July 2009 Archives

Above: Will the masses still flock to Pasadena in 2011?

What's your take on a Rose Bow matchup between say USC vs. Boise State?
Not possible?
Well, under a new provision, that can be invoked once between 2011-14, the Rose Bowl would be required to invite a non-BCS conference team like Boise State, if that team is in the top 12 of the final BCS standings and either the Pac-10 champ or Big Ten winner is in the national title game.
Here's the story I wrote in today's paper about the new BCS provision.

ESPN reporting that Lamar Odom is returning to the Lakers for four years, $33 million. Let the dynasty begin.....

BREAKING NEWS NOTE: The Scouting Guru just texted to say Williams is now at Don Lugo, not La Verne...

The first draft: La Verne Lutheran linebacker Milton Williams, is on MaxPreps' national list of the best sophomores-to-be of the 2012 class, and the only area player on the prestigious list. Read the hype, with comparison's to Los Altos' Cody and Harwell. Maxpreps writes:Lutheran head coach Bobby Godinez is convinced that Milton Williams has the makings of a very special player. "I've never seen a kid like Milton," Godinez said. "I've played with Shaun Cody and Brigham Harwell, and I think Milton is better at the same age." Williams is a 6-1, 215-pound linebacker who suffered through injury for much of last season, but came back late in the year and made a splash. "His explosiveness is unstoppable," Godinez said. "He'll go anywhere he wants." Godinez mentioned that Williams is originally from Oklahoma and would love to play for the Sooners. He also said that UCLA has shown early interest in Williams, and may extend a verbal offer.

There's no audio, but the video speaks louder than words ....

Just when you thought it was safe to sit in Mannywood, boom, another bombshell. The New York Times reports today that: Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz, the sluggers who propelled the Boston Red Sox to end an 86-year World Series championship drought and to capture another title three years later, were among the roughly 100 Major League Baseball players to test positive for performance-enhancing drugs in 2003, according to lawyers with knowledge of the results.

Photo: Associated Press

Ohh Thurmond: The perfect picture is always when someone makes a play against 'SC

Hi all, I'm here at Pac-10 Media Day, and wanted to let know that former West Covina High School star Walter Thurmond, now an all-conference defensive back at Oregon, is also expected to be in attendance. He will join new Ducks coach Chip Kelly sometime afternoon.
I will follow with comments from Thurmond a little later.
By the way, they just handed out the Pac-10 preseason media poll and, surprise, USC is No. 1 with rival UCLA No. 7. California is second and Oregon No. 3.
Walter Thurmond: "I'm just happy to be the position I'm at. God gave me the ability. I really can't stress enough how hard it takes to be the position I'm in. It takes hard work, and you just have to have love for the game."

The word on the street is that defending Division III champion South Hills will take on former back-to-back Division V champion Bishop Amat in a baseball doubleheader at Mt. SAC this spring. Based on what both teams have coming back, it's also safe to assume they will likely be the two best teams to start the season, so this is great news for area baseball fans. Now, if they could only hookup in football ....

To all the less fortunate who missed the 80s, know that we didn't have cell phones, we suffered through land lines and busy signals. We didn't have text messages, we slipped notes. We didn't sit in front of our computers with a Wii, we hiked to the nearest corner and dropped quarters on Asteroids, Donkey Kong, Pacman, etc. And the movies, don't get me started. I'm not talking about the Academy Award winners, I'm talking about the top 15 movies from the 80s that you memorized line-for-line and can watch over and over again......

The 80's signature cuff (we all did it) ... And yes, the hair presented by Aqua Net...

Fred's top 15
1. Breakfast Club (1985)
2. Caddyshack (1980)
3. The Karate Kid (1984)
4. Weird Science (1985)
5. Three Amigos (1986)
6. Say Anything (1989)
7. Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
8. Better off Dead (1985)
9. Can't Buy Me Love (1987)
10. Fletch (1885), 11. Lucas (1986), 12. A Christmas Story (1983), 13. Risky Business (1983), 14. Top Gun (1986), 15. Vacation (1983)

Sorry, Fred, my good man, but the 1970s trump the 1980s. The 70s was the birth of the summer blockbuster), Monday Night Football, Pong and who could forget Bell-bottoms.
It's also considered the glory years of the NFL, when the Cowboys, Rams and Vikings dominated the NFC. Did you know that from 1973-78, either the Cowboys, Rams or Vikings played in...and the AFC was always the Raiders, Steelers, Dolphins and Oilers. I still say Drew Pearson didn't push off in the "Hail Mary" Game. Ah, those were the days!

My 1970s top 10 moves:
1. All the President's Men (I am a journalist, after all)
2. Jaws
3. Star Wars
4. The Godfather
5. American Graffiti
6. Dog Day Afternoon
7. Patton
8. Rocky
9. The Dear Hunter
10. The Exorcist
HM: The Verdict, Brian's Song (TV Movie), Young Frankenstein.

Here's one of my favorite scenes from All the President's Men. It's not included, but my favorite line from the movie comes from Jason Robards as editor Ben Bradlee: Nothing's riding on this mind you, except the first amendment of the Constitution, freedom of the press and perhaps the future of the country. Not that any of that matters, but if you guys (mess) up again, I'm going to get mad!"

The Charter Cove Post 755 baseball team, made up mostly of players from Charter Oak High School, came up short Tuesday in its quest to win a American Legion California State championship.
San Bernardino, which lost in the first round of the tournament, came all the way back to win the event, scoring wins of 5-4 and 20-12 over Charter Cove to win a state title.
Both teams advanced to the regionals, with San Bernardino playing in the West Regionals in Fairfield and Charter Cove traveling to Medford, Ore. for the Northwest Regionals.
Charter Cove, which lost in the championship round to Merced last year, advanced to the regionals for the second consecutive season.
Here is the story from our sister paper, the San Bernardino Sun, which rounds up San Bernardino's sweep.
Charter Cove coach Jon Garkow: "Although I'm disappointed that we didn't bring home our first state title, I'm very proud of the effort we put forth. These kids played their hearts out and finishing as state runners-up for the second consecutive year is quite an accomplishment, especially considering we only had 10 players."

We're only in July, so instead of doing the top ten preseason football teams, how about the top ten toughest schedules in 2009. There is no surprise with Bishop Amat and Damien 1 & 2, but a mild surprise to list Charter Oak at No. 7. You tell me, do you agree or would you chage it up ...

1. BISHOP AMAT
Note: Ending with Loyola, Crespi and Notre Dame give the Lancers the edge, plus big nonleague games agisnt St. Paul and St. Bonaventure.
Sept. 11 DOMINGUEZ, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 18 at West Covina, 7 p.m.
Sept. 25 at Damien, 7 p.m.
Oct. 2 ST. BONAVENTURE, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 10 at Diamond Ranch, 7 p.m.
Oct. 16 at St. Paul, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 23 ALEMANY, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 30 *LOYOLA, 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 6 *At Crespi, 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 13 *NOTRE DAME, 7:30 p.m.

2. DAMIEN
Note: From start-to-finish this is easily the second toughest. Four straight against Bishop Amat, Charter Oak, Chino Hills and Glendora is brutal.
Sept. 4 at Rancho Cucamonga, 7 p.m.
Sept. 11 at St. John Bosco, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 18 CLAREMONT, 7 p.m.
Sept. 25 BISHOP AMAT, 7 p.m.
Oct. 2 at Charter Oak, 7 p.m.
Oct. 16 *CHINO HILLS, 7 p.m.
Oct. 23 *at Glendora, 7 p.m.
Oct. 30 *AYALA, 7 p.m.
Nov. 6 *at Diamond Bar, 7 p.m.
Nov. 12 *CHINO, 7 p.m.

3. GLENDORA
Note: Not one easy non-league game on the schedule, plus the difficult Sierra League
Sept. 11 at Upland, 7 p.m.
Sept. 17 CANYON, 7 p.m.
Sept. 25 at West Covina, 7 p.m.
Oct. 1 DIAMOND RANCH, 7 p.m.
Oct. 9 EL DORADO, 7 p.m.
Oct. 16 *at Diamond Bar, 7 p.m.
Oct. 23 *DAMIEN, 7 p.m.
Oct. 30 *at Chino Hills, 7 p.m.
Nov. 6 *at Chino, 7 p.m.
Nov. 12 *AYALA, 7 p.m.

4. DIAMOND RANCH
Note: Not as brutal as last year, but still tough with Bishop Amat, Glendora, Chino Hills and Muir
Sept. 4 at Muir, 7 p.m.
Sept. 11 COLONY, 7 p.m.
Sept. 18 at Elsinore, 7 p.m.
Sept. 25 at Chino Hills, 7 p.m.
Oct. 1 at Glendora, 7 p.m.
Oct. 10 BISHOP AMAT, 7 p.m.
Oct. 23 *CHARTER OAK, 7 p.m.
Oct. 30 *at Bonita, 7 p.m.
Nov. 7 *LOS ALTOS, 7 p.m.
Nov. 13 *WILSON 7 p.m.

5. SOUTH HILLS
Note: La Habra and Tesoro are the highlights, but Northview, Rosemead and Los Altos not back for second-tier games
Sept. 11 AYALA, 7 p.m.
Sept. 17 at La Habra, 7 p.m.
Sept. 24 TESORO, 7 p.m.
Oct. 2 NORTHVIEW, 7 p.m.
Oct. 9 ROSEMEAD, 7 p.m.
Oct. 16 *WEST COVINA, 7 p.m.
Oct. 23 at Nogales, 7 p.m.
Oct. 30 at Los Altos, 7 p.m.
Nov. 6 *WALNUT, 7 p.m.
Nov. 13 *at Rowland, 7 p.m.

Chicago Tribune: Nate Montana, son of Irish and NFL legend Joe, has elected to spend the fall semester at Pasadena City College in order to get playing experience at the quarterback position. Team spokesman Brian Hardin said the departure has nothing to do with grades or discipline issues -- it is simply a matter of Montana, a walk-on, knowing he'd be buried on the depth chart and in practices this fall. Montana is expected to return to Notre Dame for the spring semester.

With the football tab now a month away and today the first official day we begin working on new ideas for the section, does anyone have a suggestion for the cover? We have done our share of running backs and quarterbacks the past few seasons, is it time to grace the hogs on the cover? Maybe the best at each position? Or, just talk about anything you want because after all, we're just Tribbin on Monday morning.

Does anyone remember the "Big Six" from 2006?

My last date failed the door test ... another one and done..

Above: Matt Ayers, seen here in a file photo, helped Charter Cove Post 755
to another win Sunday at the American Legion state tournament in Yountivlle.

American Legion Charter Cove Post 755, which swept through the Area 6 playoffs last week,, has continued its winning ways at the California State tournament, scoring its second consecutive victory on Sunday with a 5-4 victory over defending champion Merced in a winner's bracket game at Cleve Borman Field in Yountville.
Here's a story from team manager John Sherrard:

The 2009 prep football schedule is set and ready to go by clicking the thread. I localized the week-by-week schedule, and what you might find interesting is that the regular season ends on Friday the 13th.

Fred's over-under prediction: The over-under on Damien wins this season is 5. New coach Greg Gano can only do so much. They will have a good chance to win their last three games, and a week three encounter against Claremont. That's four, a fifth win against Rancho, St. John Bosco, Charter Oak, Bishop Amat, Chino Hills and Glendora will be mighty difficult. I say they get one, but not two and finish 5-5. Enjoy your weekend!

Damien opponents, 2008 record
Sept 4 @ Rancho Cucamonga, 13-0-1
Sept 9 @ St. John Bosco, 7-3
Sept 18 vs. Claremont, 2-8
Sept 25 vs. Bishop Amat, 7-4
Oct 2 @ Charter Oak, 13-0-1
Oct 16 vs. Chino Hills, 10-2
Oct 23 @ Glendora, 8-4
Oct. 30 vs. Ayala, 9-3
Nov 6 @ Diamond Bar, 4-6
Nonv 12 vs. Chino, 2-8

Above: Mt. SAC's Nick Lamaison will now be throwing passes for Tennessee.

I just talked to former South Hills High School quarterback Nick Lamaison, who after earning All-America honors for Mt. San Antonio College last year signed with the University of Tennessee.
Lamaison, who threw for 3,479 yards and 36 TDs last season in leading the Mounties to their second consecutive California Community College Athletic Association state championship game, will enroll at Tennessee in the fall and compete for the starting job in preseason practice.
"I'm pretty excited," Lamaison said. "I feel real fortunate to have this great opportunity. I met the entire Tennessee family, which includes the coaches and players, and I'm just excited to be going there."

The Scouting Guru has been all over the San Gabriel Valley and beyond, and like always, he's offered to share his thoughts, free of charge. Don't hate, enjoy it for what it's worth, which is one man's opinion on the talent in the San Gabriel Valley.

Scouting Guru Says: I don't know if many of you go to cnnsi.com and read Peter King's column once a week - if you don't...you should! It is a great column by the best in the business. This week I've decided to pattern the notes for the month off of his format. That means you'll get "10 Things I Think I Think" and more....
This business of recruiting can be a funny business at times. Just when you think you've figured it out, something just happens that scratches your head. For instance, many in our line of business were really surprised when we got word that Washington State offered Charter Oak RB Brandon Golden. It is something that we continually have to come back too. Schools have to find players that fit their system. For instance, I personally don't think that Kaiser's Josh Shirley will make an impact at USC if he goes there. He just never struck me as a USC guy. And despite the fact that he looked OK at the LB position at the USC Rising Stars Camp, I just don't think that LB is a great position for him in college. If anything, he needs to keep his hand to the ground and play a 7-tech DE. Now, many of my Internet colleagues on Rivals and Scout are convinced that he can play LB. My response to that is....show me that on film. His highlight and game tape fail to show him playing any LB at all last year at Kaiser HS. In our opinion, UCLA has the inside track on getting him. And if the Bruins are smart they play him at DE. Now, in the case of Washington State, if CO's Golden fits into their mold at RB, then they are getting a great kid. And a true sleeper in every sense of the word, since there was no buzz on the kid this spring. But, would you want to go to Pullman and suffer through four years of misery up there? That is what Golden has to figure out...good luck Brandon...I know it's not an easy position.

Everyone's talking about the peeping tom who caught a glimpse of ESPN sideline reporter Erin Andrews, yet it is Andrews who is taking some criticism for it. USA Today's Christine Brennan tweeted:"Women sports journalists need to be smart and not play the frat house. There are tons of nuts out there. Erin Andrews incident is bad, but to add perspective: there are 100s of women sports journalists who have never had this happen to them."

Photo credit: Getty Images

....There are two columns you should read today related to this. L.A. Daily News columnist Tom Hoffarth writes, "There's a giant "but" attached to this Erin Andrews naked-video story that has been circulating through all avenues of Mediaville this past week, and it has nothing to do with what anyone can or can't see of her exposed rear end. Don't blame ESPN's ever-present eye-candy sideline reporter for being beautiful. Blame the media for feeding into a seemingly innocent frenzy she quite literally has embraced over the past three years. Blame the people who haven't been told "no" when they click on any link related to her just too gawk. Blame, blame, blame ...." Then there is FoxSports' Jason Whitlock, the Howard Stern of sportswriters who never minces words: It was a gross, heinous invasion of privacy.It was not the crime of the century, decade, year, month, week, day or even hour. The intent of this column is not to minimize the horrible violation of privacy that struck America's favorite sideline Barbie doll, Erin Andrews. This column will attempt to add context and reasonable perspective -- two things generally lacking when a favored white woman is wronged in America -- to the debate raging in the sports blogosphere about whether blogs contributed to the crime perpetrated against Ms. Andrews.

Above: Image courtesy of Bishop Amat

Bishop Amat claims it will have the best "natural" surface in the state, read on from the school's webpage : "As of this day the new sod is being laid on the ground that has been properly crowned and prepared. When finished, Bishop Amat will have the FINEST NATURAL TURF FIELD in the State! The grass is the top of the line Greg Norman Hybrid Bermuda and with the state-of-the art watering system (approved for water saving) one will not be able to find a finer turf anywhere."

Football: The executive editor of Cougfan.com, a website devoted to Washington State University, emailed to say that Charter Oak running back Brandon Golden has given a verbal commitment to attend Washington State University.

Former Crescenta Valley resident and major league baseball player Jim Parque confesses today in a Chicao Sun Times column that he took human growth hormone. It's a compelling confession and great piece for youngsters to read.

San Dimas High School catcher Josh Leyland, the Tribune's player of the year after leading the Saints to the Division IV title, has agreed to terms with the Oakland A's after being drafted in the 16th round. Terms of the contract were not released. Leyland, one of the top recruits for Washington State, will begin his pro career immediately. Cougars coach Donnie Marbut had high hopes for Leyland, and had this to say on Cougsfan.com: "He had a chance to make Bailey-Brayton (WSU's home field) look pretty small."

You want to give a shout out to an all-star team, announce game locations, sign-ups, or anything youth or high school related, go right ahead and share it .... This is free advertising at its best.

Rancho Cucamonga and Charter Oak's September 25 blockbuster at Charter Oak will be this year's Fox Sports San Gabriel Valley game of the week. Nothing is confirmed, so don't get too excited. But if it happens, what a great reward for the best team in the SGV.

"That's the stuff you see out of Barry Bonds and Hank Aaron. You go home seeing what you came to see." -- Reds Manager Dusty Baker

Above: Staff Photo by Watchara Phomicinda

Having been to many soccer games at the Rose Bowl, I thought the announced crowd of 81,224 was spot-on for the Chelsea-Inter Milan friendly on Tuesday night, but you would have thought colleague Scott Wolff and I were at different games. "The game between the Italian domestic champions and one of England's most star-studded teams looked like they drew about the same as a UCLA-Fresno State football game," Wolff wrote. "There was an announced crowd of more than 81,000, but the actual turnout was clearly less. This is Los Angeles, the melting pot of the world. And it failed to sell out the Rose Bowl." Wolff also wrote, "Soccer boosters in the U.S. always pin their hopes that some event will cause us all to come to our senses and embrace the sport. But that won't happen until teams the quality of Chelsea or Inter Milan are actually based here and playing every day. And if you actually follow soccer, you know that will probably never happen." If you read my column, you might find former U.S. President Alan Rothenberg's quote very interesting on why he believes soccer already has arrived, and it's the media that needs to catch-up. "The problem is that media is still dominated by a bunch of old white men who grew up on baseball, football and basketball, and maybe occasionally golf or tennis," the 70-year-old Rothenberg said. "As far as they're concerned, everything else is a foreign sport. A new generation is growing up with the game. A new generation is growing up that's very international and soccer won't get short-changed with them. What's going on now didn't happen 20-years ago when we were walking around the Rose Bowl with 200 or 300 people watching a (L.A) Aztecs game. It's a different time now."

At lunch I was glued into the discussion on KLAC 570-AM between Steve Hartman and Chris Myers debating ESPN's stance not to report the alleged sexual assault civil suit against Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, even though many other news outlets have already reported it. Philadelphia Inquirer columnist John Gonzalez gives you more background and his opinion. What do you think?

"At this point, we are not reporting the allegations against Ben Roethlisberger because no criminal complaint has been filed," an ESPN spokesman told Gonzalez. "As far as we know, this is a civil lawsuit that Roethlisberger has yet to address publicly."

For once I would like to see a San Gabriel Valley Little League team advance to the World Series. La Verne went on to defeat Hacienda Heights 3-1 in a Little League Section 3 championship-round game at Highlander Field on Tuesday. La Verne's win forces a deciding rematch with Hacienda Heights at 6:30 tonight at Highlander Field. The winner will advance to the Southern California Divisional Tournament's North Bracket, which starts play Saturday at Encino. I was hoping my hometown team West Covina National would advance, but they got eliminated by La Verne, so La Verne and Hacienda Heights are our last chance to reach Williamsport. Can anyone tell me the furthest an SGV team has gone?

Above: Duarte's Carlos Fisher has traded his Falcon blue for Cincinnati Red.

By Steve Ramirez
LOS ANGELES - Carlos Fisher remembers it vividly.
For him as a child, there was nothing better than the thrill and excitement of coming to Dodger Stadium. It's still that way for Fisher, who made his return to Chavez Ravine on Monday night. He's back, not as a fan, but as an opposing Major League Baseball player.

I'm growing tired of checking NBA rumor boards for news on Lamar Odom. I'm guessing a decision will come sometime this afternoon or tomorrow. He either will accept Miami's five-year 36 million deal, or resign with the Lakers, who can offer him more annually if reports are true that he was offered three years and 30 million, or four years and 36 million. It makes no sense for him to leave, other than maybe he wants a starters role instead of a back-up role with the world champions. I still believe the Lakers will be a good team without him, but championship worthy, I'm no so sure.

Yes, yes, the mixer with Inter Milan went well in Pasadena last night. I told you I would find a way to meet Alyssa Milano .. Mission Accomplished. Pictures of Inter Milan players and Olympic gymnast Nadia Comaneci are also on this thread. Chelsea plays Inter Milan tonight at the Rose Bowl at 8 p.m. Get there early for the old-timers game at 6 p.m. A crowd of more than 75,000 is expected.

ESPN is exapanding its high school coverage to Los Angeles, which poses a big threat to hometown newspapers: Not content with being a sports colossus with broadcasts in 200 countries, ESPN is taking aim at hometown sports coverage, threatening one of the last strongholds of local newspapers and television stations.

Said Randy Harvey of the Los Angeles Times: "It would be foolish to underestimate ESPN, but it comes down to resources. I don't see them being able to replicate what we do."

Fred's Thoughts: The high school coverage in ESPN Chicago is very minimal at the moment, that page is mainly a general sports page of professional and college sports in Chicago. It is more threatening to the Los Angeles Times than us. Look at the high school link, it doesn't offer much. However, if they get going, they do have the brand name. Here is the link: ESPN Chicago

Fasten your chin straps: Here is a look at the best games in September. Things change from week-to-week, but I will list these games in order of importance (for coverage purposes). Bishop Amat leads with three No. 1's against Dominguez, West Covina and Damien. You can tell me if I have it right. All games start at 7 p.m. unless indicated otherwise.

Friday, September 4th
1. Damien vs. Rancho Cucamonga at Los Osos
2. San Dimas at Los Altos, 7:30pm
3. Diamond Ranch at Muir
4. West Covina at El Rancho

Friday, September 11th
1. Dominguez at Bishop Amat, 7:30pm
2. Glendora at Upland
3. Northview at Los Altos, 7:30 p.m.
4. Ayala vs. South Hills at Covina District Stadium
5. Monrovia at Duarte
6. Covina at Rosemead

Thursday, September 17th
1. Anaheim Canyon vs. Glendora at Citrus College
2. South Hills at La Habra
Friday, September 18th
1. Bishop Amat at West Covina
2. Rosemead at Monrovia
3. Charter Oak at Diamond Bar
4. Northview vs. Arroyo at Covina District Stadium

Thursday, September 24th
1. South Hills vs. Tesoro at Covina District Stadium
Friday, September 25th
1. Bishop Amat at Damien
2. Glendora at West Covina
3. Rancho Cucamonga at Charter Oak
4. San Dimas at Monrovia
5. Northview at Rowland
6. Diamond Ranch at Chino Hills

The New York times posted a story a few days ago that says: The differences in height, weight and technique may make high school football tackles more risky to the head and spine than those that occur in college football, a new study shows. The report, published by the National Athletic Trainers' Association, analyzed the biomechanics of football tackles to better understand the high risk of concussions and serious cervical spine injuries faced by high school players.

But most important, the study showed that the average linear accelerations resulting from the impact of a high school football tackle exceeded those that occur at the college level. Impacts to the top of the head had the greatest speed and force. Among high school players, blows to the front of the helmet were about 10 percent more common and carried three more "Gs" of force compared to college players.

I feel like I need a vacation from the vacation. Playing golf in 115 degree temperatures in Palm Springs isn't exactly the time off I had in mind, but it was good to be with the family and spend time by the pool. Don't ask me what I shot, it was one of those weeks. Now it's back to work and Lamar Odom is still unsigned, Tom Watson nearly pulled off one of the greatest underdog stories in sports, and I have an invitation to an Inter Milan-Chelsea reception tonight in Pasadena, and with all the great soccer players attending, I'm interested in meeting just one of the hosts, Alyssa Milano, so all tips on how to introduce myself are welcome ... So fellas and ladies, what should we talk about in the prep world? In years past I would take three or four weeks off in July and start back in August. But in these economic times, those vacation hours have been cut short, so now I'm looking for stuff in the middle of the summer when all passing leagues are finished, and coaches and players are on vacation...In other words, we're all just Tribbin, but if you suggest a blog topic, I will post it. Let's see how creative you can be in the dog days of summer.

I guess this is why they call it the the dog days of summer. We are still about two weeks before NFL training camps open and about a month before our local high schools begin fall camp. Maybe that's why I've been watching this video clips on youtube. This one of Roger Staubach from the 1970s is one of the best. You can talk all you want about the parity of the NFL of today, but I'll take the dynasty level of the 1970s, when only three teams played in the NFC title game from 1973-78 - the Dallas Cowboys, the Minnesota Vikings and the Los Angeles Rams. And either the Cowboys or Vikings represented the NFL in the Super Bowl those years. It was great to watch every year, unlike now where in the past five years nine teams have advanced to the NFC title game, with the Philadelphia Eagles being the only repeater.

Here's also the intro to the NFL Today show on the day of the 1975 "Hail Mary Game" between the Dallas Cowboys and the Minnesota Vikings. I admit I miss the days of the Vikings playing outdoors in the snow and cold, even if they broke my heart, being a Rams fan back then:

I bet Tiger Woods, left, wasn't smiling today, like he is seen here with Dodgers' manager Joe Torre last year, after missing the cut for the British Open.

Well, I have to admit I didn't see this coming. Not from Tiger Woods, a player who once went seven years without missing a cut, and who has only missed the weekend play of a major once _ failing to make the list at the 2006 U.S. Open, which was shortly after his father, Earl, had passed a way.
But maybe this settles the argument of a few weeks ago. Tiger Woods missing the cut at the British Open would be like Roger Federer losing in the first round of the Championships at Wimbledon, and we all know that would never happen.
My hat is off to you, sir Roger, and are good friend Andre Marshall.
Here's the Associated Press story of Woods failing to make the cut.

Above: Northview's Kevin Jones, seen here playing for the Vikings this spring,
is among the leaders for the Charter Cove Blue team that opens the 6th Area
American Legion playoffs at UCLA today.

Charter Cove, which consists of players from Covina high schools, is sending two teams to the American League baseball Sixth Area playoffs, which begin today at UCLA. The four-day tournament runs through Sunday.
The Blue team faces Playa del Rey at 6:30 p.m., with the Red team facing Highland at 4 p.m.
Here's my advance of the 6th Area playoffs that ran in today's paper.
Charter Cove's Blue team has won it the past two seasons and three times since 2005.

Rosemead coach Matt Koffler, center, will take his Panthers to the East L.A.
Huskie Shootout Passing League tournament, which begins Thursday.

You wanted some football?
Well here's something from the desk of our ace reporter in Whitter, Andrew Campa, about the upcoming East Los Angeles College Shootout, a three-day passing league tournament at ELAC. The tournament, which concludes Saturday, will include local teams Baldwin Park and Rosemead. The tournament kicks off with a coaches' social tonight at ELAC's Ingalls Auditorium at 7 p.m., and it will feature former USC and Los Angeles Rams coach John Robinson as a guest speaker.
The tournament will feature CIF-Southern Section teams and Los Angeles City Section teams. It will open with pool play, with City Section teams playing on Thursday, beginning at 4 p.m., with the CIF-SS teams meeting on Friday, also at 4 p.m. The bracket portion of the tournament will be on Saturday, beginning at 8 a.m. The championship game is scheduled for 2 p.m.

Above: Former Bishop Amat star Michael Young will
start in tonight's All-Star Game.

Covina native and former Bishop Amat star Michael Young of the Texas Ranges will be in the starting lineup for the American League in tonight's 80th Major League All-Star Game.
Young, added as reserve, gets the call to start after former Rio Hondo College star Evan Longoria of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays was removed to do an infected right ring finger (Mickey Mantle must be cringing). Young, who is playing in his sixth All-Star Game, will bat seventh.

Above: Prince Fielder, son of former Nogales and
MLB star Cecil Fielder, won tonight's Home Run Derby,

Congrats to Prince Fielder who won tonight's home run derby at St. Louis. And congrats for the 20 percent of you who voted for the son of former Nogales star Cecil Fielder.

South Hills loses in semifinals at Edison's Battle of the Beach passing tournament on Saturday. Edison beat Oaks Christian 20-6 in the championship. South Hill rallied to beat La Habra in the quarters before bowing out to Oaks Christian in the semis.

Above: Former Duarte star Desmond Hayes (No. 10) helps make a tackle in Saturday's
Fiesta Bowl. The Inland Empire defeated L.A. County, 35-27.

The Inland Empire all-stars ruled their Los Angeles County counterparts, scoring a 35-27 victory in the third annual Fiesta Bowl game at Whittier College on Saturday.
The Inland Empire scored two touchdowns in the final two minutes to get the victory.
Here is staff writer Andrew Campa's story on the Inland's 35-27 victory.
Football now takes a respite until early August, when summer camp for the upcoming season begins in earnest.

Are you ready for some volleyball?
Well, got a message from GHigh, and Ganesha just completed it's summer girls volleyball tournament.
Here are the results:
Ganesha Volleyball Summer Tourney
1st: Ganesha def. Chatsworth, 25-20
2nd: Chatsworth def. Eastside, 25-20
3rd (tie): Eastside and Burroughs
5th: Ontario def. Southlands Christian, 25-17
6th: Southlands Christian def. La Puente, 25-23
7th (tie): La Puente and Colony
9th: Pomona Catholic def. Pomona, 25-23
10th: Pomona
11th (tie): Covina and LA Lutheran

I'm starting to get a lot of tips on my twitter account, and would like more of you to add me on your twitter, and I will add you as well. The tip of the day is that Tim Gilmore will play for Citrus this fall. I always felt he was the best pure running back in the area last year, but he never had a chance to show it his senior year at Wilson. As a sophomore and junior for the 'Cats, he was simply one of the best. Hopefully if this is true, he can turn around his career with the Owls.

Below: That is Tim Gilmore (Middle in Red) on our 2007 football preview edition

Folks, it's that time of year again when I take my vacation. I will be off until July 20, but Steve Ramirez will be here to update the blog and spend time with you. If you have any request threads for him, post your comments here. No thrilling vacation plans like Cabo this year, just going to Palm Springs next week to play golf with the family in 110-plus degree temperatures. When I get back, Lamar Odom better be a Laker...

Above: This is what a vacation should be, but guess I'll have to settle for some R&R by the pool instead.

Below: This is when you know it's time to get away ...

Above: Duarte football players Desmond Hayes, Durriae Williams and Tim Starr practice at Alhambra High School in Alhambra. This will be their final game as teammates.

By Steve Ramirez, Staff Writer
ALHAMBRA - Saturday's Fiesta Bowl at Whittier College (7 p.m.) between former high school football players from Los Angeles County against a group from the Inland Empire will be a farewell game of sorts. It will not only be the final high school game for Duarte's Durriae Williams, Tim Starr and Desmond Hayes, but it will also be their last as teammates.

San Dimas' Josh Leyland earned a spot on Cal-Hi Sports' All-State Team.

Cal-Hi Sports recently announced its 2009 All-State baseball team, and Tribune Player of the Year Josh Leyland, from San Dimas, and all-area first teamer Jiovanni Mier, from Bonita, were named to the first team.
The duo led a list of nine area players selected, including South Hills' Tyler France earning Freshman Player of the Year honors.

Read a snip of today's press release from CIF, especially pertaining to rules changes in softball.... For all the rule changes, click this link.
The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has
announced several new rule changes in various sports including, softball,
football, basketball, baseball, swimming and diving and track and field.
Softball and basketball experience a big change. The pitching distance in
softball will move from 40 to 43 feet starting in 2010, while instant replay
may be used in state championship basketball competition next season.

Below: San Dimas' Kortnie Clark will be affected by next year's rule change, which moves the circle back three feet.

Above: LAFC Chelsea founder Don Sheppard with his coaching staff Josh Henderson (left), Teddy Chronopoulos (center) and Lorrie Fair (right), at the Rose Bowl.

By Fred J. Robledo Staff Writer
PASADENA - Forget a carwash or raffle tickets - that's peanuts compared to the fundraiser Don Sheppard is staging for one of the biggest and most respected youth club soccer programs in the country. When organizers of the inaugural World Football Challenge asked him if he would like to be involved financially, Sheppard, president of the La Canada Flintridge-based Los Angeles Futbol Club Chelsea, weighed the risks and rewards of a lifelong dream for his club program.
Professional soccer powers Chelsea, Club America, AC Milan and Inter Milan will compete in the World Football Challenge, a series of six matches to be held from July 19-26 throughout the United States.

Diamond Bar athletic director J.T. Cameron is leaving after five years at the school to become the assistant principal and athletic director at Santiago High School in Corona, where he resides. Kurt Davies has been named the new athletic director at Diamond Bar. Davies was an assistant coach with the football and baseball teams. "I truly enjoyed my time here at Diamond Bar high school," Cameron said. "Being closer to home, this was an opportunity I couldn't pass up."

"I was born and raised in Covina, and I will never forget that. I will never forget where I came from. I thought it was the right thing to do. I thought I was in position to lend a helping hand, and I was more than happy to do it. Obviously, it was a very tragic situation, and anytime something like that happens close to where I grew up, it hits home -- Texas Rangers third baseman and former Bishop Amat standout Michael Young on his 10,000 donation that helped raise money for the Ortega Family following the Christmas Eve Massacre

By Steve Ramirez
ANAHEIM - Michael Young has made it.
He's been able to fulfill his childhood dream and transcend his roots to become a Major League Baseball All-Star. But even though the Texas Rangers third baseman now lives in Dallas, he's never forgotten that Covina, and the Valley, still is home. He made that clear earlier this year by donating $10,000 to a fundraiser put on by baseball programs at Northview, Covina, Charter Oak and South Hills high schools to lend support to the Ortega family, which lost several members in the Christmas Eve massacre.

Wilson Football camp news from coach Brian Zavala: We would like to invite kids to participate in our Youth Skills Camp on Saturday, June 18 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The skills camp is designed to improve your strength, speed, agility, and conditioning in preparation for your football season. You also will be learning the Wilson Football Defensive and Offensive systems. The Wilson High School Football Staff and players will take a hands-on approach in guiding your son through their fieldwork and drills. Youth Coaches are welcome to watch. T-shirt and lunch provided for each participant. I Look forward to meeting and working with you!
Note: The cost is $40, for more information, contact coach Zavala at 626-672-6007

ESPN's rise magazine lists the top 50 high school athletic programs in the country. Mater Dei (2), Loyola (4), Long Beach Poly (6), Mira Costa (11) and Long Beach Wilson (12) are in the top 12. Bishop Amat is the closest thing we have to making this list, but they were not included in the top 50. Can they ever crack a list like this? Is this a level the Lancers should be at or strive for? Is there any school in the San Gabriel Valley with a chance to reach national recognition? My honest thoughts are no, as long as most San Gabriel Valley teams compete in lower-level divisions, it won't happen.

Cezar Guerrero, the highly touted sophomore guard who transferred to Workman after his freshman year at St. John Bosco, is returning to St. John Bosco his junior season according to Workman coach Martin Flores. After posting highlights of Guerrero last week, commenters wrote in saying Guerrero was seen practicing on different summer league teams, and Flores finally confirmed the rumors this afternoon. "We just got his transfer papers," Flores said. "I didn't speak to Cezar but the way I look at it, people choose their own path and do what is best for them. He obviously felt this was the right thing for him to do, so we wish him the best and we will focus on what we have coming back." Guerrero, the area's best young prospect since Glendora's Cameron Murray and one of the top soph's in the country according to several recruiting publications, averaged a Valley best 27 points. He led the Lobos to an undefeated run to the Montview league title and a 20-6 overall mark. This is Guerrero's third school in three years, though technically he is returning to where he originally started. He filed a financial hardship to attend Workman -- was denied by CIF -- then won an appeal. Whether he will be allowed to return to St. John Bosco without penalty will be up to CIF-SS officials.

The third annual Fiesta Bowl will have a different flavor on Saturday at 7 p.m. at Whittier College and a format change that matches the Inland Empire against Los Angeles County senior all-stars. Wait, didn't that already happen? The format is similar to the "Gridiron War" held a few weeks back at Long Beach City College, which also matched the Inland Empire against L.A. County in a game that ended with 11 minutes remaining after a fight broke out between the teams. The ending of that one should make Saturday's game interesting, especially with the L.A. County team comprised mostly of players from the San Gabriel Valley and Whittier.

I don't know what you do during the summer to keep busy, I'm constantly on Lakers blogs waiting for Lamar Odom to sign, watching the Dodgers and playing golf. Thursday I'm caddying for my cousin Carlos at Empire Lakes in a Golden State tour event, and next week I'm on vacation (don't worry Stevie R., is here to update the blogs). On my way to work this morning I was listening to sports talk guys discussing FoxSports' Jason Whitlock's controversial column on Serena Williams, which was completely over the top and sexist, but that's Whitlcok. He's like a sports fans Howard Stern. If you thought T.J. Simers spoke his mind, he's got nothing on this guy. The last time I read Whitlock, he was vilifying Dirk Nowitski's ex-girlfriend. Love him or hate him, he's an award-winning columnist who gets away with saying whatever he wants. Here is the latest from Whitlock on Steve McNair

Damien Camp: Damien High School is conducting a football clinic on Friday at Saturday at Damien High School for kids in first through seventh grades. The skills camp is $60 and includes a t-shirt and instruction from Damien coaches, including four-time CIF champion Greg Gano, who is in his first year with the Spartans. The camp will run 4-7 p.m. on Friday, and 8-11 a.m. on Saturday. For more information contact Damien at 909-596-1946.

South Hills Football Camp on Friday, 4-7 p.m.
Cost: $30.00 (If pre-registered by July 3rd); $40.00 if you pay on the day of the camp. Camp T-Shirts will be given to the first 50 players to pre-register. Press Release says: What better way to get your kids ready for the upcoming football season than to spend a day with four-time CIF Champion Head Coach Steve Bogan and his staff as they teach you the fundamentals of championship football. The philosophy of the camp is "We are going to emphaize: (1) doing smart things, (2) the right way, (3) with great effort, (4) together." For more information call the football office at 626-974-6214.

St. Paul Camp release: The Marijon Ancich Youth Football Camp is open to boys and girls ages 6-14 and will work on building football fundamentals. Campers will learn individual and team techniques on both offense and defense. Sessions on flexibility, speed, agility and quickness are included. Each day the camper will receive on-the-field instruction from the best coaching staff in the area. The camp is in session July 17-19, and will be held at St. Paul High School. Registration for the camp is $60 for individuals ($45 per player attending as part of a team) and includes a Camp T-shirt and lunch on Saturday and Sunday. Ask about our team and family discounts.For more info, go to the St. Paul camp website.

Baseball tryouts: This year the SGV Baseball program is hosting the Baseball Resource showcase at Maverick field in West Covina. It will be on July 25 and 26. It is game format. If you know of any top player that you feel is a prospect, get in contact with us. The cost is $90.00 per player. This event is primarily for '10 graduates but we will take a top '11 player. Team will consist of LA, OC and IE. We are looking to do a SD area team or a '11 team also. They can get more information at baseballresource.com. If you have questions call 323-791-9981.

The Edison Passing Tournament in Huntington Beach is one of the best, and why not, you're near the beach, right? South Hills did well in this last year with Cameron Deen, but I'm not so sure about this year. Look at this lineup of teams.

Pool A - Tesoro, South Hills, Centennial Corona, JSerra
Pool B - Valencia/Valencia, Mater Dei, Crespi, Mission Hills
Pool C - Carlsbad, Los Alamitos, Oaks Christian, Foothill
Pool D - La Habra, Edison, Sherman Oaks Notre Dame, Chaparral

When: Saturday at Edison High School, Huntington Beach
Note: Pool-play games are 9, 10 and 11 a.m, the championship round begins at 1 p.m., then its off to the beach for appetizers.

What: Third Annual Fiesta Bowl
All Star High School Football Game
Who: Los Angeles County vs. Inland Empire
Where: Whittier College
When: Saturday, 7 p.m.

Rowland's Brandon Stansell changed the momentum of the Hall of Fame game with his last second punt return to end the half, leading the East to victory. What will he do for an encore in the Fiesta?

Last year I made a big deal out of the Fiesta Bowl playing the same weekend as the Hall of Fame game because it watered down both games. This year was much better, having the games two weeks apart. this should be great, L.A. County vs the Inland Empire. My first thoughts are the I.E. should crush them, that is if you listen to the Scouting Guru. But the County team is legit, check out the rosters by clicking the thread. Locally for the County team, West Covina's Albert Cid (OL), Bishop Amat's Joseph Guerrero (OL), Los Altos' Jorge Perez (DB), Rowland's Brandon Stansell (RB/DB), Rosemead's Tra Sumler (RB), and Duarte's trio of
Durriae Williams (WR), Tim Starr (OL), and Desmond Hayes (DB) are all playing

Look down a few threads, I said if Ariza and his poker-playing agent wanted to play games with the Lakers, they should go after Ron Artest if he's available, and now it appears they have him. As much as I like Trevor, Artest is a better player offensively, defensively, and gives the Lakers more toughness. They have two of thee best perimeter defenders in the league, and the big three inside of Gasol, Bynum and hopefully Odom. Even though the Lakers won a championship, I never felt good about standing pat while other teams got better. This makes them better.

Artest won over Houston, will he do it in L.A.

Swimmer of the year: Conner Luster, Damien, Jr.
Coach of the year: Andrew Gates, Damien
First Team
Michael Sanchez, Glendora, Sr.
Aaron Woods, Damien, Sr.
Alex Huang, Rowland, Jr.
Henry Shieh, San Dimas, Jr.
Danny Lam, Sierra Vista, Fr.
Carlos Ibanez, Damien, Jr.
Phillip Chan, Rowland, Jr.
Michael Joyce, Charter Oak, jr.
Brad Quarto, Bonita, Sr.
Nick Phan, Walnut, Jr.
Second Team
Cody Moore, San Dimas, Sr. , Dylan Rudy, Charter Oak, Sr, Eric Ting, Wilson, So., Bennet Yuan, Diamond Bar, Fr., Brad Thompson, Chartr Oak, Jr., Jason Haney, Damien, Fr., Brian Donohoe, Damien, Sr., Matt Johnson, Charter Oak, Sr., Matthew Morales, Walnut, Sr., Johnny Beal, Damien, So.

Words by Justin Walsh from Slam Online ..Cezar Guerrero is one persistent, unrelenting guard. Call him cocky, call him headstrong, call him what you want, but stubborn might be the most appropriate. "Every single time, every single game, they always feel like if they go at me they get to make shine for themselves, but I won't let them; I'm too stubborn, too hard headed and too hard-nosed. They'll never get a game against me, I am too competitive." Said one scout in the story ...His length is solid for the "one", but it's his speed and quickness that separates him from most point guards his age. He is an absolute blur in the open court and yet has the ability to stop on a dime and nail the pull-up jump shot. You can also read ESPN's scouting report, which lists UCLA as a school he's considering. In the brief conversation I had with him during the season, he mentioned he's always been a big fan of UCLA.

I'm in this argument constantly with my high school buddy Andre Marshall, who incidentally or accidentally as I like to tease him, won the Valle Vista league tennis title and went undefeated three years in a row while we were at Edgewood. So you know where his heart is, with Federer, who I call the Larry Holmes of tennis, because the era is so weak. Where are the serve and volleyers? Where are all the great names? If Rafael Nadal is to Federer what Agassi and several others were to Sampras then heck, Federer isn't even the best of his generation, he's 7-13 all-time against Nadal. What tennis folks fail to understand is that for Tiger Woods to win a major, he has to be better than the 100-plus in the tournament, and he can't control what they shoot, that's why winning a major in golf is so much tougher than winning in tennis, where the best players dominate all the time, not part of the time or a fraction of the time. Federer gets to go head-to-head with his opponents, win seven matches and can control what his opponents do. All Tiger can control is what he does, and if someone gets hot, there is nothing he can do about it. I could go on and on, but what do you think?

Golf may not be as athletic as tennis, but you can certainly be more creative ....By the way, I got this shot

When I first approached Bishop Amat coach Steve Hagerty Tuesday night, his first words were, "This is for you," in regards to the exhibition passing league round-robin with Bishop Amat, Charter Oak, South Hills and host Upland. Obviously Hags is reading the blogs and knows how much we want to see these schools play each other in real fall football games, but this will do for now. South Hills coach Steve Bogan echoed the same. "We know this is great for sportswriters and players, and that's fine, it's a great night and people are enjoying it. The way I look at it, you're going to get better if you play Bishop Amat, Upland and Charter Oak. It can only make you a better team, it can't hurt you."

Above: Who will replace Chris Allen?

...There was no need to keep scores since teams weren't exactly conforming to normal passing league rules, but Charter Oak appeared to have the most impact players and outscored each team it faced. Receivers AJ Powell and Denis Rufus were everywhere on both sides of the ball, but the quarterback competition is what it's all about so lets start there. I'm no Guru, but based on one night, I really liked sophomore Travis Santiago with junior Josiah Thropay a close second. Then I took a look at senior Kyle Brown and left thinking he could start on a lot of teams too. Thropay started at Monrovia, but left during his freshman year for Bishop Amat, where he worked out last spring and summer before transferring to Charter Oak his sophomore year. "It gave (Thropay) a year to watch Chris, learn our offense and see what it's all about," Chargers coach Lou Farrar said. "He's very talented, he just needs game experience. (Travis) will only be a sophomore and has the longest time with us. I'm sure he will inherit the job by the time he's a senior but he will have the chance to earn it now. We had an older starting quarterback in Drew Carreon a few years back and replaced him with Chris Allen when was just a sophomore. Chris went 33-2 as a starter, so we won't hesitate to make the moves that are necessary to win. Fortunately, we have a healthy dose of running backs in our backfield, so that will help us ease our quarterbacks along."

Above: Jerry McClanahan.

Hagerty will have a tough decision to make. Jerry McClanahan is the returning senior starter but I came away believing that sophomore Rio Ruiz has the most potential. It may very well come down to how much Ruiz can grasp in a short time, and how he reacts to a real live situation under the lights in September.
Hagerty on McClanahan - "I know there are a lot people in the San Gabriel Valley don't think much of him, but I would take him over a lot of people. He does all the little things well, and he's such a competitor. He has savvy and he makes stuff happen. There are a lot of quarterbacks who can throw, but they don't bring all the intangibles he does. That separates him from a lot of guys."
Hagerty on Ruiz - "He's a good football player who happens to play quarterback. He has a confidence about him, he's athletically gifted, smart and knows the game. He does a lot of things naturally that a lot of kids struggle to do naturally. We're in no hurry to make a decision, things will eventually evolve like they did last year and we will do what is best for our program. But regardless of what happens, they will both be on the field somewhere."


Above: Shown here as a sophomore, Shirley will not play for South Hills his senior year.

South Hills will not have Jacob Shirley in the fall. The onetime West Covina QB has decided to concentrate solely on baseball. The Huskies also once had Chris Wilson, who left for St. Paul, and Santiago, who left for Charter Oak. But Bogan isn't panicking, explaining that either sophomore Vincent Hernandez or junior Brock Booth will be more than capable. Both looked solid and shaky at times. After their first reps I liked Hernandez, then changed my mind to Booth later in the night. By the time I left, neither stood out over the other

Bogan on both QBs: "It's been fun watching them grow and develop," Bogan said. "You just have to let them compete the rest of the summer. You know what competition does in business, it does the same thing in athletics."

Quote of the night comes from Farrar in regards to how passing leagues help prepare for the fall. "Playing in your underwear doesn't prove anything," he said. "You have teams practicing summer stuff that they don't do in the fall. You also always worry about kids getting hurt when they play as fast and as competitive as they do. It's barely July, you have to be careful." There was some truth to that, South Hills sophomore Jamie Canada tweaked his knee and needed a trainer. He was done the rest of the night.

When you're young your health is like a new car, low maintenance, oil-changes and a tune-up now and then. Now that I passed 40, I feel like a car with a lot of mileage on it. You still have to change the oil (which essentially means more exercise), but you have to keep tabs on the major parts too, which brings me to my recent post-40 physical. Everything checked out alright except the darn cholesterol. Telling a sportswriter to cutback on hotdogs, hamburgers, french fries and all the other stuff we love to eat is like telling a teenager to cutback on cell phones and text messaging. But I'm determined so any eating tips are welcome, and if you see me at a game during the fall, don't allow me anywhere near the snack bar unless Turkey Burgers suddenly became popular :)

BTW, this has nothing to do with anything, except it is one of my favorite all-time movie scenes ever.

Girls track athlete of the year: Karynn Dunn, Diamond Ranch
Girls track coach of the year: Jason Romero, Diamond Ranch
First Team
Kylie Price, Bishop Amat, So.
Uchechi Anunkor, Charter Oak, Sr.
Sierra Brooks, Charter Oak, Sr.
Sarah Barnum, St. Lucy's, So.
Taylor Bernhard, West Covina, So.
Shannon McKee, San Dimas, So.
Alexis Brown, St. Lucy's, Sr.
Vanessa Lopez, Rowland, So.
Marissa Horton, St. Lucy's, So.
Robin Hannah, Diamond Ranch, Sr.
Second team: Jessica Mendez, West Covina, Jr., Erika Kalmar, San Dimas, Jr., Franceline Almanza, Bishop Amat, Fr., Jessica Deroux, West Covina, Jr., Angel Tsai, Walnut, Jr., Ifeoma Kpaduwa, Diamond Bar, So., Onyekachi Onyiah, West Covina, Sr., Candace Williams, South Hills, Fr., Kristina Bormann, West Covina, Sr.

A 13-year-old football player commits to Tennessee, "It's the only college I know right now and it seems the best for me," Evan Berry told Rivals.com. "My dad went there and my brother is there now. I know I can do the same things there. I have a real friendly relationship with the coaches there. I know I don't know them too well but I know I will have plenty of time to get to know them."
Fred says: Is it really that big of a deal? I mean, there are six, seven and eight year olds training four and five hours a day in skating and gymnastics all over the country in hopes of making Olympic teams ten years from now. There are kids the same age working vigorously to be the next 16-year-old Wimbledon sensation. There are child actors working more than you and me and going to school. It's just a verbal, nothing is binding until his junior season. The kid will probably change his mind 100 times before then, so I don't see the need to get all worked up over this. Now, coaches recruiting kids at his age is a different story entirely, but a kid making a verbal when he's 13 because his dad and brother went to school there is not a big deal at all.

By Steve Ramirez
COVINA - It's nothing new to see the Northview High School baseball team playing a game in the summer. But the opponent Tuesday was noticeably different. Tyler Grijalva had three hits and two RBIs as the host Vikings completed a three-game exhibition series against the Australia Expos with a 7-4 victory. But the experience outweighed the wins for Northview, which also scored victories on Saturday and Sunday.
"When we set this up, we thought it be would fun," said Northview coach Darren Murphy, who received an Australian flag from the Expos after the game Tuesday. "We've never had an experience like this, playing Australians. But one of the things I like to do is give the kids a new experience. I gave myself one too. It's pretty emotional. Our kids got really close to these kids in three days. It was a cool experience."

While the Lakers dive into free agency today, everyone is gaga over the idea of having to sign Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza. San Antonio added Richard Jefferson to the "Big Three," and Shaq is with Cleveland and James on a team that won 67 games last year, so you have to continue to look at ways to get better. If Ariza is asking for more than mid-level money, would you go after Ron Artest for a multi-year mid-level deal instead? Artest's agent is saying today the Lakers are a team he would consider. How about Amare Stoudamire's Twitter this morning, saying he would take less money to join the Lakers and win a championship. Maybe he's joking, but would a deal for Jordan Farmar and Andrew Bynum make the Lakers better? I think the one guy you want to keep is Lamar Odom, you don't want him going to a competitor and pushing them over the top, and he brings too many intangibles to the table. But if available, I would make the moves for Artest and Stoudamire, both are young and both make your team better? How does a lineup like this look: Fisher, Kobe, Artest, Stoudamire and Gasol with Odom, Sasha, Walton, and Brown off the bench.

Track athlete of the year, Sheldon Price, Bishop Amat
Track coach of the year, Dan Lodolo, Bishop Amat
First Team
Joez Baez, Diamond Bar, Sr.
Edward Bonilla, La Puente, Sr.
Taylor Herrera, Damien, Sr.
Darien Johnson, Bishop Amat, Jr
Jayson Perez, South El Monte, Jr.
Chris Ramsey, Glendora, Sr.
Eric Rogers, Charter Oak, Sr.
Aaron Stockham, Glendora, Jr.
Scott Severin, Covina, Jr.
Graham Vickers, Diamond Ranch, Sr.
Second Team: Corey Bullock, Glendora, Sr; Austin Goodheart, Glendora, Jr.; Greg Greenwell, Damien, Jr.; Koree Hines, Diamond Ranch, Jr., Ricky Johnson, West Covina, Jr., Jared Jones, Diamond Ranch, Jr., Beejay Lee, West Covina, So, Samuel Rockwood, Diamond Bar, Sr., Brian Luc, Rosemead, Sr., Jacob Vowels, Damien, Jr.