warriors and Sharks coverage. It was a college lacrosse highlight, so you may have dismissed it. We didn’t, though. We saw that the University of North Carolina had won its first NCAA title since 1991, and thought to ourselves, ‘Didn’t a local guy commit to UNC lacrosse a few year ago?’ Yes, yes he did. And San Ramon Valley-Danville grad Michael Tagliaferri wasn’t just in uniform for the final against Maryland — that was HIM with the game-winning assist to Chris Cloutier. Tagliaferris is a red-shirt junior with the Tarheels and starts as a midfielder. The championship assist was his only dish of the game. He also had an assist in the team’s semifinal win over Loyola.

What’s hot in the world of stuff that’s hot Justin Bieber slammed what he calls fake awards shows.

While he may have a point, when reached for comment, awards shows fell over laughing at the irony.

Donald Trump is in trouble for attacking … something?

Right? Then refusing to apologize? We can just leave this here through November and we’re covered?

Mexican soccer star Alan Pulido was kidnapped but overpowered his kidnappers, stole their gun and escaped. The kidnappers are reportedly facing a twomatch ban.

The Warriors are back in the NBA Finals. The Sharks are in the Stanley Cup Finals. Meanwhile, the Raiders hope to have a stadium that doesn’t leak.

Future

BEST PART OF THE SCHOOL YEAR WAS ...

Winning SJS Division I title

TRENDING

Game of Thrones killed off a beloved character and … oh, whatever. They do that every week. We’ll keep you updated if they let one of them live? Good?

Graduation

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License To DRILL

Conditioning, Strength Workouts Are Good, But Not As Important As Skill Development Some guys spend the whole summer just working out. They do conditioning and lifting plus they do a lot of skill work. I’m working this summer and I don’t have the money to join a gym and work with a trainer — so what’s more important? Getting stronger, or getting more skilled?

—A.B., Cupertino

A

lot depends on the sport, of course, but in general, conditioning (as opposed to strength development) isn’t really that important in the summer. What you do in July is going to have almost zero impact on your game in November or March, at least in terms of endurance. Sure, it’s nice to have a base of conditioning because it makes the first few days of practice easier, but very few 16-year-olds need more than a week to get into pretty good shape.

As far as strength goes, that’s where the sport (and position) comes into play. Obviously, it’s a lot more important to be strong in football than it is in volleyball, and in wrestling than in basketball, but adding strength in the summer will help if and only if those strength gains are maintained once school starts — and that takes time.

To build strength, it’s generally accepted that three days a week of quality weight work will do the job. Of course it doesn’t take as much time and effort to maintain the gains made with the three days a week of workouts, but just going to practice won’t be nearly enough. To keep that

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muscle mass, you’re going to have to devote at least an hour a week, maybe more, to just weight work, and given the hectic schedule of many teens, that hour is often hard to find.

But if you’re confident you can make that commitment in the fall, and your sport places a premium on strength, a summer in the weight room can do a lot. (And getting stronger also helps confidence, and everyone learns early that confidence is vital for success in sports, or anything for that matter.)

All that said, though, skill acquisition is really important as well. Every sport demands both technique and consistency — the first must be learned, and the second must be drilled. Both take time, and at the high school level, both are more valuable than raw strength. (At the collegiate and professional level, everyone is skilled, so additional strength is more of a difference-maker.)

Now the guys who don’t have to work in the summer, who belong to a nice gym and who can afford a trainer three nights a week, they can do both. But most high school athletes don’t have that kind of luxury.

So given the choice between strength and skill development, for the vast majority of teens, focusing on technique and consistency will pay bigger dividends than pushing around a lot of iron — and will help your team win more games. ✪ Clay Kallam is an assistant athletic director and girls varsity basketball coach at Bentley High in Lafayette. To submit a question for Behind the Clipboard, email him at clayk@fullcourt.com

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Bringing Out The Best

F

or some, high school football is a year-round activity. For others, it doesn’t come into focus until teams start to practice in the August heat. But for me, the start of the next high school football season has always been the Northern California Nike Football showcase event that has been held on the third weekend in May for more than 20 years.

Many still call the event “the Nike camp” but its official title these days is “Nike Football The Opening Oakland Regional” and it was held last Sunday at De Anza High in Richmond.

It’s always been more than just a day when top players from top programs from throughout California and the West Coast come together and do the usual tests — 40-yard dash, 20-yard shuttle, power ball throw (instead of bench press reps) and vertical leap. I should know since I was working at Student Sports when we began to hold the camps and combines in the early 1990s.

The focus instead has always been on the one-on-one drills — where else can a college scout see a five-star corner get placed opposite a five-star receiver? And on providing instruction to the kids to help them get better for the upcoming season.

One of those coaching the linebackers last weekend was Willie McGinest, a three-time Super Bowl winner and NFL Network analyst. Where can anyone get guidance like that and at no cost to the athlete? One of McGinest’s former teammates, quarterback Tom Brady, went to the second of these events that was held at St. Mary’s College in Moraga.

For many years, the one-day camp was held at Stanford when colleges could host them (they can’t anymore due to NCAA regulations) and when college coaches could come and watch (they can’t do that anymore either).

The West Coast flavor of the NorCal Nike event also was displayed when the full roster of MVPs and invites to The Opening plus the Elite 11 Finals for quarterbacks were announced once all of the one-on-one and showcase drills were completed.

Other than Central-Fresno’s Jaylon Johnson, who was MVP of the defensive backs and had the highest Nike+ Football Ranking of more than 132 points, the other MVPs from California were Jack Sears of San Clemente (QBs), Ronnie Rivers from Freedom-Oakley (RBs), Chris Brooks of Newbury Park (WRs, TEs) and Lamin Touray from Alemany-Mission Hills (LBs). The MVPs for offensive linemen and defensive linemen were from Arizona and Oregon.

Other than Johnson, the other invites to The Opening from California were handed out to DE Hunter Echols of L.A. Cathedral, TE Colby Parkinson of Oaks Christian-Westlake Village and RB Najee 12

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Harris, the 2015 Cal-Hi Sports Mr. Football State Player of the Year from Antioch. Players from Oregon, Nevada, Utah and Washington also got invites.

Among the quarterbacks, one of those from California getting a ticket to the Elite 11 finals was Sears, the MVP of the QBs and the latest big-time recruit from San Clemente. He’s following Travis Wilson (the recent standout from Utah now getting ready for the NFL) and Sam Darnold (currently battling for the No. 1 quarterback at USC). The other California QB going to the Elite 11 finals was more of a surprise since the invite went to the undersized but strong-armed Jake Haener from Monte Vista-Danville.

“I’ve had a chip on my shoulder since my freshman year,” Haener said, “but thanks to my parents and my coaches at Monte Vista and my quarterback coach Will Hewlett all my hard work to get to this point has paid off. It’s pretty sweet to get that invite.”

Although Parkinson was the only tight end from California to get a ticket to Beaverton, it was a strong showing by others, some of whom could still be in the running for an invite. That list includes Jimmy Jaggers of Roseville, Erik Krommenhoek of Monte Vista-Danville, Josh Falo of Inderkum-Sacramento and Tucker Fisk of Davis.

Parkinson is committed to Stanford while the others all have multiple offers.

Asked if having so many top tight end prospects in the state at the same time made each of them better, Fisk said, “You have to get better. You don’t have a choice.”

Linebacker Seth Tennis of McNair-Stockton (no relation to me) also made the trip with his father, Seth Sr. He wasn’t happy with his testing scores, but got in as many reps as he could.

“You do feel like a needle in a haystack sometimes,” Tennis said.

“But you’ve got to try to have a good attitude. You can only get better by competing against the best.”

On one of the very last seven-on-seven plays of the day, Tennis dropped into coverage and found himself face-to-face with Antioch’s Harris, who is one of the best running backs many have ever seen in Northern California history. Harris ran by untouched before Tennis came back to the sidelines with a look that seemed to say, “What are you going to do?”

All you can do as a young athlete is continue to get better. And on this day, more than 300 from places as far away as Hawaii and New York did exactly that. ✪

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Jake Haener of Monte Vista-Danville.

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BASEBALL CALIFORNIA TOP 10

Sheldon’s Sarah Fukushima

Heritage’s Gio Diaz Through games of Saturday, May 28

Through games of Saturday, May 28 *Indicates season complete

*Indicates season complete 1. (1)

—

Buchanan-Clovis

29-1

The Bears needed to beat Clovis North on May 31 to win section title and wrap up final No. 1 ranking.

2. (2)

—

JSerra-San Juan Capistrano

27-6

The Lions were the No. 1 seed in the CIF Southern Section Div. I playoffs and were in the semifinals heading into the final week of the season.

3. (4)

▲

De La Salle-Concord

23-3

Conner Roberts pitched a shutout, the team’s fifth in a row, in a North Coast Section Div. I quarterfinal win vs. California-San Ramon.

4. (7)

▲

Clovis North-Fresno

24-6-1

The Broncos were 1-2 vs. Buchanan on the season entering the CIF Central Section Div. I final.

5. (6)

▲

Redondo Union-Redondo Beach

27-2

The Sea Hawks scored all nine runs with two outs in one inning when they beat Culver City 9-2 in Southern Section Div. III quarterfinals.

6. (11)

▲

Eastlake-Chula Vista

28-3

This school had to move up to No. 1 in the San Diego Section after the first week of the playoffs.

7. (8)

▲

Vista

26-6

Too bad Vista wasn’t put in the San Diego Section Open Division. Started out 2-0 in Div. I bracket.

8. (13)

▲

St. Francis-Mountain View

24-8*

The Lancers repeated as Central Coast Section Open Div. champs behind Mr. Baseball State POY candidate Jeremy Ydens.

9. (19)

▲

El Camino Real-Woodland Hills

28-7

It also was a repeat title for the Conquistadors in the L.A. City Section.

10. (15)

SOFTBALL CALIFORNIA TOP 10

▲

Heritage-Brentwood

21-4

Kevin Milam was 11-0 on the mound as the Patriots began final week of their season.

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1. (1) — Lutheran-Orange 29-3 It was set up as a No. 1 vs. No. 2 for our state rankings when the Lancers played Los Alamitos in the Soutern Section Div. I semifinals.

2. (2) — Los Alamitos 26-2 Griffins already have won Arizona Tournament of Champions and are hoping to add Southern Section crown.

3. (4) — La Habra 29-1 The four semifinalists in the Southern Section Div. II playoffs were No. 3, No. 4, No. 11 and No. 12 in the state entering final week of season.

4. (5) ▲ Grand Terrace 26-1 This team is led by University of Oklahoma-commits Melanie Olmos (pitcher) and Eliyah Flores (shortstop).

5. (6) ▲ Mission Viejo 25-4 Louisville-bound Kyra Snyder is leading the way at the plate and in the circle.

6. (8 ▲ Norco 26-5 Head coach Richard Robinson’s team won Southern Section Div. I title last season and has returned to the semifinals.

7. (16) ▲ Mater Dei-Santa Ana 25-7 Knocking off previous No. 3 and top seed Etiwanda in Southern Section Div. I playoffs has to get the Monarchs back up into the top 10.

8. (3) ▲ Etiwanda 29-3* This looks like an obvious spot to place the Eagles after their upset loss to Mater Dei. 9. (12) ▲ Amador Valley-Pleasanton 21-4 The Dons have a head-to-head win over Sheldon and needed just two wins heading into their final week to win another NCS Div. I title.

10. (9) ▼ Sheldon-Sacramento 30-2* It’s another Sac-Joaquin Section title for the Huskies, who will have a lot of returning players next season.

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Transition Game

T

Transfers To Coaching Changes To Division Realignment, Girls Hoops Offseason Has Been Far From Stagnant

here’s a rule of thumb about the constant traffic in transfer rumors: Believe them when you see the student going to class at the school they’re supposedly going to attend. In the case of Sierra Smith, a starting guard last year for national-power St. Mary’s-Stockton, there’s no reason to doubt — she’s attending classes at Salesian-Richmond, where she will have an immediate impact on a program looking to replace USC-bound Minyon Moore.

There are rumblings about other changes, maybe even major changes at St. Mary’s, but it’s one thing to hear something through the grapevine and another for it to actually be true.

Still, we have to report this one that’s making the rounds: Nia and Nadia Johnson may be taking their nearly 26 points, nine rebounds and six assists from Antelope (29-3 last year) to West Campus-Sacramento (25-8 last year). That would certainly shift the balance of power in the Sacramento area.

DIVISIONAL DANCE: The new North Coast Section system that places teams in divisions only by recent performance in NCS postseason and not by enrollment has created a traffic jam in Division III. Although Miramonte-Orinda was bumped to Division II by the formula, Bishop O’DowdOakland stayed down because it was disqualified from NCS two years ago when the Dragons played one too many games.

At the same time, Salesian and St. Mary’s-Berkeley both were moved up to Div. III, joining Campolindo-Moraga.

That’s a pretty powerful quartet, but don’t be surprised if

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Berry Evans III/File

Sierra Smith will play at Salesian-Richmond this year.

O’Dowd thinks about using the appeal process to try to jump into Division II. After all, Miramonte suffered serious graduation losses, so right now NCS Div. II looks like an easier ride than Div. III. But of course, you never know. It only takes a player or two to change the landscape dramatically. That Sabrina Ionescu girl had a pretty big impact at Miramonte, and when she was an incoming freshman, nobody really knew who she was.

Also of note, the new rule sends St. Joseph Notre DameAlameda to Div. IV, opening doors in Div. V. Yet at the same

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time, SJND is shifting to the Bay Counties League-East, where it will crush most of those teams, which will hardly prepare the Pilots for a tougher postseason.

COACHING CAROUSEL: As always, lots of changes. The biggest move comes in Alameda, where long-time coach Brad Thomas is stepping down. He’s been at it for 35 years, and wants to take a break — but he’s leaving the door open.

Ashley Valenzuela, meanwhile, moves from KennedyFremont, where she tried to rebuild a moribund program, to Acalanes-Lafayette, which has won 44 games in the past two seasons and qualified for NorCals.

Anthony Matthews put together a powerhouse at McNairStockton and then moved to the JC level. But now he’s back in the high school ranks at Bear Creek-Stockton, and expect good things — Bear Creek won 19 games last year and the top three scorers were freshmen.

WEST COAST JAMBOREE: The biggest tournament in the country is filling fast. Half of the 128 slots for the Dec. 28-30 East Bay event are already accounted for, well ahead of last year’s pace. The Jamboree is also adding a one-day WCJ Challenge on Dec. 27 that will match selected teams in single games that won’t affect the bracket or division champions. It’s designed for teams that want to get an extra game to make the trip more worthwhile, and also for teams from sections that give teams a scheduling break for playing in tournaments. ✪ — Clay Kallam

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USSSA 14U World Series Adds To Heat Of Placer Valley Summer All Star Tournaments and Placer Valley Tourism are thrilled to announce that the USSSA World Series 14U Girls Fastpitch will be held in Placer Valley this July.

Games will be played July 12-16 on fields in Roseville, Rocklin and Lincoln. Every team is guaranteed six games and teams from California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona and Missouri are coming to compete in hopes of winning the stunning and highly sought after USSSA World Series rings.

This five-day tournament will kick-off with two remarkable pre-events. On Sunday, July 10 teams are invited to attend a River Cats game where discount tickets will be available for all registered players and will encourage team bonding in a fun and relaxing setting before the competition begins. Then on Monday, July 11 the action heats up with a college prep clinic where coaches from Oregon, Penn State, Sacramento State and William Jessup will be on hand. Players must pre-register for this event as space is limited.

Stephanie Oliver, President of All Star Tournaments, explained that they are honored to be hosting an event of this magnitude that allows Elite/Select, A, B, and C class teams to compete in the USSSA World Series.

“C is the recreational level of play; however, many rec teams are very competitive and they don’t get the opportunity to play at this caliber very often,” Oliver said. “Which is why we are so excited to be able to include them in our World Series.

“Because we are the third-largest fastpitch organization in the country and because of the incredible support from Placer Valley Tourism we were granted the World Series 14U Fastpitch by USSSA, it’s a huge honor and we are looking forward to an amazing week that will bring so many teams and families together for great competition.”

There will be live streaming of all games which not only adds to the excitement for these youth players, it also allows friends and family members who couldn’t travel for the games to cheer on their players from wherever they are. For more information, or to register your softball team for this exciting tournament, go to www.allstartournaments.com and follow the links to the World Series Fastpitch. ✪

LABOR DAY AT THE PALACE The first-ever Hardwood Palace Labor Day Challenge is happening this September 3-5 and is open to boys and girls basketball teams from third grade up to high school levels. Xtreme Hoops and Placer Valley Tourism are teaming up to bring this incredible opportunity of off-season tournament play to teams all throughout California and Nevada.

The fee is only $99 per team and every team is guaranteed four games. They are expecting close to 75 teams coming to participate at this three-day event where all games will be played at Hardwood Palace in Rocklin.

Because it is technically the off-season, many teams won’t be practicing regularly but will jump at the chance to get their teams together in a competitive setting at a phenomenal price.

“We are very excited about this inaugural year for the Labor Day Challenge here at Hardwood Palace,” Hardwood Palace Tournament Director, Steve Williams said. “We are committed to making it an annual event that basketball families will have on their calendars and look forward to year after year.”

Do not delay, go to www.hardpalace.com to get your team registered today. ✪ — All copy and photos provided by Placer Valley Tourism

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After Waiting A Good Portion Of Her Childhood, Danielle Williams Is Making The Most Of Her Time At Amador Valley

O

f the big moments and turning points in Amador Valley High’s softball season, this didn’t seem like one of them. But in the evolution of Danielle Williams as a pitcher, this was big.

In a late-season game, Williams stepped out of the circle and shook off a pitch. That the pitch was called by her mother, Amador assistant coach Jenny Williams, was symbolic in a different sense. But from a softball perspective, this marked a big step for the Dons’ sophomore left-hander.

It was the first time in her two high school seasons that Williams had ever shaken off a pitch. It was an indication of confidence and control, and that she’s growing up.

“It means she’s thinking about attacking batters rather than throwing” head coach Teresa Borchard said.

Amador’s season has been one of growth, so when its ace pitcher shows a greater sense of maturation, it’s nothing new for the Dons, who weathered consecutive losses late in the East Bay Athletic League season before mounting a late-season surge that propelled them into the postseason with a serious case of momentum.

In many ways, Williams has mirrored the growth of her teammates.

When Williams arrived for tryouts last season, Borchard knew her well, but had never seen her pitch. Borchard and Jenny Williams had known each other for years. Their families had gone to the same church. Their children played rec softball together, and Jenny became Borchard’s assistant coach at Amador.

Danielle’s father, Mike, had coached his two daughters in their youth and Krista, five years older than Danielle, became an exceptional left-handed pitcher for Amador Valley. Krista is now a starting outfielder and economics major at Northwestern.

“I’ve known her since she was four,” Borchard said of Danielle. “I remember ‘D’ was always dirty, always playing.

She was always practicing her pitching motion.”

Danielle wanted so much to emulate her sister that she would spontaneously pretend to pitch. “When she had her pitching lessons,” Danielle said, “I would try to imitate her.”

Danielle doesn’t recall why she began throwing lefthanded, but suspects it was because Krista did. Their parents tried to get them to throw right-handed so that they could play shortstop. It didn’t work.

At home, they would take swings together in their garage, hitting off a tee or a pitching machine into a net. They always understood the need to be a well-rounded player rather than specialize as a pitcher or hitter.

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“I’ve known (Danielle) since she was four.

I remember ‘D’ was always dirty, always playing. She was always practicing her pitching motion.”

— Amador Valley coach Teresa Borchard

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Jessica Emde

“Last year, I don’t think we felt pressure, because people didn’t expect us to do anything.

That feels different than this year.”

— Amador Valley coach Teresa Borchard

Jillian Pluschkell Borchard purposefully had avoided watching Danielle pitch as a youth. She wanted to let Danielle’s skills developed organically. Therefore, when Williams came to tryouts as a freshman, Borchard kept an open mind.

Amador Valley had just completed the Johanna Grauer era. Grauer went 89-6 in four seasons with 1,050 strikeouts. In 2014, Grauer was the CalHiSports.com Ms. Softball State Player of the Year, going 27-0 with a 0.51 ERA and 290 strikeouts in 191 1/3 innings. She is now starring at UCLA. Borchard was conscious of the pressure that Grauer’s successor would face, and it might be too much for a freshman. But Williams knew she didn’t need to be another Grauer.

“Not with the team I had behind me,” Williams said. “I knew they were there to make the outs.”

In 2014, the Grauer-led Dons were a powerhouse. But without her in 2015, there was expected to be a dropoff. The Dons, however, repeated as North Coast Section Division I champions.

Williams went 24-3 with a 0.79 ERA and hit .532.

This year, Borchard was again a bit skeptical. The team wasn’t as experienced, with fewer players than usual involved in travel ball. And, they were nice. Too nice. In most places — like the classroom or the library — that would be a good thing. But on the softball field …

“My biggest concern was, this is a quiet, polite group of kids,” Borchard said. “I was worried 20

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about that. I knew it would be hard for them to come out of their comfort zone. In the past, a few kids knew how to push other kids. This year, we didn’t really have anyone who could do that, but we needed it.”

A turning point came in early April, when Amador Valley traveled to Orange County’s Michelle Carew Classic, the most prestigious tournament on the West Coast.

On the drive south, Borchard hammered the message of vocal leadership. During the tournament, she did it again. The Dons won twice before losing to Orange Lutheran, and that created another teaching moment.

The day after the loss “we talked about the arrow,” Borchard said. “An arrow can’t be launched until it’s pulled backwards.

That’s the moment right before something special happens.”

The meaning was this: It’s OK to go through adversity, because that is what makes you stronger.

“You have to pick each other up when you go through hard times,” Borchard said. “It’s important to embrace the struggle.”

Those lessons took on greater meaning late in the EBAL season. The Dons were cruising with a 10-0 league record when they were humbled by back-to-back one-run losses to Livermore and Carondelet-Concord.

Williams said many of the players got some extra help from Neil Bellow, an Amador Valley ceramics teacher. Bellow, who practices meditation and also is a fan of the team, met with a group in his classroom and gave them advice about the need to stay relaxed, and instructed them on breathing techniques that could calm them in anxious situations.

“We needed a boost going into NCS,” Borchard said. “I

think it was good. It was a wakeup call.”

Amador Valley recovered to beat Granada-Livemore to create a regular-season showdown with first-place FoothillPleasanton. Amador’s 3-1 victory forced its rival to share the EBAL championship at 12-2.

Williams, who has committed to Missouri, finished the regular season 20-4, with a 0.40 ERA and hit .477. More than can be illustrated in the stats, was the measure of how much Williams improved. Her control and ability to change speeds are big weapons, but she was helped by her maturation.

“Emotionally, and with her confidence, she’s grown through the roof,” Borchard said. “The end of their sophomore year is usually when you see kids blossom. You’ve not seen the best of her yet.”

Borchard had a good idea of what to expect from Williams

this year. But she did not expect to discover that “this is the best hitting team I’ve ever had,” she said. “All up and down the lineup, we can produce.”

Senior rightfielder Jillian Pluschkell, who has signed a letter of intent with Cal Poly, is one of only three seniors. Among the Dons’ standout juniors are catcher Courtney Dinelli, outfielder Jessica Emde and shortstop Hannah Myers.

“Last year, I don’t think we felt pressure, because people didn’t expect us to do anything,” Borchard said. “That feels different than this year. But our players just want to prove themselves. They want to show how hard they’ve worked. They deserve to be where they’re at, and they want to be the best.”

As for Williams, she truly is in her element.

“Softball has always been a big part of my life,” she said.

“When I want to go out and have fun, that’s what I do.” ✪

Story by David Kiefer Photos by Berry Evans III and Phillip Walton

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bombastic BULLDOGS Ceres’ First Title In More Than Two Decades Highlights SJS Softball Championships

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tepping away is a difficult task that is made even more challenging when a special group of players sends you out on top. When Ceres softball head coach Angela Durosette committed to lead the Bulldogs for just two seasons, she likely could not envision leaving the program after its first Sac-Joaquin Section championship in 21 years.

But that is exactly what happened when Ceres (23-5) edged Benicia 3-2 in an emotional winner-take-all Division III final on May 26 at the Sacramento Softball Complex. And that is why, when throngs of fans joined jubilant players on the field to celebrate the title, Durosette retreated to the dugout to avoid the flood of emotions she knew was ready to pour out.

“It’s been a good two years,” Durosette said before beginning to choke up. “It will be hard to step away, especially with this group of seniors being so special.”

Durosette took the job temporarily so she could be available to follow her incoming freshman son’s athletic career at Ceres.

The Bulldogs’ seniors led the way. Shortstop Nicole Bates, who will take her talents to the University of Washington next year, raised her team-best batting average 20 points to .577 with a 6-for-7 effort that included a pair of doubles in the section final’s two games. She also turned the game-ending double play to seal the championship.

Senior outfielder Sabrina Baisdon was stellar in the field, robbing the Panthers of numerous extra-base hits that could have kept the Bulldogs title-less for another year. She grabbed a pair of would-be gappers in the top of the third inning and robbed Benicia shortstop Shelby Thompson of a home run in the fifth with an over-the-shoulder catch before tumbling over the fence.

“She refused to lose today,” Durosette said of Baisdon. “She knew that she had to get to those balls, and to as many as she could get. She stepped up for us in a big way today.”

Senior Jessica Arreola also made a diving catch in the second game to preserve a 3-1 lead, which the Bulldogs gained via a passed ball and two bases-loaded walks in a wild first inning.

Benicia (23-7) forced the winner-take-all game by jumping on Ceres junior pitcher Callie Nunes in Game 1. Panthers pitcher McKenna Gregory blasted two home runs and Chelsea Mari added another as part of a 10-hit attack that was out of character for the Bulldogs’ ace.

Benicia looked to be building momentum again before Baisdon’s heroics brought it to an end. “We worked real hard to get here and my pitcher is out there working her butt off,” Baisdon said of her catch that denied Thompson a home run. “I wanted to catch it for her. I wanted to catch it for my team. I wanted to catch the ball for myself, too.”

The Panthers, who had a runner at third, were still awarded a run on Baisdon’s catch due to the “catch and carry” rule that advances runners one base if a player makes a catch before leaving the field of play. The ruling stirred heated protests from both coaches, setting up the climactic finish.

“They put up a fight and they can be proud of that,” Benicia coach Kristin Grubbs said.

“They can come off of the field and hold their heads high because they didn’t give up.”

And now no one can ask any more from Durosette.

STORY BY JIM MCCUE 22

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c Nicole Bates and Ceres take to the field to celebrate their semifinal win over Benicia.

Mackenzie Vueve takes a cut at the plate for Ceres.

DIVISION I Sheldon-Sacramento (30-2) was cruising through six innings behind a one-hit shutout from junior pitcher Taliyah Miles before fundamentals preserved the program’s second consecutive section championship and seventh during Mary Jo Truesdale’s 19-year tenure.

After the Bulldogs’ first two batters reached base in the top of the seventh, a single to center field looked like the momentum swing that Tracy (24-7) needed to force a second game. But Huskies’ senior outfielder Jaciana Vasquez yielded the run to gun down the Tracy runner attempting to reach third base. Then, third baseman Shea Moreno made an impressive stop at third, held the runner at second base, and fired to first base for the second out.

The next Tracy batter chopped an infield single that junior second baseman Maci Fines gathered before alertly throwing to the plate to cut down the tying run and end the game.

“Before every practice, I tell them that softball is a game of throw and catch,” Truesdale said.

“They laugh every time I say it, but it makes a difference.”

Senior shortstop Jordan Fines, who is headed to Cal, supplied the offense for Sheldon with a two-run double in the bottom of the third. In the playoffs, Sheldon recorded three shutouts and outscored opponents 36-5.

DIVISION II Rocklin pitcher Carli Cutler was not at her best, but she did enough to help the Thunder (24-3) beat Bella Vista-Fair Oaks 3-1 to claim the SJS Div. II Championship. Cutler, who entered the game giving up an average of less than 4 hits per 7 innings, scattered seven hits and struck out nine batters to record a hard-fought victory.

Rocklin scored all three of its runs in the third inning. Bella Vista (19-11) answered with a solo home run in the fifth and threatened in the seventh. The section title was Rocklin’s first-ever softball championship. ✪

PHOTOS BY JAMES K. LEASH Follow us on Twitter & Instagram, and like us on Facebook!

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SUMMER FUN Oceano Dunes SVRA Gears Up For Its Popular Junior Lifeguard Program

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ummer is just around the corner, which means junior lifeguard programs start up along the California coast and inland waterways soon.

Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, located adjacent to Pismo Beach on the central coast, will offer its fourth season of the Junior Lifeguard Program with an action-packed program. The California State Parks Junior Lifeguard Program emphasizes teamwork, leadership and aquatic safety. The aquatic course is fun and physically challenging to teach youth about ocean awareness, first-aid techniques and water safety — that includes self-rescue and how to rescue others. The four-week program is open to youth, ages 9-17, and runs July 11-August 5.

The objective of the Oceano Dunes Junior Lifeguard Program is to provide quality water safety education. Further, the program is designed to improve young people’s physical conditioning, their understanding and respect for the environment, and their respect for themselves, their peers and their parents.

Each program day starts with a morning briefing before warm-ups for athletic events that include running, beach games and swimming. The instructors teach safety through activities such as open-water swimming, paddle boarding, body surfing, surfboarding and skin diving. As a bonus activity to water sports, the Junior Lifeguards take a four-hour allterrain vehicle safety training course that teaches the students to ride safely and responsibly on the dunes. Participants build self-confidence through improving their physical conditioning, skill building and personal accomplishments.

Through daily physical contact with the environment, and team building activities, Junior Lifeguards learn first-hand about the coastal environment. Knowledge of coastal currents, rip tides, swells and aquatic life helps students make informed decisions about

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their safety. Participants also learn about cultural history, natural resources and conservation topics to broaden their knowledge of the park environment. Junior Lifeguards gain respect of the environment and each other during these team building extracurricular activities.

Junior Lifeguards at Oceano Dunes SVRA will attend competitions at Pismo Beach, Carpinteria Beach and Santa Barbara. The competitions involve 15 events, such as running, swimming and paddling. It’s like a track meet, but on the beach.

For further information about the program and tryout dates, visit www.ohv.parks.ca/ or call (805) 473-7248. California State Parks currently offers Junior Lifeguard Programs at state beaches in the Los Angeles, Ventura, Monterey, Orange County, San Diego, Santa Barbara County and Santa Cruz areas as well as at Lake Perris, San Luis Reservoir and Folsom Lake State Recreation Areas. ✪ — All copy and photos provided by California State Parks

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GRIND

After Finishing Third In Its League, Tracy Won Its First SJS Title By Doubling Down On Finding Ways To Win

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racy High’s baseball season followed a path that many other quality high school baseball programs endure. There were high points, hiccups and moments requiring execution of the little things and the occasional just-get-me-over fastball.

In essence, it was a grind. And few teams were better at it than the Bulldogs.

“Our philosophy is we’re going to keep playing until they tell us ‘Hey Tracy, you can’t play anymore,” Tracy coach Vic Alkire said.

His team finished May still waiting to hear that phrase, becoming the first new Sac-Joaquin Section Division I South champion since 2008 by defeating seven-time defending champion St. Mary’s-Stockton 6-4 on May 27. The win sent the Bulldogs to the three-game SJS Division I championship series against Div. I North champ Elk Grove at University of the Pacific on June 3-4.

And the Bulldogs got there doing it their way.

St. Mary’s jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the Division I South final by scoring a pair of runs in the bottom of the first. Tracy and St. Mary’s each tallied runs in the third inning before the pivotal fourth inning.

Tracy loaded the bases with walks to Cameron Hoff and Andrew Tavares and a beautiful bunt single from No. 9 hitter Robert Garcia. Sophomore Josh Alvarado tied the game with a two-run single that glanced off the glove of shortstop Anthony Galindo. The Bulldogs plated two more runs without another hit to take a 5-3 lead.

“Our whole thing is ‘you don’t have to win the game for us,’” Alkire said. “Each guy’s only job is to get the next guy up. We put the ball in play, they made a couple of miscues, but putting the ball in play was (the) job.”

Behind starting pitcher Cody Bolton, who retired nine of 10 batters at one point, Tracy held the lead the rest of the way. However, the drama wasn’t over. St. Mary’s loaded the bases in the sixth inning before Bolton got the biggest of his four strikeouts on a two-seam fastball.

“He’s very good,” Alkire said. “He wasn’t his best today. He would tell you that.

“When he’s not at his best, he’s one of those guys that grinds it out, grinds it out and before you know it it’s the seventh inning and he’s still out there. That’s who he is.”

Bolton’s complete game was the fourth straight seven-inning start for the Bulldogs, the best way to navigate the double-elimination format.

The title — Tracy’s first section-related title of any kind — is a long time coming for the program and Alkire, who is in his 23rd year at his alma mater (1962 graduate). He is assisted by former Tracy players in Tony Crivello, Chris Anklam and Kenny Serrano. Former James Logan head coach John Goulding joined the staff this year.

“We talked about it as coaches. To coach at your alma mater, it makes it extra special, Crivello said. “My brother is in the stands. All my family. This becomes kind of a big deal for us.

“It’s even sweeter because Vic and I have become really good friends. I came back (to coaching at Tracy) because I felt like we had unfinished business. This is what I felt we had unfinished business. We were knocking on the door for quite a few years. This is why I came back to do high school.”

It has been a collective effort throughout the spring for the Bulldogs. Senior Thomas Greeley

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Tracy’s Kevin Saenz was a perfect 8-0 with a 1.69 ERA prior to the team’s three-game Division I finals series with Elk Grove.

Bolton, who is committed to Michigan, was 7-1 with a 2.11 ERA. Senior Noah Denoyer wasn’t far behind at 5-3 with a 2.91 ERA. The Bulldogs also boast a balanced offensive attack with four players tallying at least 20 RBI, led by junior Lee Brewer with 29 RBI in addition to nine home runs.

“It means a lot,” Bolton said of winning Tracy’s first South title. “Just proves we work hard at what we do.”

The path to the school’s first title wasn’t an easy one, which included five wins to get through the southern half of the Division I bracket. Tracy won its first six games entering the Boras Baseball Classic, where it beat host Elk Grove in the opening game. A 2-2 showing at the premier tournament in Northern California elevated the Bulldogs to one of the best teams in the region.

Fast forward to mid-April and a three-game series against the Rams with the Tri-County Athletic League title likely going to the victor. After splitting the first two games, St. Mary’s won the finale 12-11 with four runs in the seventh inning, including a bases-clearing triple by Jarron Silva. The Bulldogs followed up the defeat losing two of three games against Lincoln-Stockton to finish third in league and receiving the No. 6 seed in the playoffs.

“Our message was we may not be able to win league now, but our season’s not over,” Alkire said. “We started trying to bring them back up. They were stunned, but we just tried to say there is nothing we can do about that.”

The team responded and carried a nine-game winning streak into the overall Division I championship series against Elk Grove, a nine-time section champion.

Defeating the Thundering Herd would make Tracy the first public school team from the southern half of the section to win a Division I baseball title since Merced in 2002.

“Let’s celebrate this, but we didn’t come here to win today. We still got work to do,” Alkire said of relishing the South title, but staying engaged for the section finals. “They know that, but a program like ours, that’s come from a long ways up to here, we stop and celebrate when we do new things (South title and 25 wins in a year).”

One thing is certain, Tracy plans to keep it simple and keep grinding. ✪ 28

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“Let’s celebrate this, but we didn’t come here to win today.

We still got work to do.”

— Tracy coach Vic Alkire

Story by Doug Benton Photos by Jim Johnson

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B

De Anza Completes Revival

aseball is one of the great equalizing sports. Especially at the high school level. A team may be better than its opponent over the course of a season, but one strong outing from a good pitcher — or an abnormally bad outing by one — can tilt the scale on any given day.

Because of that reason, postseason first-round upsets are fairly common place and don’t often elicit too much hype. However, that shouldn’t be the case for De Anza High’s 4-1 win over San Marin-Novato on May 24.

Not only were the Dons a 15 seed on the road against the No. 2 Mustangs, they were facing the same program that had walloped them 15-2 in the North Coast Section Division III playoffs a year before. But more importantly, the Richmond school hadn’t won in a playoff game in more than a decade.

Ricky Hernandez The convincing win, led by a strong pitching performance from senior Ricky Hernandez, was the final validation for a program that has clearly turned a corner.

“The boys were excited,” said Brandon Fredzess, the coach who began the program’s revival when he took over just a season ago. “They were having fun (against San Marin). That’s the number one thing we emphasize. It’s not just a game, but you’re here to play it and have fun. When you have fun, the results go in your favor.”

It also helps to have a giant chip on your shoulder. Something that wasn’t hard for Dons players to conjure up after they’d gone 19-6 in the regular season and were a playoff team the year before.

“They felt really disrespected that we were given the 15 seed,” Fredzess said. “They felt they had a point to prove.”

De Anza didn’t waste any time proving it, either. The Dons scored twice in the top of the first and never trailed in the game. Hernandez threw a complete-game, two-hitter. He struck out eight and walked four. He finished the season with a 7-2 record, 1.21 ERA and 96 punchouts in 75 innings of work.

The team wasn’t long for the tournament, however. Another double-digit seed, No. 10 El Cerrito, edged De Anza 5-2 in the quarterfinals. The Dons had put themselves back on the East Bay baseball map, though. Something few could have visualized just as recently as 2014 when they won just six games — which was an actual improvement upon the two games won in 2013.

“The boys just weren’t used to playing or being taught straight fundamental baseball, and how to be creative and use all the facets of the game,” Fredzess said of what he saw upon taking over the program in 2015. They would win 14 games in his first season. “I knew what they were capabale of (coming into this season). But their ability to communicate and gel into a cohesive team has definitely surpassed my expectations.”

Graduation will take its toll on the roster, but there are some good building blocks in place.

Those include Jordan Holmes, who started in the middle infield and hit .341 as a freshman.

The Dons’ No. 2 arm, junior Richard Kirbyson (6-2, 2.96 ERA) also returns in 2017.

LEAD LION: Liberty-Brentwood’s up-and-down baseball season ended with 14 wins and a NCS Div. I first-round loss to California-San Ramon, but there was nothing up-and-down about the Lions’ top pitcher Anthony Fugazzi. The senior right-hander had an exceptional season that included a 7-3 record, a 1.95 ERA, 62 strikeouts and just 12 walks over 61 innings of work. He also spun a no-hitter against Pittsburg on May 12 and recorded a save on the year.

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LANCERS HOLD SERVE: By repeating as Central Coast Section Open Division champions, St. Francis-Mountain View did all it could to cement its case to finish the year as No. 1 in SportStars’ NorCal Top 20. The Lancers entered the playoffs in the No. 2 spot in the rankings behind DeLa Salle-Concord. The Spartans were in the NCS Div. I semifinals at the time of press. ✪ — Chace Bryson

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››››

ON THE RISE Mt. Diablo District Completes First Full Year Of Interscholastic Athletics For Its Middle Schools

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I

t wasn’t just the high school sports season that wrapped up as June arrived. For the first time in 30 years, the middle schools of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District completed a full year of interscholastic sports.

With help from some community organizers and some dedicated educators, the MDUSD Sports Program was launched and experienced an incredible amount of success over its first year. Nine schools — Diablo View, Foothill, El Dorado, Oak Grove, Pine Hollow, Pleasant Hill, Riverview, Sequoia and Valley View — participated in four seasonal sports: soccer, kickball, basketball and flag football.

There was no cost for the students to participate, and transportation and uniforms were free to players as well.

Many schools fielded multiple teams for each sports, A and B Division teams. Each sport included co-ed rosters, with the exception of basketball.

“Our aim was simple — to give kids a viable option to compete for their school,” said John Pamer, the CEO of Diablo Valley Federal Credit Union and an original member of the sports program steering committee. “Something changes when you put the school colors on and have the school’s name on your shirt. You learn what it means to represent your classmates and your community with honor, loyalty and respect.”

Soccer league champions were El Dorardo (A Division) and Oak Grove (B Division). El Dorado swept both the A and B girls basketball titles. Sequoia won the A Division boys basketball title and Pleasant Hill won the B Division. Oak Grove earned the A Division flag football crown and Riverview claimed the B Division title.

“We were so happy to see the successful launch of the sports program,” Pamer said. “It’s been everything we hoped for and more. We look forward to continuing to work with MDUSD to improve and enhance the program. We believe the students taking part in this program will learn lessons and make memories that will last a lifetime.”

Joining Pamer on the steering committee are SportStars Magazine publisher, Mike Calamusa, MDUSD Assistant Superintendant of Schools, Jonathan Egan, Foothill Middle School Principal, April Bush, and MDUSD CARES After School Program Manager, Eric Rego. ✪ — SportStars staff

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Longest Paddling Race In California Prepares For Its Fourth Year On Scenic Sacramento River

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his year will mark the fourth running of the California 100 — a one-day, 100-mile paddling race down the Sacramento River on June 11 that includes accompanying events on June 10 and 12 to prepare for, and then celebrate, the epic ultramarathon.

The Cal 100 is the longest paddling race in California on the longest river in California and is a major fundraiser and outreach event for the producing non-profit organization Rivers for Change. There are 200 spots made available to paddlers of any craft including canoes, kayaks, surfskis and standup paddleboards. Registration is open at https://paddleguru.com/ races/2016California100 The race begins in Redding under the majestic Sundial Bridge and continues downriver for one-hundred miles, stopping briefly at three mandatory checkpoints along the way. See snow-capped mountains as you head down river through oak forests, open plains and lava flows. Bald eagles and osprey soar overhead and otter pause their hunt for fish to watch you paddle by. The swift moving river will keep you focused with many riffles, and a few class 1 & 2 rapids to speed you down to Chico. It is an experience you’ll always remember.

The race is organized into two major classes, the competitive class and the adventure class. Classes are then broken into divisions based on paddlecraft, gender, solo racers, teams or relays.

For paddlers and adventurers wanting to take part in the race, but not ready to tackle one-hundred straight miles, there is then the option of forming or joining a relay team. The course record of 9 hours 46 minutes and 27 seconds is held by a relay team of women called Paddle Like a Girl. Individuals can choose to 25-miles and 50-miles options as well.

Rivers for Change is a growing California non-profit organization connecting individuals, communities & organizations to rivers using recreation and adventure. Founded in 2011, the organization runs educational and research-based programs, river cleanups and adventures spreading knowledge of river conservation, water quality and environmental initiatives affecting rivers. More information can be found by visiting riversforchange.org. ✪ — All copy and photos provided by Rivers for Change

Caldwell Park Triathalon

Redding Soccer Park

Get active with the Caldwell Park Triathlon! All participants receive T-shirt and gift bag, medals to top three finishers in each division (ages 5-8, 9-12, 13-16, 17-and-older).

Separate divisions for boys & girls. August 13 at Redding Aquatic Center, 9 a.m. www.visitredding.com/eventdetail/1628/caldwell-park-triathlon

HUNTER TROY CLEGG MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT: Sept. 24-25, Competitive U10, U11, U12 and Recreation U10-U19 soccer tournament. Five teams max per division, guarantee of four games. $425 per team. www.ReddingSoccerPark.com

Ultimate Frisbee Camp Boys and girls ages 10-14, June 23-27, 9 a.m.-noon. $30 for the week. www.ReddingSoccerPark.com

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CHALLENGER SOCCER CAMP: June 13-17, July 25-29. Soccer camps for all ages. www.ReddingSoccerPark.com CHALLENGER SPORTS TETRA BRAZIL CAMP: July 11-15. www.ReddingSoccerPark.com

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Davis Delivers Blue Devils Clinch Fourth SJS Title, Unbeaten Season; Manteca Claims First Title

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avis High girls soccer coach Sara Stone was accustomed to her team holding an opponent scoreless late into a match. What was new to the fifth-year coach was her Blue Devils also being kept off of the scoreboard late in a game as well.

And it was not just any game, but the Sac-Joaquin Section Division I final at Cosumnes Oaks High School.

While Stone tried to take near misses and fruitless offensive possessions without showing her anxiety, she believed her team had things under control — even with the chance of a fluke goal against the section’s stingiest defense.

“I felt like the girls stayed composed better than I did,” Stone said. “We are a pass-and-move team, and I felt that we got better as the game wore on and that we would eventually get one in.”

Davis (21-0-2) finally found the back of the net when sophomore Mia Villegas blasted home a free kick from just outside the corner of the penalty area in the 68th minute. It was the game’s only goal and would secure the program’s fifth section title and first since 2011.

“The biggest adjustment came with playing on a difficult surface,” Stone said of the championship field’s low, slick artificial turf.

Accustomed to controlling the ball and tempo on natural grass fields throughout its undefeated season, Davis needed time to finally find its feet and hand Rocklin (15-1-5) its first loss of the season. The battle of unbeatens lived up to the hype that came from a pair of teams that had allowed just 16 goals combined in 42 games. The Thunder never allowed more than one goal in a single contest and the Blue Devils entered the final with a 140-9 goal advantage.

“The backs deserve a huge shout-out,” Stone said.

“We had a lot of depth, speed, and athleticism on the back line, and we did not allow many shots.”

Sophomore Ava McCray anchored the defense from her centerback position and helped senior Gaby Herrera lead the Blue Devils’ back-to-front attack. Freshman Sasha Ballowe and sophomore McKenna Chupka typically each played one half of each game in goal and neither was forced to make a lot of saves. Up front, Davis was led by strikers Tiffany Miras, Brooke Rubinstein, Maya Doms and Villegas — all underclassmen.

Of the 21 players who earned SJS championships Davis’ Mia Villegas patches, only four — Alex Diaz, Hannah Deknikker, Makenna Rubinstein and Herrera — will graduate, which could translate into many more scoreless efforts from Davis’ opponents in upcoming seasons.

“I started five freshmen this year and the young players play at a high level and are just soccer junkies,” Stone said. “Moving forward there is a lot of talent returning, so the future of Davis High School soccer seems bright.”

DIVISION II — Senior midfielder Emily Curry followed a shot by teammate Sylvia Sloss and slotted home the lone goal of the Div. II final as Del Oro-Loomis (14-1-5) edged Granite Bay for the Golden Eagles’ third consecutive section title. Curry led a group of players that won the program’s first championship in 2014, but the Del Oro girls soccer cupboard will remain full as just six players graduate. Sloss, a sophomore forward, and junior forward Paige Martinsen led the Golden Eagles with 13 and 11 goals respectively in 2016. Granite Bay finished the season with a 13-4-3 record with all four losses coming against Del Oro and Rocklin.

DIVISION III — After finishing as Div. III runner-up the last two season, Manteca (25-2-1) finally won its first SJS girls soccer championship. The Buffaloes needed a second-half goal from senior Leah Manuleleua to tie the match that was eventually settled via penalty kicks. Rio Americano-Sacramento (13-5-3) struck first with a first-half goal from Katelyn Chandler, but Manteca goalkeeper Caitlin McVeigh would stop the sixth penalty kick she faced in the shootout to give the Buffaloes a 6-5 advantage in PKs. Manuleleua’s goal was her 45th of the season, most in the state and eighth in the nation among schools which kept stats on MaxPreps.com during the 2015-16 season.

OTHERS — The 2016 Div. IV title game was a repeat with Woodland shutting out Placer 3-0 to claim a second consecutive SJS crown. The Wolves’ Ariana Coronado scored 40 seconds into the game and Woodland (16-5-2) never looked back. Ellie Burgess and Lala Marin added second-half goals for the final margin of victory. Capital Christian-Sacramento also claimed a third straight SJS title and first in Div. V with a 2-1 victory over top-seeded Amador (20-4-3). ✪ — Jim McCue

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The Summer Trap

Exposure Gets You Seen, But Only Training Makes You Better

training time: tim rudd

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It seems more and more parents are coming to my gym in hopes of getting their athletes healthy again and playing at the level at which they were once capable. After years of their child struggling through pain and injury, they find the athlete just can’t push through the pain anymore.

More often than not, it’s a result of playing year-round. Gone are the years where your athletes solely played high school sports; now we have clubs and tournaments throughout the year, leaving no time for athletes to train and prepare for the season ahead.

Unfortunately, all the tournament, club and camp organizers are misleading parents.

Every summer parents spend thousands of dollars for exposure camps and tournament for their sons or daughters. These same organizers explain to parents that their athletes must attend a certain camp or play in a certain tournament if they want to increase their chances of making a team or getting a scholarship.

This advice couldn’t be further from the truth. Four days of camp will not change your athletes and neither will a weekend tournament.

Here is a quote from Mike Boyle, a top strength and conditioning expert out of Boston with more than 30 years of experience coaching high school, collegiate and pro athletes: “Parents make a critical error at the wrong time. The most critical time in a young athletes’ career is the summer. This is when a young player needs to train to prepare to have a great season. However, instead of preparation, parents of athletes with potential often choose exposure. The result is usually the same. The athlete goes to 5-6 ‘exposure’ camps to be ‘seen’ by college coaches. Instead of training and preparation, the summer is about travel and ‘exposure.’ The final result is that the athlete is not physically prepared for the season and ends up either getting injured or having a sub-par year. Coaches that might

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have had interest suddenly disappear. Sure things turn into maybes. Suddenly all the time spent on exposure seems wasted as there is no product to expose.”

The reality is the road to college sports should go straight through the weight room.

It seems so simple, yet you would be surprised how little importance many parents and athletes put on getting stronger and more athletic. If your athlete’s goal is to play college sports, then they should get ready to play by spending the summer getting better.

Your athletes would be better off just focusing on the one or two camps that have the most value and focus the rest of their time on training. The results will always be superior, as they will be clearly improved, legitimately raising their chances of going to the college of their choice.

Even though both sport performance centers and organizers of tournaments, camps and clubs have a vested financial interest in you and your child, sports performance centers help your athletes do exactly what professional and collegiate athletes do in the offseason — train to get better.

Most summer strength training programs are intentionally modeled on programs that have helped high school, collegiate and pro athletes succeed for decades. They are difficult and demanding, however they are designed around a proven formula, not a quick-buck scheme.

This summer you and your athletes have a decision to make. You can try to show everyone how good your athletes are in a few camps or tournaments or, that athlete can actually work at getting better and preparing for the seasons that really matter. ✪ Tim Rudd is an IYCA specialist in youth conditioning and owner of Fit2TheCore.

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Keeping A

Step Ahead health watch: tom clennell

Sprained Ankles Happen. Here’s What You Do Next Probably the most overlooked and nagging injuries in sports is the dreaded sprained ankle. It happens in almost all sports from football to basketball to soccer to baseball.

It does not discriminate by age, gender or sport.

Current research places the incidence of ankle injuries at approximately 1 million per year with 85 percent of that being ankle sprains. The most commonly heard phrase in regards to an ankle injury has been, “walk it off.” But for young athletes, that may not always be the best idea.

For young athletes, it is always important to remember that they are still developing and the skeletal system has not fully matured.

Typically, growth plates close by the age of 16 in girls and 18 in boys. This makes it difficult to diagnose an ankle sprain vs. a growth plate fracture in younger athletes. Sometimes they are treated the same in younger athletes — with the athlete being casted to protect the growth plate — which makes it a good idea to go see a physician with any ankle injury in a young athlete.

Once you know for sure it’s an ankle sprain, there are some other important things to know. Current medical journals show that once you sprain your ankle you could have as high as 80 percent chance of reinjuring that ankle. This has been shown to be greatly reduced by rehabilitating your ankle sprain with a physical therapist.

The treatment provided by a physical therapist seeks to restore range of motion and strength, as well as restore proprioception at the ankle. Proprioception is the body’s sense of position and the changes necessary to maintain that position.

So what are some good things to work on to help your therapist in your recovery?

R.I.C.E. — This stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Giving your ankle a break after the injury will help with pain levels. Icing will help reduce swelling and decrease pain. Compression also helps reduce swelling by limiting available space. Just be sure not to make it so tight you lose good circulation. Finally, elevating your foot above the level of your heart will also help reduce swelling. All of these help to reduce swelling and improve range of motion.

Range of Motion — Practice this by pointing your foot as far down as you can, then bring it back up with your “toes to your nose,” and moving the foot side to side. Both should be done in a pain-free range as often as possible.

Proprioception Training — As soon as you’re able, try balancing on one foot. When that becomes too easy, try balancing on one foot while brushing your teeth. This helps reinforce the brain’s ability to perceive ankle position and make necessary corrections.

Working on these will help you in your recovery from an ankle sprain and keep you a step ahead of everybody else. ✪ Tom Clennell is a physical therapist for UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland. He also meets with athletes at the organizations’ Sports Medicine Center for Young Athletes in Walnut Creek.

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BADMINTON East Bay Badminton If you are interested in the competitive sport of badminton, you have to come to one or more of our nine, week-long summer camps. We have 19-and-under to adult classes. Eastbay Badminton Association is a full service facility dedicated entirely to the sport of badminton. Your satisfaction is our main goal! Info: 510-655-8989; info@eastbaybadminton.com BASEBALL All American Sports Academy Recognized among the top yearround indoor training facilities for baseball & softball, AASA offers camps in hitting, fielding, defense, base-running, speed/agility, pitching and catching. Three locations. Info: www.allamericansportsacademy.net (209) 833-BALL(2255) All Star Academy of Baseball Utilizing our own 17,000 squarefoot facility in Santa Clara, as well as the Twin Creeks Sports Complex in Sunnyvale, ASA offers six of weeklong All-Skills Camps for ages 7-12, and two Advanced Boot Camps: one for middle school and one for high school players. Info: 650-961-2255; www.asabaseball.com Blankenship Bulls Summer Baseball Camps Former MLB player Lance Blankenship will hold his camps & programs from May through August, followed by a fall program and winter training.

Camps open to 13U to college level.

Camps include All Skills (June 13-15, July 11-13) and Big Bat Hit Camps (June 13-15, July 11-13). All Skills camps run 9am-noon and Big Bat camps go 12:30-2:30pm. Info: Blankenshipbaseball.com; 925-708-3173; Blankenshipbulls@gmail.com Danville Baseball Academy The DBA now offers a wide range of services. Aside from private lessons, we are involved in Little League InSeason training, numerous Fall Ball programs, various camps and clinics throughout the year, and the highly regarded DBA Crushers. Please check our website for various camp options. danvillebaseballacademy.com; 925785-6178 De La Salle Baseball Camp This camp gives young players a chance to further develop their skills.

Emphasizes proper techniques for each players position and each segment of the game (running, stealing, throwing, receiving, hitting, bunting, pitching, catching, outfield and infield play). We use drills and practice as well as games/scrimmages. Two ses-

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sions available. Info: www.dlshs.org/ athletics/summer/; summercamps@ dlshs.org; 925/288-8100 Dynamite Sports Speed Baseball/ Softball Speed Clinic Contact us to inquire about our in-season and offseason clinicsw. To get started we will give you a FREE assessment/evaluation and two FREE small group training sessions. Info: info@DynamiteSportsSpeed.com Headfirst Academy & Summer Camps Our basic mission is to train young players who are willing to work hard to make the next level. We are proven in the area of recruiting talented players and development. Headfirst has proven relationships with colleges that result in players being connected with desired school. Info: MJi0209@ aol.com; Mario74iglesias@aol.com Mike Murphy Baseball Academy Mike Murphy Baseball is a nationally recognized baseball and softball academy. Weve been training players in the Bay Area since 1998. MMB trains all levels. Our private instruction, group classes, camps and clinics are the most comprehensive and detailed of any academy in the country. Lets get swinging! Info: mikemurphybaseball.com; 925-798-4487; mikemurphybaseball@att.net San Ramon Slammers Were a member of the East Bay Club Baseball League, organized for the benefit of HS baseball players who wish to play competitive baseball but are unable to play for their own school. One practice per week held at a local high school or city park, with a second practice at an indoor baseball facility. Info: www.slammersbc. org/; eastbayclubbaseball@gmail.com South Bay Sports Training Based in Saratoga, we offer camps across both spring break and summer for ages 6-14. Info: www.southbaytraining.com; (408) 283-0643; southbaytraining@aol.com Total Player Center At TCP we keep our student to instructor ratios low to ensure the best possible instruction experience.

Each camp is designed for specific skill development. We feature camps for ages 5-7 to the most elite high school players. Camps include games, competitions. Located in Livermore.

Info: thepitchingcenter.com; 925-4161600; info@thepitchingcenter.com BASKETBALL Advantage Basketball Camps For kids 7-18, we offer the ultimate sports training experience. Main focus is ball handling and moves off the dribble. Also cover shooting, defense.

Camps offered statewide: Agoura Hills, Anaheim, Apple Valley, Calabasas, Carson, Claremont, La Ca–ada, Lake Forest, Lincoln, Moreno Valley, Rancho Cucamonga, Redondo Beach, Rocklin & San Diego. Info: www. advantagebasketball.com; 425-6708877; info@advantagebasketball.com Bentley School Summer Camp All camps coed and offer instruction, coaching Monday-Friday. Open to rising 6th through 9th graders. Three sessions: Shooting Camp (June 14-16) and two All Skills Camps (June 20-23, June 27-30). Info: Rob Rafeh, Director, rrafeh@bentleyschool.net, (925) 283-2101 ext. 3241 Breakthrough Basketball We’re a youth and middle school camp that focuses on developing the complete player. You will develop shooting, ball handling, passing, footwork, defense, rebounding, and other essential skills. Multiple sessions and locations available. Info: http://www. breakthroughbasketball.com/camps/ Cal Basketball for Girls Provides instruction for players of all skill levels, as we emphasize individual improvement, fundamental skills, teamwork, sportsmanship and enjoyment. We aim to develop and improve both basic and advanced skills such as shooting, passing, ball handling, and footwork. All interest levels and abilities welcome. Info: 1-800-NIKE CAMPS or info@ussportscamps.com Bear For A Day Camp A unique girls skills camp with focus on preparing for the next level.

Geared for the skilled and motivated athlete. Cal head coach Lindsay Gottlieb, along with her assistant coaches and players, will help improve your game by providing elite on-court training as well as film sessions and clinics. This camp provides an inside view of the Cal Womens Basketball experience. Info: 1-800-NIKE CAMPS or info@ussportscamps.com De La Salle Basketball Camp Play Hard, Play Together, Play Smart and have fun! All campers will have a great camp experience and, most importantly, have fun. We educate each camper so they have a solid base at becoming the best they can be. Six sessions available. Info: www. dlshs.org/athletics/summer/; summercamps@dlshs.org; 925/288-8100 East Bay Bulldogs Our club program is open to boys and girls, 2nd grade to high school varsity.

Last year, we had 21 teams for spring including four girls teams and three high school boys teams. The beauty of

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the Bulldogs is we have room the elite player and the beginner. Offerings in the fall, summer, as well as skills clinics. Info: www.leaguelineup.com/ ebbulldogs; 925-570-1334 Excel in Basketball Series of instructional camps geared to provide instruction in basketball fundamentals to boys and girls in grades 1-12. We pledge to continue our emphasis on fundamentals and developing young athletes to be fine players and fine people. Info: www. excelinbasketball.com; excelcamp@ gmail.com Elite Skills Camp Presented by the Darius Jones Foundation East Bay Basketball Academy, this camp is July 8-9 at NorCal Courts in Martinez. The camp — for boys/ girls 4th-12th grade — features NBA Skills coach and I’m Possible Training founder, Micah Lancaster. Times are 9am-noon for 4th-7th graders and 1pm-4pm for 8th-12 graders. A onehour session for 1st-3rd graders will run from 4-5pm on July 8. Info: main. possibletraining.com/california2016; maxine@possibletraining.com Fastbreak Basketball Camps Former Carondelet coach Margaret Gartner leads three week-long sessions for boys and girls in grades 2-8. If your child wants to learn and improve basketball fundamentals and skills while having fun, then FastBreak Basketball camp is the answer. Camps are held from 10am-2pm each day at NorCal Courts in Martinez Info: fastbreak_club@yahoo.com or (925) 933-9115.

Elevate Basketball Camps & Clinics Elevate is a new 5,700 square foot facility in Concord. We will be hosting summer clinics for both boys and girls. Camps are focused on overall skill development and are fast paced and fun. Camp will include station work, group skills & drills, contests and more. Athletes will be placed in groups based on age and ability.

Info: elevatebasketballtraining.com; 925.323.4527 Modesto Magic Basketball Association If you are a girl ages 4-17 and you love basketball, we are here to help you take your game to the next level.

We offer leagues, camps, clinics, tournaments, private lessons and AAU traveling teams. Info: Stan Silva, 209765-5107; ssilva1920@aol.com Rise Basketball Camps Our Alameda-based camp offers a fun-filled week of learning & playing basketball for co-ed players ages 5-14. Sign-up NOW because space is limited. Camp days run from 9am-

3pm with five sessions offered: June 13-17, June 20-24, June 27-July1, July 5-8 and July 11-15. More info: http:// www.risebasketball.co/index.php St. Francis Catholic High School (Sacramento) Camp Our girls camp is open to grades 5-9 with two sessions (morning, afternoon) from June 13-17. We teach fundamentals such as dribbling, passing, rebounding, and shooting. Campers work under varsity coach Vic Pitton, his coaching staff, and current St. Francis varsity players. Info: 916-7375040; summer@stfrancishs.org William Jessup Nike Camps All camps run Monday-Thursday on our Rocklin campus. Nike Basketball Camp is an overnight camp and includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Girls camp is from June 28-July 1; Boys camp runs July 5-8 for ages 8-18. Price is $425/$525 for overnight campers. Info/Register: jessupatheltics.com/camps or call 1-800-NIKECAMP (645-3226) CHEER/DANCE Make Me A Pro Cheer Camp Fun camp for ages 5-13 where our experienced staff will challenge campers to be the best that they can be. Techniques taught through fun drills, games and we end week with a performance for parents. Age appropriate stunts may also be taught. One session: June 13-17 from 9am-noon at Gellert Parks turf field in Daly City.

Info: mmapsports.com; 510-677-702 VELOCITY All-Star Cheer Were a competitive All Star Cheerleading and Tumbling gym in Antioch.

All classes geared toward achieving goals while having fun, and offers ordinary kids the opportunity to become extraordinary through hard work, determination! Competitive All-Star cheerleading for ages 3-18; Recreational tumbling for ages 3-18 + MORE. Info: velocityallstarscheer.com Xtreme Cheer Camps Xtreme is a competitive all-star cheerleading, dance and recreational tumbling gym in Antioch. Staff includes enthusiastic, trained professionals.

Classes fast-paced, fun and geared toward achieving your childs goals.

Info: 925-565-5464; xtremetumbleandcheergym@yahoo.com COMMUNITY CENTER Community Youth Center The CYC is a state-of-the-art sports, academic center in Concord where ages 3-18 thrive in dynamic, positive environment. We manage 10 sports programs and an academic excellence center offering a variety of camps featuring excellent coaches

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and fun activities. Info: communityyouthcenter.org; (925) 671-7070 or email: Lmatheny@cycmail.org ENRICHMENT Eye Level Walnut Creek Eye Level is a systematic, individualized program that caters to students of all abilities utilizing a unique and proven method. This allows each child to have a customized starting point, regardless of his/her age or school grade. Eye Level Walnut Creek has summer and year-round camps in English, Math, Critical Thinking and more. Info: 925-943-6674 FITNESS/TRAINING 2G Strength & Conditioning Camps 2G Sports and Fitness camp designed to help core and overall strength while improving speed and endurance. All exercises will be body weight or manual resistant (no free weights, machines). Working shoulders, back, chest, arms, abs and legs.

Conditioning will be through running and circuit training. Brentwood camp days are Tue. and Thurs. from 5-6pm. at Balfour Guthrie Park. Camp runs six weeks from April-May. The Pleasant Hill camp runs Mon-Thurs. from 5:30-7pm at Christ the King School.

Six weeks available from June to early Aug. Info: www.2gsf.com/ Childrens Hospital Individual Training Train 1-on-1 or in a semi-private session and experience an exercise program specifically designed to meet your personal fitness goals. Program includes in-clinic and on-field sessions involving both initial evaluations and training. Available to young athletes of all types, age 8+ years and either the Oakland or Walnut Creek locations. Prices vary. Info: Krisi Bruce, (925) 979-3420 Childrens Hospital Circuit Series Fun group class that focuses on upper and lower body strength, core stability and balance. An upbeat, active class focusing on strength, flexibility, coordination, balance through fun games.

Open to all athletes ages 12-18.

Classes 5-6 p.m. Mondays & Wednesdays from June 20-Aug. 12. $20 for drop-in or $144 for 12 classes. Info: Krisi Bruce, (925) 979-3420 Childrens Hospital F.A.S.T for Athletes Teaches progressive approach to speed, agility techniques and introduces proper techniques of functional strength training and power exercises.

Available to young athletes of all

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types, ages 14-18 on Tuesdays and Thursdays (5-6 pm) in Walnut Creek and Thursdays (7-8pm) in Oakland.

Info: Krisi Bruce, (925) 979-3420 Childrens Hospital Sport-Specific Training Six-week sport-specific training with pre- and post-testing. Football, baseball/softball, basketball, lacrosse, soccer, track, volleyball and cheer.

Boys, girls athletes of all levels, ages 8 to 18. Call for details and availability.

Info: Krisi Bruce, (925) 979-3420 Childrens Hospital Speed Camps Put into practice five pillars of SPEED training. Emphasizing flexibility, stability, strength, power and speed.

Two-week program best suited for soccer, football, basketball, lacrosse or track & field. Ages 12-19, limited to 15 athletes per session. Two sessions offered, morning at Athenian High in Danville, afternoon at Berkeley High.

Info: Call Krisi Bruce, (925) 979-3420 Childrens Hospital Team Sport Testing & Training Whether you are looking to help prepare during the offseason or complement your in-season schedule, we will maximize the development of speed, quickness, strength, move-

ment skills, energy system conditioning, mobility and stability with team training. Options include fitness and performance assessments, to nutritional advice and meal planning.

Fully customizable. Open to ages 8-18. Call for details. Info: Call Krisi Bruce, (925) 979-3420 De La Salle Strength & Conditioning Our high school strength clinics train incoming 9th-10th graders. Development movements/exercises emphasized to develop the young athletes core, neurological system, kinetic chain, range of motion, flexibility and speed & agility. We teach proper lifting techniques and resistance training.

Three sessions available. Info: www. dlshs.org/athletics/summer/; summercamps@dlshs.org; 925/288-8100 Speed 4 Your Sport Training Focus on run and sprint mechanics, agility, change of direction and cardio conditioning and gain strides.

Train two days per week in one hour sessions with S4S in Pleasanton. The better your athleticism is, the better you compete. Info: (510) 565-6120; thespeedpro@hotmail.com Sports Speed Academy Our focus is getting you to run

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your fastest. Whether its football, basketball, baseball, soccer or track and field, our system will improve your mechanics and increase speed.

NCAA 100-meter champion and Olympic gold medalist Eddie Hart has created the Sports Speed Curriculum to improve speed in all sports. Info: 925.516.8522; admin@sportsspeedacademy.com FOOTBALL 2G Sports & Fitness Linemen Skills Camp This is a non-contact camp for players 10-14. Tailored to developing a solid foundation, effective techniques in defensive and offensive lines. Camp in Brentwood from June 27-30 (910:30am). Info: www.2gsf.com/ Artie Gigantino 1-on-1 Clinics Artie Gigantino is a former coach and executive with the Raiders, Rams, Cal and USC. Gigantino provides honest, candid, realistic and professional evaluations, specific position technique training and football related guidance. Get game, practice evaluations, specific position training, safe tackling and blocking techniques, recruiting consultation, in-season and offseason advice on summer camps

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and a training budget. All ages, grades and levels of abilities welcome. Info: artiesports@yahoo.com Berean Christian High FCA Camp Berean Christian FCA Football Camp takes the best attributes of an athleticfocused camp and a spiritual-focused camp and combines them. June 27-30, 9am-2pm at BCHS in Walnut Creek. Grades 3-9. Instructors include current & former NFL players such as Sean Dawkins (1993 first-round pick) and Matt Overton (current Colts longsnapper). Info: 925-945-6464 California Football Academy Our coed flag football league is great for boys and girls ages 4-14 who want to enjoy a fun, fast game of football.

Beginners to advanced players will practice fundamentals, while learning good sportsmanship and participation. Our tackle camp is offered in the spring. New is our summer multisport camps. Oakley, Concord and San Ramon. Info: www.californiafootballacademy.com/; 925-625-2222 Campolindo Full-Gear Youth Camp Learn from a state championship program. We develop fundamentals, techniques associated with tackle football (contact based on level of

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readiness). Campolindo head coach Kevin Macy has been conducting camps in Moraga for more than a decade. Camp staffed with full complement of experienced coaches and certified trainer. Grades 4-8. Info: campofootball.net; (925) 280-3950 x5163; kmacy@acalanes.k12.ca.us Bob Ladouceur’s Championship Football Camp We teach sound, fundamental offensive and defensive football techniques to the pre-high schoolers. Coaching staff uses demonstration, individual drills to teach basic skills to both beginning and experienced players.

Proper warm-up, physical conditioning, drills and review. Full contact is not a priority. June 13-16. Info: www. dlshs.org/athletics/summer/; summercamps@dlshs.org; 925-288-8100 Clayton Valley Future Champions Non-Contact Camp Practice safer blocking, tackling, shed blocking and ball control technique at our youth camp. Our main goal is to see that your child has a safe football season. Taught by varsity coach Tim Murphy and the CHCHS staff, held at Clayton Valley Charter HS in Concord. June 13-16, 5-8 p.m. $100/

player. Info: claytonvalleyfootball. com or Mike Dominguez at coach. dmngz@gmail.com De La Salle QB/Wide Receiver Camp We create environment of greater understanding of and proficiency with the fundamentals, techniques, skills, motivation and sportsmanship necessary for success at individual offensive skill positions. QBs: Stance, exchange, drops, set-up, sprint out, play action, screens, ball handling, option, reading defenses and field leadership. WRs: Stance, start, release, route running, cuts, receiving, blocking and reading defense. Two sessions. Info: www. dlshs.org/athletics/summer/; summercamps@dlshs.org; 925-288-8100 De La Salle Lineman Camp Non-contact, technique-oriented lineman camp that focuses on footwork and hand placement. One session June 20-23. Info: www.dlshs.org/ athletics/summer/; summercamps@ dlshs.org; 925-288-8100 Future Warriors Football Camp Camp is for any students entering 5th-8th grade. It is a FREE camp to help educate and enhance our community with basic knowledge to be successful. Ygnacio Valley HS June

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6-9, run by the Ygnacio Valley football program. Info: email Coach Phillip Puentes at coachpuentes@gmail.com Moreau Catholic Coach Cotter Camp Coach Cotter Non-Contact Football Camp designed for everyone to have fun while learning essential skills in non-contact environment. Learn skills for all offensive and defensive positions. Each day concludes with Mariner Ball,Ó a fun touch football game. Info: moreaucatholic.org/Athletics; Coach Cotter, (510)-881-4333; acotter@moreaucatholic.org Quick 6 Wide Receiver Academy Designed to educate quarterbacks, wide receivers and defensive backs on how to play the game faster, by increasing their football IQ. Incorporates speed, acceleration and footwork, along with coaching the intangibles of the QB, WR and DB positions. Coached by former pro and collegiate athletes, your child will come away from the clinic smarter and more prepared to play football in the upcoming football season. Info: www.quick6performance.com Quick 6 S.P.E.E.D. Clinics Our speed clinics are one-day (70 minute) clinics (20+ athletes).

S.P.E.E.D clinics are a reduced version of our S.P.E.E.D year-round program.

In the clinic we focus on sprint mechanics, acceleration, max velocity speed, and power development. We hold these clinics monthly and we host our clinics at local parks middle schools and high schools in the surrounding areas from Brentwood to Oakland. Info: www.quick6performance.com Rising Stars QB Challenge One-day event aimed at providing a unique, unmatched experience to the regions top QB talents. Will challenge physical, mental and on-thefield skills. Partnered with National Scouting Report, a service that helps improve athletes chances of getting recruited. May 28 at Analy High in Sebastopol. Info/registration: www. d1quarterback.com GOLF San Ramon Golf Club Jr. Golf Our junior programs designed to introduce golf to the junior as the Game of a Lifetime. Camps include Beginner Camp (ages 5-11): learn grip, posture and aiming, and Day Camp (intermediate level): learn how to shoot lower scores. Players spend quality time

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on the course with a coach in each group. Info: golfsanramon.com/trivalley-junior-golf/ LACROSSE Booth Lacrosse We offer two-day instructional clinics for 4th-12th graders, as well as specialty/positional clinics. Camps held in the East Bay, Marin, El Dorado Hills and South Bay. Info: 415-450-5359; info@boothlacrosse.com Colin Knightly Lacrosse Clinics Training Center classes and lessons are for experienced players looking to take their skills to the next level, or beginners who interested in a new sport. Private lessons for boys ages U9-U19. Sessions mostly consist of speed and agility, stick skills, game concepts and 1v1s. Walnut Creek.

Info: info@ColinKnightlyLacrosse. com; 925-338-1260 De La Salle Lacrosse Camp Youth players learn what we teach our JV and varsity players. Learn proper shooting form, sliding techniques, how to move off-ball and gain valuable knowledge and insight into the game. Emphasis on understanding why we do something on the field.

Youth players walk away with a

much better understanding of the game. Info: www.dlshs.org/athletics/ summer/; summercamps@dlshs.org; 925/288-8100 St. Francis Catholic HS (Sacramento) Summer Lacrosse Camps For girls grades 5-9, June 13-17. Learn basic stick skills, practice shooting and scoring, and work on defensive technique. No experience needed.

We work on fundamental. Info: 916737-5040; summer@stfrancishs.org MARTIAL ARTS Cal Camps: Martial Arts Run by UC Martial Arts staff, goals are quality instruction, techniques and knowledge of martial arts; encourage youth to enrich lives through fitness of mind and body; and promote development of positive personal character.

Judo, Taekwondo, and Yongmudo.

Info: camps.berkeley.edu USKS (United States Karate Systems) Adult and childrens programs, kick box fitness, mixed martial arts.

Providing excellence in martial arts instruction for the entire family. 925682-9517; www.usksmartialarts.com.

MULTI-SPORT City of Walnut Creek Sports Camp For ages 8-13, program consists of

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eight week sessions with choice of two sports per session and a ninth week offering bowling. Designed to teach training skills, basic individual skills, sportsmanship, team strategies as well as building confidence and self discipline. Golf, tennis, baseball, flag football, basketball, soccer, volleyball and bowling. Info: www. walnutcreekrec.org; (925) 943-5858 City of Walnut Creek Skyhawk Camps Skyhawk Sports, in cooperation with Walnut Creek Recreation Division, is offering a partial day sports program for ages 3-8. Tiny-Hawk camp (ages 3-4) includes introductory skills, orientation to team play and unique games.

Mini-Hawk camp (4-6) introduces sports such as soccer, baseball, and basketball. Individual sport camps (5-8) are golf, basketball, soccer, baseball, flag rugby, cheerleading, volleyball and flag football. Info: www. walnutcreekrec.org; 925-943-5858 Dynamic Sports for Kids Promotes, fun, fitness and friends.

Run by physical education teachers, camp is at Twin Creeks Sports Complex in Sunnyvale where children of all skill levels learn the basics of sports and games of their choosing.

Each day offers many options after a short fitness based round of activities.

Camps will be held Mon.-Fri. from 9am-noon and 1-4pm. Sign up for both sessions and receive a healthy lunch option from our in-house kitchen. Info: dynamicssc.com; aubrie@dynamicssc.com Make Me A Pro Clinic For ages 5-12 and offers a variety of sports, taught through fun games and drills. Whether your childs interest is soccer or flag football, or just to have fun, meet friends and get in shape, then this camp is for you. Wednesdays April 13-May 18 from 3:30-4:15pm at Gellert Parks turf field in Daly City.

Info: mmapsports.com; 510-677-7024 Renaissance ClubSport We offer spring and summer sports and speciality camps for kids ages 5-12. Participants have fun-filled, active breaks as they receive instruction in a variety of sports, activities and projects. Families with multiple children, we offer a 10% sibling discount.

Info: Kids World at 925.942.6344.

OUTDOORS/ADVENTURE Cal Adventures Cal Adventures is the Outdoor Experiential Education Program at UC

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Berkeley. Through sailing, windsurfing and sea kayaking classes and various custom designed trips and day programs, we provide you with new skills, adventure and memories. Affiliation with the University of California is not required. Info: 510-642-4000; rsweb@berkeley.edu Camp Concord Youth Camps Week-long youth camps. Enjoy all the fun-filled traditions of camp, canoeing, crawdad fishing, archery, hiking, volleyball, swimming, Lake Tahoe beach fun, dances, skits, campfires, and horseback riding combined with a one-day escape to Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park where we will zip line, tree climb, and challenge ourselves. Ages 9-13. Space limited.

Two sessions available. Info: www.

ConcordReg.org; (925) 671-3404 Franklin Canyon Stables A well-structured riding program housed at Franklin Canyon Stables in Martinez which provides two covered arenas and easy access to trails. Kim Bredehoft teaches riders of all levels and enables clients to reach personal goals that benefit them in all parts of life. Info: 925-228-1801; www. kimshorsetraining.com.

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SOCCER Bentley School Summer Camp All camps are coed and offer instruction and coaching Monday-Friday.

Soccer for rising 9th-12th graders: Aug. 8-13. Bentleys Lafayette Campus athletics facilities include a large synthetic turf field and a state-ofthe-art gymnasium. Info: Rob Rafeh, Director, rrafeh@bentleyschool.net, (925) 283-2101 ext. 3241 De La Salle Soccer Camp Terrific opportunity for boys and girls who look to excel in all aspects.

Expect to participate in competitive drills, skill development exercises and daily competitions between campers.

One session, June 27-30. Info: www. dlshs.org/athletics/summer/; summercamps@dlshs.org; 925-288-8100 De La Salle Soccer Academy For elite players from 8th-12th grade who are looking to excel. Focus on technique, increasing tactical awareness and position specific functional training. Aug. 1-3. Info: www.dlshs. org/athletics/summer/; summercamps@dlshs.org; 925-288-8100 Diablo FC Summer Camps Diablo FC is committed to instilling passion and enjoyment of soccer in a

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positive, safe, competitive environment. Our comprehensive program and professional staff train players and teams in the mental, physical, technical and tactical aspects of soccer in order to reach their individual potential and compete at the highest level of play. Our summer camp is from July 18-21 at Tesoro Fields in Concord with a 9am-11am session for ages 5-7 and 9am-noon for ages 8-14.

Info/Register: www.diablofc.org.

Diablo FC Summer Rec Program Diablo FC is committed to instilling passion and enjoyment of soccer in a positive, safe, competitive environment. Our Summer Recreational Program runs six weeks at Newhall Park in Concord for $125 which includes uniforms. It is open to kids born in 2007-2012 and includes one practice per week and one game per week. Dates: July 12-Aug. 19. U6 is co-ed, with U8 and U10 being gender specific. Location is Newhall Park.

DFC Professional coaches conduct all practices. Emphasis is on ball touches and 1 v 1 attacking and defending.

Info: diablofc.org; 925-7988-GOAL Gino’s Academy/Walnut Creek SC Official camp of Walnut Creek Soc-

cer Club. Run by WCSC Director of Coaching Tom Ginocchio and staffed with WCSC club coaches & players.

Five one-week programs for kids age 4-17. For advanced as well as the beginning player. Camp drills and games will be run to accommodate and skill level. Info: www.ginossocceracademy.com, 925-937-4466 Make Me A Pro Soccer Camp For ages 5-12. Students work to improve basic skills of dribbling, passing, shooting, trapping and heading and new soccer techniques. All skills taught through fun and engaging methods. June 13-17 and Aug. 13-17, all 9am-noon at Gellert Park turf field in Daly City. Info: mmapsports.com; 510-677-702 St. Francis Catholic HS (Sacramento) Soccer Camps Grades 5-9, June 13-17. Provides chance to familiarize yourself with the St. Francis program. All elements of the game emphasized, including warm-up, trapping, dribbling, passing, shooting, small-sided games and stretching. Both individual fundamentals and team strategies will be accentuated. Info: 916-737-5040; summer@stfrancishs.org

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William Jessup Soccer Camp WJU Girls Soccer Camp features college coaches and players, team development and tactics, shooting, defending, 1 v 1 attacking/defending, goal keeper training and agility training. Free with registration, College T-shirt and team poster. Info: Jamie Howard, jhoward@jessup.edu SOFTBALL St. Francis Catholic High School (Sacramento) Softball Camps Grades 5-9, June 13-17. Fielding, both infield and outfield, hitting, throwing and various types of bunting techniques will be illustrated. Also pitching and catching techniques and proper base running. Info: 916-7375040; summer@stfrancishs.org SWIMMING/DIVING Cal Diving Springboard diving is a safe and fun sport offering both physical and mental skill-building elements. Todd Mulzet (UC Berkeleys head diving coach) guides overall training program. We offer training for all: first-time divers, to elite, senior, Junior Olympic and Masters level. Classes, private lessons and is building competitive teams at every level. Info: www.CALdiving.org;

510-859-3149; SSO@CALdiving.org.

Cal Swimming Camp Directed by UC Berkeley and Olympic Coach Teri McKeever we offer two weeks of outstanding stroke technique camps on the Cal campus. For competitive swimmers age 9-16 with three daily water sessions and one dry-land session. Camper-to-staff ratio is 10:1.

Info: www.ussportscamps.com; 1-800-NIKE-CAMP Sherman Swim & Diving School Located in Lafayette, our year-round schedule allows children and adults to learn, retain and improve skills.

Lessons offered M-W-F and T-Th over 3-4 weeks. We teach 9 months to adults and non-swimmers to competitive levels. Our private or semi-private lessons allow you to progress at your pace. Also offer beginning and competitive diving. Info: 925-283-2100, www.ShermanSwim.com.

Santa Clara Aquamaids Jump in and learn the basics of synchronized swimming! The Santa Clara Aquamaids are looking for swimmers, ages 7-12 who are eager to learn, attentive, able to follow directions and work cooperatively in a group setting. The Santa Clara

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2 G Sports & Fitness Sports Camps ........................................44 Alameda County Fair ............................................................23 All- Star Baseball Academy ...................................................44 Bay Area Volleyball Club.......................................................43 Bentley School Lafayette .......................................................39 Berean Christian High School Summer Camps ......................38 Big O Tires Northern California/ Nevada .................................2 Bigfoot Hoops .......................................................................15 Blankenship Baseball ............................................................42 California Football Academy .................................................42 Off- Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division ..................25 Championship Athletic Fundraising.......................................30 Walnut Creek Arts, Recreation & Community Services ..........29 Clayton Valley Future Champions Youth Football...................43 Colin Knightly Lacrosse.........................................................34 Concord Police Association Stars & Stripes 5K Run & Walk....28 Danville Baseball Academy ..................................................27 D J F A A U Showcase ...........................................................45 Diablo Futbol Club ...............................................................20 Diablo Trophies & Awards .....................................................45 Diablo Valley Federal Credit Union .......................................38 Dougherty Valley High Jr Wildcat Volleyball Clinic ...............43 East Bay Badminton Assn. .....................................................44 East Bay Parks .......................................................................45 Encore Lacrosse ....................................................................41 Eye Level Walnut Creek Learning Center Summer Camps .....46 Fast Break Basketball Camps .................................................46 Franklin Canyon Stables Summer Camps...............................45 Friends Of Camp Concord ....................................................36 G Tech Sport .........................................................................21 Halo Headband ....................................................................45 Head First Baseball West Coast .............................................31 Heads Up Sports ...................................................................34 Jumbo Sunflower Seeds .........................................................28 Club Sport.............................................................................48 Mental Training Inc ...............................................................14 Modesto Magic .....................................................................42 Muir Orthopaedic Specialists ................................................11 National Scouting Report ......................................................42 Placer Valley Tourism Board ............................................16, 17 Quick 6 Performance ............................................................43 Visitredding.Com ............................................................32, 33 Renaissance Club Sport.........................................................10 Rise Summer Basketball Camps ............................................41 Rugby Nor Cal ......................................................................47 San Ramon Slammers Baseball .............................................44 Santa Clara Aquamaids .........................................................35 Sherman Swim School ..........................................................21 Soccer Solutions Soccer Camp ..............................................14 South Bay Sports Training ......................................................19 St. Leander’s Church Sport Collector Show ............................45 Stevens Creek Toyota...............................................................5 Sutter Health ...........................................................................3 Tpc / The Pitching Center ......................................................27 Cal Athletic Camps ...............................................................22 U C S F Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland ........................37 Velocity Cheer Gym..............................................................41 William Jessup University Sports Camps ...............................41

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Aquamaids have been producing world-class synchronized swimmers and Olympic athletes since 1964.

Info: 877 722-4630; 408 988-9936; info@aquamaids.org TENNIS Tompkins Tennis We run the top year-round Junior program in NoCal. We produce more nationally ranked juniors than any other program. Richard Tompkins and his highly trained staff of pros and former Div. I college players specialize in juniors, ages of 6-18. Camp Locations: Fremont, Livermore, Monterrey, San Ramon, Pebble Beach. Info: tompkinssport. com; (510)-573-4025 TRACK & FIELD De La Salle Track & Field Camp Work with outstanding coaches and athletes, featuring personalized instruction in high jump, long jump, triple jump, shot put, discus, sprints, hurdles, relays and distance events.

Learn warm-up and strengthening routines necessary for maximizing performance and reaching goals.

Attention given to the mental component. One session. Info: www. dlshs.org/athletics/summer/; sum-

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mercamps@dlshs.org; 925-288-8100 VOLLEYBALL Bay Area Volleyball Skills Clinics We have a variety of summer options that include a Sand Program (ages 12-18), Skills/Drills (14-18), Youth Camp (9-14) and more. In Concord. Info: www.bayareavolleyballclub.com/; (925) 969-9236 City Beach Volleyball Club Developing players is our focus. We teach players to earn successes and learn from losses. We offer a wide variety of camps and clinics to serve junior girl players of all experience levels. Info: citybeachvb.com/ camps-clinics/; (408) 654-9330 De La Salle Volleyball Camp This camp gives boys and girls entering grades 4-9 opportunity to learn from the DLS coaching staff and former standout athletes. Emphasize proper techniques for each position and segment of the game. One session. Info: www.dlshs.org/athletics/ summer/; summercamps@dlshs.org; 925-288-8100 Diablo Valley Volleyball Club Nine one-week skills sessions offered from June-August. Camps differ in age groups, some coed and some

boys or girls only. Space is limited.

Two sessions in Brentwood, six in Walnut Creek. Info: www.diablovolleyball.org; DiabloVBC@yahoo.com Junior Wildcat Volleyball Clinic Come learn about the game, improve your skills and have a great time at the annual Dougherty Valley HS Junior Wildcat summer volleyball clinic. Participants learn the fundamentals of the game including serving, passing, setting and hitting through a variety of fun and competitive drills with players of similar abilities. Campers receive individual instruction from the experienced players and coaching staff at DVHS. Two sessions: Aug. 1-4; Aug. 8-11.

Both sessions run 9am-noon. Info: Email Jen Cincotta,jcincotta@dvhigh. net.

Moreau Catholic Volleyball Camp Our girls camp is for incoming grades 6-9 and taught by varsity coach Ami Schelin. One sessions.

Come learn how the Mariners do things. Info: moreaucatholic.org/Athletics; aschelin@moreaucatholic.org St. Francis Catholic High School (Sacramento) Volleyball Camp Camp is three sessions; one for

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grades 5-9 (June 6-10), one for grades 5-6 (July 11-15) and one for grades 7-9 (July 11-15). This is a beginning level camp. Be taught the basic skills, learn how to pass, set, hit, serve, and do basic defensive moves. Campers split up according to skill level. Info: 916-737-5040; summer@stfrancishs.org William Jessup Girls Volleyball Camp Our camps are for ages 12-18 and include daily instruction on both individual and team skills, based on competitive style drills, with a player staff ratio of 8-1. All athletes will be grouped by age and ability levels.

All campers, regardless of groupings will be exposed to the same skill/ training techniques. Various camps are offered, including overnight camp as well as a specific setters camp. Info/registration: jessupatheltics.com/camps; Terry Stafford, 916834-9801 tstafford@jessup.edu WATER POLO De La Salle Water Polo Camp Great opportunity for boys and girls to learn the game or enhance the skills. Youth players will learn all aspects of the sport from our

experienced staff. Two sessions in August. Info: www.dlshs.org/athletics/summer/; summercamps@dlshs. org; 925-288-8100 WRESTLING Community Youth Center Wrestling The CYC in Concord offers three types of week-long (July & August) wrestling camps. The Elementary Camp for ages 5-10, The All Corners Camp for ages 11-18, and the Advanced Camp serves the same age group and runs in August. Each camp runs from 9am-3pm at the CYC. Camp fees vary. Info: communityyouthcenter.org; (925) 671-7070 De La Salle Wrestling Camp Designed as an introductory and intermediate level camp. We emphasize fundamentals needed to learn more advanced skills and tactics.

Five different learning components: Proper warm-up (stretching and lead-up exercises), kinesthetic awareness exercises (tumbling), review of basic skills and/or new skills, live wrestling and games. One session available. Info: www.dlshs.org/ athletics/summer/; summercamps@ dlshs.org; 925-288-8100 âœŞ

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