June 2009 Archives

(UPDATED 4:10 P.M.) Didn't have much space in the paper for my entire report, but here are some tidbits that didn't make the paper.

Pasadena practiced the last six weeks with about 55 players. It's still too early to tell what they are able to do as far what offense they'll run come fall. But one thing is certain.
"From a competitive standpoint they have great energy," McFarland said. "They're motived and very hungry to do better. We're trying to build consistency and accountability." I asked McFarland if he can be specific about the playbook. He said he first wants to find out what personnel they have before they dive into that. In short, it's still too early to tell. "We're trying to put a good product on the field. We're trying to build a team and compete at a very high level. The results, the wins and losses, will take care of itself down the line. We don't have as much control as much as we like to think we do. But we do know we want a good product on the field and the hallmarks are there. We are trying to get better every day and the only way to do that is develop consistent habits and consistently, on a day-to-day basis, just bring it." McFarland did say he was probably going to run a new system but wasn't sure yet exactly what that will entail. "Seeing them for six weeks is not enough. You have to see how they react in different situations because if you're going to put the football in a guy's hands you have to be able to trust him. We're still trying to figure out exactly what we have and what we'll look like." McFarland said the team was excited about possibly playing on a new field on campus. The field currently is under construction and despite that, McFarland & Co. are cautiously optimistic about the field being complete come Fall. "Right now there's a bunch of tractors and piles of dirt but probably sometime in a week or so they'll lay the first patch of green, and that's when they'll all go 'oOOooOOh' because that's when you start to see the finished product. There's a lot of enthusiasm from players and administrators. It's something that is the culmination of a lot of hard work by people at this school. I know that (Pasadena athletic director) Tony Brooks has put a ton of work to try to make this happy. It's a very very big significant moment for the school. Not only can the players call it a field of their own but have a sense of pride to along with that feeling."

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RELATED LINKS

Melendez: PHS takes McFarland, but why so long?

10 Questions with ... Pasadena's Mike McFarland

BREAKING NEWS: Pasadena hires McFarland as coach

Just got off the phone with first-year Pasadena football coach Mike McFarland. We were on the phone for about 20 minutes talking about the Bulldogs' plans for the upcoming season. In the conversation, McFarland used the words "consistency" and "continuity" plenty of times; it's becoming clear McFarland wants to change the perception of Pasadena football. What that perception is can be up for debate as I'm sure those over on Lincoln Ave. have their very own definition. Pasadena's abysmal performance last year was the culmination of inconsistency that ended on the field. I'll have more with McFarland in Wednesday's paper, but I wanted to share a few things with you guys. First, McFarland has moved in completely. His wife and newborn are all with him now in Arcadia. McFarland's staff is all in place, too. He kept two assistants from Kevin Mills' staff: Addison Hawthorne (assistant head coach/defensive coordinator) and DeJuan Shamburger (linebackers coach). McFarland's new troops are Mike Harrison, an alum and good friend of McFarland. Harrison will coach the running backs. Matt Smith will coach the defensive line and Hector Garcia will coach the offensive line. What made them both more appealing was they're teachers on campus at PHS.

It's very very helpful. It's a luxury here in that now a days in certain places it's difficult to go out and hire coaches who are teachers. It's a scarcity and with all the economic situation that the state is in from a district standpoint it's hard to hire teachers to begin with. We're very blessed. From a coaching stand piont you have those eyes on campus. They're able to develop relationship with the players (by) having them in class and having a much better representation of what you're trying to accomplish; the message gets sent more effectively. From a reliability standpoint, when you're with walk-on coaches they have jobs that conflict with practices and games. You don't know when you'll have them or be here, and that's the beauty of having teachers on campus as coaches.

Along with the lower-level coaches, McFarland has four coaches on campus; five including himself. Pasadena will throw today at Temple City at 5 p.m. I'll try to make it there today and check out some of the action.

Hardly anything went according to plan in Almont League football last season.

What was supposed to be one of Alhambra High School's most talented football teams faltered to a fifth-place finish in league.

San Gabriel was supposed to challenge for the top spot and finished second to Schurr after finishing 3-2 in league before a 42-14 drubbing by La Serna in the first round of the CIF-Southern Section Southeast Division playoffs.

Keppel was determined to snap its 27-game losing streak. The goal will be the same this upcoming season but the streak is at 37.

Hardly anything went according to plan, but that's the beauty of summer. It means a clean slate and time to make everything right.

It starts with several passing leagues for the Moors, who finished 5-5 overall last season and did not make the playoffs.

Alhambra played in the Crescenta Valley Tournament and also is scheduled to play in the East Los Angeles College Tournament on July 16-18.

The Moors host a passing game today against South Pasadena and Don Bosco Tech beginning at 4 p.m. on Alhambra's Fourth Street field. On Wednesday, the Moors are at St. Francis.

Alhambra is hoping to build on the arm of senior-to-be Darian Cazarin, who threw for 2,209 yards and 24 touchdowns last season. He also was intercepted 12 times.

Cazarin no doubt is talented but needs to use the run in order to give Alhambra's offense another much-needed dimension. And with the return of Mitchell Crockom, the Moors could have a true balanced attack. New Mexico State, UNLV, Idaho and Washington all have shown interest in him.

"But it's still early for the Pac-10," said Alhambra coach Gil Ruedaflores, who is entering his 21st season. "They want to wait and see how he does in the season, but Washington is very much interested."

Ruedaflores said he's excited about the maturity and progression of junior-to-be Vailele Peko.

"He's getting bigger and stronger," Ruedaflores said. "He's got a good sense of leadership on his shoulder. You're going to see him as a utility man, splitting time at running back and wide receiver. He's also very good on defense at corner, safety and linebacker.

"Very versatile, and in high school you rarely get that kind of kid."

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By Connie Llanos, Los Angeles Daily News Staff Writer

Los Angeles Unified officials are demanding answers after "Bruno" star Sacha Baron Cohen and the Birmingham High football team appeared in provocative poses shot on campus for a racy GQ magazine photo spread.

The photos, which appear on the GQ Web site, show Cohen in a skimpy red swimsuit and athletic cup, seemingly working out with the student athletes. In one shot, the scantily clad star of the irreverent comedy is posed atop an athlete who is doing a push-up.

By Steve Ramirez, Staff Writer

LA PUENTE - There were members of the East who believed the West's victory in last year's San Gabriel Valley Hall of Fame Game was a fluke.
They proved the point Friday.
Charter Oak's Chris Allen and Kiely Rycraw accounted for four touchdowns between them, the Chargers' Evan Williams had an interception for a score and Rowland's Brandon Stansell returned a punt for another as the East cruised to a 34-9 victory in the 30th Hall of Fame Game at Bassett High School. It's the largest margin of victory by either side since the West scored a 26-0 victory in 2001.

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Northview coach Jim Arellanes on Rosemead's Matt Koffler relishing the role of underdog: "I'm sure he is saying that, that's his deal. He did that when we were at Rosemead (as teammates) and I'm sure he's going to continue to do that. But I don't buy it, they have some significant talent on that side. We talked the other day, we didn't have as sharp a practice as we have been. We're like 'Hey guys, we're not just going through the motions, we want to have fun, but at the same time we want to win.' Our guys understand that, they want to represent our side of the Valley. I don't buy into that underdog role at all, they have some players."

Matt Koffler's response: "Jimmy (Arellanes) is my dog. He understands what we have over here. It's more of the prep writer over there who hypes them all the time, but (Arellanes) knows what type of talent we have here. We do use the underdog role because we're never favored in any game, that's according to the prep writers on that side; not you because you called it last year, and you were even new to the area and were pretty much right on. It's someone else kinda writing the hype."

Inevitably there was going to be a response from Robledo: That is what Rosemead coach Matt Koffler told Star-News reporter Miguel Melendez after I promptly predicted a 35-14 East victory tomorrow night in the Hall of Fame game. So Koffler, err Coughler called me out, well Koffy should know I make these predictions when you have guys from the East who compete for CIF championships in bigger divisions and win, and because the East had won six straight until last year and is 17-10-2 overall. Besides, is it any secret the football on the East side of town is not only stronger at the top, but has more more parity than its west counterparts? To say the east should be favored is a no-brainer.

Uh, oh! Them sound like fighting words ...

Koffler is referring to my picking Rosemead over San Dimas in the second round of the Mid-Valley Division playoffs. Robledo picked San Dimas to win and win bad. Robledo had to eat his words all the way to Lancaster in sub-freezing (at least it felt that way, anyway) temperatures.

Robledo's prediction: East wins, 35-14
Melendez's prediction: West wins, 21-17

By the way, Robledo and I made a bet the Star-News All-Stars would beat the Tribune All-Stars in the annual basketball classic a few months ago. Of course, I won, but there was never a payoff set. This time I'm pressing on a payoff so lets see if Koffy's favorite prep writer east of the 605 comes up with something worth shaking hands for.

30th HALL OF FAME GAME
WHEN: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Bassett High
WHO: East (coached by Northview's Jim Arellanes) vs. West (coached by Rosemead's Matt Koffler)
LAST YEAR: The West snapped the East's six-game winning streak last year, winning 34-14 behind South El Monte wide receiver Tommy Cogburn, who stole the show with three touchdowns.
SERIES: East leads, 17-10-2

RELATED LINKS

EAST NOTEBOOK: After three years of thrills and a CIF championship, Charter Oak quarterback Chris Allen ready to suit it up for the last time (Tribune)

HOMEGROWN INSPIRATION: Rio Hondo Prep's Garcia looks to mother as example (Star-News)

By Miguel A. Melendez, Staff Writer

ROSEMEAD -- As talented as his all-star squad may be in the backfield, Rosemead High School football coach Matt Koffler is equally as excited about the West's talented corp of receivers.

Expect to see an assault through the air as well as on the ground when East meets West in the 30th annual Hall of Fame Game at 7:30 Friday night at Bassett High.

Click here to buy a re-print of the All-Area cover page

STAR-NEWS ALL-AREA SOFTBALL

Player of the Year: Jessica Ferri, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, Sr.
Coach of the Year: Scott Sommers, Maranatha, 1st season

FIRST TEAM

Pitchers: Allie Forillo (La Salle) Sr.; Lauren O'Leary (La Canada) So.
Catcher: Katie Tripoli (La Salle) Sr.
Infielders: Amanda Castro (South Pasadena) Sr.; Veronica Grant (Temple City) Sr.; Maddie Herlache (La Salle) Sr.; Tiffany Rubin (Keppel) Sr.
Outfielders: Morgan Barchan (Arcadia) Sr.; Shannon Brooks (Monrovia) Sr.; Abby Ulf (La Canada) Sr.
Utility: Kimmie Sommers (Maranatha) Sr.

SECOND TEAM

Pitchers: Katherine Clancy (Mayfield) So.; Lauren Cox (La Canada) Fr.
Catcher: Katrina Skosbergh (South Pasadena) Sr.
Infielders: Shelby Gogreve (South Pasadena) Jr.; Stafani Polani (Ramona Convent) Jr.; Sterling Schuster (La Salle) So.; Annie Sommers (Maranatha) So.
Outfielders: Marnie Hillier (Maranatha) Sr.; Jessica Korsharek (Temple City); Sr.; Clarissa Reyna (San Gabriel Mission) Jr.;
Utility: Alashanee Medina (Keppel) Fr.

CLICK ON THREAD FOR HONORABLE MENTION AND STORIES

(About a year ago or so, The New York Times wrote a touching story on Ed Thomas)

The Associated Press

PARKERSBURG, Iowa (AP)--A 24-year-old former high school football player walked into the school's weight room Wednesday morning and fatally shot his former coach, before sheriff's deputies arrested him at a nearby home a short time later, authorities said.

Mark Becker shot Aplington-Parkersburg High School football coach Ed Thomas several times with a handgun after walking into the room at about 8 a.m., authorities said. Thomas was rushed to nearby Waterloo hospital, where he died.

Several students were in the room at the time of the shooting, but none were injured, said Kevin Winker, assistant director of the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. School was not in session Wednesday.

"The people that were present were not threatened in any way," Winker said.

Becker is charged with first-degree murder and was being held in Butler County jail.

Winker said Becker was arrested without incident at a home in rural Parkersburg shortly after authorities received a 911 call about the shooting.

He said he couldn't discuss what Becker's motive for the slaying might have been, or what Becker might have been up to in the days leading up to the shooting.

"Motive is one of those things we're looking into," Winker said.

Winker said Becker used a handgun in the shooting. He did not elaborate.

He said investigators plan on interviewing students who were in the weight room and to look into Becker's past.

"Mr. Becker's entire past is being looked at," Winker said.

The school is in Parkersburg, about 80 miles northeast of Des Moines.

Thomas compiled a career record of 292-84 in 37 seasons as a head coach, 34 of them at Aplington-Parkersburg, and was one of the most well-known high school football coaches in Iowa. He was honored as the NFL High School Coach of the Year in 2005, and four of his former players are in the NFL: Green Bay's Aaron Kampman, Jacksonville's Brad Meester, Detroit's Jared DeVries and Denver's Casey Wiegmann.

No more waiting. Here is the 2009 Star-News All-Area Baseball team. So far, no e-mails or voicemails. Back in my Register days, we always had a saying, "No news, is good news." But hey, the day's still early, right?

Click here to purchase a re-print of the All-Area cover page

STAR-NEWS ALL-AREA
Baseball

Player of the Year: Dylan Covey, Maranatha, Jr.
Coach of the Year: Brian DeHaan, Maranatha, 4th season

FIRST TEAM

Pitcher: Corey Popham, Maranatha, Sr.
Pitcher: Bryce Rutherford, Arcadia, Sr.
Catcher: Mike Thompson, San Marino, Sr.
Infielder: Aeric Allen, Alhambra, Sr.
Infielder: Nick Bueno, Monrovia, So.
Infielder: Tim Smoley, Arcadia, Sr.
Infielder: Stevie Yortsos, San Marino, Jr.
Outfielder: Justin De La Nuez, Monrovia, Jr.
Outfielder: Jeff Oeschel, La Canada, Sr.
Outfielder: Branden Pultz, Temple City, Jr.
Utility: Garret Tuck, Arcadia, Jr.

SECOND TEAM

Pitcher: Jonathan Beltran, Alhambra, Jr.
Pitcher: Garrett Simpson, Monrovia, Sr.
Catcher: Mike Nigolian, Arcadia, Sr.
Infielder: Calvin Chambers, Gabrielino, Sr.
Infielder: Ernie Martin, La Salle, Sr.
Infielder: Eric Smith, La Canada, Sr.
Infielder: Steven Wright, San Marino, Sr.
Outfielder: Jon Larson, Arcadia, Jr.
Outfielder: Jordan Calloway, Maranatha, Sr.
Outfielder: Scottie Morrow, St. Francis, Sr.
Utility: Nathan Bernstein, Pasadena, Sr.

CLICK ON THREAD FOR HONORABLE MENTION AND PLAYER/COACH OF THE YEAR STORIES

30th HALL OF FAME GAME

WHEN: Friday, 7 p.m.
WHERE: Bassett High
WHO: East (coached by Northview's Jim Arellanes) vs. West (coached by Rosemead's Matt Koffler)
ADMISSION: $8
LAST YEAR: The West snapped the East's six-game winning streak last year, winning 34-14 behind South El Monte wide receiver Tommy Cogburn, who stole the show with three touchdowns.
SERIES: East leads, 17-10-2

Click here to read what's going on in the East

Got to talking with Rosemead coach Matt Koffler after Monday's practice at Rosmead High. First of all, the team looks like they have a lot of speed in the backfield, what with Marquis Williams and Tra Sumler in the backfield. But there were others Koffler came away impressed with. He particularly noted Muir's Chris Dunlap. "I think Chris Dunlap from Muir is a hell of a ball player and Mitchell Garner has shined, too," Koffler said. "I've never really hard of Dunlap until the last couple weeks of practice, and boy, what a phenomenal athlete that kid is. He has speed, he's smart, polite, tough and just such a pleasure to coach." Koffler also mentioned South Pasadena's Steven Colliau and San Marino's Scott Dooley. "Dooey is a hard-nose kid," Koffler said. "We have underdog kids that know how to work." So, with these all-star practices in full swing one must wonder who is the best athlete in the entire San Gabriel Valley. That answer is easy. "Tra I think is the best player in the whole San Gabriel Valley," Koffler said. Uh, oh! I'm sure the East begs to differ, but really, is there a legitimate argument the East can counter with? Sumler led the Panthers all the way to the Mid-Valley Division finals, and though Charter Oak went a step further and won the whole thing, there's not enough substance in arguing there's a better player on Charter Oak's team than Sumler.

Period.

The multi-sport athlete is a rare breed, but South Pasadena High School's Steven Colliau and Rio Hondo Prep's Tiffany Horton hope their kind won't become extinct anytime soon.

In a generation where athletes are focusing more on just one sport, Colliau and Horton are rare exceptions that athletes can participate in a variety of sports and thrive, too.

It requires strong commitment, sheer determination and resilience, but as Colliau and Horton tell it, it's equally as important to know how to have fun.

Colliau and Horton, who never met before, admired each others achievements when meeting for a recent photo shoot. They played in two very different leagues, but they still had plenty in common.

Horton, a three-sport athlete, could sympathize with the long nights and early mornings spent on homework or studying.

Colliau, the four-sport athlete, recalled a hectic schedule this spring while playing baseball and running track.

More impressive was Horton and Colliau led their respective teams while maintaining high academic standards.

That they're both respectful, personable, admired and very likeable among teammates, friends and teachers make Horton and Colliau an even more unusual duo among the small breed of multi-sport athletes.

It's also what makes Colliau and Horton the Pasadena Star-News' 2008-09 Male and Female Athletes of the Year.

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30th HALL OF FAME GAME

WHEN: Friday, 7 p.m.
WHERE: Bassett High
WHO: East (coached by Northview's Jim Arellanes) vs. West (coached by Rosemead's Matt Koffler)
LAST YEAR: The West snapped the East's six-game winning streak last year, winning 34-14 behind South El Monte wide receiver Tommy Cogburn, who stole the show with three touchdowns.
SERIES: East leads, 17-10-2

RELATED LINK: Koffler, Arellanes ready to square off

Alright guys, you've asked for it so here it is. The 30th Hall of Fame game is Friday night and as the game approaches we'll be bringing you live reports from the East and West practices. Robledo will be heading out to the East practices and I'll be reporting from Rosemead High where the West is practicing. The West practices today through Thursday from 5-6:30 p.m. I'm thinking of taking my laptop to tonight's practice and bring you the latest, so keep an eye out for that. Seems to me the East is getting a lot of the hype as we approach Friday. Here's what Robledo wrote:

Both teams already have been practicing in preparation for the 30th anniversary of the senior game, and once again, the East appears to have a star-studded roster for Arellanes. Charter Oak quarterback Chris Allen, the Tribune player of the year and Southeast Division MVP, will be joined by Chargers teammates Tyler Perri (DT), Evan Williams (DE), and Kiely Rycraw (WR) - all of whom won a section title the last time they played. "Those Charter Oak kids are the real deal," Arellanes said. "They're as good as advertised. They obviously have been coached well. Their knowledge of the game is unbelievable, and they have been flying to the football with a passion." The East is loaded in the backfield with Bishop Amat's Deshawn Gaisie, Rowland's Brandon Stansell and San Dimas' Daniel Joseph, who has transitioned well from the Winged T to an I formation.

Call it a dis or call it motivation, but If memory serves me right, it was the folks over on the East (cough cough, Robledo) who predicted San Dimas would handily beat Rosemead in the quarterfinals. Uh, no. Rosemead came out burning on all cylinders and took care of business and reached the CIF-Southern Section Mid-Valley Division finals. Koffler said he's looking forward to Friday's game and the West has practiced like it's a championship game. "I know on our side we're approaching this game like it's going to be very physical," he said. "I'm not sure what's going on on the other side, but our practices are very physical; that's the way we coach and that's the only way we coach. We're not slowing down just because it's an all-star game. We're picking up the pace and showing the rest of the San Gabriel Valley how we do things at Rosemead."

Ding! Ding!

By the way, when is someone at Muir or St. Francis going to put together a video highlight reel like this one from Bishop Amat? C'mon, guys!

Discuss anything and everything you want, especially football....

With most of the All-Area packages just about finished and the Underclassman All-Star Baseball Game done Saturday, we'll dive into football coverage and bring you live reports from the East and West practices as they get ready for the Hall of Fame Football Game.

Fred Robledo noted this on his blog and makes a very good point:

Whittier Christian beats San Dimas in the championship game and gets zero players on the first or second team in Division V. I am told this is probably because the coach didn't nominate players, and if so, what an injustice for the players. There has to be a better way of doing this.

The CIF-Southern Section softball teams have been released. Area first team players are ... Division III: Jessica Ferri (Flintridge Sacred Heart). Division V: Tiffany Rubin (Keppel); Aby Ulf (La Cañada). Division VI: Allie Forillo (La Salle); Kimmie Sommers (Maranatha); Katie Tripoli (La Salle); Annie Sommers (Maranatha). For all CIF-SS teams, click thread.

Many of you have asked the publication dates for the Star-News All-Area teams. This is tentative, but if everything runs as scheduled, these are the dates:

Boy/Girl athlete of the year, June 23
Baseball, June 24
Softball, June 25
Boys Tennis, June 26
Boys Volleyball, June 27
Boys Track, June 30
Girls Track, July 1
Boys Swimming, July 2
Girls Swimming, July 3

LAST CHANCE FOR PICTURES: Finally, almost all of you have taken your pictures, but some we have not been able to track down through the schools. Here are some of the athletes we have not been able to get in contact with: Matt Lam (La Salle); Travis Tu (Arcadia). We will have a final make-up day for pictures on Thursday at the Star-News office between 3-4 p.m. I'm posting it here to make every effort to get a hold of these athletes, and if you're reading this and know one of the athletes, please let them know. Email me for more information ... miguel.melendez@sgvn.com

Just got back from breakfast at the Jonathan Club. Boy, talk about fancy. Even if for only a couple hours I sat in the lap of luxury. Car was valet, the employees there were extremely friendly. Once inside the dining room (open seating) we sat and were served coffee. Just about anything you wanted was on the buffet table: orange juice, cereal, cream cheese, cotton cheese, bagels, etc. I found it interesting that every plate and cup had the "JC" initials printed on it. I was looking forward to the breakfast, thinking we might eat something fancy. Nope. The special of the day was huevos rancheros. Um, I kinda used to eat that every Sunday morning as a kid. Anyway, I opted for something else, still just as delicious. Mingled with some high-powered fellas there. The guys I was introduced to were nothing short of class. After singing the national anthem and happy birthday to breakfast club members, guests were introduced to the 100 or so in attendance. I went second. Was told to button my coat and keep my hands out of my pocket. When the announcer (a USC fella) informed the crowd I was a sportswriter they all went "oooOOOOOUUUuuu" and the announcer turned to UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel and kidded he should watch what he said. I was there as a guest; not a reporter. Anyway, the best part of the morning finally came when Neuheisel was introduced, much to the pleasure of the impatient crowd. Neuheisel talked about his overseas trip to visit U.S. troops. He went there with Ohio State's Jim Tressel and Texas' Mack Brown, among others. Did you know suicide is the second-leading cause of deaths among U.S. troops? It's an unbelievable fact, but true. Neuheisel also talked about the future of UCLA football and the direction they're heading. His half hour speech was proceeded by a brief question and answer session. I was introduced to Neuheisel and had a brief conversation with him. Very nice guy, and he remembers your name, too. I got a tour of the building. Have to say my favorite room was the Ronald Regan room, adorned with portraits of past Ronald Regan Distinguished American Award recipients, including John Wooden, Vin Scully and Walter Cronkite. This year's recipient is Clint Eastwood. Oh, and there was no need to tip the valet guy; somehow it's all included with membership of the Jonathan Club. All in all it was a great experience, one I'm sure I'll encounter soon rather than later.

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Tuesday morning will start particularly earlier than most days and my attire will be more business casual than just casual. I was invited for breakfast at The Jonathan Club in downtown Los Angeles from 7-9 a.m. The Jonathan Club is a private social club I had never heard of, but people say it's a glitzy and stuffy place (I wonder if I can expense the $20 tip I'll give the valet guy). I'm excited about the event because UCLA's Rick Neuheisel is the keynote speaker. But after reading about the club, I'm a bit nervous. The three-story building has specific dress codes for each of its floors, prompting me to trade in the jeans/blazer for the Kenneth Cole suit, even for just one day. One website described The Jonathan Club as the place "many important decisions have been made within its walls by the power elite" and the New York Daily News described it as "a place for the wealthy and well-bred to see and be seen." Club membership is by invitation only ($30,000 initiation fee/$400 month) and just recently started accepting women but few African-American or Latino are members. I'm not wealthy nor well-bred and even less someone you want to be seen. In other words, I'll classy it up in my own way.

No pressure, right?

Time to pick up the suit from the dry cleaners and breakout the new tie. I'll let you know how it goes.

2nd Annual KG Sports Training Foundation Underclassman All-Star Game

WHEN: Saturday (Skills competition begins at 3:30 p.m.; Game follows at approx. 6 p.m.)
WHERE: Jackie Robinson Stadium at Brookside Park
WHO: North vs. South

The skills competition (60 yard dash, agility courses, ground balls at short and fly balls at center field, etc) will start at 3:30 p.m. with the North team and 4:30 p.m. with the South. The game is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. The North team will be coached by Glendora's Dan Henley and the South team will be coached by South El Monte's Gil Adame. The game is put together by KG Sports Training Foundation, a non-profit set up to help kids off the street.

NORTH ROSTER

Brian Tuttle (Bonita); Evan Highley (Bonita); Mark Sattzer (St. Francis); A.J. Berglund (St. Francis); James Bonds (St. Francis); Matt Chavez (Maranatha); Dylan Covey (Maranatha); Danny Beckwith (Maranatha); Mark Jebbia (Maranatha); Shafer Chulay (Maranatha); Cole Kendall (La Canada); Dusty Sanderson (Temple City); Brandan Pultz (Temple City); Nick Bueno (Monrovia); Justin De La Nuez (Monrovia); Chris Warren (San Marino); Wallace Gonzalez (Glendora); Clint Harwick (Glendora); Brett Smith (Blair); Chris Rucker (Pasadena); Robert Lain (Pasadena); Keon Seymore (Muir); Gabriel Valencia (Muir); Garret Tuck (Arcadia); John Larson (Arcadia); Haram Park (Arcadia); Luis Martinez (Gladstone).

SOUTH ROSTER

Jonathan Beltran (Alhambra); Greg Saldate (Alhambra); Dennis Orozco (Bell Gardens); John Calderon (Bosco Tech); Brennon Martinez (Bosco Tech); Lonnie Kapila (Burbank); Chase Mersola (Burbank); Josh Ibarra (Cathedral); Angel Acosta (Gabrielino); Manuel Pantoja (South El Monte); Christian Huerta (Sierra Vista); Adrian Ramirez (El Monte); Anthony Milan (Montebello); Christian Madrid (Schurr); Carlos Arredondo (Schurr); Brett Bonilla (Walnut); Jon Hernandez (West Covina); Mark McMahon (Whittier Christian); C.J. Beatty (Whittier Christian); Mark Roche (Arroyo); Matt Lee (San Dimas); George Holland (San Dimas); Shaun Kennedy (San Dimas); Carlos Martinez (Nogales); Alberto Lopez (Nogales); Arman Valenzuela (Northview); Eddie Pedroza (Northview).

Wow. What a season. We all had our ups and downs (more downs from me, some might argue) but all in all it was an exciting season. I have to say my favorite stretch of the year had to be covering the exciting race in the Rio Hondo League for baseball. Football was fun, too, but that part of the baseball season was by far the best.

One never truly knows the challenges that come with taking over as preps editor. I took some hard bumps on the chin, but it's a learning lesson for the upcoming seasons. The ideas already are flowing and can't wait when they transcend from the mind and onto this blog, newspaper, etc.

These last couple days have been a bit quiet here on the blog and much of that is due to the final selection of the All-Area teams. I selected the baseball and boys tennis teams while Keith took care of the rest. Keith and I each gave our input on the baseball and softball teams, each of us ultimately making the final selection for our respective teams. As always, someone will feel certain players were left out, and while sometimes that may be the case it's just the way things go. We strive to make the most objective view possible. I'm confident in my baseball team and after discussing with Keith I'm confident we've put together two solid teams.

The All-Area teams will publish after the Lakers are over. When the Lakers clinch Sunday we'll know hopefully by Monday specific dates for All-Area publication (Yes, the Lakers will clinch in five).

Starting next week we'll dive into the all-star games in baseball and football. For now I just want to take the time to say thanks to all the parents, coaches, and athletes who made this job as enjoyable as one might think. While it can be challenging at times I truly am grateful to be in the position that I am: A sportswriter going on season No. 9 in the business.

The rosters are complete and we're all ready to go. The San Gabriel Valley Hall of Fame All-Star game is Friday, June 26 at Bassett High. Rosemead's Matt Koffler will coach the West and Northview's Jim Arellanes will coach the East. Starting next week we'll be bringing you reports from practice. I'll report from West practices and Robledo will report East practices, and both stories will run in both the Trib and Star-News. The West roster is below. Click on thread to check out the East roster.

WEST ROSTER
Manny Acosta, South El Monte, WR/DB
Fernando Aguilar, Muir, TE
Angel Alejandre, Rosemead, QB
Richard Avita, Salesian, OL/DL
David Banuelos, Don Bosco, OL/DL
Chris Chacon, Alhambra, OL/DL
Ceasar Chavez, Rosemead, FB/SS
Steven Colliau, South Pasadena, WR/K
Sean Danney, La Canada, WR/DB
Chris Dunlap, Muir, DB
Jesse Diaz, Roosevelt, QB/DB
Scott Dooley, San Marino, RB/DB
Cesar Estrada, Bell Gardens, OL/DL
Steve Estrada, Schurr, C
Anthony Flores, Lincoln, OL/DL
Chris Flores, Rosemead, OL/DL
Jose Garay, South El Monte, QB
Eddie Garcia, Rio Hondo Prep, OL/DL
Kevin Garcia, St. Paul, WR/DB
Luis Garcia, St. Paul, WR/DB
Mitchell Garner, Muir, TE/LB
Daniel Kopplin, Maranatha, RB/DB
Chris Lopez, St. Paul, OL/DL
Bobby Maldonado, Rosemead, K
Ronnie Marquez, Glendale, OL/DL
Jon Medina, Arroyo, TE/LB
Bobby Michel, Monrovia, WR/DB
Edwin Molina, Schurr, RB/LB
Mario Obando, St. Paul, OL/DL
Rafael Ortega, Roosevelt, LB
Gabriel Soto, Garfield, LB
Malik Speed, St. Francis, WR/DB
Tim Starr, Duarte, OL/DL
Tra Sumler, Rosemead, RB/LB
Julio Tenia, El Monte, OL/LB
Matt Torres, Verdugo Hills, QB
Joe Vasquez, Monrovia, FB/LB
Marcos Villalobos, San Gabriel, WR/DB
Marquise Williams, Monrovia, RB/DB
Rian Younker, St. Francis, OL/DL

UPDATED: We had limited space in tomorrow's paper. My notebook will have all the Blair details but will miss the Monrovia and Duarte notes. For those interested, Monrovia is set to hire a girls basketball coach later this week. They are down to two finalists and are expected to make a selection. Monrovia advanced to the semifinals last season. Duarte High is looking for a boys soccer coach. Interested candidates can contact athletic director Robyn Garcia at 626.599.5720. South Pasadena is looking for a baseball coach. Interested candidates should contact athletic director Ralph Punaro at 626.441.5820, Ext. 2980.

================================

With spring playoffs done and the only thing left undone is putting together the All-Area teams, I took some time to make some calls and get to the bottom of the rumors flying around in the wonderful world of high school football. First up, Blair. Rumors surfaced that second-year coach Gary Parks resigned and possibly took the job at Verbum Dei. Not true. Though he did contemplate applying for the position, Parks gave his word to Blair principal Rich Boccia he wasn't going anywhere. And his absence from practice at Blair? He was out of town with a family emergency in Texas. I'll have more on that and other good things happening at Blair in tomorrow's paper, but here's a quote from Parks that shows his class and why you want to root for him and his program to succeed:

I like this place and I want to see it blossom into something great. We talked about (the Verbum Dei vacancy); it wasn't in depth but they knew and understood that I was battling with the decision to stay or go because thing are a lot easier at home. But I shook the man's hand and that's all it takes for me. That's how my dad taught me -- a man's handshake should be good enough, and I shook Rich's hand and said I'm here.

Blair has some coaching openings along with Monrovia High. I'll have that in tomorrow's paper, but I'm going to keep this thread football related. Next up, Duarte. I put in a call to Falcons coach Tip Sanders. Rumor had it the team was fielding just seven players during spring ball. Turns out that wasn't all that far fetched. Duarte is averaging 10-15 players during this spring ball. Sanders doesn't know why that's the case but notes he went through the same situation while at Marshall and Blair before building them into a successful program. Today is the last day of spring ball and the team will begin practice again on June 22 at 5 p.m. at Duarte. Sanders' focus right now is working with the incoming freshman and build his program from the ground up. I asked Sanders if he's hired any assistants. "As soon as I find more players," he replied. Sanders said five coaches he retained from last year's staff changed their minds and have since left Duarte.

I have to imagine the CIF State and Southern Section office are going to monitor this case closely. As you know, this school year we started live blogging from marquee games, including area teams making CIF final appearances in football, basketball, baseball and softball. How this ruling affects the way we cover sports will remain to be seen, but it could start a precedent on how school associations and/or newspapers go about coverage in this ever-evolving digital era.

At the heart of this case pits the The Post-Crescent of Appleton, Gannett Co. and the Wisconsin Newspapers Association vs. the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association which alleges the The Post-Crescent violated media policies by Webcasting a quarterfinal playoff game.

The Associated Press reports it's a legal battle that could alter how reporters cover prep sports across the nation. Or, it could throw the roles of the organizing bodies in doubt and leave them watching their money-making associations run dry.

"Fundamentally, this comes down to TV revenue for the associations," said Don Craven, an attorney who worked for the Illinois Press Association and helped settle a photo rights issue in his state in 2007. "They don't own a commodity to sell, market or otherwise control. They should put on a very nice tournament and get out of the news business."

The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association disagrees.

[Skip]

Craven said meddling with newspaper reporters within their legal rights only draws negative attention.

"For the local newspaper, there is a century-old relationship between that school, that newspaper and that community and the WIAA doesn't own that relationship," Craven said. "It's the combination of claiming that you own the rights to a kid and messing with those community interests. It is a legal, PR fight they can't win."

The Associated Press has pledged financial support to the WNA and Gannett if the case goes to trial.

CLICK HERE FOR A PHOTO GALLERY OF THE LA SALLE-MARYMOUNT GAME SHOT BY STAR-NEWS STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER KEITH BIRMINGHAM

UPDATE 7: No one can say they didn't get goose bumps from the seventh inning. Colleen McWilliams singled and reached second on an error and Sterling Shuster doubled to center to score McWilliams to pull La Sale within 3-2. With the tying run at second, Forillo worked the count but flied out to left. Everyone here got up from their seat thinking it was a home run but it was short. Marymount clinches the Division VI championship with a 3-2 victory Saturday morning at Deanna Manning Stadium here in Irvine. Great run for the Lancers. This truly was a memorable run regardless of the outcome.

UPDATE 6: It's now or never. La Salle trails 3-1 heading to the top of the seventh. Marymount is three outs away from clinching the Division V championship game. What a story if the Lancers make quite the comeback. Crowd is on its feet as Melissa Miller heads to the plate.

UPDATE 5: Victoria Baltazar tripled to right, bringing Tripoli home to pull La Salle within 3-1. Samantha Krost pops up to the catcher for the third out. We're headed to the bottom of the sixth, Marymount leading 3-1.

UPDATE 4: La Salle is trailing, 3-0. Megan Blank walked, stole second and Ali Griffith's base hit to third moved Blank to third. Kelly Abram's RBI single to right scored Blank for the 2-0 lead. Hannah Zimmerman's RBI single to right then scored Ali Griffiths to give Marymount a 3-0 lead. We're in the top of the sixth and La Salle is threatning with Katie Tripoli doubling to center.

UPDATE 3: Colleen McWilliams sgingled between the 5-6 gap with two outs. Sherling Shuster pops up to short for the final out. Freddy Robledo is sitting next to me so I have to be on my best behavior, since he's my editor and all. Can't say he's on his best behavior, constantly asking when this "consolation" game is going to be over. Don't worry, I disconnected the battery cord on his laptop. Deadline should be fun for him.

UPDATE 2: La Salle almost fell apart in the bottom of the fourth. Two errors led to Marymount's run to go up 1-0. Allie Forillo threw a wild pitch that almost got away if not for Katie Tripoli recovering and tagging out Hannah Zimmerman at home for the third out. The bases were loaded in that inning.

UPDATE 1: Everything went according to plan. I woke up at 8 a.m. and figured to be out the door by 8:30 to be in Irvine by 9 a.m. I must have been lagging it because by the time I got to Deanna Manning Stadium it was 9:50 a.m. I stopped by McDonald's for some sausage McMuffins; haven't had one of those since getting up early for the USC-UCLA football game. Anyway, the game is going pretty fast. We're in the top of the third and we're scoreless.

CIF-SOUTHERN SECTION DIVISION VI CHAMPIONSHIP AT A GLANCE

LA SALLE (25-5) vs. MARYMOUNT (23-4)

Where: Deanna Manning Stadium, Irvine (16 Civic Center Plaza)
Tickets: 9 adults, $5 students and children 5-13.
How they got there: La Salle defeated Malibu, 5-3; def. Campbell Hall, 12-0; def. Arroyo, 6-2; def. South El Monte, 3-2. Marymount defeated Windward, 20-1; def. Mary Star, 12-1; def. Grace Brethren, 5-0; def. Maranatha, 8-0.
Outlook: Despite having the top seed I gotta feel deep down inside La Salle feels they've had no respect throughout these playoffs. They were supposed to be tested heading into their game at Arroyo in the quarterfinals and the Lancers proved people wrong. They were powered by Maddie Herlache's two home runs and Allie Forillo's home run. Then came South El Monte. There was a lot of hype surrounding the Eagles. They were led by Ann Gaber who was batting over .600 in the season. Forillo shut her down with three K's, Herlache came through with two RBI singles that tied and gave La Salle the lead. I guess what I'm trying to say is this is La Salle's game for the taking. They were the underdogs heading into their game against South El Monte but clearly have proved why they are the top seed. Marymount beat a tough Maranatha team, but I just don't see them scoring against Forillo in the pitcher's circle. This will be an invaluable experience for the underclassmen making their first playoff run. Still, talent will overcome inexperience and Herlache and Katie Tripoli will make sure they don't come away empty handed.
The pick: La Salle, 4-0

Note: I plan on blogging live from Deanna Manning Stadium so long as there is a decent press box setup. If you don't see a LIVE BLOGGING thread by 10 a.m. it's likely the amenities weren't available, and who knows if they have us in the sun, making it hard to look at our laptops. But if I do have a thread be sure to check back here for updates, and if you have a question be sure to drop a line in the comment section. So far we're 1-for-1 in this championship-filled weekend. Maranatha defeated Woodcrest Christian in the finals of the CIF-Southern Section Division V baseball championships. Lets make it 2-for-2.

RELATED LINK: La Salle puts it all on the line today (Star-News)

By Miguel A. Melendez, Staff Writer

PASADENA - Little by little, the La Salle High School softball team inched their way to victory earlier this week.

Piece by piece, the Lancers' Maddie Herlache, Allie Forillo and Sterling Shuster lent a helping hand in creating the winning recipe.

They might not have realized it at first or even wished to take full credit, but the Herlache-Forillo-Shuster trifecta is a big reason why La Salle is paying a visit to Orange County today.

The top-seeded Lancers will make their second finals appearance in four years when they take on Marymount today at 10 a.m. in the CIF-Southern Section Division VI championship game at Deanna Manning Stadium in Irvine.

For Herlache, she returns where it all began.

CLICK ON THREAD TO CONTINUE READING

Rookie Noe Ramirez was among three Titans named Freshmen All-Americans on Wednesday morning by Collegiate Baseball for their 2009 on-field performances through last weekend's Regionals. The 2009 trio are Fullerton's follow-ups to last year's Daniel Renken, Gary Brown and
Christian Colon freshman class that was honored with the same distinction. The three have combined for a 22-5 record with a 3.31 ERA and a more than 4-to-1 strikeout to walk ratio.

2009 NCAA BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS AT A GLANCE
FULLERTON SUPER REGIONAL

NO. 2 NATIONAL SEED CAL STATE FULLERTON (45-14) vs. LOUISVILLE (47-16)

This is Fullerton's 31st NCAA Regional appearance in its 35th year of Div. I baseball. The
exceptions were 1985, 1986, 1989 and 2001. The current string of 18 consecutive appearances is third longest in the nation behind Miami (37) and Florida State (32).

• Fullerton has won seven Regionals in a row and 18 total - including a national best 11 on the
road (two each in Fresno and Baton Rouge and one each at USC, Austin, Starkville, Stillwater,
South Bend, Tempe and San Diego). The Titans NEVER hosted a regional before 2000 but have
now hosted eight at home (7-1) -- they lost the first (USC) and have won the last seven.

• Fullerton's all-time Regional record is 85-34 (.714) including 26-6 (.813) at Goodwin Field.

• The Titans have NEVER gone winless in Regional play. They have gone 0-2 only once in a
Super Regional (2008) and four times in Omaha (1975, 1982, 1990 and 2007).

• This is Fullerton's ninth Super Regional in the 11th year of the format (missed in 2000 and
2002). Florida State, Miami (FL) and Rice are the only other schools to have appeared in as
many... The Titans are 6-2 overall and 5-2 at Goodwin Field... They won in 1999 (2 games to
1) at Ohio State and at home have swept Mississippi State (2001), beaten Arizona State, 2-1
(2003), swept Tulane (2004), lost to Arizona State, 2-1 (2005), swept Missouri (2006), swept
UCLA (2007) and been swept by Stanford (2008).

• The Super Regional home team has advanced to Omaha 59 times vs. 21 times for the
visiting team in the 10 years of the format. The road team has won at least one Super
Regional each year but never more than 3.

• Fullerton is the No. 2 national seed this year which marks the seventh time in the Super
Regional Era (1999) the Titans have made the Elite Eight -- No. 3 in 1999, No. 1 in 2001,
No. 7 in 2003, No. 6 in 2005, No. 5 in 2006 and No. 5 in 2008. Ironically, they were
not a national seed when they won their fourth national title in 2004. The 1995 national
champion Titans became the first No. 1 seed to win the CWS.

• Fullerton is two wins shy of 100 in Regional and Super Regional combined play at
98-40 (.710), which includes an 85-34 mark in Regionals and 13-6 in Super Regionals.
Fullerton is 34-25 at the College World Series for a total of 132-65 (.670) in NCAA Div.
I post-season play.

(Information from the Cal State Fullerton baseball media guide)

CLICK HERE FOR A PHOTO GALLERY OF FRIDAY'S MARANATHA-WOODCREST CHRISTIAN GAME SHOT BY OUR VERY OWN ACE PHOTOGRAPHER KEITH BIRMINGHAM

CLICK HERE TO READ MARANATHA'S CHAMPIONSHIP-WINNING GAME STORY AS IT APPEARED IN THE PASADENA STAR-NEWS SPORTS SECTION ON SATURDAY, JUNE 6

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING:

The Royals' dreams of a second CIF title were dashed against the University of San Diego-bound Covey (11-2), who throws in the low 90s with a nasty curve. -- Riverside Press-Enterprise

It's pretty obvious what happened out there. Their pitcher was very good. He struck out 13, and that's by far the most strikeouts we've had all year. But I'm proud of our kids. They battled all the way, but we just couldn't get over the hump against a pitcher like that. -- Woodcrest Christian coach Glenn Prater as told to the Riverside Press-Enterprise

ANOTHER VIEW:

Woodcrest Christian denied baseball title (Riverside Press-Enterprise)

CLICK HERE FOR A PHOTO GALLERY SHOT BY THE RIVERSIDE PRESS-ENTERPRISE

CLICK HERE FOR THE PRESS-ENTERPRISE'S LIVE BLOG THREAD

LIVE BLOGGING "FROM THE SIDELINES"

UPDATE 11: In case you're wondering, it's 2:11 a.m. as I'm updating this thread to to include links and quotes from the Riverside Press-Enterprise. After I was done filing my story I walked out the stadium and saw a large group of Maranatha fans still mingling. Had to walk over to the Maranatha van to tell Nick Popham he had a pretty cool pose, as I'm sure you already noted. The guys invited me to join them for pizza and despite already having plans for happy hour sushi in Orange County, seniors Cory Popham and Jordan Calloway made a strong case and I obliged. I followed the van to a few spots before they decided to just head home since every place was either packed or closed. Appreciated the invitation, guys. Much like covering the St. Francis boys soccer team in winter it was fun following your ride to the playoffs. With the exception of three other times, every team I've covered that's gone on to play in the finals has won. Just saying ... OK, time to get some rest. I have La Salle softball in Irvine at 10 a.m.

UPDATE 10: In case you're wondering I filed my story three minutes past deadline. I think I'll be OK. Dylan Covey struck out 13 batters to lead Maranatha to a 3-1 victory over Woodcrest Christian in the CIF-Southern Section Division V championship game Friday night at Blair Field. Covey went the distance and allowed just one run on two hits to pick up his 11th win of the season. Woodcrest Christian's Matt Chabot lasted four innings and picked up his first loss of the season after giving up three runs on two hits. He struck out seven batters. It was clear from the beginning which team had the experience to withstand the pressure of playing with so much on the line. That team would be Maranatha. As I'm writing this I'm looking out the window and a large group of fans are still mingling by the Maranatha dugout. This was a long-awaited victory for the Minutemen. You could see the twinkle in Cory Popham's eye, perhaps on the brink of letting out his emotions. You can see the look of relief on Dylan Covey. This was well-deserved and it's safe to say Maranatha has gone from a nobody to a definite somebody.

UPDATE 9: Two can play that game, Woodcrest Christian was thinking. The Royals scored a run without a hit to pull within 3-1 after Chabot got on first on an error, took second on a wild pitch and took third on another Covey wild pitch. He scored on a fielder's choice. Covey caught Scott Irwin looking for his ninth strikeout of the game. Maranatha heads into the top of the sixth leading 3-1.

UPDATE 8: Dylan Covey is on fire. He struck out the side in the bottom of the fourth. Woodcrest Christian is going in panic mode, relieving the ace Chabot for Joshua Dirks. Can you smell the finish line? I can't. I smell hamburgers.

UPDATE 7: Woodcrest Christian is falling apart. Maranatha scores two runs on no hits in the fourth to take a 3-0 lead. Two straight errors by the Royals paved the way. Jordan Calloway drew a walk, Tony Li was hit by a pitch and what should have been a routine ground out by Schafer Chulay was instead bobbled, allowing the runners to advance. Josh Forrester got on with an error to short, allowing Calloway and Li to score. Anthony Curatloa was charged with the error. Forrester stole second and advanced to third thanks to a high throw from catcher Cole McMath that got away and into center field. McMath was charged with the Royals' second error. Danny Beckwith struck out to end the threat, but the damage was done.

UPDATE 6: The Riverside Press-Enterprise guy said, "I don't think the Royals can muster a run. This guy's too good." Yes, the word is spreading. Well, Covey strikes out the first two batters, issues a walk on a 3-2 count but recovered nicely, getting Mark Williams to strike out looking. The threat ends and the bleachers stop shaking. We're headed to the top of the fourth.

UPDATE 5: This game is going waaaAAAAayyy too slow. It's 8:20 p.m. and we're in the middle of the third. Maranatha still leads, 1-0. Great facility here. It's my first time at Blair Field, but I guess you would have figured that out if you read my opening paragraph down below. Looking outside the crowd and I think there's about the same amount of fans, though I expected to see more from Maranatha. Don't ask me why. OK, we're in the bottom of the third now, Woodcrest Christian at the plate. Covey's looking good and I look good, too, but not sure I can say the same about the Riverside Press-Enterprise sportswriter sitting next to me. I kid, I kid. He's a good guy, eating peanuts and all, Dodger Stadium-style!

UPDATE 4: Dylan Covey is not playing around tonight. After allowing Joseph Hughey to double down the third base line and into left field, Covey got Matthew Chabot to ground out and caught Evan Berl for the strikeout. We're in top of the third, Maranatha leads 1-0.

UPDATE 3: Maranatha heads to the bottom of the second with a 1-0 lead. Woodcrest Christian pitcher Matthew Chabot looks really nervous out there. The first pitch was high. The second pitch was low and outside. The next a strike, the next one was low and outside. Then low and inside on Danny Beckwith who drew the walk. Chabot checked first base three straight times before Matt Chavez singled up the middle. Chabot settled down somewhat when he got Dylvan Covey to fly out, struck out Mark Jebbia and got Cory Popham to fly out as well.

UPDATE 2: Whoops! Two straight wild pitches from Matthew Chabot allows Jordan Calloway to move from second to third and then home, giving Maranatha a 1-0 lead in the second.

UPDATE 1: I bet at LEAST one of you got lost on your way to Blair Field. I got lost alright. Five times to be exact. It hasn't exactly been the best of days but I doubt you want details. Anyway, I'm here in Long Beach and much to my surprise the game started EXACTLY at 7:30 p.m. Nice! The game is scoreless and we're in the top of the first, Maranatha at bat and posing a threat with Jordan Calloway leading off with a double and Tony Li at the plate with no outs.

CIF-SOUTHERN SECTION DIVISION V CHAMPIONSHIP AT A GLANCE

MARANATHA (22-5) vs. WOODCREST CHRISTIAN (23-5)
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Blair Field, Long Beach (4700 Deukmejian Dr.)
Tickets: 9 adults, $5 students and children 5-13.
How they got there: Maranatha defeated Citrus Hill, 5-3; def. Mary Star of the Sea, 9-1; def. Campbell Hall, 4-0; def. Tahquitz, 10-4. Woodcrest Christian defeated Montclair Prep, 5-0; def. Aquinas, 7-3; def. Beaumont, 8-1; def. San Jacinto, 7-3.
Outlook: The pain of losing is something Maranatha doesn't want to endure again, and now that they're back in the finals I just don't see them faltering. Not with Dylan Covey's steady progress over the course of the season and a mean 94 MPH fastball in his arsenal. He'll need every bit of it to overpower Woodcrest Christian's Matt Chabot who is coming into tonight's game with a sick .421. Covey's on a week's rest and feeling good. Should the Minutemen need Cory Popham he'll be ready to go, too. He's on three day's rest. Maranatha's yet to use its entire pitching lineup, an added depth the Minutemen lacked last season before losing in eight innings to San Jacinto. Never mind which team makes less errors. Maranatha made three errors to Tahquitz's one in the semifinals so that theory went out the window this week. It's going to come down to which team can execute small ball and whose hunger for a title is stronger. In my books, it's Maranatha.
The pick: Maranatha, 6-3

OTHER VIEWS

Woodcrest Christian baseball team has winning combination (Riverside Press-Enterprise)

Miguel Melendez: Belittling Maranatha's success is just sad (Star-News)

Minutemen hope their best comes in D5 championship (Star-News)

Tonight's Division V lineups (Riverside Press-Enterprise)

RELATED LINKS

La Salle, Maranatha vie for CIF titles (Star-News)

Maranatha headed back to finals after 10-4 victory (Star-News)

Woodcrest Christian knocks off top-seeded San Jacinto (Riverside Press-Enterprise)

Balanced Woodcrest Christian in semis (Riverside Press-Enterprise)

Maranatha takes on Tahquitz (Star-News)

By Miguel A. Melendez
Staff Writer

PASADENA -- There's no need to meticulously dissect the Maranatha High School baseball team to find the epitome of great leadership.

Senior Cory Popham embodies such a quality, his shame in batting ninth on the junior varsity team his freshman year fueling his burning desire to give another dimension to his team's dynamic.

Same goes for junior Dylan Covey, who continually takes the mound - cool as can be - amid a mountain of pressure among whispers he'll be a top prospect in Major League Baseball's amateur draft after next season.

It's that kind of work ethic from Popham and mental strength from Covey that's catapulted the Minutemen from the abyss of the Delphic League and into a true power in the West San Gabriel Valley.

If Popham helped lay the blueprint, expect Covey to follow it and build upon it, but together they'll try to carve a piece of history with a win tonight.

Never forgetting the bitter taste from last year's loss in the finals, Maranatha will try to make amends when it takes on Woodcrest Christian at 7:30 tonight in the CIF-Southern Section Division V championship game at Blair Field in Long Beach.

CLICK ON THREAD TO CONTINUE READING

Seven area athletes qualified for the CIF State Track & Field Championships beginning with today's prelims in Clovis and concluding with Saturday's finals.

Here's who qualified: Arcadia's Ammar Moussa (1,600 and 3,200; both on time, 4:14.73 and 9:06.06); South Pasadena's Sam Pons (3,200, third place, school record 9:00.95); South Pasadena's Krist Porayanee (110 high hurdles, 14.63 fourth place); Pasadena Poly's Graham Sadler (high jump, 6-6 on result, first Poly athlete to advance to state); La Canada's Jonathan Sparks (high jump, 6-6 on result); Arcadia's Ted Hooper (long jump, fourth, 22-10 1/2); and Arcadia's Catrina McAlister (1,600, on time, 4:53.69).

Our Keith Lair will be on assignment in Clovis this weekend and bring you all the results in Friday and Saturday's paper. In the meantime, I leave you with a list of links with preview stories (and videos at DyeStatCal.com)

RELATED LINKS

For Arcadia's Moussa, time is on his side (Star-News)

2009 CIF-State Meet Preview Story (DyeStatCal.com)

VIDEO: Preview of throwing events (DyeStatCal.com)

VIDEO: Preview of high jump and pole vault (DyeStatCal.com)

VIDEO: Preview of hurdles (DyeStatCal.com)

VIDEO: Preview of boys sprints (DyeStatCal.com)

VIDEO: Preview of girls springs (DyeStatCal.com)

VIDEO: Preview of boys/girls relays (DyeStatCal.com)

There is a commonality among all seven Pasadena area high school athletes heading into today's CIF State track and field championships: All hold school records.

That's a good reason each will be participating in the two-day meet, which will be held at Buchanan High School in Clovis, just northeast of Fresno. Qualifying begins today with field events at 3p.m. and running events scheduled to start at 5 p.m. On Saturday, field events are scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m. and running events at 6 p.m.

Five of those athletes set school records in the past two weeks, at either the CIF-Southern Section championships or Masters Meet, both held at Cerritos College. South Pasadena sophomore Sam Pons did it twice, running the 3,200 meters in 9 minutes, 5.74 seconds in the Division III finals and then a 9:00.95 in the Masters Meet. Arcadia sophomore Ammar Moussa also did it in the 3,200 in the Masters with a 9:06.06, shaving six seconds off the record he set a week earlier.

CLICK ON THREAD TO CONTINUE READING

MIGUEL MELENDEZ COLUMN

This column appeared on page C3 in the Star-News sports section on Friday, June 5

Why is it that instead of basking in the glory and success of another, jealousy instead strikes us to the core?

How can someone who truly believes in good sportsmanship, honor and integrity bash on someone else's parade?

Where do these ill feelings come from and why are we oblivious when it comes to understanding that the undermining of someone else's success reveals an inner layer within our character that, at the very least, is downright disturbing?

It's childish, really, and certainly unbecoming.

I'm all for friendly banter and knowledgeable debates at our "From The Sidelines" blog, but at some point this notion that the Maranatha High School baseball team should enjoy its success with a grain of salt is ludicrous.

This stems from yet again another deep playoff run by the Minutemen, the lone team standing in last year's final before losing in an epic game after eight innings to San Jacinto.

Maranatha again is the only baseball team from the West San Gabriel Valley still standing in this championship-filled weekend and will vie for the CIF-Southern Section Division V title tonight at 7:30 against Woodcrest Christian at Blair Field in Long Beach.

Two things we know: While most of the Minutemen faithful will battle heavy traffic to make their way to the other side of the 710, it's almost a certainty a handful will be ready to unleash their wrath regardless of tonight's outcome.

If the Minutemen bring home their second CIF championship in baseball, well, they were supposed to. Why wouldn't they, pundits will say, with such an easy road in the Alpha League and weak opponents in no-names like Tahquitz and Woodcrest Christian in Division V.

If Maranatha fails, look for a heavy dose of "I told you so" or "Ha!" and the usual rhetoric of "How are they supposedly a baseball power in the West San Gabriel Valley - let alone claim to have the area's best pitcher in Dylan Covey - if they can't even win in the lowly Division V?"

Damned if you do?

Damned if you don't?!

Really?!?

Is this what Maranatha has been subjected to over the last two seasons, becoming victim of its own failure and success?

Is this the price a baseball program making strides has to pay before legitimacy is granted?

Since (fill in the blank) hasn't made a deep playoff run in who knows how long, let's justify our shortcomings and unjustly decertify Maranatha's success because it competes in a lower division?

Give me a break.

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PUBLIC VS. PRIVATE SCHOOLS ALL-STAR GAME

PRACTICE: Monday at Temple City High; Privates from 3-4:30 p.m.; Public from 4:30-6 p.m.
ALL-STAR GAME: Tuesday at Live Oak Park in Temple City. Home run derby begins at 5 p.m. and game will follow at approximately 6:30 p.m.

UPDATE: OK, we're all set. With the exception of Audrey Guillen (Arroyo) and Rosemarie Robledo (Alhambra) every player in the Public Schools roster has confirmed participation. In the event Guillen or Robledo can't participate we'll plan accordingly. Without further adieu here's the Public Schools Roster:

P - Kelsey Hardwick (Temple City)
C - Audrey Guillen (Arroyo)
1B - Devon Zerebko (La Cañada)
2B - Amanda Ulf (La Cañada)
3B - Laura Arnett (Monrovia)
SS - Veronica Grant (Temple City)
LF - Shannon Brooks (Monrovia)
CF - Morgan Barchan (Arcadia)
RF - Abby Ulf (La Cañada)
Sub - Rosemarie Robledo (Alhambra)
Sub - Tiffany Rubin (Keppel)
Sub - Anna Applebaum (La Cañada)
Sub - Ashley Perez (Temple City)
Sub - Brittany Vasquez (Temple City)
Sub - Amanda Castro (South Pasadena)
Sub - Destinee Quinn (South Pasadena)

==============================

First, an apology.

I've been so busy with everything going on I've left little time to inform you all about the Public vs. Private All-Star Softball Game. The private schools roster is set but I'm still tweaking the public roster. I'll make some final calls today and update this blog with the final roster. Practice is set for Monday at Temple City High. The private team will begin practice at 3 p.m. and end at 4:30 p.m. The public schools will go from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. The game is set for Tuesday at Live Oak Park in Temple City. The home run derby begins at 5 p.m. and the game will follow. The public schools will be coached by La Cañada's K.C. Mathews while the private schools is coached by Flintridge Sacred Heart's Kirk Nishiyama and Mary Schneiders and La Salle's Mike Harper. Again, apologies for apologies for the prolonged process. As Year 2, 3, 4 and 5 come around we'll get things done in a more timely and efficient manner. Thanks for the patience thus far =)

PRIVATE SCHOOLS ROSTER

Kimmie Sommers, Maranatha
Marnie Hillier, Maranatha
Amanda Mowery, Alverno
Barbara Parker, Alverno
Taylor Crotty, Flintridge Sacred Heart
Jessica Ferri, Flintridge Sacred Heart
Mary Knauf, Flintridge Sacred Heart
Maddie Herlache, La Salle
Katie Tripoli, La Salle
Ally Latta, Pasadena Poly
Jackie Holguin, San Gabriel Mission
Tiffany Horton, Rio Hondo Prep High School
Maycee Murphy, Rio Hondo Prep High School

I remember a couple years ago being on assignment with the Angels and covering a rare rain delay at Angel Stadium with the Boston Red Sox in town. We waited a couple hours before the sun finally peaked, and the Red Sox went on to spank the Angels. Nothing new in 2007, if you remember Boston did the same, sweeping the Angels in the American League Divisional Series. We weren't expecting much rain that morning but it sure did come down pouring after I arrived to the stadium.

I'm hoping I don't bring that kind of karma Friday night, the first of two days when teams vie for a CIF-Southern Section Divisional championship in baseball and softball.

Chance of rain is strong Friday, and if we're by the beach chances increase. Long Beach is the site of the CIF-Southern Section Division V championship, pitting Maranatha vs. Woodcrest Chriastian. The game at Blair Field in Long Beach is slated to begin at 7:30 p.m. but who knows if the game starts on time with two games preceding.

Rain could potentially postpone the first couple games, thus pushing back the start of the Maranatha game.

According to CIF-Southern Section spokesman Thom Simmons, the game will be played and only delayed and/or postponed if the umpire crew deems it necessary.

"Barring any lightning they'll play in the rain," Simmons said. "It'll be the umpire's call. In the event it's postponed they'll pick up right where they left off (Monday) at the home team's site. If (the) grounds crews deem play is unplayable then we'll defer to them.

"I don't know that it's happened in baseball but it has happened in football."

If the game is pushed back we could see an 8 p.m or 8:30 start.

"We're not going to start at 1 a.m. but we will play it at a reasonable time," Simmons said. "We'll try to get it in as best we can."

In the event the game is postponed, we could see the Division V final being played Monday at Woodcrest Christian. Still no word on the time if we even reach that point. Woodcrest Christian is from Riverside.

Some drizzle is forecast Saturday but I don't anticipate La Salle going through this problem.

Lets hope the game starts on time and there are no delays. But again, stranger things have happened.

This Star-Jibber is a Special Edition. Usually we let you talk about anything and everything you want, but I'm posting this for my football freaks who can't wait for spring sports to be over and done with so I can devote more coverage to football.

As you all know I'm pretty busy with two teams in the finals, putting together an all-star softball game as well as compiling all-area teams. Yes, it's been a busy few weeks. I've gone from keeping my head above water to throwing on some goggles and swimming through it all.

Someone on my "Top 5 QB's Returning" thread said I should stop my man crush with Keith Jones and asked what I was smoking by picking Isaac Valdez as the WSGV's top QB. I stick by my choice and you'll see Valdez won't let me down. Someone also questioned my credentials. I'll let my bio at the left speak for itself. Thanks for hating!

Also, someone wanted a top 5 list of overall football players returning, and, yes, Dietrich Riley undoubtedly tops that list. If I had to pick a team with the best returning line it's gotta be Temple City. Care to chime in?

Well, we're down to two teams left so get ready for a lot of well-deserved pub for our two teams left standing. I have a good feeling we'll be celebrating two championships this weekend, first with Maranatha on Friday. They take on Woodcrest Christian on Friday night at Blair Field in Long Beach. The game is slated for 7:30 p.m. but the game could start late given there are two games before the Division V championship game. With our deadlines and a late start, we could have a not-so-colorful story on Maranatha, but I'll do my best. Instead of driving all the way back from Long Beach to my place in South Pasadena I think I'm going to head over to my friend's house in Fullerton to hang out and spend the night since I have to be in Irvine bright and early at 9 a.m. (yes, 9 a.m. is way too early for me). La Salle and Marymount play for the Division VI championship beginning at 10 a.m. at Deanna Manning Stadium (16 Civic Center Plaza) in Irvine. So, you have my thoughts. Two CIF championships this weekend, but what do you think? Are we bringing home two? One? None?

OTHER VIEW

Maranatha plays Woodcrest Christian, which defeated top-seeded San Jacinto, 7-3, to advance. Read the story in the Riverside Press-Enterprise.

NOTE: There is no local paper that covers Marymount, so there is no story we can link you to. Technically, Marymount is in the L.A. Times' coverage area but I don't think they covered any games.

I first met Brittany Klein in October at Peppers Mexican Restaurant in Arcadia. I was invited by Arcadia football coach Jon Dimalante who helped put the event together to honor former Apaches football coach Jim Ellsworth, the subject of my column that week. Dimalante introduced me to Brittany and said she would one day be a pro soccer star. He was right. Brittany made her debut in St. Louis but plays her first game in front of friends and family tonight against the L.A. Sol at The Home Depot Center. Klein becomes athlete No. 11 on my list of athletes covered before going pro.

Photo courtesy of Chicago Red Stars

By Miguel A. Melendez
Staff Writer

One Thursday evening in October, Brittany Klein was sitting in a booth with her parents having dinner at a Mexican restaurant in Arcadia.

The former Arcadia High School girls soccer star was there to celebrate an evening for Jim Ellsworth, the beloved former Apaches football coach. Former coaches, players, alumni and boosters came in droves that evening.

Arcadia football coach Jon Dimalante was host of the evening. He took a break from mingling outside, walked inside the restaurant and spotted Klein and her parents. He walked over to say hello.

Klein was back home having finished school at Santa Clara University where she earned a full-ride scholarship after graduating from Arcadia in 2004. She was polite, subtle, yet beamed with confidence.

Dimalante raved about her soccer skills and would tell anyone who would listen to keep an eye on her.

"She's going to be a pro star one day," Dimalante said as he walked away.

That much Klein already knew.

Three months later, Klein was drafted by the Chicago Red Stars in the second round (14th overall) of the Women's Professional Soccer League.

She made her professional debut in a 1-0 win at St. Louis in front of her mom and older brother.

At 7:30 tonight, she'll make her California debut against Marta, the three-time FIFA Player of the Year, and the league-leading Los Angeles Sol at The Home Depot Center in front of a large group of family and friends.

As if the scenery wasn't surreal enough, the Red Stars will take on the Bay Area's FC Gold Pride which plays its home games at Santa Clara University's BuckShaw Stadium, Klein's home for four years.

She's started in seven games this season and has one goal and two assists.

The reality of such possibilities, however, sunk in when she was 12 following the 1999 Women's World Cup. The final at the Rose Bowl was the most-attended women's sporting event, exceeding 90,000 fans.

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The stage is set and the spotlight is on the second-seeded San Marino High School boys tennis team.

The Titans played a loaded schedule this season that consisted of some of the best Division I teams in the CIF-Southern Section.

"If you look on paper, the teams we've played, the personnel we've had to compete with, is far more competitive than any other team in Division II had to play, and that includes Brentwood," said Titans coach John Kuramoto.

"Our Division I experience should help us."

San Marino will not be intimidated by top seed Brentwood when they take the court today at 1:30 in the CIF-Southern Section Division II championship match at The Claremont Club.

It doesn't matter that the visiting Eagles (24-0) are undefeated or that they boast two nationally ranked tennis players in senior Walker Kehrer and freshman standout Daniel McCall.

Kuramoto is ready to counter with his own tandem of sophomore Jonny Wang, a nationally-ranked player, and Derek Wong.

But it's the Titans' competition all season long that has prepared them for today. They suffered tough losses to University, Mater Dei and Harvard Westlake. University, from Orange County, is the Division I top seed and plays Thousand Oaks in today's Division I finals.

Also, when Brentwood defeated San Marino 10-8 earlier in the season, it was the Titans who were missing two key players to the Eagles' one.

Brentwood was missing McCall, who was in Palm Springs taking part in the East Bowl, a prestigious junior tournament. Wang was there, too, and San Marino was also missing Wong, who was out with an ankle injury.

"Wong will help us a lot," Kuramoto said.

"That's a different dynamic that wasn't present in the first match."

Kuramoto said the match could be tight again and the match could very well be decided on games after a 9-9 tie.

San Marino will have Wang at No. 1 singles and Wong at No. 2 singles, but it'll be important for the doubles team to come through again.

"Wang will help us offset some of what we need to take care of in doubles," Kuramoto said. "We feel we have a doubles team that are very competitive and, if we play well, should be able to get enough points over the hump and seal the deal for us."

The pressure is on No. 1 doubles duo Nick Chang and Lestter Yeh and No. 2 doubles team Michael Cheng and Michael Moya.

"Our doubles need to do the bulk of our damage," Kuramoto said. "We feel we have been playing well all season long and have been consistently been taking it to teams all season long.

"They know. They're ready."

Well, so much for the Maranatha-San Jacinto rematch. Minutes after Maranatha dispatched Tahquitz, 10-4, in the semifinals of the CIF-Southern Section Division V playoffs, the Minutemen learned of Woodcrest Christian's 7-3 win over San Jacinto. Still, pretty impressive for Maranatha to reach its second straight championship game. Say what you want about them, but the Minutemen get the job done. Everyone is dealt with their cards and it's up to each team to make something happen. It's sickening to to read all your comments comparing Division II to Division V, this and that. Who cares? At some point you can't use the same excuse for your teams that fail to get past the first round. .... Maranatha jumped to a 3-0 lead and Tahquitz pulled within 3-2 in the fourth and 6-4 in the top of the sixth before the Minutemen came up big in the bottom half of the inning to take a 10-4 lead. Senior Cory Popham pitched a complete game and struck out 11 batters to earn his 11th win of the season. Jordan Calloway, Dylan Covey and Danny Beckwith came up big at the plate, too, for the solid, all-round effort. See you all in Long Beach Friday night!!!!!

CIF-SOUTHERN SECTION PLAYOFFS AT A GLANCE
TODAY'S RESULTS
DIVISION V
Maranatha 10, Tahquitz 4
Woodcrest Christian 7, San Jacinto 3

Everybody in the East thought South El Monte was a shoe-in. When talking to Robledo today I was mentioning how we could have an all-WSGV championship game until he interrupted to say, "Don't you mean, South El Monte-Maranatha?" La Salle's Maggie Herlach tied the game in the third with a two-out, RBI single to tie the game at 2 and had the game-winning hit in the fifth also on two-out RBI single to come up big for the top-seeded Lancers. Maranatha got the best out of Marymount and lost, 8-0, offsetting the all-WSGV final in Irvine. La Salle will represent the West when they take on Marymount in the final. No word yet on whether it's Friday or Saturday. We'll keep you posted. We have reporters at both games.

CIF-SOUTHERN SECTION PLAYOFFS AT A GLANCE
TODAY'S RESULTS
DIVISION VI
La Salle 3, South El Monte 2
Marymount 8, Maranatha 0

RELATED LINK: Tripoli leading the charge for La Salle