June 2011 Archives

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR RESUMES
HUNTER MERRYMAN
Football: Northwest Division semifinalists, first team All-CIF, first-team All-Prep League, second team Star-News All-Area quarterback, three-year letterman.

Basketball: Division 5A semifinalists, first team All-CIF, first team All-Prep League, second team Star-News All-Area center, Tribune/Star-News All-Star, three-year letterman

Baseball: Division 6 champions, Prep League champions state-record 16th consecutive year, first-team Star-News All-Area infielder, first-team All-CIF, Prep League MVP, three-year letterman.

MICHELLE MILLER
Volleyball: Division 3AA finalists, first-team All-CIF, second team Star-News All-Area.

Basketball: Division 5A champions, Prep League champions, second consecutive Star-News Player of the Year, Division 5A Player of the Year, Prep League Player of the Year, ESPN Rise Player of the Week.

Swimming: Division 2 prelims in 50 freestyle, competed in four events during the year (50 freestyle, 100 freestyle, 200 freestyle relay, 200 medley relay).

By Miguel A. Melendez, Staff Writer

Perhaps it's time to start thinking of Pasadena Poly as a sports powerhouse.

The pristine school across from Caltech known for its rigorous academic programs is also home to Hunter Merryman and Michelle Miller, the 2011 Star-News male and female Athletes of the Year.

The three-sport standouts are the first pair from the same school to win the award.

Merryman, a senior, and Miller, a junior, helped their respective teams bring home a CIF-Southern Section championship.

CLICK ON THREAD TO CONTINUE READING STORY

2011 STAR-NEWS ALL-AREA TEAM
Player of the Year: Johnson Diep, San Gabriel, Senior, Setter
Coach of the Year: Chris Kwan, San Gabriel
FIRST TEAM
Daniel Beringer, La Salle, Senior, Libero
Garwing Lai, Arcadia, Senior, Outside Hitter
Kevin Quach, San Gabriel, Senior, Outside Hitter
Michael Saeta, Pasadena Poly, Junior, Outside Hitter
Tim Sanderson, Temple City, Senior, Middle blocker
Harrison Tang, San Gabriel, Senior, Middle blocker
SECOND TEAM
Preston Lee, Arcadia, Senior, Setter
John Phang, San Gabriel, Senior, Middle Blocker
Kenyatta Smith, Flintridge Prep, Senior, Middle Blocker
Nolan Tcheng, Gabrielino, Senior, Outside Hitter
Shane Whittington, San Gabriel Academy, Junior, Outside Hitter
Colin Woolway, Pasadena Poly, Junior, Middle Blocker

CLICK ON THREAD TO READ STORY

20th CONCACAF GOLD CUP
Mexico vs. USA, 6 p.m. Rose Bowl

It's an hour before kickoff and the atmosphere here is insane, to say the least. While walking up from the parking lot to the media entrance it was easy to spot the sea of Mexican flags by the main entrance of the Rose Bowl as aficionados of El Tri waited for the Mexican National Team bus to pull into the stadium. While also walking up I struck up a conversation with a few people, which started by a girl asking why I was wearing a suit jacket on such a hot day. I explained I was a journalist covering the Gold Cup, but not before she interrupted asking who I was going to cheer for tonight.

First, I won't be cheering. I'm a journalist, and as such I'll remain objective as with every event I cover. And any true journalist will tell you: There's no cheering in the press box.

Still, people always wonder if I had to choose who would I cheer for between Mexico -- my birth place of which I know very little about -- or the U.S. -- where I've called home since I was two months old.

To be honest, both places are dear to me.

Mexico is my place of birth, my older brother's place of birth and my mom's place of birth. It's where our extended family resides, Mexico City, to be exact. The only thing I know about Tijuana, my birthplace, is where to find delicious, guacamole-filled tacos. I've visted a handful of times, each visit a chance to wonder how my parents crossed the border in an effort to provide for a better life. The first time I heard the Republic's natonal anthem was, if memory serves me right, in the seventh grade when it was played in its entirety at midnight on XTRA Sports 690, the San Diego radio sports station I would listen to while I fell asleep.

If I'm honest, it doesn't compare to when I hear, and even play, the Star Spangled Banner. No doubt I'll hear both tonight at the Rose Bowl, but our nation's national anthem gives me chills every single time it's played at sports arenas and throughout. It's one of the first songs I learned in orchestra in the fourth grade.

I hear of many who leave Mexico during their high school years and come to the U.S. and have a hard time adapting to the culture. Nevertheless, the consensus among the people I know is that despite missing their homeland immensely, they live a much better life here.

I wouldn't know what that feeling is like, but I do know is having lived here my entire life, there's nowhere else I'd rather call home.

CLICK HERE FOR A PHOTO GALLERY FROM THE HALL OF FAME GAME

By Steve Ramirez Staff Writer
WEST COVINA -- The strength of the San Gabriel Valley in football has favored the Eastside in recent years.
That didn't change Friday..
Former Pomona High School standout Jamal Overton rushed for 82 yards and the East sacked Muir's Jeffrey Davis three times during the final three minutes to lead the East to a 7-6 victory in the 32nd Hall of Fame Game at West Covina High School.
The East, which rolled to a 40-0 victory last year, won for the eighth time in the past nine meetings.
"I was just thinking if we sack them here, we win," said Northview's Chris Auxier, who forced a punt with just over a minute to play when he dropped Davis at his own 42. "When I got that last sack, and I knew we won, it made everything feel so much better."

HALL OF FAME GAME
East 7, West 6
West 0-0-6-0--6
East 0-7-0-0--7
E: George Johnson 13 run (Jeff Stamp kick)
W: Karl Holmes Jr. 21 pass from Nick Bueno (kick failed)

CLICK ON THREAD TO CONTINUE READING STORY

What: San Gabriel Valley Hall of Fame Game
When: Tonight, 7:30 p.m.
Where: West Covina HS
Series: East leads, 19-10-2
Last year: East 40, West 0

By Aram Tolegian, Staff Writer
The East's recent dominance in the Hall of Fame All-Star Game means very little to Covina High School football coach Darryl Thomas, who has yet to taste any success in two tries in the game.
Thomas, who has played and coached in the game, is 0-1-1 heading into tonight's renewal.

He's hoping to coach the heavily favored East to another dominant performance and add to what's become a commanding lead for the East in the series.

"I've been affiliated with this game twice and I haven't won," said Thomas, who lost as the East coach in 2001 and tied as a player in 1986.

The East won last year's matchup, 40-0, to take a 19-10-2 lead in the series.
Tonight's kickoff is slated for 7:30 at West Covina High.

As poised as the East looks to keep the pounding going, there has been some optimism out of Monrovia High where the West team has been practicing and, according to game organizers,looks capable of springing an upset.

Monrovia's Ryan Maddox will coach the West and has the services of Star-News Player of the Year Nick Bueno under center. Joining Bueno at quarterback is Muir's Jeffrey Davis.
Both quarterbacks couldn't ask for a better group of receivers to throw to, led by Arizona State-bound Muir split end Karl Holmes Jr., Monrovia's Jay Henderson and Arroyo tight end Sam Torres.

Defensively, though, the West will have its hands full with a sizable group of East receivers led by Walnut's Aubrey Coleman, who is 6-foot-5. As if that wasn't enough, the East will try Rowland's Michael Ball, one of the area's top weapons, at receiver.

The East also boasts Claremont's Aaron Dockery as one of its top targets.

Line play is an area where the series seemingly has gotten away from the West. Led by Fresno State-bound Allen Brown of San Dimas, South Hills' Peter Nonu and West Covina's Jon Cortez, the East figures to have another big advantage up front.

The East, which didn't allow a point last year, also should be tough to crack again this year thanks to a stellar front seven that's led by Amat defensive end Julian Gener and West Covina linebacker Maurice Dupleasis.

Gener and Bishop Amat teammate Michael Juarez will honor former teammate Austin Lacy, who passed away earlier this month, by wearing stickers of Lacy's No. 6 on their helmets.

2011 STAR-NEWS ALL-AREA TEAM
BOYS SWIMMING
Swimmer of the Year: Brendon Chiu, Keppel, Senior
Coach of the Year: Art Lopez, La Cañada
FIRST TEAM
Andrew Barmann, La Salle, Senior
David Jakl, Keppel, Senior
Brandon Nguyen, La Cañada, Sophomore
Christian Renfro, La Cañada Senior
Stephen To, San Marino, Senior
SECOND TEAM
Garrett Chin, La Canada, Freshman
Justin Chiu, Keppel, Freshman
Joe Costa, San Marino, Senior
Filip Dagkovich, Temple City, Senior
Bo Mattix, La Cañada Junior

GIRLS SWIMMING
Swimmer of the Year: Katy Campbell, La Cañada, Junior
Coach of the Year: Ish Perez, Keppel
FIRST TEAM
Nicole Hau, Temple City, Senior
Annika Lenz, Pasadena Poly, Sophomore
Victoria Lepesant, Pasadena, Sophomore
Sarah Olson, La Cañada, Junior
Bella Schamber, Maranatha, Junior
SECOND TEAM
Mackenzie Heaton, La Cañada, Senior
Gwen Mathias Southwestern Academy, Senior
Elysse Pedote, Westridge, Senior
Stephanie Samudro, San Marino, Freshman
Samantha Torres, La Salle, Sophomore

CLICK ON THREAD TO READ SWIMMER AND COACH OF THE YEAR STORY

Pasadena Poly junior Logan Beerman will undergo surgery Friday morning to insert three pins in his toes after suffering a freak injury during a summer basketball tournament. Beerman went up for a layup and landed awkwardly with his foot pointed down, breaking four of his toes. He will require three pins and will be on crutches and a boot for a month. Beerman is coming off a successful season in which the shortstop helped Pasadena Poly bring home the school's first CIF-Southern Section Division 6 baseball championship. We wish him a speedy recovery.

BOYS TRACK
Athlete of the Year: Sam Pons, South Pasadena, Senior
Coach of the Year: P.J. Hernandez, South Pasadena
FIRST TEAM
Ammar Moussa, Arcadia, Senior
James Knowles, St. Francis, Junior
James Martin, Alhambra, Senior
Daityvon McFadden, Muir, Senior
Mayan Schexnayder, South Pasadena, Senior
SECOND TEAM
Darren Bragg, Alhambra, Senior
Michael Harris, Monrovia, Junior
Ellis McCarthy, Monrovia, Junior
Sean Nang, South Pasadena, Senior
Philippe Ueng, Temple City

GIRLS TRACK
Athlete of the Year: Omhunique Browne, San Marino, Junior
Coaches of the Year: Randy Hare and Mike Knowles, Monrovia

FIRST TEAM
Itohan Aikhionbare, La Salle, Senior
Zibby Boyer, Pasadena Poly, Senior
Skylar Buchanan, Monrovia, Junior
Ebony Crear, Maranatha, Freshman
Claire Kieffer-Wright, South Pasadena, Freshman

SECOND TEAM
Jade Richard-Craven, Pasadena Poly, Senior
Kamia Rodil-Willis, South Pasadena, Freshman
Kia Smith, Monrovia, Junior
Miranda Stiver, Arcadia, Freshman
Stephanie Vargas, Flintridge Sacred Heart, Junior

CLICK ON THREAD TO READ ATHLETE AND COACH OF THE YEAR STORY

Randy Medina, who spent 11 seasons as Monrovia High School's softball coach and led them to four consecutive Rio Hondo League titles from 2003 to 2006 and the semifinals of the CIF-Southern Section Division 5 playoffs in 2007, has stepped down along with his entire staff.

Medina said internal issues with a select few parents proved too much to handle, prompting him to resign two weeks after the regular season ended.

"I left the program better than the way I found it 11 years ago," Medina said. "Maybe somebody else can take it further than what I had projected on my mind. My staff felt the same way. They were very disappointed in how the parents perceived the program. So we stepped down as a group. We thought Monrovia would be able to find a staff that was better suited for their parents."

Medina, who has coached for 23 years, said a summer program was nonexistent before his arrival, starting a program and running one ever since 2001. Medina said "to my knowledge there's no program right now."

Before Medina, Monrovia had not won a game in three years and a league game in nearly a decade. The junior varsity program for the first time in school history brought home a Rio Hondo League title after going 20-1.

Still, it wasn't enough, Medina said.

"The JV program had tremendous season, going 20-1," he said. "Yet, still JV parents weren't happy because they didn't like this or didn't like that. It was like, 'Are you serious?' We had one of the greatest season and kids are happy and kids can lift their heads up, and that was not good enough."

Medina acknowledge that most, if not all, coaches deal with off-field issues. But Medina said "it was this season" when the problems started and that "it hasn't been the last two or three years or anything like that."

"Every coach has parents that are not happy, whose expectations are not met by you as a coach," Medina continued. "At times they're willing to let you know and you tell them where you're coming from as a coach and where the program you think is going and where an individual lies as part of the team, and usually parents get on and move forward, or they don't.

"My big problem was I had three parents who were not happy. They would talk about the program behind my back in adverse conditions. I think that hurt me the most. They were willing to talk about me, about my players and about my staff, sort of behind the team's back. And that bothered me. It bothered me that my staff was being talked about as ineffective. That's what hurt.

Medina's staff included two JV coaches and two varsity assistants, including Dave Hart, who has been on board for a decade. Medina, the athletic director at Monrovia's Clifton Middle School, served as an assistant for three seasons when Hart coached the varsity program.

"That really bothered me the most that they felt my staff was ineffective," Medina said. "When saying that they're talking about a 72-year-old gentleman who coached for 30 years and has intense love for the game. I got a teacher that's been teaching and coaching for over 20 years, and a varsity coached that helped the JV program."

Medina said his approach to coaching high school softball clashed with some.

"Our expectations was we wanted to do well in league and go as far as we can in CIF," he said. "To an extent I like the extra intensity that goes into travel ball, and I'm all for that. But the players, most of them play travel ball year round with intense schedules with four or five games in a weekend. High school is to be with your friends. It's a different mindset. It just came down to where it felt that they being the parents weren't happy and things got back to me. It's a small town. A lot of parents were on my side and they said people are saying this about you."

Medina said he'll take a year off from coaching and could be back in the softball scene a year from now. For now, Medina will take a break after an exhaustive process that led to his resignation.

"It was not an easy process," he said. "It was hard. There was a of just "sit down" with myself and other coached I talked to that weren't involved with Monrovia, that I've known over the years and talked about a lot of things. My administration didn't ask me to resign, it was nothing like that. I just felt that maybe right now it was best to step down."

Above: Assistant coach Stephanie Hernandez (black shirt).

Hilda Valencia, who spent three seasons as head coach of the San Marino softball program, stepped down at the end of the season to continue her education. She said she's looking into finishing her B.A. in sports medicine at San Diego State. In her time at San Marino, Valencia compiled a 36-31 record (17-11 in league) and enjoyed her most successful season last year when the Titans finished 18-7 overall and 9-3 in the Rio Hondo League. San Marino that year also reached the quarterfinals where they lost to Whittier Christian, 1-0.

Andrew Gayl, who recently took over as athletic director, said the school re-opened position another six weeks in an attempt to draw more candidates.

"We'd heard that about 15 to 20 people were interested but when we looked online (EdJoin) there were only like five or six," Gayl said. "We actually re-opened the position for another six weeks in hopes we would find more people. Ideally we'd do some interviews in the middle of August towards the start of the school year."

Gayl, who also said the school is looking for a new girls tennis coach after first-year coach Ron Machuca took another position at South Pasadena, said the softball coach would serve as a walk-on.

Valencia said she enjoyed her brief time at San Marino for various reasons.

"The first year was the toughest because I came in late and didn't have much time to prepare," said Valencia, who went 4-15 and 1-11 in league her first season. "But the experience to prepare was awesome. We had a banquet and I told them they were pretty much my therapy. As soon as I walked up the field and heard their voices it just kind of changed my day entirely. My administration was great, they were behind me in any decision I made. The parents were extremely helpful. I can't really complain."

Valencia added that assistant Stephanie Hernandez has "absolutely" expressed interest in taking over the program.

"She has to go through the entire process like when I first applied," Valencia said. "But absolutely she's interested."

Whoever takes over the program will have one of the marquee pitchers in all of the San Gabriel Valley in junior-to-be Michelle Floyd as well as standout shortstop Alexis Watanabe, who will be a senior next year. Floyd and Watanabe are two-time Star-News All-Area first-team selections.

2011 STAR-NEWS ALL-AREA SOFTBALL TEAM
Player of the Year: Lauren O'Leary, La Canada, Sr.
Coach of the Year: KC Mathews, La Cañada, 4th season
FIRST TEAM
Pitcher: Michelle Floyd, San Marino, So.
Pitcher: Katie Clancy, Mayfield, Sr.
Infielder: Anna Edwards, La Cañada, Sr.
Infielder: Alexis Watanabe, San Marino, Jr.
Infielder: Sterling Shuster, La Salle, Sr.
Infielder: Schae Simpson, Monrovia, Sr.
Outfielder: Denise Gonzales, Alhambra, Jr.
Outfielder: Jessica Loicano, Temple City, Sr.
Outfielder: Sami Jakeway, Temple City, Jr.
Catcher: Catherine Horner, La Cañada, Jr.
Utility: Alashanee Medina, Keppel, Jr.

SECOND TEAM
Pitcher: Denise Van der goot, Flintridge Prep, Sr.
Pitcher: Kaysie Gatlin, Duarte, Jr.
Infielder: Mireya Hernandez, Mafield, So.
Infielder: Megan Siepler, La Cañada, Sr.
Infielder: Cecily Ramirez, Keppel, Sr.
Infielder: Natalie Gutierrez, Alhambra, Sr.
Outfielder: Shirley Drange, La Cañada, Sr.
Outfielder: Brittani Hirose, Keppel, Sr.
Outfielder: Mary Rose Magnolia, Duarte, So.
Catcher: Kaitlin Fitzpatrick, Mayfield, Sr.
Utility: Charley Parker, Rio Hondo Prep, Sr.

CLICK ON THREAD TO READ PLAYER AND COACH OF THE YEAR STORIES

2011 STAR-NEWS ALL-AREA BASEBALL
Player of the Year: KJ Edson, Arcadia, Sr.
Coach of the Year: Wayne Ellis, Pasadena Poly, 24th season

FIRST TEAM
Pitcher: Jordan Kutzer, Pasadena Poly, Sr.
Pitcher: Bowdien Derby, La Salle, Jr.
Infielder: Hunter Merryman, Pasadena Poly, Sr.
Infielder: Corey Copping, Temple City, Jr.
Infielder: Nick Bueno, Monrovia, Sr.
Infielder: Mark Jebbia, Maranatha, Sr.
Outfielder: Chris Rucker, Pasadena, Sr.
Outfielder: Brendan Campbell, Arcadia, Jr.
Outfielder: Frankie Wright, Alhambra, Sr.
Catcher: David Hubinger, St. Francis, Sr.
Utility: Matt Saeta, Pasadena Poly, Sr.

SECOND TEAM
Pitcher: Brian Holman, Pasadena Poly, Sr.
Pitcher: Erik Trask, Arcadia, Jr.
Infielder: Juan Morales, Alhambra, Jr.
Infielder: David Olmedo-Barrera, St. Francis, Jr.
Infielder: Dylan Trimarchi, South Pasadena, Jr.
Infielder: Tyler Dominguez, Arcadia, Sr.
Outfielder: Juan Crespo, Alhambra, Jr.
Outfielder: Chris Williams, La Salle, Jr.
Outfielder: George Papavasiliou, Arcadia, Sr.
Catcher: Jonah Jarrard, Temple City, Jr.
Utility: Julian Jarrard, Temple City, Sr.

CLICK ON THREAD TO READ PLAYER AND COACH OF THE YEAR STORIES

DIVISION 2
Player of the year: Austin Saenz, Mission Viejo (12)
Coach of the Year: Chris Ashbach, Mission Viejo
Devyn Bolasky 12 Vista Del Lago
Kyle Davis 11 Pacifica/Garden Grove
Michael Dingilian 12 Chaminade
K.J. Edson 12 Arcadia
Jake Gallaway 12 Etiwanda
Lucas Giolito 11 Harvard-Westlake
Travis Harrison 12 Tustin
Joseph Keller 11 Chino Hills
Troy Mulcahy 11 Crescenta Valley
Jacob Nottingham 10 Redlands
Zach Ortiz 12 Cypress
Boog Powell 12 Mission Viejo
Kyle Raubinger 12 Arroyo Grande
Andres Rodriguez 12 La Mirada
Brennan Salgado 12 Glendora
C.J. Saylor 11 South Hills
Corey Sims 11 Alemany
Kevin Wade 10 Trabuco Hills
Austin Watters 12 West Torrance
Dan Zandona 12 Santa Barbara

DIVISION 3
Player of the year: James Kaprielian, Beckman (11)
Coach of the Year: Kevin Lavalle, Beckman
Ryan Barker 11 Lancaster
Jakari Bass 12 Lancaster
Andy Crowley 12 San Gorgonio
Justin Garza 11 Bonita
Matt Gelalich 12 Bonita
David Herd 12 Paloma Valley
Brandon Horth 12 Woodbridge
Brennan Leitao 12 Woodbridge
Joppi Martin 12 University
Kenny Mathews 12 Diamond Bar
Ryan Mulvihill 12 Culver City
Tyler Rich 11 Colton
Chad Rieser 12 Beckman
Zack Rivera 11 Beckman
Timmy Robinson 11 Ocean View
OBryan Sanchez 12 Whittier
Jack Sheeley 12 Quartz Hill
Chance Sisco 10 Temescal Canyon
Kory Weeks 12 Rancho Alamitos
Frankie Wright 12 Alhambra

DIVISION 4
Player of the year: Rio Ruiz, Bishop Amat (11)
Coach of the Year: Andy Nieto, Bishop Amat
Adam Alcantara 10 Bishop Amat
Jacob Anderson 12 Chino
David Berg 12 Bishop Amat
Aaron Bernal 11 Colony
Scott Blumer 11 Troy
Nick Bueno 12 Monrovia
Corey Copping 11 Temple City
Bowdien Derby 11 La Salle
Chance Fuglistaher 12 Kaiser
Ryan Garvey 12 Palm Desert
Trent Gilbert 12 Torrance
Edgar Gomez 12 Indio
Ryan Hartman 11 Savanna
Brooks Kriske 11 Palm Desert
Matt Lee 12 San Dimas
Evan Ocello 12 Oaks Christian
Bobby Pettey 11 Sonora
Travis Radke 12 Oaks Christian
Tyrone Taylor 11 Torrance
Taylor Wetzel 11 Granite Hills

DIVISION 6
Player of the year: Brian Holman, Pasadena Poly (12)
Coach of the Year: Wayne Ellis, Pasadena Poly
Nathan Antoun 12 Capistrano Valley Christian
Nick Campbell 12 Vasquez
Steve Criss 12 Oxford Academy
Philip Diaz 12 Bell-Jeff
James Grandpre 12 Desert Christian/Lancaster
Chance Gusbeth 11 Desert Christian/Lancaster
Andrew Jacks 11 Crean Lutheran
Tanner Kruse 11 Bishop Union
Jordan Kutzer 12 Pasadena Poly
Jason Malana 12 Calvary Murrieta
Hunter Merryman 12 Pasadena Poly
Alex Monreal 12 Salesian
Alex Pachino 12 Viewpoint
Royce Park 11 Flintridge Prep
Aaron Puls 12 Bishop Union
Matt Saeta 12 Pasadena Poly
Lucas Sardo 11 Oxford Academy
Tyler Sprague 11 Viewpoint
Gerardo Velasquez 12 Academy of Academic Excellence
Jon Woodcock 12 Villanova Prep

DIVISION 5
Player of the Year: Lauren O'Leary, La Cañada (12) Pitcher
Coach of the Year: KC Mathews, La Cañada
Jessica Avila, Citrus Hill 11 Pitcher
Courtney Cuzick, Nipomo 10 Pitcher
Michelle Floyd, San Marino 10 Pitcher
Alyssa Fuimaono, Beaumont 11 Pitcher
Veronica Ramirez, Azusa 12 Pitcher
Valerie Aguilar, Montebello 11 Catcher
Shania Hernandez, St. Monica Catholic 12 Infield
Salina Gonzales, South El Monte 12 Infield
Karah Hernandez, Rosemead 10 Infield
Vanessa Cordova, West Valley 12 Infield
Alix Cook, Marlborough 12 Infield
Jayne Tickemyer, Beaumont 12 Infield
Taylor Purdy, Barstow 12 Infield
Emily Sanchez, Schurr 10 Infield
Casey Snooks, Savanna 12 Infield
Melissa Zuniga, Katella 11 Infield
Anna Edwards, La Cañada 12 Infield
Tiffany Fox, Savanna 12 Outfield
Brittany Hirose, Keppel 12 Outfield
Denise Gonzalez, Alhambra 11 Utility
Allison Lamb, Morro Bay 10 Utility

DIVISION 6
Player of the Year: Bridgett Castro, Calvary Chapel/Downey (10) Infield
Coach of the Year: Tom Osburn, Calvary Chapel/Downey
Katie Anderus, Paraclete 12 Infield
Elizabeth Caporuscio, Rim of the World 12 Pitcher
Jasmine Catolico, Oxford Academy 11 Infield
Katie Clancy, Mayfield 12 Pitcher
Amanda Conroy, Rosamond 11 Catcher
Jamie Duran, Kern Valley 11 Utility
Kayla Evans, Kern Valley 12 Pitcher
Felicia Gonzales, Yucca Valley 11 Pitcher
Savanna Gutierrez, Paraclete 12 Pitcher
Mireya Hernandez, Mayfield 10 Infield
Kelsey Hodge, Capistrano Valley Christian 12 Utility
Nikki Hoffman, Citrus Valley 10 Infield
Hayley Jaquess, Citrus Valley 10 Pitcher
Catalina Maldonado, Carpinteria 10 Pitcher
Victoria Martinez, Saddleback Valley Christian 12 Infield
Cassie Orgel, Oxford Academy 12 Pitcher
Larisa Petakoff, Calvary Chapel/Downey 10 Pitcher
Brittney Sharkey, Riverside Christian 12 Pitcher
Heaven Silveira, Santa Clara 12 Infield
Denise van der Goot, Flintridge Prep 12 Pitcher
Haley Young, Notre Dame/Riverside 9 Infield

UPDATE: Aram Tolegian is reporting that De'Shawn Ramirez has picked to play at Monrovia this fall. Click here for more details.

Aram Tolegian, AKA Chemical AT, has been all over the De'Shawn Ramirez situation. Where he'll play is still uncertain, but word from AT is Ramirez will come to a decision by today. Ramirez no doubt was one of the best rising talents as a sophomore when he anchored a stable of running back for the Wildcats two seasons ago. Some mishaps tampered with his chance of helping the Wildcats to the Mid-Valley Division title last season, where he spent a year away from the field at Canyon Continuation High School. Whether he lands at Monrovia or chooses Arcadia instead, Ramirez, at the very least, must like his chances of playing for two very respected coaches in Ryan Maddox and Jon Dimalante. Stay tuned...

Nick Bueno the quarterback. Nick Bueno the shortstop. And now, Nick Bueno the entrepreneur. Bueno will give private lessons for 1-3 players at a time ages 7-15. Bueno is arguably the most heralded quarterback in Monrovia football history, leading the Wildcats to their first CIF-Southern Section Mid-Valley Division championship. It was the school's first CIF title in nine previous attempts. Bueno earned Star-News Player of the Year honors this past season after passing for 1,828 yards and rushing for 1,513 yards. He also earned Rio Hondo League MVP honors as well as CIF Mid-Valley Division Player of the Year honors.

LESSONS

Quarterbacks:Throwing fundamentals, accuracy, drop backs, reading defenses, footwork, etc.

Running backs:Footwork, QB exchange, ball handling, pass blocking, etc.

Receiver:Catching fundamentals, receiver routes, run blocking, etc.

Speed and Agility:Drills and conditioning exercises to increase speed and agility.

PRICES PER HOUR

Individual lesson: $15 per person (3 lessons pre-paid and scheduled for $40)
Group of three: $12 per person (3 lessons pre-paid and scheduled for $32)

For more information, call 626-826-1066 or e-mail Nick Bueno at NickBueno@live.com

Following on the heels of a 23-2-1 season which saw the team win the CIF-Southern Section Division 1 championship, a Mission League title and a # 8 national ranking, five FSHA players were honored with ESPN Rise All America or All State recognition.

ALL AMERICA HONORS

KATIE JOHNSON: (Forward, Jr.) A first team All America selection, Katie was one of only two juniors to be named All America. Johnson finished the season with 23 goals and 12 assists. In 2011 alone, Johnson was named All CIF, Mission League MVP and Pasadena Star-News Player of the Year. Katie's 141 career points (57 g/27 assists) have her within striking distance of Jessica Reyes all-time scoring mark of 195 points with one season to go. Katie has committed to play at USC.

NATALIE ZEENNI (Defender, Sr.) Named to the ESPN Rise All America - Second Team. Voted Team MVP by her teammates. She's a two0-time Mission League Most Outstanding Defensive Player. and three-time All-CIF honoree. Zeenni will play college soccer at the University of New Mexico.

Johnson and Zeenni are the first two Tologs to ever receive All America designation in Soccer. The duo was also selected to the ESPN Rise CALIFORNIA ALL STATE team for the second consecutive year where they are joined by teammates:

BREEANA KOEMANS: (Forward, Jr.) This is the second consecutive All-State selection for Koemans who stands third on the FSHA all time scoring list with 39 goals and 35 assists. An All CIF, three-time all league selection and 2010 Pasadena Star-News Player of the Year, Koemans has committed to play college soccer at Northeastern University.

TERA TRUJILLO: (MF/Def., Jr.) A first time All-State selection, 2011 was a big comeback year (concussion) for the former U-15 national team player. Trujillo was named All CIF, All league and made every all area team. Trujillo will join her Tolog teammate Natalie Zeenni at the University of New Mexico upon graduation.

KAYLA MILLS: (Def/MF, So.) Another first time All-State selection a designation usually reserved for juniors and seniors. Mills sparkled at forward, midfield and on defense for the Tologs en route to their CIF championship run. Already a two time All CIF pick, Mills will play college soccer alongside Katie Johnson at USC.

Click here for the complete All-America and All-State list of honorees.

Here's the info from Maranatha:

If you are looking for quality athletic activities for your kids during the summer then Maranatha Football Challenge Camp at Maranatha High School is for you. Our camps are designed for 4th-8th grade students to develop football skills and techniques, work with Coach Karavedas and his staff, and learn the importance of team work and commitment. Former Florida State star quarterback Chris Rix will also be a part of the camp as well as coaches from Azusa Pacific University. The camp goes from July 18 -22 from 8:30 -12:00 and the cost is only $95! For more information e-mail Maranatha Assistant Athletic Director Eddie Arnett at e_arnett@mhs-hs.org or Head Football Coach Peter Karavedas at pkaravedas@gmail.com.

ALSO ...

PASSING GAME AT SOUTH PASADENA
When: Wednesday
Where: South Pasadena HS
Time: 4 p.m.
Teams: South Pasadena, Rosemead, Muir, San Marino

ALHAMBRA SUMMER SCHEDULE

Thurs June 23- @ Arroyo Four-way 5 pm
Tues June 28- @ Burbank 4 pm
Tues July 5- vs Pasadena at Alhambra 4 pm
Thurs July 7- @ Salesian 4 pm
Sat july 9- @ Arroyo Tournament 9 am
Wed July 13- @ Burbank 4 way 4 pm
Thurs July 14- @ Arroyo 4 way 5 pm
Sat July 16- @ Arroyo lineman competition
Tues July 19- @ Pasadena 4 pm
Thurs July 21-@ Salesian 4 way 4 pm
Sat August 27- @ Salesian Scrimmage

FALL SPORTS
FOOTBALL
Mid-Valley Division - Monrovia Story: Celebration 75 years in the making

GIRLS TEAM TENNIS
Div. 2 - San Marino

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY
Div. 1 - Arcadia

WINTER SPORTS
BOYS BASKETBALL
Div. 3-AA - La Cañada Story: La Cañada holds off frantic effort, pulls huge upset
Div. 5-AA - Flintridge Prep Story: Crowning achievement for Flintridge Prep

GIRLS BASKETBALL
Div. 5-A - Pasadena Poly Story: Pasadena Poly claws way to championship

GIRLS SOCCER
Div. 1 - Flintridge Sacred Heart Story: FSHA beats San Clemente to win Division 1 crown

SPRING SPORTS
BASEBALL
Div. 6 - Pasadena Poly Story: Pasadena Poly routs Oxford Academy 10-0 to win title

BOYS SWIMMING AND DIVING
Div. 3 - Keppel

GIRLS SWIMMING AND DIVING
Div. 3 - Keppel

SOFTBALL
Div. 5 - La Cañada Story: Anna Edwards hits solo HR in the third and Lauren O'Leary strikes out eight as La Cañada beats Beaumont 1-0 to win CIF-SS Division 5 championship

Above: David Hubinger (St. Francis) tags out Bonita's Robert Mier in last year's game.

The fourth annual KG Sports Training Foundation Underclassman All-Star Game will have a twist this season. There will be two games this time with blue and grey teams from the San Gabriel Valley taking on blue and grey teams from the San Fernando Valley. The game is Saturday at Northview High. The SGV Blue will take on the SFV Grey at noon followed by the SGV Grey vs. the SFV Blue, slated to begin at approximately 3:30 p.m. The game will try to raise two $500 scholarships to give out that day. Admission will be $10 for adults and $7.50 for kids. Below I've posted the San Gabriel Valley rosters.

BLUE TEAM
Coach: Brian Esquival, St. Francis
Sylvestre Sanchez, Montebello
Logan Beerman, Pasadena Poly
Jonah Campbell, Pasadena Poly
Gary Acuna, Alhambra
Juan Crespo, Alhambra
Jeff Bain, San Marino
Joe Wills, Covina
Nick Hynes, Covina
Angel Acosta, Gabrielino
Tei Vanderford, St. francis
Jeff Garavaglia, St. Francis
Anders Schraer, St. Francis
Dylan Trimarchi, South Pasadena
Erik Trask, Arcadia
Brendan Campbell, Arcadia
Elliot Surrey, Crescenta Valley
Kyle Murray, Crescenta Valley
Cole Currey, Crescenta Valley
Troy Mulcahey, Crescenta Valley
Josh Marrs, Maranatha
David McAlister, Maranatha
John Soteropolous, Loyola
Chad Powers, Loyola
David Sanchez, Cathedral
Josh Ibarra, Cathedral
Julian Perez, Cathedral
Chris Flores, Cathedral
Jonah Jarrard, Temple City
Calvin Copping, Temple City
Corey Copping, Temple City

GREY TEAM
Coach: John Knott, Bonita
Brendan Jauregui, Arroyo
Eddie Gutierrez, Baldwin Park
Justin Garza, Bonita
Thomas Castro, Bonita
Nolan Henley, Bonita
Oscar Montenegro, Charter Oak
Kevin Hides, Damien
Daniel Sandoval, Duarte
Ross Johnston, Duarte
Richard Bradford, Duarte
Aymen Nurledeen, Duarte
Dylan Goodwin, Diamond Ranch
Nick Vasquez, El Rancho
Victor Garcia, El Rancho
Ramond Sedillo, La Puente
Ethan Etchecaren, La Puente
Giovanni Morales, Los Altos
Joe Munoz, Los Altos
Steven Chamberos, Los Altos
Kevin Shue, Monrovia
Nick chico, Northview
Niko Castaneda, Northview
Shawn Kennedy, San Dimas
Giovanni Rivera, Sierra Vista
DJ Larios, West Covina
Michael Nijera, West Covina
Caleb Romo, Walnut
Jacob Chonski, Walnut

Monrovia High will host a youth football camp on July 17 from 1-5 p.m. for ages 6-13 years old. Early registration is $35 (on or before June 17) and $40 for regular registration. Pay with cash or check made out to "Big M Football". Register early from 3-5 p.m. on June 15, 16, 17 at Monrovia High's stadium. Instructors will include Monrovia coaches and players. Purchase includes a camp t-shirt, camp certificate and presentation of campers at one of the Wildcats' football games (date TBA). For more information contact Lorena Wilson at monroviawildcats1@gmail.com.

CLICK HERE FOR A PHOTO GALLERY FROM THE ALL-STAR GAME

By Keith Lair, Staff Writer

TEMPLE CITY - The cycle is complete.

Jessica Loicano began her softball career at Temple City's Live Oak Park when she was 4-years old. Thirteen years later, the recent Temple City High School graduate likely played her last game in the park in a big way. She hit a pair of towering home runs Thursday night to propel the Public All-Star softball team to a 5-0 victory in the seventh annual Public vs. Private All-Star Game, which involves graduating seniors.

"I think it is great that I started here and I finished here," said Loicano, who'll play next season at North Dakota, which is making the move from Division II to Division I.

"It is a great feeling that I was able to finish my high school career here."

Playing T-ball and softball in the Temple City ASA, which provided technical support for the All-Star game, Loicano previously hit 17 homers at Live Oak Park, but perhaps none was sweeter than her final two, in her final game wearing a Temple City uniform and final high school game.

"I grew up here," she said. "It's basically my home away from my home, and I live not very far from here."

CLICK ON THREAD TO CONTINUE READING

By Miguel A. Melendez, Staff Writer

A childhood dream became a reality for former Cal State Fullerton teammates Noe Ramirez (Alhambra High) and Tyler Pill (Covina High) when they were selected Tuesday in day two of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.

Pill, a right-handed pitcher who also batted No. 3 in the Titans' lineup, was taken in the fourth round (132nd overall) by the New York Mets. He was ranked 59th in Baseball America's top 100 college draft prospects list and was a semifinalist for the Dick Howser Award as the nation's top player. He went 6-1 with a 2.08 ERA and led the Titans with a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 99-19.

Pill, in an intimate setting flanked by his girlfriend and family at their Covina home, received a phone call from the Mets several picks before he heard the announcement on the MLB Network.

"They called me two or three picks before," Pill said. "They said, `Here's the deal.' They laid it out and that was it, to listen in (on television) because I was going to be picked.

"To be honest, it hasn't hit me yet. It's definitely going to hit me in the next couple days. It's definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience to be drafted. I'm just thrilled right now where I am."

CLICK ON THREAD TO CONTINUE READING

Funeral services for Austin Lacy, a senior at Pasadena High School and standout football player who also played for Bishop Amat his junior year, are scheduled for Saturday. Lacy died in a Maryland medical facility Friday from mesothelioma and complications caused by the cancer.
Funeral services will start at 10 a.m. at Metropolitan Baptist Church, 2283 Fair Oaks Avenue, Altadena. After the service, Lacy will be interred across the street at Mountain View Cemetery, 2400 Fair Oaks Ave. A gathering of friends and family will follow the interment at the Boys and Girls Club of Pasadena, 2020 North Fair Oaks Avenue. -- FJR

How does this one stack up against the one where a South Pasadena pole vaulter was disqualified for wearing a friendship bracelet? Why does this seem to happen in track and field all the time? Check this out from the L.A. Times:

There have been close to 4,000 comments made on a Yahoo.com story about the decision to disqualify Los Angeles Loyola pole vaulter Evan Barr last weekend at the state track and field championships when he uttered a profanity at the conclusion of a jump. That DQ cost the Cubs a state title.

After five years at the helm, four league titles, two CIF-Southern Section finals appearances and one CIF Division 5 title, Maranatha's Brian DeHaan announced his resignation as the Minutemen baseball coach.

DeHaan in his first season at the helm drastically improved the Minutemen by winning 15 games. He led Maranatha to the second round of the playoffs his second season and won 18 games, the Delphic League title and made a finals appearance his third season. Maranatha's most successful season came in his fourth season, when Maranatha had the most wins (26) in program history, won the league title and the Division 5 championship with Dylan Covey leading the way on the mound.

DeHaan compiled a 93-52-2 record, including a 15-4 playoff record in his five seasons. After a shaky start this season, Maranatha found consistency in Olympic League play and advanced to the quarterfinals of the Division 5 playoffs.

DeHaan cited several reasons for his resignation.

"At the core of my reasoning is a need for more time to invest in all of Maranatha athletics and my own family," he said. "In no particular order, the first reason I am stepping down is because I have a passion to invest in our coaching staff at Maranatha to insure that we are impacting lives for Christ while pursuing excellence on the field or court.

"Secondly, I feel it is necessary to expand our network of college contacts and I want to invest at a new level in all Maranatha athletes who have a desire to play beyond high school. And finally, I have two little boys and a wife that I love with everything I have, and I want to spend more time with them both at home and at Maranatha events."

DeHaan said he will coach the team through the summer until a replacement has been named. If necessary, he'll coach into the next school year.

DeHaan will remain as the school's athletic director. The next baseball coach will be a walk-on position next season, with the possibility of teaching if they're qualified. DeHaan, however, added there are currently no teaching positions available.

Candidates can send inquiries to b_dehaan@mhs-hs.org.

Here's what Baseball America had to say about him:

Ramirez was lightly recruited and undrafted out of Alhambra (Calif.) High in 2008, but he developed into a top-two-rounds candidate during three stellar seasons at Cal State Fullerton. ... Lean and wiry at 6-foot-3, 180 pounds, Ramirez has gotten stronger since high school, increasing his fastball velocity from the 86-88 mph range to the 88-91 range now, peaking at 92-93 early in games. He generally commands his fastball well, but his bread-and-butter is his offspeed stuff. ... Ramirez is a fearless competitor with outstanding feel for pitching and one of the best track records in the draft. He has the stuff and makeup to become a mid- to late-rotation starter in the big leagues.

RELATED LINKS

Red Sox grab RHP Noe Ramirez in fourth round (WEEI Sports Radio Network)

Draft Day 2: Sox take HS OF Jerez No. 81, others (ESPN Boston)

Noe Ramirez's journey out of Hazard (ESPN Los Angeles)

It's looking like the class of 2012 will be an impressive bunch to cover this upcoming football season, and how nice is it to have here in our back yard some of the most coveted recruits. Arcadia quarterback Myles Carr, teammate Taylor Lagace, St. Francis wide receiver Travis Talianko and Monrovia defensive lineman Ellis McCarthy have been named to the California watchlist for the inaugural 2012 Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl, an event in partnership with the United States Marine Corps and founded by Chicago-based JuniorRank, a company dedicated to the education, evaluation and instruction of America's next generation of student athletes.

The West San Gabriel Valley foursome are among the 1,500 top national prospects who will comprise the 2012 Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl Watchlist.

The Valley's 2012 class is led by McCarthy, a 6-foot-5, 311-pound defensive linemen with at least 12 offers that includes Florida, UCLA, USC and Tennessee. The five-star recruit was also recently selected to take part in "The Opening" presented by Nike. Lagace is a two-time Star-News All-Area first teamer and Carr is a second-team honoree. Talinako also is a two-time Star-News All-Area first-teamer.

CLICK ON THREAD TO READ THE PRESS RELEASE

SAN GABRIEL VALLEY ALL-STAR GAME
TUESDAY, Mt. SAC, 6:30 P.M.

North coach: Randy Medina (Monrovia) and Ken Carlson (Bonita)
North Roster
Arroyo-Paige Medina
Azusa-Veronica Ramirez
Bonita-Courtney Gano, Breanna Sandoval, Kate O'Malley
Charter Oak-Cassie Andrews, Jennifer Gonzales
Duarte-Auryanna Erhardt, Vanessa Medrano
Gabrielino-Breanna Delgadillo
Glendora-Caryle Argyle, Audrie Becerra
La Canada-Lauren O'Leary, Anna Edwards
Monrovia, Kelly Williams, Schae Simpson
Northview-Mercedes Menchaca, Jazmin Chavez
San Dimas-Aleena Avalos, Sara Moore, Courtney Hine
Sierra Vista-Monica Gomez
Temple City-Jessica Loicano

South coach: Jesse Mendez (Bishop Amat)
South Roster
Bishop Amat-Natalie Sanchez, Jackie Carlin, Alma Cortez, Katie Cunningham
Diamond Bar-Stephany La Rosa
Los Altos-Julia Mendoza
Mark Keppel-Cecily Ramirez
Rowland-Mercedes Cundiff
Montebello-Jacquelin Lopez
Nogales-Deanna Alfaro
Rosemead-Lily Marie Jimenez
Schurr-Megan Coronado
South El Monte-Salina Gonzales
South Hills-Samantha Nieves, Vanessa Molina, Keira Portell
Walnut-Justine Chavira
West Covina-Alyssa Gutierrez, Dakota Monarrez
Wilson-Amanda Salazar

PUBLIC VS. PRIVATE ALL-STAR SOFTBALL GAME
AT LIVE OAK PARK, TEMPLE CITY
PRACTICE: Today (Private 4-6 p.m.; Public 6-8 p.m.)
GAME: Thursday, June 9 (Home run derby 4:30 p.m., game to follow)

PUBLIC ALL-STAR ROSTER
Coach: KC Mathews and staff, La Cañada
Anna Edwards, La Cañada
Lauren O'Leary, La Cañada
Megan Siepler, La Cañada
Shirley Drange, La Cañada
Kayla McCue, La Cañada
Schae Simpson, Monrovia
Kelly Williams, Monrovia
Emmy Orozco, Monrovia
Jessica Loicano, Temple City
Jessica Doi, Temple City
Brittani Hirose, Keppel
Cecily Ramirez, Keppel
Amanda Raucho, Keppel
Angelica Pena, Keppel
Natalie Gutierrez, Alhambra
Vanessa Medrano, Duarte
Leeza Urrutia, Duarte
Auryanna Erhardt, Duarte

PRIVATE ALL-STAR ROSTER
Coaches: Julie Jaime, Flintridge Prep; Jennifer Moulden, Mayfield
Steph Tercero, Pasadena Poly
Allana Pires, Flitridge Sacred Heart
Mackenzie Lyng, Flintridge Sacred Heart
Paige Conti, Flintridge Sacred Heart
Sterling Shuster, La Salle
Charley Parker, Rio Hondo Prep
Hayley Murphy, Rio Hondo Prep
Kalli Bray, Rio Hondo Prep
Hannah Martin, Rio Hondo Prep
Lauren Amenta, Mayfield
Katie Clancy, Mayfield
Kaitlin Fitzpatrick, Mayfield
Denise Van der goot, Flintridge Prep
Abbey Deckop, Flintridge Prep
Kelly Wang, Flintridge Prep
Amanda Garcia, San Gabriel Mission
Miranda Tijerina, San Gabriel Mission
Kaitie Czuchaj, Maranatha

CLICK HERE FOR A PHOTO GALLERY FROM THE ALL-STAR GAME

By Nathan Cambridge, Correspondent

ALHAMBRA - Sunday's 16th annual San Gabriel Valley All-Star baseball game at Moor Field featured stellar defense, but superior pitching and hitting by the Red team led to a 3-1 victory.

Bonita's Robert Mier, playing for the Red team, won the game's Most Valuable Hitter Award. The second baseman, who will play at Mt. SAC next year, hit a run-scoring double in the seventh inning to put his team ahead for good, 2-1.

"It's neat," Mier said. "You get to play with guys you played against all year. It's different but it is still competitive baseball.

"I was just happy to help and contribute to my team's win."

The Red team's Julian Jarrard, representing Temple City High, won the Most Valuable Player award.

Jarrard singled in the second inning and doubled over the center fielder's head in the fourth to drive in the game's first run.

CLICK ON THREAD TO CONTINUE READING

CLICK HERE FOR A PHOTO GALLERY FROM SATURDAY'S CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

By Miguel A. Melendez, Staff Writer

RIVERSIDE -- Pasadena Poly coach Wayne Ellis had only one thought in mind as he traveled down memory lane during Saturday's CIF-Southern Section Division 6 championship game against Oxford Academy.

A coaching career spanning 24 years and 400-plus victories circled him back where it twice had gone wrong, only this time his ease was put to rest early.

Jordan Kutzer flirted with a no-hit bid and Jonah Campbell's two-run triple in the sixth was the final nail in the coffin as the Panthers cruised to a 10-0 win to bring home the school's first ever baseball title in front of a pro-Poly crowd at UC Riverside.

Pasadena Poly (25-2-1) dethroned two-time defending champion Oxford Academy (26-3), a team still reeling from the loss of star first baseman Doug Uselton, who died in December along with his father Steven after the car they were driving in was struck by a suspected drunk driver.

Oxford Academy pitcher Steve Criss said even with a big deficit against Poly, Uselton would have fought until the end, which is what the top-seeded Patriots did.

Ellis, who has guided the Panthers to the playoffs in 23 of his 24 seasons and a state-record 16 consecutive (Prep) league titles, drew inspiration from playoff experience and reflected.

"I was thinking throughout the years about the players I've had and how successful they've been and never quite had this feeling that my kids have now," said Ellis, who guided the Panthers to the 1992 and 1989 finals. "But most of all, I didn't want these kids to have that hurt feeling of losing."

CLICK ON THREAD TO CONTINUE READING STORY AND BOX SCORE

The week leading up to the 2010 Turkey Tussle we were looking for stories to include in our special magazine edition. One story that I was excited to report about was that of Austin Lacy, a senior transfer from Bishop Amat who returned to his roots in Pasadena to play for the Bulldogs after undergoing open heart surgery. I had the opportunity to interview Lacy and came away very impressed with this young man's sheer determination and sincere demeanor. He was a delight to interview, to say the least, the kind of athlete that gave you really great quotes, which is rare when interviewing high school athletes in any sport. I was more impressed with Lacy's determination to look at life in a positive outlook than his determination to become the player he used to be. He exhibited signs of the kind of man who would excel at anything he put his mind into. He didn't want anything to hold him back, and he fought for the chance to prove he could accomplish a goal he set out to do, such as taking on an engineering major at either Arizona State or Georgia Tech. He had a bright wide-eyed smile, was personalbe, friendly, kind, respectful and full of life. It's sometimes a wonder why someone with so much potential and life could leave this Earth so early in life. I'll always remember his fun demeanor and I'll always remember his will to power through anything that life threw at him. May he rest in peace. -- Miguel Melendez

By Thomas Himes, Staff Writer

A standout football player and senior at Pasadena High School died Friday after a yearlong battle with a rare illness that baffled his doctors.

Austin Lacy fought the illness until the very end, surviving cardiac arrest twice over the past several days.

But at 11:12 a.m. Friday, in a Maryland hospital, his family members told doctors to disconnect the life support system that had kept air flowing to his lungs since Tuesday, said his mother, Karen Rogers.

"We had to make the decision," Rogers said. "We didn't want him to suffer anymore."

The underlying cause of Lacy's death was a rare form of cancer known as mesothelioma.

The aggressive disease is most common among industrial workers who inhaled asbestos - a mineral used in building material that was outlawed in the late 1970s.

Word of Lacy's death spread through the student body at Pasadena High School within hours.

Lacy's teammate, Armon Easley, was one of a number of students who took to social networking sites to express his condolences.

"He was a leader. He was somebody to look up to," Easley said.

"When I was on the field and down, he would always encourage me to play harder and make up for it on the next play," said Easley who played linebacker alongside Lacy.

CLICK ON THREAD TO CONTINUE READING

CLICK HERE FOR A PHOTO GALLERY FROM THE DIVISION 5 CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

ANOTHER VIEW

Beaumont falls in softball, 1-0 (RIVERSIDE PRESS-ENTERPRISE)

By Miguel A. Melendez, Staff Writer

IRVINE -- The night couldn't have been more fitting, from Anna Edwards' solo home run for the game's only run to Lauren O'Leary's final delivery for a strikeout looking -- it epitomized which shoulders the La Cañada High School softball team was riding on to get them this far.

A celebration four years in the making needed all of an hour and 31 minutes, culminating with Catherine Horner flipping off her catcher's mask and jumping into O'Leary's shoulders, making official the Spartans' 1-0 win over Beaumont to capture the CIF-Southern Section Division 5 championship Friday night at Deanna Manning Stadium.

La Cañada (26-3) punctuated a stellar season with the hoist of a CIF championship plaque for the first time since winning it all in 1995. A loss to South Hills in last year's semifinals fueled the Spartans' drive, but it was a winning attitude from the five seniors who planted a winning attitude as freshmen four years ago.

CLICK ON THREAD TO CONTINUE READING

CIF-SS PLAYOFFS
DIVISION 5 CHAMPIONSHIP
No. 1 La Cañada vs. No. 2 Beaumont
Deanna Manning Stadium, Irvine, 5:15 p.m.

By Miguel A. Melendez, Staff Writer

The top-seeded La Cañada High School softball team will venture into uncharted territory at 5:15 today when it takes on No. 2 seed Beaumont in the CIF-Southern Section Division 5 championship game at Deanna Manning Stadium in Irvine.

La Cañada captured its lone softball championship in 1995 under coach Tom Parker. That this is the current Spartans' first trip to the title game doesn't faze coach KC Mathews, who's in his fourth season at the helm.

The Spartans (25-3) advanced to the semifinals last season and were ousted by South Hills, which has since moved up to Division 3 and is coming off a semifinal rout of Bishop Amat to punch its ticket to tonight's final against top seed Oaks Christian.

La Cañada faced tougher competition on its schedule this season, and, coupled with last year's deep run, the Spartans could see it pay off as they handle the finals with a subtle but focused approach.

CLICK ON THREAD TO CONTINUE READING

I got an e-mail from Nike early Wednesday afternoon, but I'm just getting a chance now to post this as Monrovia's Ellis McCarthy earns another pretty cool honor. The 6-foot-5 defensive end was announced to the preliminary roster for "The Opening" presented by Nike Football. McCarthy, the Star-News Defensive Player of the Year, is one of the top 12 athletes to participate. Designed to give student-athletes the ultimate football training experience, "The Opening" represents five days of dynamic training, coaching and competition for 150 of the country's most elite high school football players.

According to the e-mail, McCarthy was selected through his on-field performance and will learn from several of Nike's world-class football athletes, coaches and trainers who will arm the athletes with the knowledge to develop their speed, explosiveness and position skills. Congrats, Ellis!

Below are the following players are among the standouts who received an invitation to compete at "The Opening":

Position, Player, Hometown
WR Bralon Addison (Houston, Texas)
LB Kwon Alexander (Oxford, Ala.)
DB Travis Blanks (Tallahassee, Fla.)
DB T.J. Davis (Tallahassee, Fla.)
DL Dante Fowler Jr. (St. Petersburg, Fla.)
LB Dillon Lee (Buford, Ga.)
DB Marcus Maye (Melbourne, Fla.)
DL Ellis McCarthy (Monrovia, Calif.)
DB Wayne Morgan (Brooklyn, N.Y.)
WR Darius Powe (Long Beach, Calif.)
OL Jordan Simmons (Inglewood, Calif.)
RB Trey Williams (Houston, Texas)
LB Ukeme Eligwe (Stone Mountain, Ga.)
TE Taylor McNamara (San Diego, Calif.)

CLICK ON THREAD TO READ NIKE'S FULL PRESS RELEASE

CIF-SS PLAYOFFS
CHAMPIONSHIP
DIVISION 6
Saturday, UC Riverside, 3:30 p.m.
No. 1 Oxford Academy vs. Pasadena Poly

By Miguel A. Melendez, Staff Writer

Jordan Kutzer remembers the spotlight shining bright on him even as a kid.

With all eyes fixed on him and the crowd anticipating possibly a masterful performance, Kutzer put it all on the line.

This was no baseball game, though. There was no ball, glove or cleats.

The crowd watching from a distance was formally dressed - tuxedos and all.

The Pasadena Poly senior was an eighth-grader preparing to play Johann Sebastian Bach's Rondo a Capriccio, a 12-page piano piece in G major. The only pressure he felt was proving to himself that preparation, thought and poise can overcome sweat and jitters.

"Learning music and having to play in front of people definitely helped me understand that being prepared and composed was relatable to pitching," Kutzer said, "because you're out there putting it all on the line, representing all the work that you've done."

CLICK ON THREAD TO CONTINUE READING

CIF-SS PLAYOFFS
CHAMPIONSHIP
DIVISION 5
Friday, Deanna Manning Stadium, 5:15 p.m.
No. 1 La Canada vs. Beaumont

By Keith Lair, Staff Writer

BEAUMONT - Softball teams from the Rio Hondo and Mountain Pass leagues seem to be taking the Rodney Dangerfield approach.

Respect from outside of their respective leagues is still missing.

That's how Mountain Pass League champion Beaumont High School looks at it.

"We've been trying to prove ourselves all year long," Beaumont coach Jim Tickemyer said. "People were saying that Beaumont hasn't played much outside of its league, but the Mountain Pass League was pretty tough this year."

Tickemyer said his team faced quality pitching in nearly every league game.

CLICK ON THREAD TO CONTINUE READING

Players, if your name is on this list all you have to do is show up to practice Monday at Live Oak Park in Temple City at the time stated below. Congrats!

PUBLIC VS. PRIVATE ALL-STAR SOFTBALL GAME
AT LIVE OAK PARK, TEMPLE CITY
PRACTICE: Monday, June 6 (Private 4-6 p.m.; Public 6-8 p.m.)
GAME: Thursday, June 9 (Home run derby 4:30 p.m., game to follow)

PUBLIC ALL-STAR ROSTER
Coach: KC Mathews and staff, La Cañada
Anna Edwards, La Cañada
Lauren O'Leary, La Cañada
Megan Siepler, La Cañada
Shirley Drange, La Cañada
Kayla McCue, La Cañada
Schae Simpson, Monrovia
Kelly Williams, Monrovia
Emmy Orozco, Monrovia
Jessica Loicano, Temple City
Brittani Hirose, Keppel
Cecily Ramirez, Keppel
Amanda Raucho, Keppel
Angelica Pena, Keppel
Natalie Gutierrez, Alhambra
Vanessa Medrano, Duarte
Leeza Urrutia, Duarte
Auryanna Erhardt, Duarte

PRIVATE ALL-STAR ROSTER
Coaches: Julie Jaime, Flintridge Prep; Jennifer Moulden, Mayfield
Steph Tercero, Pasadena Poly
Allana Pires, Flitridge Sacred Heart
Mackenzie Lyng, Flintridge Sacred Heart
Paige Conti, Flintridge Sacred Heart
Sterling Shuster, La Salle
Charley Parker, Rio Hondo Prep
Hayley Murphy, Rio Hondo Prep
Kalli Bray, Rio Hondo Prep
Hannah Martin, Rio Hondo Prep
Lauren Amenta, Mayfield
Katie Clancy, Mayfield
Kaitlin Fitzpatrick, Mayfield
Denise Van der goot, Flintridge Prep
Abbey Deckop, Flintridge Prep
Kelly Wang, Flintridge Prep
Amanda Garcia, San Gabriel Mission
Miranda Tijerina, San Gabriel Mission
Kaitie Czuchaj, Maranatha

The 16th annual San Gabriel Valley All-Star Baseball Game is set for Sunday, June 6 at Moor Field in Alhambra (1000 S. Eighth Street). Here are the rosters.

RED TEAM
COACHES: Brett Stevens (Head) Sierra Vista, Barry Bacon (Assistant) Temple City
Players, Position, High School
Rouric Bridgewater, 3B Diamond Ranch
Mark Chen, C San Marino
Jacob Ehret, P San Dimas
Gabriel Esocobar, 1B Schurr
Daniel, FarFan, P El Monte
Matt Gelich, OF Bonita
Fernando Gonzalez, SS Baldwin Park
Alex Guerrero, P Montebello
Caleb Halverson, OF Temple City
Andres Hernadez, OF Sierra Vista
K.C. Huth, OF Bonita
Jimmy Jacobo, 1B La Puente
Julian Jarrard, SS Temple City
George Johnson, OF West Covina
Robert, Lain, 3B Pasadena
Matt Lee, P San Dimas
Kevin Lengvel, P Diamond Ranch
Chris Marentes, C Gladstone
Kenny Mathews, P Diamond Bar
Robert Mier, 2B Bonita
Anthony MIllan, P Montebello
Matt Munoz, SS San Dimas
Elias Novello, P Sierra Vista
Nathaniel Sarkar, 1B Gabrielino
Jeff Villalobos, OF Rowland
Will Walters, P Walnut

BLUE TEAM
COACHES: Wayne Ellis (Head) Pasadena Poly, Harry Agajanian (Assistant) La Salle
Players, Position, High School
Nick Bueno, INF Monrovia
Adrian Velasco, C Monrovia
Wallace Gonzalez, OF Bishop Amat
Ryan Serrato, 1B Bishop Amat
Bernardo Zavala, C Bishop Amat
Hunter Merryman, 1B Pasadena Poly
Matt Saeta, C Pasadena Poly
Jordan Kutzer, P Pasadena Poly
John Auer, INF La Salle
Gary Goebel, P La Salle
Steve Petrovich, OF La Salle
Nick Cooksey, INF Glendora
Brennan Salgado, C Glendora
John Alexander, OF/1B Glendora
Tyler Dominguez, INF Arcadia
K.J. Edson, P Arcadia
Haram Park, INF/OF Arcadia
Mark Roche, P Arroyo
Roman Davalos, P Arroyo
Dom Martinez, OF South Hills
Richie Rollice, OF South Hills
Frankie Wright, P/INF Alhambra
Antonio Gonzalez, P Damien
Tony Veiller, P South Pasadena
Kyle Peck, P Los Altos
Steven Baltiera, P Wilson