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© East County Sports.com
ALCALA PARK (11-13-08) — ESPN college basketball commentator DICK VITALE will be autographing his new book when he visits the University of San Diego on Thursday (Nov. 13), from 5-6:30 p.m. at the USD Bookstore.

Vitale is promoting his new book, "Dick Vitale’s Fabulous 50 Players & Moments in College Basketball: From the Best Seat in the House During My 30 Years at ESPN."

Coutresy, SDSU Media Relations
SAN DIEGO (11-5-09) -- San Diego State baseball coach TONY GWYNN has singed a 3-year contract to continue running the Aztecs program, announcer Director of Athletics Jeff Schemmel today (Wed., Nov. 5).

“Tony Gwynn is Mr. Aztec, and we are thrilled and proud to have him as our head baseball coach for three more years,” said Schemmel. “Tony and I have discussed at length our goals and ideas for the future of the program, and look forward to working hard to implement the plan and reach our championship goals.”

Gwynn completed his sixth year at the helm of the SDSU program this past season after assuming the head coaching role for the 2002 campaign. During his tenure, he has taken his squads to a regular-season Mountain West Conference title and never finished lower than third in the MWC standings.

His teams have also advanced to the title game of the MWC tournament on two occasions, and he was named the conference coach of the year in 2004 after leading the Aztecs to a first-place finish.

"Now that the contract has been signed, we can move forward and concentrate on our aim of making Aztec baseball a perennial contender both in the Mountain West Conference as well as nationally," commented Gwynn. "I remain fully committed to my job here at San Diego State and look forward to working with my staff and players toward these goals."

Gwynn and his 2009 SDSU squad are now involved in fall practice sessions which run through Nov. 22.

The Aztecs open their season with at the MLB Youth Academy Tournament in Compton, facing Bethune-Cookman, Southern and University of San Diego during the weekend of Feb. 20-22. The home opener is scheduled for Tue., Feb. 24, when the Aztecs will face Cal State Fullerton at Tony Gwynn Stadium.

© East County Sports.com
LAKESIDE (10-19-08) — El Capitan High has announced its 11th annual El Capitan Hall of Fame dinner will be held on Thursday (Oct. 23) at the Lakeside Rodeo Hall. Doors open at 6 p.m. with dinner at 6:30. Cost is $10. Inductions will immediately follow dinner.

Five former Vaqueros athletes and a coach will be inducted. All will also be honored at the Vaqueros' homecoming game on Friday night (Oct. 24) when El Capitan hosts El Cajon Valley.

Honored athletes include:
BRAD BURTON (El Capitan 1981-85): Varsity football – 3 years, 1st Team All-League 1984, 2nd Team All-CIF 1984, team MVP, National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame Scholar-Leader-Athlete of the Year – San Diego County 1984, San Diego County All-Star football game; Varsity basketball – 3 years, All-League ’84-’85, Most Inspirational ’84-’85, County All-Star game; Baseball – 2 years, Most Improved 1985, All-League 1985. Football scholarship to SDSU (4 year letterman). Currently head coach of Otay Ranch football team.

MITCH BURTON (El Capitan 1981-85): Varsity football – 3 years, 2nd Team All-League 1984, Outstanding Back 1984; Basketball – 3 years, 2nd Team All-League 1984-85; Track – 3 years, All League 1st Team 1985, School Record Mile Relay Team 1985; Football Scholarship to SDSU – 4 year letterman, National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, Scholar-Leader-Athlete of the Year 1989. Currently assistant coach of Otay Ranch football team.

RICHARD ECKERT (El Capitan 1963-66): Varsity football – 3 year letterman, 1st Team All-League Defensive Line 1966, 2nd Team All-League Offensive Line 1966, 1st Team All-League Offensive/Defensive Line 1967, football scholarship to the University of Arizona 1968-72.

CANDY BARRA-JENKINS (El Capitan (1973-77): Volleyball 1977, track – 2 years, All-League Hurdles, High Jump and 440 Relay 1977, Golden Girl 1976 and 1977, field hockey at Grossmont College, All-League 1978, softball at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks, MVP 1981.

STACIE TERRY (El Capitan 1990-94), Basketball (4 years), 1st Team All-League, All-CIF, Team Captain; Track & Field (4 years), basketball scholarship to the University of Texas-Arlington – 4 year letterman, assistant coach at UCLA Women’s Basketball.

Honored coach:
RON VAVRA (El Capitan 1959-64): Cross country – 5 years, first two CIF championships in El Capitan history 1962 and 1963, No. 1-ranked high school cross country team in California 1963, rated “The greatest high school cross country team in San Diego high school history” by High School Track Magazine; track and field – 5 years; Grossmont College 1964-82, undefeated California State Community Cross Country champions 1964, named California Community College Cross Country Coach of the Year; track and field 113 wins, 13 losses, went 7 straight years without losing a dual meet (50 straight wins).

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (10-17-08) — The CIF San Diego Section has honored four East County coaches with Coach of the year awards for 2007-08.

Former Grossmont Foothillers baseball coach ROB PHILLIPS, who stepped down after a 12-year run following last season, Granite Hills softball coach ERIN COYNE, Steele Canyon boys track and field coach PAT CONNELLY and West Hills gymnastics coach TONYA SUMMERS were recognized recently by the SDCIF for successful seasons.

They were among 25 coaches acknowledged in the county.

The Hillers won an unprecedented fourth straight Division III SDCIF championship. Phillips was also selected by the National High School Baseball Coaches of America Association (BCA) as the Western United States Coach of the Year.

Coyne led the Eagles to a 15-11 record overall and 6-4 finish in the Grossmont South League.

Connelly guided the Cougars in boys track and field to the Grossmont South League title, advancing to the state meet.

Summers coached the West Hills Wolf Pack gymnastics team to a successful season.

No other information was provided.

Gala to benefit Grossmont College Foundation © East County Sports EL CAJON (10-9-08) -- A major contributing factor for the success of Grossmont College athletics -- including recent state championships in football and tennis -- includes the behind-the-scenes work of the Grossmont College Foundation, which supplied critical funding to support the program. The non-profit foundation raises money for scholarships, facility improvements and educational supplies, equipment and programs benefiting all campus activities, not only athletics. To continue this service, the Grossmont College Foundation will host its seventh annual fund-raising Dinner, Auction & Gala, slated for the Mission Bay Hilton Resort & Spa on Saturday (Oct. 25). The event, which carries a theme of "Imagine the Possibilities," starts at 5:30 p.m. with a reception and silent auction, with dinner starting at 7 p.m. “This gala is a celebration of our college’s talents, leadership, faculty, staff, curriculum and facilities, as well as opportunities for students, as we raise much-needed funds for scholarships and to enrich our academic programs and services,” noted Grossmont College president Dr. Sunny Cooke. Live entertainment will be provided by Grossmont College artists. Among the auction items include: a basketball autographed by Bill Walton and Luke Walton, an Antonio Gates autographed football, other autographed sports memorabilia, vacation and golf packages, a Taylor guitar, dinner and theater packages, as well as unique art pieces, jewelry and gift baskets. The public is invited to attend, with sponsorship opportunities available. Tickets are $200 per person, and are available on contacting the GCF office at (619) 644-7109, or by sending email to Alexis Popko HERE. GCF board member JUDY GARRETT serves as a co-chair of the gala, along with BEVERLY WIGHT, an evaluations advisor and counselor for the college. For further information, visit the GCF website.

Former Grossmont HS center Therese Riedel (ECS.com file photo) Water-related accident strikes local athlete © East County Sports.com KEARNY MESA (10-7-08) — Former Grossmont High basketball center THERESE RIEDEL, who transferred to Vanguard University after spending the 2007-08 season at the University of Idaho, is in an area hospital after breaking her neck and suffering a spinal cord injury during a team beach party in Newport Beach on Sept. 20. "Therese was at a team bonding event, with alumni and coaches there," said NEIL RIEDEL, her father. "No one wanted to go into the water with her -- they said it was too cold." "But since Therese surfs and is a San Diego girl, she's used to the cold water and went in anyway." However, she planted her head into a sandbar and did not re-surface. Fortunately, teammates immediately noticed there was a problem before she drowned. "They saw her dive into the face of a wave, but she didn't come back up to the surface -- that's when they realized something was wrong," stated her father. "Her teammates and the coaching staff jumped in the water, turned her over, and she said, 'Coach, I'm paralyzed -- I can't move my arms or legs." Riedel was fully conscious during the ordeal. Fortunately, Riedel currently has feeling throughout her body, yet is limited to movement with her arms and wrists ("C-6 incomplete" status). Because of the spinal injury, it may be a month or more before a long-term prognosis will be available on her traumatized spine. Riedel also broke the C-5 vertebrae in her neck. An acrylic matrix replacement, utilizing part of the old bone, was embedded and fused to her C-4 and C-6 vertebrae. The anticipated 4-5 hour surgery only lasted 2 1/2 hours, with doctors stating everything went smoothly. "The first thing I asked the doctors was if she could play basketball again, only because I know that would be the first words out of her mouth," added her father. "And sure enough, the first thing Therese asked following surgery was if she could play basketball again. That's the type of determination she has." "She is still intent on playing college basketball again and tryout to make the 2012 Olympic team." Fortune was obviously on the side of Riedel on many fronts, considering when and where the incident occurred. "Just one day earlier, Therese was taking a class -- 'Response to Emergencies,' I believe, is the name of it," noted her father. "Somehow, she was hooked together with one of her teammates in this class and learned how to apply cervical restraints on each other -- on the very day before the accident." The teammate, borrowing a boogie board from a stranger, quickly stabilized Riedel when lifeguards arrives. In addition, Riedel was transported to nearby Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, one of the nation's finest in dealing with spinal injuries with its neuro-intensive care units. She was eventually transferred to Sharp Memorial Hospital's inpatient rehabilitation center at its spinal rehabilitation unit. "She's only been at Sharp for two days and already the staff is trying to slow her down during rehab -- Therese is so determined," added her father. "They told me she is doing movements which take others weeks to do, although she gets dizzy sometimes, but she wants to keep doing her rehab even though they tell her to take a break." Meanwhile, all members of the family are with Therese, rotating to be with her 24 hours per day. At Grossmont, the 6-foot-4 center concluded her prep career as a first-team All-East County selection and a second-team All-CIF San Diego Section honoree by the San Diego Hall of Champions. She was East County's runaway leader in rebounding (15.0) and blocked shots (121). At Idaho, Riedel played in all 29 contests as a freshman, including four starts. Playing more than 12 minutes per contest, she averaged 3.4 points and 4.4 rebounds, and set a team single-game high for blocked shots in helping the Vandals gain a berth in the Western Athletic Conference tournament. She transferred following wholesale changes in the Idaho coaching staff.

David Lee to be honored by Seau.

© East County Sports.com
BALBOA PARK (9-20-08) — Alpine's DAVID LEE, who led the U.S. Olympic men's volleyball team in blocking en route to capturing the gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics, will be honored along with other San Diego area Olympians at a luncheon hosted by former San Diego Chargers linebacker JUNIOR SEAU

On Tue., Oct. 14, the Junior Seau Legends Lunch will pay tribute to Lee, along with fellow medalists Jesse Smith (water polo, silver, Coronado HS) and Monique Henderson (track, gold, Morse HS). Each will share their Olympic experience at the event, which starts at noon at the Hyatt Regency in UTC.

© East County Sports.com
OCEANSIDE (9-10-08) — The annual Summer Blast wheelchair rugby tournament will be held at the Oceanside Beach Community Center, with action on both Saturday and Sunday (Sept. 20-21).

Former West Hills High football player SEAN BRADY will participate. Brady suffered a broken neck and has been paralyzed from the chest down since a football accident in 2001.

“I heard about the sport while I was in rehab,” Brady said. “It is so different than football, but there are aspects that are very similar. I truly enjoy it and the people I’ve met playing it.”

Players from throughout Southern California come out to play in a relatively unstructured tournament. Names are drawn from a hat and drawn to determine who plays each game. While the rules are the same, the teams are will change for each game.

The action will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days and admission is free (there is a City of Oceanside fee for on-street parking in the area). The community center is located at 300 The Strand, North, in Oceanside.

© East County Sports.com
BALBOA PARK (9-2-08) — The 3rd Annual Sports Officials Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony will be held Tuesday (Sept. 16) at the San Diego Hall of Champions.

The 2008 inductees are:

This ceremony will honor the above inductees for their contributions and accomplishments during their sports officiating careers. These men and women have given countless hours of their time and talent to the athletes and coaches in their respective sports.

The Hall of Champions cordially invites you to the dinner and induction. A social hour will begin at 6 p.m. with dinner served promptly at 7 p.m. Cost per person is $80 or $800 per table. A portion of the ticket cost will be donated to the Sports Official’s Hall of Fame Exhibit Fund and is tax deductible (Tax ID #95-2856451).

Your check should be made payable to San Diego Hall of Champions and sent to the HoC at 2131 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101. Credit cards will also be accepted.

Your timely response would be appreciated as seating is limited. Call Deveney Gibbons at (619) 699-2313 to make your reservations.

© East County Sports.com
SAN DIEGO (8-25-08) -- It’s time to crown San Diego’s fastest wiener dog, when racing dachshunds return for the 12th annual Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals, set for Sat., Aug. 30, at the rugby fields at Qualcomm Stadium (southwest corner of the parking lot). The event is a fund-raiser for the non-profit Pacific Life Holiday Bowl. It also benefits Rancho Coastal Humane Society.

The eight fastest dachshunds from the expected field of 350 wiener dogs at this qualifying round will race during the San Diego Padres game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Petco Park on Sept. 10 to determine the San Diego finalist. The local champion will race against the winning dogs from all around the Western U.S. at the Port of San Diego Big Bay Balloon Parade on Dec. 29.

The entry fee for dogs is $10; the event is free for spectators. The event also includes vendors, dog rescue organizations, food and more. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m., and racing begins at 9:30 a.m. The competition will go until approximately 12:30 p.m. For information and entries, visit www.PacificLifeHolidayBowl.com or call (619) 283-5808.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (8-6-08) — DAVID BEEZER is not officially the Christian High mascot. But no student-athlete, coach or administrator is more passionate about the Patriots than the 38-year-old athlete-turned-mentor.

A three-sport letterman who graduated in 1988, Beezer has made his mark on other fronts but realizes his home is Christian High. So does the Patriots administration, which named Beezer athletic director earlier this month.

Beezer said when he accepted the post of director of development for the Christian Unified School District that he did so because he wanted to be involved. When the athletic director job became available, it caught Beezer’s attention.

“If ever there was a job built for me, this is it,” said Beezer, whose wife Shannon is a teacher on the high school campus. The couple has four children, all of whom attend Christian’s classes. “I’ve always been a supporter of sports on-campus – it’s in my passion zone.”

Beezer, whose name can be found in the SDCIF record book for outstanding achievement as a football player, coached the Patriots to San Diego CIF football championships in 1993, 1994 and 1995. He also coached the Patriots’ baseball team into the 1994 finals.

Not bad for a guy who was the head coach only four seasons for the two sports.

“I have a vision of where I’d like to see our program go. I want us to be successful in all sports,” said Beezer, who plans to launch a wrestling program this winter. “We already have an excellent program in most sports and I expect to be equally as competitive in wrestling, right off the bat.”

Although Beezer’s main focus will be as athletic director, he also plans to lend a coaching hand to the varsity football program. Christian alum JOEL ALLEN has moved from The Bishop’s School to take over Beezer’s former spot as offensive coordinator.

“I realize my position as athletic director is to maintain a close relationship with the coaches and the administration,” Beezer said. “I’m not content to maintain where we are. I have some goals – things that I believe will make us an even better athletic program.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (6-14-08) — Five more East County football players are advancing into the collegiate ranks via scholarships next season.

At the top of the list is Steele Canyon ’s record-breaking running back JAMIE DALE, who has secured a football scholarship to South Dakota School of the Mines, an NAIA school in Rapid City, S.D.

A 5-foot-10, 165-pound senior, Dale excelled in three sports – football, soccer and track. But football was his meal ticket. Dale rushed for 1,533 yards and 19 touchdowns on 234 carries as a senior and was named Grossmont South League Offensive Player of the Year.

Dale produced 3,465 all-purpose yards and scored 47 rushing TD rushing during his two-year varsity career. He proved his versatility as the leading scorer for the Steele Canyon soccer team and also collected a few blue ribbons as a track sprinter.

Grossmont High’s KHALID WATERS, a nard-nosed running back and clap-down corner, has found his way to Midland Lutheran, an NAIA school in Freemont, Neb.

As a senior All-East County pick, Waters rushed for 736 yards and 8 TDs on 144 carries, and doubled his talents in the Foothillers’ secondary where he intercepted 4 passes.

The football scholarship parade has continued throughout the spring. CHRIS PETERSON, a strong safety-outside linebacker at Helix, is headed for Humboldt State University on scholarship. The aggressive 5-foot-10, 195-pound Peterson was an All-Grossmont South League first team pick.

El Capitan running back BEN WILKINS and West Hills’ lineman DOMINIC LA RUSSA have accepted football scholarships Division II University of Minnesota-Crookston. The 6-foot-1, 220-pound Wilkins pounded his way to a 7.5 rushing average (107-807) while scoring 13 TDs. Wilkins earned All-East County 2nd team offense; All-Grossmont North league 2nd team offense.

La Russa, a 5-foot-11, 265-pounder, was an All-East County 1st team offensive lineman.

Although spending his first three seasons as Grossmont’s QB, CHARLIE PIRO left his mark in Foothillers lore as a clutch-hitting outfielder-first baseman. Piro, who batted .410 with 8 homers and 41 RBI as a senior, has signed with Division III Chapman University where he will join former Foothiller standout TRISTAN PHILLIPS.

On the girls side, Grossmont’s RIOS sisters – SHANDIS and TINA — have accepted will continue their basketball careers at Division III schools where academics outweigh athletic talents. Shandis, a transfer from Southwestern College, will attend Chapman University, while freshman Tina will enroll at Redlands. Should be interesting how these sibling guards faceoff when they go head-to-head next season.
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