April 2008 Archives

The San Gorgonio at Pacific baseball game on Tuesday was marred by the Pacific coach getting ejected, followed shortly by the Pacific fans being ejected.

"I've never seen anything like it in my life," Pacific pitcher Brandon Kinser said, referring to the removal of the fans.

The game was delayed about 20 minutes because of the disturbance. There was also a post-game situation, requiring the security to be called.

San Gorgonio won 13-3.

Based on Prep-dog's conversations with Inland Liaison of Officials Lloyd Nixon, three Pacific baseball players and a source close to the Pirate program, here is what happened:

Pacific baseball coach Jake Barengregt got into with the umpires, said something under his breath, got restricted to the dugout, said something else and got ejected. That touched off the Pirate fans; they were also ejected.

"The coach was chirping at the balls and strikes," said Nixon, who received a report from the umpiring crew. "He made a smart remark to the base umpire and was restricted to the dugout. Then he made a smart remark from there and got ejected."

The ejection did not surprise Kinser.

"He was going out (on the field) a lot," he said. "But he got tossed for a pretty weak remark. I think he told him to un-tuck his ears."

Barengregt was not available for comment. He will not be able to coach in the Pirates' next game, as per CIF-SS rules.

San Gorgonio coach Bill Eatinger reported the results of the game to me on Tuesday night, but made no mention of the disturbance. I tried to reach Eatinger by phone today, but could not. .

After Barengregt's ejection, a Pirate fan fired a salvo at the umps. .

"One of the parents said 'Why don't you go ahead and throw us all out?''' Pacific player Chase Hill said.

The umpire obliged, prompting the long delay.

"We're trying to play and they're arguing about nothing," Hill said. "It was ridiculous."

About 20 Pacific fans then retreated to Bailey Hill, behind the center field fence, Hill said.

"It was confusing that they only threw our side out," Kinser said.

The excitement was not finished.

Shortstop David Kiriakos said another argument erupted after the game.

Nixon confirmed that.

"The umpires requested assistance," Nixon said. "The fans were stepping over the line. (The umpires) didn't know what to expect."

A Pacific source said athletic director Carmel Brand was summoned.

Brand did not return phone or text messages left today. I also tried to leave her a message via a school secretary and sent her an email, but there was no reply..

The Pacific athletic director has not returned any of my messages since I learned two weeks ago of a spate of firings/resignations of coaches at the school

Add Anthony Marquez to the list of ousted Pacific coaches.

"She (athletic director Carmel Brand) told me she didn't need me and that she'd hired someone else," Marquez told the Prep-dog Tuesday night.

Marquez said he has been replaced as boys' water polo coach by Amy Flower.

The season is in the fall, but preparations for summer league are underway.

That makes at least five Pacific coaches out since January: Football coach Randy Jensen, boys basketball coach Marlon Smotherman, boys soccer coach Manuel Gonzalez, wrestling coach Rick Castro and Marquez.

Jensen, Smotherman and Marquez were all fired. Gonzalez said his status was unclear, but that he didn't want to be back regardless. Castro resigned in the midst of an argument with Brand.

Now there's Marquez, who coached the Pirates for three years and increased the team's victory total each year from four to eight to 10.

I left messages for Brand and principal Dennis Deets in each of the past two weeks regarding the ousters of Jensen, Smotherman, Gonzalez and Castro. No calls have been returned, no doubt because these are personnel matters. But I'll try again today.

The Pacific High School athletic department/wrestling program situation has been well-documented here.

Here's your chance to sound off. Have Pacific school officials made the correct decision in considering Rick Castro's verbal resignation final? Or is this an injustice to Castro that will ultimately hurt the wrestling program and Pacific sports?

Have an opinion on Pacific athletics ... and Castro ... or any of the deposed coaches?

Are schools officials right or wrong ... and what about the school district's role? Feel free to leave a comment below.

Note: The Prep-dog had it confirmed a short time ago that Pacific water polo coach Anthony Marquez has also been fired, bringing the total of jettisoned coaches since January to at least five.
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(Here's a copy of Tuesday's story, in case you missed it.>
PACIFIC WRESTLERS PETITION TO GET COACH BACK

By John Murphy
Staff Writer

SAN BERNARDINO -- Rick Castro has dedicated much of his adult life to helping the students at Pacific High School.

Now, they are returning the favor.

The wrestling team has begun a petition to restore Castro to his coaching position. That is a delicate proposition, since he technically resigned last week.

Castro has since reconsidered his resignation, but the administration isn't budging, he said.

"They say he resigned, but he didn't fill out any papers," said wrestler Edgar Lopez, who is helping to circulate the petition. "We want to take a stand against (athletic director) Mrs. (Carmel) Brand and say that it would be a big mistake."

Phone messages left for Brand and principal Dennis Deets were not returned Monday.

San Bernardino schools superintendent Art Delgado did address the situation in a general sense on Monday.

"There could be room for more discussion," Delgado said. "These are adults and professional, college-educated people. We need to keep the best interest of the kids in mind, preferences aside. I don't think these were essential issues."

One of the issues cited by Castro was his preference of using school vans to save money, as opposed to Brand's insistence on using buses.
.
Another squabble was over the suits used by the Pirate swimming team, which includes Castro's son, Canon. Some of the swimmers desired to wear the Speedos they wore last year, while Brand insisted upon the suits she ordered.

"My overall sense is there was a heated discussion (between Castro and Brand) and a decision was made," Delgado said. "I don't think the administration is anti-athletic or has exercised undue authority."

Delgado did not respond whether or not he would meet with the wrestling delegation, stating that would fall under the auspices of assistant superintendent, student services Narciso Cardona.

Cardona was unavailable for comment.

Nonetheless, the wrestlers have mobilized. Lopez said that as of Friday night, about 350 signatures had been collected from Pacific students, alumni, parents and even some teachers.

The show of support has caught the 51-year-old Castro, a Bloomington High School graduate, by surprise.

"One of the teachers told me he had signed the petition and I said that's fine, but I'm not running for office," Castro said in a rare light-hearted moment. "I was really surprised (by the petition). It makes me feel good in one regard that they care so much because I've never won a league title because we haven't had the numbers."

Castro has coached champion wrestlers, including one CIF-State titlist -- his nephew, Tommy Vargas -- and three others who finished among the top five in state.

Lopez said the students hope to approach the Pacific administration and/or the school district, present the petition and plead their case.

"Rick Castro has believed in our kids and now we want to help him," said Sonia Sarabia, the mother of wrestler Roman Valenzuela. "They're getting rid of some good people."

Castro's resignation follows three other confirmed firings/resignations (possibly more) since January.

In January, football coach Randy Jensen was fired after the program amassed a 20-game losing streak. He will be an assistant coach next season at Cajon, while remaining at Pacific as a teacher.

Last week, Marlon Smotherman said he was also fired from his boys basketball coaching job, while boys soccer coach Manuel Gonzalez said he anticipated being jettisoned and will not return even if asked.

"I want to find a better situation where there's more communication and initiative from the athletic director," Gonzalez said. "There's not much support there."

Smotherman, whose team won eight games last season, previously said he was given contrasting reasons for his dismissal by Brand and Deets

Some of the wrestlers are also left feeling discouraged.

"I feel like there's nothing left for me at this school," Valenzuela said. "I feel like I should go somewhere else, but this is my school and I don't want to abandon it."

Teammate Peter Martinez wants Castro back, but does not absolve him of all blame.

"In my opinion, the coach and Mrs. Brand were both immature," he said. "It's stupid that a little discussion should ruin his whole career."

Regarding the many coaching changes, Martinez said: "I want the sports program to get better. If changes have to be made, then they have to be made."

However, Martinez said he hopes one of those changes will not be in wrestling.

"I hope Castro comes back," he said. "He's the only reason I stayed at Pacific. In my sophomore year my parents were going to move to Yucaipa, but I asked them to stay here in San Bernardino. I still wanted to go to Pacific and stay on the wrestling team."

Corona Centennial offensive lineman Gavin Pascarella (6-5, 255) has landed offers from Army and Air Force, rivals.com said.

Stanford, UCLA and Arizona State are also interested in the Husky, the Web site said.

Here's what rivals.com recruiting expert Rick Kimbrel said about Pascarella:

"When Arizona State was by the school last week they were very impressed with his highlight video. Pascarella came by a couple of UCLA practices and Bruin recruiter for Centennial, Wayne Moses will be by the campus to check him out.

You already know when a player has offers from the academies that he is taking care of business in the classroom and is very intelligent. He carries a 4.6 GPA. That means he's getting straight A's in honor courses."

.

Sometime yesterday, in the midst of wrestlers petitioning and a Canyon Springs football coach resigning, Prep-dog was tipped by colleague Michelle Gardner that Redlands High basketball star Emily Vore is signing with Cal State San Bernardino.

Credit an assist to Gardner, dishing with alacrity on a manic Monday.

That prompted a call to Terrier athletic director Ken Morse, who said seven others besides Vore will compete on scholarship at various colleges.

Here is still another Terrier who has made a college commitment, albeit to a NCAA Division III school that does not give scholarships. She is Quincy Meeker, who is a senior utility player on Redlands' Citrus Belt League first-place softball team. She has signed with Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas.

Quincy will play on Southwestern's inaugural softball team which is a member of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference, said Dan Meeker, Quincy's father.

"We visited the college last week and had dinner with the coach and she liked it," Dan said.

Dan said his daughter will attend on a "tuition exchange" since his wife works at University of Redlands.

Do you know an athlete who has recently made a college commitment or is signing soon? Leave a comment below or email the dog at berdooman@aol.com. Other story tips, amusing anecdotes, concerns? Prep-dog is here for you.

As reported on Prep-dog first, Moreno Valley Canyon Springs' Rich Bancroft has resigned to spend more time with his expanding family.

Cougars athletic director Trow Davis confirmed the news at around noon Monday. Prep-dog blogged it about 13 hours ago, which indicates he's running strictly on caffeine at this point (1 a.m.). .

Bancroft returned the dog's call sometime mid-afternoon on Monday, as I was mired deep in the Pacific High School wrestling embroglio. Finally, I have a chance to relay the outgoing Cougar coach's comments:

"Whenever someone resigns and cites spending more time with their family as the reason, I always used to roll my eyes," said Bancroft, whose wife Jennifer on April 17 had a baby boy, Asher. "But in my case, it's true. I want to be able to help my wife out - it wouldn't be fair not to. There were times last season when I would get to work at 7 a.m. and leave at 10 p.m. and that's no good as far as having a new-born son. Then on the weekend, you're breaking down film."

Asked about the unusual timing of the announcement - spring ball begins May 12 -
Bancroft said: "I learned my wife was pregnant nine months ago, but thought I could handle both (responsibilities) at the time. But with all the feedings and changing diapers, I just didn't think it would work. And when I held him in my arms for the first time, I knew what I had to do."

After taking a week off work, Bancroft pulled the trigger on the resignation.

Canyon Springs went 8-5 last season, losing to Colony in the CIF-SS title game. It is now conducting a search for a coach, with the job opened both inside and outside the district.

Here is Prep-dog's story that will hit newstands and porches soon on the Pacific High School wrestlers petitioning to restore Rick Castro as coach.

By John Murphy
Staff Writer

SAN BERNARDINO -- Rick Castro has dedicated much of his adult life to helping the students at Pacific High School.

Now, they are returning the favor.

The wrestling team has begun a petition to restore Castro to his coaching position. That is a delicate proposition, since he technically resigned last week.

Castro has since reconsidered his resignation, but the administration isn't budging, he said.

"They say he resigned, but he didn't fill out any papers," said wrestler Edgar Lopez, who is helping to circulate the petition. "We want to take a stand against (athletic director) Mrs. (Carmel) Brand and say that it would be a big mistake."

Phone messages left for Brand and principal Dennis Deets were not returned Monday.

San Bernardino schools superintendent Art Delgado did address the situation in a general sense on Monday.

"There could be room for more discussion," Delgado said. "These are adults and professional, college-educated people. We need to keep the best interest of the kids in mind, preferences aside. I don't think these were essential issues."

One of the issues cited by Castro was his preference of using school vans to save money, as opposed to Brand's insistence on using buses.
.
Another squabble was over the suits used by the Pirate swimming team, which includes Castro's son, Canon. Some of the swimmers desired to wear the Speedos they wore last year, while Brand insisted upon the suits she ordered.

"My overall sense is there was a heated discussion (between Castro and Brand) and a decision was made," Delgado said. "I don't think the administration is anti-athletic or has exercised undue authority."

Delgado did not respond whether or not he would meet with the wrestling delegation, stating that would fall under the auspices of assistant superintendent, student services Narciso Cardona.

Cardona was unavailable for comment.

Nonetheless, the wrestlers have mobilized. Lopez said that as of Friday night, about 350 signatures had been collected from Pacific students, alumni, parents and even some teachers.

The show of support has caught the 51-year-old Castro, a Bloomington High School graduate, by surprise.

"One of the teachers told me he had signed the petition and I said that's fine, but I'm not running for office," Castro said in a rare light-hearted moment. "I was really surprised (by the petition). It makes me feel good in one regard that they care so much because I've never won a league title because we haven't had the numbers."

Castro has coached champion wrestlers, including one CIF-State titlist -- his nephew, Tommy Vargas -- and three others who finished among the top five in state.

Lopez said the students hope to approach the Pacific administration and/or the school district, present the petition and plead their case.

"Rick Castro has believed in our kids and now we want to help him," said Sonia Sarabia, the mother of wrestler Roman Valenzuela. "They're getting rid of some good people."

Castro's resignation follows three other confirmed firings/resignations (possibly more) since January.

In January, football coach Randy Jensen was fired after the program amassed a 20-game losing streak. He will be an assistant coach next season at Cajon, while remaining at Pacific as a teacher.

Last week, Marlon Smotherman said he was also fired from his boys basketball coaching job, while boys soccer coach Manuel Gonzalez said he anticipated being jettisoned and will not return even if asked.

"I want to find a better situation where there's more communication and initiative from the athletic director," Gonzalez said. "There's not much support there."

Smotherman, whose team won eight games last season, previously said he was given contrasting reasons for his dismissal by Brand and Deets

Some of the wrestlers are also left feeling discouraged.

"I feel like there's nothing left for me at this school," Valenzuela said. "I feel like I should go somewhere else, but this is my school and I don't want to abandon it."

Teammate Peter Martinez wants Castro back, but does not absolve him of all blame.

"In my opinion, the coach and Mrs. Brand were both immature," he said. "It's stupid that a little discussion should ruin his whole career."

Regarding the many coaching changes, Martinez said: "I want the sports program to get better. If changes have to be made, then they have to be made."

However, Martinez said he hopes one of those changes will not be in wrestling.

"I hope Castro comes back," he said. "He's the only reason I stayed at Pacific. In my sophomore year my parents were going to move to Yucaipa, but I asked them to stay here in San Bernardino. I still wanted to go to Pacific and stay on the wrestling team."

Championship football returns to the O.C. December 13, said a CIF-SS news release received today.

The section championships in two divisions - PAC-5 AND Southwestern Division - will be played at Angels Stadium of Anaheim.

The Home Depot Center in Carson hosted the last three divisional finals and four of the last five. However, the section could not agree to terms with the Home Depot Center for 2008, said the release.

Angels Stadium first hosted a title game in 1967, with more than 40 section title games played there in the next 41 years.

Last week the CIF-State announced the Home Depot Center will remain the site for the 2008 and 2009 state bowl games.

Those games will be played over two days, December 19-20. Selection of the teams for the five games - increased from three beginning this coming season - will be made December 14.

There has also been strong sentiment to establish an Open division for top teams culled from any division, as is already happening in the Central Coast Section. But no final decision has been made on that.

The Central Coast Section Open division, won by San Jose Oak Grove in 2007, also included some top teams from the strong West Catholic Athletic League, such as San Jose Bellarmine and San Mateo Serra.

Meantime, Concord De La Salle won the Division I CIF-State bowl game in December, defeating Corona Centennial. The champion Spartans would no doubt be in the Open Division - if it's adopted - if they duplicate the success of 2007 in the coming season.

Prep-dog, with a big assist from Sun college writer Michelle Gardner, has learned that Terriers basketball star Emily Vore will sign a letter of intent Wednesday to attend Cal State San Bernardino.

A signing ceremony will be held at 8:45 a.m. in the Terriers' interior gymnasium.

Vore was a Sun all-county player.

But that's only part of the good news at Redlands. Also set to sign Wednesday to compete at Cal State San Bernardino are Janay Palicte (tennis), Nina King (soccer) and Mariah Graham (softball). The quartet of future Coyotes will join Elizabeth Ramos (University of San Diego, cross country), Kyle Adama (UC Irvine, water polo), Meredith Robie (Cal State Fullerton, cross country, track) and Tyler Harp (University of Redlands, swimming) at the signing ceremony..

"It's all been in the last few weeks or so," Terriers athletic director Ken Morse said of the commitments. "We decided to have a little ceremony to honor them all. I think it's terrific they can go from high school athletics to the next level. As an athletic director, there's just about nothing better."

Do you know of an area athlete who has made a college commitment or is about to sign a letter-of-intent? Contact the Prep-dog at berdooman@aol.com.

Rich Bancroft resigned this morning as the Canyon Springs football coach, Cougars athletic director Trow Davis just confirmed. .

"Can I ask how you heard that?" said Davis, stunned the news had traveled so quickly from Moreno Valley to the Prep-dog. .

Davis said the highly successful coach informed principal Tammy Guzzetta of his decision this morning and Guzzetta had just relayed it to Davis.

Davis said Bancroft and his wife had a baby and the outgoing coach wants to spend more time with his family.

Canyon Springs (8-5) went to the CIF-SS title game last season, losing to Colony 41-14. In fact, the Cougars, went 8-5 in each of the past two seasons under Bancroft.

Canyon Springs ended Colton's season in a downpour in the semifinals, 13-0.

Colton coach Harold Strauss, when informed by the dog of Bancroft's resignation, was surprised. Spring ball for most schools will begin May 12.

"He's done a good job," Strauss said of Bancroft. "It's interesting. He's a young guy and you'd think he'd be coming on. We've always had good sitatuations when I've talked to him, other than us losing." . :

Davis said the school will immediately begin advertise the opening and that it will be open inside and outside the district.

"You're helping us by just putting it out there," Davis told the dog. .

Prep-dog recently completed his quest to get the '89 Olds on the road again. This was my father's Oldsmobile and I can't seem to let go of it, though it guzzles gas like a drunken sailor and has some quirky electrical problems.

I'm known for holding onto cars. I bought a brand new '92 Toyota Corolla the day before I began my job at the Victor Valley Daily Press 16 years ago. I finally unloaded it last spring.

So anyway, the Olds Delta Royale 88 is out of salvage, registered, smogged, has had a brake-light inspection and was given new license plates. The Olds lives!

Thursday morning I'm tooling up Redlands Blvd. listening to a Rolling Stone cassette at ear-splitting volume. That's when I sensed a vehicle pulling up on my left, seeking my attention.

It's two African-American gents and the guy riding shotgun is yelling something at me.

"Do you wanna buy another one?" he said.

Lo and behold, he has my exact car - a 1989 Olds Delta Royale 88. Except his is a shiny, well-maintained crimson.

"Nice," I said.

"Fifteen hundred dollars," dude says. "AC works and everything."

Then his cohort chimes in "Yeah, and it comes without the black people."

We all laughed. Hey it was HIS joke. Prep-dog does not pre-judge anyone ... except of course Dodger fans.

I declined the offer and the jovial duo zoomed away. It still makes me chuckle.

A High Desert football coach just called Prep-dog on his cell to ask if The Sun's well-liked and outstanding correspondent Jim Long of Victorville would be at tonight's High Desert All-Star football game.

Jim will be unable to attend, though I'm sure he'd love nothing more. The game begins at 7 p.m. tonight, by the way, at Newton T. Bass Stadium in Apple Valley.

Here's the deal on all-star games, one-day baseball and basketball events, etc. ... it helps to send a press release or an e-mail announcing it's happening. Phone calls aren't bad either. I'm not being flip. If you want a fighting chance at coverage and people streaming through your turnstiles, then just drop us a line or make some sort of contact.

This is not a new problem. Years ago when Victor Valley's outstanding young basketball coach Kurt Herbst originated the High Desert All-Star Basketball Game, there was hardly any advance notice. But Herbst was a quick study and provided plenty of advance warning thereafter. Now that game's annually a big success.

This is the Sun phone number (909) 386-3865. Prep-dog can be reached by anyone at berdooman@aol.com. Emails can also be sent to sports@sbsun.com. Thanks so much.

Eisenhower football coach John Rice interrupted Prep-dog's NFL draft day stupor with an email, expressing joy over Ryan Clady being a first-round pick (12th overall) by the Denver Broncos.

Rice did a nice job last season at Eisenhower and is a frequent speaker at prep coaching clinics. Now he can point with pride to his players to two former Eisenhower players who have been first-round NFL picks, Ronnie Lott (USC) by the 49ers in 1981 and Clady (Boise State), the 6-6, 309-pound offensive lineman.

Yeah, those aren't two bad examples for the Ike kids.

Lott played on four Super Bowl championship teams in San Francisco.

Clady is the highest draft pick ever out of Boise State.

Doug South called the Prep-dog just now to say he has been approved as the new football coach and a Social Studies teacher at Rosamond.

The football job has essentially been South's for a while, but Rosamond was trying to obtain a job for him before he was approved and signed a contract. He signed that contract Friday.

"I enjoyed my time at Lucerne Valley," said South, 51. "I had a tremendous time and I'm not displeased with the school or the community, but it was time to move on."

South will continue to teach at Lucerne for the time being, but will run spring practice at Rosamond. Hopefully he enjoys driving.

South was the football coach/athletic director at Lucerne, but budget cuts changed that situation. The Silver Lakes resident didn't want to go through a situation where he was waiting to get a full-time teaching job at Lucerne, so he decided to resign as coach.

South said he was pleased the school board immediately appointed his assistant of six years, Chris Klinger, as coach. Klinger will also be a full-time P.E. teacher at the tiny school of 300, one of the smallest in California to field an 11-man football team.

South's team went 1-9 in 2007, but he is a respectable 96-104-1 for his career. That's not bad considering he has coached at small schools such as Silver Valley and Lucerne, along with Montebello Cantwell (Dick Bruich and Tony DiThomas' alma mater) and Boise Skyview.

In 1991, South coached Silver Valley to its only Desert Mountain League title.

It's not a surprise Rosamond coveted South, he hinted.

"When I was at Silver Valley we played Rosamond on a regular basis and beat them as often as we lost to them and we had 500 or 600 students and they had over 900," South said.

Despite its small enrollment, Lucerne Valley won six games in a season three times during South's tenure and made the playoffs three times.

In 20 years of coaching, he made the playoffs 10 times.

South is the son of former San Bernardino Valley College assistant coach Clint South. Clint, who now assists at Victor Valley College, assisted Ron Smedley during SBVC's glory years in the 1990s.

In celebration of the NFL Draft, Prep-dog is passing out some bouquets today, to folks who make our jobs at The Sun a little easier. Here we go:

-Citrus Belt League coaches. Somebody in our area's oldest league has emphasized to coaches that records for both teams, upcoming games and highlights for both teams need to be made available. We appreciate it. The Christian League is also especially cooperative, as are miscellaneous coaches from other leagues.

-First-year Kaiser boys tennis coach Jane Goetting. She faithfully called in her results last night despite the fact the Cats lost 18-0 to Bloomington and her team's record is now 0-18. Now that's professionalism and a prep coach who gets it. None of the Cats got in the paper because they had no victories, but all of the Bruins were able to read their names. Good job, Jane.

-Yucaipa swimming coach Frank Solis. He took a little heat from swim fans a few weeks ago because results of the REV vs. Yucaipa meet didn't make the paper. But to tell you the truth, I think Solis provided them and we dropped the ball. They got lost among the onslaught of phone calls, emails and faxes. Undeterred, Solis sent a personal invitation to the Prep-dog to cover the Yucaipa at Redlands swim meet, emphasing what an important event it would be. The meet was covered and Solis can be thanked for that.

To report prep scores, call 909-386-3865, as soon after your event as possible. If you're the fan of a particular team and your results are consistently not in the paper, ask the coach if they're being reported and also consult your athletic director. If the coach is uninterested, volunteer to report the results yourself. Prep-dog will listen to all concerns at berdooman@aol.com.

Prep-dog is in a chipper mood this morning ... no snarling at all. Why? It's not only my day off, but the NFL Draft is here!

Some people enjoy Fantasy sports leagues, which I can't even begin to comprehend. But it's their guilty pleasure, so they're entitled. The NFL Draft is mine. I love it all: Mel Kiper's hair, the war-room cams and the silly terms like "workout warrior" and "impact player" and "relentless motor." One year I watched the entire two days, which I agree is slightly ill.

The Caltrans girl mentioned she wants to go for a walk today. Hmmm ... maybe I can work it in between the 49ers' first- and second-round pick. It'll have to be a brisk one though.

As mentioned, County Clash II prep baseball is today at Arrowhead Credit Union Park.

The games are:

1 p.m.: Norte Vista vs. Kaiser

4 p.m.: Eisenhower vs. Redlands

7 p.m.: Yucaipa vs. Miller

Prep-dog urges ball fans to attend. As for The Sun newspaper, we won't be there. We didn't know until Friday evening the event was happening and even if we coaxed our esteemed part-timer Harvey Cohen esq. into covering it, we do not have room in Sunday's cramped sports section for a story. Sorry 'bout that.

So ... Prep-dog asks the designated home coaches in each game to call in your results as soon after the game as possible and we will publish small summaries of each game and linescores. Designated visiting coaches may also call us at (909) 386-3865. Thanks!

The County Clash II baseball event is Saturday, Kaiser coach Mike Spinuzzi told the Prep-dog tonight.

There are three league games at Arrowhead Credit Union Park: Riverside Norte Vista vs. Kaiser (Sunkist League) at 1 p.m., Eisenhower vs. Redlands (Citrus Belt League) at 4 p.m. and Yucaipa vs. Miller (CBL) at 7 p.m.

Based on previous County Clashes, the teams probably pre-sold a certain amount of tickets and kept a percentage of the proceeds for their programs. Walk-up tickets will also be available.

Arrowhead Credit Union ballpark annually is the site of two of these events every spring. If Prep-dog's memory serves, they were originally the brainchild of Yucaipa coach Jeff Stout and Redlands East Valley coach Steve Hernandez, who was formerly at Fontana.

It's always a good opportunity to watch some talented baseball players perform in a professional venue.

Here's former big league pitching star Mark Eichhorn to the Prep-dog today on giving up a monstrous three-run home run to Dwayne Murphy in 1982 in Eichhorn's Bay Area debut for the Toronto Blue Jays against the Oakland A's. Eichhorn, a Watsonville High grad, was playing in Oakland before family and friends from the Monterey Bay.

"Dwayne Murphy went ya-ya on me," Eichhorn said with a laugh. "My brother Ron reminded me of that the other day. That thing was a bomb. I said 'Thanks for giving me nightmares at age 47.'''

Eichhorn's son, Kevin, will start on the same mound at noon Saturday for Aptos High School against Santa Cruz as part of the three-game Dave Stewart/Oakland A's Showdown. Kevin, a star senior pitcher for Aptos, throws 90-plus mph and has a full ride to Santa Clara University. In a recent 21-0 win against Carmel, he pitched a two-hitter and hit two home runs.

The Eichhorns both have a connection to San Bernardino. Mark was the losing pitcher for the Lake Elsinore Storm in the first game ever played at Arrowhead Credit Union Park as the Storm fell to the San Bernardino Stampede. He was on a rehab assignment from the Angels.

Also, six years ago the Aptos Little League team won the West Region Little League title at Al Houghton Stadium in San Bernardino, sending them to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa. Six members of that LL team, including Kevin, now play for the Aptos HS team, ranked No. 1 in the state by calhisports.com.

Here's a report from rivals.com on Bloomington tight end/linebacker Jayson Allmond. Thanks to Prep-dog reader Martin Beltran for pointing out Allmond's performance at the NIKE (I'll see you at a future Colton softball game, Martin):

Rick Kimbrel
Rivals.com Football Recruiting

One of the most impressive looking athletes who showed up at the NIKE Camp held in Los Angeles on Sunday was Jayson Allmond (6-1, 248, 4.62) from Bloomington, Calif. It was obvious that Allmond was well acquainted with the weight room and that he works very hard on staying in shape.

Jayson Allmond performed well at the NIKE Camp in Los Angeles.
Allmond's numbers in the weight room are very impressive. His current bench is 385, his squat is 450 and his power clean is 275. He recorded a 33.5 vertical at USC's camp a year ago.

Allmond was just as impressive at NIKE on Sunday. He was told that he was one of the top linebacker prospects at the camp and that he was very much in the running for the camp's MVP at the linebacker position.

"I was very proud of my (NIKE Camp) performance," Allmond said. "I still need to work on a couple of things that will make me better for the next level."

Allmond isn't satisfied with one solid camp performance and will try to attend USC's overnight camp, ASU's one day, UCLA's one day and hopefully Oregon State's three-day camp.

On the recruiting trail, Allmond lists his early favorites as Arizona State, Cal, Oregon, UCLA and USC.

Allmond has taken in two junior days so far, one to UCLA and the other to Arizona State.

"UCLA was nice and the campus is beautiful," Allmond said. "I liked the energy of the students and Coach Wayne Moses made me feel comfortable and wanted.

"ASU was nice, too" Allmond said. "I went to their scrimmage and the coaches were very excited that I was there. Arizona State's coaches told me they have high expectation for me this season."

Allmond is very athletic and could end up playing a variety of positions on the next level. There were some at the NIKE Camp that think he could end up being another Levon Kirkland. While other said they think he's going to add weight and end up as a defensive tackle.

It didn't matter what side of the fence you were on. Whether you thought Allmond would make a great linebacker or if you thought he would end up with his hand on the ground. Everyone was in agreement that Allmond has a bright future.

As a junior, Allmond made first-team all-league after racking 60 tackles, 10 quarterback hurries, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two sacks from his linebacker position.

On offense, Allmond played tight end catching 10 passes for 297 yards and three touchdowns. He averaged 29.7 yards per catch.

Here's a report from today's CIF-SS Council meeting from Eric Sondheimer of the L.A. Times that the Century League has withdrawn its proposal for separate private and public school playoffs. Also, CIF-SS schools have voted to get rid of the Association Rule, meaning prep coaches may now coach their athletes in club, summer or travel-ball sports.

By Eric Sondheimer
Los Angeles Times

A proposal to create separate playoff divisions for private and public high schools in the Southern Section was withdrawn Thursday by the Century League moments before league representatives were scheduled to vote.

Jerry Halpin, principal at Brea Olinda and president of the Century League, said the league still strongly supports the proposal but wanted more time to examine legal issues and conduct further research.

There was good reason for supporters of the proposal to pull it because a survey conducted by The Times of arriving league members found at least 38 representatives prepared to reject the proposal, with 18 in support and five undecided. There were 78 voting members who attended Thursday’s council meeting in Long Each. To pass a proposal requires 50% of the vote.

CIF legal counsel and the executive committee had recommended rejection of the proposal.

Halpin indicated another attempt to pass the proposal could come as early as October.

A committee will be formed by Southern Section Commissioner Jim Staunton to examine issues brought up by public schools who have complained about inequities.

In a major reversal, league members voted 41-37 to eliminate the Association Rule that has prevented Southern Section coaches from coaching their own players out of season. It had allowed the Southern Section to impose an unofficial break time for coaches and athletes.

High school coaches will now be allowed to coach their own players on club teams effective July 1, but Staunton expressed concern that players could be “extorted” to join a coach’s club team or not be allowed to play on the high school team.

“This is the biggest change in 25 years,” said Dave Reid, district athletic director for Corona-Norco. “It’s going to force principals to take charge of their athletic programs.”

Principals in the Southern Section must decide on use of their facilities by their own coaches during the off-season, with liability issues in the forefront.

“They are the gatekeepers, and it’s what they are willing to allow,” Reid said.

An attempt was made to revisit the issue after concerns by some league representatives who thought their vote on the Association Rule only involved girls’ water polo, but it failed to gain the necessary two-thirds vote.

eric.sondheimer@latimes.com

As the Prep-dog roams the greater San Bernardino area, various topics roll around in his brain. Coaching changes, controversies, teams we need to cover, phone calls I need to return, etc.

In the back of my head always is David Dash, the sophomore running back who transferred from Fontana to rival Miller after last season.

To quickly re-cap, Dash excelled for two seasons at Fontana, then bolted for Miller, cognizant his transfer could require him to play junior varsity in the fall (as per CIF-SS rules).

But then the Dash family decided to file for a hardship waiver with CIF-SS, claiming its family structure had changed since a couple of grandchildren had joined the brood (David's older sister was incapable of caring for them). The Dashes said they wanted David closer to home for occasional babysitting duties and that transporting him across town to Fontana - the Dashes live near Miller - had become too taxing.

The CIF-SS granted that hardship, making Dash eligible to play varsity sports immediately. But then more information came to light about the hardship info supplied by the Dashes, which was leaked by Fontana High School, say the Dashes. So CIF-SS not only reversed field on the hardship, but made him ineligible to play sports for two years. In other words, the rest of his career.

Upon hearing this tale in late March, I sat down at Miller High School with the Dash family and we discussed it all. David is a quiet, polite young man. He's also a talented football player, if a bit undersized. He seemed slightly embarrassed by the situation.

Following the curious CIF-SS decision, the Dashes hired a lawyer and appealed the decision to the section. It has since gone to CIF-State to be reviewed by their panel. It is David Dash's last resort, unless attorney Christian Anyiam of San Bernardino really begins to turn up the heat.

I see the Dashes occasionally at Fontana softball games. One of their daughters, Courtney, plays left field for the Steelers. Courtney is also apparently a focal point in the controversy, since some don't understand why David needed to transfer, but not Courtney.

I call David's father, also named David, every few days. We spoke yesterday, though I didn't take any notes. He said no decision has been reached by CIF-State yet. He also said another newspaper is jumping on the bandwagon and is interviewing David today.

The elder Dash told me David is perplexed what all the fuss is about. The teenager doesn't view himself as another Allen Bradford or Chris Polk. He really doesn't want to be interviewed any more on this subject, he wants to be known for what he does on the field.

The CIF-SS took action against Dash because it said the family was "not forthcoming" with all the information that should have been in the hardship appeal. In other words, it was deception by omission, they have hinted.

Whatever. A two-year suspension spelling the end to this kid's career is way too harsh. In fact, it's a joke. Especially when you consider all the transfer shenanigans that have been going on throughout the CIF-SS for years.

Make an example out of this poor kid from the Inland Empire? Sorry, that's wrong.

The clock is ticking for the CIF-State panel. It needs to make a call on David Dash, whether it be no penalty at all, sit him out a few games, make him play junior varsity this season, or give him the so-called "death penalty."

To me, it is a defining moment for CIF-State. Are you a compassionate, intelligent entity or a mindless bully? Tick, tick, tick ... we're all waiting.

Prep-dog will preface today's question with a stroll down memory lane.

As a kid growing up on the San Francisco peninsula in the 1960s, Friday night was much anticipated.

My father was a teacher at South San Francisco High School. He would take my older brother and me to chilly Clifford Field to watch the South San Francisco Warriors, a dominant football team back then. Bundled up in our warm jackets in those rickety wood bleachers, we'd watch a running back named Greg Jones run roughshod over opponents. Jones later starred for for UCLA and played in the NFL.

On Saturdays we rooted for the Stanford Indians. We watched Jim Plunkett zing touchdown passes against Washington and its great quarterback, Sonny Sixkiller. USC was a dirty word in the Murphy household.

Later my dad became principal of Southwood Junior High School. It had the incredibly politically incorrect nickname of "Savages." I still have a felt pennant that says "Southwood Savages." Nobody gave it a second thought back then.

Pro basketball? We cheered for the San Francisco Warriors. Are you seeing a trend here? Lots of teams with ethnic nicknames. So the question is, are they demeaning to those ethnicities?

Obviously "Savages" was way out of bounds. But is there really anything wrong with Indians or Warriors? I don't think so, but then I'm not Native American, so maybe there's something I'm not seeing. You certainly don't want team emblems with demeaning caricatures of ethnic groups, as the Cleveland Indians once had.
The Tomahawk Chop ... don't need that either.

So how about it, Inland Empire. Is it wrong to have the Alta Loma and Norte Vista Braves? The Rim of the World Fighting Scots? The Crespi Celts? Prep-dog says no way, but what do I know? My monicker is probably demeaning to German Shepherds and Labradors.

Here's Prep-dog's account of the Cajon vs. Colton softball game today, one of the more entertaining games I've seen in a while. I'm told there is not much room in tomorrow's paper and the story will have to be heavily edited. But here's the whole enchilada for those who care:

By John Murphy
Staff Writer
SAN BERNARDINO – Colton came in with all the swagger and bluster on Wednesday.

The Yellowjackets ooze with talent and had vociferous backing, led by a horde of bare-chested, crimson-and-gold painted football players. One of them was massive Colton lineman Daniel “Tex” Bernard, who sauntered into the Cajon softball venue with a Mohawk haircut and a torso full of war paint.

“There’s a waste of four gallons of paint,” one Colton fan quipped.

But in the end it was the plucky Cajon softball team laughing and chanting and celebrating. They had the right, following a stirring 4-3 10-inning victory.

Cajon (15-6, 9-1) won it with two out in the 10th when Breja’e Washington’s hard grounder ricocheted off the shin of Colton first baseman Eileen Garcia, scoring Kylee Kono from second base.

“I just wanted to hit the ball hard and get a base hit,” said Washington, a sprint champion who goes from the plate to first base in 2.68 seconds. “I had a lot of confidence I could get the job done. I hit it hard and I saw her bobble it and it bounced high and I was just like ‘Run hard. Score.’ Then we were all just bouncing up and down in the middle of the field.”

Colton (12-7, 7-2) had the opposite reaction, trudging slowly to right field for a downcast post mortem from veteran coach Joe Montes.

It was Colton’s second loss to Cajon in three league games.

“This one was tough to swallow,” said Montes, who agreed it was the toughest defeat of his career. “We had it, then we let it get away.”

Colton led 3-0 entering the bottom of the seventh inning, only to see things collapse. To make matters worse, some were labeling this the San Andreas League championship game, as both teams entered with one defeat, with only five games each against lower teams in the standings remaining.

“We wanted to get that SAL title, but now it looks like that’s out of the picture,” Montes said. “They won; they’ve got it. Now we just have to think about getting the ring (a section title).”

Cajon coach Jerry Tivey is not taking anything for granted, not with two games left against always dangerous San Gorgonio to end the league season. The Cowgirls defeated the Spartans 4-0 in their first meeting. But Tivey was clearly elated with Wednesday’s victory, especially the way his girls responded when all seemed lost.

“We tell the girls that the effort is the reward, not the wins,” said Tivey, waxing philosophical. “We don’t quit here. We’ve won a lot of games like this over the years.”

Like him or not, Tivey does have a knack for winning. Cajon has won 16 league titles in 30 years, including 11 under the loquacious Minnesota native. Another SAL title this season would give him an even dozen.

It looked improbable entering the seventh with Colton in control and left-handed senior pitcher Clarissa Molina en route to a possible no-hit, shut out victory.

Cajon has not been blanked in 76 games.

But Alex Mitchell opened the seventh with a single to right field. Then Molina hit Lindsey Kent with a pitch. Sharon Estrada then singled to right, making it 3-1 and awakening the Cowgirl faithful.

With runners now on second and third, Jamie Leffingwell stroked a clutch, two-run single to tie the game.

“It was up to me and I needed to do it for my team,” Leffingwell said. “I was nervous, but confident I could come through.”

Added Leffingwell about the victory: “I don’t know if words can describe it. Wow. I’m so excited and happy.”

Colton out-hit Cajon 12-6. It pounded its way to a 3-0 lead on run-scoring singles by Vanity Martinez in the second and sixth innings and an RBI single by Andrea Campa in the seventh.

Then with a championship just three outs away, things unraveled for Colton.

“The walk (hit batsman, actually) hurt us,” Montes said. “Those things always kill you.”

Molina struck out 10, walked one and hit one. Cajon pitchers Estrada and Terilyn Baude did a workmanlike job, with Baude getting the win in relief.

The Prep-dog is operating on fumes here ... 10 innings of sitting on my rear watching softball really takes it out of me. Anyhow, Cajon rallied with three runs in the bottom of the seventh to tie Colton, then won it in the 10th on an error.

The victory puts Cajon one game up on Colton in the loss column and hands the Cowgirls a probable San Andreas League title ... assuming it can run the table.

Inspiring win for Cajon, galling loss for Colton. Prep-dog tips his weathered 49ers' cap to all the girls who played in this outstanding contest, watched by an overflow crowd in north San Bernardino.

Check tomorrow's Sun for full details.

Serrano star Kauren Tarver broke her own record in the 800 meters at last Saturday's Mt. SAC Relays. She ran 2:10.44, bettering her time of 2:11.21 at the CIF-State preliminaries in 2005.

Tarver, also a standout tennis, cross country and soccer performer, will attend Arizona State in the fall on a full ride.

Contrary to appearances, the Prep-dog does not spend all his time charting the latest comings and goings at Pacific High School or fretting about who will be the new football coach at Yucaipa (that one’s been decided).

So Tuesday morning I embarked on a quest to get my 1989 Oldsmobile Royale 88 registered. It was literally my late father’s Oldsmobile. But I got rear-ended one day at Kaiser in San Bernardino and it was a salvage vehicle for a while, as my landlord will attest.

Elevating a vehicle from salvage to registered status is akin to running a marathon. Lots of paperwork, smog test, brake-and-light inspection and languishing in line at the Redlands DMV - also known as the seventh ring of hell.

It was during the smog check that Granite Hills athletic director Carolyn Ruhm called on my cell phone. It was a rare occasion where I didn’t have notebook and pen handy.

“Carolyn, I’m getting a smog check,” I said.

“Oh God,” Carolyn said. “I’d rather have a root canal.”

Anyway, the good news is Ruhm said the school’s choice as the new football coach, Justin Price, will handle spring ball with a voluntary coach’s certificate. She added Price will probably get a teaching job at Granite - thus completing his long, drawn-out hiring at the High Desert school.

As for the Oldsmobile, my odyssey is almost complete. All I need is to turn in my license plates in exchange for new ones and provide some piece of obscure information they requested.

Oh, and the employees at the Redlands DMV - very professional and courteous. So it wasn’t really like the seventh ring of hell, but more like purgatory, I’d say.

Sometimes being the Prep-dog is just a crack-up, as we used to say in the olden days.

Most Mondays, a few Sun Sports Profile recipients come in for a photo, dressed in their team uniforms and toting golf clubs or volleyballs or whatever. They are always culled from what we used to call the "minor sports" - although the P.C. term these days would be "non-spectator" I guess.

Anyway, i must have mentioned to a coach that his athlete would have a questionaire to fill out that would ask for his year in school, position, grade point average, etc. So for unknown reasons, the kid brought his whole report card in! That was a few weeks ago. I just found it this morning under a stack of papers.

Nice effort, too, although he could stand some improvement in Economics. Straight A's otherwise ... nice going Alvin Molina of Eisenhower High School.

John Hallenbeck was approved tonight as the new Yucaipa football coach by the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District board, athletic director Mark Anderson just told the the Prep-dog.

Prep-dog, utilizing three sources close to the situation, reported yesterday that Hallenbeck was the school's selection, pending board approval. Tonight, he got that thumbs-up.

Hallenbeck succeeds Scott Pearne, who coached the Thunderbirds for three seasons, but has taken the football job at Riverside North.

"Scott made a great contribution and I want to see if I can build on what he did and maybe surpass it," Hallenbeck said. "The kids are going to work hard and with our guidance and the support of the community, we'd like to build the program to the level it was when Jim Taylor was here and sort of re-connect with the past."

Under Taylor, Yuciapa made the CIF-SS title game, losing to Bloomington before 10,000 at Yucaipa in 1997.

Hallenbeck is a Yucaipa resident and a special education teacher at the school. He formerly assisted at Yucaipa under both Taylor and Jeff Stout. Last season he assisted Randy Jensen at Pacific.

"We're pleased," Anderson said. "We think he's a very good fit for the school. He fits us like an old shoe. The kids know him, the community knows him - he's already the track coach here. He knows the teachers and staff and he'll be able to bring a coaching staff together very quickly, which not all coaches can."

Hallenbeck, besides being very elated about the opportunity, is also a tad anxious.

"I've gone back and forth between being excited and wanting to lose my lunch," he said. "It's a great opportunity and a big task. It's a one-high school town and with a lot of support and I want to do the right thing."

Yucaipa went 7-4 last season under Pearne, including a 5-2 record in the Citrus Belt League.

Hallenbeck said he hopes to run an option veer offense, similar to the University of Florida.

Pearne went 14-18 in three seasons at Yucaipa, improving steadily each year. However, the former Riverside Community College and Humboldt State quarterback got laid off from his teaching job this spring, prompting him to consider such jobs as North and Beaumont.

Hallenbeck is well established in the Yucaipa community. Chris Hallenbeck, John's wife, coached girls tennis for many years at the high school and is a teacher there.

The couple has three grown children: Sarah, Erin and Ben.

Sarah Wolcott - now Sarah Sievers - was all-league in tennis, soccer and track at Yucaipa. She was named the school's outstanding female athlete in 2002. She now coaches at Redlands.

Erin Wolcott was a tennis star at Yucaipa, while Ben Wolcott was a receiver on the football team.

Spring ball for Yucaipa may begin as early as May 12.

Yucaipa opens next season at home against Moreno Valley Rancho Verde.

John Hallenbeck has been chosen as the new football coach at Yucaipa High School, three sources close to the situation have told the Prep-dog.

The selection is pending approval at Tuesday night's school board meeting.

Neither Hallenbeck nor Yucaipa athletic director Mark Anderson would comment.

Hallenbeck will replace Scott Pearne, who has been hired as the coach at Riverside North.

Hallenbeck assisted Randy Jensen last season at Pacific. He is also a teacher at Yucaipa.

The veteran coach previously served as an assistant in the Thunderbirds football program under previous coaches Jim Taylor and Jeff Stout.
.
The Hallenbeck name is a familiar one in Yucaipa. Chris Hallenbeck, John's wife, was the girls tennis coach at Yucaipa for many years.

Pearne was laid off as a teacher by Yucaipa for the 2008-2009 school year, hastening his departure to North.

The new Husky coach went 14-18 during his three seasons at Yucaipa, including a 7-4 record last season.

The ex-Pacific High School coaching fraternity is growing, the Prep-dog has learned.

As previously reported, Pirates football coach Randy Jensen was fired in early January.

Now you can add boys basketball coach Marlon Smotherman, boys soccer coach Manuel Gonzalez and longtime wrestling coach Rick Castro to the list of former Pirate coaches.

Smotherman told the Prep-dog he was fired about two weeks ago, before spring break.

Castro said he resigned last week after a blow-up with veteran athletic director Carmel Brand.

Gonzalez isn't sure if he's been fired, but says he isn't coming back next season, even if he's asked.

“The vibe I'm getting is I'll be let go,” Gonzalez said this morning by telephone from his teaching job at Curtis Middle School. “I don't want to deal with the non-communication. Things were unorganized.”

As one might expect, neither Brand nor principal Dennis Deets are commenting. It's routine for school officials not to comment on personnel matters.

The firings/resignations come at a potentially bad time for Pacific. Some school districts have hiring freezes due to anticipated state budget cuts. There aren't many state-wide hunts for coaches going on these days.

Pacific has been trying to replace Jensen, with Brand sending the Prep-dog a text message April 11 with news of two final interviews. But so far no announcement of a successor has been made.

As for Castro, he said he had a falling out with Brand over transportation to wrestling meets and what type of swimsuits the swimmers may wear. Castro's son, Canon, is a star Pacific swimmer.

The Pacific coach of 18 years said he had an especially heated exchange with Brand last Thursday, which led to his resignation.

“I feel bad because we took 11 kids to (sectionals) last season and only three were seniors,” Castro said. “A lot of the kids coming back were freshmen and sophomores. Now with a hiring freeze, where are they going to get a wrestling coach?”

Finally, Smotherman was called in by Brand and given the heave-ho a few weeks ago. He said the reasons Brand provided were too few victories and not enough all-league players. But then Smotherman spoke to Deets and was allegedly told he was too hard on the players.

"They both said different things," said Smotherman, who noted his team won more games last season (eight) than any Pacific team in recent years.

Added Smotherman: “If I had to do it again, I’d do things exactly the same way. I’m a strong disciplinarian. Anyone who knows me knows that I’m a stern coach and teacher. I feel kids need discipline and they need to be accountable for their actions. It’s funny, because I feel like the reason I’m being fired is the same reason I was hired.”

A more detailed account of this story will appear in tomorrow's San Bernardino Sun.

Lake Elsinore Temescal Canyon High School has hired a new girls basketball coach, principal Errol Garnett just told the Prep-dog.

She is Jessica Markley, a former player and assistant coach under outgoing coach Cari Strange.

Garnett said Strange stepped aside to concentrate on new duties as the school's activities director.

However, the Temescal principal is confident in Markley, whom he appointed the first week of April.

"I think she'll continue the strong tradition here," he said. "We've been able to compete with larger schools such as Vista Murrieta and Murrieta Valley. We start Day 1 in the spring with teaching the fundamentals. I think she will bring what she's learned to the program and will also be able to add her own flair."

Markley is an English teacher at the school.

Arroyo Valley offensive lineman Michael Philipp is regarded by experts as one of the top football recruits on the West Coast. His coach, Marcus Soward, said by the time Philipp is done, he'll have been one of the most heavily recuited players in county history.

Here's a complimentary snippet from calhisports.com on Philipp's effort at the USC Nike Camp, although the Web site hasn't yet gotten the hang of spelling Michael's unusual last name:

"Among the linemen, in addition to Graf, the top picks among the position coaches who worked with them all day were Sione Tuihalamaka from Serra of Gardena and Michael Phillip from Arroyo Valley of San Bernardino.
Tuihaalamaka (6-3, 280), the defensive line camp MVP, prevailed in some terrific one-on-one battles at the end of the day, except when it was him against Phillip, a 6-5, 280-pounder.
"They were both super tough," (Greg) Biggins said. "Phillip could be an even better prospect for the next level because he can probably play guard or tackle. He's extremely physical."

Biggins is an Internet recruiting expert, by the way.

Among the Pac-10 schools that have already offered the junior a scholarship are Stanford and Arizona.

Prep-dog saw Miller track coach Fred Vartanian outside the Highland Albertson's this morning. So I gave him a toot on the horn.

Vartanian turned around and peered in at me, squinting his eyes. He had no clue who I was. This could be an indication I need to cover more track ... although it's technically T.J. Berka's beat.