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 by Steve Ramirez at 10:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (15)

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 by Fred Robledo at 11:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (13)

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 by Fred Robledo at 10:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (107)

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

It shows not only the versatility but willingness to make an athletic program the best it can be.
It's why letterman jackets were invented.
One might be a star in one sport and a role player in another and create the ultimate crossover teammate.
The Tribune is recognizing the area's Boy and Girl Athletes of the Year for 2007-08. The honorees are and Northview's Hannah Fraijo Glendora High School's Michael Edwards , who each not only juggled a tough schedule but thrived while doing it.
Edwards was the heart and soul of Glendora's football team and led the Tartans to the Sierra League title for the first time since 1993. He earned Sierra League MVP and Tribune All-Area first-team honors in the process.
The wide receiver/defensive back also caught the winning two-point conversion in the Tartans' thrilling 29-28 victory over Upland in the first round of the CIF-Southern Section Inland Division playoffs.
"You always want to win a championship, but beating Upland and winning the way we did was a special game I'll never forget," Edwards said. "That's what it was all about. We were a team in every way you're supposed to be one, and the way we fought and pulled it out made every practice worth it."
Edwards also excelled in baseball and arguably was the area's best outfielder.
He batted .405 with nine stolen bases and earned all-league and Tribune all-area first-team honors.
"My only regret in baseball is that we didn't win the Sierra or go to the playoffs," Edwards said. "But our guys worked hard. It was a tough league and we knew a good team wouldn't make the playoffs. It just so happened to be us."
Fraijo was a three-sport athlete and a coach's dream because of her extraordinary competitive nature.
You didn't have to ask if she hated losing. You saw it on her face.
Fraijo was at her best in softball and earned a scholarship to Cal State Northridge.
She led Northview in the circle and at the plate, which resulted in a Valle Vista League co-championship and CIF-SS Division V quarterfinal appearance. She also was the league MVP and a Tribune all-area first-team selection.
Fraijo arguably was the area's most dominant pitcher in going 20-6 with 247 strikeouts, 15 shutouts, four no-hitters and a 0.80 ERA.
She batted .471 with 22 RBIs, eight doubles, five triples and five home runs.
"We all played hard and that made it worth it," Fraijo said. "It would have been better if we won CIF, but it was a great year regardless."
Fraijo's year started in volleyball, where she was the only Vikings player to be named all-league first team.
The Vikings struggled in basketball, but Fraijo, averaging six points and six rebounds, was all-league honorable mention.
"I've always played multiple sports," Fraijo said. "Since I was young, that's what I did. I started with volleyball and eventually softball became the sport I concentrated on the most. But I'm glad I didn't quit the other sports."
Edwards will attend Mt. San Antonio College, where he is hoping to excel in football and baseball.

Posted by Fred Robledo at 5:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (26)

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

FRIDAY'S PREVIEW
It wasn't a crushing defeat, but the East's 14-13 victory over the West in last year's Hall of Fame All-Star Football Game was the sixth consecutive victory for the East.
Charter Oak High School running back Kanaan Snowden isn't expecting the streak to end when he participates for the East squad in the 29 th edition of the game tonight at 7:30 at Bassett High School.
The East leads the series, 17-9-2, and has won five of the last six by a touchdown or less.
"We don't want to be the team that blows the streak," said Snowden, who is on his way to Mt. SAC this fall. "We need to keep this going. "This doesn't feel like an all-star team. We've gotten pretty close the last couple weeks and we've come together as a team. With all this talent, the West is going to have their hands full."
In more ways than one.
The West has lost several high- profile players to the second annual Fiesta Bowl, which pits CIF-Los Angeles City Section teams against CIF-Southern Section schools Saturday at L.A. Wilson High School.
Pasadena quarterback Tyron Crockum, Arcadia's Oregon state-bound Kevan Walker, and Arroyo quarterback Brian Partida all have opted to participate in the Fiesta Bowl.
But don't feel sorry for South El Monte coach Erick Escamilla, who will guide the West team.
Escamilla says Duarte quarterback Austin Goldsmith has been terrific in practice, as has Falcons running back Chris Harris, South El Monte running back Jonathan Mendoza and wide receiver Tommy Cogburn.
"I'm from South El Monte, so we're used to being the underdogs," Escamilla said. "It's like anything else, we'll play as hard as we can and do the best we can. But yeah, it's obviously (losing players to the Fiesta Bowl) a blow because this is just affecting our team and not the East squad."
The East is loaded, especially in the backfield.
Snowden is joined by Bishop Amat's Marcus Wagner and West Covina's Isaac Tucker.
"What a great problem to have," La Puente and East coach Ray Hernandez said. "Those are three special players. They aren't just starters, they're game-changers. It will be fun watching each one do his thing."
Ayala quarterback Matt Baca, who was sacked 72 times on an 0-10 team as a junior, led the Bulldogs to a 7-4 record and a playoff appearance his senior year.
The 6-foot, 2-inch, 210-pound quarterback threw for 2,400 yards and earned a scholarship to Northern Colorado.
Hernandez said Baca will get the start tonight.
"He's done an outstanding job of grasping everything we've asked to do," said Hernandez, who will also use South Hills' Brandon Parham at QB. "Matt was in an offense that primarily threw the ball. He's hitting receivers all over the place, I really have high hopes for him."
The receiving corps consists of Charter Oak's Mikey Harrell, Bonita's Tanner Zylstra and Glendora's Michael Edwards.
Add to that South Hills linebacker Damon Kuklinski, Bishop Amat tight end Julian Silva, Covina linebacker Charles Shorts and Los Altos defensive lineman Nick Longoria, and it's no wonder Hernandez feels so fortunate.
"It's exciting to have this caliber athlete at every position," Hernandez said. "It's kind of what we dream about as coaches, to get those kind of individuals in every spot."
As far as winning and game planning, Hernandez said he will stick to what he knows best.
"We took the approach of we're going to do stuff we had some success doing at La Puente," Hernandez said. "When you mix what we have and fit it in with the caliber of athletes and football players we have, it's scary. It will be fun to watch how our system works with all-stars at every position."

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

What: San Gabriel Valley Hall of Fame Game
Where: Bassett High School
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Who: East vs. West

Hall of Fame notebook from Wednesday's practice.

Above: Covina's Charles Shorts

By Steve Ramirez
LA PUENTE - There's nothing tiny about Charles Shorts.
The former Covina High School football standout, at 5-foot-10, 220 pounds, stands tall in stature, and on the football field, where he's proven to be one of the best in the area the past few seasons.
"Charles is a great football player," Covina coach Darryl Thomas said. "He is probably one of the best, if not the best, defensive linemen we've ever had, at least since I've been at Covina. "His motor never stops and he had to do it last year when he was sometimes double and triple teamed. He made All-CIF in a year when we didn't make the playoffs, so that shows how good he is."
Shorts, who will be a key player for the East squad in Friday's San Gabriel Valley Hall of Fame All-Star Game at Bassett, was really good last year. The key to his success was his knowledge of the game and his versatility. His strength was coming off the edge for the Colts' defense, but he also was a force on offense, averaging just over nine yards a carry as a running back. He's hoping he's saved the best for last when he concludes his high school career Friday night.

To continue reading, click thread

"It's really good to play in this game," said Shorts during a break in practice at La Puente High School. "Even though my team didn't make the championship, or the playoffs, it's just an honor being here. I'm playing with guys I used to try to stop, and now they are my friends. It's really good; really cool."
Shorts comes into the game after a solid 2007 season that saw him rank among the area's defensive leaders. But his memories of last fall were also difficult to take.
Covina, which had advanced to the CIF-Southern Section divisional semifinals his sophomore and junior seasons, slipped to fourth in the Valle Vista League and didn't make the playoffs, finishing slightly lower than his expectations.
"It was really tough, especially being a senior and knowing the underclassmen are depending on you," Shorts said. "I really wanted to be three-time (league) champion, get a CIF ring. It was tough, but there was a lot of competition (in the league). I enjoyed playing, but I wanted more.
"I don't think playing in this game makes up for it. I would rather win CIF than play in an all-star game. It (helps) a little, because (getting selected) gives you the recognition we all want, but I really wanted to play for the championship (this past season)."
Instead, Shorts will attempt to make it difficult for the West squad. He has the ability to be quite disruptive to an opposing offense, but a key factor in his defensive performance comes not from just raw ability and talent, but preparation.
"My strength on defense is in scouting," said Shorts, who ranked among the leaders in tackles last season. "I like to learn everything about the team (we're playing). I learn so much, I can tell my defense the play before the (opposition) runs it. I also think my speed carries me to the next level, because I'm really fast off the ball."
The next level will take Shorts to nearby Citrus College, where he will adapt to the community college ranks as well as a switch to linebacker.
"I know going from a senior in high school to a freshman in college can be intimidating," Shorts said. "But (the coaching staff) is really good and have helped me a lot.
"The whole switching (positions) thing, I think if I get enough reps I believe can really master it. I don't want to say it's (going to be) easier, because there's more reads you have to make, but I think if I get a lot of reps, it's not going to be a lot different for me."
The move to linebacker, which Thomas believes is his natural position, could also lead him to NCAA Division I.
"If he puts his mind right and does the right thing on the field and in the classroom, he definitely can play at the next level," Thomas said. "He's more suited to play linebacker (in college). We just needed him to play defensive line because he was so quick off the ball and nobody could block him."
But before Shorts makes the switch to the second tier of defense, he has one more game to play on the defensive line.
"I cannot wait for this all-star game," Shorts said. "These last few practices have been so intense, I'm ready for Friday."

Posted by Fred Robledo at 8:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Boys Volleyball player of the year: Kimo Mateo
School: Los Altos
Year: Senior
Accomplishments: The senior came up big as the Conquerors survived a slow start to advance to the CIF-Southern Section Division III second round.
Mateo, who earned Miramonte League MVP honors, keyed the second-half surge and finished with more than 17 kills a match.
What he said: "It was a very rewarding season. We didn't get off to the start we wanted, but we all worked together and it was fun at the end."

Coach of the year: Kimo Mateo, Los Altos

First Team
Roland Michael Agbunag, Sierrra Vista, Setter, Sr.
John Cordero, Los Altos, MB, Sr.
Jacob Gener, Bishop Amat, Libero
Judd Mateo, Los Altos, Setter, So.
Nick Nazarroff, Los Altos, Def, Sr.
Lamar Tisdom, Diamond Ranch, Oh, Sr.

Kimo Mateo Interview

Posted by Fred Robledo at 8:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)

Above: Track standout Jordan Smith, 18. holds her yearbook from Charter Oak High School on Monday. Smith and fellow members of the Black Student Union were targeted and names other than their own appeared in the yearbook. Smith said they are "ghetto names."

After reading this story, Charter Oak High School should absolutely recall and reprint all yearbooks to anyone who requests one. Giving students stickers to cover the mistake isn't enough. Charter Oak track standouts Jordan Smith and Sierra Brooks were two of the students inappropriately named in the photo.

COVINA - High school yearbooks celebrate achievement, mark the passing of a year, and in photos, captions and scribbled signatures, capture a time.

But for the nine students of Charter Oak High School's Black Student Union, this year's book might better be left on the shelf.

A yearbook staff student replaced each of their names with fake names - such as "Tay Tay Shaniqua," "Crisphy Nanos" and "Laquan White" - next to the club photo in the school's 2008 Chronicle, according to Superintendent Clint Harwick.

"Someone was just trying to be funny but it's not funny," said Jordan Smith, a BSU member. "It's upsetting. It's a mistake that should not of been overlooked."

School Board President Joseph M. Probst said Wednesday that "appropriate actions will be taken."

Probst said he did not know the gender or race of the student who changed the names, but he did know the student will be a senior next year.

"We are discussing the intent and impact of the student's actions," Harwick said Wednesday. "The first step was to remedy the issue."

The students whose names were changed were given stickers with the correct names to be placed over the error in their books.

"What else can you do?" asked Probst. "It would be nice to snap a magic finger, but I think it was incredibly well done."

Smith, a senior, said she wants the yearbooks recalled and reprinted.

Some BSU students and their parents are dismayed by the way the school handled the incident and expect a formal apology from the school.

"I am sure the students will be spoken to and given an apology if they haven't been already," said Probst, who called the incident "atrocious."

BSU student Evanne Jackson, a junior, said she was given a handful of stickers and told to pass them out to her friends on the last day of school.

"How humiliating," said Evanne's mother, Toi. "The school is responsible, and they ask the victim to pass out the stickers."

School officials said that because the error was discovered after the yearbooks were handed out, there was limited ways to correct the problem.

"We remedied the issue by putting in the correct information," said Harwick. "In this case, we used a common practice with the stickers."

Harwick said there were a number of human and printing errors throughout the yearbook, including misspellings and blank pages.

But BSU students like Paisley Moore, said the corrective sticker is not enough.

"I kind of laughed at it," said Moore. "Show that you are sincerely apologetic. I don't think they realize what happened here."

Repeated calls to the yearbook staff office went unanswered Tuesday. Calls to yearbook advisor Bonnie Shockey were not immediately returned.

School officials are not aware of any previous similar incidents.

Past editions of the yearbook have received awards from the University of Columbia Scholastic Press with gold and silver medals in 2006 and 2007, respectively, according to school staff.

Of the 2,000 students who attend Charter Oak High School about 45 percent are Latino; 30 percent white and 4.5 percent black, according to school officials.

"We have a wonderful diversity on our campus which makes a richer educational experience," said Harwick.

But Moore said she is not surprised something like this happened.

"People of color, Latinos and African Americans, are viewed at the school as a joke," she said.

The affected picture appears in the back of the book and shares a page with other group photos including Class Councils, North American Unity and Asian Unity.

"This has hit us pretty hard," said Principal Kathleen Wiard. "We take great pride in producing a great yearbook with positive, good memories."

The BSU students' families, however, aren't so sure this yearbook is something they'll want to remember.

"A yearbook is very significant and something you always hold on to," said Toi. "When she shows it to her kids she will have to explain why she has the name Crisphy."

amanda.baumfeld@sgvn.com

Posted by Fred Robledo at 7:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (75)

What: San Gabriel Valley Hall of Fame Game
Where: Bassett High School
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Who: East vs. West

Former teammates: West Covina's Ryan Henson trying to chase down South Hills' Dorian Wells

By Fred J. Robledo
Ryan Henson arrived at West Covina High School with more questions than answers.
He had gone to Bishop Amat and Mater Dei, but his football resume consisted of nothing more than height and weight. How quickly that changed.
There's no doubting Henson's ability any more, not after the strong safety earned CIF-Southern Section Southwest Division second-team honors in his senior season.
There also were first-team All-San Antonio League and Tribune second-team all-area selections. Henson, who had 137 tackles - 68 solo - and two interceptions, is one of the headliners for the West team in Friday's San Gabriel Valley Hall of Fame All-Star Game at Bassett High.
"It's exciting to be here with all these guys," said Henson, who is hoping to continue his career at Mt. SAC. "This is a game I've been looking forward to for a long time.
"I'm one of those guys who has a lot to prove. I moved around my last year, so I kind of went unnoticed. But I think I can play with a lot of guys moving on to the next level, and this is another way to show it."
To continue reading, click thread

Henson, 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, shined on the freshman squad and was called up to varsity during his sophomore year, but that didn't translate into a bigger role as a junior.
Henson almost never played his junior season and complained he was out of position as a defensive end.
"It was frustrating," Henson said. "I think I played in one game. I just didn't see it getting any better there. With my senior year coming up, I wanted to play."
Henson became one of the first of more than 10 Lancers to leave Bishop Amat following the 2006 season. He left in February 2007 to take on an even bigger challenge by enrolling at Mater Dei, where he ran track that spring.
Mater Dei?
"You know what, looking back, that was a bold move," said his father, Rob. "But we believed he could do it. We wanted him to believe he could play there, and in that short time he was there, just working out with those guys gave him a lot of confidence.
"We thought he was out of position at Bishop Amat. He was getting some great looks at safety and corner at Mater Dei, but then we ran into another (obstacle)."
Henson's grades slipped, and he was forced to leave Mater Dei after the school year ended. He enrolled at West Covina and took two summer classes to make himself eligible for the fall.
He became an instant fit.
"It was great playing football again," Henson said. "I don't regret leaving Amat because I never knew if I would get an opportunity there.
"Going to Mater Dei? That was an experience. The curriculum was a lot for me at first. I kind of felt overwhelmed trying to concentrate on so many things and fell behind in classes. But I've always been a good student and straightened that out real quick.
"But I don't regret that (Mater Dei) either because it all worked out in the end. I had a great time at West Covina and found out a lot about myself by going through that experience."

Posted by Fred Robledo at 8:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (48)

Girls Swimming athlete of the year: Gretchen Jaques
School: Glendora
Year: Freshman
Accomplishments: Jaques swam like a seasoned veteran this season.
She clearly proved to be the Valley's best after scoring a double at the CIF-Southern Section Division II finals. The freshman won the 50-yard freestyle with a solid time of 23.20 seconds before taking the 100 free in 50.39. She followed that up at the CIF-SS Masters meet by winning the 100 free in 50.35 and finishing a solid second in the 50 free with a time of 23.48.
What she said: "I'm really excited, especially since I am only a freshman. Before the season, I wanted to get to the (divisional) finals and Masters. I'm really relieved that I did it, and I hope to do better next year."

Coach of the year: Janet Pollard
School: Glendora
Accomplishments: Pollard has proven to be one of the top swimming coaches in the area, and she proved it again this year, leading the Tartans to a top-five finish in Division II at the CIF-Southern Section championships.

What she said: "This was just a phenomenal group of kids. They worked really hard and came together as a team. Winning the Sierra League six years in a row is an amazing accomplishment."

First Team
Victoria Gibb, St. Lucy's, Jr.
Andrea Grant, Walnut, Fr.
Ashlyn Haigh, Bonita, So.
Madeline Marbach, St. Lucy's, Fr.
Angela Kanigowski, Rowland, Sr.
Michelle McCadden, Glendora, Jr.
Amber Pezzolla, Bonita, Jr.
Bailey Westerhoff, Charter Oak, Jr.
Emily Yu, Walnut, Fr.
Bellona Yuan, Diamond Bar, Sr.

Second Team
Brittany Bateman, Bonita, Jr.
Kristine Magnusson, Duarte, Sr.
Michelle Louie, Wilson, Sr.
Jessica Hebert, San Diamas, Sr.
Hayley Maddox, Charter Oak, Fr.
Michelle Utama, Walnut, Jr.
Stephanie Rodriguez, Wilson, Sr.
Katie Neumann, Bonita, Sr.
Diana Lake, Charter Oak, Jr.
Lauren Saylor, Bishop Amat, So.

Posted by Fred Robledo at 8:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

"You know how I be. Last week Kobe couldn't do without me,"
-- Shaquille O'Neal

Shaq, Shaq, what were you thinking? I know it was just a freestyle rap -- I laughed when I saw it the first time, but why go there? People are going to believe these are Shaq's true feelings, joking or not. Most members of the media have carefully downplayed it after Shaq's apology, but the Maricopa County Sheriff wants the Big Dummy's badges back. Apparently he's been fired for his racially insensitive comments. What do you think? Should we dismiss it as playful fun. If this was Kobe free-styling about Shaq being fat, out of shape, and going out in the first round, would the media be harder on Bryant?

Posted by Fred Robledo at 2:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (38)

Boys swimmer of the year, Walnut High's Vincent Pai
Year: Senior
Accomplishments: Pai added to the success of Walnut's winning tradition by taking home CIF-Southern Section division and Masters titles. He was the only area swimmer to score a division title, after taking first place in the 100-yard breaststroke with a time of 56.64 seconds at the Division II finals. He then followed it up with a Masters title, taking the 100 backstroke and lowering his time to 56.58. He also won the event at the Division II finals in 2007.

Boys coach of the year, Charter Oak's Howard Hyde

First Team
Dave Arnold, Glendora, Sr.
Gilbert Bonilla, Los Altos, Sr.
Ethan Bradley, Charter Oak, Sr.
Thomas Chavez, Bishop Amat, Sr.
Michael Cossey, Covina, Sr.
Tyler Ennis, Charter Oak, So.
Matt Lake, Charter Oak, Sr.
Conner Luster, Damien, Jr.
Jordan Rivas, Charter Oak, Sr.
Aaron Woods, Damien, Jr.

Second Team
Brendan Cheng, Walnut, Sr.
Stephen Dohner, Charter Oak, Sr.
Ryan Evans, Damien, Sr.
Alex Huang, Rowland, So.
Carlos Ibanez, Damien, So.
Jake Johnston, Bonita, Jr.
Scott Jones, San Dimas, Jr.
Michael Joyce, Charter Oak, So.
Nicholas Katoh, Diamond Bar, Sr.
Henry Shieh, San Dimas, So.

Posted by Fred Robledo at 8:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

What: San Gabriel Valley Hall of Fame Game
Where: Bassett High School
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Who: East vs. West

Above: Bishop Amat's Marcus Wagner

By Steve Ramirez, staff writer
LA PUENTE - Marcus Wagner approaches the annual Hall of Fame All-Star football game with sort of a chip on his shoulder.
It's not that the Bishop Amat High School graduate feels slighted, but he does feel like he has something to prove when the East San Gabriel Valley all-stars square off against their West counterparts in the annual summer classic, scheduled for 7:30 Friday night at Bassett High School.
"I'm pretty excited about the game," said Wagner prior to a practice session at La Puente High School. "To come from not having a great season (in the fall), and being injured in the third game, and getting picked to play in the Hall of Fame game, is a real blessing for me.
"I feel like I have a whole lot to prove. I didn't have the type of year I wanted, and dealing with the injuries were tough. I just want to try and play my best (Friday)."
Wagner is the younger brother of Michael Wagner, who was an All-Valley running back in the late 1990s before playing for Iowa State. Marcus Wagner showed a glimpse of his ability last fall, rushing for nearly 600 yards and four touchdowns despite playing in just half the team's five games.
"I think the big thing with me is my vision," Wagner said. "I see the whole field really well.
"My speed is there, my power is there, but I rely on my vision more than anything else."
But former Bishop Amat coach Mark Verti, who coached him last season, said Wagner's best attribute is not limited to what he can do on the field. It's the other intangibles that add to Wagner's greatness.
"He's just a great football player," Verti said. "He's smart, intelligent and knows the game really well. "But he's such a team leader; even when he was hurt and couldn't play, he was really pushing our guys to play their best."
Part of that comes from older brother Michael Wagner, who was one of the top running backs in the CIF-Southern Section in the late '90s.
The elder Wagner rushed for nearly 4,000 yards in three seasons with the Lancers. The influence on Marcus Wagner came from witnessing what his brother had to do away from the field to put up big numbers. Marcus Wagner transferred that knowledge to his own situation last fall.
"He had a big effect on me," he said of his older brother. "He was my biggest role model.
"It was a great experience for me. It's nice to have an older brother like that, someone to look up to. I've always tried to just fill his shoes."
Marcus Wagner filled them nicely in his opening game last season, rushing for 200 yards in a 41-38 loss to Los Osos. But an injury in a Week 3 loss to Hart limited his ability for most of the rest of the season.
"He was just a big part of our football team," said Verti, whose team finished just 3-7 last season. "He had that big game in the opener and was having a solid game before he got hurt against Hart. "We missed him a lot."
Wagner's college plans include playing for Mt. San Antonio College, which advanced to the CCCAA state championship game last fall.
But before he can help the Mounties make another push for a state title, he has some unfinished business to take care of on Friday.
"(The West) has some great athletes," Wagner said. "It's an honor to play against them; I'm looking forward to it. The neat thing about this game is to play with all the great players from the East you hear and read about all season. I used to hang out with these guys, after school, after football. I know them really well, so we have really good chemistry. I think it's going to be a pretty good game."

Posted by Fred Robledo at 7:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (10)

This fall we'll post a Bishop Breakdown thread on Monday's to evaluate Friday night's games, the players, coaching staff's, and the next opponent.

With the coaching staff in place, this feels like a make or break year at Bishop Amat. It's probably not fair to expect too much from Steve Hagerty and staff in their first season, but there's nothing like the excitement and emotions of a quick turnaround. Whatever happens, week-by-week, we'll follow the ride.

Posted by Fred Robledo at 1:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (73)

What: Hall of Fame All-Star football game
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Bassett High School
Also: That other game on Saturday somewhere in East L.A.

Whittier Daily News reporter Andrew "Happy" Campa is working hard to stir up controversy, even calling me out for issues I have with the Fiesta Bowl reps scheduling their game the same weekend as the Hall of Fame game knowing they draw players from the same area.

Read what Andrew, my colleague and friend, wrote about it ...

"What I'll say about the matter is this has more to do with a lack of communication than it has to do about a rivalry between bowls. I spoke with Fiesta Bowl Chairman Mike Aldapa a few weeks ago about this issue and he said it was an honest mistake.
The Fiesta Bowl organizers moved their game up a week from last year's date specifically not to compete with the Hall of Fame Game. Aldapa is not a coach and perhaps that's what hurt him. He was not in contact with the Hall of Fame Game organizers when this decision was made. Much to the surprise of those associated with the Fiesta Bowl, they were shocked that the HOF game moved up a week as well. Now, I have great respect for my esteemed colleague Fred Robledo of the San Gabriel Valley Tribune but I have to disagree with his column "Where's the Loyalty?" on his blog (www.insidesocal.com/tribpreps). He questioned "Why did the Fiesta, knowing the date of the Hall of Fame, schedule their game a day later?"
Had Mr. Robledo spoken to Aldapa or anyone else associated with the Fiesta Bowl, he would have known that there was no malice with the scheduling of the game. I spoke to one Fiesta Bowl coach who said the allegations made on Robledo's blog were a "slap in the face to all the coaches involved" and that there was "absolutely no way the Fiesta Bowl was trying to defame the Hall of Fame Game." It seems like there was miscommunication not only between both bowl game organizers but between the SGV media (which has yet to actually attend a practice) and the Fiesta Bowl coaches (who have problems answering their phones)."

Robledo: "Nothing like a colleague throwing you under the bus, but he's young, gung ho, and we kid each other all the time, so no biggie. But, had Mr. Happy asked if the SGV media has attended practice, he would have known that Steve Ramirez has been to the East practice, because he's working on a story that runs tomorrow. He would also have known that Star-News reporter Scott Galleti has been covering the West squad. Communication, Andrew? Okay, I really like Andrew, but he's fooled if he believes the Fiesta Bowl people aren't smart enough to call the Hall of Fame organizers so they could compare dates, especially after having the same problem last year. The Hall of Fame has been around for a while, if the Fiesta respected their tradition, their boundaries, and wanted what's in the best interest of the players, it would have MADE SURE the dates weren't conflicting, so players could have the option of participating in both games. The Fiesta knows it's taking high profile players from the Hall of Fame, so I have little sympathy for them. If Andrew believes the Fiesta guessed when the Hall of Fame game would be based on last year's date, then I'm guessing he's pretty naive."

Posted by Fred Robledo at 8:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)

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

Click thread for results from Los Altos basketball tournament

Championship - Foothill beat Glendora by 1 in OT, Foothill was up 6-7 points with 1:45 to go, Glendora came back to tie.

3rd Place - Villa Park beat Los Altos by 9, Los Altos led by 3 at the half. Villa Park opened the 2nd half with a 13-0 run.

5th Place - Upland beat Mark Keppel by 1 in Double OT.

7th Place - Cantwell beat Northview by about 20.

9th Place - Alta Loma beat El Rancho by about 15. Game was closer than that.

11th Place - Charter Oak beat Foothill 2

13th Place - La Serna beat Claremont

15th Place - Workman beat Whitney

Consolation Champs - St. Paul beat Huntington Park

19th Place - HH Wilson beat Duarte

21st Place - San Dimas beat Covina

23rd Place - Baldwin Park beat Arroyo

Posted by Fred Robledo at 8:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (41)

Los Altos' Diana-lynn Patterson earns MVP

Glendora's Reese Mitchell named coach of the year

Coach of the year: Reese Mitchell (Glendora)
Player of the year: Diana-lynn Patterson (Los Altos)
First team
Pitcher: Hannah Fraijo, Northview, Sr.
Pitcher: Amy Lwin, Bishop Amat, Sr.
Catcher: Sydney Stewart, Diamond Ranch, So.
Infielder: Jessica Traxler, Bishop Amat, Sr.
Infielder: Natalie Hernandez, Glendora, So.
Infielder: Brittany Gallegos, Charter Oak, Sr.
Infielder: Samantha Slonicker, San Dimas, Sr.
Outfielder: McKenna Gooden, Charter Oak, So
Outfielder: Diana Payan, South El Monte, Sr.
Outfielder: Brittany Flores, Sierra Vista, Jr.
Utility: Dana Waldusky, Glendora, Jr.

Second team
Pitcher: Jill Huntsmann, Covina, Sr.
Pitcher: Reina Garber, South El Monte, Jr.
Catcher: Heather Harrison, Northview, Jr.
Infielder: Courtney Gano, Los Altos, Fr.
Infielder: Aissa Oddo, Bishop Amat, Sr.
Infielder: Sarah Gonzales, Walnut, Sr.
Infielder: Latisha Dedeaux, Los Altos, Jr.
Outfielder: Ariel Shore, San Dimas, Jr.
Outfielder: Michelle Mounts, St. Lucy's, Sr.
Outfielder: Jessica Ulrich, Covina, Sr.
Utility: Kortnie Clarke, San Dimas, So

Posted by Fred Robledo at 7:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)

Northview's Marc Andrade and Bishop Amat's Jordan Fox share player of the year honors

Northview coach Darren Murphy is named coach of the year

Interview with Andrade

First team
Pitcher: Aaron Elias, Northview, Sr.
Pitcher: Paul Paez, Bishop Amat, So.
Catcher: Robert Williams, Northview, Sr.
Infielder: Tommy Reyes, Bishop Amat, Sr.
Infielder: Christian Ibarra, South Hills, So.
Infielder: Jiovanni Mier, Bonita, Jr.
Infielder: Andrew Mistone, Bishop Amat, Sr.
Outfielder: Tyler Pill, Covina, Sr.,
Outfielder: Danny Pertusati, Damien, Sr.
Outfielder: Michael Edwards, Glendora, Sr.
Utility: Chris Drossel, San Dimas, Sr.

Second team
Pitcher: Nico Calderaro, Bonita, Jr.
Pitcher: Eddie Pedroza, Northview, So.
Catcher: Jake Bailey, Charter Oak, Jr
Infielder: Jordan Leyland, San Dimas, Sr.
Infielder: Rich Pedroza, Northview, Jr.
Infielder: Nick Greene, Diamond Ranch, Sr.
Infielder: Darren Dworak, Damien, Sr.
Outfielder: Keith Murakami, Bishop Amat, Sr.
Outfielder: Danny Roddy, South Hills, Sr.
Outfielder: Brett Bennett, Bonita, Sr.
Utility: Brady Zuniga, Bishop Amat, Jr.

Interview with Jordan Fox

Posted by Fred Robledo at 8:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (166)

Girls Track Athlete of the Year

Karynn Dunn
School: Diamond Ranch
Year: Junior

Accomplishments: Her amazing season started with four individual titles at the Miramonte League finals, winning the 100 meters, 100 hurdles and the long and triple jumps. She didn't slow down at the CIF-Southern Section Division III meet, taking home three individual titles. She won the 100 hurdles in 14.53 seconds, won the long jump with a leap of 19 feet, 10 inches and turned in the best performance of all the divisions in the triple jump at 40-13/4. At the Masters Meet, Dunn qualified for the state finals in the long and triple jumps with a second-place showing in the long jump (18-10) and a fourth in the triple jump (38-113/4). Her bid for a state title in the long jump came up short with a second-place 19-6 leap and she was fifth in the triple jump, leaping 39-23/4.

Coach of the Year: Eric Starkey, Covina
First Team
Sierra Brooks, Charter Oak, Jr.
Tara Buffum, St. Lucy's Jr.
Chantel Diaz, Covina Sr.
Renee Hays, Bishop Amat Sr.
Jenna Huilon, Los Altos Sr.
Cursty Jackson, Rowland Sr.
Erika Kalmar, San Dimas So.
Richelle Najera, Walnut Sr.
Kylie Price, Bishop Amat fr.
Secoral Yanez, Covina Sr.
Shannon Mckee, San Dimas, Fr.

Second Team
Carol Chang, Rowland, Sr.
Marissa Horton, St. Lucy's, Fr.
Lliana Ibrahim, Bishop Amat, So.
Marilyn Jimenez, West Covina, Jr.
Ariana Lugo, Los Altos, Sr.
Kristen McCarthy, Bishop Amat, Sr.
Brittney Munoz Rosemead, So.
Jessica Nunez, South Hills, Jr.
Daniela Perez, Covina, Jr.
Christina Sullivan, Bonita, Sr

Posted by Fred Robledo at 8:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Thinking about the all-star practices, spring workouts and summer passing leagues is a good time to remind everyone to drink lots of water. Seriously, when is it too hot to practice? The heat is deadly if you don't take care of yourself, so be careful, take breaks and don't push yourself, it's not worth it. It's about this time of the year or later in the summer when you hear of a football tragedy because of the heat. Be careful. I've had enough just sitting in my house, I can't imagine what it's like out on the field, especially those with artificial surfaces, that's like walking on fire.

June 20, this day in sports history
1913 - 3 of 1st 4 Yankees hit-by-pitch en route to a record 6 hit batsman
1930 - 65th British Golf Open: Bobby Jones shoots a 291 at Hoylake Hoylake
1940 - Joe Louis TKOs Arturo Godoy in 8 for heavyweight boxing title
1950 - Joe Dimaggio's 2,000th hit, Yanks beat Indians 8-2
1951 - Cleve Indian Bobby Avila hits 3 HRs, double and single vs Red Sox
1953 - Louise Suggs wins LPGA Western Golf Open
1960 - Floyd Patterson KOs Ingemar Johansson in 5 for heavywgt boxing title
1964 - 64th US Golf Open: Ken Venturi shoots a 278 at Congressional CC MD
1965 - Sandra Haynie wins LPGA Cosmopolitan Golf Open
1966 - 66th US Golf Open: Billy Casper shoots a 278 at Olympic CC in SF
1967 - Phillies Larry Jackson beats NY Mets for 18th straight time
1971 - Sandra Palmer wins LPGA Heritage Golf Open
1973 - Chicago's Cy Acosta is 1st AL pitcher to bat since DH rule (strikeout)
1976 - Joanne Carner wins LPGA Hoosier Golf Classic
1976 - Czechoslovakia becomes European soccer champ
1976 - 76th US Golf Open: Jerry Pate shoots a 277 at Atlanta AC in Duluth Ga
1978 - 1st 6 teams of Women's Pro Basketball League (WBL) granted-Iowa, NJ, Milwaukee, Chicago, Minnesota and Dayton
1980 - Calif Angels Freddie Patek, hits 3 HRs and double to beat Red Sox 20-2
1980 - Roberto Duran takes WBC welterweight title from Sugar Ray Leonard at Olympic Stadium in Montreal by unanimous decision
1982 - 82nd US Golf Open: Tom Watson shoots a 282 at Pebble Beach GL Calif
1982 - Jan Stephenson wins LPGA Lady Keystone Golf Open
1983 - 83rd US Golf Open: Larry Nelson shoots a 280 at Oakmont CC PA
1988 - Curtis Strange wins US Open golf tournament
1992 - Kelly Saunders is 2nd female baseball PA announcer (Balt Orioles)
1993 - 47th NBA Championship: Chicago Bulls beat Phoenix Suns, 4 games to 2
1993 - 93rd US Golf Open: Lee Janzen shoots a 272 at Baltusrol GC NJ
1993 - Tammie Green wins LPGA Rochester International Golf Tournament
1994 - Ernie Els win's 1994 Golf US Open
1999 - 99th US Golf Open: at Pinehurst CC NJ

Yesterday's Events | Tomorrow's Even

Posted by Fred Robledo at 12:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (28)

Boys Track Athlete of the Year: Taylor Herrera
School: Damien
Year: Junior

Accomplishments: The sprinter improved over the course of the season. It started with his domination in the Sierra League finals, winning the 100 and 200 meters, as well as leading his team to the 1,600-meter relay title. He continued his amazing performances in the CIF-Southern Section Division II meet, Masters Meet and state meet. Herrera ran a 10.63 to finish second in the Division II 100 finals and ran a 21.66 to finish third in the 200 finals. At the Masters Meet, Herrera proved to be the area's best sprinter, finishing fifth in the 100 (10.75) and seventh in the 200 (21.87), an incredible accomplishment considering he was up against the best sprinters in Southern California. Herrera's effort in the 100 earned him a prestigious ticket to the state championships, where he was 15th overall with a 10.93, and an experience that will only help as he gears for 2009.
Coach of the Year: Dr. Mike Williams, Damien
First Team
Cordell Allmond, Walnut
Kyle Warren, Diamond Bar
Tim Gilmore, Wilson
Tommy Cogburn, South El Monte
Kris Danielson, Damien
Garoon Gibbsracho, Damien
Graham Vickers, Diamond Ranch
Joey Divizia, Glendora
Marcus Fortugno, Charter Oak
Arieus Williams, Covina

Second Team
Blake Tillis, Los Altos
Q'Sean Miller, South Hills
Thomas Finnigan, Glendora
Joel Baze, Diamond Bar
Drew Annas, San Dimas
Sheldon Price, Bishop Amat
Samuel Rockwood, Diamond Bar
Marcus Buckley, Diamond Ranch
Gabe Acero, Bonita
Daniel Montes, Covina

Posted by Fred Robledo at 10:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Our crime guy Frank Girardot wrote a somewhat controversial column in Tuesday's newspaper. I'll let you read it on his Crime Scene blog and let you be the judge. I thought it was interesting with all the talk that Snoop Dogg's son could be enrolling at Diamond Ranch.

Posted by Fred Robledo at 11:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (10)

Like the Bonita-San Dimas Smudge Pot, and the Muir-PHS Turkey Tussle, Monrovia and Duarte are putting together the First Annual, "MD Classic," on September 12. It's a great idea and long overdue for the neighboring schools. There will be a trophy for the winner to hold for a year, and an MVP award honoring the memory of Monrovia's Edward "Tuttie" White and Duarte's Brandon Lee. What makes it even more special is that players, coaches and members of the community from both schools will be invited to share a picnic BBQ a week earlier on Sept. 6 at Monrovia's Recreation Park, which hopefully brings the communities closer together. It's something that everyone should support.
"I think it's a big deal," Duarte football coach Wardell Crutchfield said. "When I came to Duarte, I didn't realize how big the rivalry was. I was at a game one time and heard a Monrovia kid say 'I don't care what happens, as long as we beat Duarte.' It's something that's long overdue, and having a BBQ together is great for the community, especially with all the stuff we've had going on. It's a win-win situation."
To read the letter I received telling me more about this game, click thread

Good Morning Fred, the MD Classic is set, rewarding the deep rivalry that has been part of our community for over 30 years. We would like for you to put together a blog making Players, Fans, and outsiders aware of this new Classic that will begin on Sept. 12, 2008 at Monrovia High School. We will feature some of the great Alumni and other participants that have attended both schools. A Saturday September 6th dinner will precede this event which will include a complete meal for all of the players on both teams. This game is not only for the win or loose aspects of each team, but for the neighborhoods in which both schools are battling to keep safe and remain civil. Due to the recent incidents of gang violence that took place in the area, community leaders have formed an alliance to keep the violence off of the streets of both Cities. Monrovia and Duarte have long been rooted with families that are very active in their communities both in sports and in politics. We feel that this game will offer a more spiritual way of bringing about the fun in the sport and award the athletes who will go on and become College choices and perhaps even Professionals one day. Although Pasadena and John Muir High schools have had this tradition in the City of Pasadena for years, times have changed and other rivalries have long been overlooked in this area. A lot of Wildcat & Falcon Fans feel as though some of the best football has derived from these two squads, and that this rivalry should become very ingrained in the spirit of city's throughout the San Gabriel Valley.

Posted by Fred Robledo at 9:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)

The Hall of Fame All-Star football game is on Friday, June 27 at Bassett High School. A night later, the second annual Fiesta Bowl is at L.A. Wilson High on June 28. Why did the Fiesta, knowing th date of the Hall of Fame, schedule their game a day later? And even worse, the Fiesta is watering down the Hall of Fame East roster with Star-News area kids normally in the Hall of Fame, and now it's become a tug-of-war, with Star-News kids forced to choose. It's come down to coaches recruiting against each other for the best players. I have no problem with the Fiesta Bowl, It's the City vs. Southern Section kids, and a great idea. But the Southern-Section kids are primarily Pasadena area-players, so that game should have been scheduled a week earlier, two weeks earlier, anything, so that they're not competing. It's a shame when I see Muir and PHS kids skipping the Hall of fame for the Fiesta, especially since it was Muir's legendary coach Jim Brownfield who practically put together the Hall of Fame and still has so much to do with it. I know he's disappointed, and this could have been avoided had players and coaches from the East side remembered how good the Hall of Fame had been to them. Or maybe it's simply that the Pasadena-area kids are tired of getting beat up by the Tribune-area kids. Maybe they've had enough. If anything, if these all-star games continue playing the same weekend in the future, new boundaries need to be created.

Above: Muir running back Willie Youngblood

San Gabriel High School defensive coordinator Donald Bernard, working under head coach Keith Jones for the Fiesta Bowl, told our Andrew Campa that Muir stud Willie Youngblood is skipping the Hall of Fame game to play in the Fiesta Bowl. In fact, I've got a roster from the Fiesta that lists Arcadia' Kevan Walker in the Fiesta, that Pasadena quarterback and Star-News player of the year Tyron Crockom will also compete in the Fiesta. Even worse is that Arroyo quarterback Brian Partida and Gabriel Zendejas are in the Fiesta, after Arroyo had been the host of the Hall of Fame game for so many years. Again, where's the loyalty? This is such a huge blow to South El Monte head coach Erick Escamilla, who is coaching the West squad. I know he was scrambling for players, and now I'm worried that next week's game is going to be a mismatch, because the West squad had to share too many players with the Fiesta. 25-players are on the Fiesta roster that would have been eligible for the West squad. It looks like most of Muir, Pasadena, Arcadia, San Gabriel and Alhambra is skipping the Hall of Fame, which is sad.

"The kids are torn," Escamilla said. "I've had some say they were playing, then they backed out, and I'm hearing the same things about players that will not play in ours. I just don't know. We had a recent practice with 38 or 39 showing up. But I won't know our full roster for a couple days. The kids are still deciding. But you know what, we've got a great group of kids and we'll deal with it. I'm from South El Monte, so we're use to being the underdogs. It's like anything else, we'll play as hard as we can and do the best we can. But yeah, it's obviously a blow because this is just affecting our team and not the West squad."

East Team
Head coach: Ray Hernandez, La Puente
Players, School, position
Angel Acevedo, Baldwin Park, FS
Mike Acosta, Garey, FB/LB
Drew Annas, San Dimas, WR
Matt Baca, Ayala, QB
Domaminc Blanco, Charter Oak, LT/G
Chris Burns, California, G
Jose Castellon, California, C
Ben Counce, Azusa, DB
Ryan Cress, Sonora, WR
Robert Diaz, Northview, LG/LT
Jon Earnest, South Hills, FB
Michael Edwards, Glendora, WR
Kevin Estipular, Ayala, LB
Oliver Estrella, Nogales, TE
Joseph Garcia, La Puente, LB
Richard Gurrola, Gladstone, DB
Mikey Harrell, Charter Oak, WR
Ryan Henson, West Covina, WR
Mike Howard, Charter Oak, LB
Jason Knowles, Northview, RB
Damon Kuklinski, South Hills, LB
Nick Longoria, Los Altos, DL
Jose Martinez, Garey, FB/LB
Aaron Michaelis, Bonita, OG
Shelton Miles, Diamond Ranch, RB
Oscar Molina, Baldwin Park, DE
Steve Molina, Ganesha, RB/LB
Andre Ortega, Pioneer, LB
Brandon Parham, South Hills, QB/WR
Carlos Rios, La Puente, WR
Robert Rodriguez, West Covina, P/PK
Ramel Rose, Chino, WR
Charles Shorts, Covina, LB
Julian Silva, Bishop Amat, TE
Kanaan Snowden, Charter Oak, RB
Isaac Tucker, West Covina, RB
Mike Valdez, West Covina, C
Marcus Wagner, Bishop Amat, RB
Ray Washington, Charter Oak, DB
Alonzo Webb, Bassett, RB
Tanner Zylstra, Bonita, TE
Hugo Zuniga, La Puente, DL

West Team
Head coach: Erick Escamilla, South El Monte.
Players, School, position
Alex Valdez, Schurr, DB/WR
Jelani Blunt, Eagle Rock, QB/DB
Darius Reese, Duarte, QB/CB
Kevan Walker, Arcadia, WR/FS
Jonathan Mendoza, South El Monte, RB
Jonathan Troast, South Pasadena, QB
Chris Harris, Duarte, RB/CB
Sammy Garcia, Verdugo Hills, RB/LB
Fernando Gonzalez, Monrovia, WR/FS
Geno Stoney, Verdugo Hills, WR/DB
Dushine Smith, Alhambra, RB/DB
Kyle Morgan, St. Francis, RB/FS
Mark Love, Maranatha, RB/DB
Raul Pintada, Schurr, DB
Rudy Jordan, Schurr, RB/DB
Parker Haleen, Crescenta Valley, TE/LB
Jesus Campos, Bell Gardens, RB/LB
Juan Casillas, Lincoln, FB/LB
Williams Do, Temple City, TB/LB
Ryan Diaz, Boscho Tech, WR/S
Patrick Greene, Monrovia, WR/LB
Willie Youngblood, Muir, RB/LB
Deonta Woodrod, Cantwell, FB/LB
Clay Sierra, Crescenta Valley, WR
Darwin Barcelis, Eagle Rock, RB/LB
Juan Perez, South El Monte, TE/DE
Joseph Eddy, Rosemead, LB
Daniel Scheper, St. Francis, DE/OT
Eric Becher, Temple City, DT/DE
Tanner Farwell, Crescenta Valley, C
Arshak Abramyan, Glendale, OG/NG
Lars Guillermo, Arcadia, DT/C
Chris Tosello, La Canada, OL
Setefan Loau, Lincoln, C/DL
Travis Shafer, El Rancho, OL/DL
Oscar Hernandez, Salesian, OL/DL
Paul Lindsay, Verdugo Hills, LT/DT
David Morris, Marshall, WR/FS
Tommy Cogburn, South El Monte, WR/DB
Donnie Fields, Arcadia, OL/DL
Vicente Torres, Montebello, OL/DL
Gabriel Moreno, Alhambra, OL/DL
Zane Archer, Glendale, WR/LB
Mario Cruz, Glendale, TE/LB
Edwin Baldelomar, Alhambra, OL/DL
Andrew Barrera, South El Monte, OL/DL

Posted by Fred Robledo at 8:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (17)

Feel free to post summer passing league schedules or your observations from summer passing league games. I know a lot is going on the next couple weeks, so check in and tell us how things are going. This is how the blog is useful, when all of you become on-site reporters when we can't be there.

The 16th annual Covina Classic Passing Tournament is happing this weekend at Covina High School. It's a 14-team field that includes Baldwin Park, Chadwick, Covina, Covina "B", Gladstone, Los Amigos, Moreno Valley, Northview, Ontario Christian, Perris, Silverado, South El Monte and Workman. The first scrimmage begins at 1:30 p.m. Friday and goes until 6:45.

Posted by Fred Robledo at 4:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (38)

While we're waiting for the Tribune All-Area teams to come out, the L.A. Times list for baseball and softball has been posted. Bishop Amat's Jordan Fox was the lone San Gabriel Valley honoree on the Times' All-Star baseball team. In softball, Glendora coach Reese Mitchell earned coach of the year honors, but no San Gabriel Valley players cracked the first team.

Posted by Fred Robledo at 3:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Word out of South Hills is that the King of Cameron Ave., quarterback Cameron Deen, might commit soon. The 6-foot-2, 188-pound senior-to-be is ranked No. 35 nationally on Rivals.Com, with a 5.5 three-star rating. Check out his bio on rivals, which lists Alabama, Arizona State, Georgia, N.C. State, Washington and Washington State. My guess is he'll choose a Pac-10 school.

Updated: Word is that Washington has the inside track and that he could verbal next week.

Posted by Fred Robledo at 2:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)

Book Rule 313, the Association Rule. This rule stated, "During the school year, prior to the established date for authorized before and after-school practice in a particular sport and following an individual's or team's last authorized competition, a student may receive athletic instruction in a C.I.F. Southern Section approved sport only during one regularly scheduled physical education period in which the student is enrolled and earning credit for that particular sport."
Since that time, the C.I.F. Southern Section Office has received many calls and emails with questions on what effects this rule change will have on our member schools. The following information is designed to help answer some of the more frequent questions that have arisen. To read the Q&A, click thread

Question - When does the elimination of the Association Rule take effect?
Answer - July 1, 2008

Question - What effect does the elimination of this rule have on 6th Period off-season Physical Education classes.
Answer - There will no longer be any restrictions on what coaches can do with their students after the 6th period class is over. Coaches will be allowed to remain with their students and continue to instruct them in the particular skills of their sport after their 6th period class time has concluded.

Question - What effect does this rule change have on Rule 314, the Conditioning Rule?
Answer - With the elimination of the Association Rule, Rule 314, the Conditioning Rule, is no longer valid in the C.I.F. Southern Section.

Question - Can members of the high school athletic staff coach their own students in off-season leagues?
Answer - Yes. Members of the high school athletic staff may organize, sponsor or coach teams outside the high school season of sport, during the school year, with students from their high school on them.

Question - Can club coaches coach club teams and high school teams?
Answer - Yes. A club coach can coach at a high school and coach a club team, outside the high school season of sport, during the school year, with students from that same high school on it.

Question - What effect does this rule change have on the Summer Dead Period?
Answer - None. The Summer Dead Period Rule is unchanged. All sports must observe a 21 consecutive day Dead Period from the close of school in June, or June 13 whichever comes first, and August 24, 2008, the day before Fall Sports season begins. During the Dead Period, the only contact allowed between high school coaches and their students is supervised weightlifting.

Question - Can football programs wear helmets and shoulder pads during the off-season?
Answer - No. The existing rules on when helmets and shoulder pads can be worn, when sleds can be used, what equipment can be used during Spring Practice and Summertime Rules are unchanged. Also, the rule regarding team contact football camps is not affected by the elimination of the Association Rule.

Posted by Fred Robledo at 2:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hi all,

I just thought you'd be interested in my most recent posting on my NHRA blog. It refers to a Funny Car crew chief who resigned to "spend more time with his family."
I guess if high school and college coaches can use that excuse, so can NHRA competitors. We all must have that family commitment.

Posted by Steve Ramirez at 12:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

These are the publication dates for the Tribune All-Area teams
Boys Track, June 20
Girls Track, June 21
Baseball, June 22
Softball, June 23
Boys Swimming, June 24
Girls Swimming, June 25
Boys Volleyball, June 26
Boys Tennis, June 27
Boys Athlete, June 29
Girls Athlete, June 30

Posted by Fred Robledo at 9:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)

If it's summer, then its time for summer basketball tournaments, and Los Altos has a good one this week, which is scheduled Thursday through Sunday. The entry list includes Valle Vista League champion Northview; Glendora, which advanced to the divisional semifinals last season, and some solid teams from Orange County and the Inland Valley.
To view the schedule, click thread

Thursday June 19th at Los Altos
2:00 Los Altos vs Duarte
3:00 Mark Keppel vs Baldwin Park
4:00 Glendora vs St. Paul
5:00 Villa Park vs HH Wilson
6:00 Alta Loma vs San Dimas
7:00 Upland vs Huntington Park
8:00 Charter Oak vs Covina
9:00 Northview vs Arroyo

Friday June 20th at Los Altos
10:00 Los Altos/Duarte winner vs El Rancho
11:00 Alta Loma/San Dimas winner vs Cantwell
12:00 Villa Park/Wilson winner vs Workman
1:00 Villa Park/Wilson loser vs Alta Loma/San Dimas loser
2:00 Mark Keppel/Baldwin Park loser vs Glendora/St; Paul loser
3:00 Northview/Arroyo loser vs Los Altos/Duarte loser
4:00 Mark Keppel/Baldwin Park winner vs La Serna
5:00 Glendora/St. Paul winner vs Foothill 2
6:00 Upland/Hunt. Park winner vs Whitney
7:00 Charter Oak/Covina winner vs Foothill
8:00 Northview/Arroyo winner vs Claremont
9:00 Upland/Huntington Park loser vs Charter Oak/Covina loser

Saturday June 21st at Los Altos and Workman
2:00 at Los Altos Quarters
3:00 at Los Altos Quarters
2:00 at Workman Quarters
3:00 at Workman Quarters
7:00 at Los Altos SEMI
8:00 at Los Altos SEMI

Sunday June 22nd at Los Altos
6:00 Championship Game
5:00 3rd Place Game
4:00 5th Place Game

Posted by Steve Ramirez at 11:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (20)

Above: What are they cheering, basketball, football? No, that's a girls volleyball crowd.

I know the arrogant Bishop Amat fans on this blog are going to think this is a slam dunk, but it's not. If this were just football, maybe, because nobody can lose as consistently as they have and still pack the house. But if we're talking about best high school sports fans, period, I'm not sure if Amat is numero uno. Believe it or not, I was impressed with Bonita this season. Whether it was football, basketball, baseball or girls volleyball, they packed it, were rowdy, maybe too rowdy at times, but I loved the passion. Glendora is right there too. Look at how they travel in football and basketball. They probably have the best booster club of all. South Hills, Charter Oak, Los Altos, they're all great in football, but not sure if they're great across the board. Of the three, South Hills has the edge. Northview, in baseball only, blew everyone away in terms of following one particular team. It was a dream season, and their fans were as clutch as the boys. South El Monte, there's a sleeper nobody probably thinks of, but they consistently have passionate crowds in football, basketball, baseball and all sports.That community gets behind their school as much as anyone, win or lose. So, based on the 2007-08 sports season, here are my top five.
1. Bonita
2. Glendora
3. South El Monte
4. Bishop Amat
5. South Hills

Before his injury, Los Altos' Bryce Mahmud-McBride was the front-runner for player of the year. It's a shame he didn't get to finish the season, just look at this guy go. He absolutely punished Damien.

Cheerleader classics

Posted by Fred Robledo at 8:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (75)

I wanted to believe, but this Celts team wanted it that much more than the Lakers. It was a great ride, but what a horrible ending. I don't mind losing, but I hate to see a team give up. I'll still wear my Lakers shirt proudly, but a few guys have to go by next season.

We've had several calls wondering when our All-Area stuff is coming out for baseball, softball, track, swimming, and tennis. Well, blame the