July 2008 Archives

The Pasadena Star-News is pleased to announce the hiring of Star-News prep editor Miguel Melendez, who is a former part-timer at the Tribune, and most recently was a big part of the Orange County Register's prep coverage. Miguel loves to blog, is tech savvy, likes UCLA, (which was important during the hiring process, ha, ha), but in all seriousness, will rock the Star-News coverage area. He's passionate, which makes me excited to work with him again, and I know you will enjoy his coverage. He knows the area well and is a regular follower of our blogs. He will start on Monday, so welcome him and tell him what he should expect. By the way, read Miguel's Mother Day piece from the O.C. Register. How can you not root for this guy.
For more personal info on Miguel, here is his bio from the OC Register ...

Miguel Melendez was born in Mexico but grew up all around Los Angeles before settling in Alhambra where he attended Alhambra High.

Miguel became a correspondent for the San Gabriel Valley Tribune and Pasadena Star-News, and after three years built a portfolio that helped him land a job as a freelance writer for the Los Angeles Times before accepting an offer at The Register covering high schools. He covered Major League Soccer for three years before being promoted to report on the Angels, Dodgers and Lakers for the Web. Miguel also has done work for the Daytona Beach News-Journal, Oakland Tribune, Fresno Bee and The Boston Globe.

Well folks, my time has come to officially say goodbye. I'm on my way to the Mountain West Conference Media Day this weekend and embark to Albuquerque at the end of the month to begin my journey as the voice of the University of New Mexico Lobos.

Above: (Left to right) Football analyst Josh Bazinet, Scott Galetti, basketball analyst Scott Didrickson.

Rather than working out of the Pasadena office and the various venues in the area, my new home will be University Stadium press box and The Pit scorer's table.

Thank you so much for making my stay here at the Star-News a memorable one. I was fortunate to make plenty of friends over the course of my stay and the coaches, players and parents were a pleasure to deal with. That includes you chkyrslf.

If interested, you can tune in to our broadcasts on the following two links
The University of New Mexico Website

770KKOB.com

I'll be checking in from time to time and throw in some comments on both this blog and Freddy's.

With the season rapidly approaching, which quarterbacks should be strong this season? Who is doing well in summer ball?

Darrian Cazarin, Alhambra
I liked what I saw at the Glendale tournament.

Reuben Thomas, Muir
Showed flashes of greatness a year ago.

Chase Rettig, La Salle
Grew in a hurry as a sophomore. Has a strong arm.

Angel Alejandre, Rosemead
Had a strong season last year. With Sumler returning in the backfield, look for big things from this kid.

Isaac Valdez, San Gabriel
Extremely bright with a solid arm and great work ethic.

Morgan Hatch, Temple City
No Do to hand off to, but should have a good year.

Matt Schilz, Maranatha
Injured last season, but the word is that he has been impressive during the summer. Danny Beckwith will be a solid backup.

In honor of Gotmego, let's talk about who has the best food in the San Gabriel Valley at football games.

Speaking from experience, I'd have to put St. Francis High School at the top of the list locally. They have just about anything you want and it's impossible to avoid the barbeque smoke while watching a game there.

Question: What's your favorite place?

Let's get some topic ideas and I'll create a thread.

Since we've hit the summer football season, which teams have been doing well during passing leagues?

I know Muir reached the semifinals it lost to Canyon at the Saugus Under the Lights tournament a couple of weeks ago.

Besides Mitchell Crockom from Alhambra, who are the other players that will emerge as standouts?