David Joshua Riley
March 14, 1984 - July 26, 2009

© East County Sports.com
LA MESA (8-22-09) — Former Christian High multi-sport standout DAVID RILEY, 25-year-old son of Pastor Dave and Donna Riley of Calvary Chapel La Mesa, was killed in a car accident in Yuma, Ariz., Sunday morning (July 26).

After spending time camping, Riley reportedly woke-up early to make the 2 1/2 hour drive back home for church services with his family. According to the Arizona Highway Patrol, he either fell asleep at the wheel or swerved to avoid something in the road, was not wearing a seat belt and was thrown from the car. MORE

A 2002 graduate of Christian High, David played football, soccer and baseball for the Patriots.

A memorial service was held on Sunday (Aug. 2) at the Salvation Army Kroc Center, where David was a youth worker and life guard at the swimming pool.

Our condolences to his family and friends.

Baseball players receiving all-state honors were Santana junior pitcher KYLE HAYES on the All-Underclassman team, while Christian freshman pitcher-third baseman CODY POTEET was tabbed among small schools.

Softball players receiving all-state first team honors are Santana senior outfielder AMANDA CARPENTER and Steele Canyon junior LORENA KLOPP. Klopp was a multipurpose selection.

In addition, Christian pitcher ALLI GUNTER made the All-State small schools team.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (7-3-09) — The Grossmont Conference will have a new look during the 2009-10 academic school year.

After years of bantering and bickering, the 11-member conference reached an arrangement it could agree upon, then officially rubber-stamped by the CIF Board of Managers.

Here’s the new alignment:

The Grossmont Hills League will consist of Granite Hills, West Hills, Helix, Grossmont, Steele Canyon and Valhalla. The Grossmont Valley League’s makeup will be comprised of El Cajon Valley, El Capitan, Monte Vista, Mount Miguel and Santana. Only the 2009 football season will be exempt from the new arrangement, which will join the fold the following year.

“We’ve cleared all the hurdles,” said Grossmont Conference President LARRY PEAR. “It’s a done deal.”

“The new names chosen were based predominately on the existing names ofour schools, i.e., Granite Hills, West Hills and El Cajon Valley or the geographic area, i.e., Spring Valley and El Cajon Valley,” Pear said.

Courtesy, SDSU Media Relations
IRVINE (5-25-09) — For the first time since 1991, the San Diego State baseball team has received a berth in the NCAA Regional which gets underway on Friday, May 29, at UC Irvine. The field, in what some have called the nation’s toughest of 16 first-round regionals, includes top-ranked UC Irvine, No. 7 Virginia and defending national champion Fresno State.

The Aztecs will open play against Virginia at 4 p.m. on Friday at UCI’s Cicerone Field at Anteater Ballpark. UCI-Fresno State is at 8 p.m. MORE

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EL CAJON (5-18-09) — Three-sport standout BRIAN GRAHAM and volleyball extraordinaire MELISSA STOKES will be inducted into the Granite Hills High Hall of Fame on Thursday (May 21) at the Ronald Reagan East County Community Center in El Cajon at 6:30 p.m. A donation of $10 is requested for snack and desserts.

Graham, a 1978 graduate, is one of the premier athletes in the history of Granite Hills. He has been involved in professional baseball for nearly three decades. Graham began his play for play as a slick fielding minor league infielder for five seasons. He turned in his turned his leather to toil as a pro and major league base coach, a minor league manager, a minor league general manager, and director of player development for several organizations, including Cleveland, Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Florida.

At Granite Hills, Graham was a big-play receiver and a blue-chip infielder in baseball. He advanced to UCLA as a scholarship wide receiver, but after one season directed his attention exclusively to baseball as a sophomore in his final two seasons as a collegian before he was drafted by Oakland.

Stokes, a 1986 graduate, focused on volleyball both as player and a coach. She accepted a volleyball scholarship to SDSU and still ranks among the top the top seven in two categories for the Aztecs.

Stokes also has also been successful as a coach at Missouri State where she has been head coach since 1996.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-6-09) — The annual JOE GIZONI Memorial Golf Tournament will be held at Cottonwood Golf Course on Sun., May 17. The cost per person is $100; cost to sponsor a hole is $150.

Sponsored by Grossmont High School, the tourney proceeds will go toward a new concession stand at the Foothillers’ football complex, Lt. Thomas M. Adams Field.

To enter the tournament either solo or with a foursome, contact Dave Hupf at (619) 668-6091.

Truly an East County icon, Gizoni was a pillar of the community in his own unassuming way. Although his connection was clearly with Grossmont High School , where he had served as equipment manager and volunteer-extraordinaire since the early 1960s, Gizoni was a common presence at countless East County sports activities – boys, girls, high school, college – he was there. One of those rare individuals who was devoted to providing a smooth playground for the youth around him, Gizoni, 82, died of a heart attack in 2003.

Gizoni is remembered for his countless hours of dedication and contributions to the students-athletes of Grossmont High.

© East County Sports.com
SPRING VALLEY (5-1-09) — Monte Vista football coach PAGE CULVER is putting out a call for all graduates of the Monarchs’ football program to take part in a special spring game event on Saturday, May 30.

This all-day event, which features a barbecue for the fans, who are invited free of admission, is a triple-header. The Monte Vista junior varsity kicks off the program at 9 a.m. with the varsity ticketed for a 1 p.m. start.

The new twist here is an alumni game that begins at 11 a.m.

“We’re excited to have a lot of guys who helped make our program a success coming back,” Culver said. “I figure this is a great opportunity for all of us to get together and have some fun. More than that it’s a chance for our current kids to see the faces of all the guys we’ve been talking about all these times.”

Culver said he isn’t sure what style of football will be played by the alumni. It could be tackle, flag or touch.

“I’ll leave that to the alumni guys to decide,” he said. “No matter what they choose I know it will be spirited and competitive.”

Culver requests that alumni wishing to participate should sign up via email or by calling (619) 660-3169.

“We want to make this an annual event and want to encourage the alumni friends and family to attend,” Culver said.

© East County Sports.com
SAN DIEGO (4-30-09) — TROY LEAF of Foothills Christian has been named the All-State Junior Basketball Player of the Year by CalHiSports.com.

The 6-foot-3 guard averaged 26 points per game, shooting better than 50 percent from the field and 80 percent from the free throw line for the Knights, who captured their third straight SDCIF Division V championship.

Leaf also was selected to the All-State Division V team along with 6-foot-7 teammate JVONTE BROOKS (17.8 ppg, 13.7 rpg).

Meanwhile, El Capitan’s ASHLEY DUFFY and Mount Miguel’s DANESIA WILLIAMSON were chosen to the All-State Division II team by CalHiSports.com.

Duffy, a senior guard bound for San Diego State, led East County in scoring (24.0 ppg), rebounds (13.3), steals (8.7) and assists (5.7). Williamson, ticketed to USD, averaged 17.8 points and 5.2 assists for the four-time Grossmont South League champion Matadors.

© East County Sports.com
LA MESA (4-22-09) — It was fun and games again for the ‘old-timers’ – 21 and over – earlier this month at Helix High, followed by a catered dinner and music for participants and their families.

The 2nd annual "Old Olympics," sponsored by the Helix Athletic Alumni Association to benefit the Helix High Athletic Foundation, featured athletes, used-to-be athletes, and even some wanna be athletes competing in baseball, basketball, football, golf, strength, swimming and track & field.

This year’s event raised $17,000, besting last year’s affair of $12,500.

The events of the day put the ‘fun’ in fundraising for a lot of Helix alumni families and friends. Monies raised will go towards athletic scholarships and other beneficial pursuits to assist Highlanders past and present.

21-to-32 Division

Home Run Hitting 1. David Bradley 2. Adam Quick 3. Paul Zelenski Fast Pitch 1. David Bradley 2. Adam Quick 3. Stephen Jeffrey Free Throw 1. Kris Giordano 2. Dan Miller 3. Dewayne Pittman 3-Point Shooting 1. David Bradley 2. Kris Giordano 3. Adam Quick Bench Press 1. Dewayne Pittman 2. Dan Miller 3. Paul Zelenski Golf Chipping 1. Cody Gleason 2. Mark Mortier 3. David Bradley Punt, Pass, Kick 1. Kris Giordano 2. Dewayne Pittman 3. Dave Bradley Shot Put 1. Dan Miller 2. Adam Quick 3. Paul Zelenski 100-Yard Sprint 1. Dewayne Pittman 2. Dan Miller 3. Darius Sonue Mile Run 1. Eric Smith 2. Brendan Francis 3. Dewayne Pittman OVERALL WINNERS 1. DAVID BRADLEY 2. DAN MILLER 3. DEWAYNE PITTMAN

33-to-49 Division

Home Run Hitting 1. Leon White 2. Ted Eldredge 3. Rob Ippolito Fast Pitch 1. Rob Ippolito 2. Craig Roy 3. Gabe Giordano Free Throw 1. Leon White 2. Mark Mortier 3. Gary Isaacson 3-Point Shooting 1. Ryan Stone 2. Trevor Rodgers 3. Nick Alford Bench Press 1. Ted Eldridge 2. Gabe Giordano 3. Leon White Golf Chipping 1. Rob Ippolito 2. Ryan Stone 3. Gary Isaacson Punt, Pass, Kick 1. Trevor Rodgers 2. Rob Ippolito 3. Gabe Giordano Shot Put 1. Ted Eldridge 2. Gabe Giordano 3. Leon White 100-Yard Sprint 1. Nick Alford 2. Mark Mortier 3. Ted Eldridge Mile Run 1. Craig Roy 2. Ted Eldridge 3. Nick Alford OVERALL WINNERS 1. TED ELDRIDGE 2. ROB IPPOLITO 3. LEON WHITE

© East County Sports.com
ALPINE (4-11-09) — The first in a series of three coaching clinics for youth football coaches will soon be offered by East County Football Camps.

The series of free classes will debut at Boulder Oaks School on Wed., Apr. 22. Additional clinics will be offered on Tue., Apr. 28, at Grossmont High School, and Tue., May 5, at El Cajon Valley High. All run from 7-9 p.m.

The clinics will be presented by experienced coaches, focusing on football fundamentals, teaching progressions and scheme installation. They are offered to all area coaches involved in youth football from any organization or team.

For further information or to register, please call coach Brad Burton at (619) 708-4662.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-2-09) — Three East County icons passed away recently. The loss of Granite Hills golf and basketball coach JOHN McADAMS, soccer magistrate GEORGE LOGAN, as well as auto racing guru EARLE BRUCKER, Jr. will certainly leave a void in the area sports entertainment and activity industry.

McAdams, who died after a short battle with brain cancer on March 25, was known for his connection to the community as a coach and teacher at Granite Hills High for more than 30 years.

“You could not find a finer human being than John McAdams,” said local businessman and longtime friend of the 66-year old East County resident. “He was such a friendly guy, a great golfer and willing to help anybody who would listen.”

McAdams is survived by his wife Karen, two children and two grandchildren.

Services will be held on Friday (Apr. 3) at the Sycuan Resort (formerly Singing Hills Country Club) Magnolia Room, 3007 Dehesa Road , El Cajon . Donations may be sent to St. Jude’s Children Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, Tenn. 38101-9929.

Father of San Diego Soccer
Logan, the kingpin of East County high school soccer, posted a 298-74-37 record in 16 seasons at Valhalla High. His Norsemen captured five San Diego Section CIF championships. Between 1987-1990 the Norsemen won 53 straight games.

Some have called Logan the “Father of Soccer in San Diego.” Yet the veteran coach, who also ranks 16th all-time in winning percentage among NCAA Division I coaches at .735 (148-48-17) blew off that moniker calling it a ‘load of crap.’”

Logan was known among his players for singing on bus trips to and from games.

“They’d lose a game and George would say, ‘C’mon boys, it’s only a game. Let’s sing, said Logan’s widow Liz.

Another notch in Logan ’s belt was he started the men’s soccer program at San Diego State. He fashioned himself as a teacher who looked at soccer as an extension of the classroom.

A celebration of Logan ’s life is in the works for mid-April.

Cajon Speedway promoter
Brucker, the long-time operator of Cajon Speedway until the track's closing in 2004, recently died in his Fletcher Hills home. He was 83.

Following a brief stint in the major leagues as a catcher for the Philadelphia Athletics as a late-season roster addition in 1948, Brucker's life changed forever after his father gained a 50-year lease to property adjacent to Gillespie Field in 1955.

By the early 1960s, Cajon Speedway switched from a motorcycle track to a stock car oval, becoming "the fastest 5/8-mile track in the West" after taking over the racing competition from Balboa Stadium, which was being revamped when the Los Angeles Chargers were in the process of moving south.

His father made him manager of the facility following the conclusion of his baseball career. The track was also utilized in the early days as a regional high school football stadium and as a fairgrounds. In later years, a motocross practice facility was located adjacent to the track.

The track closed following a fight with county officials, who refused to extend the lease on the property, which remains vacant.

Brucker, a graduate of San Diego State , played in two major league games and went 1-for-7 with a walk. He never played in another major league game although he played seven more seasons in the minors, mostly in the Pacific Coast League.

Private services will be held.

© East County Sports.com
MIRA MESA (3-25-09) — More than a half-dozen graduating seniors from the East County have been selected to participate in Friday's (Mar. 27) San Diego County Senior All-Star Basketball Games, slated for Mira Mesa High. The event is sponsored by the San Diego County Basketball Coaches Association.

Included among the rosters on the girls side are East County co-players of the year DANESIA WILLIAMSON of Mount Miguel and ASHLEY DUFFY of El Capitan . They will be joined by CHRISTINA WILLIAMS of Steele Canyon.

On the boys roster are: GEOFF HARTMAN of Monte Vista; DEAN MILLER, Granite Hills; JEBARI ROBINSON, Steele Canyon; and El Capitan's JON MOLZEN, who was tabbed the MVP of last Friday's East County All-Star Game.

Williamson and Miller were named entrants in the 3-point shooting events, while Hartman is entered in the dunk competition.

Also scheduled to play are the San Diego County players of the year: Gizelle Studevent of The Bishop's and Luke Evans of El Camino.

The event kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with the girls’ contest, which includes a 3-point shooting contest at halftime. Between games, the boys will hold a dunking contest, followed by an 8 p.m. game which also included a 3-point contest at the half.

Tickets will only be available at the door and will cost $8 for adults and $6 for students. Doors will open at 4:45 p.m.

Girls hoops coach sought at Santana © East County Sports.com SANTEE (3-5-09) — Santana High School has announced an opening for the varsity girls basketball coaching position. Applications are currently being accepted. For information, contact vice principal Larry Oedewaldt at Santana (619) 956-0221, or email at: loedewaldt@guhsd.net. Barbie Barbie turns 50 On Mar. 9, 2009, Barbie turns 50 years old (when she was first placed on the market by Mattel). Visit her website: HERE to learn all about the celebration and her history.

Girls basketball spring development league forming © East County Sports.com SPRING VALLEY (3-7-09) — Team registrations are being accepted for the Lady Monarchs annual girls basketball spring league, which will be divided into three age/grade groups. Included will be an Open division for teams comprised of current high school students (no seniors), the JV division for teams of current 9th and 10th grade girls, and a Frosh division for teams of incoming 8th and 9th graders. All teams are guaranteed 8 regular season games, plus entry into the double-elimination playoffs. The cost is only $275/team (no individual sign-ups) to cover referee fees. There will be a mandatory coaches meeting on Sat. (Apr. 4) starting at 1 p.m. at Monte Vista. Teams are encouraged to host games, since the tournament directors will pay for officials while the schools may keep any gate and concession receipts. For further information, contact tournament director MICHAEL SKIBBE at (619) 807-3235, or email at: mdskibbe@cox.net.

© East County Sports.com
LA MESA (2-25-09) — DAVE VAN MATRE, who served a majority of his career coaching football at Helix High School, was recently named recipient of the prestigious Dan Fukushima Lifetime Achievement Award for 2009 by the California Coaches Association.

The award is based on dedication to the profession and the positive image in high school sports.

Van Matre was unavailable for comment, currently assisting the U.S. Navy and is on deployment in the western Pacific Ocean. So his wife offered some comments from the couple's Bonita home.

"Dave will be very pleased to hear he has been selected for this honor," said KRIS VAN MATRE, who has served as a Special Education aid at Helix Charter for the past 30 years. "He knew he was nominated, but to win will be very special to him."

At Helix, Van Matre annually produced many of the best underclassmen football teams in not only the Grossmont Conference, but the entire CIF-San Diego Section.

Following a stint as head basketball coach and assistant football coach at Ramona, Van Matre coached football under Pat Roberts at Grossmont High. He briefly headed the football program at Valhalla before joining Helix, where he directed the freshmen program to more than a dozen league titles, including many ballclubs that went undefeated.

Van Matre will be honored at the annual Cal Coaches state banquet, slated for June 13th at the Irvine Hilton. A few years ago, he also earned a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Football Coaches Association.

The award is named for Fukushima , who was a leader with Cal Coaches for more than 40 years and was the coaches' representative to the state Federated Council for 25 years. He passed away in 1998.

The American-born son of Japanese immigrants, Fukushima is recognized as the first Nisei to coach a California high school basketball team, guiding a pair of strong programs in the San Jose area during his career.

© East County Sports.com
SOLANA BEACH (2-18-09/REVISED 2-19-09) — Former USD basketball standout MIKE WHITMARSH, a Monte Vista High alum, who went on to gain fame in beach volleyball, was found dead inside the garage of a Solana Beach home Tuesday (Feb. 17), authorities said.

Mike Whitmarsh

Whitmarsh also teamed with former San Diego State basketball player Mike Dodd to win a silver medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics in beach volleyball.

A friend found Whitmarsh unresponsive inside a car in the garage of the home, according to the county medical examiner's office. Medical personnel responded and confirmed the death at 11:35 a.m. An autopsy was pending Tuesday evening, but the sheriff's department said nothing was suspicious about the death.

However, on Wednesday, the Medical Examiner's Office announced Whitmarsh committed suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning after inhaling car-exhaust fumes.

Whitmarsh, 46, occasionally stayed at the Solana Beach residence, though he regularly lived with family near Fairbanks Ranch, officials said. He was married to Cindy, who owns a fitness and nutrition company. They have a daughter named Jaden.

"We are all devastated by the passing of Mike," said Cindy Whitmarsh in a released statement. "His family, friends, teammates, and colleagues will miss him terribly. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time – it means more than we can express. We ask that you respect the privacy of our family so that we may mourn our loved one."

During a 15-year career on the Association of Volleyball Professionals Tour, along with other circuits, Whitmarsh was a dominating net player. He won the AVP Rookie of the Year Award in 1990, named AVP Best Blocker in 2002, then received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004. He was also the tour's Role Model Award winner for 2003.

Following his college career, Whitmarsh was selected by the Portland Trailblazers in the 5th round of the 1984 NBA draft. He played briefly with the Minnesota Timberwolves, then played three years professionally in Germany before returning to pursue a beach volleyball career.

© East County Sports.com
LINDA VISTA (1-29-09) — Former Helix High standout ERIC STAVOLA, who played at linebacker for the Highlanders, returns to San Diego County as the new head football coach at Kearny High. Principal Cheryl Hibbeln made the announcement, noting his was a unanimous selection among a 9-member panel.

Stavola most recently served as defensive coordinator at Heritage Christian School in Indianapolis, helping the Eagles advance to back-to-back Indiana Class 2A state championship game appearances, winning this past season's title with a 14-1 record following a 17-14 victory over Cass (Walton, Ind.) at Lucas Oil Stadium.

After graduating from Helix in 1991, Stavola played for Grossmont College and University of the Pacific. Prior to accepting the Kearny post, Stavola worked in the Computer Information Systems department at Palomar College. He earned a B.A. in Liberal Studies from Pacific, later gaining an M.S. in Computer Information Systems.

Stavola replaces Alan Hood, who posted a 10-9 in two seasons with the Komets.

Dorchella James

© East County Sports.com
AZUSA (1-28-09) – San Diego Christian College senior DORCHELLA JAMES was named the Golden State Athletic Conference women's basketball player of the week, for the period ending Jan. 24.

James registered a pair of double-doubles, averaging 27 points and 12 rebounds to help the Hawks split a pair of GSAC contests. The 5-foot-5 guatd shot 50 percent (19-for-38) from the floor, including 7-for-11 from 3-point range.

In a loss to No. 23-ranked Azusa Pacific, James scored 35 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, dished out 4 assists and stole the ball 5 times. In a victory at Hope International, she had 19 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 1 blocked shot.

The Kearny High graduate is better known for her outstanding single-game playoff performance for the Komets back in 2004. James scored 13 of her game-high 20 points in the second half as Kearny clipped Santana, 59-53, in the CIF-San Diego Section Division III semifinals.

Joel Allen

© East County Sports.com
LA JOLLA (1-22-09) – Former Christian High quarterback JOEL ALLEN has been named head football coach at The Bishop’s School effective next month.

The 24-year-old Allen, an offensive coordinator for the school the past three seasons, including 2007 when The Bishop’s captured the San Diego CIF Division IV title, replaces Mike David, who has taken a football coaching job at St. Benedict Catholic High School in Memphis, Tenn.

Allen admitted he was surprised to land the head coaching position for the Knights, who finished 7-7 yet reached the SDCIF Division V finals a year ago. When Allen was offensive coordinator a year ago, The Bishop’s won it all, finishing with a 12-0 record.

“I have to credit Mike (David) for being in my corner when I went for this job,” Allen said. “When I was part of his staff two years ago, Mike told me if he left, he’d recommend me for his job.”

And so it went.

Allen makes a nice fit as the Knights’ head coach since the staff will remain intact when he takes the helm.

“I’m not bringing in anybody new,” Allen said. “That’s why I’m so glad we’ll have the same guys to work with when I was here two years ago. It should be a smooth transition.”

In addition to his football duties, Allen will also work as The Bishop’s Associate Athletic Director under Athletic Director-Boys basketball coach Tom Tarantino.

“I’ll have a lot of responsibilities in that area,” Allen said. “I’ll be working with the budget and with middle school kids. I’ll be plenty busy.”

Allen passed for 2,641 yards and 22 TDs in leading the Patriots to the 2002 Division IV section championship.

Look for The Bishop’s to continue directing a Wing-T oriented offense with a taste of one-back to allow for a passing game.

“We’ve had success with that, so I don’t imagine making many changes,” Allen said.

'Brown'-eyed QB

Brian Sipe, playing for the NFL Cleveland Browns (top) and appearing on his 1976 Topps rookie trading card (No. 516). (Courtesy, Cleveland Browns)

© East County Sports.com
SAN DIEGO (1-14-09) – East County sports icon BRIAN SIPE, who arose from Little League Baseball national champion to MVP of the National Football League, has accepted an offer to return to his alma mater and join the football coaching staff at San Diego State. Aztecs head coach BRADY HOKE made the announcement Tuesday (Jan. 13).

“Brian Sipe believes in our players and is there for them – and that’s important to us,” said Hoke. “Brian Sipe is one of the best players to come out of San Diego State."

“I got to spend a lot of time with Brian,” Hoke added. “When you do that you get a feel for the kind of person he is, his character, his integrity, and his knowledge of the game. He met with coach (Al) Borges and I and talked about the game. Obviously, he is a guy who has had success at coaching at the high school level and also the playing success. He knows an awful lot (about the game), especially a lot of the intangibles that quarterbacks need to have.”

For the past 8 seasons, Sipe was head coach at Santa Fe Christian School in Solana Beach, At SDSU, Sipe, 59, will serve as coach of the quarterbacks, a unit which includes current starter RYAN LINDLEY of El Capitan High.

"I bring some understanding of the position having played it," said Sipe, who still ranks fourth all-time in touchdown passes for SDSU. "I am anxious to work with Ryan and the other quarterbacks about the intangibles about the position.

One of the greatest football players in program history, Sipe starred at SDSU from 1969-71, twice named an All-American before embarking on a 12-year NFL career with the Cleveland Browns, winning the 1980 NFL most valuable player award.

As an Aztec, the Sipe completed 436-of-788 passes for 5,707 yards and 44 touchdowns after transferring to Montezuma Mesa from Grossmont College following the 1967 season. Prior to joining the Griffins, Sipe was a standout at Grossmont High.

“There is no other place that I would choose to coach than at San Diego State right now,” Sipe added. “It’s an important time for this program and we have the right head coach to make this program something that we’re all proud of.”

Sipe played for legendary SDSU coach Don Coryell and was the Aztecs’ leading passer in 1970 and 1971. In 1970, he directed SDSU to a 9-2 record as the Aztecs spent eight weeks ranked among the top 20 teams in the nation.

As a junior, Sipe was named an honorable mention All-American by the Associated Press after throwing for 2,618 yards and 23 touchdowns. A year later, Sipe was once again an honorable mention All-American after he led the nation in completions per game with a 17.8 mark to earn a berth in the East-West Shrine Game. His first season on campus, he was a member of the Aztecs’ undefeated 11-0 squad in 1969 that won the Pasadena Bowl.

Sipe was inducted into the Cleveland Browns’ Hall of Fame in 2002. He also played in the United States Football League briefly for the New Jersey Generals (1984) and Jacksonville Bulls (1985).

During Sipe's reign at Santa Fe Christian, his Eagles posted a 75-21-1 record, capturing four CIF-San Diego Section championships.

In 1961, he played for the La Mesa Northern (now Fletcher Hills) Little League All-Star baseball team which advanced to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa., capturing the national title following a 4-2 decision over El Campo, Texas.

At Santa Fe Christian, Sipe will be replaced by Eagles offensive line coach Nick Ruscetta, reports The North County Times.

Ruscetta previously served as head coach at Escondido High from 1995-98, compiling a 16-26 record. His 1995 team went 9-4, advancing to the CIF-San Diego Section Division II championship game before dropping a controversial 13-12 game to Monte Vista.

Damon Chase Chase gains CIF award © East County Sports.com LINDA VISTA (1-13-09) – Helix High School athletic director DAMON CHASE, who also serves as the school's athletics trainer, is among three people to receive the Athletic Directors of the Year award in the CIF-San Diego Section. Chase, who took over duties for operating the Highlanders athletics program from JIM ARNAIZ earlier in the decade, is joined by Rusty Moore (Castle Park) and John Labeta (La Costa Canyon and San Dieguito Academy) as honorees. Bruce Ward, the athletics coordinator for the San Diego Unified School District, announced the award during a recent CIFSDS Coordinating Council meeting. The trio will receive their honors at this April's conference of the California State Athletics Directors Association. The 41st annual event will be held in Mission Valley at the Town & Country Resort on Apr. 23-26. In addition, Mount Miguel High cross country athlete DYLAN MARX was presented the CIF Sportsmanship Award for his demonstration of sportsmanship and respect for fellow competitors at the CIF state championships. Place Your Advertisement on East County Sports.com Today No newspaper can do what we do!

Ivan Stewart Marshall Faulk Hall of Champions name inductees 63rd annual Salute dinner slated for Feb. 18 © East County Sports.com BALBOA PARK (1-13-09) — The San Diego Hall of Champions announced the names of its induction class of 2009, all to be honored during the 63rd annual Salute to the Champions dinner, slated for the Grand Exhibit Hall at the Town and Country Hotel in Mission Valley on Wed., Feb. 18. Tickets for the dinner are $250 and tax deductible. The public is welcome to attend, with tickets available through the Hall of Champions' Events Department at (619) 699-2313. Heading the list of inductees to the Breitbard Hall of Fame are: IVAN STEWART, an off-road motor sports icon out of Grossmont High; MARSHALL FAULK, one of the NFL's all-time best running backs out of San Diego State; ERIC ALLEN, a 6-time NFL Pro Bowl selection out of Point Loma High; and FLOYD ROBINSON, one of the American League's top hitters during the 1960s, who prepped at San Diego High. A long list of other top athletes from San Diego County will also be recognized for their performances during 2008, including East County's JIMMIE JOHNSON, the 3-time defending NASCAR Sprint Cup champion, U.S. Olympic volleyball standout DAVID LEE of Alpine (Granite Hills HS); and U.S. Olympic baseball standout STEPHEN STRASBURG (West Hills HS), who also stars for San Diego State.

Mesa College quarterback Philip Staback, an alum of West Hills High, signs with Lindenwood Univ. (Photo by Russell Scoffin, SWC Media Relations)

© East County Sports.com
ST. CHARLES, Mo. (1-1-09) — PHILIP STABACK, who quarterbacked West Hills High to a 9-3 record in 2005, has accepted a football scholarship with Lindenwood University, an NAIA program which went 10-2 this past season. The Lions are members of the Heart of America Conference.

Staback, who passed for Wolf Pack records of 2,800 yards and 29 touchdowns, selected Lindenwood over Humboldt State, Charleston Southern and Southeast Missouri State.

At West Hills, Staback was a first-team, All-East County selection, along with a first-team, All-Grossmont North League honoree.

Staback went on to play for San Diego Mesa College , earning the Southern California Football Association (SCFA) Mountain Conference offensive player of the year award this past season. The sophomore again threw for 28 TDs, completing 150-of-275 passes for 2,166 yards en route to sharing the conference championship (6-1, 6-5 overall) and gaining a postseason berth according to the SCFA website.

Staback's top outings included a 6-TD contest against Victor Valley, however, it was a 23-for-35, 335-yard effort against San Bernardino Valley in Week 5 which won him Conference Player of the Week laurels.

A Memorial Service is slated for Sun., Jan. 11, at 2 p.m., at Faith Chapel Church, located at 9400 Campo Road in Spring Valley. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the "Glen Takahashi Memorial Scholarship Fund," Point Loma Community Bank, 1350 Rosecrans St., San Diego, CA 92106."

Glen Takahashi

© East County Sports.com
RANCHO SAN DIEGO (12-31-08, UPDATED 6:25 p.m.) — GLEN TAKAHASHI, a champion wrestler who built the Valhalla High School program into a state and national power, passed away this morning.

"The wrestling community is going to miss him," said current Norsemen coach MARK GERARDI, who captured three individual state crowns under the tutelage of Takahashi in the mid-1980s. "He was my coach and I learned quite a bit from him."

Takahashi stepped down following the 2006 season.

"That was the year coach (MIKE) PEREZ and I stepped in — we were just trying to help out at the time," noted Gerardi. "Then for health reasons, we had to step in and take over the program."

"It's not the circumstances you'd want because Glen wasn't done coaching; he wasn't ready to retire. It was a forced issue."

Gerardi anticipates services for Takahashi before the end of the current wrestling season. Talk on several wrestling blogs indicated an interest to rename the El Cajon Invitational, which recently concluded, in Takahashi's honor.

Takahashi's high school coaching career lasted 33 years, posting a dual meet record of 234-52-2 at three local schools: University of San Diego High (now Cathedral Catholic), El Cajon Valley, then his final 19 seasons at Valhalla.

With the Norsemen, Takahashi captured the state CIF title in 1985, the state runner-up in 1991, and his teams finished 4th a total of four times. Only four other schools earned more Top 5 finishes at the CIF state championships than Takahaski's teams.

His wrestlers included 83 CIF champions, 46 Masters champions, plus 37 state medalists, 7 individual state title winners, 10 All-Americans and a national champion (DAVID LOPEZ).

As an athlete, Takahashi was a CIF-San Diego Section champion out of Monte Vista High, going undefeated from 1965-67, capturing the CIFSDS Wrestler of the Year award in 1966. He went on to Brigham Young University (1967-71), gaining a berth on the All-Western Athletic Conference team in 1970 while earning his Bachelor's degee, then his Master's degree from San Diego State.

For Takahashi, he was a 9-time Grossmont League coach of the year, 5 times the CIFSDS Coach of the Year, and eventually gained induction into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame for lifetime service (1999) and Califoria Wrestling Hall of Fame (2006).

Takahashi, 59, is survived by his wife Pamela, and two children, Chelsea and Branden. The cause of his death was not announced.

NOTE: It was learned Takahashi died from congestive heart failure.

Howard Hawver

Special to East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (12-23-08) — A well-respected member of the San Diego County soccer community, coach HOWIE HAWVER, has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, a condition often referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

Hawver has dedicated the past 25 years to shaping some of San Diego finest players as a coach at Patrick Henry High, Grossmont College and Crusaders Soccer Club San Diego. Hawver’s list of accomplishments is as long as his timecard to the teams he coaches.

Hawver’s soccer ties run deep and his friends are asking for help. Medication is available to slow down the progress of his disease. However, the costly medication is only partially covered by insurance, leaving thousands of dollars a month for Hawver to bear.

As a coach, Hawver is used to living in the giving role. Therefore, he was reluctant to be on the receiving end for the first time. Tuesday night he finally acquiesced and the San Diego soccer family stepped up to help one of its own.

Fellow soccer coach Matt Robertson and others are moving forward with a "Friends of Howie Hawver Day" on Monday (Dec. 29) at Valhalla HS with games from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. They are planning a full day of events including scrimmages, alumni games and an old-timers game.

To get involved, please make a check payable to "Friends of Howie Hawver" and send your donations directly to:

The idea is to celebrate soccer, and Howie. Here's the plan: youth games in the a.m., with a $50 per team "donation" for 25 min. games. Like ages and levels will be paired for the first groups of teams that sign up. We need to work together on this - with all SD soccer clubs involved filling these slots should not be an issue and it a great way to give to Howie and the game.

It is hoped to see several different clubs/ages/levels represented to fill in the slots. Hopefully it would be good to see any U8-U13/14 combo team try to help. If you are a coach, bring your team, a parent, bring your kid’s team — make it work in other words. Imagine a day filled with CSC, Utd, Albion, PQ, Notts, etc., followed by the alumni that played for them growing up representing their HS teams. It will be awesome.

Throughout the day at Valhalla, a $5 "donation" will be requested that will be valid re-entry during the day. Along with a snack bar, raffles, a.m. youth scrimmages, we should be able to raise a great deal of money for Howie. Please get your child’s youth team involved, or sign up for the adult game, or just come watch some great soccer for a great cause.

For more information, contact Matt Robertson (619) 504-5451 or email at: mattrobertson10@hotmail.com.

Former El Capitan High standout Taelor Worrell with the interception against Palomar College. (Photo by Russell Scoffin, Southwestern College) The (Big) Sky's the limit for Worrell Signs with NAU © East County Sports.com FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (12-20-08) – Once an all-league wide receiver for El Capitan High, former Vaqueros standout TAELOR WORRELL finally discovered his niche as a defensive back. Worrell first gained notoriety as a first-team, All-East County cornerback in 2006. But now, Worrell will play defense at the next level after accepting a scholarship to Northern Arizona University. He will join Southwestern College teammate Ryan Nelson, a quarterback, among six community college transfers to play for the Big Sky Conference program. “We have added six players that are quality performers who will have the opportunity to have immediate impacts in our program starting with spring practice,” said Lumberjacks head coach Jerome Souers. Worrell, now a cornerback, was voted to the All-Mountain Conference second team this past season, helping the Jaguars (7-4 overall, 6-1 MC) to a co-championship and a berth in the Santa Barbara Bowl.

Kenslow Smith Former Scotties RB Smith signs with Sacramento State © East County Sports.com SACRAMENTO (12-20-08) — Former Helix High standout KENSLOW SMITH, who was voted the top running back in the Mountain Conference this past season, has accepted a scholarship offer from Sacramento State. Smith ranked 9th in Southern California with 1,025 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns at Southwestern College. At Sac-State, Smith will contend with incumbent running back Bryan Hilliard, who gained similar numbers with 1,092 yards and 12 scores for the Hornets. Both will be juniors for the 2009 campaign. Sac-State posted a 6-6 overall mark (3-5 in Big Sky Conference games). The six victories tied for the second most by a Hornets ballclub during the Division I-AA/FCS era and the team finished with a non-losing record for just the fourth time since 1993. At Helix, Smith was an All-East County second-team selection as a junior in 2005, rushing for 798 yards and six touchdowns in an abbreviated season. His senior season in '06 was also cut short due to injury, finishing with 692 yards and five scores.

© East County Sports.com
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (12-16-08) — Mount Miguel girls basketball alum PRECIOUS ROBINSON was named the National Junior College Athletic Association Division I Women's Basketball Player of the Week for contests Dec.1 through Dec. 7. The 6-foot forward is being recruited by Florida, Arizona, Memphis and USD.

The Central Arizona Junior College sophomore recorded 21 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, nine steals, and two blocks against Eastern Arizona. Later in the week, she posted 25 points, 10 rebounds and three steals versus Arizona Western. She shot 59 percent (13-of-22 from field goal range and 80 percent (20-of-25) from the free throw line.

© East County Sports.com
SPRING VALLEY (12-17-08) — Monte Vista Girls Basketball is sponsoring the Lady Monarchs Winter Basketball League, which will be played on Saturday and Sunday afternoons beginning in early January and running through mid-February. Eight league games plus a double elimination Tournament of Champions will be featured.

There will be a High School Division comprised of freshmen girls (all girls on a team must attend the same high school). No current junior varsity or varsity players may participate (violation of CIF rules).

There will also be Club Divisions comprised of 7th and 8th grade girls, and of 5th and 6th grade girls.

Cost is $275 for a 10-game minimum, and every participant must have a Monarchs Youth Sports Registration form on file.

Contact Monte Vista girls basketball coach Michael Skibbe at (619) 741-9000, mdskibbe@cox.net for further information.

Dick Vitale

© 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.