She likes to blog ...
Once it's in your blood, it's in your blood.
Here's a link to former Trib intern Elizabeth Botello's blog. She claims it will have a preps element to it, so we'll see. Anyway, it's general sports stuff with a woman's touch.
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« July 2006 | Main | September 2006 »
Once it's in your blood, it's in your blood.
Here's a link to former Trib intern Elizabeth Botello's blog. She claims it will have a preps element to it, so we'll see. Anyway, it's general sports stuff with a woman's touch.
Six QBs = six of the Top 10 teams.
Funny how that always happens!
Charter Oak was the No. 1 team in my preliminary rankings throughout the offseason. But when push came to shove, I sided with West Covina because the Dawgs have that one (possibly two or three) home run threat that can dominate a high school game. William Wallace is going to be awesome this year. I know most people haven't seen him because his last bit of healthy playing time came toward the end of his soph season two years ago, but this guy is one of those players who can score every time he touches the ball. I don't see that type of player on Charter Oak's roster, but he could emerge. Having said that, it wouldn't surprise me to see Lou's boys end up back at No. 1 at some point this season. It also wouldn't surprise me to see them beat West Covina. Yes, Michael Johnson is a major weapon. He's going to be impossible for normal high school kids to match up against. Impossible! But I need to see a secondary weapon emerge for CO. By the way, everything you've heard about CO's offensive line is true. I am a pretty big guy myself, and the Chargers have three guys bigger than me. Awesome looking line. No real surprises elsewhere in the Top 10. Los Altos is the No. 3 team in the area and I think the Conqs could be No. 1 at some point. LA is fully capable of playing with either of the two teams ahead of them. That's kind of the theme to this year's Top 10 - I honestly believe that most of the teams on the list, exception Amat, could play with and beat each other. Arroyo would be my only concern if a game were to take place early in the season as opposed to later. Amat would be favored over any of the teams in the Top 10, but that's not how we judge an Amat season. And I think an Amat game vs. LA, WestCo or CO would be closer than it might have been in recent years. I go back and forth on this year's Amat team - I've watched them practice a couple of times, and it looks like they have a handful of good players but not enough throughout the roster to be a great, D-1 team. Then, I think that they could ride those good players and just be good enough in those other positions to compete at the highest level. It just seems like this team will have its moments and be inconsistent otherwise. That's something Amat fans have seen too often from their team. Case in point, in practice (and it's only practice, AI), Amat's QB would make a great throw to a receiver only to have it be dropped. Then, some of the other throws weren't so great when the receivers were open. The RBs look fantastic, though. Very fast and very able to break runs, especially if they get outside.
Here's the opening Top 10, in case you've been living in a cave.
1. West Covina
2. Charter Oak
3. Los Altos
4. Bishop Amat
5. Rowland
6. South Hills
7. Covina
8. Damien
9. Wilson
10. Arroyo
... of the six cover boys. Obviously, it was worth it.
I want to thank Covina's Darryl Thomas, Charter Oak's Lou Farrar, Los Altos' Greg Gano, Damien's Scott Morrison, Rowland's Craig Snyder and West Covina's Mike Maggiore for letting us borrow your QBs for the cover photo shoot. I know most/all of the guys had to miss practice that evening, but I think you'll agree it was worth it. Thank you to the QBs and their parents/friends/coaches who brought them to Covina District Field. Your patience was appreciated. Also, thanks to Amat coach Mark Verti for letting us bug him during practice and coaches meetings for our interview.
All Coaches: Be aware that with the Trib's new coverage approach, we'll need more access to you and your teams. Most of you are always very accomodating and it's very much appreciated. Although it might be a hassle sometimes, usually the finished product makes it all worth it.
Important things to know ...
No, this isn't our cover shot.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING:
1. Because this year's preview is soooooo long, it was kinda broken up into two sections. You will see the normal pull out section and there's another behind it. It might look like ads to you, which it is (not my call and not happy about it), but that is the final 12 pages of the section. I think most of you will figure it out.
2. Go to http://sgvtribune.com/preps for supplemental online coverage.
3. Audio/visual slideshow of this year's cover boys, no comment on who they are, will be available at http://sgvtribune.com/preps
4. Video interview with new Bishop Amat coach Mark Verti will be available at http://sgvtribune.com/preps
5. All of this should be available at 12:01 a.m. Thursday morning or as in tonight (in sports fan time). So if you can't wait, hit up the website later tonight before you go to bed.
6. Enjoy. I'm pretty sure you will.
... try and do these with your mind and not your heart.
What's your FINAL SCORE predictions? Pick one game or all of them. I don't care, just post your predictions. If you only know about Amat or South Hills or Gladstone, then just post a prediction on those games only.
Here's the schedule ...
Aug. 31
La Puente vs. Ontario at Montclair HS
Sept. 1
Los Altos vs. South Hills at Covina District Field
Bishop Amat at St. Paul, 7:30 p.m.
Gladstone at San Dimas
Riverside Poly at Damien
Chino Hills at Mission Viejo
Diamond Bar at Temescal Canyon
Walnut at San Gabriel
Beckman vs. Azusa at Citrus Coll.
Workman at Mountain View
Diamond Ranch vs. Edison at Ganesha HS
Sept. 2
Western Christian at Villanova Prep (Ojai)
Who do ya like?
check out the good article about the game in Sunday's Tribune ...
Scary thought: What if Los Altos lost?
Scary thought, the sequel: South Hills as an underdog.
Aram's favorite Gano moment: LA has the ball deep in the shadow of its own endzone last year against Damien. It's before halftime and the Conqs are losing. Gano wants no piece of sitting on the ball. He has Castaneda go for the casa on a bomb to Chapelle Brown. The ball is overthrown. Very next play, same thing. This time, the ball is on the money, BOOM, 90-yard touchdown. Why the heck not?
Aram's favorite Bogan moment: I asked Coach Bogan after last year's CIF title if that was the best SH team he'd had. He thought about it, and then started verbally running down the list. It was like a rich man having to choose which of his 30 sports cars he likes best. "The 2002 team was pretty good, but then 2003 may have been better. Then you've got 2000, which was special ... and this year's team was so impressive." ... "The Ferrari is nice, but the Lamborghini handles better. And then there's the Aston Martin." ... Those aren't direct quotes, but you get the point. How can you pick? One of many dumb questions I've asked in my career, but at least Bogan tried.
... let me just say this, linebacker is a loaded position. Let the debate begin.
Norys as in Chuck Norris as in Lone Wolf McQuade as in punishing.
I asked around to try and get other opinions about this group ranking. What I took from those conversations more than anything else was that everybody interprets the position, and how it's played well, differently. What makes a good linebacker to me is somebody who plays the position like AJ Hawk or Brian Urlacher. I like LBs who run down plays. I like LBs who fly to the sideline and either force the runner out or destroy him before he gets out (of bounds). I DON'T like guys like current USC stiff Keith Rivers who can't run down a play from behind (see embarrassing Rose Bowl performance for example) or get stiff armed and hold on for dear life until a teammate secures the tackle (again, see Rivers). Another thing I learned is that many people like LBs who play the position by simply letting every run play fall into their laps before making in the tackle. Do the words "Stay home, Zavala" mean anything to you?
1. Chad Norys, Rowland - The area's version of Troy Polamalu. It's chic now to be an LB/SS combo.
2. Carlton Fletcher, Bishop Amat - Was returning a fumble for a touchdown everytime we turned around last year.
3. Anthony Hile, Damien - Never thought I'd say this ... "throwback player."
4. A.J. Pasalo, Charter Oak - Psycho.
5. Shaun Rosenthal, West Covina - Part of WestCo dynamic duo ...
6. Nick Field, West Covina - ... the other half of the best LB tandem in the area.
7. Mike McDonough, Covina - QBs shouldn't hit like this.
8. Damon Kulkinski, South Hills - Have a vibe he'll be higher on this list at the end of the season.
9. Manny Esquivel, Covina - The forgotten rock of the Colts last season.
10. Anthony Chavez, El Monte - As sure of a tackler as anyone on this list.
Keep checking www.sgvtribune.com/preps for updates ...
I hope you guys enjoy this element of our coverage and the nuggets it produces.
There are constantly new items appearing, so keep hitting the site!
http://sgvtribune.com/preps
What's the world coming to when high school football teams from the SGV are opening the season in Hawaii?
I asked "The Boss" to send me to Hawaii to cover this game ... I'm still sitting here at my desk.
Should I ask to see the photos or find out about the actual game first? Here's the story by Steve Ramirez, who finally found his way back into the mix.
By Steve Ramirez Staff Writer
LA PUENTE - Over the years, Bassett High School students have not always had a lot of reasons to be proud of the school's football team.
There was the Marshawn Thompson era, when the Olympians ruled the Montview League during the late 1980s, and a few other memorable seasons. For the most part, however, Bassett fans have had relatively few opportunities to shout.
Now fast forward to today, where the apathy on campus has been replaced by an aura of excitement.
The football team is traveling to Hawaii to play in the Kona Kickoff Classic on Friday, getting a jump on other area schools. In addition, the school's football stadium is undergoing a $2.2 million renovation that will include new bleachers, a new scoreboard, a state-of-the-art all-weather track and a SprintTurf field.
Adding to the increased visibility of the school's football program, Bassett recently hosted an NFL Developmental Camp for the third consecutive year.
Yes, these are exciting times at Bassett.
"We're trying to get away from the negative image that we've endured in the past," second-year coach John Paredez Jr. said. "Bassett is not a dirty place; Bassett is not ugly, Bassett is not evil.
"I'm going to do whatever I can do to show the rest of the planet that we are a beautiful school. There's a new attitude going on, and everyone is catching it."
That sense of excitement has been accelerated by the trip to Kailua Kona, Hawaii to face Kealakehe High in the Kona Kickoff Classic. It's an invitation that fell into the Olympians' lap as a result of Paredez's past associations.
The event's organizer watched a game in Texas that involved a coaching friend of Paredez. One thing led to another and the Bassett coach received an offer to participate in the game.
"Obviously, this is something that's never happened at our school," Paredez said. "I used to recruit Hawaii when I coached (at the collegiate level), and I used to go to some of those games. I never thought I would be a part of one, and I'm sure the people at our school never thought they would be part of one, either. There's a sense of energy ... it's beautiful."
The traveling squad will include 35 players, seven coaches and three administrators.
"I'm pretty excited about it," senior wide receiver/ defensive back Jesus Moreno said. "It's going to be a great experience. I feel like a college player going on a road trip."
The school funded the trip almost entirely on its own, with car washes, bake sales and swap meets. Paredez
also said they are getting support from boosters and private donations.
"The game plan was to prove to my district, my administration, that these guys can be depended on, can be young men and be responsible to raise money and try to make things happen for themselves," Paredez said. "They do the work, and they worked their tails off."
The district also kicked in roughly $2,000 for the trip. Paredez was also able to strike a deal with a travel agent that will allow parents and family members to make the trip for about $700.
"The school we are playing is three times bigger than us," said Robert Watanabe, Bassett School District Superintendent. "Our kids are pretty excited. I told them (last week) that nobody in the state, nobody in the country, is getting new uniforms, a new field and gets to go to Hawaii."
The other excitement going on at the campus is the renovation of the football stadium.
The field and bleachers are expected to be in place when the team returns for its home opener on Sept. 15 against Irvine Beckman.
"It's going to be state-of-the-art," Watanabe said. "It's something for (Bassett) to be proud of. We just want to provide good things for our kids."
The track is expected to be completed by January. Watanabe said the plan is to be able to eventually host a Bassett Relays event during the track and field season and a soccer tournament during the winter. He also hopes to be able to host CIF-Southern Section track and field preliminaries.
For many, these improvements were a long time coming.
"For our community, this is our USC, our UCLA," said Paredez, whose is hoping his team can improve on last season's 1-9 record. "In our community, everything surrounds the high school.
"It's my program, it's their program, but the excitement surrounding everything is that we have this attitude now where everything is going to feed off a successful football team."
steve.ramirez@sgvn.com
(626) 962-8811, Ext. 2684
Some rivalries I understand, and some I don't ...
Aram needs a history lesson ...
... Don't get me wrong, I felt the intensity at last year's game and I liked it. But honestly, I don't get it, when/where/why did this become such a big rivalry?
I've been told by Amat people "You just don't understand, this rivalry is as big as it gets." You're right, I don't understand. What the heck made it so big? They're both Catholic schools. Do you think other rivalries of common interest i.e. Tarbut V'Torah vs. Valley Torah or Mesrobian vs. Holy Martyrs Armenian has the same blood stakes to it?
Maybe there are other people out there like me, who don't fully understand the depth of this rivalry. Will some Lancers or Swordsmen please explain?
Starting at NOON today
OK, so maybe it won't be the traditional definition of breaking news, but it'll be close. You can expect these updates daily and multiple times per day. It's part of our "beefed up online presence." You have to love how management terms things.
go to
and keep going to it ...
Fred Robledo and Roger Murray have blogs opening today.
You can access them at:
http://www.insidesocal.com/murray
This is great news for those of you who are fans of West SGV and Whittier area teams. I hope you will continue to visit this site. I know, at times, I just haven't been able to answer your questions about teams from these areas because they're not among the schools I cover, so hopefully you'll get all your needs fulfilled by the respective beat writers.
I have no problem continuing the discussion of teams from these areas and it will probably happen just because from time to time. Enjoy!
... it would've been three, but I drove by West Covina and nobody was out there. That was at 5, so I assume they started at 6. Or maybe even next week. I will go back next week.
It's funny, Glendora's Mark Pasquarella told me NOT to come to Tartans practice. Not that I'll listen, though. See you guys next week, too.
Anyway, yesterday's first stop was at South Hills. The Huskies weren't in pads, which soured me. But I don't make practice plans for area teams (yet). Coach Bogan ran over and said "Hello" and also accused me of spying for Los Altos. He asked where my camera was. I've said it before, but there's just nobody more prepared than Bogan. And you could see why even at this practice. The guy just doesn't mess around and his staff is outstanding. Believe me, when you've watched enough practices, you can tell what's a good staff and what isn't.
I'm not sure of names. I was watching from afar with my man Corey, who should find himself vying for "Coach James" status at another school real soon as the team's "do-everything, go-to guy." Corey wasn't sure of many names either since he's new to SH.
I think I caught the end of practice and the Huskies had their offense going against a scout defense. Nick Lamaison was at QB and I can see what the is optimism about. The receivers had their share of drops, which soured Bogan and an assistant. Having said that, I saw two running backs who impressed me. Sorry for resorting to racial terms, but I don't know names ... there was a caucasian kid who carried on the first play and made some nice moves that surprised me. Then there was an African-American kid who darted a couple of runs outside that would've been big gainers in a real game. The offensive line wasn't in pads, but they looked very good, especially the center. It's obvious this team reloaded. There were athletes in the right spots and Lamaison looks like he'll be one of the better passers in the area. I have no gauge of the defense because I didn't see what I thought was the first unit.
On to Amat ...
First off, despite what you read in other threads or hear in dark alleys, I have no problem with Amat. Their fans continue to amaze me everytime I turn around. Like Friday's practice for instance, I think that's the most family and friends I've ever seen at a practice. Love it!
There was a semi-funny moment, though. What looked like a lower level player from Los Altos walked in with a Los Altos football hat and "Los Altos Pride" practice jersey on. He had just come from practice with his dad. It made me chuckle. I think he probably had a relative playing at Amat. They hung out on the field.
I got to Amat just in time for stretching. Verti runs a very high energy practice. He was running around, from unit to unit. The Lancers still practice in segments (for lack of a better term). Somebody blows an air horn every 10 or 15 minutes and it's onto something else. This is the chic way of running practice in many places. I stayed for over an hour, and didn't get to see anything scrimmage-like. I will visit another practice, probably next Friday when they should do an intra-squad scrimmage. Here are my takes ... I only saw numbers and don't really know names. I could piece together some names to numbers just going off memory from last year. Not many, however. I saw Amat for about 15 plays at the Bonita Passing Tournament. I was horrified. I felt a lot better yesterday, though. Here are my top observations ...
1. I believe the No. 1 QB has to be a kid wearing No. 7. He had the most zip on his ball and looked like the backup last year + about 1,000 hours in the weight room. Verti told me that Carrillo had gained weight and filled out, but I am not sure No. 7 is him. Anyway, the QB situation isn't as dire as I previously thought if this kid is in fact the starter.
2. Amat isn't as big as last year, but they aren't small either. There were some pretty decent sized kids. Maybe it's not quite to typical D-1 standards, but this team isn't exactly midgets either.
3. There was a kid working with the linebackers - No. 2 - he looks like he's going to be a player.
4. The receivers look good. There was one kid who absolutely flew. He had a deep ball thrown to him that was way overthrown, but he got closer to it than what should've been humanly possible. He didn't have a play on it, but he came close. I think he was No. 29, but really not sure.
5. Gaisie was one player I did recognize. He looked good just doing running back drills. There was a No. 4 who looks like a bowling ball with speed. This is probably the team's fullback - again, not sure. He got outside during a drill and I was surprised with his niftiness.
6. The team looks legitimately talented in spots. Not that I could a lot during yesterday's practice, but it appears that youth is the biggest factor they have to overcome.
Sorry these takes are so vague, but I stayed off in the distance at both practices and didn't talk to coaches.
"If you knew anything, you'd be at the beach today."
All I'm going to tell you is this:
1. Chino Hills has a very good chance of downing Mission Viejo on Sept. 1 (Yes, I will leave this up).
2. Chino Hills has a very good chance of being in the Inland Division championship game.
No breaking news ... go back to work.
The Warriors have to be excited to play on that ...
La Puente's new football coach Ray Hernandez
I wonder what SGV team (s) will be next to have field turf installed on campus? It sounds like Hernandez has them pretty excited at LP. I don't think it's going to take a quantam leap for the Warriors to jump back into the Montview League race. That's going to be an interesting race this year ... here's the article ...
Warriors getting fresh start
Hernandez begins rebuilding process
By Scott Galetti Staff Writer
LA PUENTE - Construction at La Puente High School this summer is not limited to backhoes.
Yes, workers are busy putting the finishing touches on improvements in the school's football stadium - including the installation of Field Turf, the first artificial turf of its kind at an East San Gabriel Valley high school campus. But construction also has been taking place within the Warriors football program.
The first step was to bring in a coach who would improve the quality of the team and lead it back to the top of the Montview League.
Prior to spring practice, the rebuilding began. Ray Hernandez replaced Edward McMillon II .
"One of my goals had been to become a head coach and (La Puente) seemed like a good place to take that opportunity," Hernandez said. "The opportunity arose here and it just seems like a good fit with the school and the community."
Hernandez, 32, worked as defensive coordinator for five varsity seasons at Rosemead High under long-time friend Matt Koffler, who was the head coach at La Puente during the 2003 season before returning to Rosemead.
La Puente athletic director Jose Espinosa had no reservations about hiring Hernandez, despite the fact he had no previous head coaching experience.
"(Ray) brings experience working as a defensive coordinator, and every person we talked to said he was ready to be a head football coach," Espinosa said.
"We wanted somebody to come in fresh and eager to take over the program and he was our guy. It's been exciting since day one of spring practice because of what he brings to our football program."
After sharing the league championship in 2000 and 2001 and winning an outright title in 2002, the Warriors have suffered through some lean times with an 8-21 record over the past three seasons.
"My No. 1 goal is to make the La Puente High School football program the best program in the area, and that's a tall order," Hernandez said. "I'm going to keep working until that day comes, however long it takes."
His first challenge will be to resuscitate an offense that averaged 7.1 points per game in 2005. To do that, the first-year head coach plans on establishing the run behind senior quarterback Luis Rodriguez, who hasn't played football since his freshman season.
Winning is something Hernandez was familiar with at Rosemead. The Panthers finished the 2005 season with a 10-1 record. Hernandez and Jimmy Arellanes, who took over as head coach at Northview High, were two of four Panthers assistants to take advantage of this success to land new jobs.
In Hernandez, Koffler believes the Warriors got the right man.
"What he'll bring to them is disciplined football, the complete knowledge of the game and how to work and train and motivate the kids," Koffler said.
Hernandez's immediate goal at La Puente is to set the foundation of a winning program. He believes his team is on the right track.
"These kids have really responded well, working hard all summer long," Hernandez said. "They've taken to the offense and defense and we're expecting some good things."
Hernandez believes the new field will bring an added psychological boost to his players, as well as the community.
"The kids see the field and take a higher sense of pride, and I think it's going to do a lot for the community as well," he said. "I think the field is going to bring a lot of people out, so if we can provide a good product for them and win some games, that will help a lot."
and became the Warriors' third head coach in four years scott.galetti@sgvn.com
(626) 962-8811, Ext. 2213
Think of something better than "I want to spend more time with my family."
Somewhere out there a coach's wife read the Tribune and probably thought there was an ounce of truth in what her husband told yours truly while announcing his resignation ... and yes, I was sitting there typing and thinking "He's so full of beans."
If you're cute enough to call a reverse in the third quarter of a close game, then you should be able to come up with a better reason than "I want to spend more time with my family" when you get quasi-forced out or want to look for another job.
You're probably all wondering "What brought this on, Aram?" Well ...
I got it confirmed today that former Bishop Amat coach Mike DiFiori is now an assistant at La Salle High. My, how things change. I don't begrudge Coach D or Larry Hatley or any other coach who sat there and told me "I need to spend more time with my family" only to end up coaching line or DBs somewhere else the very next season. You guys do what you gotta do. But if you're going to mislead the readers, then lets come up with something better than that. How about "My F-150 can't handle the drive to all the summer practices."
Ahh, look, I know that there are almost always reasons why a coach resigns and they very rarely have to do with spending more time with the family. Coaches aren't stupid, they know the deal when they choose their profession and decide to have kids at the same time.
I am just sick and tired of hearing the same old story and knowing it's total garbage as I am hearing it. But what am I supposed to do as a reporter? I must print whatever the given reason was behind the resignation and most of you use the "spend more time with family" card. Somewhere there's a nice grandma that read the article and thinks you're noble. But most of us know it's junk. I can't wait for the day one of you just come with the real reason.
Check it: Our first glimpse of new Los Altos running back Ira Thomas
He came from Chino Hills on a mission. The mission is to ease the pain of James Davis transferring out.
I GOOFED AND PUT SEPT. 2 INSTEAD OF SEPT. 1 FOR THE WEEK 0 GAMES. IT'S SEPT. 1 (not my first screw up and certainly won't be my last).
Listen the hell up ... the www.sgvtribune.com home page has a new feature that shows the Top 5 most read stories daily with links. It's called "Click Picks." I know, the gimmick title needs work. Anyway, I am going to be quite sour if prep sports stories like mine from today aren't consistently in the Top 5 and mostly No. 1. All of you need to get re-acquainted with the sgvtribune.com/preps page. It's going to be off the hook this year. I'm telling you!
Next, if you're a South El Monte fan, you're not going to want to click on this thread and continue reading ... if you're an Amat fan, let me show you a group of guys who don't give a crap about golden As, Pat Haden and how bright Amat will shine ...
yup, there he is on the far left, linebacker Joe Morales. He would've been the cornerstone to SEM's team this year. Joe transferred to St. Paul where he will continue to be one of the top LBs around. And, I'm sure he's looking forward to a meet and greet with Amat RB Dominique Gaisie on Sept. 1.
You're not dying. You just feel like Aram after 15 minutes of Tae-Bo.
I spoke to four influential people on Monday.
1. Greg Gano - I got LA's preview info and Gano trying to pull a fast one (see below).
2. Mark Verti - I got Amat's practice schedule.
3. Bill Zernickow - I got a lesson in how the Wing-T can actually produce a receiver with good stats.
4. Freddie Robledo - I got nothing.
Back to Gano, I found out that there's two frosh on this year's varsity team who are going to develop into good players.
Gano was giving me his top returnees and newcomers and at the very end he does this: "Oh, and we got a couple of freshman. The first is Terrell Dulberry and the second is Donte Webb."
Huh? " What the hell is that?" I said to him with some bad words mixed in. "You go thru all these names and then tries to slide in two frosh who are going to eventually set the world on fire?"
I love it! Webb is supposed to start at receiver ... this year!
Hey Amat coaches, does this shot help your scouting any?
... Monday is the first day of practice.
Several SGV teams begin fall practice for the 2006 season on Monday.
I've spent the past week talking to several area coaches. The juices are definitely flowing. Some, not all, teams playing Week 0 games are opening on Monday. I'll be sleeping, of course, when they take the field. But by the time I get to the office, the first sessions will have already been completed. Unless you're interested in seeing kids run, get yelled at and puke, these practices really don't provide much for fans. But later in the week, the pads will come on and that's when the passing league hype officially ends.
Be on the lookout for three very good articles in the Trib this week. Two are about new coaches and their programs and one will be about the start of practice. It's about damn time!
If you stood in places like this, deep thoughts would come to you also.
Adios, Elizabeth. Have a great year at Cal.
Appearances AREN'T Everything
By Elizabeth Botello
A regular uniform for a female high school athlete can take on a life of its own. I mean, girls see the uniform as just a piece of fabric they can manipulate. An obvious example is volleyball girls hiking their shorts up a little too high.
Letterman's jackets can be flaunted because athletes deserve to show off their accomplishments. But, now athletes wear their uniforms to school on game days. The act isn't a problem until I wonder, being a girl, "Why does she need to show off?" At points, shorts are too revealing, jerseys are too tight and softball socks are pulled up too high. And really, let's face it; I think this is done for the high school boys who just might take an interest in us. It's as if female athletes are saying, "Look at me, I'm a varsity athlete." There is absolutely no need to, girls. We know you have skills.
In the first half of the 20th century, when jerseys consisted of skirts, nothing seemed to be taken out of context. The uniform was just that, and nothing else. Nothing spectacular. But now it's taken on a life of its own. Girls do it to show off their gams, their bust, their butts. I used to see this happen all around me when I went to Walnut High. Suddenly, girls not only have to prepare themselves mentally for a game, but prepare their outfits, I mean uniforms, for all who fill the stands. But really, they do it for the cute guy who they might meet or a crush.
And it doesn't stop after they roll their shorts up three times. The make-up bag is also in order. It finds its way out of the locker, out of the backpack.
I remember a girl lining her eyes before a track meet. It was crazy, her in her track uniform and suit with purple eye shadow on. What's the point? The powdery cosmetic will run or smear all over your lids as soon as you break a sweat. It's pointless to waste perfectly good make-up from MAC or Sephora to look "dolled-up" at a track meet, or any other sporting event.
Not all girls put make-up on or try to enhance the way a uniform should hug the body. Many don't, but some do. Does it mean the girls with no make-up care more about their sport than the one's who do? I don't know.
I think coaches see this and wonder why their girl athletes do it, because they really don't need too. The girls in uniform should face it, or maybe they just need me to spell it out. If you already work out for a sport, you're going to look great. You keep yourself fit while doing something you love. So don't even hassle with your appearance. You'll look good either way.
Aram Tolegian to the masses: Distinguished coaches, revered athletes, fellow fans and coveted readers, the state of the Tribune's prep sports coverage is improving.
It is my privilege to present to you all the current state of affairs at the SGV Tribune as it relates to our prep sports coverage.
Let me start by saying that I read an article this week about how the truly successful blogs are those in which the author gives first person accounts of the happenings in his or her life. Blogs are the new phenomenon, we all know that. So, people's theories on what makes them go, and keep going, vary. In the case of this blog, I don't think you guys want to read a daily or weekly account of the goings on in my life (ok, some of you maybe). I believe that what's made this blog so wildly successful has very little to do with me and everything to do with the substance of the content, namely prep sports. And expanding even further on that, this blog is good because it's got a major sense of community. We're all in this Valley together, or we were at one time, so to speak.
From time to time I have no problem with some first-person accounts of life on the beat, but overall I want this to be a place where everyone can express themselves and share their thoughts about the happenings in our local sports world. This blog won't change it's philosophy and will continue to adhere to its "This blog is my blog, this blog is your blog ..." pretense.
Yet it is not enough to simply blog when a blank check in the form of a website is at our disposal. It is not enough to simply blog when the actual raw copy of the newspaper is still the liver that filters the life of our existence. These things can and will get better.
There's been a change in philosophy at SGVN with the arrival of new Executive Editor Steve O'Sullivan. And, with him has come a sea change in the way we present our overall product (key word being: overall). In a nutshell, there's going to be some major improvements to our sgvtribune.com/preps website.
I believe that one of the driving forces of this company-wide epiphany is the success of this blog. It was a much needed slap in the face for those who needed to be reminded that prep/local sports are a main part of what fuels this particular media outlet. If the path to a man's heart is through his stomach, then the path to a successful local newspaper is through top notch prep sports coverage. Lights out, end of story (no pun intended).
You've served notice with your interest and participation.
So what does all of this mean? It means that you should begin visiting www.sgvtribune.com/preps religiously in the coming weeks and continue to do so until your computer catches fire. There will be new features to the site that I don't want to delve too far into other than to say get your eyes and ears ready. There will be also frequent updates involving news items. And when the day is done, hopefully you'll return here to share your opinion and be mesmerized by mine and others.
Very few things change overnight, but I believe you'll be impressed by the steps that are being taken.
Thank you,
AT
... to watch us film "A Local Sports Show's" football preview show live from Philly's Best in San Dimas ... oh screw it ... here's the note w/details from Time Warner media stalwart Reg Miller, who will host the show.
AT:
Be sure to let the SGV Community know that we will be taping the 2006-'07 Scholastic Sports Seasons first episode of "A Local Sports Show" Saturday August 26th around 11:30am on location in San Dimas at Philly's Best Authentic Cheesesteak & Hoagie Shop. Invite everyone to come out and enjoy a cheesesteak or two and listen to us talk about the fall sports season. Come one, come all. It should be a blast we'll be talking about the areas HS Football top returners, top programs, schedules, predictions, coaching staffs etc....
-Reg
PS there will be a Hoagie eating contest similar to what happens when the infamous Kobyashi descends upon Nathan's Famous Hotdog shop on Coney Island..... Who will win? Everyone can enter by stopping by Philly's Best in San Dimas located at:
806 C W. Arrow Highway
San Dimas, CA 91773
(909)305-8811 ask for contest coordinator John Brock.
PLEASE SEE INTERESTING, FIRST COMMENT FOR REASON WHY I RE-STARTED THIS THREAD.
IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER
1. Hire a name coach - This one is completely off the books now, but it's worth repeating. I am not saying Mark Verti isn't going to do a good job. Nobody has a clue about him yet. But the school had a wide open door of opportunity after Mike DiFiori resigned, and they hired from within. Great.
Verti could either be the find of a lifetime or a 20-something-year-old gamble that sends Amat fans off the deep end. Not exactly the predicament most fans wanted to be in, but hey.
Here's the thing Verti has going for him. His youth can be played two ways. He's either too young to handle such a position or he's the young guy who relates to the players. No matter how you feel about him, Verti is a former UCLA football player and he's got that on any other local coach. He knows what it takes to go from Amat to the big-time. He can wield his connections to the next level as something that gets kids to Amat because the coach can help them to the next level.
2. Field turf - Uh ... I don't care how much it costs ... the cash wasn't spent on a coach, so put in a nice field. Amat's field is already solid, but some artificial stuff would give the impression that the school is a cutting edge athletic institution. The new gym/weight room/locker room/coaching offices were a step in the right direction. When some kid comes to Amat to watch a game, he should see a state of the art field that will get him excited to possibly play there.
3. Throw rocks at South Hills, Los Altos and Charter Oak high schools until they crumble - Why go to Amat for $ 4-5 Gs per year when you can find a loophole and go to one of these schools for free?
"Gee lil Billy, you want to go play for Steve Bogan, Greg Gano, Lou Farrar or Mark Verti?"
And when the kid asks "Who's Mark Verti?" ... see No. 5 (below)
4. Website - www.bishopamat.org isn't cutting it. Most of the top football programs in SoCal have a website, Amat does not. Some of you might say "The Tribune's website is basically Amat's, so what's the point:?" Hahaha, very funny, but I want to read how the team did in its passing league games, linemen competitions and any other endeavors.
On that note, the football program needs to work better with the media. You know how many long conversations I've had with Gano, Bogan, Farrar, Mark Pasquarella, Mike Maggiore and Jim Singiser? Too many to count. Access to those programs might as well be an open door for the Tribune. I've talked to Verti once. Granted, it's still early. But I know what guys in my position have gone through in the past.
I've always had the vibe that those associated with Amat's football program feel as though it's the media's privelege to cover them and not the other way around. Truth is, it's 50/50 - it's the Tribune's privelege to cover the teams it does and it's the said team's privelege to get covered.
I do not feel that way with any of the other sports programs at Amat. The world-renowned Amat girls hoops team has been made readily available by coach Richard Wiard. And I'm talking non-stop features during the week leading up to a state championship gam. Think about how distracting that can be.
5. Promote the past - As each day passes, the school's glorious past gets further and further away. Amat has relied on name and rep way too long ... but if you're going to do that, then do it well. It's time to show today's teenagers what Amat's program is/was all about. Since tantalizing them with CIF title runs and league titles is not really an option anymore, how about making some of the stars of the past more visible?
The kids of today are growing up with a different Amat than I had during my not-so-long-ago childhood. When I was in HS, Amat games were a freak show. My boys and I went to games to see who the latest freak was carrying the ball for Amat. We weren't Amat fans at all, but we wanted to see the spectacle. I got to see Scott Fields, Rodney Sermons and others. I also got to see Amat make deep runs in the playoffs. Those games vs. Loyola were priceless.
I interviewed Ralph Brown III last year for an NFL playoffs story. I asked him all about what it was like to play for Amat back in the day. He said he can still remember what it felt like just to be the starting tailback at Amat. He said it was similar to thinking about being an NFL player. The reason Brown feels this way is because he grew up watching all the guys who played the position before him, and to be the next in line was probably a mind blowing experience. Who do the SGV football prospects of today point to and say they want to be like - Shaun Cody? Brigham Harwell? Bryan Payton? Daniel Drayton? Patrick Fuller? Bret Lockett?
I am willing to bet most teenaged SGV football prospects know about Cody and not Brian Russell.
... if you're gonna pay the heavy cost of living in the SGV, then you might as well get something for it. Lets start with a nice, prep sports blog.
I guess Orange County isn't the only place where they care about prep sports!
Just got the latest digits from SGVN Internet chieftain Adrian Guerrero: 68,873 hits.
The amount of hits this site is getting is accelerating rapidly as football season approaches. Hmm, I wonder why that is? I'm thinking we'll easily reach six figures by the time league play rolls around. This is great news for our SGV schools, teams, athletes, coaches and fans, who get more of the exposure they all deserve. It's not great news for management teams everywhere who are hopefully seeing their respective work force's output decrease because everyone is on www.insidesocal.com/aram.
Should West Covina be No. 1? Or is No. 2 too high?
This is the final Tribune Top 10 until the 2006 Football Preview issue hits racks, driveways and bathroom floors on August 31. There could be changes between now and then, depending on what I come up with in my research and practice visits.
Early August Tribune Top 10 ... with sick humor built in.
1. Charter Oak - Charter Oak isn't a city, but it might be after this season.
2. West Covina - Spread offense has been implemented, as has William Wallace's repaired knee cartilage.
3. Los Altos - Can anybody translate what "We're gonna be OK" means. That's what my job is like. The more I hear about LA, the better the Conqs sound.
4. Damien - Offense should put up more points per game than the head cheerleader tallies in text messages in one day - around 30. Wait, is there a head cheerleader at Damien?
5. Covina - The Colts repeating as Valle Vista champs is as certain as 10-East traffic after 1 p.m. on a weekday.
6. Rowland - Could put the hurt on WestCo or South Hills, maybe both.
7. Bishop Amat - The news on Amat this summer is like the rumors a high school senior hears about his ex-girlfriend over the summer - not good. We'll see.
8. South Hills - This team needs time like somebody seeing a BJ's menu for the first time. You want pizza? You want fish n' chips? You want the waitress's phone number? You want Parham or Lamaison at QB?
9. Wilson - If there's room for two Sam Woo BBQs in Hacienda Heights, then there's room for two good football teams.
10. Arroyo - One carne asada fries, a 10-horsepower Cessna flying too close and a Partida-to-Sanchez TD pass, please.
Glendora gets the boot for Arroyo. Bonita is also on the cusp. As are Rosemead and Diamond Ranch. This Top 10 won't be easy, but it will be fun to put together.
Post your own Top 10 ... or keep it to yourself. I don't care. Just be prepared for one of the best ever seasons in SGV history!
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