NorCal Issue 116 May 2016

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MAY 2016 VOL. 7 ISSUE 116

NORCAL EDITION

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May 2016

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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

W

hen did May get here? Weren’t we just writing about our All-NorCal football teams and previewing baseball and softball?

For whatever reason, it often feels like no high school sports season goes by faster than spring. As sports writers, it always feels like we emerge from the basketball state championships, blink, and there’s two weeks before spring playoffs begin.

So around this time, I like to do a re-set, get my bearings and tell you what we here at SportStars are looking forward to over the last month (sniff.) of the 2015-16 season of NorCal high school athletics.

Here are five things we’ll be following over the next five weeks.

1. SABRINA WATCH — Ha! Not even a spring sport. We, and every other women’s basketball fan across the country will be tuned in to see where Sabrina Ionescu — who is honored later in this issue as part of our All-NorCal Basketball Team selections — will choose to play her college career. Her reported three finalists are Oregon, Oregon State and Cal. However, she’s ranked No. 4 among ESPNW.com’s top recruits in the nation, so the entire Division I college landscape has interest in her landing spot. The regular signing period ends on May 18.

2. DANIELLE & THE DONS — The Amador ValleyPleasanton softball team once again has that runaway-train look about them. Sophomore two-way star Danielle Williams (pictured above) already has three no-hitters and was batting a crisp .469 through April. Is there an NCS Division I team out there that can push them, keep them from repeating as champs? It might be the team right across town from them, Foothill-Pleasanton. Or perhaps an offensively gifted Heritage-Brentwood team. Either way, it should be good drama.

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3. CLASH OF THE TITANS — Davis High has been the Sac-Joaquin Section’s (and arguably NorCal’s) best baseball team through the first two months of the season. The Blue Devils opened the year with a 13-game winning streak and promptly knocked SportStars NorCal Preseason No. 1 Elk Grove out of the top spot. The defending SJS Div. I-champion Thundering Herd recently reminded Davis of their presence by stomping the Devils 14-1 on April 25. Davis avenged two days later with a 2-1 victory, but the message had already been sent. The two programs own each of the last three Div. I titles (Elk Grove in 2013 and 2015; Davis in 2014), and seeing them scrap for another should be a treat.

4. STATE SWIMMING 2.0 — Now that the CIF already has one year of the CIF State Swimming Championships under its belt, it will be interesting to see how they seek to broaden its appeal and make sure that the state’s most elite swimmers are there competing. However, more locally, now that there are state championships to defend, we’re eager to see if swimmers such as Bryce Mefford (Oak Ridge-El Dorado Hills), Hank Poppe (San Ramon Valley-Danville) and Madelyn Murphy (Carondelet-Concord) will be able to repeat.

5. BAY AREA 75 ANTICIPATION — With awards season already under way — if you’re holding our Sac-Joaquin edition featuring the River Cats All-City Team, you know what we’re talking about — we’re already getting fired up thinking about the fourth annual Bay Area 75 (due out mid-June).

Who’s No. 1? Could Ionescu be the first girl to top the rankings? Will a spring athlete make a major push? It should be fun finding out.

Enjoy the drama, sports fans. See you next month when we express shock at the arrival of June. ✪

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ELK GROVE - BASEBALL - SENIOR The outfielder/pitcher has been big for the Thundering Herd in taking sole possession of first place in the highly competitive Delta League. In a 14-1 victory over rival Davis, Carlson went 2-for-3 with a double, a run scored and 4 RBI. He also pitched a five-inning complete game in which he allowed just one hit and an unearned run. For the season, the Cal State Fullerton-bound star is batting .433 with a Sac-Joaquin Section best eight home runs and 28 RBI, including five homers and 14 RBI in Delta League action. On the mound, he is a perfect 4-0 with one save, a 1.77 ERA and 35 strikeouts in 23.2 innings pitched. A four-year varsity letter winner, Dylan has been part of two of the program’s nine SJS championships. Elk Grove is 13-7 overall and 6-2 in the Delta League,

honorable mention KAITLYN RUBIO: The Placer-Auburn senior slugger belted a pair of homers in a recent 9-1 rout of FoothillSacramento. For the season, Rubio is batting .423 with 12 homers and 25 RBI.

JOSH JOHNS: Antioch senior outside hitter delivered 20 kills, 12 digs and two aces in a 3-1 win over HeritageBrentwood on April 28. The win moved the Panthers to 23-6 overall and left them one win shy of clinching their first league title in 20 years.

ELENA BRUCKNER: The Valley Christian-San Jose senior track star posted the state’s best marks of 2016 in both the shot put (53 feet, 7 inches) and discus (186-10) in a two-day stretch on April 22-23.

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

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WHERE ARE THEY NOW? STEPHEN NOGOSEK It was three years ago this month (May 1, 2013) that our Sac-Joaquin Edition featured Woodcreek-Roseville baseball pitcher Stephen Nogosek on the cover — dressed in his duck hunting gear. But the outdoors enthusiast spends less time hunting ducks and more time being one these days. In his third year at Oregon, Nogosek is among the top relief pitchers in the country. He opened 2016 on the National College Baseball Writers Association’s watch list for the Stopper of the Year Award and was one of just six relievers nationwide to be named a preseason All-American (third team) by Perfect Game. He’s proven worthy of the accolades too. Through May 2, Nogosek carries a 2-1 record with a 0.96 ERA and 11 saves in 21 appearances. enhance my ssm Scan this cove r for an exclusive

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TRENDING What’s hot in the world of stuff that’s hot Captain America vs. Iron Man. It’s Civil War! Frankly, I just hope that whomever loses doesn’t spend the next 150 years saying it was really about state’s rights.

Move on.

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5

faST lane: graniTe bay Swimming iS living in iT

ToP norCal baSeball drafT ProSPeCTS

The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney and Bob Dylan are going to headline a new music festival. There hasn’t been a collection of stars your dad liked this much since any Tuesday on CBS.

The news? Let’s see … umm, wasn’t there something about the Zodiac Killer not being able to use the restroom in North Carolina while Beyoncé sings?

Was that a thing? I think it was a thing.

Hey, if you flip over to page 14 you can see which basketball people were the best at putting the ball of baskets into the basketball ring. Now with more Ted Cruz! Nah, kidding. Gross.

Dyson unveiled a $400 hair dryer. So if you want to spend a lot of money on something that blows and aren’t a Niners fan, this might be for you.

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Walk Softly & Win Games We just got a new coach and he came in and changed everything without even talking to us about it.

Now we’re all confused and it seems like we’re just starting over. Wouldn’t it make more sense to see who’s on the team and do some of the things we did before?

— G.G., Fairfield

T

he first rule of coaching should be “Do no harm,” just like doctors.

Look at it this way: Each team starts off with a certain amount of talent on the roster. A coach comes in and can do one of three things: Make the talent better, make the talent worse, or get just as much out of the talent as there was when she started.

Obviously, making the talent better is the goal, and that starts with two simple things: Getting the team to play hard, and getting the team to play together.

Knowledge of Xs and Os might play into earning the respect to get the players to play hard and together, but it’s not really necessary. A group of motivated athletes who play for each other will exceed their talent level in terms of results, pretty much regardless of the coach. Even football, the most complicated high school sport, isn’t exactly quantum mechanics.

Now if a coach can add in technical knowledge, high-quality game coaching and elite leadership skills, you’ve really got something. But that doesn’t happen that often. (Coaches that talented usually move on to college very quickly.)

In fact, at the high school level, often a coach who comes

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in and does no harm is acceptable. And by “do no harm,” I mean being organized, being nice enough to the kids that they enjoy the experience, communicating with the parents and winning the games the team would be expected to win.

It’s not a glorious outcome, granted, but anyone who’s suffered through a season with a truly bad coach can appreciate its value.

That’s not to say your new coach is going to be bad — though I have to admit that jumping in and changing everything without knowing the personnel is somewhat worrisome. Of course coaches want to win or lose with their own stuff, but it would have been nice to have a meeting and talk about the changes and why they’re happening. Creating a situation with confused and uncertain players is making things worse, not better.

Of course, the players bear more than a little responsibilit. Regardless of why the previous coach left, players and parents must approach any new coach with an open mind. No high school coach is perfect and mistakes are going to be made.

Leadership, though, starts at the top. And though I’ve seen coaches come in, blow everything up on day one, and do very well, usually establishing some good will before starting the heavy demolition works out better in the long run. ✪ 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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NorCal’s New No. 1 I

Marin Catholic alum Jared Goff joins elite company

t really wasn’t that long ago when Jared Goff was preparing for his junior season as a somewhat unknown quarterback at Marin Catholic High in Kentfield.

In that junior season in 2011, however, Goff broke out in a big way for the Wildcats and passed for more than 3,000 yards, establishing himself as a major college recruit.

Fast forward to April of 2016. Goff has had a stellar three seasons at Cal and his name is being bandied about as a possible first round NFL draft choice.

Then the Los Angeles Rams make a trade. In need of a quarterback and looking to make a splash in their first season back in L.A. after moving from St. Louis, they obtain the first pick in the draft and Goff is the one they want. On draft night in Chicago, all the speculation became official when NFL commissioner Roger Goodell followed the phrase of “the Los Angeles Rams select,” with the name “Jared Goff.”

Goff became the 12th former California high school football player to be selected with the first pick in the NFL Draft and just the fourth from Northern California.

Goff, who set passing records at Cal despite the team struggling to get wins (mostly due to porous defenses), was chosen by the Rams in what was probably a tough decision involving himself and the No. 2 pick of the draft, QB Carson Wentz of North Dakota State who was chosen by the Philadelphia Eagles.

The last NorCal player to be picked first in the draft was Steve Bartkowski of Buchser-Santa Clara in 1975. Also from Cal, Bartkowski is from a high school that closed in 1981. He was selected by the Atlanta Falcons and had several solid seasons for that team later in the 1970s.

The only other two from Northern California to go at No. 1 are Jim Plunkett of James Lick-San Jose in 1971 and O.J. Simpson of Galileo-San Francisco in 1969.

A Heisman Trophy winner from Stanford, Plunkett also was known as an outstanding wrestler when he competed for the Comets. He later was a Super Bowl MVP winner for the Oakland Raiders. He was chosen coming out of college, however, by the New England Patriots.

Not much needs to be said about O.J. The Heisman Trophy career at USC was followed by a great career for the Buffalo Bills, who also picked him No. 1 in the draft. After that, Simpson’s career wasn’t so great.

Let’s just say that O.J. Simpson Field at Galileo hasn’t been known by the name since the early 1990s.

Alex Smith of La Mesa-Helix was the last California player to go at No. 1 in 2005 by the 49ers. He’s become a top-flight NFL QB currently with the Kansas City Chiefs, but that draft of course has become legendary for how low Aaron Rodgers (Chico-Pleasant Valley) fell in the first round, eventually landing with Green Bay. David Carr, the older brother of current Oakland Raiders’ QB Derek Carr, was the No. 1 pick in 2002.

He went to Stockdale-Bakersfield, but Derek went to Bakersfield Christian a few years later. David Carr, who went to college at Fresno State, started for several years for the expansion Texans, but eventually settled into a backup role.

No one knows, of course, if there’s another Jared Goff out there getting ready for his junior season this spring. All coaches and parents, however, do know that a lot can happen in five years and that those five years will seem to fly by like it was yesterday. ✪ Mark Tennis is the co-founder of Cal-Hi Sports, and publisher of CalHiSports.com. Contact him at markjtennis@ gmail.com and follow him on Twitter, @CalHiSports.

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needs a boost

BASEBALL CALIFORNIA TOP 10

Davis’s Ryan Kriedler

SOFTBALL CALIFORNIA TOP 10

Amador Valley’s Courtney Dinelli

Through games of Saturday, April 30 1. (1)

—

Buchanan-Clovis

Through games of Saturday, April 30 23-1

This school had nation’s No. 1 team in 2011, and this team may

▲

Redondo Union-Redondo Beach

20-1*

Two wins were by forfeit. Team’s schedule will get tougher down the stretch.

3. (5)

Lutheran-Orange

▲

22-3

Walk-off grand slam by Lauren Espalin in bottom of seventh gave Lancers a 6-2 win over previous No. 1 Mission Viejo.

be better.

2. (3)

1. (2)

▲

2. (1)

Mission Viejo

▼

19-3

The Diablo’s loss to Lutheran was the team’s first since March 17. Mission Viejo has already avenged their previous two losses to Los Alamitos and Mater Dei-Santa Ana.

Davis

18-3

3. (4)

La Habra

▲

22-1

This is where Blue Devils sat prior to playing Jesuit twice and

This team’s only loss is to Orange Lutheran and could play Mis-

then Mira Costa in Boras Classic state title game at Cal.

sion Viejo in CIFSS Div. II playoffs.

4. (9)

▲

JSerra-San Juan Capistrano

19-6

4. (5)

Los Alamitos

▲

19-2

Three-game sweep of previous No. 2 Orange Lutheran put the

The Griffins were No. 1 in StudentSports.com’s FAB 50

Lions back up near the top.

national rankings until recent loss to Huntington Beach.

5. (6)

▲

Clovis North-Fresno

20-4-1

Broncos are eyeing a two-game series next week against No. 1 Buchanan.

6. (7)

▲

5. (6)

Etiwanda

▲

25-2

No other team in the nation can hit like the Eagles, who have a .490 team batting average and 54 home runs among their 135 extra-base hits through 27 games.

De La Salle-Concord

15-3

6. (3)

Huntington Beach

▼

19-3

Two of the Spartans’ three losses are to Orange County teams,

A loss to Marina-Huntington Beach caused the Oilers to lose a

which could come back to haunt them at end of season.

few positions in this week’s rankings.

7. (10)

▲

Clovis

21-5

7. (7)

Mater Dei-Santa Ana

—

21-4

We don’t think Clovis Unified has ever had three of the state’s

The Monarchs still have one win vs. Mission Viejo and one vs.

top seven ranked baseball teams before.

Orange Lutheran.

8. (12)

▲

J.W. North-Riverside

18-6

This team could be similar to school’s 2011 squad that won CIF Southern Section Div. I title.

9. (13)

▲

El Toro-Lake Forest

18-5

Chargers count NL All-Star Nolan Arenado as recent graduate.

10. (14) ▲

La Costa Canyon-Carlsbad

17-5

8. (8)

—

Amador Valley-Pleasanton

15-2

After their first game of 2016, the Dons have gone 15-1 with their only loss to Orange Lutheran.

9. (9

—

Grand Terrace

17-1

The Titans are No. 7 in one national ranking, but not that high in the FAB 50.

10. (10) —

Oaks Christian-Westlake Village

23-0-1

In recent weeks, Mavs have become solid No. 1 from CIF San

This team has maintained a slight edge over No. 11 East Union-

Diego Section.

Manteca for several weeks.

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SAYEED PRIDGETT | 6-5, GUARD/FORWARD | EL CERRITO | SR. The Montana-signee averaged 21.9 points in league; led team to NCS Div. II repeat.

ROBINSON IDEHEN | 6-10, CENTER | MODESTO CHRISTIAN | SR. He averaged 15.8 points, 8.7 rebounds for Crusaders team which went 32-2.

KENNY WOOTEN | 6-8, FORWARD | MANTECA | SR. Nevada-bound dynamic scorer and rim protector averaged 13.6 points, 10.9 rebs. and 4 blocks.

CHRISTIAN TERRELL | 6-4, GUARD | SACRAMENTO | SR. Ticketed for UC Santa Barbara after posting averages of 13.2 points, 8.2 rebs. and 4.7 assists this season.

OSCAR FRAYER | 6-6, FORWARD | MOREAU CATHOLIC | SR. Grand Canyon-signee averaged 15.8 pts., 9.6 rebs; will go down as one of school’s all-time best

PLAYER OF THE YEAR SOLOMON YOUNG | 6-7, FORWARD | SACRAMENTO | SR. The Dragons’ big man led Sacramento to a 30-win campaign that included a Sac-Joaquin Section Div. II championship. The Iowa Statebound big man is capable of dominating down low and knocking down jumpers from the outside, and is an imposing presence on the defensive end. Young averaged 17.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.8 blocks to help the Dragons to the NorCal Open Division semifinals.

JORDAN RATINHO | 6-2, GUARD | DE LA SALLE-CONCORD | SR. The USF-bound guard delivered whatever the Spartans needed on their way to 31 wins and a CIF NorCal Open Div. title. He was bestowed Player of the Year honors from multiple Bay Area publications as the best player for the region’s best team.

JAKE KILLINGSWORTH | 6-5, FORWARD | SERRA-SAN MATEO | SR. The West Catholic Athletic League and Mercury News Player of the Year is bound for Columbia after averaging a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds for the CIF Div. II state champions. He scored 15 points and grabbed 16 boards in the state final.

JORDAN FORD | 6-0, GUARD | FOLSOM | SR. The Saint Mary’s-bound point guard was a four-year starter who led the Bulldogs to two SJS championships and a CIF NorCal title. Averaging in double digits in each of his four years, Ford returned Folsom to prominence with an 87-13 record over the last three years.

Jadé Smith | 6-2, Point Guard | St. Joseph Notre Dame-Alameda | Jr. Christian Ellis | 6-1, Guard | Modesto Christian | Sr. Souley Boum | 6-2, Guard | Oakland Tech | Jr. Jordan Brown | 6-10, Center | Woodcreek-Roseville | Jr James Kelbert 6-3, Guard/Forward | Leland-San Jose | Sr.

ILMAR’I THOMAS | 6-1, GUARD/FORWARD | SACRED HEART CATHEDRAL-S.F. | JR. Averaged 23.3 points, 11.8 rebounds for CIF Div. III state champs.

KAT TUDOR | 6-0, GUARD | ST. MARY’S-STOCKTON | SR. Oregon State-bound long-range shooter for the Rams averaged 12.8 points per game for national powerhouse.

LAUREN CRAIG | 6-2, FORWARD | ST. FRANCIS-SACRAMENTO | SR. Helped Troubadours to a CIF NorCal Div. I championship with averages of 16.8 points, 13.4 rebounds and 2.8 blocks.

NINA BESSOLO | 6-1, GUARD/FORWARD | CASTRO VALLEY | SR. Headed to UC Davis, she averaged 17.7 points and 9.6 rebs for NCS Div. I champs.

BAYLEE VANDERDOES | 6-1, FORWARD | CASTRO VALLEY San Diego State-bound post player averaged 21.1 points, 11.0 rebounds and 3.6 blocks per game for 21-9 Placer team.

DAMARI MILSTEAD | 6-2, GUARD | MOREAU CATH.-HAYWARD | JR. The versatile guard was electric night-in and night-out, averaging 19.1 points and 5.4 assists to help the Mariners go 25-5 and win the North Coast Section Div. III title.

Uriah Howard | 5-11, Forward | Miramonte | Sr. McKenzie Forbes | 6-0, Forward | Folsom | Sr. Mikaela Topper | 5-5, Point Guard | Pinewood-Los Altos Hills | Jr. Myah Pace | 5-11, Guard/Forard | Bishop O’Dowd-Oaktown | Jr. Tia Hay | 5-7, Guard | St. Francis-Sacramento | Sr.

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PLAYER OF THE YEAR SABRINA IONESCU | 6-0, GUARD/FORWARD | MIRAMONTEORINDA | SR. There wasn’t much the McDonald’s All-American didn’t accomplish in her final season with the Matadors. She averaged 25.9 points, 8.8 assists, 7.3 rebounds and 4.5 steals to propel her team to a 32-1 record and a CIF NorCal Open Div. title. She was the MVP of the McDonald’s A-A game, the USA Today National Player of the Year and took State Player of the Year honors from both Cal-Hi Sports and Gatorade. Her announcment as to which college she’ll attend will be big news later this month.

MINYON MOORE | 5-9, GUARD | SALESIAN-RICHMOND | SR. The USC-bound Moore avearged 21 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 5.2 steals for 27-win Pride. She scored 40 in a CIF Open Div. firstround upset of favored Archbishop Mitty-San Jose.

AARION MCDONALD | 5-7, POINT GUARD | BROOKSIDE CHRISTIAN-STOCKTON | SR. The Washington-signee posted season averages of 22 points, 8.4 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 6 steals. The Knights went 26-9 and won the SJS Div. IV championship.

AQUIRA DECOSTA | 6-2, CENTER | ST. MARY’S-STOCKTON | SO. The sophomore sensation followed up an outstanding high school debut season with an all-around game that led the Rams to a 28-1 record and the SJS Div. I crown. She averaged 15.2 points, 9.4 rebounds and 3.2 steals.

MADELINE HOLLAND | 5-10, GUARD/FORWARD | ARCHBISHOP MITTY-SAN JOSE | JR. Holland was named the San Jose Mercury News Player of the year after pacing a potent Monarchs team. She led the Central Coast Section Open Div. champs in scoring (10.8), rebounds (8.9) and assists (3.9).

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DIRT TRACK TO A CAREER TRACK J

Avid dirt biker John Cunningham took his passion for Cal State Parks and dirt bikes & shifted it into a career

ohn Cunningham took his passion of riding dirt bikes and turned it into a career as a California State Parks Ranger. Ranger Cunningham has been riding his dirt bike at Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) since he was 10 years old and has been working as a ranger at the park for more than two years.

As a youngster living only an hour away in Reseda, John and his family often loaded up dirt bikes and headed to Hungry Valley for the day. Cunningham fondly remembers his frequent trips to the park, “I knew that coming out here would be fun!”

As a child, John also spent time riding and camping in the Jawbone and Dove Springs area, part of the new California State Parks acquisition that he now patrols.

In his early twenties, John raced Enduro and Hare Scrambles at Hungry Valley SVRA. While riding at Hungry Valley one day, he saw a ranger on a dirt bike (John’s Ah-ha! moment) and flagged him down. As he talked with the ranger, John realized that he needed more college credits to meet the requirements for a ranger position.

While finishing his college classes, he joined the volunteer patrol staff at Hungry Valley SVRA, gaining valuable knowledge which made him more competitive for the job.

After graduating from the six-month training academy to become a California State Parks Ranger, John chose to return and work at the park that he knows and loves. Most weekends you might find John out on patrol at Hungry Valley, either on a dirt bike or in an RZR quad vehicle. As an avid dirt bike rider, he still races a few times a year. Now, though, he mostly focuses on Dual Sport rides, which are often multi-day events.

Hungry Valley SVRA became a unit of the California State Parks system in 1980, the same year Ranger Cunningham was born.

Having spent most of his life exploring Hungry Valley, he is a natural ambassador for the 16

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park. As a ranger, John is now charged with protecting the park where he grew up. John is the consummate professional; his off-highway vehicle (OHV) experience is evident, and the pride of being a ranger is reflected in the interactions with park visitors.

If you are interested in a job that operates or works with off-highway vehicles (OHVs), there are a variety available with the OffHighway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division of California State Parks. An employee with an OHV background benefits both the park and the public. An added bonus for the employee is working in a scenic setting that supports OHV recreation and environmental stewardship. Shift your passion into high gear; Ranger Cunningham is a perfect example of how following your passion can lead to an exciting career.

For information about being hired for a permanent position with State Parks or to become a State Parks Ranger, check out www. parks.ca.gov and click on the JOBS tab. To inquire about seasonal or part-time employment positions in maintenance, resources, administration, and interpretation at Hungry Valley SVRA, please email recruiter Lisa Zamecki at Lisa.Zamecki@parks.ca.gov.

Visitors to the State Vehicular Recreation Areas bring a variety of off-highway vehicles to explore the trails and enjoy the thrill of the ride. Hungry Valley SVRA is a 20,000 acre OHV park with almost 150 miles of diverse trails, a motocross track, several practice tracks and a 4x4 obstacle course to improve vehicle operating skills. Park information is tweeted, posted on Facebook at Hungry Valley SVRA and on the Hungry Valley website at www.ohv.parks.ca.gov/hungryvalley. Hungry Valley SVRA is located at 5301 Peace Valley Road, Gorman, CA 93243. There is a $5 day use fee and $10 overnight camping fee.

For more information, call (661)248-7007.

Come out and play! ✪ — Content provided by California State Parks Subscribe to S360 at SportStarsOnline.com

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As concussion awareness continues to lead to more rule changes in NorCal and beyond, the soft helmet continues to rise Story by Chace Bryson

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W

hen it comes to being a CEO, Mike Juels is in the midst of an MVP season.

The former part-time football coach has reached the sweet spot with his Southern California company — that point where he doesn’t need to go out and seek business. The business is running to him like an All-11 blitz.

Juels founded and owns Gamebreaker, a company that produces soft shell helmets for athletes. His company was the first to pioneer the market for soft helmets approximately five years ago. Just about the time that concussion awareness became one of the hottest topics in sports.

Right time. Right product.

“I was coaching football in the late 2000’s. I saw schools throwing a ton and playing a ton of 7-on-7, and I was just seeing the head injuries pile up,” Juels said in a phone interview with SportStars. “I sort of had that epiphany and told my wife, ‘You know when you said you’d love me no matter what? It’s No-Matter-What time.’”

Juels, who got his first patent on the idea in 2000, sold his very successful promotional products company in 2011 and began moving full force on creating Gamebreaker. The helmet is already in it’s fourth version now, the Gamebreaker Pro — which includes the globally exclusive use of D30 Impact Technology. D30, produced in the United Kingdom, is a protective foam material engineered to provide high-performance shock absorption. The product is also featured in Schutt football helmets and CCM hockey helmets, to name a few.

“The harder the impact, the more it stiffens,” Juels explained.

In the past three to four years, as more and more states and high school athletic associations pass laws and rule changes to protect against concussions, Juels has felt the impact at Gamebreaker.

Now, the schools of the North Coast Section are the newest institutions lining up to talk to him.

In an April 5 meeting, the NCS Board of Managers voted to approve a proposal that mandated football teams could no longer wear helmets or shoulder pads for the duration of the Summer Period that lasts from June 1 to the earliest allowed practice date in August. It also eliminated the use of helmets during spring practices.

With a great number of NCS football programs participating in 7-on-7 competitions over the summer, there was suddently a need for head gear in the wake of the NCS ruling. The NCS is not the first — Mike Juels section in the state to do this; in fact NorCal is catching up the rest of the state as well as several other states which have created similar mandates.

Also, the need for soft helmets isn’t exclusive to football by any stretch.

Though 95 percent of Gamebreaker’s business is with football and 7-on-7 programs, there’s also a growing demand for them in soccer, field hockey and girls lacrosse. Currently, girls lacrosse competition in Northern California does not require any type of protective head gear. The state of Florida will mandate lacrosse helmets for both boys and girls by 2017.

Juels even mentioned water polo among sports that could benefit from the soft helmet.

He also pointed out that all of this goes beyond head protection.

“The true thought process around soft shell headgear is to de-weaponize the head,” he said. “If I’m wearing a helmet and you’re not, you’re safer playing with me. It’s going to protect other parts of the body where helmets make contact.”

Organizations such as schools are catching on to it all — whether new rules are pushing them that way or not. However, one thing is clear: Juels will continue to feel the impact. ✪

“The true thought process around soft shell headgear is to de-weaponize the head.”

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SOCCER NOTES

USA! Livermore’s Sekany gets called up

O

livia Sekany played a handful of different sports growing up. Growing up in Livermore, she played baseball (not softball) and volleyball and soccer. She maintained other hobbies, too, such as playing guitar.

However, like so many other girls in the U.S., watching the 2011 Women’s World Cup brought about a major shift in focus. She was going to double-down on soccer.

“Seeing those players on TV made me think it was something I really wanted to do long term,” said Sekany, who is now 16 and a goalkeeper for the Pleasanton Rage 98 of the Elite Club National League. “I put everything I had into soccer.”

Sekany’s dedication to the sport has reaped major dividends over the past few years. She earned a spot in the U.S. Soccer Olympic Development Program, earned an ECNL spot with Rage and then accepted an offer to play collegiately at Cal. But her biggest highlight came April 16-23 when she was one of four goalkeepers to earn an invite to the U.S. U18 Youth National Team camp at the StubHub Center in Carson.

It was an invite she thought she might miss out on after skipping an ODP Regional Camp invite last summer in order to spend her 16th birthday in Vancouver for the World Cup. “I was so nervous,” Sekany said. “I had to trust that I’d get another chance.”

Thanks to a bit of prodding by the Cal coaching staff as well as her goalkeeper coach for the past three years, Nate Failing, members of the Youth National Team coaching staff were on hand to watch Sekany at her ECNL tournament in San Diego

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during the first weekend of April. She returned home Sunday and received an email invitation to camp on Tuesday.

She had two weeks to get prepared and it was off to SoCal. “It was kind of a whirlwind,” said Sekany who attended Livermore High as a freshman before transitioning to an online education through Laurel Springs School. “Training sessions were intense. They shoot the ball very hard.”

Her self-evaluation of her performance said there was definitely stuff she needed to work on, but her ultimate goal of making the U18 National Team travel roster for an international trip remains realistic. “My goal is to make the traveling roster for the October trip” she said. “I want to be in the mix.

That would be great way to get my feet wet.”

BLUE STREAK Almost a year after the top-seeded Davis High girls soccer team was bounced from the Sac-Joaquin Section Div. I semifinals in a 1-0 upset loss to St. Francis-Sacramento, the Blue Devils appear on a mission. As of May 2, that playoff defeat remains the last loss the team has suffered.

Only a May 4 regular season finale with Monterey Trail-Elk Grove (a team it beat 11-0 on April 11) stood between Davis and an unbeaten regular season. The Blue Devils entered that match with a 15-0-2 record and legitimate shot at playoff redemption. The team, which only features four seniors, will be seeking its first SJS Div. I title since 2011. ✪ — Chace Bryson

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When it comes to De La Salle baseball, everything is

D

e La Salle fifth-year varsity baseball coach David Jeans wasn’t trying to boast. But clearly, he couldn’t be happier with the state of his program, the players or his assistant coaches.

Through 18 games, the Spartans are a nifty 15-3 with a sparkling 1.16 team ERA and a 121-strikeout to 40-walk ratio.

Starters Nick Sparks and Conner Roberts, who played secondary roles on last year’s North Coast Section runner-up squad, are a combined 12-0 and have given up six earned runs in 66 innings.

“They’ve put in an incredible amount of time and effort,” Jeans said of the duo, who each stand 6 feet, 3 inches and weigh 170 pounds. “Both are pro prospects and both have benefited from who I think are the best pitching coaches around (Cliff Coleman and Kevin Ricketts). What they’ve done is tremendous. We’ve had no arm problems. The weight work and conditioning these kids put in is incredible. That goes for all of them.”

All of them is 34 — almost preposterous for a baseball roster.

But Jeans believes in a big, family atmosphere. He doesn’t like cutting kids, especially those who put in the time and play the game and dedicate themselves the right way.

“We have a lot of good baseball players on our campus starting as ninth graders,” Jeans said. “We don’t want to get rid of good kids and baseball players. They deserve to be varsity players. Two good players are better than one.”

The younger guys push. The older guys mentor. It makes for a big, crowded,

loud and intimidating dugout. Especially when all of them have devoted themselves to four-day-a-week weight-lifting regimen in the summer and fall.

All of it has led to the team’s .337 batting average, its 111-33 run differential and seven shutouts. As of May 1, the Spartans were No. 3 in the state and eighth nationally in the MaxPreps computer rankings.

Jeans loves the work ethic, camaraderie and the execution. He has only one complaint. “I wish we could play everyday,” he said.

Instead, he watches his players work. It’s not easy, said senior shortstop Armani Smith.

“Man, it’s hot and hard during the summer,” the UC Santa Barbara-signee said.

“But I tell all the younger guys, keep pushing. It’s all worth it.”

There are some big boys in the dugout, about one-third who also play in De La Salle’s nationally renowned football program.

Among the more imposing gents at first sight: sophomore first baseman Trace Tammaro (6-3, 240), junior third baseman Gio Mijares (6-3, 225), senior pitcher/ first baseman Grant Jones (6-2, 215), junior pitcher/first baseman Gabe Giosso (6-3, 240) and senior pitcher/first baseman Zach Scherman (6-3, 225).

In all, 13 Spartans stand 6-2 or taller, including the 6-2, 195-pound Smith who as a freshman was 5-9 and 160. Roberts was 5-6 and 100 pounds as a freshman and he could barely make the throw from second to first. He’s grown nine inches and gained 70 pounds in four years.

He’s also been clocked at better than 90 miles-per-hour on the mound.

FROM LEFT, Armani Smith, Connor Redmond, Conner Roberts and Nick Sparks 22

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super-sized in 2016 “We pride ourselves on being one of the strongest teams around,” Roberts said. “It’s got me where I am today. It’s really why I’m playing baseball now.”

Said Smith, whose dad Chris Smith is out of Vallejo, was a second-round pick of the Angels in 1992: “I definitely wouldn’t be where I’m at without the workouts. None of us would be. It’s what helps bond us. Going through that tough stuff. We’ve put so much into the season. We don’t want all that time and effort to go to waste.”

With such a big roster, a majority of the players don’t get in games. That’s why Saturdays are so vital.

That’s when Jeans has the team scrimmage for two to three hours.

It’s not only fun and builds chemistry but there are huge levels of improvement.

“It gets super competitive,” Jeans said. “It makes games easier.

When you’re facing Cullen Kafka and he’s hitting 90 miles-per-hour on the (radar gun) and then throws a slider 83, you’re going to get better.”

Kafka, a 6-4, 180-pound junior, has already committed to the University of Oregon. But get this: He’s only got in 16 innings, has a 2-1 record with a 1.75 ERA. He’s struck out 16.

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“We have a lot of good baseball players on our campus starting as ninth graders. We don’t want to get rid of good kids and baseball players. They deserve to be varsity players. Two good players are better than one.”

Nick Sparks

­— De La Salle coach David Jeans

15-3

2. (6)

▲

St. Francis-Mountain View

18-7

3. (2)

▼

Davis

18-3

4. (4)

— Heritage-Brentwood

5. (3)

▼

Serra-San Mateo

17-5-1

6. (7)

▲

Elk Grove

15-7

7. (5)

▼

Jesuit-Carmichael

16-6

8. (8)

— Bellarmine-San Jose

9. (10)

▲

14-3

17-8

Vintage-Napa

15-6-1

10. (12) ▲

Oak Ridge-El Dorado Hills

15-4

11. (14) ▲

Palo Alto

19-4-1

12. (17) ▲

Acalanes-Lafayette

17-2

13. (11) ▼

Sacred Heart Cathedral-S.F.

16-8

14. (NR) ▲

Marin Catholic-Kentfield

16-3

15. (13) ▼

Maria Carrillo-Santa Rosa

12-7

16. (NR) ▲

St. Mary’s-Stockton

14-10

17. (20) ▲

Los Gatos

17-10

18. (16) ▼

Archbishop Mitty-San Jose

14-10

19. (NR) ▲

Clayton Valley Charter-Concord

16-5

20. (9)

Casa Grande-Petaluma

13-5

▼

DROPPED OUT: No. 15 Tracy, No. 18 Alameda and No. 19 Leland-San Jose BIGGEST MOVERS: While there were other teams who jumped more spots, no team had a better 10-day stretch than St. Francis-Mountain View. Our Preseason No. 1 is right back on the doorstep, jumping four spots to No. 2 after going 5-0 with wins over four ranked teams (Sacred Heart Cathedral-S.F., Serra-San Mateo, Bellarmine-San Jose and Palo Alto), three of which were in the Top 10.

The biggest mover for total spots was Marin CatholicKentfield, whe returns to No. 14 — the very spot it dropped out of the rankings from on April 9. The Wildcats have since won seven straight.

“On any other team, he’d be the ace,” Jeans said. “Lot of guys not starting for us would be all-league players somewhere else.”

Sparks, a Saint Mary’s-signee, and UC Santa Barbarabound Roberts, know the feeling. They pitched last year behind Justin Hooper (now at UCLA) and Cameron Schneider (Cal Poly).

Roberts was 1-0 with a 0.84 ERA, but pitched just 8.1 innings. Sparks was 1-0 with a 0.91 ERA in just 15.1 innings.

Connor Redman, the team’s closer last year, actually threw more innings than both with 19 innings, while compiling a 1.47 ERA, 2-1 record and four saves.

Redman, now a 6-2, 180-pound senior, is the team’s starting third baseman while continuing to close. A Cal Polysignee, Redman is 1-2 with a 2.67 ERA and a save.

“You just need to be patient and wait your turn here,” Roberts said. “It all works out. Our coaches do amazing work with all of us. … When you got 34 guys going after one goal, it’s hard to beat.”

Jeans, a former head freshman and JV football coach on campus, has taken De La Salle to the North Coast Section playoffs in all four of his seasons. Like the big boy San Francisco Giants, the Spartans have won on even number years, 2012 and 2014. So this is their year?

“Hadn’t even thought of that,” Smith said. “No matter what has happened in the past, this is our year for sure.”

Losing such vital arms as Hooper and Schneider and four every-game starters, many didn’t see such success this year. Jeans knew if they got some offensive support from the first-year starters, they’d be good.

They’ve been better than good. ›› Tammaro is batting .273 and last week he blasted his team-best third home run, to go along with four doubles and 13 RBIs. “He’s a pleasant surprise,” Jeans said. “He won the job largely because of his footwork around the bag. His bat has been a big bonus.” ›› Junior second baseman Michael Curran (6-1, 205), also a football player, is hitting .333 with 13 hits and 12

Armani Smith

— De La Salle-Concord

Conner Roberts

1. (1)

Connor Redmond

Records through April 30

RBIs. “He’d be our shortstop any other year, but with Armani there, he’ll just need to wait until next year,” Jeans said. “He’s really athletic.” ›› Junior centerfielder Ryan Cole (5-10, 155) is DLS’s leadoff man and is second on the team with a .446 average and team-bests of 23 runs and 25 hits. “He makes our running game go,” Jeans said. “He’s been a huge differencemaker.” ›› Junior designated hitter Giosso bats fourth and leads the team in RBIs with 19. He’s also hitting .378 with 17 hits.

He had a home run and five RBI in a 9-2 win over California on April 29. “He’s helped solidify the middle of the order.”

And the veterans, they picked up where they left off as starters last year. ›› Smith is hitting a team-best .462 with 18 runs and 17 hits. A starter at second last year, he’s moved over to play his natural position flawlessly. He and Cole have each stolen 10 bases in 11 attempts. “He’s our heart and soul,” Jeans said.

“Never coached a better kid. A total pleasure in all ways and one heck of a baseball player.” ›› Senior left fielder Joe Vranesh, an All-Bay Area linebacker, bats third and is hitting .350 with 16 RBIs. He’s signed to join Sparks at Saint Mary’s. “A great athlete, a free swinger, he likes to drive in runs,” Jeans said. ›› Redmond is hitting .426 with 20 hits and 15 RBIs. “He has to condition with both the pitchers and the rest of the guys,” Jeans said. “He does whatever we ask of him and he does so superbly.” ›› Senior catcher Mason Behiel (5-9, 185), an All-League lineman in football, handles the staff superbly. Any hitting — he’s hitting .250 with 11 hits — is simply a bonus.

So is having arms like seniors Jordan Chriss and Jones and junior Milton Vrionis, who has also committed to Saint Mary’s. Jones will walk on at USC and Chriss will pitch at Columbia.

“We have a lot of talented kids who are highly motivated,” Jeans said. “Best of all they really care about each other.

We’re right where we want to be.” ✪

STORY BY STEPHEN SCOTT • PHOTOS BY BERRY EVANS III 24

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Records through April 30 1. (1)

— Amador Valley-Pleasanton

15-2

2. (2)

— East Union-Manteca

19-0

3. (3)

— Pioneer-San Jose

18-2

4. (4)

— Sheldon-Sacramento

19-2

5. (5)

— Alhambra-Martinez

14-2

6. (6)

— Heritage-Brentwood

12-2

7. (7)

— Rocklin

18-1

8. (8)

— Archbishop Mitty-San Jose

16-2

9. (11)

▲

Vanden-Fairfield

14-0

10. (10) — Foothill-Pleasanton

13-2

11. (12) ▲

Carlmont-Belmont

20-2

12. (13) ▲

Castro Valley

14-3

13. (14) ▲

Oakdale

17-1

14. (15) ▲

Newark Memorial

14-4

15. (NR) ▲

Bishop O’Dowd-Oakland

16-2

16. (19) ▲

Benicia

14-4

17. (17) — Freedom-Oakley

9-3

18. (9)

▼

Woodcreek-Roseville

14-5

19. (20) ▲

Mt. Pleasant-San Jose

15-4

20. (16) ▼

San Benito-Hollister

19-3

DROPPED OUT: No. 18 Half Moon Bay BIGGEST MOVERS: Hard to have much movement when the top 8 combine to go 25-0 over a week and a half.

Vanden-Fairfield, however, cracked the Top 10 as it stayed undefeated on the year with three more victories. The biggest mover was technically Bishop O’Dowd who debuts in the rankings at No. 15 after earning a legitimizing 3-0 victory over previous No. 9 Woodcreek-Roseville. The Dragons also have a win over Castro Valley on the season.

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Sheldon’s Jordan Fines takes a cut at the plate while the Huskies celebrate with Taliyah Miles, below.

Sheldon leads a familiar group of contenders as SJS playoffs near

A

s the calendar turned to May, the Sac-Joaquin Section softball playoff picture started to come into focus. And it’s clear that some familiar teams will be favorites to add to their collection of championships.

Defending champions Sheldon-Sacramento and East UnionManteca have continued to roll in 2016 after finishing 2015 claiming titles in their respective divisions.

Meanwhile, five-time SJS champion Oakdale is currently near the top of the section rankings with an eye on a Division IV championship.

Sheldon (19-2) has turned up the offensive heat to compile a 9-0 record in the Delta League and notch an impressive 11-1 rout of Bay Area-power Alhambra-Martinez since last losing a game on March 22 (a 10-inning, 6-5 loss to Del Campo-Fair Oaks). Head coach Mary Jo Truesdale’s charges have scored nearly 12 runs per game in league action, and are currently batting .405 as a team.

The 2015 Huskies had only one active senior on their playoff roster, but played beyond their years to win the program’s sixth SJS Div. I title. A strong group of seniors played major roles for last year’s championship squad brought back postseason experience, but the 2016 version of the Huskies has plenty of young help and fresh faces fueling the newest Sheldon repeat attempt.

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(The Huskies claimed D-1 titles in 2007-2008 and 2011-2012.)

“We have a great mix of seniors and underclassmen, and that’s what makes this such a special team,” said Truesdale. “They have made a nice bond and push each other to be their best.”

Seniors Jordan Fines, Sarah Fukushima, Jessica Scott, Julianna Galvez and Jaciana Vasquez provide the veteran voice for the Huskies, but not the lone voice of direction. This year, the Huskies created a players’ council headed up by the senior captains while including a representative from each class.

Leading by example and showing the younger players the way is nothing new for the Sheldon softball program. Players like Lindsey Ziegenhirt, Jolene Henderson and Alexis Cooper have won section titles and passed along their knowledge and experience to the next generation of Huskies through the years, and this year’s crop of seniors is intent on doing the same.

“We have one tradition and that is to leave a legacy,” said Truesdale, who is coaching her 19th team at Sheldon this year.

“Part of that legacy is connecting with the younger players to make sure that the legacy continues.”

The seniors have been exemplary on the playing field this season with Fukushima, an outfielder who has developed into Follow us on Twitter & Instagram, and like us on Facebook!

East Union’s Samantha Owen

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one of the premiere power hitters in Northern California, taking the offensive reins of the team. Throgh April, she was batting .524 with a section-best 13 home runs and 23 extra base hits in total. Her 1.333 slugging percentage was second in the SJS and 39 RBI were the third most in the section.

Shortstop Jordan Fines anchors the infield with her sister, junior second baseman Maci Fines, and the elder Fines is batting .453 and is second on the team with 27 RBI. Scott is hitting .365 with 23 hits and 15 RBI, but her greatest leadership contribution has come as a guide for the Huskies’ pitching staff, which consists of a one-two underclassmen punch.

Junior Taliyah Miles, who was promoted to the varsity team for the playoffs in 2015 after handling the JV pitching duties, is the primary occupant of the pitching circle for the Huskies. However, freshman Grace Owen has earned more work as the season has progressed. Miles logged nearly 90 innings while compiling a 12-2 record and a 1.96 ERA through April, while Owen pitched 30-plus frames to earn a 3-0 record with one save and a 0.47 ERA. Defense and fundamentals have long been a priority for Truesdale and the Huskies, and gain greater emphasis when the postseason approaches.

“Our focus is always on the basics because we are never too good to work on the fundamentals,” Truesdale said. “We work on the basics every day because it comes down to a game of throw and catch.”

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And that’s a game that Sheldon has won many more times than it has lost.

East Union’s victory in the Div. III section final last year was a mild surprise, but the Lancers’ success in 2016 has been par for the course. Despite losing terrfic-hitting outfielder Alexis Erich due to injury before her junior season even began, East Union entered May undefeated at 19-0 overall.

East Union head coach Brian Goulart has gotten expected hitting and leadership from senior shortstop Samantha Owen as well as big seasons from fellow seniors Michelle Castro, Alejandra Rascon and Taylor Ward. Add the potent pitching duo of juniors Delaney Pamplin and Mikayla Bongi and back-toback SJS titles for the Lancers would not be a surprise.

Standing in the way of East Union’s perfect VOL season is perennial section power Oakdale (17-1, 11-1). The May 10 regular-season finale between the two teams will likely determine the league champion and will give the winner momentum heading into the postseason.

The Mustangs, who defeated the Lancers in the 2014 Div. IV section final, have outstanding seniors hungry for a final SJS championship. Kindra and Maddi Hackbarth along with Haley Fuller have led at the plate and on the field while Scarlett Brock has led an amazing pitching trio. ✪ — Jim McCue

May 2016

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Roseville earns late-notice hosting rights for ASA For the third consecutive year the Greater Sacramento Softball Association (GSSA) and Placer Valley Tourism (PVT) will be hosting a major youth event. This year they were awarded the ASA/USA 14U Class A Girls Fastpitch Western National Championships.

This week-long event will take place July 25-31at fields in both Roseville and Lincoln and is expected to bring 50 teams or more to Placer Valley.

“In somewhat of a surprise move, the ASA National Office in Oklahoma City moved the 2016 ASA/USA 14U Fastpitch Western Nationals from Colorado to Roseville,” said Jeff Dubchansky, Commissioner of GSSA. “This was

USA Swimming Splashdown The USA Swimming Speedo Champions Series is making a scheduled stop in Placer Valley when, for the first time ever, they will hold the Summer CA-NV Sectional Championships right here in Roseville.

This series highlights some of the best swimming talent in the nation and is broken down into four zones: Eastern, Western, Southern and Central. Each zone has approximately five stops and California falls in the Western Zone.

In past years, this sectional has been held at locations such as Santa Clarita and Clovis. This year, Roseville’s own California Capital Aquatics (CCA) will host this exciting event at the Roseville Aquatics Complex (RAC) from July 21-24 for the four-day pool competition. There will also be an Open Water Event on July 25 that at Granite Beach on Folsom Lake. This is a 5K event that is open to all sectional entrants and swimmers who meet the listed time standards.

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supposed to be a quiet National Championship year for our organizing committee.”

This move was largely due to the many previous successes the region has had in hosting ASA National Championship events and, according to Dubchansky, the strong support GSSA receives from PVT. The geographic region for this championship is made up of three ASA territories and will bring teams from all over California as well as many out-of-state teams from Arizona, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Nevada, Utah, Idaho and possibly even Hawaii. The teams competing must be registered as “A” teams and participate in their local ASA As-

More than 600 swimmers are expected to be at the competition where they will be coming from all over California and Nevada to participate. In order to enter, swimmers had to pre-qualify with times that are achieved during the timeframe of May 1, 2015 through July 13, 2016. The meet format for the pool competition is trial/finals with the trials beginning at 9 a.m. each morning and the finals beginning at 5 p.m. each afternoon.

Denna Culpepper, Executive Director for Sierra Nevada Swimming, explained swimmers are allowed to compete in no more than six events and there is no age limit for the meet, only qualifying standards.

“Many college swimmers will be competing at the meet since they are usually back in their hometowns training over the summer with their USA Swimming club,” added Culpepper.

There will be more than 50 volunteer officials from the California-Nevada region to officiate the meet and CCA will have as many as 200 volunteers to help run the meet over Follow us on Twitter & Instagram, and like us on Facebook!

A’s 14U Fastpitch Western Nationals sociation Championships in order to be eligible for this event.

GSSA plans to kick off the championships with an opening ceremonies at Woodcreek High School on July 25. The teams will gather for a day of fun activities that include carnival games, parade of teams, costume contests, guest speakers and more.

New for this year, the games will be streamed live with GameChanger. Now fans will be able to follow their team throughout the tournament via the live scores, play-by-play, stats/spray charts and recap stories. With nearly one thousand youth athletes expected to compete, it is going to be one amazing week of softball. ✪

the course of the competition. There will also be a Speedo representative on deck during the entire meet as well as an authorized Speedo merchandise dealer.

Placer Valley Tourism is thrilled to help host such an incredible swimming event. The RAC is located at 3051 Woodcreek Oaks Blvd. So mark your calendars and come watch these topnotch swimmers make a serious splash. ✪ — All copy and photos provided by Placer Valley Tourism Follow us on Twitter & Instagram, and like us on Facebook!

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CHAMPS!

NorCal Rugby Crowns Its Middle & High School Winners

R

ugby NorCal had an incredible end to the 2016 High School and Middle School seasons.

On March 26, 25 teams from 20 NorCal clubs converged at Hall Park in Dixon to kick off the 2016 Junior Rugby Classic Middle School Tournament. With three Open Divisions, one Light Division and the new Girls Middle School Division, over 450 kids competed for a division championship.

The Danville Oaks dominated the Light Division, winning each of their games. The Open Divisions were hard-fought, with North Bay Wildcats winning the Blue division, Marin Highlanders topping the White division and the Peninsula Razorhawks winning the Red bracket. The Girls Middle School Division played a round-robin format and combined teams, making for a fun and inclusive environment.

Treasure Island and Rancho Cordova High were the hosts of the high school matches April 16-17. Some of the final matches were decided by commanding wins, and some by last-minute battles. Land Park ran away with the Girls Plate win over Bishop O’Dowd, 31-22. Cougars Club beat Bishop O’Dowd 24-19 in the Boys Div. II Cup final. The Danville Oaks defeated Granite Bay 49-14 in the Premier JV Cup. In the Open JV Plate Final, Mother Lode prevailed 50-24 over

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San Francisco Golden Gate.

Danville edged Jesuit 23-13 with a strong second half in the Premier Cup final. CK McClatchy and Peninsula Green played the last two games, with Pen Green winning both, a 38-12 victory in the Boys Div. I Cup and 31-28 in the Open JV Cup. Silicon Valley took the victory in the Boys Div. II Shield Final 33-27 over River City.

Rancho Cordova’s Championship format included Girls

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Shield and Bowl consolation round robins, with Sierra Foothills, Berkeley Redhawks and Clayton Valley competing for the Shield title, and Mother Lode, Vacaville Blackdogs and Cougars competing for the Bowl crown. Mother Lode and Clayton Valley were able to claim the victories.

Sac PD PAL Amazons defeated Pleasanton Cavaliers in the Girls Cup final by a convincing 48-12 score. The Boys Div. I matches finished out with SacPD PAL beating Christian Brothers, 15-10 and Marin defeating Bullard-Fresno, 46-43.

To finish out the Boys Division 2 bracket, Elsie Allen walked away with the victory over South Side Irish/Roosevelt, 26-19.

Two games that did not take place on April 16 were the Boys Open JV Bowl, with Elsie Allen taking the 24-7 victory over Elk Grove, and the Boys Open Varsity Bowl where Mother Lode edged out Jesuit 33-25.

Rugby NorCal is excited about our upcoming Summer 7s series, and clubs are still looking for players to play the newest Olympic Sport! Go to www.rugbynorcal.org or call our office to find the club closest to you. ✪

By Mark Carney, the executive director of the Northern California Youth Rugby Association.

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weight

CLASS nutrition: jill Daniels A look at the basic eating habits that can help you gain muscle mass, lose body fat Weight can play a big role in an athlete’s performance. If they’re carrying excess weight, it can slow them down and make them sluggish. On the other hand, if they don’t have enough weight, their energy levels and endurance may be low, or strength may be lacking.

You don’t need fat-burning supplements or “Weight Gainer 5000” to alter your body composition. Small, simple and sustainable changes to your eating habits can help you reach your weight goals. Let’s take a look at some practical ways to gain muscle and lose body fat.

GAIN MUSCLE MASS Many athletes who want to gain weight tend to focus on increasing protein intake. Protein is important, because it provides the building blocks for muscle tissue, but carbohydrates are important too since they provide the energy for workouts that help build muscle. Therefore, an overall increase in calories is the best approach to give your body what it needs for weight gain.

Here are some ideas on how to boost your calorie intake: ›› Add extra snacks during the day such as a half sandwich or banana & peanut butter ›› Eat bigger portions at meal time ›› Choose higher calorie foods such as trail mix, bagels or dried fruit ›› Add a snack before bedtime such as low fat cottage cheese with fruit or leftovers from dinner ›› Plan to eat every 2-3 hours Trying to gain weight doesn’t mean you can eat as much fast food as you want. It’s smart to choose healthy foods like salads, but you’ll need to bump up the calories by adding toppings such as beans, lean protein, shredded cheese, dressings, avocado or croutons.

you right-size your portions if you listen. Aim for portions that leave you feeling comfortable, satisfied and energized, and not stuffed, sluggish and sleepy. ›› All foods can fit into a healthy diet, even if you’re trying to lose weight. If you eliminate your favorite foods or an entire food group, you’re setting yourself up to binge on them down the road. ›› When you dine out, eat one-third to half of the portion — they are usually enough to feed 2-3 people. Put half of your meal into a to-go container before you start eating. That way you won’t be tempted to finish it all in one sitting.

It takes time to change eating habits and modify your body composition, so stay patient. Make sure you develop a plan you can stick with, otherwise your eating habits will be temporary, and your weight loss or gain results will be temporary also. ✪ Maximize your performance by seeking out personalized advice from Nutrition Coach Jill Daniels, MS, RD, CSSD, Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics. www.JillDanielsRD.com

LOSE BODY FAT Just because you want to lose weight doesn’t mean you have to experience intense hunger all day.

Here are some tips to help shed a few pounds: ›› Start with a small serving. It may be exactly what you need, and you can always have more if you are still hungry. Wait at least 20 minutes after finishing to allow your stomach to signal your brain that you’ve had enough. ›› Eat several small meals and snacks throughout the day. As a general guideline, don’t go more than four hours without eating.

Otherwise, you are setting yourself up to be over hungry at the next meal and eating more than your body needs. ›› Listen to your body’s cues. Your internal signals can help

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Gritty Goodness get mental: erika carlson Could there be a science to understanding the mindset of elite athletes?

Do you ever wish you could predict who will stick with their sport and reach the college ranks, national level or pros? There are so many factors that go into becoming a high-performing athlete: motivation, talent, good coaching, supportive environment.

And what if these same factors that predicted success in sport, also predicted success in learning, job performance and could identify those who can push through adverse conditions?

As it turns out, they can. There’s a growing body of research called “grit.” According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, grit is defined as “firmness of character; indomitable spirit.” Researcher Angela Duckworth has taken the lead on studying grit and tweaked this definition to be “perseverance and passion for longterm goals.”

We’ve all heard stories of the super-talented athlete who just didn’t fulfill his or her potential. Or conversely, there’s the story of the moderately talented athlete who excelled beyond expectations.

Duckworth has begun the work of identifying the characteristics of grit, which helps to explain, at least in part, these phenomenon. Here’s the short list of characteristics: ›› Courage — The ability to overcome fear of failure, which often takes the form of “perfectionism” in youth and collegiate student-athletes. Perfectionism runs rampant in youth sport and chips away at grit. ›› Conscientiousness — Defined as careful and painstakingly meticulous, Duckworth found this to be a strong predictor of grit and therefore job proficiency and academic success. Steph

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Curry with his precise work ethic is a prime example of conscientiousness in sport. ›› Long-Term Goals and Endurance/Follow Through — Long-term goals help to give us a vision or “why” to be gritty. Duckworth writes, “… achievement is the product of talent and effort, the latter a function of the intensity, direction and duration of one’s exertions towards a long-term goal.” Effort being the controllable part of that equation, it’s the most valuable area to focus our energy. ›› Resilience: Optimism, Confidence and Creativity — Gritty people believe, “everything will be alright in the end; and if it is not all right, it is not the end.” Mastery is a long-term journey that is guaranteed to have significant ups and downs. Bouncing back quickly from adversity keeps you in the game, which improves your chances of accomplishing your long-term goals. ›› Excellence vs. Perfection — What’s the difference? Striving to be perfect is unrealistic and inflexible. It is fueled by anxiety and sets the athlete up to be easily frustrated. On the other hand, excellence is a mindset. Those who strive for excellence embrace failure, which helps the athlete stay on course for long-term fulfillment. Ask or read about any professional athlete and chances are you will hear a story of overcoming adversity, challenges they faced and how they have learned to manage themselves under pressure over the years.

In other words, how they became and stayed gritty. ✪ Erika Carlson is a CEO and certified mental trainer at Mental Training, Inc. in Pleasanton. Sources for this article are cited in the online version at SportStarsOnline.com

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Quick Movement training time: tim rudd Effortless speed only looks easy — but it takes a lot of work to perfect When you see an athlete who is agile and quick, you never forget it. They look as though they are effortlessly floating across the field; they can cut and change directions faster than anyone else and do it with great body control.

The recipe for dominating speed and quickness must contain these four ingredients: ›› The athlete must have great proprioceptive awareness. This means their nervous system, the nerves in the muscles, tendons, joints and ligaments that feel pressure, speed and other forces, tell the body how to regulate its position at all times. This allows athletes to make subtle or massive adjustments quickly and accurately, resulting in a high level of control. ›› The athlete must have great force absorption (transition strength) as well as force production (starting strength). This is critical when changing direction. When the athlete puts on the brakes it isn’t usually just to stop; it is to get going quickly in a new direction. ›› The athlete must have a great ability to reposition the feet in any direction around his or her center of mass.

This means the athlete should be able to adjust the feet on angles that promote a positive deceleration or acceleration angle. ›› The athlete must understand how to maintain proper levels to go in and out of level changes so it doesn’t disrupt the quickness of acceleration. I like to use the term “staying in the tunnel.” This simply means the athlete understands staying low in order to create optimal acceleration and deceleration angles without any unnecessary up or down movement.

Add all four ingredients and then mix in some effort, commitment and consistency and you will be ready to dominate the competition. ✪ Tim Rudd is an IYCA specialist in youth conditioning and owner of Fit2TheCore.

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TRICKS

TRADE

of the

health watch: bruce valentine atc/pta Whether an athlete is in-season or training for the upcoming year, minor injuries can occur and some might be able to be managed by the athlete.

Here are five tips from a certified athletic trainer on how you might be able to care of these aches or pains when they start.

1 2 3 4

BLISTER PREVENTION TRICK

5

FIRST AID FOR SPRAINS/STRAINS/ CONTUSIONS USING R.I.C.E.

For those who are prone to blisters, try wearing two pairs of socks with the inside pair turned inside-out. The fuzzy sides facing each other help reduce friction. Of course, well-fitting shoes are a must. Second Skin and mole skin are good to protect a blister that has already formed.

SHOELACE TRICK For a swollen sprained finger, wrap a shoelace snuggly from tip to hand and remove from tip to hand. Repeat this several times to reduce swelling and increase finger flexion range of motion.

MOUTHGUARDS Mouth guards are an essential piece of equipment for contact sports.

Oral/Dental injuries are painful and expensive. A well-fitted mouth guard can significantly reduce the risk of these types of injuries. Off the shelf mouth guards can be heated and form fitted, or you can consult your dentist for a custom-fitted guard.

WHEN TO APPLY HEAT OR COLD Cold reduces blood flow to an injured area and can limit swelling in an acute injury. Cold should be applied for 15-20 minutes, then off for an hour. Repeat 3-5 times initially, then less frequently in day two or three.

Cold also has good analgesic effect as a numb area hurts less.

Heat increases blood flow to an area, bringing healing elements to an injury. Heat also makes muscles and tendons stretch more, improving range of motion. Heat can be generated through active means such as a stationary bike or treadmill, or passive with a moist heat pack or whirlpool/hot tub. Heat should not be applied to an acute, actively swelling injury. This could increase swelling. Heat is NOT first aid, cold IS.

Rest — If it hurts when you do it, you probably shouldn‘t be doing it. Ice — 15-20 minutes then off for an hour, repeated as needed. Compression — Elastic wrap or sleeve for swelling. Elevation — Above the level of the heart for swelling and pain. ✪

Bruce Valentine is a physical therapist assistant and certified athletic trainer for the sports medicine staff at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland.

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BASEBALL › All American Sports Academy Recognized among the top year-round indoor training facilities for baseball & softball, AASA offers camps in hitting, fielding, defense, baserunning, 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 square-foot facility in Santa Clara, as well as the Twin Creeks Sports Complex in Sunnyvale, ASA offers six of week-long 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 1113) 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 › Total Player Center At TCP we keep our student to instructor ratios

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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 › De La Salle Baseball Camp This camp gives young players a chance to further develop their skills. Emphasizes proper techniques for each player’s 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 sessions 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 Baseball 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. We’ve 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 We’re 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

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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 Cañada, Lake Forest, Lincoln, Moreno Valley, Rancho Cucamonga, Redondo Beach, Rocklin & San Diego. Info: www.advantagebasketball.com; 425-670-8877; 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 › 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

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› 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 Women’s 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 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 › Fastbreak Basketball Camps Former Carondelet coach Margaret Gartner leads three week-long

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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, 209-765-5107; ssilva1920@aol.com › 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: 916-737-5040; summer@stfrancishs.org 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 (9-10:30am).

Info: www.2gsf.com/

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› Artie Gigantino Football 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 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 athletic-focused 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 multi-sport camps. Oakley, Concord

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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 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 (De La Salle) Established in 1988 to help 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

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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 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,” a fun touch football game. Info: moreaucatholic.org/Athletics; Coach Cotter, (510)-881-4333; acotter@moreaucatholic.org › Rising Stars QB Challenge One-day event aimed at providing a unique, unmatched experience to the region’s top QB talents. Will challenge physical, mental and onthe-field 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 › Trench Camp For high school offensive and defensive linemen, this is the premier camp for linemen.

Using former NFL Super Bowl champs and All-Pro linemen to teach footwork, technique and attitude. July 22-24 at Sequoia High in Redwood City. Info: trenchcamp.com SOCCER › Bentley School Summer Camp All camps are coed and offer instruction and

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coaching Monday-Friday. Soccer for rising 9th-12th graders: Aug. 8-13. Bentley’s Lafayette Campus athletics facilities include a large synthetic turf field and a state-of-the-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 Advanced-level 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 › Gino’s Soccer Academy/Walnut Creek SC Official camp of Walnut Creek Soccer 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.ginos-

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socceracademy.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 High School (Sacramento) Soccer Camps Grades 5-9, June 13-17. Provides chance for your student athlete to familiarize herself with the St. Francis program. All elements of the game emphasized, including warm-up, trapping, dribbling, passing, shooting, smallsided games and stretching. Both individual fundamentals and team strategies will be accentuated. Info: 916-737-5040; summer@ stfrancishs.org 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: 916-737-5040; summer@ stfrancishs.org ✪

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May 2016

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Diablo Trophies & Awards......................................................46 Renaissance Club Sport..........................................................10 Heads Up Sports....................................................................36 Blankenship Baseball.............................................................40 Clayton Valley Future Champions Youth Football....................41 Berean Christian High School Fca Camp................................44 Ygnacio Valley High Future Warriors Camp...........................43 Bentley School Lafayette........................................................39 Bay Area Festivals Inc. Kidfest Field Of Dreams......................38 Big O Tires Northern California/ Nevada..................................2 Diablo Valley Federal Credit Union........................................30 Sherman Swim School...........................................................35 St. Leander’s Church Sport Collector Show.............................46 Friends Of Camp Concord.....................................................34 Mental Training Inc................................................................35 Halo Headband.....................................................................46 U C S F Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland.........................37 Championship Athletic Fundraising........................................27 Club Sport..............................................................................47 Santa Clara Aquamaids..........................................................45 Make Me A Pro......................................................................44 California Football Academy..................................................44 Sacramento River Cats...........................................................37 All- Star Academy..................................................................42 City Beach Volleyball.............................................................43 Tpc / The Pitching Center.......................................................23 National Scouting Report.......................................................44 San Ramon Slammers Baseball..............................................40 Danville Baseball Academy...................................................23 A Higher Perspective..............................................................46 Stevens Creek Toyota..............................................................21 Placer Valley Tourism Board.............................................28, 29 William Jessup University Sports Camps....................40, 41, 42 Bigfoot Hoops..........................................................................9 Bay Area Volleyball Club........................................................40 Jumbo Sunflower Seeds..........................................................30 St. Francis High School Summer Camps.................................42 Modesto Magic......................................................................43 South Bay Sports Training.......................................................19 Muir Orthopaedic Specialists.................................................11 U C Davis Health System.......................................................31 Dynamic Sports For Kids Camps............................................41 Jiffy Lube®...............................................................................3 Fast Break Basketball Camps..................................................44 Cal Athletic Camps................................................................15 A G: Guidance For Your Football Future.................................41 Tri Valley Ice..........................................................................36 East Bay Parks........................................................................46 U S Air Force..........................................................................48 Off- Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division...................17 Olympus Sports Coliseum......................................................31 East Bay Badminton Assn.......................................................42 Visitredding.Com.............................................................32, 33 Colin Knightly Lacrosse..........................................................41 Diablo Valley Federal Credit Union........................................30 Sutter Health............................................................................3 Velocity Cheer Gym...............................................................42 Rugby Nor Cal.......................................................................25 Trench Camp.........................................................................20 Krossover Intelligence..............................................................5 2 G Sports & Fitness Sports Camps.........................................43

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