Well, my final day in New York ended with experiencing what ESPN refers to as "The Greatest Rivarly in Sports."
Personally, I always that that was USC vs. UCLA. But I have to admit this seemed like more than a baseball game tonight. It actually had that feel of a UCLA-USC football game.
You could just feel the excitement at the beginning, but it soon subsided as the Red Sox, who have owned the Yankees since rallying from three games down in the 2004 American League Championship Series, scored two runs in the first, two more in the second before settling for a 7-0 win.
I'm glad I was able to witness this classic series and this ball park for the first time.
They can now give it to the wrecking ball.

Here's I am at Thursday's game.

After the game my friend and I dropped by the famed "Restaurant" on the 'Seinfeld' series, and no I didn't see Jerry, Elaine, Kramer or even George. And the place doesn't look anything like the stage set.

But here I am at the "Restaurant."

Now, it's time to come home. Thank you, New York, for a wonderful time.

Posted at 9:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Today, I took the train down to Washington, DC and my first observations are that every American should make this trip at least once in their life. I had friends who made the trip previously tell me that you can really only enjoy the DC sites while taking a few days. I attest to that, because I had just six hours and was only able to hit the big memorials - like the Lincoln, Vietnam and World War II memorials - and buildings - the White House, Capitol, and even the famed Watergate Hotel.
The two that effected me the most was the Vietnam Memioral and the Eternal Flame of John F. Kennedy's Grave Site.
Due to the sunlight, I was unable to get a good picture of the Vietnam Wall, but I did find the name of my cousin, Kris Perdomo, who was killed in 1970. I felt a variety of emotions, but mainly knowing that these aren't just names on the Wall, they all have meaning, to their family and friends, just as Kris was to our family.

While I couldn't get a good picture of the Wall, here's a photo of the Vietnam Memorial
For more, click thread

Continue reading "New York: Day 3 - A day in DC" »

Posted at 9:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

Another prep sports editor is leaving. A year after replacing me at the Star-News, veteran reporter Scott Galetti is leaving to become the radio play-by-play announcer for football and basketball at the University of New Mexico. By the way, I called Aram and he's not coming back. Is there anyone out there you'd like to see take over at the Star-News.
To read the story, click thread.

Continue reading "Galetti leaving Star-News" »

Posted at 7:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

An open discussion, whoever and whatever you wanna talk about.

Posted at 7:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (11)

A lot has happened since the Charter Oak High School yearbook controversy, where racially insensitive names were used to identify members of the black student union, two of whom were on the Chargers track team. Initially, Charter Oak wanted to put stickers over the names of the members instead of reprinting the yearbooks, but civil rights leaders responded and reacted by calling for a "hate crime" investigation." On June 27, Charter Oak principal Kathy Wiard said the school is considering reprinting the yearbooks, noting that "Students put incorrect names throughout the index and did not go back and correct them," Wiard said. "Most are not as offensive as the Black Student Union names but nonetheless they are incorrect." Then came the toughest words to date from Democratic senator Gloria Romero, who called the incident, "Blatant racism."
"This is an outrage," Romero said Tuesday. "This is the manifestation of racism in the San Gabriel Valley. We need to correct this and ensure that it never happens again."
Wiard said she is "sickened" by what was printed but insisted there are no racial issues, "There is no racial tension on this campus," Wiard said. "I don't want to make this something that it's not."
School officials, who have been working with publisher Herff Jones, plan to meet with BSU students and their families in an attempt to come up with a solution to the error.
"We kind of have an idea of what we want to do," Wiard said Tuesday. "We want the opportunity to meet with students and families so that we are all on the same page."

Above: Charter Oak black student leader Jordan Smith, whose name was misprinted with a racially insensitive name.

Robledo's reaction: From the beginning I said Charter Oak needed to apologize and reprint immediately. I knew it would become a huge story, and one that wouldn't go away without an apology and quick response. This is sad, because this does not reflect the Charter Oak high school community. I know Mrs. Wiard and she's a great person. I believe her when she says she's "sickened" by it. I've been to Charter Oak many times over the years, dealing with coaches and students, and have never felt a "racial tension" on campus. Unfortunately, this is going to affect the school's image for a long time.

Posted at 6:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (34)

For Day 2 in the Big Apple, we took a tour of the city, stopping at several historic places, including the Empire State Building, Ground Zero and Times Square, which is just a few steps from my hotel.
Later, went to see my first Broadway musical, the critic-acclaimed "Jersey Boys"

Here's a view of Times Square.

....and here's a view of The City from the 86th floor of the Empire State Building.

Tomorrow, I take the train down to Washington, DC, so it should be a lot of fun.

Posted at 9:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

It's vacation time, and I'm in the big city, seeing a college buddy of mine while experiencing the town of all towns.
After surviving a 7-hour layover in Dallas, I arrived in the Big Apple about 3 a.m. (ET) Monday morning.
After a few hours of rest, it was off to Coney Island and the world famous Nathan's hot dog stand.

Then it's off to Yankee Stadium, the "House the Ruth Built" as the Yankees drop a tough 2-1 decision to Texas. But local product Jason Giambi contributes a triple.

Here I am from seat in the right field stands.
One thing I noticed at Yankee Stadium, the fans stay to the bitter end. The stands were 95 percet full at the end of the game. Growing up a Dodgers' fan, it's a completely different experience.
The Yankees lost on this night, but we get another chance to see 'em on Thursday when the take on the hated 'Sox.

Posted at 10:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (14)

An open discussion, whoever and whatever you wanna talk about.

We're looking for summer passing league results. South Hills won the University of San Diego passing league tournament, defeating Helix, 24-23 in the final. Along the way, SHills beat St. Francis 21-16, Clexico 41-8, West Hills 23-13 and Valley Center, 26-25.

Posted at 11:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (12)

Our scouting guru has been all over the place, at summer passing leagues, football camps, and said he has a better idea of the top ten returning players for the 2008 season. As for me, I'm on vacation, but I'll be monitoring this blog regularly and posting topics. If any of you have a topic you want discussed, email me at fred.robledo@sgvn.com.

Above: I've heard a lot of complaining about us not being at the Bonita passing tournament, but give me a break, I'm on vacation and Steve is on vacation in New York. July is our month for R@R. Man, I wish I was back in Cabo.

1. Sheldon Price (Cornerback, Bishop Amat) - Has done nothing wrong to let go of the throne as the top-rated football player in the valley. Looked great at the Bonita Tournament and seems to be sitting on a big year at Amat. He is a solid UCLA commit.

2. Cameron Deen (Quarterback, South Hills) - Had a nice camp up at Washington and showed up well at the University of San Diego passing league tournament. He has done nothing wrong to give up his status as the second best football player in the area. He will be a fall Pac-10 offer kid. Liked the way he helped rally his team to wins in San Diego against two CIF San Diego Section champions in Valley Center and Helix.

3. Brandon Sermons (Cornerback, Diamond Ranch) - On the majority of Pac-10 conference boards, this is the best cornerback on the west coast. Just recently got offered by Oregon State and we feel that is the school to beat to get his services. Upside is undeniable and rates way higher than Upland Internet phenom Osahon Irabor. It just might come down to the two Oregon schools to getting a verbal commit from him. Don't look for USC or UCLA to offer him. And it's such a shame!

4. Brent Seals (Safety, Bishop Amat) - Had a chance to get a good look at him at the UCLA skills camp and we really like the kid. So do a lot of schools, but the Pac-10 schools want to see his senior film. We feel he is a nice Mountain West conference, D-1AA scholarship player, but he is an easy kid to root for. We like your game, Brent!

5. Adam Muema (Class of 2010, Running Back, Charter Oak) - Blew up the scout.com combine in Oakland several weeks ago running a hand-timed 40 in 4.62 and a vertical jump of 40 inches on the vertex machine. Some schools (like Oregon) might stop on him because of his height (he measured 5-9 1/2, 175) but we think has all the makings of being a Pac-10 player.

6. Ricky Johnson (Class of 2010, Running Back, West Covina) - Was the talk among scouts and college coaches in the spring...and for all the right reasons. We have nothing new to say about the prospect and are looking forward to seeing him at the Claremont Tournament.

7. Ify Umodu (Class of 2010, Cornerback, South Hills) - Welcome to the newest member of our top-10 list and get used to hearing his name. He has the potential (and that is key word here) to being the best football player in the area this 2008 season. And we have no problem in saying that he could be better than SH legends Bryan and Jeremy Payton when his time is completed at SH. Comes from an athletic family (two older brothers are Division 1 football signees) but this is the best athlete in the family. He measures 6-3, 185 with very little body fat. Plays both wide receiver and cornerback, but we feel that his best position is cornerback. If you thought Sheldon Price was good, this kid has the potential to being even better. Very athletic with long arms, a great burst when he gets into open space and a game-breaker. We don't recall him getting beat at corner on Saturday at USD. Loved his performance and on a team that has great athletes, this one really sticks out.

8. Darian Johnson (Class of 2010, Cornerback, Bishop Amat) - Let's keep the greetings going be welcoming another new player to our list. And according to BA coaches, this is the only D-1 prospect out of their school for the class of 2010. Had an outstanding performance at the University of Oregon football camp earlier this month and showed up well at the Bonita Tournament last week. A bit on the smallish side, but very athletic with great hips and is technically sound for the position. Another polished defensive back put together by the best defensive back coach in the San Gabriel Valley, Daylon McCutheton. A Pac-10 offer prospect to be sure.

9. Geoffrey Vaughns (Class of 2010, Wide Receiver, South Hills) - If you are noticing a pattern here, it's that we really like the 2010 class in the SGV. It can safely be said that they're more natural athletes in this class than we've ever seen. We got to see this guy at the Elite 11 QB workout in Las Vegas and they must have thrown 150 footballs at this guy and it seemed like he caught every one of them. This is a natural athlete that shines when the lights are turned on. SH matched him up defensively at cornerback against St. Francis' superstud Deitrich Riley (who sports offers from USC and UCLA) and he outworked him consistently in their victory at the USD passing league tourney. Solid player here!

10A. Wallace Gonzalez (Class of 2011, Wide Receiver, Glendora) - We hate to put freshman on any top-10 list, but in the case of the prospect, he is the exception. We caught this kid in action at the Bonita tournament against Los Altos and he got us very excited. He is a legitimate 6-4, 190 and is a true football player. Long arms with huge hands, he plays physical for someone his size and was making great play after great play against LA. Right now, he is one of the top players in Southern California for his graduating class. Tartan fans should expect to be seeing Pac-10 coaches at their game in the near future. A star in the making!

10B. Miles Bevel (Class of 2010, Free Safety, South Hills) - Has filled out very nicely and had a nice performance at the scout.com combine in Los Angeles several weeks ago. We just think this kid is sitting on a big year and will be a key recruit for colleges at this time next year. Much like BA's Seals, it's easy to root for this guy. He is such a nice kid that loves to play the game.

In closing .... One other thing, SGV football fans need to remember this name...Chad Jefferies. He is going to be a sophomore at Glendora and plays QB. This kid has the potential to be a Division 1 football scholarship signee when his time at Glendora is completed. He is right up there with Deen and could end up seeing significant playing time this season. He is very polished, throws a great football and is very accurate. Rumored to be working with Chris Rix. We think he could be better than QB legend Jacob Crook!

Posted at 10:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (99)

Specialization is taking over.
Whether it's football, basketball, baseball or soccer, more and more high school athletes are picking a sport and sticking with it.
Year-round club teams are the norm and certainly worth it for special athletes on the cusp of an athletic scholarship.
But there's nothing more fulfilling and gratifying than the multi-sport superstar on campus. Or in this case, the San Gabriel Valley.
To continue reading, click thread

Continue reading "Athletes of the year: Fraijo, Edwards" »

Posted at 5:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (22)

Above: South El Monte's Tommy Cogburn had three touchdowns on Friday.

So much for the West missing all those headliners who chose Saturday's Fiesta Bowl instead. They were pumped man, firing each other up like it was some sort of playoff game. Loved that emotion. Yeah, there was a chip on on their shoulders, and none bigger than the rock South El Monte High School's Tommy Cogburn knocked off his, stealing the show at the 29th annual Hall of Fame game at Bassett High School. The Eagles receiver scored three touchdowns and set up another to lead the West to a 34-14 victory, which ended the East's six-game winning streak. Cogburn's going to Fullerton J.C., but you know what, he's better than a lot of guys on scholarship. He's a foot-baller, plain and simple. West Covina's Isaac Tucker had the big game for the East, scoring a touchdown and returning a 90-yard kickoff that set up the East's other touchdown. The East quarterback tandem of Ayala's Matt Baca and South Hills' Brandon Parham could never get anything going. The East trailed 14-0 at half at cut it to 21-14 after three, but this was the West's night. They wanted it more, that much was obvious.

Video of Friday's game

Continue reading "Hall of Fame: West ends streak, 34-14" »

Posted at 7:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (58)

Boys tennis player of the year: Victor Chien
School: Diamond Bar
Year: Senior
Position: Singles
Accomplishments: Chien earned area player of the year honors for the second consecutive season after leading the Brahmas to the school's first CIF-Southern Section divisional tennis title. The senior was also Sierra League singles champion and advanced three rounds at the CIF-SS individual championships. He keyed Diamond Bar's victory over Palm Desert in the Division II finals by sweeping three sets, 6-0, 6-0, 6-0.
What he said: "It was a remarkable year. We worked hard, because last year we made it to the finals, but lost to San Marino. That left us really bitter, so this year we really wanted to win it."

Coach of the year: Dave Hamel
School: Diamond Bar
Accomplishments: Hamel has played a big part in the Brahmas' success, which this year included the best finish in school history as Diamond Bar captured its first CIF-Southern Section divisional crown when it beat Palm Desert on games for the Division II title. It was the second consecutive season Diamond Bar had advanced to the divisional finals, losing last season to San Marino. The Brahmas were led this season by two-time player of the year Victor Chien.

Posted at 7:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)