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Bay Area Issue 65, May 1, 2013
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May 1, 2013vol. 4. issue 65
FReebay aRea
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We Have Expert Advice:• Speed Training• Mental Imagery• Persistent Pain• Core Stability
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Can’T MISS EvEnTS
Granada baSEball: lIvInG larGE
norCal baSEball/SofTball: PoSTSEaSon brEakdown
ToP norCal drafTProSPECTS
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impulse: Flip flop over to Impulse and read about — whoa! — flip flops! And more. Sweet.
26
first pitch: Playoffs. Money time. Time to put on your big boy britches. Or big girl britches. We like all britches here at SportStars. What are some of the names to keep an eye on? Well, one is pictured to your left. The rest you have to flip the page to see.
6Everybody wants to be faster. But there’s a right way and a wrong way to go about shaving a few seconds off your best time.
27
speed demon: Celina Li of Foothill is small, but mighty.
14
locker room: The NFL Draft is over. We’ll decipher what you just heard. Because we care.
8
sportstars of the Week: Brad Degnan, Pioneer-San Jose
10
the fence: Tryouts, sign-ups, fundraisers and more!
34camps + clinics34
clipboard: Statisics. It’s that new math that can make some people’s head hurt. Not ours. We’re, like, good at math.
11
on the cover: Foothill swimmer, Celina Li.
Photo by Jonathan Hawthorne.
xtra bases: NorCal baseball and softball are headed to the playoffs. If people still said ‘giving you the 411’ that’s what we would’ve said.
22
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It’s here. Already. The final postseason of the 2012-13 school year. Rather than spend our time wondering how we got here already, we’re
gonna give you five names you should know — across five different sports — as you prepare to soak in the final championship drama of the spring.
And, not surprisingly, SportStars has written about each of these athletes over the course of their careers — in two cases, you can find something about them in this very issue.
Let’s start with our Bay Area cover athlete this issue.
Celina Li — The North Coast Section has had no shortage of swimming talent over the years, and the present is no dif-ferent. But as contributing writer Mitch Stephens points out in his cover story beginning on page 14, Li has dominated in relative anonymity for the past two years. And she’s not just dominating here in the Bay Area, she’s winning on the national stage against Olympic-level athletes. So yeah, we strongly suggest you take the chance to watch her in her last North Coast Section Championships on May 17-18 in Concord.
Marcus Lee — What happens when you take a 6-foot-10 McDonald’s All-American basketball player and stick him in the middle of a boys volleyball rotation featuring one of the best setters in the section? Go watch Deer Valley-Antioch and find out. And while Lee may cut an imposing presence for a Wolverines team which was 35-1 as of April 29, the team’s biggest rising star is Jordan Ewert. The sophomore already has more than 420 kills.
Rowdy Tellez — We’ve been covering Tellez’s baseball career at Elk Grove ever since he was the youngest player invited to participate in the 2011 Area Code Games (the summer after his sophomore year). Now he’s a senior and, predictably, mashing everything in sight. Read more about him on page 10 of our Sac-Joaquin Edition this issue. But more importantly, go watch one of NorCal’s best hitters rake. We suggest the season-ending showdowns against Davis. The teams play at Elk Grove on May 3 and Davis on May 7.
Johanna Grauer — We’d be hard-pressed to think of a better year to follow the NCS Division I softball tournament. Grauer’s Amador Valley-Pleasanton team and James Logan-Union City both remain in the national rankings, and California-San Ramon has proven to be equally dangerous after recently defeating Amador Valley 1-0. We have a hunch that Grauer and her team-mates will rise to the occasion in the postseason, however, and the junior flamethrower is always a no-hitter waiting to happen.
Sasha Wallace — Just when the SportStars braintrust was certain it would name Grauer as it’s 2012 Bay Area Athlete of the Spring, Wallace figuratively sprinted to the forefront. She won double-gold at the CIF State Champion-ships, winning the triple jump and 100 high hurdles. She since transferred from Holy Names-Oakland to Castro Valley, and she could bring the Trojans some serious hardware. Her time of 13.55 in the 100 hurdles at the Arcadia Invitational gave her this year’s top high school mark in the nation for the event. Can’t go see her at the CIF state meet in Clovis, catch her at the NCS Meet of Champions at Edwards Stadium in Berkeley on May 24-25.
There you go. Enjoy these last five weeks, and then get ready for us to start talking football again. It’s inevitable. You can’t stop it. ✪
May 1, 2013
join our teamPHone 925.566.8500 FaX 925.566.8507editorial [email protected] Chace Bryson • [email protected] Writers Erik Stordahl, Jim McCue Contributors Bill Kolb, Mitch Stephens, Matt Smith, Clay Kallam, Bryant West, Dave Kiefer, Liz Elliott, Tim Rudd, Jonathan Okanes, Hunter Hewitt, Joe StiglichPhotography Butch Noble, Bob Larson, Jonathan Hawthorne, James K. Leash, Norbert von der Groeben, Phillip Walton, Doug Gulerintern Ryan Arter
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This Vol. #4, May 2013 Whole No. 65 is published by Caliente! Communications, LLC, 5356 Clayton Rd, Ste. 222, Concord, CA 94521. SportStars™© 2010 by Caliente! Communications, LLC. All rights reserved. Subscription rates: 24 issues, U.S. 3rd class $42 (allow 3 weeks for delivery). 1st class $55. To receive sample issues, please send $3 to cover postage. Back issues are $4 each. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of Publisher is strictly prohibited. The staff and management, including Board of Directors, of SportStars™© does not advocate or encourage the use of any product or service advertised herein for illegal purposes. Editorial contributions, photos and letters to the editor are welcome and should be addressed to the Editor. All material should be typed, double-spaced on disk or email and will be handled with reasonable care. For materials return, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope. SportStars™© and STARS!™© Clinics are registered trademarks of Caliente! Communications, LLC.
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Spring loadedIn the last postseason stretch of this school
year, we offer five names you need to see
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rapidFIREBahamasI don’t bowl
99
Least favorite music genre
Reality show you’d want to be on
Ecuador
Last app you downloaded
Top bowling score
Celeb you’d want to take a selfie with
Farthest you’ve been from home
Ryan Kirby, Granada baseball
Courtney Kelleher, Las Lomas track
Luke Bryan
Kate Upton
Wipeout
Survivor
Heavy Metal
Classical
SOFTBALL: SJS Div. I-III Tournament, first round, May 14, various sites — The SJS playoffs never fail to disappoint. Div. II field should be extra competitive.SWimming: nCS Swimming Cham-pionships, May 18, Concord Commu-nity Pool — Can Steven Stumph, Sven Campbell and the Campolindo boys make it nine in a row?
boyS volleyball: CiF NorCal Championships, May 25, Dublin HS — The first-ever CIF Northern Regional Boys Volleyball tournament will culmi-nate in a doubleheader of cham-pionship matches for Division I and Division II. There should be no shortage of drama.
RUGBY: Northern California Invit. Tourn. (NCIT), May 3-5, Cherry Island Soccer Complex — 9th NCIT features as many as 50 of the North State’s top programs.BOYS TENNIS: NCS DIv. I Singles/Doubles final four, Saint Mary’s College, Moraga, May 4, 10 a.m. — These aren’t pick-up matches at the country club, these kids can handle a racquet.
Top 5 NFL DRaFT ExpRESSIoNS (LooSELy TRaNSLaTED)
Draft day has come and gone in the National Football League. The 49ers somehow managed to use their 39 picks to make roughly 400 selections. And one trade. The Raiders were able to parlay their two picks into negative-three selections. But none of that really matters. What matters is the spectacle. The pure unadulterated drama of the thing. Oh. And the lingo. The interwebs is the only entity for which more words in the English language have been invented than the NFL draft. Here are our rough translations of the top five draft-day expressions.1. CAN’T MISS — Golden boy. All-American kid. Kind of guy you loathed in high school because he was too good to be true. Will NEVER live up to the hype. Probably a USC product.2. TREMENDOUS UPSIDE POTENTIAL — Slacker. Disap-pointment. A guy who has the physical tools to dominate at his position, but who is too busy playing Madden or trading auto-graphs for tattoos to show up for practice on a regular basis. Probably an Ohio State product.3. PHYSICALITY — The potential and propensity to do vicious bodily harm to anyone around him. Violent. Dangerous. Prob-
ably a Florida State product.4. HEADY — Not very athletic. Doesn’t pass the eye test. Sucked at the combine, but had a 4.5 GPA. Good chance he will end up being a position coach after a few lackluster years in the league, and will invariably kick your behind at chess. Prob-ably a Stanford grad.5. RISk-REwARD SCENARIO — A head case. As likely to be an All-Pro as he is to be the subject of an All Points Bulletin. Pick an SEC team.
— Bill Kolb
10 to GO - April
1 — <<Bay Area Must See>>
2 — <<Sac-Joaquin Must See>> GOLF:
7 —
9 —
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CIF NorCal Tournament, May 20, Diablo Grande Golf Course, Patterson, all day — If you’re one of the lucky people who have Mondays off, do yourself a favor and walk the course with some of the best boys golfing talent in the state.
RUGBY: Northern California Invit. Tourn. (NCIT), May 3-5, Cherry Island Soccer Complex — 9th NCIT features as many as 50 of the North State’s top programs.BOYS TENNIS: NCS DIv. I Singles/Doubles final four, Saint Mary’s College, Moraga, May 4, 10 a.m. — These aren’t pick-up matches at the country club, these kids can handle a racquet.
BASEBALL: NCS Div. I-V play-offs, first round, May 21-22, various sites— Nothing beats playoff baseball on a sunny day.LACROSSE: NCS Finals, May 24-25, site/time TBA — NCS often pairs one or two finals to-gether; look for the doubleheader and catch the lax fever!
boyS HooPS: Bay Area Memorial wknd Classic, Tice Valley Gym, walnut Creek, May 25-27 — Big Foot Hoops hosts its first Bay Area event. You like watching mix-tapes? Catch a live version. TRACk AND FIELD: CIF Track & Field State Championships, May 31-June 1, Buchanan HS, Clovis — Few states have a more competitive state meet.
The SportStars Cup competition is back for its second year. As a quick reminder, the competition runs the length of the school year and culminates in mid-June with the crowning of the East Bay’s most successful high school athletic program.
Schools can accumulate points through a variety of ways. They are as follows:
100 — Have an athlete named Sport-Stars of the Year (Fall, Winter or Spring)
200 — Win a team league champion-ship
250 — Have an athlete be named All-State (First-team overall only)
300 — Win a section championship (team or individual)
350 — Win a scholastic section cham-pionship for highest team GPA
400 — Win an individual NorCal title500 — Win a team NorCal title700 — Win an individual state champi-
onship1,000 — Win a team state champion-
shipWith nearly all the winter scoring
opportunities accounted for — All-State basketball selections were not released until after we went to press — De La Salle has moved into a comfortable lead atop the standings thanks to three more league titles and five more section crowns. The Spartans, who finished second in the final Cup standings for 2011-12, are clearly in the driver’s seat heading into the spring postseason. The school’s victory could very well come down to the boys golf team and CIF NorCal- and state-champi-onship hopeful, Justin Pagila.
There are four new teams to the Top 10 after the winter season concluded. The biggest mover of them all was James Logan. The Colts went a tie for 19th all the way up to third thanks to a 2800-point increase fueled by eight section titles in wrestling. The three other teams to enter the Top 10 were Mission San Jose, Berke-ley and San Ramon Valley.
Defending champion Campolindo had a quiet winter and slipped to fifth after a dominant fall. However, it’s worth pointing out that the Cougars trailed De La Salle by more than 1,000 points heading into last spring and came out victorious.
That’s why they play the games. Right?
1. de La salle 5,050 SStar/Season: 1. League titles: 4. All-State Athletes: 1. Section titles: 6. Scholastic: 1. NorCal: 1. State: 1
4,400 SStar/Season: 1. League titles: 6. All-State Athletes: 1. Section titles: 4. Scholastic: 1. NorCal: 1. State: 12. Bishop O'dowd
3,200 League titles: 4. Section titles: 8. 3. James Logan
3,150 League titles: 4. All-State Athletes: 1. Section titles: 3. NorCal: 1. State: 14. campolindo
3,150 League titles: 4. All-State Athletes: 1. Section titles: 3. NorCal: 1. State: 15. st. Joesph notre dame
2,600 League titles: 2. All-State Athletes: 1. Section titles: 3. Scholastic: 1. State: 16. albany
2,550 League titles: 1. Section titles: 2. Scholastic: 5.7. mission san Jose
2,350 League titles: 1. Section titles: 2. Scholastic: 1. NorCal: 1. State: 18. Berkeley
2,250 League titles: 2. Section titles: 3. Scholastic: 2. 9. san ramon Valley
2,000 League titles: 2. Section titles: 2. 10. clayton Valley
PoInTS
runn
ErS-u
P
aCColadES
11. Heritage .......................1,55012. Las Lomas ...................1,35013. St. Patrick/St. Vincent...1,30014. Miramonte ....................1,25015. College Park ................1,10016. (tie) Monte Vista ..........1,000
Carondelet ......................1,000 Salesian ..........................1,00019. California ......................95020. (tie) Liberty ...................900 Newark Memorial ...........90022. (tie) Acalanes ...............800 Dublin ..............................800
24. (tie) Nortgate ................750 Piedmont .........................75026. (tie) Granada ...............600 Hercules ..........................600 Livermore ........................60029. (tie) Foothill ..................500
Freedom .........................500 Deer Valley .....................500 St. Mary’s ........................500 Valley Christian ...............500 Pittsburg ..........................500 Hayward ..........................500
Want more? Scan for five bonuS eventS!
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honorablemention
nate moore
With a triple jump distance of 49 feet, 10 inches, the
Castro Valley senior set a meet record at the Sacramento Meet of Champions on April 27.
Frank Kurtz
The Heritage junior set a meet record at the Sacramento
Meet of Champions with a 400 time of 47.03 seconds.
brad degnan
pioneer-san jose . baseball . junior
Brad Degnan made nationwide headline news when he bashed three home runs not just in one game but in one inning. He helped the Wildcats tattoo Westmoor 24-6 on April 18 as they batted around twice for Degnan to make history. He’s the only HS baseball player to accomplish this feat. Need-less to say, he was a unanimous choice for this week’s top honor.
SportStars magazine: Describe the craziness of that three-homer inning.
brad degnan: The first one: the leadoff man got on, then the next guy. I’m up third. I saw two pitches and I poked it down the line. Second at-bat, there’s only one runner on and I got a belt-high fastball. I got it all. Third at-bat, there were two runners on, first pitch was a low fastball and I hit a low line drive and it got over the fence. Usually, I don’t show any emotion but I had a smile on my third one.
SSm: What’s your general approach at the plate?
bd: Generally I pull the ball. Whenever we’re up and there’s a good situation, I kinda just go with the pitch.
SSm: How have your class-mates received you?
bd: I got a couple congratula-tions and the Monday we got back to school I got a lot of con-gratulations from friends. People saw the articles on Facebook and on the news on Yahoo!
Contributed
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kirsten mork
The Granada junior cleared 5 feet, 8 inches at the Sacramento
Meet of Champions, good for first place and sixth overall in the state.
BRAD’S QUICk HITSFavorite athlete(s): Curtis Granderson, Robinson CanoFavorite baseball team: GiantsFavorite class: History
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My softball coach only looks at batting av-erage. I get a lot of walks and hit for power, so my OPS is high, but my coach doesn’t care. When I ask about why I’m not playing, he just says my batting average is too low. How can I get him to understand more ad-vanced statistics, and that OPS is much more important than batting overage?
J.S., Fremont
This is a tough one.First, you have to remember that
Bill James started writing about sabermetrics — which is the use of advanced statistical methods to analyze baseball (and softball) and improve decision-making — in the 1980s. His logic was impeccable and his methods brilliant — but it took nearly 20 years before people in this multi-million dollar Major League Baseball industry took him and his followers seriously.
If you saw “Moneyball,” you know that the use of advanced metrics was scoffed at by some in 2003, even though they could not only help teams win, they could help teams make a significant amount of money.
Yes, it’s 2013 now, but some coaches still believe that feel and intuition are superior to raw data, and so it’s probably not that your coach thinks OPS (on-base percentage plus slugging percentage) is not as good as batting average, he probably just thinks that all stats aren’t that important.
Remember statisticians always warn about a small sample size, and the entire high school season is still a very
small sample size — that means that the numbers aren’t as reliable as they are in the big leagues. Ob-viously, if you have a 162-game schedule to look at, a lot of the luck in hitting (and pitching) evens out, but in a 30-game season, it doesn’t take many caught line drives or diving catches to seriously deflate both batting average and OPS.
That said, though, the importance of walks and extra-base hits cannot be underemphasized. The idea of the game is to score more runs than the opposition, and to score runs, a team needs baserunners and a way to advance them to home plate. Statistics have made it crystal clear that
a player who walks a lot is not much less valuable than a player who hits a lot of singles, and that doubles and triples are significantly more valuable than infield hits.
In the long run, a coach who ignores those realities will lose more games than he should. In the short run, though, coaching is about talent — in softball, primar-ily pitching talent — so if your team is really good, your coach will see no reason to change.
That’s probably not the answer you wanted, but you can’t force people to look at the world the way you do, even if you happen to be right. Sometimes you just have to accept the way things are and deal with it with as much of a positive attitude as you can muster. ✪
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 Coach Kallam at [email protected]
May 1, 2013
It’s a philosophy battle that few
coaches will yield to
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› › › › › ›
May 1, 2013
ZEn MaSTErwords from the
When an 11-time NBA Champion coach nicknamed The Zen Master speaks, we listen. Here were a few extra thoughts shared by Phil Jackson at the PCA National Youth Sports Awards Dinner.
› On why he was hesitant to go into coaching: ‘It’s kinda like the Groucho Marx thing: I’m wary of anybody that would accept me into a club.’
› On his initial concern about coaching NBA players:‘Dealing with the ego-driven players that we have in the NBA is sometimes a task that can compromise who you are as a per-son or an individual. And those were things that I thought were really difficult for us to deal with as coaches.’
› On his high school coach Rob Peterson, who passed away two days prior to the awards night: ‘One of the things I mentioned when I talked about him was what a good Christian man he was. And sometimes people mistake that for some kind of identifying idea about religion. But, no, it’s about a principled person that has character; he taught that. He was instrumen-tal in just using the opportunity of coaching to help build character in players and demon-strated it in his own life.”
Phillip WaltonOrinda-based swim coaches Don Heidary (left) and his twin brother Ron pose with 11-time NBA champion coach Phil Jackson at the Positive Coaching Alli-
ance National Youth Sports Awards Dinner on April 20.
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› › › › › ›
Hundreds of people were on hand for the Positive Coaching Alliance National Youth Sports Awards Dinner on April 20. The event took place at the Sha-
ron Heights Country Club in Menlo Park and honored four coaches who are well-respected in the youth sports landscape.
Founded by Jim Johnson, former athletic director at Stan-ford, PCA promotes positive coaching and fair play in youth sports. PCA has been around since 1998 and is endorsed by a litany of marquee coaches and athletes nationwide.
On hand for the festivities was perhaps the most revered coach in American pro sports, Phil Jackson. An 11-time NBA champion, Jackson received the Ronald L. Jensen Award for Lifetime Achievement.
“The idea is so prevalent in our society right now, that coaches have to build more than just winning teams,” Jack-son said. “It’s about character, it’s about success coming from bringing that to the athletes who have a chance. It’s about the ability to step in and honor the game.”
The coach nicknamed the “Zen Master” has been a spokes-person for PCA since 1998, giving speeches at various func-tions and awards ceremonies; this night, it was his turn to be the keynote speaker.
The Master of Ceremonies was former San Ramon Valley-Danville standout Mark Madsen, who helped lead Stanford to the Final Four in 1998 and won three NBA championship with the Lakers from 2000-2002 — while playing for Jackson.
“The high school game is really where the rubber meets the road,” said Madsen, who is now an assistant coach for the Stanford men’s basketball team, “in terms of having a big im-pact on young, young people. At the pro level, most of the time you’re dealing with grown men.”
Madsen played basketball for John Raynor, who is still coaching basketball at SRV. Madsen talked about the major influence Raynor had on him to get into coaching.
“Just the impact with basketball with John Raynor and the school environment had on my life was huge. And I wanted to get back, and I had a perfect opportunity this year to do so at Stanford.”
Heather Petri, a member of the 2012 gold-medal winnning US Olympic women’s water polo team, played water polo at Miramonte-Orinda where one of her first coaches was Don Heidary. He, along with his twin brother Ron, were two of the recipients of PCA’s Double-Goal Coach Award. Petri named Don as the reason she kept with water polo.
“I think he believed in me more than I did at that time,” Petri said. “I was so young, I had no idea. I was very new to water polo at a late age and I couldn’t really see the path that I wanted to go down. And he was so sure of it and so good at helping me see it that I really think I jumped into the sport a little bit more just because of him.”
The Heidary brothers run the Orinda Aquatic Center and coach at rival schools, Don at Campolindo and Ron at Mi-ramonte. “We’ve been coaching together for 35 years,” Don Heidary said. “In addition to coaching together, we coach ri-val high schools which adds to the intensity and complexity of the dynamic.”
The other coaches honored alongside the Heidary broth-ers were Palo Alto Soccer Club coach Jackie Castro, and re-
nowned AAU basketball coach Rasheed Najeeullah for the Riverside Hawks of New York. These four coaches comprised a panel at the awards ceremony where they each answered questions regarding a variety of topics such as reacting to tough losses, hazing of younger athletes, and instilling leader-ship qualities with some of their elder athletes.
The key thing each of these coaches stresses is that their
players are student-athletes with an emphasis on the former. If their players don’t meet the GPA requirements installed by the coaches, then they simply won’t play. And for them it doesn’t matter if it’s the championship game, the rules still apply.
Qualities like that are why these coaches go beyond just be-ing good, but end up being most influential in these young athletes’ lives. ✪
wISdoM In wInnInGBy erik StordaHl | SportStars
Bay Area coaches honored while the Positive Coaching Alliance
Awards Dinner gets a dash of Zen
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ome s
ix g
olds
(she
’s he
avily
favo
red
to ca
ptur
e tw
o m
ore i
ndiv
idua
l tit
les o
n M
ay 1
7-18
at C
onco
rd C
omm
unity
Poo
l in
Con
cord
) is m
ore
than
not
ewor
thy.
Bu
t las
t Nov
embe
r at
the
AT&
T W
inte
r N
atio
nal C
ham
pion
ship
s in
Aus
tin, T
exas
, the
5-fo
ot-3
dy-
nam
o —
nic
knam
ed “L
il’ C
” by
team
mat
es —
won
the n
atio
nal 2
00 in
divi
dual
med
ley
in 1
min
ute,
55.2
8 se
cond
s and
was
seco
nd in
the
400
IM (4
:07.
95).
In th
e 20
0 IM
, she
bea
t, am
ong
othe
rs, O
lym
pic
darli
ng a
nd fu
ture
Cal
team
mat
e M
issy
Fran
klin
, w
ho p
lace
d th
ird.
Ever
yone
on
the s
port
ing
plan
et k
now
s of F
rank
lin, b
ut fe
w e
ven
at F
ooth
ill re
ally
com
preh
ende
d Li
’s el
ite at
hlet
ic p
row
ess.
And
rade
sent
out
a m
emo
to m
ake
sure
eve
ryon
e w
as cl
ear o
n Li
’s fe
ats.
So
with
the
pool
dec
k fu
ll an
d ca
mer
as c
licki
ng a
nd v
ideo
rol
ling,
the
stag
e w
as s
et fo
r Li
to
mak
e a
gran
d en
tran
ce, t
o ba
sk in
her
rich
ly-d
eser
ved
glor
y, to
pla
y pr
ince
ss fo
r a d
ay a
nd w
ave
and
faw
n an
d so
ak it
all
in.
Inst
ead,
Li d
ropp
ed to
her
kne
es.
Ther
e w
ere
kids
to sp
eak
with
. “F
riend
s and
onl
ooke
rs w
ere
read
y to
take
her
pic
ture
, but
sudd
enly
she
was
surr
ound
ed
by c
hild
ren,”
And
rade
said
. “Sh
e im
med
iate
ly g
ot d
own
to th
eir l
evel
and
was
ask
ing
them
al
l sor
ts o
f que
stio
ns. Th
is w
as h
er ti
me,
her m
omen
t but
inst
ead
the
kids
wer
e w
ay m
ore
impo
rtan
t for
her
. It w
as a
bea
utifu
l mom
ent.
“It w
as so
Cel
ina.”
Go W
ITH
THE F
LoW
Don
’t ge
t the
not
ion
that
And
rade
is in
any
way
bitt
er a
bout
Li’s
rel
ativ
e la
ck o
f lo
cal n
otor
iety
. Pa
rt o
f it i
s th
e sp
ort a
nd m
ostly
it’s
Li’s
unas
sum
ing
and
grac
eful
nat
ure.
An-
drad
e sa
id sh
e’s n
ever
seen
such
a h
umbl
e, de
flect
ing
elite
swim
mer
. It
is w
hy sh
e’s so
pop
ular
am
ong
her p
eers
and
team
mat
es.
“It’s
alw
ays
been
abo
ut t
eam
firs
t w
ith C
elin
a,” A
ndra
de s
aid.
“Sh
e’s a
lway
s be
en g
raci
ous
and
kind
with
her
team
mat
es. S
he’s
emba
rras
sed
whe
n sh
e re
-ce
ives
pra
ise. I
t’s so
refr
eshi
ng fo
r a sw
imm
er o
f thi
s cal
iber
.” Pa
rt o
f it m
ight
be
her c
ultu
re.
Her
fath
er P
hilli
p is
Taiw
anes
e and
mot
her Y
vonn
e is C
hine
se. Th
ey m
et at
N
orth
ern
Ariz
ona
Uni
vers
ity in
Fla
gsta
ff.
Cel
ina
was
bor
n in
Wisc
onsin
, sev
en y
ears
after
her
sist
er Ji
ng, w
ho w
as a
hi
ghly
com
petit
ive s
wim
mer
her
self,
earn
ing
a sch
olar
ship
to G
eorg
ia T
ech.
Fo
llow
ing
a su
cces
sful
four
-yea
r sw
im c
aree
r th
ere,
she
join
ed t
he P
eace
C
orp
and
serv
ed fo
r a sp
ell i
n th
e U
krai
ne.
“She
was
defi
nite
ly m
y ro
le m
odel
,” Li
sai
d of
her
sist
er. “
I gr
ew u
p w
atch
ing
her i
n th
e po
ol a
nd m
eets
and
I w
ante
d to
be
like
her.”
Sa
id A
ndra
de: “
Her
par
ents
hav
e don
e a g
reat
job.
Bot
h th
e girl
s are
such
gr
eat a
chie
vers
and
do
exce
ptio
nal t
hing
s, bu
t the
y do
n’t e
xpec
t pra
ise.”
Li w
as al
so a
com
petit
ive g
ymna
st, w
hich
hel
ped
with
stre
ngth
and
flex-
ibili
ty. S
he st
arte
d bo
th sp
orts
at th
e age
of 5
and
enjo
yed
them
equa
lly. B
ut
she
gave
up
gym
nast
ics a
t Lev
el 5
.“U
ltim
atel
y, I f
elt l
ike s
wim
min
g w
as le
ss d
ange
rous
,” sh
e sai
d. “I
just
felt
very
nat
ural
in th
e w
ater
. Ther
e w
as fl
ow, I
felt.”
H
er d
ad, a
n el
ectr
ical
eng
inee
r, m
oved
the
fam
ily f
rom
Pal
o A
lto t
o N
orth
Car
olin
a to
the
Phoe
nix
area
, whe
re L
i mad
e a
nam
e fo
r he
rsel
f in
the
yout
h ra
nks.
Whe
n th
e fa
mily
mov
ed to
Ple
asan
ton,
rig
ht b
efor
e Li
’s fr
eshm
an y
ear
at
Foot
hill,
And
rade
kne
w sh
e an
d th
e Fa
lcon
s had
hit
gold
. “I’d
hea
rd th
e na
me
befo
re,”
And
rade
said
. “I t
houg
ht, w
hat a
trea
t. H
ow lu
cky
was
I?”
SMaL
L paC
KaGE
, BIG
pIC
TURE
Long
time
Plea
sant
on S
eaha
wks
hea
d co
ach
Stev
e M
orsil
li fe
lt th
e sa
me
way
, th
ough
he’s
bee
n ar
ound
hun
dred
s of e
lite
athl
etes
as a
coa
ch fo
r USA
Sw
imm
ing
all
over
the w
orld
. The L
evel
5 co
ach,
whi
ch ra
nks h
im in
the t
op 2
per
cent
in th
e nat
ion,
has
co
ache
d in
Ple
asan
ton
since
197
5 an
d le
d th
e Se
ahaw
ks fo
r 31
year
s.H
is fir
st im
pres
sions
of L
i wer
e “s
he’s
quie
t and
ver
y in
tens
e. Sh
e ta
kes h
er a
cade
mic
s and
sw
imm
ing
very
serio
us. M
aybe
too
serio
us.”
By m
itCH
Ste
PHen
S | C
ontri
buto
r
Score Digital Content: Scan SSM With LAYAR 15SportStars™Support Your Local Business • Say You Found Them In SportStars™ May 1, 2013
At l
ong
last
, it w
as C
elin
a Li
’s sh
inin
g m
omen
t at F
ooth
ill H
igh.
Th
e mas
sivel
y ac
com
plish
ed, h
umbl
e and
und
er-a
ppre
ciat
ed se
nior
sw
imm
er w
as c
ompe
ting
in h
er fi
nal h
ome
mee
t aga
inst
Cal
iforn
ia
on A
pril
26.
Foot
hill
coac
h La
uren
And
rade
, a fo
rmer
Cal
swim
mer
and
Oly
mpi
c Tria
l com
-pe
titor
, had
spre
ad th
e wor
d to
fello
w te
ache
rs an
d ad
min
istra
tors
and
stud
ents
that
Li
was
fini
shin
g ou
t an
illus
trio
us a
nd la
rgel
y un
-not
iced
pre
p ca
reer
. U
n-no
ticed
con
sider
ing
she
is on
e of
the
elite
ath
lete
s fo
r he
r ag
e in
her
spor
t in
the
wor
ld.
“We’r
e ta
lkin
g ab
out a
onc
e-in
-a-g
ener
atio
n ta
lent
,” A
ndra
de sa
id. “
We’r
e ta
lkin
g a
natio
nal c
ham
pion
, a g
irl w
ho h
as sw
am a
ll ov
er th
e wor
ld a
nd a
lmos
t ass
ured
ly w
ill
be sw
imm
ing
in R
io D
e Ja
neiro
(site
of t
he 2
016
Sum
mer
Gam
es).”
Pr
oduc
ing
four
Nor
th C
oast
Sec
tion
title
s an
d a
sect
ion
reco
rd in
the
100-
yard
bu
tterfl
y (5
3.13
seco
nds)
shou
ld h
ave
been
eno
ugh
to d
raw
any
one’s
atte
ntio
n.
The
NC
S ha
s pr
oduc
ed s
ome
of th
e sp
ort’s
gre
ates
t ath
lete
s —
Mat
t Bio
ndi (
Cam
polin
do)
and
Nat
alie
C
ough
lin (C
aron
dele
t ) —
and
to ta
ke h
ome s
ix g
olds
(she
’s he
avily
favo
red
to ca
ptur
e tw
o m
ore i
ndiv
idua
l tit
les o
n M
ay 1
7-18
at C
onco
rd C
omm
unity
Poo
l in
Con
cord
) is m
ore
than
not
ewor
thy.
Bu
t las
t Nov
embe
r at
the
AT&
T W
inte
r N
atio
nal C
ham
pion
ship
s in
Aus
tin, T
exas
, the
5-fo
ot-3
dy-
nam
o —
nic
knam
ed “L
il’ C
” by
team
mat
es —
won
the n
atio
nal 2
00 in
divi
dual
med
ley
in 1
min
ute,
55.2
8 se
cond
s and
was
seco
nd in
the
400
IM (4
:07.
95).
In th
e 20
0 IM
, she
bea
t, am
ong
othe
rs, O
lym
pic
darli
ng a
nd fu
ture
Cal
team
mat
e M
issy
Fran
klin
, w
ho p
lace
d th
ird.
Ever
yone
on
the s
port
ing
plan
et k
now
s of F
rank
lin, b
ut fe
w e
ven
at F
ooth
ill re
ally
com
preh
ende
d Li
’s el
ite at
hlet
ic p
row
ess.
And
rade
sent
out
a m
emo
to m
ake
sure
eve
ryon
e w
as cl
ear o
n Li
’s fe
ats.
So
with
the
pool
dec
k fu
ll an
d ca
mer
as c
licki
ng a
nd v
ideo
rol
ling,
the
stag
e w
as s
et fo
r Li
to
mak
e a
gran
d en
tran
ce, t
o ba
sk in
her
rich
ly-d
eser
ved
glor
y, to
pla
y pr
ince
ss fo
r a d
ay a
nd w
ave
and
faw
n an
d so
ak it
all
in.
Inst
ead,
Li d
ropp
ed to
her
kne
es.
Ther
e w
ere
kids
to sp
eak
with
. “F
riend
s and
onl
ooke
rs w
ere
read
y to
take
her
pic
ture
, but
sudd
enly
she
was
surr
ound
ed
by c
hild
ren,”
And
rade
said
. “Sh
e im
med
iate
ly g
ot d
own
to th
eir l
evel
and
was
ask
ing
them
al
l sor
ts o
f que
stio
ns. Th
is w
as h
er ti
me,
her m
omen
t but
inst
ead
the
kids
wer
e w
ay m
ore
impo
rtan
t for
her
. It w
as a
bea
utifu
l mom
ent.
“It w
as so
Cel
ina.”
Go W
ITH
THE F
LoW
Don
’t ge
t the
not
ion
that
And
rade
is in
any
way
bitt
er a
bout
Li’s
rel
ativ
e la
ck o
f lo
cal n
otor
iety
. Pa
rt o
f it i
s th
e sp
ort a
nd m
ostly
it’s
Li’s
unas
sum
ing
and
grac
eful
nat
ure.
An-
drad
e sa
id sh
e’s n
ever
seen
such
a h
umbl
e, de
flect
ing
elite
swim
mer
. It
is w
hy sh
e’s so
pop
ular
am
ong
her p
eers
and
team
mat
es.
“It’s
alw
ays
been
abo
ut t
eam
firs
t w
ith C
elin
a,” A
ndra
de s
aid.
“Sh
e’s a
lway
s be
en g
raci
ous
and
kind
with
her
team
mat
es. S
he’s
emba
rras
sed
whe
n sh
e re
-ce
ives
pra
ise. I
t’s so
refr
eshi
ng fo
r a sw
imm
er o
f thi
s cal
iber
.” Pa
rt o
f it m
ight
be
her c
ultu
re.
Her
fath
er P
hilli
p is
Taiw
anes
e and
mot
her Y
vonn
e is C
hine
se. Th
ey m
et at
N
orth
ern
Ariz
ona
Uni
vers
ity in
Fla
gsta
ff.
Cel
ina
was
bor
n in
Wisc
onsin
, sev
en y
ears
after
her
sist
er Ji
ng, w
ho w
as a
hi
ghly
com
petit
ive s
wim
mer
her
self,
earn
ing
a sch
olar
ship
to G
eorg
ia T
ech.
Fo
llow
ing
a su
cces
sful
four
-yea
r sw
im c
aree
r th
ere,
she
join
ed t
he P
eace
C
orp
and
serv
ed fo
r a sp
ell i
n th
e U
krai
ne.
“She
was
defi
nite
ly m
y ro
le m
odel
,” Li
sai
d of
her
sist
er. “
I gr
ew u
p w
atch
ing
her i
n th
e po
ol a
nd m
eets
and
I w
ante
d to
be
like
her.”
Sa
id A
ndra
de: “
Her
par
ents
hav
e don
e a g
reat
job.
Bot
h th
e girl
s are
such
gr
eat a
chie
vers
and
do
exce
ptio
nal t
hing
s, bu
t the
y do
n’t e
xpec
t pra
ise.”
Li w
as al
so a
com
petit
ive g
ymna
st, w
hich
hel
ped
with
stre
ngth
and
flex-
ibili
ty. S
he st
arte
d bo
th sp
orts
at th
e age
of 5
and
enjo
yed
them
equa
lly. B
ut
she
gave
up
gym
nast
ics a
t Lev
el 5
.“U
ltim
atel
y, I f
elt l
ike s
wim
min
g w
as le
ss d
ange
rous
,” sh
e sai
d. “I
just
felt
very
nat
ural
in th
e w
ater
. Ther
e w
as fl
ow, I
felt.”
H
er d
ad, a
n el
ectr
ical
eng
inee
r, m
oved
the
fam
ily f
rom
Pal
o A
lto t
o N
orth
Car
olin
a to
the
Phoe
nix
area
, whe
re L
i mad
e a
nam
e fo
r he
rsel
f in
the
yout
h ra
nks.
Whe
n th
e fa
mily
mov
ed to
Ple
asan
ton,
rig
ht b
efor
e Li
’s fr
eshm
an y
ear
at
Foot
hill,
And
rade
kne
w sh
e an
d th
e Fa
lcon
s had
hit
gold
. “I’d
hea
rd th
e na
me
befo
re,”
And
rade
said
. “I t
houg
ht, w
hat a
trea
t. H
ow lu
cky
was
I?”
SMaL
L paC
KaGE
, BIG
pIC
TURE
Long
time
Plea
sant
on S
eaha
wks
hea
d co
ach
Stev
e M
orsil
li fe
lt th
e sa
me
way
, th
ough
he’s
bee
n ar
ound
hun
dred
s of e
lite
athl
etes
as a
coa
ch fo
r USA
Sw
imm
ing
all
over
the w
orld
. The L
evel
5 co
ach,
whi
ch ra
nks h
im in
the t
op 2
per
cent
in th
e nat
ion,
has
co
ache
d in
Ple
asan
ton
since
197
5 an
d le
d th
e Se
ahaw
ks fo
r 31
year
s.H
is fir
st im
pres
sions
of L
i wer
e “s
he’s
quie
t and
ver
y in
tens
e. Sh
e ta
kes h
er a
cade
mic
s and
sw
imm
ing
very
serio
us. M
aybe
too
serio
us.”
Photos by Jonathan Hawthorne
16 SportStars™ Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.comScore Digital Content: Scan SSM With LAYARMay 1, 2013
Morsilli’s No. 1 goal with Li was teaching relaxing drills and keeping her loose. Li’s technique and strokes were, and have always been, impeccable — “She doesn’t have a weak stroke,” Morsilli said. “Most great swimmers have 3.5 strokes, but her gift is she has all four.”
“At first I did a lot of joking with her,” Morsilli said. “Then I did a lot of yelling. I’m not sure what she thought of me. Probably thought I was a little weird. But as her talent has risen and her accomplishments have increased, the pressure mounts.
“Four years ago when Celina Li had a bad race nobody no-ticed. But like any elite swimmer, now if she has a bad race, everyone wants to know what’s wrong with Celina. Is she sick? Is she unhappy? You get assaulted by the public when in reality, you just had a bad race. It happens. It happened to Michael Phelps at the last Olympics. Everyone assumed this and that but he had a bad race. It happens to everyone and Celina needed to realize it.”
Li fully admits that she often applies too much pressure on herself and that she’s had a love-hate relationship with the pool.
Three times a week she has to rise at 4 a.m. for morning workouts. She trains roughly 20 hours a week on top of her studies. Somehow she’s maintained a 3.90 GPA.
“It’s definitely not always smooth sailing,” Li said. “It’s hard and you have to remind yourself what your goals are.”
In the spring of 2012, Li said she almost considered giv-ing up the sport. Between SAT testing, recruiting, NCS and Olympic Trials, it almost overwhelmed her.
“There was a point I wondered is it really all worth it,” she said. “But of course had I quit I knew I would regret it. Those are all small bumps in the road that all swimmers experience. Once you get over it, you feel a lot better.”
It’s helped to have her sister and parents, Andrade and
Morsilli to talk things over with. It’s also helped to train with faster athletes, such as national
team members Catherine Breed (Cal) and Allison Brown (Stanford) among the women, and Nick Silverthorn and Maxime Rooney of Granada High, and Foothill freshmen Tony Shen, among the boys.
No matter whom she competes again, there is no one with more precise strokes or who is shorter. “You don’t see a whole lot of shorties like me,” Li said with a laugh. “I like being short though. I wouldn’t change my height at all.”
ZooM, ZooM, ZooMMorsilli admits that “generally a longer boat is a faster boat.
… The longer boat has an advantage.” But he also says: “Celina streamlines beautifully. Her body
just disappears in the water. She squeezes and pushes off the wall powerfully. She just zooms.”
Said Andrade: “She may be small, but she always swims big. She has the heart of a lion. She swims with such courage. She’s fearless and unafraid.”
Andrade is looking forward to see how Cal coach Teri McKeever will develop Li.
“The thing about Celina is that she’s just so versatile,” An-drade said. “She’s just scratching the surface to all she can do. (McKeever) is known to get the most out of swimmers like she did with Natalie Coughlin.”
But thinking of coaching next season without Li is sort of surreal to Andrade. “You can’t replace a Celina Li,” Andrade said. “It’s not just the points she scores, but it’s her presence. The way she conducts herself which makes it so easy for every-one else to follow suit. How do you replace that? You can’t.” ✪
Mitch Stephens is a national columnist with MaxPreps.com
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Records through April 27(source: maxPreps.com)
rank (prev) team record1. (1) St. Francis-Mountain View 24-12. (3) Casa Grande-Petaluma 19-13. (4) Granada-Livermore 18-04. (5) Davis 18-55. (6) Elk Grove 18-46. (7) De La Salle-Concord 12-57. (8) Campolindo-Moraga 12-6-18. (2) Serra-San Mateo 20-59. (9) Jesuit-Carmichael 16-510. (11) Bellarmine-San Jose 19-611. (15) Clayton Valley Charter-Concord 14-312. (14) San Benito-Hollister 20-413. (18) Woodcreek-Roseville 15-514. (NR) Bradshaw Christian-Sacramento 18-515. (NR) Oak Ridge-El Dorado Hills 13-816. (13) Pleasant Grove-Elk Grove 16-617. (17) James Logan-Union City 11-618. (NR) Pioneer-Woodland 16-719. (NR) College Park-Pleasant Hill 12-4-120. (NR) Bella Vista-Fair Oaks 15-7
DRoppED oUTNo. 10 St. Ignatius-S.F., No. 12 Granite Bay, No. 16 Valley Christian-San Jose, No. 19 El Cerrito and No. 20 Amador Valley-Pleasanton.
BIGGEST MoVERSBradshaw Christian took the biggest jump of the week by entering the rankings for the first time at No. 14. The Pride has wont seven straight, including a 5-1 victory over then-No. 6 Elk Grove on April 27. St. Ignatius took the biggest fall as it dropped from the No. 10 spot all the way out of rankings after losing four of five.
TEaMS STILL RaNKED FRoM pRESEaSoN Top 20: 13KNoCKING oN THE DooRSt. Ignatius-S.F. (15-10), Granite Bay (12-8), Valley Christian-San Jose (14-10), El Cerrito (14-6-1), Amador Valley-Pleasanton (12-6), Wilcox-Santa Clara (19-8), Washington-Fremont (14-5), Freedom-Oakley (13-5), Acalanes-Lafayette (13-6), Archbishop Mitty-San Jose (15-10), St. Mary’s-Berkeley (12-4).
LOcked in
Baseball, like most sports, rewards consistency. And Granada High had shown remarkable consis-
tency in winning its first 17 games of the regular season. But momentum in baseball can be fickle.
And on this late April afternoon in Livermore, baseball was fighting back against Granada.
Alex Barden, a junior pitching for a visiting San Ramon Val-ley team which had lost four of its last five games, had found a groove. And a Matadors offense which was batting over .300 as a team and averaging more than seven runs a game, had mus-tered just one run on four hits through six innings.
Granada trailed 3-1. For the first time in 18 games, the Mat-adors trailed going into their last at bat.
“That’s when it really shows the type of team you are,” Granada right fielder Casey Soltis said. “You really can show your true grit.”
Baseball rewards patience, too.Soltis, who struck out with a runner on third to end the sixth
inning, watched from the dugout as Matadors designated hit-ter Craig Woolson earned a leadoff walk on four pitches from reliever Conor Neumann. Vince Fernandez followed Woolson by drawing a seven-pitch walk.
But then Dan Whitney struck out. One down, the tying runs
Experience, pitching, depth are one thing, but the Granada baseball team’s torrid start is built on unwavering trust and confidence
By CHaCe brySon | Editor
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on first and second.“On any team I’ve ever played for you have
the raw talent guy, a couple kids who are so-lidified and know the game, and you have the kid who is just swinging it,” Soltis said. “But we’re locked in, and we have all the guys in the lineup so dialed in on what we need to do. The guy next to you is another hand. It’s un-believable to have that confidence in the guy next to you.”
Baseball sometimes requires a little luck.Miles Mastrobuoni followed Whitney by
hitting a high chopper of a ground ball that San Ramon Valley’s third baseman lost in the sun and was unable to field the high hop cleanly. Everybody was safe. Bases loaded. Winning run at first.
Ryan Dearborn draws a walk. 3-2. Matt Richards draws a walk. Tie game. Pitching change, San Ramon Valley. Jordan Thraikill stood next to Granada
coach Corrigan Willis as he watched Conner Stahl warm-up. Willis and Thraikill shared a quick word as the home crowd buzzed with anticipation. Then Granada’s senior catcher stepped into the batter’s box looking for a fastball he could hit for a sacrifice fly.
Stahl threw a curveball. Thraikill wasn’t fooled. He hit a sharp ground ball right back over the pitcher’s mound and into centerfield for the game-winning hit.
And in a win that was unlike any of the Matadors’ previous 17, the Granada team may have best displayed the qualities which made it the state’s only remaining undefeated team as of April 29.
The senior-laden roster is not only deep, experienced and talented, but it’s confidence level is in the stratosphere at this point.
“I would say they all trust each other,” said Willis, a Granada alum who is now in his fifth season at the helm of the program after four years under former coach Tony Battilega. “They feed off each other. They are commit-ted to each other. There’s nobody worried about when they take an 0-for-3 as long as we get the win. And that’s kind of a rare thing nowadays. That’s what this team exemplifies right now.”
Granada opened the week of April 29 ranked No. 4 in the state by CalHiSports.com, and were No. 37 in MaxPreps.com’s Xcellent 50 National Rankings. But this start wasn’t from out of the blue.
The Matadors finished the season 17-10 a year ago after a 9-3 North Coast Section Divi-sion I semifinals loss to fellow East Bay Ath-letic League foe, and eventual NCS champ, De La Salle. They would walk off the field knowing that as many as 13 would be return-ing for 2013 season, including eight of the nine starters.
Ali ThanawallaGranada starting pitcher Anthony
Olmo fires a pitch against San
Ramon Valley on April 26.
leFt: Vince Fernandez, left,
and Matty Proetel celebrate after Fer-nandez scored the
game’s tying run.
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Granada has already avenged that post-season loss to De La Salle, shutting out the Spartans 4-0 on April 17 in Livermore. It was the first of their two league matchups, and the win was echoed by more than a few Matadors as the moment the team’s confidence reached a new level.
“We knew we were good before that,” se-nior left fielder Ryan Kirby said, “but beating the defending NCS champ really meant a lot to us. It made us feel like we were legit.”
Still, Willis knows runs like this can’t be expected.
“You don’t expect to go on a streak like this,” the coach said. “This is uncharted terri-tory. This is major. We’ve taken the approach of worrying about the next opponent and the next pitch. As long as we win each battle, win each at bat and go in with that focus, we’ll continue to be successful.”
Much of what drives the Granada team is a deep-rooted chemistry stemming from sev-eral of the seniors all having played with each other since they were 9- and 10-years old. Some go back even further.
“I’ve known Casey Soltis and Kyle Campi-otti my whole entire life it seems,” Kirby said after the game.
Kirby is the team’s biggest run-producer at the plate. Through his first 18 games, the University of San Diego-bound outfielder was batting .404 with 21 hits (eight for extra bases) and a team-leading 19 RBI. Soltis has
20 hits and 13 RBI, and leadoff batter Matt Richards leads the team with 23 hits and 17 runs scored. He also has 14 RBI.
Kirby and Soltis, a junior who has signed a letter of intent to Oregon, make up two-thirds of an all-future collegiate outfield. Fernandez,
the senior center fielder, has accepted an offer to play for UC Irvine.
But as good as the team’s offense has been, it’s the starting pitching duo of Jacob Payne and Anthony Olmo that has really been a pleasant surprise for the Matadors.
Olmo picked up the win against San Ra-mon Valley, giving up three earned runs early — to swell his season ERA to a miniscule 0.92 — but settled down to retire nine of his last 10 batters. It was his eighth win of the sea-son and came two days after Payne picked up his ninth of the season with a 5-0 shutout of Livermore.
Payne’s ERA is an astounding 0.13 after giving up just two runs (one earned) in his first 53 innings of work. He’s allowed just 30 hits, struck out 71 and walked 15.
“Everyone knew Payne had the potential, but it was just whether or not everything clicked for him in terms of throwing strikes and hitting spots,” Kirby said. “And that’s hap-pened this year. Everything is coming togeth-er for him. And his stuff is nasty.”
Willis couldn’t say enough about both starting pitchers.
“The two starting pitchers have been out-standing,” Willis said. “When that started to materialize, I knew we had something special with the way these guys were throwing. They have come up huge all year.”
But after the team’s 18th straight victory, as country music blared over the sound system of Granada’s home field, Soltis embraced the moment and emphasized what it meant.
“Everybody has just bought into what we’re trying to do, and that’s to get to June 1 — the NCS championship game.” ✪
First baseman and leadoff hitter Matt Richards connects for one of his two hits against San Ramon Valley. Richards led the Matadors in both hits (23) and runs
scored (17) through the team’s first 18 games.
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it’s down to this
May 1, 2013
With two weeks remaining before the baseball and softball postseasons begin across North-ern California, we take a look at some of the key league races as well as teams and players to watch in the North Coast and Sac-Joaquin Sections.
NoRTH CoaST BaSEBaLL›› teamS to WatCH: Division I — Granada-Livermore, De La Salle-Concord, Amador Val-ley-Pleasanton, James Logan-Union City. Division II — Casa Grande-Petaluma, Campolindo-Moraga, Clayton Valley Charter-Concord, College Park-Pleasant Hill, Washington-Fremont. DIvision III — Acalanes-La-fayette, El Cerrito, Drake-San Anselmo. Division IV — St. Mary’s-Berkeley, Salesian-Richmond, Justin-Siena-Napa.›› beSt league raCe: It doesn’t receive the fanfare of some other East Bay leagues, but the Mission Valley Athletic League was an intense three-team race heading. Washington-Fremont held a one-game lead over James Logan-Union City and Newark Memorial, and the Huskies still had league meetings scheduled against both teams. They travel to James Logan on May 10 and host Newark Memorial on May 15. James Logan and Newark Memorial also face off against one another on May 8. ›› QUEST FOR FOUR: When it opened the year with a 2-4 mark, there were probably a few who wondered if Campolindo (featured on the cover of SportStars’ Bay Area Baseball/Softball Preview) was going to be the newest victim of a cover jinx. Well, not so fast. After falling to that 2-4 record on March 19, the Cougars went 10-2-1 over their next 13 games and were unbeaten against NorCal teams during that stretch. So despite the early hiccups, there’s every reason to believe that Campolindo will go into the Division II playoffs as the favorite to win a fourth consecutive NCS crown — which would tie the NCS modern era record for consecutive baseball titles. The other programs to accomplish it were St. Vincent-Petaluma (1986-89) and Casa Grande-Petaluma (2004-07).›› diviSion i danCe: In the four years since the NCS realigned the baseball playoffs from regional tournaments to an overall divisional format, four different teams have won the Division I title: Freedom (2009), Amador Valley (2010), James Logan (2011) and De La Salle (2012). Granada, which is the odds-on favorite to be the top seed in the field, has a chance to make it 5-for-5. If the Matadors two starting pitchers, Jacob Payne and Anthony Olmo, continue to hold opponents to a .161 batting average, then the changes are high.
SaC-JoaQUIN BaSEBaLL›› teamS to WatCH: Division I — Elk Grove, Jesuit-Carmichael, Davis, Rocklin, Wood-creek-Roseville, Granite Bay, Turlock, Pleasant Grove-Elk Grove. Division II — Del Campo-Fair Oaks, Benicia, Bella Vista-Fair Oaks, Rosemont-Sacramento. Division III — Whitney-Rocklin, Antelope, Lincoln, Pioneer-Woodland, Colfax, Yuba City. Division IV — Central Catholic-Modesto, Vista del Lago-Folsom, Ceres, Manteca.›› beSt league raCe: The Pioneer Valley League title will likely not be decided until the
it’s down to this
Analyzing homestretch for NCS, SJS baseball & softball
Phillip WaltonRobbie Tenerowicz, Campolindo
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final out of the regular season is recorded on May 8 when Col-fax and Lincoln play the second of two games. The Falcons have not lost since March 27 when they fell to Div. III favorite Whitney 6-4 at the River City Classic, and momentum could be in head coach Tim Day’s favor. Colfax junior david Camp-bell (.512, 20 runs, 20 RBI) and senior devon loomis (.511, 19 runs, 25 RBI) are having an internal battle for the team bat-ting title while Lincoln is led by sluggers Ethan Liddle (.560, 23 runs, 19 RBI) and isaiah garcia (.500, 30 runs, 27 RBI).›› ProliFiC PantHerS: Benicia outfielder Fred williams leads all Div. II hitters with a .489 batting average and is sec-ond with an .894 slugging percentage. The junior has driven in 22 runs and scored 21 times while collecting 23 hits, including 11 for extra bases. Head coach Jim Bowles’ team sports a .331 team average and has scored 198 runs in 23 games.›› SeaSon-ending SHoWdoWn: Delta Valley rivals and perennial section title contenders Elk Grove and Davis will square off in a home-and-home set to conclude the regular season and probably crown the league champion and pos-sibly No. 1 seed in Division I. The Thundering Herd are loaded with talent and power, including seniors Rowdy Tellez (.448, 6 HR, 26 RBI) and dom nunez (.421, 3 HR, 27 RBI), while the Blue Devils employ more of a small-ball approach. Davis has just one homer as a team, and freshman Ryan kreidler leads the team with 19 RBI. The matchup of Davis vs. Goliath should be an exciting prelude to the playoffs.
NoRTH CoaST SoFTBaLL›› teamS to WatCH: Division I — Amador Valley-Pleasan-ton, California-San Ramon, James Logan-Union City. Division
II — Alhambra-Martinez, Concord, Clayton Valley Charter-Concord, Petaluma. Division III — Terra Linda-San Rafael, Analy-Sebastapol, San Marin-Novato, Acalanes-Lafayette, Bishop O’Dowd-Oakland. Division IV — Salesian-Richmond, Cloverdale, Lower Lake, Fortuna.›› beSt league raCe: Cross-town rivals Concord and Clayton Valley are on a collision course for a two-day battle on May 14 and 16 that could determine the Diablo Valley Athletic League title, and could also send ripples through the NCS Div. II seeding process. Concord is the defending Div. II champion and entered the week of April 29 having won 11 straight. Clayton Valley was also winners of 11 in a row with its last loss coming on March15 to Alameda.›› Party CraSHerS: Perhaps the most exciting develop-ment to the NCS softball landscape happened on April 16 when California threw its visor into the ring as serious Div. I title contender by beating Amador Valley. Pitcher lindsey Chalmers and the rest of the Grizzlies had teased at upset-ting the Dons in the past, but could never quite pull it off — that included a 1-0 loss in the Queen of the Mountain Tourna-ment final on March 16. One month later, Chalmers flipped the script by shutting out Amador Valley by scattering five hits and striking out seven. The two teams, along with James Logan, should provide some fireworks in the postseason. ›› SuPer SoPH: Salesian began the year winning 14 of its first 15 games — and should be a heavy-favorite in Div. IV — thanks to the bat of sophomore meghan bradbury. The infielder/catcher entered the final week of April with a .628 bat-ting average and seven home runs and 27 RBI. And perhaps most impressive for a young talent, she has just two strikeouts in 51 at bats.
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SaC-JoaQUIN SoFTBaLL›› teamS to WatCH: Division I — Vintage-Napa, Woodcreek-Roseville, Tracy, Pleasant Grove-Elk Grove, Oak Ridge-El Dorado Hills, Elk Grove, St. Francis-Sacramento, Merced. Division II — Rocklin, Casa Roble-Orangevale, Roseville, Benicia, Christian Brothers-Sacramento, Mc-Clatchy-Sacramento. Division III — Whitney-Rocklin, Vanden-Fairfield, Pioneer-Woodland, Cordova, Wood-land. Division IV — Sierra-Manteca, Oakdale, East Union-Manteca, Cosumnes Oaks-Elk Grove, Union Mine-El Dorado, Central Catholic-Modesto.›› beSt league raCe: The Capital League got tighter at the top with Antelope’s 4-1 victory over Whit-ney on April 23, creating a four-team race for first with just a two-game difference separating the group that includes Whitney, Antelope, Cor-dova, and El Camino-Sacramento. Any of the four teams could emerge on top while one of the teams may miss out on the postseason altogether.›› vintage year: The Crushers are enjoying perfection as they seek their first-ever section championship. Having only appeared in one Divi. I final (finishing as runner-up to
champion Elk Grove), Vintage-Napa has taken on all comers in compiling an unblemished record through April 29. The Crushers have dominated the Monticello Empire League, outscoring league foes by an average of 8-1. Sophomore pitcher Emily Oestreich has struck out a division-best 226 batters in just 140.1 innings pitched through 23 games. Senior kacie burnett leads the offense with a .494 batting
average, 37 runs, and 36 stolen bases in 37 attempts.›› WorkHorSe: When a team faces Casa Roble, there is never any doubt as to who will be in the circle for the Rams. Senior kaitlyn Garcia has pitched every out of every inning since she joined the varsity team as a sophomore in 2011. Now, more than 450 innings and 55 wins later, Garcia is seeking another section champion-ship from the only place she knows.›› PoWer Player: Union Mine’s Sarah Phillis has shown plenty of pop this season, leading D-4 with 6 home runs. The senior first baseman also leads the division with a 1.263 slugging percentage and .649 batting average, and is in the top four with 30
runs scored and 27 RBI. If she can keep those numbers up in the playoffs, Phillis could power the Diamondbacks to their first section title in the school’s short history. ✪
— Chace Bryson and Jim McCue
Phillip WaltonTaylor Cotton, Whitney
Records through April 27 (source: maxPreps.com)
Rank, Prev. Team Record1. (1) Archbishop Mitty-San Jose 23-02. (3) James Logan-Union City 17-13. (2) Amador Valley-Pleasanton 16-24. (4) Alhambra-Martinez 15-1-15. (5) California-San Ramon 15-36. (6) Vintage-Napa 24-07. (8) Sierra-Manteca 18-28. (9) Woodcreek-Roseville 16-79. (10) Rocklin 20-310. (7) Elk Grove 16-611. (13) San Benito-Hollister 13-212. (14) Casa Roble-Orangevale 18-413. (15) Petaluma 16-114. (12) Carlmont-Belmont 20-315. (11) Pleasant Grove-Elk Grove 15-916. (19) Tracy 20-417. (20) Concord 15-318. (NR) Roseville 17-6-119. (NR) Oak Ridge-El Dorado Hills 18-620. (NR) Clayton Valley Charter-Concord 13-2
DRoppED oUTNo. 16 Leigh-San Jose (17-6), No. 17 Whitney-Rocklin (16-8) and No. 18 Ponderosa-Shingle Springs (12-10-1).
BIGGEST MoVERNot a great deal of movement in the upper half of the rankings, though both Tracy and Concord jumped three spots from 19 and 20 to 16 and 17, respectively. Heading into the week of April 29, Tracy had won 16 of its past 17 games dating back to March 16. Concord had won 11 straight since a 3-0 loss to No. 13 Peta-luma on March 21.
TEaMS STILL RaNKED FRoM pRESEaSoN Top 20: 13KNoCKING oN THE DooRTerra Linda-San Rafael (19-2), Salesian-Richmond (14-1), Leigh-San Jose (17-6), Whitney-Rocklin (16-8), Sheldon-Sacramento (11-11), Freedom-Oakley (11-5-1), Santa Rosa (14-5), Kimball-Tracy (16-6).
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The 2013 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft is right around the corner so it’s time to take a look at who are Northern Cali-fornia’s top high school prospects.
Now, you might be saying, “the draft is in June, that isn’t right around the corner.” You would be correct if only considering the calendar and how many days until the draft. How-ever, a scout’s “pref list” is turned in by May 1, and from here on out it is all about making sure the paperwork is in, getting last looks at the top guys, and more than anything, get-ting each player’s signability.
A “pref list” is an area scout’s pre-ferred order of the prospects. Some scouts have deep lists (up to 75 players) and some have shallow lists (maybe as few as 40). The top ten players won’t be exactly the same for every scout, but in each scout’s top ten there are likely to be at least five common names.
The term “signability” refers to what it will take to sign the player to a pro contract. A high school senior with a scholarship to a major col-lege program will tell clubs how much it will take for him to forgo going to college. Signability isn’t
really supposed to affect how high a player gets drafted or IF he gets drafted, but the reality is
that signability has trumped talent in some ways.
According to one area scout, here are NorCal’s top five high school prospects:
LHP/1B matt krook of St. Ignatius Prep-S.F., OF jordan Paroubeck of Serra-San Mateo, RHP Chris Viall of Soquel, RHP Carlos Salazar of Kerman and LHP Jonah wesley of Tracy. He didn’t put them in order, but you can surmise that more than a few oth-ers have the same five listed. That doesn’t mean they are the top five of
ALL prospects in NorCal because a full list takes collegiate players into account.
Krook has signed with Oregon, Paroubeck and Salazar with Fresno State, Viall with Stanford and Wesley with UCLA. All of those can be considered major college programs, obviously. It is basically a foregone conclusion that kids committed to Stanford will go to school, so Viall likely won’t get serious attention despite his exceptional talent. Krook recently had a
poor outing in front of a large gathering of draft decision makers and that will affect his draft slot. UCLA isn’t quite as good as Stanford in getting their players to come to school, but they do get their fair share so Wesley’s signability is likely in question, as will be Krook’s.
Of those players, Paroubeck and Salazar are likely the most signable, simply because a degree from Fresno State and playing baseball in the Mountain West Conference doesn’t quite
measure up with a degree form Stanford, UCLA or Oregon while playing Pac-12 baseball. That statement isn’t intended to disrespect a great Fresno State baseball program and a fine university, rather, it just reflects part of what is considered in the draft process. ✪
Blaine Clemmens is the founder and director for the Bay Area World Series. For more in-formation, visit www.bayareaworldseries.com
May 1, 2013
Mlb draft: northern California’s Top 5 high school prospects
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Welcome to Impulse, your one-stop shop for gadgets, gizmos, and gear. Compiled by staff writer Erik Stordahl, Impulse provides you with the latest and greatest and what’s currently hot on the market. We’re getting close to the summer months, which means you’re shopping for a new swimsuit, eliminating that farmer’s
tan and planning a vacation. If you’re like us, that means staying in, blasting the AC, eating Cheetos and watching re-runs of I Love Lucy. Let the fun begin!
WELLRox FLIp FLopS After wearing the same old flip flops for
an entire summer, your feet, posture and balance could be in bad shape come autumn. By using snazzy technology
that’s well beyond our comprehension, Wellrox provides a nice, cushiony support while not sacrificing style. Get these flip
flops and walk the beaches and shores in comfort. Grab a pair at Macy’s or online at
macys.com
WoRKoUT GooDIESNow that it’s starting to heat up, you’re probably gonna start running more. Here are two essentials you’ll need for working out: iLuv FitActive Sports Earphones — great sound quality with dif-ferent colors to choose from. They’re ideal for running with their secure fit. Perfect for running or bik-ing. Aduro U-Band — strap in your iPod and run for miles with the comfort and style of this armband.
KIDFESTThe can’t-miss event of the early sum-mer just got a whole lot sportier. That’s right, SportStars will be on hand for the
three-day Memorial Day Weekend event at Mt. Diablo High. We’re taking over the athletic field and putting on a smorgasbord of skills stations – everything
from baseball to rugby to lacrosse. There’s also going to be carnival rides, face painting, tattoos, cotton candy, tons of goodies and door prizes. Come find us at the SportStars Field of Dreams. For more info go to www.kidfestconcord.com.
BLUE & GoLD CLaSSICOh yes, golf season is in full swing (see what we did there?), which means your calendar’s about to get booked with dozens of tournaments. Don’t miss this one! The Blue & Gold Classic tees off Monday June 3 at Indian Valley Golf Club in San Rafael. Grab your foursome for the 1 p.m. shotgun start. Contact Patty Brusati at (415) 519-2939 for more info or email her at [email protected].
pIVoT FIREBIRDMaybe you’re not a beach person and you’ll be spending the summer far away from even a hint of flip flops. In that case, grab Pivot Cycle’s latest Firebird mountain bike. It’s ideal for downhill competitions, racing down Mt. Dia-blo or just chasing down the ice cream truck.
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training time: tim rudd
5 SpEED TRaINING MISTaKES To aVoIDThe fact is many coaches just get it wrong when attempting to increase the speed and agility of your athletes. Today I want to share my first 5 out of 10 speed
training mistakes coaches make. If you want faster and more agile athlete’s then avoid these mistakes at all costs.Simple example: If your athletes lack ankle mobility they are losing up to 20% of their power output when accelerating and are unable to optimally change
direction.
1. NOT ASSESSING — This goes far beyond looking how they accelerate and change direction. Coaches need to assess athletes for possible movement dysfunctions that can be limiting their ability to accelerate and change directions. Most coaches will just focus on technique, which is great, but if your athletes lack mobility or strength then all the technique work in the world will do very little in improving speed and agility.
2. INADEQUATE wARM-UP — If the athletes aren’t properly prepared for their speed and agility work, then they will not be moving optimally and their chance of injury is increased. The purpose of the warm-up is to address soft tissue quality, improve muscle length/extensibility, improve mobility of the joints in all planes of movement, elevate core temperature, charge up and prime the nervous system in preparation for the imposed demands of acceleration and agility training. If your athletes aren’t properly warming up, they are not getting better.
3. TOO MUCH SPEED TRAINING — The problem with over speed training is simple, it teaches the ath-letes to over stride. The foot travels in front of the body (rather than under and behind) causing a breaking action, not only does this slow the athlete down it also increases their chance of injuring their hamstring. The key to speed is not increasing stride frequency for high school athletes, but increasing stride length. The athlete who gets to point A and B with the fewest steps wins the race. Usain Bolt took only took 46 steps in the 100-meter final and won gold.
4. TURNING SPEED INTO CONDITIONING — The purpose of speed and agility training is to improve skill and maximal power output. The fact is that speed training is dependent on the ATP/PCR energy system. What does this mean? This system is depleted within 8-10 seconds and needs anywhere from 60 seconds to 3 minutes to fully recover in order to repeat another maximal power effort which is required for improving speed. Some coaches who don’t understand this use way too little rest, which doesn’t allow the ATP/PCR system to fully recover. So instead of improving an athlete’s maximal power output (speed) they only are working on operational output (conditioning), a percentage of maximal power output.
5. NEVER TEACHING DECELERATION — Team sports require many changes of direction (agility). If your athletes are not properly coached on how to land or decelerate properly then they won’t have the ability to change direction well.
The fact is that athletes need to be able to decelerate and overcome their body weight to change in a new direction in response to closing the gap on defense or gain space on offense. Would you get in a plane with a pilot who never learned how to land? I didn’t think so. You’ve heard the saying speed kills; well these mistakes will kill any chance of your athletes getting faster and more agile. ✪
Tim Rudd is an IYCA specialist in youth conditioning and owner of Fit2TheCore.
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Jayne Appel, center for the San Antonio Silver Stars and graduate of Carondelet-Concord and Stanford, is the best passing post in the WNBA, and she dishes out great advice to high school athletes who would follow in her All-Star footsteps. For instance, staying in shape isn’t just about conditioning.
“Sleeping, eating and conditioning all go hand-in-hand. If you put garbage in your body, it’s going to perform like garbage,”
says Appel, the all-time Pac-10 rebound leader while at Stanford. “Kids have a lot going on, but unless they get eight hours of sleep at night, they won’t perform like they want to.”
Appel often gives athletes practical tips for getting enough sleep and eating right, which means fruits, vegetables and proteins. Good advice for performance and for recovery from inevitable injuries.
“Sleep is a huge part of recovery,” Appel said. “So is eating right, especially in lower-body injuries where you can’t train like you used to. You need to make sure you’re not gaining weight.”
And she tells athletes to listen to rehabilitation specialists. For Appel, that’s the physical therapy team at Muir Orthope-dic Specialists in Walnut Creek, experts she trusts to balance challenging her while holding her back.
“The sports mentality to play through the pain is wrong,” says Appel, who regrets playing through a broken foot her senior season at Stanford. “The trick to rehab is listening to your therapist and allowing your body the time to recover.”
Kent Mercer is a certified athletic trainer for Muir Orthopedic Specialists and De La Salle High.
Jaynesaysevery day health: Kent Mercer
Practical tips from WNBA StandoutaPPel
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If you are one of the hundreds of athletes who’s been in my office looking to improve your performance, than you’ve heard me say this, “The skill that transforms good athletes to great athletes is im-agery.” Scientific studies provide us with evidence that athletes who add imagery practice to their physical practice out-per-form those who don’t. These results have been replicated over and over again.
Using imagery (often called visualization) is relatively simple. Let’s use swimming as an example. Replay key starts, strokes, and kicks off the wall in your head. To maximize the power of imagery be sure to follow these best practices:
› PERFECT PRACTICE — Remember a time when everything felt just right; your technique was great, you stayed on tempo. This is exactly what you need to repeat over and over again. The greatest advantage of using imagery vs. real life practice is that every rep can be perfect. Repeat, repeat, repeat.
› HIT DELETE …QUICkLY!! — It’s important to remember that you are learning while you’re imaging (your nervous system is hard at work!). That said, do you want to reinforce that mistake you just made or reinforce the time you got your stroke technique just right? Delete your mistakes ASAP.
› SENSORY DETAILS — To get the most out of your imagery reps you must feel (moving through the water), see (the wall or the flags), hear (starting “beep”, cheering), smell (chlorine or salt water).
Just 5-10 minutes each day is all it takes. If you are an athlete looking to level up in your sport, then you can’t afford to NOT prac-tice imagery.
Imagery Practice:get mental: erika carlson
seeitdOitrememBerit
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A couple weeks ago, a coach friend of mine told me about a sport injury he had that wasn’t going away. He had been scrimmaging with his basketball team when he had felt a sharp pain behind his calf and had to sit down. Ini-tially, he thought the injury was minor and would gradually go away with conservative treatment.
A week later, limping and with no relief from the pain or swelling, he explained to me what had happened. I quickly advised him to schedule an appointment with his medical doctor due to the possibility of having a dangerous injury called “acute compartment syndrome” (or ACS) which can have long-term effects if it remains undiagnosed.
Compartments are areas of the arms or legs that contain muscles, tendons, nerves and blood vessels wrapped together in a sheath of dense, fibrous connective tissue called fascia. The fascia gives support to the soft tissue and keeps the contained materials from displacing by not stretching very much.
When swelling, bleeding or other products of inflammation occur inside a compartment, the increase in pressure on the capillaries, muscles and nerves can result in intense pain and loss of oxygenated blood to the muscle and nerve cells. ACS (such as the kind Los Angeles Dodgers’ second baseman Mark Ellis had last May) can result in necrosis — tissue death so severe that the limb may need amputation if the swelling is not resolved quickly.
ACS can occur during sports due to fractures, impact traumas resulting in bruised muscles, or the
wearing of constricting bandages or braces. Pain is felt within the affected compartment especially when stretched. Sometimes numbness, tingling or burning
pain is felt. The areas will typically feel extremely tight and smooth to the touch. The disease condition is diagnosed by physical examination and usually a doctor will measure the pressure within the muscle or fascia to confirm.
ACS is a severe medical emergency that requires a surgical technique called a fasciotomy. A doctor will make an incision to open the fascia tissue and relieve the swelling and pressure. Recovery time can take anywhere from several weeks to a couple months. While most sports-related injuries are not life threatening, ACS can result in amputations or even death. If you have an injury that is more painful than expected, is not healing quickly, or results in dysfunction, always seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Mikel Jackson is an athletic trainer for the staff of Sports Medicine For Young Athletes, a division of Children’s Hospi-tal Oakland.
Rotator cuff (RTC) strengthening is something common in many overhead athlete training pro-grams, but many athletes and coaches may actually be doing more harm that good.
The RTC is comprised of four muscles responsible for keeping the ball, or humeral head, centered in the socket throughout shoulder range of motion. As the arm is elevated overhead, the ball has a tendency to want to migrate up in the socket based on the direction of pull of the big deltoid muscle. This upward migra-tion can cause pinching of structures within the shoulder joint causing pain and leading to what is known as sub-acromial impingement.
It is the responsibility of the RTC to minimize this upward migration. Research has shown that exercising the RTC to failure or doing “burn-out exercises” of these muscles decreases the control of the humeral head. By doing so, a fatigued RTC results in upward migration of the ball in the socket even during the simplest daily tasks that require lifting the arm against gravity, increasing the potential for impingement.
This is not to say that the RTC shoulder not be trained. RTC training is an essential component for the health of an overhead athlete’s shoulder. However, training should focus on cuff activation, and caution should be used when building endurance and strength of the RTC to make sure the shoulder workload is not too high. When performing cuff exercises, athletes should feel their muscles working, but should stop prior to fatigue burn. It is important to utilize very light weight, and limit the number of repetitions performed. I typically limit RTC exercises to 8-10 reps.
Crossover Symmetry’s muscle activation program does a great job of activating both rotator cuff and scapula stabilizers without working these muscles to the point of fatigue.
Justin Dudley is an in-house Physical Therapist for Crossover Symmetry, based in Denver.
Persistent pain, swelling could be worse than you think
Use caution in rotator cuff strengthening
health watch: mikel jackson
rotator cuffs: justin dudley
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Most people don’t understand the purpose of core training. Most think the purpose is to attract the opposite gender,
when in reality it’s to keep the body capable of transferring force throughout the entire kinetic chain (from feet to head and/or hands). I find that when I am asked to create a core training program, it’s always about wanting to know what exercises will make abs look best, especially with summer approaching.
Your core is composed of many different abdominal muscle groups and most are not visible from the front of your body, and the true purpose of your core is to make sure you can stabilize and transfer force from your feet up to your hands and vice versa. The core is the link, and if it’s weak you will be as well.
Imagine trying to place a drink on a table held up by one sin-gular wooden or metal cylinder. No problem right? Now imagine placing that same drink on a table held up by a singular pool noodle toy. Not so stable huh? The cores main purpose is to al-low full functionality of the body. Not full functionality of your ego.
When training your core, the “side effect” should be a great looking stomach, and the main goal should be trying to ward off future pain as you get older. Make sure to focus on strength and stability of the front abs, side abs, rotational abs, and you lower back muscles to get a strong well-rounded core base that allows you to be strong in posture and healthy well into your later years.
Anthony Trucks is the owner of Trucks Training facility in Brentwood and covers weight training for SportStars.
Train the core for stability, not good beach physiquepowered by trucks: anthony trucks
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baSeball/SoFtballAll Star Academy of BaseballAll-Star Academy in Santa Clara features a 17,000-square foot indoor and outdoor training facility that is home to a variety of instructional programs designed to develop the total player. ASA offers All Skills Camps for ages 7-12, and Summer Boot Camps for 12 & under, middle school, high school com-petitive athletes. Info: 650-961-2255; www.asabaseball.comCabernet Baseball ClubThe Livermore-based club not only hosts The Pitching Center’s Spring Break Baseball Skills Camp 2013, it also is home to training and recreational leagues in other sports — including football, soccer, futsal, softball and lacrosse. Lil’ Baseball offered for ages 3-7. Info: 925-416-1600, www.cabernetindoors-ports.comej SportsEJ Sports provides positive, instructive base-ball programs that includes camps, teams, conditioning clinics for ages 7-18. We provide an exciting, bully-free environment to help players improve athletically and build confi-dence. Our instructors possess the capability to teach concepts and relate to youth based on their comprehension level and athletic ability. Our staff consists of qualified coaches dedicated to improving and continually learn-ing newest techniques in baseball. Info: 925-866-7199, www.ejsports.com.the Pitching CenterIn an effort to develop baseball players to their full potential, The Pitching Center has become the Total Player Center (TPC), a full-service baseball/softball training academy. We provide comprehensive, fully-integrated
programs that evolve based on the best research and information in areas from health/safety, peak performance, education techniques and more. Age- and skill-specific programs available for ages 8-18. Info: 925-416-1600, www.thepitchingcenter.com.
baSketballAll Out Sports LeagueOur camps are geared toward teaching fundamentals. Every aspect is covered: drib-bling, shooting, layups, passing, cross-overs, defense, help defense, boxing out and more. Camps open to boys, girls ages 6-16. We hold a multi-week Spring Academy in Clay-ton, four-day Summer Academy in Antioch. Info: 925-203-5636 or www.alloutsports-league.comBald Eagle Basketball CampCampers get improved skills, passion for becoming their best. Our unique format gives campers a choice period each day to play more basketball, go swimming, play sports camp games, have fun in our activity arcade — whatever summer fun they choose! This year we’ve ramped up our staff with more coaches who have high level playing and/or coaching experience, not to mention their PCA Certification like every staff member at Bald Eagle Sports Camps. Info: 888-505-2253.CalStarsThe Stars Basketball Academy offers youth and high school summer camps. The SBA is a fundamental based skills development camp for kids in third grade-high school. We offer three youth (3rd-8th) sessions and two high school sessions. Camps are conducted by Clay Kallam (Bentley HS), Kelly Sopak (Miramonte HS), Dan Middleton (Northgate
HS), Raul Reyes (Miramonte HS) and Elgin Leslie (Campolindo HS). Camps also as-sisted by former high school, college players. Info: www.calstars.org.FastBreak BasketballMargaret Gartner, highly-decorated girls bas-ketball coach for Carondelet, leads this girls camp focused on fundamentals. Three week-long sessions: Session I, June 24-28, Grades 4-10; Session II, July 15-19, Grades 1-6 and Session III, July 22-26, Grades 4-10. Learn, improve basketball fundamentals, skills while having fun. Info: www.FastBreakBball.com; or email [email protected] State warriorsThe Golden State Warriors will be conducting camps this spring, summer for boys and girls ages 7-15. In addition to high quality instruc-tion, each camper receives a reversible Warriors jersey, headband, certificate, two tickets to a Warriors home game and more. Info: 510-986-5310 or go to http://warriors.com/camps. Hawk Basketball AcademyWe focus on skill development, challenging the individual to push themselves to become the very best. Focusing on: footwork, drib-bling, proper shooting technique, reaching your highest level of performance, improving your mental game, preparing for CYO, high school and AAU. Info: 510-943-9252, face-book.com/hawkbasketballacademy.I’m Possible Training (Mike Allen)Whether you’re beginner or on varsity, this program will help you excel. Improve ball-handling, footwork, shooting, overall fitness. I’m Possible is a world-renowned basketball program authored by NBA skills coach Micah Lancaster. Mike Allen, head trainer for the Bay Area located in Los Gatos, runs clinics
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for athletes of all levels from pros to AAU and high school. By registering, you can download the program, which lists a library of drills. Info: 408-224-8503 or email [email protected], www.possibletraining.com/mikeallenNorCal Courts Basketball CampsNorcal Courts in Martinez covers all major fundamentals: dribbling, passing, shooting, defense, rebounding. The Spring Break Camp is April 1-5: 5th graders (9-11 a.m.), 6th-8th graders (noon-2 p.m.), high schoolers (3-5 p.m.). Sessions have fun, exciting drills that will help them become better players. Camps run by qualified high school coaches from Cal Stars and Cagers Basketball. Info: 925-457-5081; www.norcalcourts.com
CHeerCheergyms.comCustomize our clinics to fit your needs. Cheer-gyms.com runs the best overnight residential camps. We offer practical, fun material and professional, knowledgeable staff. Camps do not exceed 375 cheerleaders with one staff member for every 15 cheerleaders. Two-day camps also available. Private camps allow you to pick the hours, decide what they will learn. Camps also available for coaches. Intense Training Camps let you can pick one specific thing to work on for just $10 per student per hour. Info: [email protected], 925-685-8176, www.cheergyms.com
enriCHmentBald Eagle Jr. High Leadership CampGiving your child a road map to create suc-cess is extremely powerful. Our Jr. High Lead-ership Camp includes tangible experiences working cooperatively with peers, leading groups, public speaking, making friends, un-
derstanding community service, living an ac-tive lifestyle through fun camp activities. Info: 888-505-2253.dianne adair ProgramsCome join any of our eight summer sites for our fun and exciting summer program. Each week campers choose from several camps including sports, fashion, drama, CSI, science and more. In addition to weekly camps, we have weekly field trips to places like an A’s or Giants game, museums, the Jelly Belly Fac-tory, Six Flags, the pool, the movies, parks and the zoo. Field trips and camps vary by site. Offers, rates may vary at any of our nine locations. Info: www.dianneadair.org.
FitneSSChildren’s Hospital“Learn What It’s Like To Be An Athletic Trainer.” Workshop exclusively for high school students, March 1-2. Includes: Overview of careers in sports medicine; ankle injuries and taping techniques; wrist, hand, thumb injuries and taping; knee injuries and RICE therapy; stretching techniques; low back injuries and CORE Training; sports concussions; shoulder injuries, rehabilitation. Class credit, certificate of completion and reference materials. Run by Children’s Hospital Sports Medicine staff, held in Oakland. Also available: yoga, athletic development, speed camps, circuit training. Info: 510-428-3558Fit 2 the Core As a Youth Conditioning, Speed/Agility and Nutrition Specialist with the International Youth Conditioning Association, Fit-2 The Core Training Systems offers innovative approach to getting athletes back on the field. We work on a solid athletic foundation while focusing on individual progress. Instruction in movement
training, injury reduction, linear/lateral speed development, foot speed and agility, power de-velopment, proper weight training techniques and functional strength training. Athletes are closely supervised, with attention on proper technique, safety. We offer 2 days/week or 3 days/week program options. Free two-week free pass. Info: www.fasteryoungathletes.com, 925-639-0907.Renaissance ClubSport We offer sports, speciality camps for kids 5-12 during school breaks. Participants have fun-filled, active breaks as they receive instruction in a variety of sports, activities and projects. Working parents can take advantage of our extended hours for both morning and after-noon sessions. Families with multiple children receive 10 percent discount for each ad-ditional sibling registered for the same week. Info: 925-942-6344.trucks trainingTrucks Training was started by people who grew up in the area, experienced the world and came back to provide a service that we feel our community lacks. We have proven records and know what it takes to achieve the next level of sports & fitness safely and ef-fectively. Hometown feel from true hometown people. We offer 1-on-1, group and small group training for both fitness and sport-specific needs. Info: truckstraining.com; 925-756-7321
FootballAll Out Sports LeagueCamps held in Antioch and Clayton. Our four day non-contact camp teaches every position on the football field and are geared toward the fundamentals. Every aspect is covered: block-ing, tackling, running, defense, offense, spe-
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cial teams and more. Camps are open to boys, girls ages 6-16. Info: 925-203-5636, www.alloutsportsleague.com Diablo Football CampsWe offer contact and non-contact camps for players ages 6-14, which take place at Laural Ball Field and Shady Oaks Park in Oakley. Info/registration: 925-625-2222, www.DiabloFootball.com.linemeninc CampsUtilizing top college coaches and former NFL linemen, LinemenInc has produced a nationally-recognized camp and coach’s clinic. LinemenInc blends a fast paced, technically skill-oriented curricu-lum with a level of competition not found in other camps. Tuition is reasonably priced and includes camp, room, meals and jersey. In 2012, LinebackerInc was added. Info: www.linemeninc.com. Next Level Training CombineThis spring combine and football camp is April 6 at Emerald Park in Dublin for football players ages 7-18. The camp will feature 10-year NFL defensive back Donovin Darius. Youth camp are 9 a.m-noon, high school camp is 1-4 p.m. Focuses of the combine will include speed, agility, strength, quickness and conditioning. Info: DariusNextLevelTrain-ing.com; 904-290-3320NorCal Football CampsLed by Ken Peralta, Norcal Football Camps are focused on serving youth ages 7-14. Norcal Flag Football Leagues serve kids entering grades 2-6. Info: Ken, 650-245-3608, [email protected]; www.norcalfootball-camps.com.
golFthe First tee-Contra CostaThe First Tee Summer Camp is a youth development program for boys, girls ages 7-18. Participants will learn about golf and life skills and values inherent to the game. We have offerings at courses in Antioch, Concord, Martinez and Wal-nut Creek. Fee assistance available. Info: Angela Paradise, 925-686-6262, Ext. 0, www.thefirstteecontracosta.org. The First Tee-OaklandParticipants receive a minimum of 12 hours of instruction over an eight-week period. Instruction is conducted at three City of Oakland affiliate courses. We introduce the game of golf in a way that allows participants to progress with the mechanics required. Offered at little or no cost. Info: 510-352-2002; www.the-firstteeoakland.orgThe First Tee-Silicon ValleySpring classes begin in early March and seasonal classes are offered at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course (San Jose) and Palo Alto Golf Course. We welcome par-ticipants ranging from 2nd to 12th grade. Scholarships available. Info: www.the-firstteesiliconvalley.orgThe First Tee-Tri-ValleyWe offer seasonal camps for youth ages 7-17, held at the Pleasanton Golf Center. Life Skills Experience Classes begin in early March. Once-a-week summer slasses also available. Info: 925-462-7201; www.TheFirstTeeTriValley.org.LPGA-USGA Girls Golf CampAll-girls golf camp at Boundary Oak Golf Course taught by highly skilled LPGA and PGA member Teaching Profession-
als. Improve your short game, irons, woods and trick shots. Practice on the range and short game area where we will play a lot of games while building on the fundamentals. Etiquette and char-acter built into the curriculum. Finish by playing nine holes. Info: [email protected]; 925-482-4547
gymnaStiCSeast bay Sports academySummer day camps offer the best in gymnastics, cheerleading, and tum-bling. Half-day and full-day camps for girls, boys ages 5 and up for both rec-reational and competitive athletes. Our 13,000 square foot facility has the new-est equipment, including the brand new super-bouncy, safety-rated Weller Spring Floor, which is the largest in the world. Gymnastics & cheerleading camps: July 15-18, July 22-25, August 5-8, August 12-15. Competitive gymnastics camp (Levels 4 & up): July 8-12. East Bay All-Stars Cheerleading also private minicamps and clinics for all kinds of cheerleading. Info: www.eastbaysport-sacademy.com, 925-680-9999 .
HorSebaCk ridingearthquake arabiansOur skilled staff and individual instruc-tion gives each rider an opportunity to advance at his or her own pace while creating individual goals for success. If a competitive riding program is what you’re looking for, Earthquake Arabians has been continuously successful in the Arabian show ring. Spring and summer camps are around the corner. Info: www.earthquakearabians.com, 925-360-7454.
laCroSSeatherton lacrosseJoin Atherton Lacrosse and learn the ba-sics of the game in their spring, summer and fall camps. Every camper receives access to the best high school, college and professional lacrosse coaches in the Bay Area in a setting with an extremely low coach-to-camper ratio. Every camp-er receives a free t-shirt. Dates and Info: www.athertonlacrosse.com.
martial artSuSkSAdult and children’s programs, kick box fitness, mixed martial arts. Providing excellence in martial arts instruction and services for the entire family. 925-682-9517; www.usksmartialarts.com.
outdoor/adventureBear Valley Mountain Outdoor adventures including kayak-ing, tennis, cycling, hiking, camp fires and more. Soccer (ages 9-16); archery (9-adult); teen climbing and Bear Valley’s Day Camps for ages 3-18 provide moun-tain fun. Eight-week, weeklong and day camps. Every camper will have the op-portunity to enjoy a selection of mountain activities including: rock climbing, sailing, canoeing, hiking, swimming, disc golf, art and crafts, kayaking, biking, wilder-ness adventures and more. Info: www.bearvalley.com.Diablo Rock GymOffering kids summer camps every week June-August. Ages 6-17; multiple kid and/or week discounts. Info: 925-602-1000.epic indoor SkateparkSkateboard and scooter camps available
in June, July and November. Only $250 for a week or $50 per day. Skateboard deck or scooter grips included with a full week of camp. Lunch and snack provid-ed. Info: www.epicindoorskate.com.
SoCCerGino’s Soccer AcademyThe official camp of the Walnut Creek Soccer Club, run by WCSC Director of Coaching, Tom Ginocchio, and staffed with WCSC club coaches & players. Five one-week programs for ages 4-17 in July and August. Along with regular full- and half-day soccer programs, GSA runs the following specialty programs: team camps (recreational, competitive), advanced player academies, high school player academy, goalkeeper academies, all boys/all girls academies. Info: www.gi-nossocceracademy.com, 925-937-4466Heritage Soccer ClubTwo fun-filled sessions: June 24-28, July 22-25. Camp runs from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Cost for Heritage members is $150 for one session, $250 for both. Non Heritage players: $225/$325. Sibling discounts: $50 each. Heritage camp fo-cuses on learning new skills and honing existing ones. Compete in small-sided games and camp tournaments. Camp also includes keeper and striker training, conditioning, nutrition and developing your mental game. Registration is open to boys and girls ages 7-14. Info: www.HeritageSC.comWest Coast Soccer Programs designed to bring professional experience and guidance to youth play-ers across Northern California. The WCS
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coaching staff has created a curriculum to build the necessary foundation for your child to continue to grow. WCS camps, clinics and training programs create an environment that encourages experimen-tation and a passion for the game. Info: www.west-coastsoccerclub.comWest Contra Costa youth Soccer leagueOur program caters to competitive youth players ages 8-9. The main focus is not winning, but on development of total player within framework of a team. We also offer specialized training for strikers and goalkeepers. Younger ages focus on foot skills. We desire to promote personal responsibility, fit-ness, sportsmanship and teamwork. Info: 510-758-5288, http://wccysl.com.
SWimming-divingSherman Swim SchoolOur year-round schedule allows children and adults to learn, retain and improve their swim skills. We teach from age 9 months to adults, from non-swim-mers to competitive. Our private or semi-private lessons allow you to progress at your pace. We also offer beginning and competitive diving classes. Info: 925-283-2100, www.ShermanSwim.com.
tenniSClubSport Valley VistaOur camps are designed so that we touch on every major aspect of the game: stroke production, condi-tioning, strategy, footwork and psychology. Our low prices help make summer camp more affordable than ever. Eight sessions offered between June 17 and Aug. 16 geared toward players ages 7–16 from beginner to intermediate levels. ClubSport Valley Vista members receive discounted rates. Info: 925-934-4050.
volleyballBay Area Blast Summer ClinicsOffering summer skills clinics for players of all ages, skill levels at NorCal Courts in Martinez. Morning clinics for 6th-8th grade girls and boys or players who are beginner/intermediate level. Evening clin-ics for 9th-12th grade girls and boys or players who are intermediate/advanced level. Info: www.bayareablast.com/summerclinics.htmlCity beach The City Beach volleyball club is based out of Santa Clara and has achieved a vast amount of national success while sending an array of athletes to the college level. The club offers summer camps and clinics. Info: CityBeach.ClubSpaces.comPacific Rim VolleyballThrough private lessons and opportunity for year-round skills classes, athletes of any age or level can learn and improve the skills to gain a competitive edge. For athletes with limited experience, we help develop solid fundamentals. Our advanced training, for junior levels (12th grade & below) will provide athletes opportunity to excel at becoming elite play-ers in preparation for high school and/or collegiate volleyball. Info: www.pacificrimvolleyball.com.U.S. Youth Volleyball LeagueCamps are for beginner, intermediate, advanced players for boys, girls. We have a player-to-coach ratio of 8:1. Focus on spiking, serving, setting, pass-ing, blocking, defense, offense and game strategy. Six-, four- and two-person formats allow kids to play in every position. Registration fee includes a T-shirt, completion certificate, snacks and water. Info: 888-988-7985, www.USYVL.org.
WreStlingCommunity youth CenterOffers young athletes opportunity to participate and excel in one of the world’s oldest sports. The pro-gram trains, challenges wrestlers at all age groups from kindergarten through high school, and all expe-rience levels. The program is nationally recognized under the guidance of coach Mark Halvorson. Info: 925-671-7070, Ext. 229, www.communityyouthcen-ter.com.
multi-SPortBald Eagle Sports CampsA great blend of non-traditional “ultimate” games along with traditional summer activities, especially the soft-sword “Zaber Games” that no other camp in
the Bay has. Every activity is inclusive of any level athlete, and our message creates encouragement from coaches and teammates. Even the non-sports child will feel motivated to play and love our camp and the highly competitive athlete will feel chal-lenged. It’s the perfect mix of fun activity, message and culture. Ages K-8th grades. Info: 888-505-2253.Cal CampsCamps are offered in variety of sports for girls, boys ages 5-19, with week-long, half-day, full-day and overnight options. Most camps on campus in Berkeley and are held from June through August. The 2013 Cal Athletics Camps include the following sports: baseball, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls rowing/crew, field hockey, football, boys and girls golf, girls gymnastics, rugby, boys and girls soccer, softball, boys and girls swimming, boys and girls tennis, boys and girls volleyball and girls water polo. Info: CalBears.com/camps.City beach kids CampCamps in Fremont for ages 6-15 and are chock-full of activities, including rock climbing, interactive games, free play at the entertainment hub and courts (based upon availability). Camps are offered in 1-, 3- and 5-day session (w/ full- and half-day op-tions) and run from June 20-Aug.30. Spring camps: March 29, April 1-5. Info: CityBeach.com; 510-651-2500 x105.De La Salle CampsOur athletic summer camps provide a fun, skill-building week for kids. Camps appeal to local youth with a variety of athletic interests. De La Salle will offer the following sessions: football, track & field, lacrosse, wrestling, quarterback & wide receiver, lineman, volleyball, baseball, soccer, water polo and strength & conditioning. Week-long sessions run June 8-June 27. Info: [email protected]; 925-288-8100, Ext. 7090.east bay youth Sports associationWe are a year-round, full-service youth sports orga-nization dedicated to the growth and development of character, sportsmanship, confidence, teamwork, ability and fun. We offer family friendly schedules and a relaxed, enjoyment of sports in a less-than-competitive atmosphere that offers both the player and their families the best that youth sports can offer. Our camps schedule includes spring break camps for ages 5-12 and summer camps for ages 5-14. Info: www.eastbaysummercamps.comSaint Mary’s College CampsWe offer boys and girls overnight, day, team and specialty athletic camps for ages 4-18. Camps include: multi-sport (badminton, basketball, flag football, handball, paddleball, soccer, softball, street hockey, swimming, tennis, volleyball), individual sport camps (baseball, boys basketball, girls bas-ketball, golf, rugby, lacrosse, boys soccer, girls soc-cer, softball, tennis, volleyball). Each clinic features the head coach of the respective Gaels’ program. Info: www.smcgaels.com, [email protected], 925-631-4386. ✪
May 1, 2013
38 SportStars™ Upload photos and team stats! www.SportStarsOnline.comScore Digital Content: Scan SSM With LAYARMay 1, 2013
❒ 1-To-1 Pediatrics ............................................................................................31
❒ All Out Baseball & Softball In Season .............................................................22
❒ All- Star Academy...........................................................................................34
❒ Army National Guard Recruiter .........................................................................5
❒ Bay Area Blast Volleyball Club ........................................................................24
❒ Bay Area Festivals Inc. Kidfest Field Of Dreams ...............................................19
❒ Big O Tires Northern California/ Nevada ...........................................................2
❒ Bigfoot Hoops ................................................................................................13
❒ Brancos Lube N Tune ......................................................................................25
❒ Cabernet Indoor Sports ..................................................................................33
❒ Cal Athletic Camps..........................................................................................38
❒ Championship Athletic Fundraising ...............................................................25
❒ Cheergyms.Com .............................................................................................23
❒ Children’s Hospital And Research Center .........................................................29
❒ Club Sport ......................................................................................................11
❒ Club Sport Renaissance ..................................................................................28
❒ Community Youth Center ...............................................................................38
❒ Core Volleyball Club ........................................................................................34
❒ De La Salle High School Football Coaches Clinic ..............................................38
❒ Diablo Rock Gym ............................................................................................37
❒ Diablo Trophies & Awards ...............................................................................37
❒ Dianne Adair Enrichment Programs .................................................................3
❒ E J Sports Elite Baseball Services ....................................................................36
❒ East Bay Bulldogs Basketball ..........................................................................34
❒ Excellence In Sport Performance ....................................................................32
❒ Fit 2 The Core ..................................................................................................31
❒ Game Changers Sports And Event Center .......................................................20
❒ Halo Headband ..............................................................................................38
❒ Hawk Basketball Academy .............................................................................35
❒ Home Team Sports Photography ....................................................................37
❒ Image Imprint ................................................................................................34
❒ Little League Intermediate World Series.........................................................21
❒ M L B Scout ....................................................................................................35
❒ Mountain Mike’s Pizza ......................................................................................7
❒ Muir Orthopaedic Specialists ..........................................................................30
❒ National Academy Of Athletics .......................................................................12
❒ National Scouting Report ...............................................................................35
❒ Pacific Rim Volleyball Academy ................................................................34, 36
❒ Passthaball .....................................................................................................38
❒ Pro Hammer Bat .............................................................................................24
❒ Rocco’s Pizza ...................................................................................................37
❒ Rockin Jump ...................................................................................................39
❒ Sacramento River Cats ....................................................................................23
❒ Saint Mary’s Athletic Summer Camps .............................................................35
❒ San Leandro Crusaders Youth Football & Cheer ..............................................36
❒ Sherman Swim School ...................................................................................32
❒ Sky High Sports ..............................................................................................37
❒ Sport Clips ......................................................................................................16
❒ Stevens Creek Toyota ......................................................................................17
❒ The First Tee Of Contra Costa ...........................................................................38
❒ Trucks Training ...............................................................................................28
❒ U S Cryotherapy ..............................................................................................30
❒ United States Youth Volleyball League ...........................................................40
❒ Velocity Sports Performance ....................................................................35, 37
❒ World Events ..................................................................................................36
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