August 2014
SanTan
FAMILY FUN
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Hearing checks important for young kids
“An award-winning publication” By Alison Stanton
A publication of the
SanTan Sun News
What’s inside
Pages 2-4 SanTan Family Fun Calendar
Page 10 Your child’s first eye doctor visit
Page 12 Just 4 Kids Sponsored by City of Chandler Recreation Division
Special High School Football Section SPONSORED BY: SCORPION CROSSFIT
Pages 4-8 Gridiron Update
When Liz Booth was 7 years old, she was diagnosed with a mild hearing loss. Booth, a commissioner with the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, says as a person with hearing loss, she is glad that Arizona newborns are required to have their hearing tested. “Parents should be aware that there is a law that says newborns should have their hearing tested before they even leave the hospital, so usually within the first three days of birth they will be screened,” says Booth, a Chandler resident who also serves as a leader and co-leader of the Hearing Loss Association of America chapters in Fountain Hills and Sun Lakes. The test is noninvasive and not painful. “The earlier a child is diagnosed with a hearing loss, the better it is. When they screen at the very beginning, if a hearing Although parents might wonder if loss shows up, babies can usually be their children have hearing problems if diagnosed by the time they are 3 months they seem unable to hear anything they and then start receiving help by say, Booth says there are ways to tell if 6 months.” kids truly have a hearing loss or are just Around three out of every 1,000 newborns do show some sort of hearing loss, being inattentive. “If the child is not responding when Booth says. the parent is speaking to them from “Beyond that, two out of 100 kids do behind, it might indicate a show a hearing loss before problem,” Booth says, adding the age of 18. Because we that to properly test this, parwant to catch those two kids, ents should say something it’s important to have their “attractive” like asking if the hearing checked.” child wants some ice cream, June Lopez, district nurse as opposed to requesting he or for Chandler Unified School she take out the trash. District, says according to “If you are talking and your Arizona state law, the district child is not looking at you, or if tests the hearing of students there is a loud noise and the in preschool, kindergarten, child does not look towards it, first, second, sixth and these can be signs of a hearing ninth grades. WATCHING FOR SYMP“We also test any student TOMS: Liz Booth says par- loss,” says Lopez. Speech patterns that are in any grade level who is new ents should pay close to the district, as well as any attention to their children to different from other children, student whose mom, dad or see if they show any signs frequent ear infections, and of a hearing loss. certain illnesses like measles, teacher is concerned about Submitted photo mumps and meningitis are his or her hearing,” Lopez also all signs and/or causes of says, adding that if necessary, hearing loss, Booth says. the child can then be referred to a physiIn Booth’s case, her parents suspected cian or audiologist for additional testing. she might have a hearing loss when she To help determine if their child might consistently had the television volume have a hearing loss, Booth says it’s turned up really high. important for parents to be aware of “If parents suspect their child has a the various expectations at certain problem with hearing, they should milestones, especially between birth mention it to their pediatrician, and and 2 years of age. follow up with an ENT, audiologist or “Parents should watch to see if their otolaryngologist,” Booth says. baby startles at loud sounds, smiles There are a variety of tests that can be when spoken to, and reacts to rattles and other toys that make noise,” Booth says. “Young kids should respond to their names, and start saying ‘mama’ and ‘dada’. If they can hear their voice, they should be able to use it to speak.” Young children should also enjoy listening to stories, and eventually learn to follow easy directions and point to body parts, as well as respond to input like environmental sounds, Booth says.
performed on even very small children who are too young to follow directions about responding to beeps, words and sounds. “It’s so important to catch it right away,” Booth says. “Mild or profound, a hearing loss can have a marked impact on a child, and although it can be devastating to parents to know their child has a disability, they need to know that help is out there.” Alison Stanton is a freelance writer who lives in the East Valley. She can be reached at Alison@SanTanSun.com.
Resources Books:
• Your Child’s Hearing Loss: What Parents Need to Know,” by Debby Waldman • “Late Onset Hearing Loss: A Parent’s Perspective of What to Do When Your Child is Diagnosed,” by Krystyan Krywko Ed.D. • “Lucy,” by Sally O. Lee • “A Birthday for Ben,” by Kate Gaynor Websites:
• www.acdhh.org • www.hearingloss.org; click on “Hearing Help” and then “Parents”
Speech patterns that are different from other children, frequent ear infections, and certain illnesses like measles, mumps and meningitis are also all signs and/or causes of hearing loss
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SanTan
August 2014
FAMILY FUN
August 3
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Art Studio
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Minecraft Monday Teen Scene Tumbleweed Tots
LEGO Mini Build Magic Hour Movie Tumbleweed Tots
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11 LEGO Kit Club Minecraft Monday Teen Scene Tumbleweed Tots
Tumbleweed Tots
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LEGO Tournament Minecraft Monday Teen Scene Tumbleweed Tots
Tumbleweed Tots Magic Hour Movie
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Minecraft Monday Teen Scene LEGO Club Tumbleweed Tots
Tumbleweed Tots
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Family 2 SanTan Fun Arrives! Bluegrass Film Festival Story and Craft Time
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Kids Club Family Night Tumbleweed Tots
Tumbleweed Tots
Tumbleweed Tots
Read to Dogs Reptile Feeding Teen Book Club Sonoran Explorers
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Kids Club Rhythm and Rhyme Tumbleweed Tots
Tumbleweed Tots
Art Walk Tumbleweed Tots
Kids Expo Movie Madness Water World Meet the Creature!
Club 20 Kids Family Night LEGO Tournament Family Funcrafting Tumbleweed Tots
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Sonoran 23 Explorers Bugology
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Tumbleweed Tots LEGO Tournament Tumbleweed Tots
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Kids Club Community Nights Rhythm and Rhyme Tumbleweed Tots
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Tumbleweed Tots
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Tumbleweed Tots
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Guitarist Dinosaurs
Meet the Creature! Roddin’ and Racin
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SanTan
August 2014
FAMILY FUN 2 Arizona Bluegrass Film Festival, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event, for the whole family, is free. Two films have been selected for this first festival and both of the film’s producers will be on hand for Q&A after the show. The films featured are independent films that were released in 2013. The event will be hosted by the Arizona Bluegrass Association’s Ned Robbins. Refreshments will be provided and an “after party” will be held nearby. American Legion Post 35 located at 2240 W. Chandler Blvd. Contact Ned Robbins at (718) 374-1086 or at ned@arizonabluegrass.com.
Sonoran Story and Craft Time, 9 a.m. Sonoran Story Time is a way for kids to learn about the desert. It will also have a craft project to do and take home. Bring snacks, water, your imagination, and be ready to have some fun. Meet inside the Nature Center. SanTan Mountain Regional Park, 6533 W. Phillips Rd., Queen Creek. $6 per vehicle. www.maricopa.gov/parks/santan.
4, 11, 18, 25 Minecraft Monday, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Join in every Monday to play Minecraft. Ages 9 to 18. Downtown Library, Cactus Room (Adult Ed Classroom Room 219), 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. No registration necessary. Space is limited. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org
The Teen Scene, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Hang out with friends, play games, grab a spot to study, use a laptop, or just munch on some snacks. Sunset Library Monsoon Room, 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
3, 10, 17 Art Studio: Creative Expression, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Kids can work on various art projects under the direction of resident artists. Children’s Museum of Phoenix, 215 N. Seventh St., Phoenix. $11; $10 seniors; free for children younger than 1. (602) 253-0501, www.childrensmuseumofphoenix.org.
4, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27, 29 Tumbleweed Tots, 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. This indoor play area is designed for children ages 5 and younger to play under parental/guardian supervision. This fun, safe and clean area will have plenty of toys, equipment and
activities that are sure to keep the kids entertained. There is a maximum of four children per adult. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. Resident fee: $2; nonresident fee: $3. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed.
5 LEGO Store Monthly Mini Model Build, 5 p.m. while supplies last. Visit the local LEGO Store on the first Tuesday of every month and you can learn how to build a cool mini model, and take it home—for free! Quantities are limited and offer is good while supplies last only. A new model will be available every month and will be especially themed to that. Models are not for sale and cannot be purchased. The LEGO Store, Chandler Fashion Center, 3111 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler. One free item per child. Event is open to children ages 6 to 14 only. (480) 899-0228, http://stores.lego.com/en-us/stores/ us/chandler-fashion-center.
Magic Hour Movie—“Shadows in the Sun,” 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Join in for this screening of the Magic Hour Movie series. Open to those younger than 12. Downtown Library Copper Room (former City Council Chambers), 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28 Tumbleweed Tumble Tots, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. This indoor play area is designed for children ages 5 and younger to play under parental/guardian supervision. This fun, safe and clean area will have plenty of toys, equipment and activities that are sure to keep the kids entertained. There is a maximum of four children per adult. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. Resident fee: $2; nonresident fee: $3. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed.
6, 20 Family Night at the TRC, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The first and third Wednesdays of the month enjoy a variety of different recreational activities and entertainment. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. Youth $2 resident; $3 nonresident; teens $3 resident; $5 nonresident. For more information contact Michael Fenzel, (480) 782-2908. www.chandleraz.gov/breaktime.
6, 13, 20, 27 Kids Club, powered by National Geographic Kids, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The Chandler Fashion Center Kids Club is a great opportunity for children to learn in a fun, interactive setting. Chandler Fashion Center teamed up with National Geographic Kids to create activities and games that focus on discovery through play. Chandler Fashion Center, in the Gap wing near the food court, 3111 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler. Open to the public, no fee. (480) 812-8488, www.ShopChandlerFashion Center.com/ KidsClub/.
9, 23 Junior Sonoran Explorers, 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Leave no stone unturned on a journey to discover the dynamic systems that occur in gardens and different ecosystems. Explore plants, animals and processes through activities that may include crafts, movement, experiments and stories. Learn about vegetables through painting, observing, identification, a story and other activities. Veterans Oasis Park’s Environmental Education Center, room 101, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. Resident fee: $7; nonresident fee: $10; supply fee: $5. (480) 782-2890, https://classregistration.chandleraz.gov/ registrationmain.sdi
9 Read to Dogs, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Following Doggy Story Time, read to dogs. Preschoolers 3 to 5 years old, school-age kids 6 to 8 years old, tweens 9 to 11 years old. Downtown Library Copper Room (former City Council Chambers), 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. Registration required. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
Reptile Feeding, 2 p.m. Have you ever seen a reptile eat? Join the staff after your morning hike and see how our coldblooded residents eat their meals. Frozen rodent entrees will be served to the critters. Come learn about the important roles these creatures play in the dynamic food web. Feeding takes place inside the Nature Center. SanTan Mountain Regional Park, 6533 W. Phillips Rd., Queen Creek. $6 per vehicle. www.maricopa.gov/parks/santan.
Teen Book Lovers Club, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Ages 12 to 18. Join fellow book lovers as they talk about what they
are reading, what they’re going to read next, and what others should read. There will also be chances to read and review books before they are published. Sunset Library Monsoon Room, 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
11 LEGO Kit Club, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. There is a variety of skill level kits for kids to put together during this hour of fun. Ages 5 to 12. Basha Library Programming Room, 5990 S. Val Vista Dr., Chandler. Free. No registration needed. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
13, 27 Rhythm and Rhyme, 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Join the group for an exciting time with singing, dancing and instrument playing. Ages 0-5. Sunset Library Monsoon Room, 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
15 Chandler Art Walk, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Art Walk provides a fun family atmosphere where visitors can browse the many different types of art available from talented artists. It’s a monthly event featuring local artists and musicians, and is a great opportunity to visit all of the unique establishments in downtown Chandler. Downtown Chandler welcomes more than 50 local artists to the historic square. All artists must go through a jury process to be accepted in the art walk. Only fine art and fine craft submissions will be considered. Crown Plaza San Marcos Hotel, One San Marcos Pl., Chandler. Free. www.chandlerartwalk.com.
16 Kids Day Off! Activity and Expo Event, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Find out about the latest programs for East Valley and Phoenix Metro kids at “Kid’s Day Off!” Join Macaroni Kids for a free activity showcase and expo featuring two stages with live entertainment, music and prizes from Radio Disney from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., dance troupe and martial arts demonstrations, special performances by Arizona Rick and the Bang Bang Balloon Company, an ice-cream eating contest and video game truck, giveaways by local businesses and much more. Learn about fun, new options for kids on their “days off.” Crowne Plaza San Marcos, One San Marcos Pl., Chandler. Free.
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(480) 599-5044, www.chandler/macaronikid.com.
Movie Madness in the Park: “Monsters University,” 7 p.m. Bring a brown-bag dinner or snacks and curl up in a chair or on the floor with a blanket in the Nature Center for “Monsters University.” SanTan Mountain Regional Park, 6533 W. Phillips Rd., Queen Creek. $6 per vehicle. www.maricopa.gov/parks/santan.
Water World, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Discover the world of water through hands-on experiments and explorations. Collect and compare water samples from within Veterans Oasis Park, observe the power of water and design your own filtration system. Ages 7 to 12. Veterans Oasis Park’s Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov/eec. 16, 30 Meet the Creature! 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. In this interactive program, children will get up close and personal with live animals while receiving a fun lesson in wildlife rescue and conservation. Each program features different fascinating animals from around the world. Registration required. Children ages 2 to 12 must be accompanied by a paid adult. Instructor: Lisa Limbert of Lisa’s Creatures, Veterans Oasis Park’s Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. Resident fee: $6; nonresident fee: $9. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov/eec.
18, 20, 22 LEGO Chima Speedorz Tournament, Begins at 5 p.m. Visit the LEGO Store to race the new fire and ice Speedorz against other builders. All tournament participants will receive an official LEGO Chima certificate and the daily tournament winners will receive a LEGO Legends of Chima Speedor. See a Brick Specialist for details. The LEGO Store, Chandler Fashion Center, 3111 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler. (480) 899-0228, http://stores.lego.com/en-us/stores/ us/chandler-fashion-center.
See Calendar, Page 4
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SanTan
August 2014 Calendar, From Page 3 19 Magic Hour Movie— “The Jane Austen Book Club,” 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Join in for this screening of the Magic Hour Movie series. For those 12 and older. Downtown Library Copper Room (former City Council Chambers), 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
20 Family Funcrafting, 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Join in for a story, song and craft. No registration required. Sunset Library Monsoon Room, 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
23 Bugology, 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. There are
ce a p S d Limite er Now! t Regis 480-963-6105, Ext. 211 800 West Ray Road South Campus • Chandler www.RayofLightPreschool.org
believed to be between six and ten million species of bugs. What would the world be like without them? Explore the world of insects and arachnids. Discover just how important insects are and learn about their traits with live examples of insects and arachnids from around the state, country and world. Ages 7 and older. Veterans Oasis Park’s Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. Resident fee: $3; Nonresident fee: $5, (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov/eec.
2014-2015 PROGRAMS 9 A.M. - NOON 3-Year-Old Class Tuesday and Thursday Monday, Wednesday and Friday Monday thru Friday 4-Year-Old Class Monday, Wednesday and Friday Pre-K Class Monday thru Friday
Guitarist Peter Biedermann Live, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Peter Biedermann is an instrumental guitarist based in Green Valley who has been composing and performing for more than 35 years and will be appearing for the first time at the Chandler Public Library. While his music covers a number of genres in various disciplines, the sounds you will hear on the afternoon of Saturday, Aug. 23, will be originals. Downtown Library Copper Room (former City Council Chambers), 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. Registration required. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
FAMILY FUN Little Explorers for Kids: Dinosaurs, 12 p.m. Learn some cool facts about dinosaurs as well as create your very own DINO fossils. Meet inside the Nature Center and get ready to ROAR! SanTan Mountain Regional Park, 6533 W. Phillips Rd., Queen Creek. $6 per vehicle. www.maricopa.gov/parks/santan.
25 LEGO Club, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. The library supplies LEGOs. You supply the imagination. Ages 5 to 12. Basha Library Programming Room, 5990 S. Val Vista Dr., Chandler. Free. No registration needed. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
27 Community Nights in the Courtyard, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Family fun the fourth Wednesday of the month. Community Center, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler. Free. Contact Courtney Allen at (480) 782-2730 for more information. www.chandleraz.gov/breaktime.
30 Roddin’ and Racin’ Rendezvous, 4 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. The Roddin’ and Racin’ Rendezvous includes a car show, drag racing exhibition, burn outs, cackle fest cars and more. $10 to $30. Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, 20000 S. Maricopa Rd., Chandler. (480) 639-1921, www.racewildhorse.com.
31 Sonoran Desert Simplified, 7 a.m. This is a lush, diverse desert with lots of interesting residents. This 1.3-mile hike will focus on the common plants and animals living here and the adaptations that allow them to thrive. Bring water. Wear hat, sunscreen, and closed-toed shoes. Meet at the flag pole. SanTan Mountain Regional Park, 6533 W. Phillips Rd., Queen Creek. $6 per vehicle. www.maricopa.gov/parks/santan.
GRIDIRON UPDATE
August 2014
SPONSORED BY: SCORPION CROSSFIT
High school football is huge in the SanTan Sun News’ coverage area. Games often draw multiple thousands of people, and for good reason. Local teams have an incredible amount of talent, including some top-rated college prospects. These teams combined to go 41-22 last year and are hoping for another banner season in 2014. Those teams include Hamilton, which is often in the mix for the Division 1 state title—and should be again this year—and sometimes is mentioned among the top teams nationally. Coach Steve Belles knows what he’s doing, having won five state titles at Hamilton. The Huskies have even produced NFL stars, including Terrell Suggs of the Baltimore Ravens. Another state title contender figures to be Seton Catholic.
The Sentinels return a loaded team that will be among the best in Division 4. The Sentinels won the title in 2012 and are coming off an 11-2 season. Another high-flying team figures to be Chandler. The Wolves will compete for the Division 1 title with a highly regarded quarterback, Bryce Perkins, who has committed to play for Todd Graham at Arizona State. Perry and Basha also have consistently solid programs. At Basha, Gerald Todd, who has roots in high-scoring Texas prep football, takes over as head coach. Basha’s rival, Perry, looks to have a bounce-back season. They have a shot, thanks to the return of a solid quarterback. All in all, SanTan Sun News readers should have a good time imagining the possibilities for these teams and watching them play.
The Gridiron
Update
By Mike Tulumello
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August 2014
Hamilton Huskies • Head coach: Steve Belles • 3700 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler • www.hamiltonhuskies.com • 2013 record: 11-3
SPONSORED BY: SCORPION CROSSFIT The Hamilton Huskies are always in the mix for Arizona’s big-school football title. This much is expected again this year, even though the Huskies have to replace about 15 starters from last year’s 11-3 team. That’s a different situation from the previous three years, when longtime coach Steve Belles could pretty much pencil in his starting lineups. “This year is definitely different,” Belle says. “There are a lot of unknowns...We have kids battling for positions. “But I feel good about this group. I think we’ll have the ability to compete, along with four or five other teams, for the title.” This is the norm, of course. Under Belles, the Huskies have won five state championships, most recently in 2012. To have a chance this year, they’ll need a good year from quarterback James Sosinski, a huge (6-foot 7-inch,
The Perry Pumas don’t want to become accustomed to what happened last year. The school, entering its eighth year, suffered its first losing season at 2-8 and fell well short of the playoffs. “It wasn’t so good,” says coach Preston Jones, the only head coach the Pumas have known. “It was a combination of a tough schedule and a lot of injuries.” If there were any lessons learned from last year, it’s that, “Bad things happen,” Jones says. “You got to make sure the guys who are not starters are ready to go. • Head coach: Preston Jones “It helps to have numbers and depth. You keep on • Perry High School 1919 E. Queen Creek Rd., Gilbert fighting. There’s nothing you can do.” Perry is growing, with large freshman and sophomore • www.phsfb.com classes, which should portend better prospects in the • 2013 record: 2-8 future, Jones said. For this season, he’s counting on five returning starters on offense and six on defense. “We don’t have big name kids this year but we have a much-improved team,” Jones says.
Perry Pumas
GRIDIRON UPDATE
245-pound) signal-caller who started one game last season and “had a good showing” by passing for nearly 200 yards, Belles says. “I think he thrives on being the guy,” Belles says. “He’ll be the key to our offense.” He’ll get some help from a receiver Belles thinks is big-time: Brandon Krcilek. “He’s a great route runner,” Belles says. “I just think he’ll be phenomenal this year.” Leading the offensive line is returning starter Grant Johnston, who is projected as the starting center. “He’s the one who has experience,” Belles says. On defense, leaders include linebacker Tristen Vance and defensive end Caleb Peart, an all-state returnee, who Belles says, has about 10 college scholarship offers. Then there’s defensive tackle Garrett Rand, who
Belles says, can bench press “a legitimate” 530 pounds. “He might be the strongest kid I’ve ever coached,” Belles says of the 290-pounder who, the coach says, has drawn scholarship offers from Arizona State, Arizona and Nebraska. All in all, “I think our defense will be solid,” Belles says. Belles expects top competitors at Division 1 to include defending champ Mountain Pointe, Chandler and Desert Ridge. “We might be in the mix, too.” Then again, these are the teams that “everyone expects to be good,” Belles points out. “Then there’s a team that’s going to be a surprise. Who knows who that team is?”
They will be led by quarterback Austin Nightingale, a three-year starter. Last year, he was injured in mid-season, and the Pumas didn’t win a game thereafter. “He should be one of the better quarterbacks in the state,” Jones says. Also returning is fellow senior Alec Monte, who, as a receiver, made a great tandem with Nightingale. Unfortunately, when the quarterback went down, Monte had to take over for him. So, “Not only did we lose a quarterback, we lost our best receiver,” Jones says. Monte also stands out on defense, where he starts at safety. Also on defense, Case Hatch returns after starting all 10 games at middle linebacker as a sophomore. “He’ll be a leader on the defensive side,” Johnson says, along with Monte and Michael Parenti, who started at safety as a sophomore. Another leader will be senior Ben Terhark, who
started at receiver and defensive back. As for this season’s goals, “We want to get into the playoffs,” Jones says. “Then it’s anybody’s game.” At the same time, if a team plans to make a run in Division 1, “You don’t want to go in as the 15th or 16th seed.” Playing in the state’s highest bracket, “There are not many teams in Division 1 who are not competitive,” the coach points out. “There are no Friday nights off. There are no gimmes.” Their schedule includes games against rival Basha and late-season matchups with powerhouses Chandler and Hamilton. Yet there is no confusion about which game is the most crucial. “Our biggest one is our first one,” Jones says. That would be on Aug. 29, at home vs. Tucson Sunnyside. Facing the same team last year, “We were up by a couple touchdowns, but we ended up getting beat. That was sort of the way our season went. “We have to make sure we are ready for Sunnyside.”
GRIDIRON UPDATE
SPONSORED BY: SCORPION CROSSFIT
Chandler Wolves • Head coach: Shaun Aguano • 350 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler • www.chandlerwolvesfootball.com • 2013 record: 11-3
Basha Bears • Head coach: Gerald Todd • Basha High School 5990 S. Val Vista Dr., Chandler • www.bashabearsfootball.com • 2013 record: 6-6
Chandler football is more than a powerhouse program that competes for state titles. No, Wolves’ football is actually a boon to the local economy. Chandler has produced so many outstanding players in recent years that coach Shaun Aguano estimates he hosts about 80 to 100 college recruiters annually from around the nation. And for good reason. Chandler was the only high school in the nation to have produced three players in the 2013 NFL draft (Dion Jordon, Markus Wheaton and Marc Anthony). Next year, a Chandler grad is likely to be drafted in the first round if UCLA quarterback Brett Hundley turns pro as expected. The beneficiary of this good fortune is head coach Shaun Aguano, who notes these players are “homegrown guys from the Chandler area.” This year, he will field another team filled with stars, most notably Bryce Perkins, who is widely considered the
A new chapter in Basha football starts this season with Gerald Todd taking over as head coach. Todd seems well prepared for the assignment, having spent a quarter century coaching in high school and college. Among his mentors: Art Briles, who coached Todd in high school in Texas; Briles, now the head coach at Baylor, is considered one of the college game’s most innovative and successful head coaches. “We’ve kept up with each other through the years,” Todd says of Briles. Todd coached the running backs at Basha last season, when the Bears finished 6-6. They made the playoffs, winning their first game before bowing out to Chandler. The Bears return a nucleus of four offensive starters and five on defense, Todd says. The coach is enthusiastic about returning senior receivers Doc O’Connor and Jared Schmidt. O’Connor is a senior had had more than 1,000 receiving
state’s best quarterback. Perkins is athletic, has the mind and instincts for the game, and, “He has vastly improved his throwing motion,” Aguano says of Perkins, who has committed to play at ASU, where his father Bruce played as a running back. “He is going to be very hard to stop.” Chandler is coming off an 11-3 season in which the Wolves defeated rival Hamilton in the regular season but were beaten by the Huskies in the state semifinals. This season, “I think we can contend, depending on our chemistry,” Aguano says. “We’re pretty deep at the skill positions, and our offensive line is very good. On the defensive side, we’re a little young but we are talented.” When it comes to the state playoffs, “I think we’ll be there at the end. “I am excited. I think our kids are excited. We are ready for the season.” In addition to Perkins, the Wolves feature Justin Jan,
yards last year. O’Connor has received widespread interest from college coaches, including a scholarship offer from Air Force, Todd says. “Doc is one of the (state’s) top receivers,” Todd says. “He has good speed, good hands. He’s had a great summer. We’re looking for big things.” Schmidt, who is returning from an ACL injury, “looks great,” Todd says. “He’ll be a huge asset,” Todd says of Schmidt, who the coach says has drawn Division 1 interest. Also returning is senior lineman Evan Edwards. “He’s talented,” Todd says. “He’ll be the anchor for the offensive line.” At quarterback, the Bears have two players who may split time until a decision is made. They are senior Jace Plant and sophomore Ryan Kelley. “They can throw the ball, and they are very mobile,” Todd says.
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a 6-foot 3-inch, 200-pound wide receiver who controls the middle of the field. The offensive line is anchored by 300-pound center Vinny Vitale, while the top running back is junior Chase Lucas, who already has received offers from ASU, Notre Dame, Oregon State, Arizona and Utah. On defense, safety Mason Moran, who doubles as the backup quarterback, has an offer from Boston College, Aguano says. Other defensive leaders include lineman J.W. Windsor and middle linebacker K.T. Tilini, who’s “going to be a Division 1 kid as well,” Aguano says. While all these players are making up their minds on where to play in college, “I never try to sway them,” Aguano says. “I really stay out of it.” At the same time, he acknowledges, “I would love to see our kids stay in state.” In any case, they’ll continue to attract interest—and recruiters—throughout the season.
On defense, Todd believes his secondary will be a strength. The leaders are seniors Austin Williams and Brandon Yamamoto and junior Lance Johnson, Todd says, adding Williams has drawn interest from college recruiters. Another strong point is the middle linebacker spot manned by senior Zac Archer, Todd says. “He will anchor down our defense in the middle,” Todd says. The Bears play a tough Division 1 schedule that includes their Chandler-district rivals, Perry, Hamilton and Chandler. They also have a rivalry with Gilbert High. Todd sounds raring to go. “I’m excited,” he says. “Any assistant coach has the dream of being able to run his own program. “You look at the Chandler district, which has been at the forefront of athletics, especially football, and you look at this as a great opportunity.” For Todd, the moment has arrived.
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August 2014
GRIDIRON UPDATE
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Almost everything has gone right for the Seton Catholic Prep Sentinels in football the past few years. Nothing is expected to change this season when the Sentinels return the bulk of their starters from an 11-2 team that had only nine seniors. That means the Sentinels should have a shot at the Division 4 state title. “I think we’ll be in the discussion because we have so many guys back,” coach Rex Bowser says. Bowser is entering his seventh season as head coach. The first few years were “a little bumpy” when the • Head coach: Rex Bowser • Seton Catholic Preparatory High School Sentinels were playing in a division with schools that had around three times as many students, he says. 1150 N. Dobson Rd., Chandler “You can do that once in a while,” he says. But game • www.setoncatholic.org/athletics/ after game, “It wears you down a little bit.” football.cfm But the past three years, playing in Division 4, • 2013 Record: 11-2 the Sentinels have gone 36-4, including the state title run in 2012. This year, Bowser is looking at senior Zach Wade and junior Garrett Boyd to lead the Sentinels at quarterback.
Seton Sentinels
“It’s going to be one of those two guys,” Bowser says. “Wade, being a senior, probably has the edge right now. “Whoever plays quarterback will be good,” the coach says. “I don’t see a drop-off from past years.” Adding punch to the offense will be running back Antonio Campanella, a third-year starter. “Campanella is a good one,” Bowser says, pointing out the senior is coming off a season in which he rushed for nearly 1,300 yards with 20 touchdowns. In addition, “Our entire receiving corps is very solid,” led by senior George Wolter, an all-state returnee, and junior Brandon Garcia. Garcia, Bowser says, started as a running back, moved to receiver and ended up as the team’s second-leading receiver last season. “He’s a very good all-round athlete,” the coach says. The most improved area should be on the offensive line, which returns senior guards Stephen Fugger and James Terrill, Bowser says.
“We’ve never had enormous people. But our offensive line will be very mobile, very athletic,” Bowser says. Defensively, the Sentinels return three of four starters in the secondary, including receiver Garcia, who doubles as a cornerback, plus safety Dominic Johnson. Another standout figures to be Patrick Larsen, who returns at outside linebacker. The Sentinels open their season at home on Aug. 29 vs. Estrella Foothills. They close out the regular season at home Oct. 31 vs. Rio Rico then hope to start a long run in the playoffs. Bowser sees “the usual cast of characters” competing for the state title, including White Mountain powers Blue Ridge, Show Low and Snowflake. Also, “River Valley was the state runner-up last year and has lots of kids coming back. And I look for Coolidge to make some noise this year.” As will the Sentinels.
H I G H S C H O O L VA R S I T Y FO OT B A L L S C H E D U L E HAMILTON: Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 2 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 31
at Sandra Day O’Connor Bye at Brophy Prep at Pinnacle Liberty (NV) ★ Mountain Pointe Chandler at Basha at Highland Perry
Homecoming = ★
SETON: Aug. 21 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31
Globe (6 p.m. scrimmage) Estrella Foothills at Maricopa at Snowflake Cortez at Coronado Florence ★ at Coolidge Combs at Chino Valley Rio Rico
CHANDLER: Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 2 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31
PERRY:
at Centennial Buena at Valor Christian at Mountain Pointe Cesar Chavez ★ at Hamilton at Gilbert at Perry at Basha Highland
Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 2 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31
Sunnyside at Sandra Day O’Connor Gila Ridge ★ Mountain View Mountain Ridge at Basha at Highland Chandler at Gilbert at Hamilton
BASHA: Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 2 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31
at Desert Vista Centennial ★ at Cesar Chavez at Pinnacle at Westview Perry Hamilton at Highland Chandler at Gilbert
All times 7 p.m. unless noted.
Mike Tulumello is a staff writer for the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at mtulumello@timespublicatons.com.
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August 2014
SanTan
FAMILY FUN
Preparing your child for the first visit to the eye doctor By Tracy House
evaluate the child’s eyes, looking for response to visual cues, moving Checking a child’s eyesight may seem like something eyes up and down and left to right. that can wait until they are in school, but developmenThe next step is to check the tally, the sooner children have their eyes evaluated, the child’s 3-D vision. “There’ll be better. bunnies jumping off the page,” she Dr. Lisa Mihora, an ophthalmologist with Banner says. “If you have good 3-D vision Health, offers some timely information for parents about it’s telling you that both eyes are visiting the eye doctor. working really well together and Mihora says a newborn child should be evaluated if he both eyes have really good vision. or she is born prematurely. “There is no age that is too Because to see those cues, to know early to do an eye exam.” If there was an infection or fetal that something is comdistress during pregnancy, the child should also ing off the page at you, be seen early on. “The other question we always you’ve got to have at have is ‘What is the family eye history?’ least 20/50 to 20/60 in Specifically what we’re looking for with that is if each eye.” there is any history in mom, dad or siblings.” Checking vision one She mentions strabismus and amblyopia as two eye at a time and somehereditary eye conditions. times then together From the ages birth to 3, Mihora says unless using letters, numbers, there is an indication of an eye condition, ophpictures or tumbling E’s, depending on a child’s thalmologists rely on the pediatrician for of eye verbal skills, is the next step in screening folcare. “The bottom line though is, if there’s any lowed by a glasses prescription check. question it’s never too early.” Dr. Lisa Mihora A later step is to dilate the eye to look in the The American Academy of Pediatric Submitted photo back of the eye. “It also helps to look for a Ophthalmology and Strabismus recommends glasses prescription on a nonverbal child or child less than the first official visit should be between ages 3 and 5. 1 year old with actually using the drops. There’s actually “Prior to starting school is the recommendation,” Mihora no age too young to check a glasses prescription.” She says. She explains the reason for early screening is to diagmentions the drops can be traumatic for a child and that nose problems at a younger age. she asks the parents what is best at that point before Preparing a child for an eye doctor visit is important. administering them. Mihora says the first thing the doctor should do is interact “The main focus with the child’s eye exam is that both with the child. Using “fun” visual tools, the eye doctor can
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eyes are seeing well, both eyes are equally aligned and that there’s no early glasses prescription starting,” Mihora says. AAPOS recommends children are checked every 1 to 2 years, unless the child is having other issues or complaints about his or her vision. Mihora is an ophthalmologist who was active duty for 10 years. Her specialty is in ocular facial plastic surgery. For more information or to find a provider visit Banner Health at www.bannerhealth.com. Tracy House is the news editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at tracy@santansun.com.
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August 2014