June 29, 2007

Evergreen Sports

Valley Christian holds inspirational Football Camp for Down syndrome athletes

Trevor Lucken playfully pats camp coach Jeff Schweiger on the stomach during Football Camp for the Stars at Valley Christian High School on June 22.

By Diego Abeloos
Sports Editor

A student with Down syndrome—and a stalwart to the Warriors’ football program—inspired Valley Christian head football coach Mike Machado so much that the coach decided to create a football camp just for kids with Down syndrome.

Machado, along with a horde of former and current Valley Christian football players, hosted the Football Camp for the Stars, a two-day football camp for children with Down syndrome who love the sport, on June 22-23. Machado said he’s wanted to hold the camp for years now, and has finally done so in part because of the inspiration he’s received from Andrew Watson, who has Down syndrome and has served as the Warriors team manager for the past 10 years.

Richard Valcazar dives for the ball during drills at Football Camp for the Stars at Valley Christian High School on June 23.

“Andrew comes out every day to practice and the games, and his level of excitement and his passion for the game of football and just his ability to catch the ball and throw the ball; I mean, he’s an athlete,” said Machado, who also has a background in special education dating back to his days at Saratoga High School in the 1980s and early 1990s. “People look at these kids and I don’t think they give them a lot of credit for that stuff. They’re on the sidelines watching and I wanted to design something that would put them out in front. They’re the stars today. That’s what I wanted to do, to allow them that experience, and I’ll tell you, I love watching them.”

Those sentiments were echoed by former San Francisco 49er and current Valley Christian assistant coach Dana Stubblefield, who also noted that the football camp for Down syndrome athletes was a unique venture.

“It’s just a great thing,” said Stubblefield. “Me and coach Machado just kind of thought of it. He (Machado) has worked with these kids for years, and I’ve been working with Special Olympics for 12 or 13 years now, so it’s something that has not been done, as far as football-wise, and having the volunteers come out here has just been great. It’s a good thing that we’re doing and something we’ve wanted to do for a long time.”

Justin Willis, a San Jose State University football player and assistant coach for Football Camp for the Stars, shakes the hand of Champ Pederson during a break at Valley Christian High School on June 22.

That said, Machado noted that the camp was designed to put the campers through real football drills, similar to the ones Warriors players go through. Former players, such as Jeff Schweiger, who recently transferred from USC to San Jose State University, as well as former Warriors and current San Jose State Spartans Dante Perez and Colin Maher, among others, put campers through the paces, teaching proper handoff techniques, wide receiver running routes, and other fundamental football drills.

“That’s been a big thing that we wanted to do with this camp, to really treat them like football players,” said Valley Christian Athletic Director Eric Scharrenberg. “These kids come here and they’re going to have an authentic football experience.”

“Everything we’re teaching them and they’re learning is stuff what we know and we teach our kids,” added Stubblefield.

Mike Singletary signs the wristband of Richard Valcazar during the Football Camp for the Stars.

And while the campers had the chance to go through drills—and show off some creative touchdown dances—they also received star-studded visits from former San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions head coach Steve Mariucci, current 49ers head coach Mike Nolan, and Hall of Fame NFL linebacker and current 49ers assistant coach Mike Singletary. All three coaches have, and have had, children who attended Valley Christian. In fact, Mariucci’s son, Tyler, is returning to the school to serve as the assistant athletic director and assistant football coach this coming season. For Stubblefield, seeing his former head coach Mariucci and the way he spoke to campers brought back vivid memories from his own playing days.

“Watching him talk to the kids while I was standing back and looking at him, it’s like I was back in the locker room having him talk to me as a player,” said Stubblefield. “I was telling his (sons), ‘your dad never lost it.’ He hasn’t lost it. Him speaking to these guys was like he was speaking to us as players with the Niners.”

Campers and coaches at Football Camp for the Stars get ready to break the huddle at Valley Christian High School on June 23. Photos by Dan Miranda

Machado also noted that he was proud to see his former and current players, as well as former and current Valley Christian parents, come together for a good cause.

“Our program is like a giant family,” said Machado. “Steve Mariucci was a part of it, because Tyler played for us and now he’s coming back to coach this year. To me, this was a Valley Christian family affair. We all decided to come together with one common goal, and that was to put on a quality event for the Down syndrome kids.”

For Machado, the camp was also satisfying on another level as well: seeing the campers have fun as football players.

“You’re going to have to show me somewhere else where you can get this kind of satisfaction watching something like this,” Machado said. “Because this to me, is what it’s all about.”

From teal to blue and gold

Evergreen Valley High’s Jennifer Ames to play softball for San Jose State University

By Diego Abeloos
Editor

Recent Evergreen Valley High School graduate Jennifer Ames isn’t going far to continue her softball career. In fact, she’s staying in the same town.

Ames, a powerful right-handed pitcher, recently committed to San Jose State University after the school offered her a softball scholarship. All told, Ames said her choices for schools came down to two – SJSU and the University of Nevada, Reno, where her brother goes to school. In the end however, Ames said she chose SJSU in part because of the team’s coaching staff, headed by USA Men’s National Softball Team coach Peter Turner, and her familiarity with some of the Spartan players, such as infielder Dannielle Brown.

Evergreen’s Jennifer Ames, shown here during a CCS Playoff game pitching for the Cougars earlier this season, is headed to play softball at nearby San Jose State University. Photo by Diego Abeloos

“I know a lot of the girls on the team, so that really helped,” Ames said of choosing SJSU. “I’ve played with a lot of them (on traveling teams) and they all had a lot of good things to say about him (Turner).”

Ames will also bring an impressive resume to the Spartans team. During her senior season at Evergreen, the right-hander compiled an 8-9 record, while posting a 0.25 ERA over 108 innings pitched, in which she allowed just 56 hits and 11 walks while striking out 103 batters.

Turner, who led the Spartans to a 23-28 overall record and an appearance in the 2007 Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Tournament, said the SJSU coaching staff wanted Ames on board because of her untapped potential as a pitcher.

“She has the size and ability to reach heights she hasn’t reached yet,” Turner said. “She has great upside.”

In fact, Turner said he plans on putting Ames right in the thick of things for the 2008 season, as part of the Spartans starting rotation.

“We brought her here, along with a junior college transfer, to be a part of our three-person rotation,” he said.
Ames said SJSU is an up-and-coming team in the WAC, making her decision to choose the Spartans that much easier.

“With the new coach (Turner), it’s a turnaround,” Ames said of the SJSU softball program. “They’re headed in much better places than people expect. All the girls believe it and the coaches are the first ones to say that they want to become a national contender.”

In addition, Ames noted that she places great value on her education, which falls right in line with the SJSU coaching staff’s thinking as well.

“They’re really competitive, but they all have families, and (Turner) made it clear from the beginning that school’s first,” said Ames, who will enter SJSU with an undeclared major. “…I wanted to play in college, but I didn’t want softball to be the only thing that I was able to do.”

Turner noted that while Ames has an impressive high school pitching resume, WAC competition is an entirely different beast. To that end, Turner said he will work with Ames to fine tune various aspects of her game for the coming season, and beyond.

“We’ll teach her rotation and location,” Turner said. “Her movement and location will be better. She’s relied on velocity so far, and that doesn’t work in Division I.”

Finally, Ames said she relishes the chance to compete at the Division I level, while still staying close to home, so that her parents can see her pitch anytime for the Spartans.

“I can’t even do my own laundry,” Ames said jokingly. “I really wanted to stay close to home.”

Evergreen Jr. Braves win Tournament of Champions

The Evergreen Braves of the Little League Junior Division were crowned Tournament of Champions winners, posting a 12-1 victory over the Berryessa Giants, completing a season that saw the team compile an overall record of 21-1.

After completing the regular season with a 17-1 record, the Braves still had one more goal, to win the Tournament of Champions against eight other teams that took first or second place in their respective divisions.

The Braves did just that, dominating the top eight teams with a combination of solid pitching, strong defense and the league’s No. 1 ranked offense. In each of the four TOC games, the Braves scored at least four runs in the first inning to put their opponents at an early disadvantage. The Braves outscored the opposition 50-8 to complete the season with a 21-1 record.

“It was gratifying to win in such a manner, especially since we had an early exit the year before,” said Manager C.C. Ching. “This has been the best bunch of players and the best team I’ve ever coached, including my 22-2 Minor league championship team.”

The Braves won the first round elimination game against the Milpitas Red Sox 9-3. Sheldon Daquioag, who also plays for Silver Creek High School, pitched five innings, striking out nine. Gabriel Larot, who also plays for Evergreen Valley High School, pitched the last two innings, striking out five.

The Braves then jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the second game and defeated the Spartan Giants 14-4 as Alex Rayfield pitched six strong innings for the win. In the semifinal game against the Berryessa Giants, Larot pitched a five-inning two-hitter en route to a 15-0 victory, highlighted by a grand slam from Rayfield. Berryessa fought back through the loser’s bracket to face the Braves again in the final, but Daquioag turned them back with a five-inning, 12-1 victory with 11 strikeouts in the championship game.

Silver Creek’s Andre Gonzalez signs with Division I CSU Fullerton

Silver Creek wrestler Andre Gonzalez (middle) poses with Head Coach Eddie Luna (left) and Assistant Coach Valentino Esquivel (right) after his fourth place finish at the 2007 CIF State wrestling championships. Gonzalez, a 2007 graduate, will move on to compete at the125-pound weight class for the CSU Fullerton Titans next season. A four-year varsity wrestler, Gonzalez received a partial scholarship to CSU Fullerton after an outstanding senior year. Tournament titles for Gonzalez include: The Curt Mettler Invitational, The Lemoore Bash, The Doc Buchanan, Mid-Cal Classic (voted Outstanding Wrestler), BVAL league champion and CCS champion.

Creekside Cudas back in action

The beginning of summer can mean only one thing for several of Evergreen’s young and promising swimmers – the start of the Creekside Cudas swim season.

Creekside Cudas swimmer Devin Valdez gets to work in the pool during a meet earlier this summer. Photos by Dona Nichols

This summer, the Cudas return to the pool with a plethora of talented swimmers, and while the team has run into a touch of tough luck to begin the season, losing its first two meets by a total of 12 points before winning in lopsided fashion in its third meet, coach Leslie Schafer said the future looks bright for Creekside.

“The downside to having so many swimmers is that we have limited pool space. The upside is that we have more kids participating in the sport,” said Schafer. “…I think that many are a little shocked that we have lost two meets after winning for two years, but I see it as a positive thing. Every team has to go through a building stage. We have a good foundation to build from. Many of our younger swimmers are first and second year swimmers who aren't scoring (at meets) now, but will if they stick to the sport. I see losing as an important lesson in life. It often causes us to focus on how to improve and to work harder. Adversity makes us stronger.”

SPORTS BRIEFS

Bay Area Boot Camp 5K Fitness Training Program
Boot Camp dates are from September 10 - November 4 at South Bay locations. The cost is $125 - All proceeds benefit the Bay Area Women's Sports Initiative. The 5K Fitness Training program, developed by Bay Area Boot Camp’s expert coaching staff, is a comprehensive workout series designed to prepare you for the Silicon Valley 5K Run/Walk on November 4, 2007.

Designed for runners of all levels, this 8-week program includes:

8 weekly training sessions led by Bay Area Boot Camp coaches

A detailed schedule of running, speed, and cross-training drills

A Training log to help you track your progress and keep your focus

An 8-week nutrition plan designed to support your training and optimize your energy level

Unlimited phone and email support from our coaching staff of veteran 5K, 10K, and marathon runners

15% off September and October Boot Camp sessions - an ideal way to enhance your race preparations and cross train in a supportive group environment

A pre-race party – get to know your fellow 5K racers and learn more about BAWSI!

For more information, contact Mary Beth Gonzales at marybeth@bayareabootcamp.com or phone 408-425-9475. Visit our website at www.bayareabootcamp.com

Summer Field Hockey Camp at Leigh High School
Leigh High School will be holding a Field Hockey Camp July 9th through 12th. Boys and girls entering 1st through 9th grade are welcome. The cost is $125 per participant and includes instruction, t-shirt, field hockey stick and ball. Registration forms are available at http://www.leigh.cuhsd.org/News/LEIGH_FIELD_HOCKEY_CAMP.pdf. For more information, contact Karin Mirassou at kmirassou@hotmail.com.

Evergreen Valley College soccer to hold summer camps in June and August
Evergreen Valley College will be holding summer soccer camps for boys and girls ages five and six, as well as ages 7-14 in June and August.

The Baby Hawks summer soccer camps, for ages five and six, will take place on the following dates:

- Session I – June 18-21, 5:30-7 p.m. (girls only)
- Session II – Aug. 6-9, 9-10:30 a.m. (boys and girls)
- Session III – Aug. 6-9, 10:30 a.m.-noon (boys and girls)

In addition, the Advanced Hawks summer soccer camps, for ages 7-14, will take place on the following dates:

- Session I – June 18-21, 5:30-8:30 p.m. (girls only)
- Session II - Aug. 6-9, 9 a.m.-noon (boys and girls)

For more information about the camps, call Evergreen Valley Women’s Soccer head coach Felicia Perez at (408) 274-7900 ext. 6910 or email Felicia.Perez@evc.edu.

FitCamp Sign – Ups Going On Now
TotalFit Solutions is registering participants for their Summer FitCamp programs at Evergreen College, Los Gatos and Mt. Pleasant High School.  You can sign up for a 6 week session, or chose 2 or 3 day a week programming.  You can get started today!

FitCamp is a fun filled exercise program that is open to all ages and abilities.  FitCamp meets everyday and is designed to be a total fitness solution for kids and parents alike. Every day has a different workout which not only keeps our participants excited and challenged, it keeps your body moving in a way that guarantees results.

Whether you are looking to better your sports conditioning, lose weight or just get in shape; FitCamp is a great alternative to commercial fitness centers and gyms.

At FitCamp you can always try a class for FREE!  For more information, contact TotalFit  Solutions at (408) 227 – 2216 or on the web at www.totalfitsolutions.com.

TotalFit Solutions offers wellness coaching, personal training, corporate wellness packages and adventure travel for individuals and families. Contact us today!

EMQ Children & Family Services Tennis Marathon Begins 24th Season
Proceeds benefit programs that help children and families with mental health disabilities
Registration has begun for the annual EMQ Children & Family Services September, 2007 to May, 2008 tennis season fundraiser. This event allows participating groups to play one match per month beginning in September with the scheduling of time and location set at the convenience of the players.  A $50 fully tax deductible fee is required by all participants for the entire season.  Individuals can play in more than one group at $50 per group fee.  

Registration Deadlines: July 2 for singles, July 15 for doubles. All player levels are welcome and participants are encouraged to form their own group or participants can be placed in a group. Doubles must provide a partner at the time of registration. A schedule and set of rules is sent to each group with the roster and group leader name prior to September, 2007.

An end-of-the-season celebration will be held on Friday, May 16, 2008 at the Almaden Valley Athletic Club (AVAC) with Round Robin Tennis followed by lunch and awards. For more information and to sign up, contact Lois Machado (408-268-1306; loistennis@aol.com) for singles and Jean Knofler (408-269-1492; jbknofler@comcast.net) for doubles. 

Sports Briefs: Sports Briefs listings are subject to the following fee structure: $25 per month, per publication for the Evergreen and Almaden Times; $10 per month, per publication for the monthly newspapers. Indicate publication placement at the time the listing/payment is submitted. Sports Briefs accepts checks – payable to Times Media, Inc – VISA or MC. To charge your payments call Sonia Pineda at 494-7000 x205. Be sure to reference your team/organization with your payment. Listings appear once payments are received. TMI sponsored events and full-proceed charity fundraisers exempted. Email, fax or mail listing text to: candy@timesmediainc.com 1310 Tully Road, Suite 107, San Jose, CA 95122. 408-494-7078 (fax) Limit 200 words. Questions? Call 494-7000 x225.