East County
IN THE COMMUNITY
 
IN MEMORIUM
'Mr. Padre'
Anthony Keith "Tony" Gwynn
May 9, 1960 – June 16, 2014
   
 
 
  Grossmont College
AD remembers '19'
Courtesy, Grossmont College media relations
EL CAJON (6-17-14) — Grossmont College director of athletics JIM SPILLERS recalls his time with TONY GWYNN when both worked for the San Diego State Aztecs.

Gwynn nearly quit baseball
Played for Long Beach Poly,
the '76 state Team of the Year
By Mark Tennis, courtesy Cal-Hi Sports
   
 
GIRLS FASTPITCH
First team
Pos Player School Yr.

P Devyn Magnett, Cathedral Catholic, So.
P Kourtney Shaw, Poway, Jr..
P Kellie White, Mater Dei Catholic, So.
P Kailey Hill, Ramona, Sr.
C Erika Piancastelli, Carlsbad, Sr.
C Cortney Horne, West Hills, Sr.
Inf Hannah Gilliland, Cathedral Catholic, Sr.
Inf Sarai Niu, Cathedral Catholic, Jr.
Inf Malia Martinez, Poway, So.
Inf Hailey Drew, Fallbrook, Sr.
OF Falepolima Aviu, Rancho Buena Vista, Jr.
OF Emma Wong, Torrey Pines, Sr.
OF Aaliyah Jordan, Bonita Vista, So.
OF Morgan Howe, Westview, Jr.
OF Amber Huffman, Clairemont, Jr.
Second team
Pos Player School Yr.

P Sara White, Rancho Bernardo, Sr.
C Carolyn Wright, Bonita Vista, Sr.
C Shelby Evans, Torrey Pines, Jr.
C Samantha Klem, Clairemont, Jr.
Inf Sierra Altmeyer, Patrick Henry, Jr..
Inf Xstaviana Augur, Torrey Pines, Fr.
Inf Alex Vargas, Bonita Vista, Sr.
Inf Quirisa Mauga, Mira Mesa, Sr.
Inf Reyna Jamison, Mater Dei Catholic, Jr.
Inf Maddie Langston, Carlsbad, Sr.
Inf Nikki Fernandez, Otay Ranch, Sr.
Inf Dana Stewart, Poway, Fr.
OF Ashley Quidolit, Bonita Vista, Jr.
OF Samantha Johnson-Needham, Poway, Fr,
OF Arianna Marsh, Poway. Jr.
Player of the Year
Falepolima Aviu, Rancho Buena Vista
Coach of the Year
Mike Centrullo, Mater Dei Catholic
Long-time sports figure Noel Mickelsen passes

By Bill Dickens
©EastCountySports.com
EL CAJON (10-1-14) — Legendary San Diego coach and sports fixture NOEL MICKELSEN passed away on Sunday (Sept. 28) at the age of 80.

The 6-foot-6 Mickelsen served as an assistant coach at SDSU under George Ziegenfuss and later as the head basketball and head baseball coach at Grossmont College.

He was a 4-year letterman in both baseball and basketball at San Diego State from 1953-56. He attained a career pitching record of 25-10 with a 2.8 ERA.

His 25 victories rank fifth best in SDSU history. His ERA is eighth best on the SDSU list for pitchers throwing 200 or more innings, and his 1.6 ERA during his 1955 junior season is the fifth best ever for an Aztec.

Mickelsen was named All-Californian College Athletic Association first team as a junior and senior, and second team All-CCAA as a freshman. He ranked fourth on the career innings pitched list with 294 innings, and ranked ninth in career strikeouts with 195 innings.

In his basketball career he was the team captain his final three years at SDSU and recorded 642 career rebounds for the Aztecs – the seventh most for the team.

Mickelsen went on to play in the Milwaukee Braves organization as a pitcher, then came back to San Diego to coach under Ziegenfuss, and went on to start the basketball and baseball programs at Grossmont College. Grossmont College Baseball field is named after him – his name is emblazoned on the back of the Griffins press box.

“He was a sports fixture for a long time in San Diego East County, and helped a lot of kids along the way,” noted his son Jay Mickelsen.

 

Locals turn knowledge into success in German football league

By Bill Dickens
EastCountySports.com

EL CAJON (12-3-14) - It could be called a working vacation, but one thing for sure, none of the personnel involved complained.

"It was all good," said Christian High alum and Willamette Universit football coach DANNY MITCHELL.

While Mitchell was the offensive coordinator-head coach for the Osnabruck (Germany) Tigers, fellow Patriots alum PATRICK KELLY was the defensive coordinator for the Tigers as well as playing linebacker on the team.

Mitchell recalled, "We were there from April of this year to October 1st, it was six months of unique experience. The players, who were grown men, were eager to learn American football. They soaked up the coaching from both Pat and I and we ended up going 10-0 for a perfect season and winning the German Football League Division 3 National Championship, as well as the 2014 North League Champions.

"Our All-American Willamette quarterback Josh Dean also went with us and was a standout on the team."

Mitchell and Kelly traveled extensively while abroad, including,, Berlin, Dublin, Barcelona, Rome, Florence, Venice and London in a car provided for them the entire time they were there, in addition to lodging.

The Tigers played three games a week, traveling in the Tiger Bus.

Mitchell's parents, Mike and Arlene, and his brother Brian visited the facilities in Germany while Danny and Patrick were there.

Mitchell graduated from Christian High in 2007, the quarterback of the 2006 CIF Championship team. He was the quarterbacks coach at Menlo College in 2012 and coached the running backs at Willamette University since 2013 prior to his experience coaching in Germany. After playing baseball at San Diego Christian College for the 2008-09 season, he transferred as quarterback to Willamette University, graduating in 2012 with a degree in Exercise Science.

Kelly graduated from Christian High in 2008, a member of the 2006 CIF Championship team and earned All-State Linebacker, an award he also earned from Grossmont College in 2010. He was a scholarship athlete to Nebraska-KearnyUniversity, graduating in 2013 with a Criminal Justice major. He was the linebackers coach at GrossmontCollege for the 2013 season.

Kelly pointed out that the Tigers defense gave up only one rushing touchdown all year.

"That is one of the more impressive football stats I've ever heard," stated Danny Mitchell. "We outscored our opponents 432-76."

 

All-CIF San Diego Section
2014 Spring Sports Teams

Selected annually by a media/coaches
panel under the auspices of
the San Diego Hall of Champions
BASEBALL
First team
Pos Player School Yr.

P Brady Aiken, Cathedral Catholic, Sr.
P Jayson Rose, Granite Hills, Sr.

P C.J. Broussard, Ramona, Sr.
P Alex Homick, Rancho Bernardo, Sr.
P Kiko Garcia, St. Augustine, Sr.
C Alex Jackson, Rancho Bernardo, Sr.
C Chris Hudgins, Valhalla, Sr.

Inf Esteban Velasco, Bonita Vista, Sr.
Inf Dillon Paulson, Santa Fe Christian, Jr.
Inf Jordan Pearce, El Camino, Sr.
Inf Tanner Perry, Steele Canyon, Sr.

OF Mickey Moniak, La Costa Canyon, So.
OF Gage Canning, Ramona, Jr.
OF Kyle Dean, Poway, Jr.
OF Jordan Qsar, Valhalla, Sr.
Player of the Year
Trey Kell, St. Augustine
Coach of the Year
James Davis, Granite Hills
Second Team
Pos Player School Yr.
P Brandon Weed, Grossmont, Sr.
P Alan Strong, Santana, Sr.

P Austin Ott, Vista, Sr.
P Julian Escobedo, Eastlake, So.
P Sam Gershow, Christian, Sr.

C Riley Adams, Canyon Crest, Sr.
C Conrado Diaz, San Ysidro, So.
Inf Jesus Estrada, Montgomery, Sr.
Inf Casey Henderson, Rancho Bernardo, Sr.
Inf Sean Bouchard, Cathedral Catholic, Sr.
Inf Matt Wezniak, Carlsbad, Sr.
Inf Joel Mitchell, Ramona, Sr.
OF Robert Bostedt, Granite Hills, Sr.
OF Brad Moreno, Mount Miguel, Sr.

OF Andy Echeverria, Oceanside, Sr.

BOYS LACROSSE
First Team

Cameron Ziegler, La Costa Canyon, Sr.
Jacob O'Donnell, Poway, Sr.
Connor McCroskey, Bishop's, Jr.
Jake Seau, Bishop's, Sr.
Michael Kay, Cathedral Catholic, Sr.
Parker Lawlor, Pacific Ridge, Sr.
Spencer Beyer, Carlsbad, Sr.
Owen Weselak, Torrey Pines, Sr.
Trent Schulte, Coronado, Sr.
Kenan Yates, Cathedral Catholic, Sr.
Shane Johnson, Poway, Sr.

Second Team
Ben Keen, La Costa Canyon, Sr.
Anthony DeMaio, Coronado, So.
Calen Ketcham, Westview, Sr.
Nick Stiker, Cathedral Catholic, Sr.
Jared Maffucci, La Costa Canyon, Sr.
Evan Barresi, Poway, Sr.
Jake Stott, Coronado, Sr.
Andrew Parker, Rancho Bernardo, Jr.
Connor Lansdale, Torrey Pines, Sr.
Ben Moores, Cathedral Catholic, Sr.
Bryce Cady, Torrey Pines, Sr.

Player of the year: Cameron Ziegler, La Costa Canyon
Coach of the Year:
Jesse Foss, La Costa Canyon

BOYS SWIMMING
Mitch Scarski, La Costa Canyon, Jr.
Ryan Clancy, La Costa Canyon, Jr.
Liam McCloskey, La Costa Canyon, Jr.
Quinn Riccitelli, La Costa Canyon, Sr.
Grant Schenk, Mt. Carmel, Sr.
Garrett Glaudini, Ramona, Sr.
Jordan Colina, Cathedral Catholic, Sr.
Michael Salazar, Valhalla, Jr.
Robert Guerra, Fallbrook, Jr.
Micah Ornelas, West Hills, Sr.
Riley Ferguson, Coronado, So.
Erik Armes, Coronado, Jr.
Bill Kusters, Coronado, So.
Israel Dedina, Coronado, Sr.
John Randazzo, Eastlake, Sr.
Jacob Weber, Mt. Carmel, Sr.
Chris Evangelista, Mt. Carmel, Jr.
Jake Danzer, Mt. Carmel, Fr.
Chase Webster, Santana, Jr.

Athlete of the Year: Grant Schenk, Mt. Carmel
Coach of the Year:
Jim Barton, Carlsbad

 

GIRLS LACROSSE
First Team

Sarah Andersen, Coronado, Sr.
Catlin Brown, Bishop's, Sr.
Katie Carlson, Canyon Crest, Sr.
Alexa Carter, Canyon Crest, Jr.
Hannah Downey, Coronado, Sr.
Savanna Fiehler, Valley Center, Jr.
Bridget Grubb, La Costa Canyon, Sr.
Genesis Lucero, La Costa Canyon, Jr.
Grace McGinty. Carlsbad, Jr.
Kacey McKinnon, Torrey Pines, Sr.
Asia Pitzer, Poway, Sr.
Kira Williamson, Cathedral Catholic, Sr.

Second Team
Taylor Cabrera, Mission Hills, Sr.
Carly Clark, La Costa Canyon, Sr.
Kelsey DeJesus, Scripps Ranch, Sr.
Camille Doan, Torrey Pines, Sr.
Devon Doheny, Cathedral Catholic, So.
Natalie Garces, Westview, Jr.
Kristy Grovom, Mission Hills, Sr.
Sydney Masaki, Poway, Sr.
Ryli Quinn, San Marcos, So.
Rachel Rahilly, San Dieguito, Sr.
Alex Rasmussen, Torrey Pines, Jr.
Natalie Yorba, Poway, Jr.

Athlete of the Year: Bridget Grubb, La Costa Canyon
Coach of the Year:
Rebecca Kingsbury, Canyon Crest

GIRLS SWIMMING
An Nguyen, Westview, Jr.
Mackenzie Logan, Westview, Sr.
Sandra Yang, Westview, Jr.
Valerie Hull, Westview, Jr.
Amanda Sumrow, Patrick Henry, Jr.
Sarah Nowaski, West Hills, So.
Mary Roberts, Cathedral Catholic, Jr.
Cora McClelland, Cathedral Catholic, So
Jessica Pentlarge, Cathedral Catholic, Fr.
Madeline Cosgrove, Cathedral Catholic, So.
Sherri McIntee, Carlsbad, Jr.
Georgia Reilly, Mt. Carmel, Jr.
Taylor Pamplin, Escondido Charter, Jr.

Athlete of the Year: Valerie Hull, Westview
Coach of the Year: Dan Peck, Mt. Carmel

BOYS VOLLEYBALL
First Team

Joe Palatella, La Jolla, Jr.
Kendall Ratter, La Costa Canyon, Sr.
Kekoa Pukahi, La Costa Canyon, Sr.
Kysen Olsen, Scripps Ranch, Jr.
Ken Reyes, Escondido, Sr.
Scott McPherson, Bishop's, Sr.
Peyton Schirman, Steele Canyon, Sr.
Kannon Kile, Torrey Pines, Jr.
Jakob Karlsson, Carlsbad, Sr.
Adam Mester, La Costa Canyon, Sr.

Second Team
Matt Younggren, Mt. Carmel, Jr.
Taylor Bloomquist, Carlsbad, Sr.
Brad Gretsch, La Costa Canyon, Sr.
Taylor Faduti, Foothills Christian, Sr.
Terrill Williams, Montgomery, Sr.
David Maguire, Escondido, Sr.
Jeremy Banks, Westview, Sr.
Alec Felt, Del Norte, Sr.
Emerson Waumans, Carlsbad, Sr.
Michael Keegan, Mt. Carmel, Jr.

Player of the Year:
Kekoa Pukahi, La Costa Canyon
Coach of the Year:
Mark Brubaker, La Costa Canyon

  GIRLS TRACK
Suzie Acolatse, Mission Hills, Jr.
Melissa Mongiovi, West Hills, Jr.
Nia Akins, Rancho Bernardo, So.
Emma Abrahamson, La Costa Canyon, Jr.
Dani Johnson, Cathedral Catholic, So.
Hannah Labrie-Smith, Cathedral Catholic, Jr.
Riley Dixon, Rancho Bernardo, So.
Vanessa Dee, Rancho Bernardo, So.
Jackie Patterson, Rancho Bernardo, So.
Hayley Leonard, Poway, Jr.
Devin Hoffman, Poway, Fr.
Hunter Gibbs, Poway, Sr.
Savannah Santiago, Poway, So.
Breanna Curry, University City, Jr.
Augusta Thomason, Rancho Bernardo, Sr.
Talisha Dozier, Mount Miguel, Sr.
Hadiyah Muhammad, LJCD, Sr.
Laulauga Tausaga-Collins, Mount Miguel, So.

Track Athlete of the Year:
Hannah Labrie-Smith, Cathedral Catholic
Field Athlete of the Year:
Laulauga Tausaga-Collins, Mount Miguel
Coach of the Year:
Dan Geiger, Cathedral Catholic

  BOYS TRACK
Brandon Lucas, Poway, Sr.
Tobe Ezeokoli, Mt. Carmel, Sr.
Adrian Mangoba, Vista, Sr.
Tal Braude, Torrey Pines, Sr.
Steven Fahy, La Costa Canyon, Sr.
Shane Martin, Eastlake, Sr.
Tyler Nelson, Del Norte, Sr.
Lance Mudd, Poway, Sr.
Tyjon Lindsey, Poway, Fr.
William James, Poway, Sr.
Derek Morton, Mt. Carmel, Sr.
Rashid Shaheed, Mt. Carmel, So.
Garrett DeLong, Mt. Carmel, Jr.
Tyler Arroyo, Westview, Sr.
Charlie Bush, Poway, Sr.
Tanner Battikha, St. Augustine, So.
Kevin Dodds, Oceanside, Sr.
Dotun Ogundeji, Madison, Sr.

Track Athlete of the Year:
Steven Fahy, La Costa Canyon
Field Athlete of the Year:
Dotun Ogundeji, Madison
Coach of the Year:
Chris Ruff, Del Norte

         
GYMNASTICS
Tori Anderson, West Hills, Sr.
Alex Deng, La Costa Canyon, Sr.
Anna Webb, Del Norte, Jr.
Carter Clatterbuck, Mt. Carmel, So.
Sarah Engebretson, Fallbrook, Sr.
Carly Phares, West Hills, Sr.
Kalena Tano, Rancho Bernardo, So.
LeShay Sawyer, Santana, Jr.

Athlete of the Year:
Tori Anderson, West Hills
Coach of the Year:
Liz Ladley, West Hills

BADMINTON
Ali Viettry, Granite Hills, Sr.
Whitney Gonzalez, Hoover, Sr.
Hieu Nguyen, Patrick Henry, Sr.
Trung Vo, Patrick Henry, Sr.
Vivian Nguyen, Hoover, Sr.
Alex Gonsalves, University City, So.
Christina Lien, University City, So.

Athlete of the Year:
Whitney Gonzalez, Hoover
Coach of the Year:
Thomas Crane, Scripps Ranch

  BOYS GOLF
First Team

Franklin Huang, Rancho Bernardo, Sr.
Jamie Cheatham, Torrey Pines, Jr.
Ben Doyle, La Jolla, Sr.
Brandon Mai, Rancho Bernardo, Sr.
Otto Vanhatalo, Torrey Pines, Jr.
Michael Zhang, University City, So.
Kyoshiro Azumada, Torrey Pines, Fr.
Ashwin Arasu, Canyon Crest, Fr.
Tai Negishi, Rancho Bernardo, So.
Perry Cohen, La Jolla, Sr.

Second Team
Hunter Reed, La Costa Canyon, So.
Jonah Holt, Torrey Pines, Jr.
Cullen Plousha, Carlsbad, Fr,
Kaiwen Liu, Torrey Pines, Fr.
Marc Hedrick, Pacific Ridge, Sr.
Tyler Moore, San Pasqual, Jr.
Marc Toma, Canyon Crest, Jr.
Ryan Sewell, Carlsbad, Jr.
Bennett Juwvipart, Canyon Crest, So.
Teddy Oitzman, St. Augustine, So.

Athlete of the Year:
Franklin Huang, Rancho Bernardo
Coach of the Year:
Richard Deem, Rancho Bernardo

  BOYS TENNIS
Henry Ji, Torrey Pines, Sr.
Charles Pei, Torrey Pines, Jr.
Keegan Smith, Point Loma, Fr.
Ivan Thamma, Point Loma, Fr.
Steven Chen, Rancho Bernardo, Sr.
Justin Chanthalangsy, Escondido, Sr.
Philippe Rivard, La Costa Canyon, Sr.
Nicky Yamamoto, La Costa Canyon, Sr.
Sreeganesh Manoharan, Torrey Pines, So.
Tim Sah, Torrey Pines, Fr.
Sam Hum, La Jolla, Fr.
Colton Kellogg, La Jolla, Sr.

Athlete of the Year:
Henry Ji, Torrey Pines
Coach of the Year:
David Brummitt, Coronado


 
CAMPS
Rising Stars hoops camp
at Grossmont High / FLYER

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-8-14) — Grossmont High School is hosting it's 2nd annual youth Rising Stars Basketball Camp June 23rd through June 27th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Last year, more han 75 campers attended the event.

For further information contact Grossmont High girls basketball coach Grace Campbell by EMAIL. `

Looking for the next LeBron FLYER

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-29-14) — Grossmont College is sponsoring their annual Youth Basketball Camp, which will run August 4-7 at the college gymnasium. The camp will take place from 8 a.m. to noon for boys and girls entering 3rd through 9th grades.

Space is limitedm so please sign up by July 10th.

'Live 4 Gen' Alumni Hoops at Mount Miguel, June 14
FLYER / HOW TO DONATE

© East County Sports.com
SPRING VALLEY (5-30-14) — Mount Miguel girls basketball is presenting the 2nd annual LIVE 4 GEN alumni basketball games on Sat., June 14 at Mount Miguel High School .

The event is staged in memory of the Matadors’ fabulous point guard, GENEVIEVE COSTELLO, who lost her life to breast cancer at age 26. She played softball, golf and cross country in addition to basketball in high school. She was inducted into the Mount Miguel Athletics Hall of Fame and went on to play Division I basketball at UC Davis.

This year’s program will include men’s and women’s basketball games between Mount Miguel alumni with registration beginning at noon for all participants. The women’s game will begin at 1 p.m. followed by a 2:15 p.m. honoring of Genevieve and the Costello Family. The men’s game will start at 2:30 p.m.

Live 4 Gen has teamed up with The Beautiful Day Foundation in efforts to raise Breast Awareness. Donations and sponsorships are sought. Live music and vendors, including a DJ will be included in the program.


 
One of many fires throughout San Diego County
was this one on Old Hwy. 80 Business (where
E. Main St. in El Cajon leaves the city limits)
in Lakeside, burning about 20 acres. The road
was closed overnight for fire officials to conduct
an arson investigation.
(Rebecca Jefferis Williamson photo)
URGENT MESSAGE FROM CIFSDS
COMMISSIONER JERRY SCHNIEPP:

As of [Wed., May 14, at] 6:30 p.m., the following is in effect:

"All CIF athletic competition, scheduled for Thurs., May 15, is cancelled. No contests are to be played in any sport. The fires themselves, the fluidity of circumstances, air quality, traffic/travel, school closures and school access are all issues that have prompted this cancellation. "

"Circumstances will be reviewed on Thursday and information will be provided via e-mail and on the CIFSDS website regarding competition on Friday and Saturday. We will also provide information on games that cannot be made up (due to playoff seeding) and any changes to the CIF calendar as a result of the cancellations."

County fires heavily impacting CIF

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

EL CAJON (5-16-14) — After back-to-back days of postponements due to wildfires in San Diego County this week, East County baseball teams hope to resume their schedule with games on Saturday (May 17).

Of course the chances of that depends on how the wind blows… so to speak.

THURSDAY UPDATE:
Cancellations extended to
include games on Fri., May 16
SDCIF commissioner Jerry Schniepp said on Thursday (May 15):

“If we can’t play on Saturday, we’re in big trouble schedule-wise. Certainly we want to play, but we also want to do the right thing for our athletes. We don’t want to put anyone’s health in jeopardy.”

Clearly, baseball could be played in East County and South Bay and the majority of the City teams as it stands now. The City is a mixed bag. The smoke has affected some schools on the north end of the city and basically obliterated all North County games.

The baseball playoffs are scheduled to be seeded on Saturday (May 24). That will be difficult unless there are some cancellations or without extending the season.

Of course, most baseball teams that are in contention for a championship or high playoff berth will seek to double up their schedule in the final week. Squeezing in extra games down the stretch would hamper the traditional senior activities and AP testing. That only further complicates matters.

Fortunately for baseball there are no state playoffs, thus there are no dates that the San Diego Section teams have to meet to compete at that level. Extending the season for a week should be considered.


Greg Eichelburger, a former contributing
photographer to ECS, offers an exciting
high school rodeo shot from competition in his new home in Idaho.
 
   
Don't go slow, ladies, go Fast

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-11-14) — The San Diego Women's Fast-pitch Softball Association will conduct player placement (tryouts) for the 2014 summer season at Grossmont College on April 27 and May 4 (both Sundays), running from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The league partakes in a 10-game season, plus a week of playoffs, with ballgames on Sundays at Grossmont College 's top-flight softball diamond. The association also runs a North County league out of Palomar College.

The annual fee per team is just $1,050 (less than $10 per team per week). The league is open to any former high school and college players, but anyone seeking to a challenge above slow-pitch leagues are welcome, too.

For further information, visit the league webpage HERE or register HERE.

 
   
Football camp set
for Helix stadium

© East County Sports.com 
LA MESA (3-7-14) — Helix High chool will host the USA FOOTBALL regional development camps for current 6th-to-11th graders on Mar. 22-23 at historic Jim Arnaiz Field.

For more information, CLICK HERE or contact Highlanders director of athleticvs Damon Chase by EMAIL HERE.

New schoiarships offered
by San Diego County Fair


© East County Sports.com
DEL MAR (3-19-14) — Beginning in 2014, a dozen high school seniors from the county can earn new scholarships to any college in a program sponsored by the San Diego County Fair.

The Don Diego Scholarship Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the fair, has raised almost $40,000 in funding this year. Each scholarship ranges from $1,000 to $5,000 in several categories to outstanding high school seniors throughout San Diego who have participated in the San Diego County Fair and/or other activities with the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

The deadline to apply is April 1. Eligibility requirements and the application form are at www.dondiegoscholarship.org. For questions, contact DDSF executive director Chana Mannen by EMAIL or call (858) 792-4210.

— Nick Pellegrino

Editor's note: in 2005, Pellegrino was recognized with an Excellence in Community Service Award by the San Diego County Fair Association.

 
Beezer goes Nyack on the Hudson

© East County Sports.com
NYACK, N.Y. (5-1-14) — ALLI BEEZER, a 5-11 outside hitter who started all four years on varsity volleyball at Christian High School, will continue her athletic career at Nyack College.

Alli Beezer (left) signs with Nyack.
(CHC courtesy photo)
Beezer selected Nyack in obedience to God, with the excitement of living, learning, and furthering her game in a totally new locale. She believes she has so much to learn as an athlete, volleyball player, and as a follower of Jesus. The Warriors (17-16) are part of the Central Atlantic Athletic Conference (NCAA Division II).

Beezer earned first team All-league her junior and senior years and her team won the Eastern League championship her sophomore season. She was awarded MVP her senior season, as the captain, with 396 kills and as a key component to the team’s defense. She also played four years of club volleyball at Epic Volleyball club on 14-2, 15-2, 16-1, and 17-1.

She also played four years of varsity soccer where she was a captain and goal keeper for the CIF champion Patriots. She was also a member of the varsity swim team. The senior standout was very involved in extracurricular activities and participated in many school events, serving on ASB and also helping with youth group events. She is a member of Patriot Praise where she leads her school in worship every week for chapel as a guitar player.


Doug Harvey's "They Call Me God"
Former MLB umpire coming to Al's for book signing

© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (4-19-14) — DOUG HARVEY, the former Major League Baseball umpire who was enshrined into baseball's Hall of Fame in 2010, will be holding a book-signing for his autobiography, "They Call Me God."

An autobiography by former MLB
umpire Doug Harvey is available
at his book-signing ceremony.
The personal appearance will be held at Al's Sports Shop on Mission Gorge Road on Thurs., Apr. 25, from 4-6 p.m. Copies of Harvey's book will be available to the public; all proceeds will go to charity.

Harvey's 31-year career in the major leagues covered 4,673 ballgames, including five World Series and seven All-Star Games, becoming the 10th umpire to be enshrined in Cooperstown, N.Y.

In 1999, the Society for American Baseball Research rank Harvey as the second-greatest umpire in history, behind only Bill Klem. In 2007, Referee magazine selected him as one of the 52 most influential figures in the history of sports officiating.

Harvey began officiating local basketball games at the high school level at age 16, later umpiring softball and baseball. He attended San Diego State College in 1955-56, where he played baseball and football. He then returned to umpiring in the minor leagues while also officiating college basketball and football games. He remained a resident of San Diego throughout his umpiring career.

Harvey wore uniform number 8 for most of his revered career.


County All-Star Game set for Apr. 18

© East County Sports.com
LINDA VISTA (4-8-14) — The San Diego County Basketball Coaches Association will host its annual county all-star game for graduating high school seniors at Francis Parker High on Fri., Apr. 18.

Just like last week's successful East County All-Star event, the girls game will start at 5:30 p.m., with a 3-point shooting contest at halftime. The boys will follow with a dunking contest at 7:15 p.m., followed by game action, with a 3-point contest also at halftime.

Many of the top players from the 2013-14 season will participate, including Mount Miguel 's DEIJAH BLANKS and DEJANAY POPE, and Christian's CHAYAN LOWERY on the Girls South roster.

The Boys South roster features Steele Canyo 's ZACH KISSEL, despite breaking his nose in the final moments of the East County extravaganza.

In addition, 3-point participants include JOANNA DELA CRUZ of El Cajon Valley, ANDREW MANNING of Granite Hills, and DAVID GAZALE of Valhalla.

Tickets will only be available at the door and will cost $12 for adults/$8 for students. Doors will open at 4:45 p.m.


All-CIF San Diego Section
2013-14 Winter Sports Teams

Selected annually by a media/coaches panel under
the auspices of the San Diego Hall of Champions
BOYS BASKETBALL
First team
Player School Yr.

Devin Watson El Camino Sr.
Trey Kell St. Augustine Sr.
T.J. Leaf Foothills Christian So.
Spencer Mattox Sweetwater Sr.
Brady Twombly La Costa Canyon Jr.
Ben Perez San Marcos Sr.
Lynard Stewart San Ysidro Jr.
Sam Worman Torrey Pines Sr.
Evan Fitzner Francis Parker Sr.
Israel Seales Mater Dei Catholic Sr.
Second team
Player School Yr.

Damonte Holiday Hoover Sr.
Iman Chatman Mater Dei Catholic Sr.
Miles Nolan-Webb Hoover Sr.
Tommy McCarthy La Costa Canyon Jr.
Sam Bockman El Camino Jr.
Tommy Rutherford Grossmont So.
Eric Monroe St. Augustine So.
Justin Moore Mission Bay So.
Johnny McWilliams San Marcos So.
Brandon Cyrus Torrey Pines So.
Player of the Year
Trey Kell, St. Augustine
Coach of the Year
Mike Haupt, St. Augustine
GIRLS BASKETBALL
First team
Player School Yr.

Imani Littleton The Bishop's Sr.
Kandiss Barber Mater Dei Catholic Sr.
Ali Engelhardt Mt. Carmel Jr.
Deijah Blanks Mount Miguel Sr.
Sierra Campisano Torrey Pines So.
Taylor Pierce La Costa Canyon Jr.
Destiny Littleton The Bishop's Fr.
Sarah Porter Horizon Sr.
Mai-loni Henson LJCD So.
Zaria Branch Mount Miguel Jr.
Second team
Player School Yr.

Kirsten Johnson Our Lady of Peace Sr.
Deajanae Harvey Granite Hills Jr.
Madison Adams Mission Hills So.
Khayla Rooks Mission Hills Fr.
Casey McWilliam Mt. Carmel So.
Megan Franke Santa Fe Christian Jr.
Rachel Dumiak La Costa Canyon Jr.
Briajunae Shepard Helix Jr.
Lauren DiFabrizio La Costa Canyon Sr.
Sabrina Callahan LJCD Sr.
Player of the Year
Imani Littleton, The Bishop's
Coach of the Year
Marlon Wells, The Bishop's
BOYS SOCCER
First team
Player School Yr.

Brandon Sanchez Olympian Sr.
Matt Deemer Carlsbad Sr.
Rafael Espinoza Southwest (SD) Sr.
Bryce Flores Poway Sr.
Tony Moreno Scripps Ranch Sr.
Wayde Scibilia San Pasqual Sr.
Luis Cardenas Oceanside Sr.
Tanner Caldwell Coronado Jr.
Cheyne Davis St. Augustine Sr.
Bernardo Leyva Southwest (SD) Sr.
Felipe Liborio Castle Park Sr.
Second team
Player School Yr.

Sam Carney Pacific Ridge Sr.
Logan Hess Valhalla Sr.
Ricardo Cervantes Monte Vista Sr.

Abner Alatorre Hilltop Jr.
David Loya Chula Vista Jr.
Raad Aljabi San Ysidro Sr.
Raul Guzman San Dieguito Sr.
Andrew Harris Westview Sr.
Thomas Mackey Torrey Pines Sr.
Christian Sevilla Orange Glen Sr.
Diego Ochoa Coronado Jr.
Player of the Year
Matt Deemer, Carlsbad
Coach of the Year
Giovanni Medina, Southwest (SD)
GIRLS SOCCER
First team
Player School Yr.

Olivia Erlbeck Cathedral Catholic So.
Gianna Montini Torrey Pines Jr.
Shelby Lee Carlsbad Jr.
Kianna Brevig Bonita Vista Sr.
Catarina Macario Torrey Pines Fr.
Sasha Stephens Francis Parker Jr.
Sunny Dunphy Cathedral Catholic So.
Hailey Harbison Westview Sr.
Marley Canales Westview So.
Christina Settles Oceanside Jr.
Pilar Torres La Costa Canyon Sr.
Second team
Player School Yr.

Elisa Martinez Francis Parker Sr.
Samantha Staab Scripps Ranch Jr.
Jessica Clegg Cathedral Catholic Jr.
Angel Meriwether Westview Sr.
Anessa Dadkhah Torrey Pines Jr.
Taylor Ramos Coronado Sr.
Amanda Castillo Bonita Vista So.
Erika Arkans La Costa Canyon Sr.
Jessica Warner Steele Canyon Sr.
Tara Meier Rancho Bernardo Sr.
Sierra Nager Steele Canyon Sr.
Player of the Year
Olivia Erlbeck, Cathedral Catholic
Coach of the Year
Dawn Lee, Cathedral Catholic
BOYS WRESTLING
First team
Player School Yr.

Kai Kramer La Costa Canyon So.
Vincent Elizalde Brawley Sr.
Timo Dial Poway Sr.
Emanuel Lair Poway Jr.
Miguel Flores San Ysidro Sr.
Sergio Enloe Poway Sr.
Ralphy Tovar Poway Jr.
Cody Doyle Poway Sr.
Alex Graves San Marcos Sr.
Chris Bailey Poway So.
Waseem Elhamad Mira Mesa Sr.
Ian Baker La Costa Canyon Sr.
Miracle Tausaga Mount Miguel Sr.
Chance Eskam Carlsbad Sr.
Second team
Player School Yr.

Kai Middlebrook Poway So.
Scott Kiyono Poway Fr.
Jacob Schaefer Otay Ranch Sr.
Daxton Gordon Brawley Jr.
Adrian Tovar Poway Sr.
Sean O'Rourke Mater Dei Catholic Sr.
Alex McIntyre La Costa Canyon Jr.
Kenneth Moore Hoover Jr.
Colt Doyle Poway Jr.
Isaiah Castillo El Centri-Central Sr.
Tyler Roman University City Sr.
Thomas Hinch Poway Sr.
Matthew Garcia San Marcos Sr.
Lance Angulo Holtville Sr.
Player of the Year
Ian Baker, La Costa Canyon
Coach of the Year
Dwayne Buth, La Costa Canyon
GIRLS WRESTLING
First team
Player School Yr.

Kayla Ochoa Hilltop Jr.
Marissa Gutierrez Steele Canyon Jr.
Victoria Smith Brawley So.
Clarissa Gutierrez Steele Canyon Jr.
Lauren Horgan Westview Jr.
Talisha Dozier Mounr Miguel Sr.
Joy Muniz Westview Sr.
Brittany Yost Steele Canyon Jr.
Jazmin Ibanez Hilltop Jr.
Haley Halsey RBV Jr.
Alyssa LaFrancis Poway Sr.
Alysia Baker Hilltop Jr.
Vanessa White Mar Vista Jr.
Leimori Tausaga Mount Miguel So.
Second team
Player School Yr.

Isabel Flores San Ysidro Fr.
Jenie Hapgood San Pasqual Jr.
Jusmine Stewart Hilltop Fr.
Iesha Washington RBV Fr.
Haylee Alvarado San Pasqual Sr.
Kaylee Halsey RBV Fr.
Sadie Tackett RBV So.
Brianne Lund San Ysidro Jr.
Emma Urrutia San Pasqual Jr.
Kimberly Becerra Mt. Carmel Sr.
Cynthia Corpus Montgomery Jr.
Maria Valdez San Pasqual So.
Tania Sanchez RBV Fr.
Melissa Gleason San Pasqual So.
Player of the Year
Alyssa LaFrancis, Poway
Coach of the Year
Bill Halsey, Rancho Buena Vista
GIRLS WATER POLO
First team
Player School Yr.

Jill Bushman The Bishop's Sr.
Katrina King Carlsbad Sr.
Scarlett Hallahan La Jolla Sr.
Sarah Young La Jolla Sr.
Mackenzie Wiley Coronado Jr.
Cassidy Wiley Coronado Jr.
Maddy Kafka-Asper The Bishop's Jr.
Hannah Carrillo The Bishop's Jr.
Malia Magro Carlsbad Sr.
Lizzy Bilz Cathedral Sr.
Second team
Player School Yr.

Lauren Silver La Jolla Sr.
Natalie Chun The Bishop's Sr.
Taylor Bortrand La Jolla Sr.
Kelsey Blacker Cathedral Jr.
Jaicey Tyler Coronado Sr.
Karli Canale La Jolla Fr.
Taylor Onstott Carlsbad Fr.
Lauren Adams Valhalla Sr.
Madison Stockton Valhalla Sr.

Mari Ranj Westview Sr.
Player of the Year
Jill Bushman, The Bishop's
Coach of the Year
Greg Horman, Carlsbad

There they are
The winners from Saturday's (Mar. 9) Miss El Cajon and Miss Rancho San Diego pageants.
Pictured are (l-r): Pre-Teen Rancho SD, Genevieve Guzman; Jr. Teen Rancho SD, Alexandria De Mars;
Teen Rancho SD, Casie Gilliam; Miss Rancho SD, Katie Hudgins; Miss El Cajon, Heather Bareno;
Teen El Cajon, Lexy Hanna; Jr. Teen El Cajon, Barbara Sweetwood; Pre-Teen El Cajon, Lei 'Imani Boyd.
(Photo by Don DeMars Photography)

Alpine resident Scott Mitchell is the first
head coach at St. Katherine College of
Encinitas. The Firebirds faced opponents
like San Diego State (above) and Utah
this season, then opened PCAC play with
a 2-1 mark,winning three straight overall.
(SKC Firebirds courtesy photo)
More on the team in NEWSWEEK

Del Mar announces '14 meet dates
where 'The Turf meets the Surf'

© East County Sports.com
DEL MAR (1-15-14) — Del Mar Thoroughbred Club announced the dates of its 2014 meets, the first time the track had operaterd more thasn just its traditional summer session after receiving the green light for its dual meets from both the California Horse Racing Board, the California Coastal Commission, and the track landlord, the 22nd District Agricultural Association, which overates the350-acre Del Mar Fairgrounds that is home to the seaside racing oval.

The track’s summer season – which will be its 75th going back to 1937 – will open on Thurs,, July 17 and go forward to Wed., Sept. 3.

Over the past several decades Del Mar usually has started its regular meet on a Wednesday, but with the San Diego County Fair running until Sunday in 2014, the extra day to prepare the grounds and the racing surface – and to allow horses to adapt to it – was considered a safety priority. Del Mar last opened on a Thursday in 1999, and also opened on that day in 1969 and 1956.

Del Mar’s fall meeting will have 15 racing days, opening on Fri., Nov. 7 and concluding on Sun., Nov. 30.

It will race Friday-Saturday-Sunday on its first weekend, then settle into a four-days-per-week (Thursday through Sunday) schedule for the balance of the session. In conjunction with the singular nature of the second season, track officials are planning a totally different theme to the session, one that calls on the track’s Hollywood roots harkening back to its founder, Bing Crosby, and his show business connections.

First post during the summer will be the usual 2 p.m. with the adjustment to 4 p.m. for all “Four O’Clock Friday” cards.

The fall stand, however, will see first post at noon throughout to allow for the earlier sunsets. The lone exception to the noon start will be Thanksgiving Day, November 27, when the starting time will be 11 a.m.

Both sessions this year will showcase the debut of Del Mar’s new seven-furlong inner turf course, a wider, safer racing surface that is replacing the track’s original greensward installed in 1960.

In 2015, the summer session will expand to eight weekends; the fall meet will extend from four to five weekends, alloiwng an opportunity -- if selected -- to host the Breeder's Cup series.
 

The Fury of the Foothillers

The annual Powder Puff Derby at Grossmont High saw a team of Seniors and Frosh
narrowly edge a squad composed Juniors and Sophomores, 21-7, at Lt. Thomas M.
Adams Field last Thursday (Dec.19). All the scoring came in the second half.
Line One: "Are You Ready For Some Football?", as Lily Pringle is pumped after registering the game's opening touchdown in the third quarter for a 7-0 advantage.
Line Two: Amari Daniels turns the corner on the defense for a solid gain.
Line Three - Left: Daniels hoists the ball as she crosses the goal line for the lone
score by the Grossmont 10-11 Team. Right: Quarterback Destiny Bacon is unstoppable
as she goes in for the first of her two touchdowns, including the game-winning score.
(Photos by Linda Byerline)
CLICK ON PHOTOS FOR MORE, including enlargements

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

Vaqueros Baseball golf fundraiser

© East County Sports.com
LAKESIDE (1-9-14) — The 16th annual El Capitan Baseball Golf Tournament will be held Mon., Jan. 20 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day – at Barona Creek Golf Course. The shotgun start will begin at 10 a.m., with a buffet dinner served afterward. Contact Tom Dunne by EMAIL or at (619) 399-6078 to register or for further details.


IN MEMORIAM

Gerald Francis "Jerry" Coleman
Sept. 14, 1924 – Jan. 5, 2014

"More Than A Ballplayer –
An American Hero""
Jerry's Career On & Off The Field HERE
(National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum)
On behalf of the Coleman family, the San Diego Padres announced a free, public memorial service for Jerry Coleman will be held on Saturday, Jan. 18 at 10:30 a.m. at Petco Park. Gates will open at 9:30 a.m. Fans may enter through the East Village gate on 10th Ave. or the Park Boulevard gate.

The event will celebrate Coleman’s extraordinary life, and will feature special guests from throughout his lifetime. Free parking will be provided in three locations: two surface lots along Imperial Avenue (Parcel C lot and Tailgate lot) on the southeast side of Petco Park, and the Padres Parkade garage (10th Ave at J St).

For those who would like to make a donation in Jerry’s memory, the Coleman family suggests the Semper Fi Fund (www.semperfifund.org). The Semper Fi Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was created by a group of Marine Corps spouses nine years ago to provide immediate financial assistance and lifetime support for injured and critically ill members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.


Members of East County Boy Scout Troop 324
work to feed the homeless over Christmas at
St. Vincent's de Paul in order to become Eagle
Scouts. They arrived at 4:30 a.m. for kitchen duty.
(Photo by Linda Byerline)

Youth Basketball Leagus
starts 44th season on Jan. 4

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (11-13-13) — Grossmont High school boys basketball coach FRANK FOGGIANO presents the 44th year of his youth basketball league in the Foothillers’ gym.

The “Destined to be Stars” basketball league is for boys and girls, grades 3 through 8. Tryouts are Sat., Dec. 14 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. All games start Sat., Jan. 4, and will run every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will be played at Grossmont High School. For further information, contact Foggiano at (619) 589-9479.


Nellis golf tourney pushed back

© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (12-12-13) — Santana High’s TIM BARRY announced that "The Purple Nation" Marty Nellis Memorial Golf Tournament will be put on hold until the summer of 2014 (August).

“Although we had a lot of interest and contact, we did not get enough commitment to put it all together this soon.

“This event will happen and bring us all together to celebrate our common tie to Santana H.S. and being a Sultan. If you are interested with helping on the planning or giving any input please feel free contact me.

Sorry for the inconvenience and all funds received from those who signed up will be refunded.


Christian's court request denied, season ends without CIF state bowl berth

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (12-10-13) — A San Diego Superior Court judge denied a Christian High request to gain consideration as a Division IV school to the state football bowl series hosted by the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) on Monday (Dec. 9).

The Patriots, who posted a 12-1 record this season, captured the Division III title in the San Diego Section following victories over large-enrollment schools of Morse, Hilltop and San Marcos. However, the school sought entry in a different CIF division because section and state rules greatly differ on what determines a school's division.

State rules utilize the traditional enrollment formula, while San Diego officials altered its criteria over the summer, forcing more successful programs to move up in status.

However, Judge William S. Sato of Department 67, denied the injunction request for relief. Thus, Christian, which was never considered a prime contender as a Division III school, saw its season come to a conclusion.

The state CIF then announced a Division IV South Regional pairing between Bakersfield Christian (11-2) and View Park (13-0). According to rankings compiled by Cal-Hi Sports, the schools rate fourth and ninth, respectively; the Patriots were rated No. 1 in Southern California in Division IV.

“This is a travesty,” said Christian head football coach MATT OLIVER. “Basically the judge did not want to get involved in it, stating that it wasn’t the Court’s place to try and interpret a document written by the CIF.

“I obviously disagree and have to ask who then should be responsible for interpreting it??? Our kids deserved to go, and we were the best small school (1-500 enrollment) in the State. It came down to the judge basically saying it’s CIF’s sandbox and if you want to play they get to make all the rules and interpretations – even at the expense of some deserving kids who will never get the opportunity again.”

— Nick Pellegrino and Bill Dickens


Cal-Hi Sports' Bowl Rankings

Week 14

By Cal-Hi Sports

TORRANCE (12-4-13) — The top 10 teams that would be ranked by CalHiSports.com for the CIF Open Division in Southern California would be:

1. St. John Bosco (Bellflower); 2. Serra (Gardena); 3. Mater Dei (Santa Ana); 4. Centennial (Corona); 5. Chaminade (West Hills); 6. Mission Hills (San Marcos); 7. Vista Murrieta (Murrieta); 8. Mission Viejo; 9. Long Beach Poly (Long Beach); 10. Alemany (Mission Hills).

With assistance from Harold Abend and Paul Muyskens, here are the Week 14 rankings for each of Southern California's CIF bowl game divisions (previous ranking in parentheses; after games of Monday, Dec. 2):

*Asterisk indicates season complete; ineligible for bowl game.
**Two asterisks indicates team has won section title; eligible for bowl game.

DIVISION I SOUTH
1. (1) St. John Bosco (Bellflower) 13-0
2. (3) Mater Dei (Santa Ana) 11-2
3. (5) Centennial (Corona) 11-2
4. (6) Mission Hills (San Marcos) 12-1**
5. (7) Vista Murrieta (Murrieta) 12-1
6. (9) Mission Viejo 11-1*
7. (2) Long Beach Poly (Long Beach) 11-2*
8. (4) Alemany (Mission Hills) 10-3*
9. (10) Bakersfield 10-2
10. (11) Narbonne (Harbor City) 11-2
11. (8) Oceanside 10-3*
12. (12) Eastlake (Chula Vista) 10-2*
13. (14) Crenshaw (Los Angeles) 9-4
14. (NR) Cathedral Catholic (San Diego) 11-2**
15. (13) San Pasqual (Escondido) 10-2*
Drops: Previous No. 15 Norco lost to Vista Murrieta (Murrieta) 56-19.
Bubble Teams: Central (Fresno) 9-4*, Clovis North (Fresno) 11-2, Crespi (Encino) 4-7*, Helix (La Mesa) 9-3*, JSerra (San Juan Capistrano) 7-3*, Lutheran (Orange) 7-4*, Norco 9-4*, Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks) 7-4*, Oaks Christian (Westlake Village) 8-3*, Rancho Cucamonga 10-2*, Servite (Anaheim) 6-6*, St. Bonaventure (Ventura) 8-4*, Tesoro (Rancho SM) 9-3*, Upland 9-4*, Venice 10-3*, Westlake (Westlake Village) 8-3*.
No. 1 Team Result: St. John Bosco (Bellflower) defeated Alemany (Mission Hills) 56-14.
Breakdown: It's always special for the teams, players and the media to be at a venue like Angels Stadium in Anaheim for an event like the CIF Southern Section Pac-5 championship between St. John Bosco and Mater Dei. For the state bowl games, though, this matchup of league rivals will simply determine which one goes to the Open Division.
It's the berth opposite the Pac-5 winner that could get complicated. It won't be if Serra of Gardena (No. 1 all season in the D2 South rankings) wins on Friday against Chaminade in its section final but it would be if Chaminade pulled off the upset. We can see a case for Chaminade to get that spot if it got that big of a win, even in front of Corona Centennial if it wins the CIFSS Inland Division title. We'd definitely pick the Eagles ahead of Vista Murrieta in that scenario if it were the CIFSS Inland Division winner.
Assuming Serra beats Chaminade, the SoCal D1 game then shapes up as a matchup between San Diego Section Open Division winner Mission Hills (the Grizzlies won their title on Monday 36-14 over Oceanside) against the Centennial/Vista Murrieta winner.
The kicker in the entire set of SoCal D1 possibilities, however, is that Cathedral Catholic of San Diego is now bowl eligible after its triple-overtime win on Monday against San Pasqual. Sure, the Dons have losses to St. Augustine and Helix, but they have a head-to-head win over Vista Murrieta. We all know how much section commissioners value the head-to-head win so would Cathedral Catholic being in the mix devalue Vista Murrieta's chances? Does that also perhaps open it up more for the possibility of the Central Section (Bakersfield would have to beat Clovis North) or the L.A. City Section (Narbonne would have to beat Crenshaw) sneaking in for that second SoCal D1 bowl bid if the commissioners aren't crazy about choosing a Vista Murrieta team with that one bad loss or a Cathedral Catholic team with two losses?
If Serra and Centennial win on Friday, forget about all of what you just read. It's then Serra vs. Pac-5 winner and Centennial vs. Mission Hills.

DIVISION II SOUTH
1. (1) Serra (Gardena) 13-0
2. (2) Chaminade (West Hills) 11-2
3. (3) Valencia 11-2
4. (4) St. Augustine (San Diego) 11-2**
5. (5) Norwalk 13-0
6. (8) Hart (Newhall) 11-2
7. (13) La Serna (Whittier) 11-2
8. (6) St. Francis (La Canada) 10-3*
9. (12) San Fernando 13-0
10. (15) Rancho Verde (Moreno Valley) 11-2
11. (NR) Citrus Hill (Perris) 12-1
12. (11) Mission Bay (San Diego) 11-2*
13. (NR) Heritage (Menifee) 12-1
14. (NR) Norte Vista (Riverside) 12-2
15. (7) San Gorgonio (San Bernardino) 12-1*
Drops: Previous No. 9 Edison (Huntington Beach) lost to Huntington Beach 28-21; No. 10 Imperial lost to St. Augustine (San Diego) 56-12; No. 14 Lompoc lost to Chaminade (West Hills) 49-14.
Bubble Teams: Camarillo 10-2*, Canyon (Canyon Country) 8-3*, Dinuba 9-3, Edison (Huntington Beach) 9-4*, El Diamante (Visalia) 11-1, Fullerton 10-3*, Garces (Bakersfield) 10-2, Huntington Beach 8-5, Imperial 11-1*, Lompoc 11-2*, Madison (San Diego) 9-2*, Newport Harbor (Newport Beach) 8-5, Palos Verdes (PV Estates) 9-3*, Saugus 7-6*, West (Torrance) 10-3*, Yorba Linda 10-1*.
No. 1 Result: Serra (Gardena) defeated St. Francis (La Canada) 22-14.
Breakdown: Friday night's winner of the CIF Western Division final in Gardena between Serra and Chaminade will get a bowl game, that is for certain. If Serra wins, it's going to the Open Division and we'll be sure to look for Cavalier coaches and players on Saturday at the Mater Dei-St. John Bosco game to be doing some scouting. If Chaminade wins, we think the Eagles would have a strong case be in the Open Division as well, but it's more probable that Centennial of Corona would go up if it wins the Inland Division. If it were between Chaminade and Vista Murrieta going up to the Open, we think it's more likely that Chaminade would get the nod. If Chaminade wins on Friday and doesn't go to the Open, then the Eagles would be the first team picked for the D2 South bowl game.

 

Assuming Serra wins and then goes to the Open Division, the SoCal D2 bowl game would then need two participants instead of one. There could be very strong candidates if Norwalk is on the board at 14-0 (with a win over La Serna) and if San Fernando also is brought up at 14-0. Neither of those two teams has played the strong schedules, however, that St. Augustine of San Diego or the winner of the CIFSS Northern Division (Valencia vs. Hart of Newhall). St. Augustine won the San Diego D2 title on Monday and has a win over Cathedral Catholic (remember them from the D1 discussion above) with losses to top 25 squads Oceanside and Eastlake. Valencia's two losses are to D1 teams and a second win over Hart this week would be huge. Hart, meanwhile, has a big-time win over Chaminade that no one else in the D2 field can point to.
The bottom line for this group is that a Chaminade win over Serra on Friday could result in one of the other teams (Valencia/Hart winner or St. Augustine) having to drop from bowl game consideration. A Serra win and then it's a pretty solid choice for St. Augustine to play Hart/Valencia winner.

DIVISION III SOUTH
1. (1) Corona del Mar (Newport Beach) 13-0
2. (5) Garden Grove 13-0
3. (2) Mission Oak 12-0
4. (6) Nordhoff (Ojai) 12-1
5. (NR) El Segundo 10-3
6. (3) Oak Park (Agoura Hills) 11-2*
7. (7) Jurupa Hills (Fontana) 11-2
8. (10) Salesian (Los Angeles) 11-2
9. (NR) San Dimas 9-4
10. (NR) Paraclete (Lancaster) 9-4
Drops: Previous No. 4 Monrovia lost to Paraclete (Lancaster) 22-21; No. 8 Wasco lost to Mission Oak (Tulare) 47-7; No. 9 Arroyo (El Monte) lost to San Dimas 61-28.
Bubble Teams: Arroyo (El Monte) 11-2*, Big Bear (Big Bear Lake) 10-3*, Carpinteria 8-4*, Firebaugh 10-2*, Liberty (Madera Ranchos) 11-1, Mendota 11-1, Monrovia 11-2*, Monte Vista (Spring Valley) 7-5, Parker (San Diego) 10-1*, Pomona 10-2*, San Marino 9-3*, Sweetwater (National City) 8-4, Wasco 9-3*.
No. 1 Team Result: Corona del Mar (Newport Beach) defeated Westminster 37-14.
Breakdown: Mission Oak fans shouldn't get upset by Garden Grove being moved up to No. 2 in this week's rankings. We just want to point more of a spotlight on the rare 13-0 vs. 13-0 matchup between Garden Grove and No. 1 Corona del Mar in Friday's CIFSS Southern Division final. We're just ticked that it's not going to be played on Saturday afternoon at the Big A. We also want to be clear that if Garden Grove were to win, it would be just as much of a cinch to get one of the D3 South bowl bids as CdM would be.
With the CIFSS Southern Division champ getting one of the two slots, Mission Oak then becomes the top choice in our book if it beats Bakersfield Christian and wins the CIF Central Section Division IV crown. It's a close call over Nordhoff if it were to beat El Segundo for the CIFSS Northwest Division title, but the Hawks have played a stronger schedule than Wasco did last season (in fact they just beat Wasco 47-7) and given the outcry after an unbeaten Wasco team wasn't chosen last year it's going to be too hard for the commissioners to vote against another unbeaten Central Section team in favor of a one-loss team. Mission Oak also may be the best shot that the Central Section will have to get a team in for any of the bowl games.
If Mission Oak and Nordhoff both lose (it's a possibility), the best choice even with three losses would be El Segundo. The Eagles have simply been on fire in recent weeks and would complete a run through the Tri-Valley League to win their title with triumphs over three ranked teams in a row - Carpinteria, Oak Park and Nordhoff.

DIVISION IV SOUTH
1. (NR) Christian (El Cajon) 11-1

2. (1) Bishop Diego (Santa Barbara) 9-3*
3. (2) Mission Prep (San Luis Obispo) 11-2
4. (4) Bakersfield Christian (Bakersfield) 10-2
5. (6) St. Margaret's (SJ Capistrano) 11-1
6. (5) Rio Hondo Prep (Arcadia) 10-2*
7. (7) Western Christian (Covina) 11-1*
8. (9) View Park (Los Angeles) 11-0
9. (NR) Holtville 11-2**
10. (3) Central Valley Christian (Visalia) 8-4*
Drops: Previous No. 8 Desert (Edwards) lost to Mission Prep (San Luis Obispo) 51-30; No. 10 Saddleback Valley Chrisian (SJ Capistrano) 9-3 season complete.
Bubble Teams: Bishop's (La Jolla) 7-4*, Boron 8-4*, Desert (Edwards) 9-3*, Kern Valley (Lake Isabella) 9-3*, Saddleback Valley Christian (SJ Capistrano) 9-3*, Santa Fe Christian (Solana Beach) 6-5*, St. Genevieve (Panorama City) 7-4*, Viewpoint (Calabasas) 8-3*.
No. 1 Team Result: Christian (El Cajon) defeated Hilltop (Chula Vista) 28-13.
Breakdown: This division of course depends first on what happens in the legal proceeding by Christian of El Cajon against the CIF. We know documents were gathered for the case on Wednesday morning but don't know other details.
Christian school district officials are attempting to force the CIF to allow their school's enrollment total of 360 to be the determining factor in bowl game placement instead of the section division that the team is attempting to win. It basically looks like a legitimate loophole that the school is trying to use to get a favorable ruling and it should be determined in time for the selection meeting on Sunday and before the Patriots play in their game on Saturday night for the San Diego Section D3 title against San Marcos.
If Christian wins its case and wins its game and the section commissioners go by the glaring facts and don't use their power to "punish" the Patriots for bringing up the case in the first place, then one team for the D4 South bowl game is set.
For the other teams, Bakersfield Christian, Mission Prep and St. Margaret's are all underdogs in their final section games - the Eagles against Mission Oak, the Royals against Salesian of L.A. and the Tartans against Jurupa Hills - so if they both lose and Christian is denied or loses, it looks like the only two bowl eligible teams for D4 South could be Holtville (just upset Crawford for SD D5 title) and View Park of Los Angeles (still needs to beat Poly of Sun Valley for L.A. City D3 crown). Many believe Salesian of L.A. can be taken for the D4 South game if it beats Mission Prep, but if there are two teams on the board then the commissioners cannot "reach up" to grab the next school with the lowest enrollment. At least that's the way we interpret it. Salesian might need View Park to lose to get that bowl bid.

Christian cries foul
over CIF alignment

Section and state criteria differ,
leaving Patriots in quandary

By Mark Tennis, Cal-Hi Sports and
Bill Dickens, East County Sports.com

EL CAJON (12-3-13) — The Christian High Patriots believe they belong in the California bowl games if they beat San Marcos in Saturday’s (Dec. 7) San Diego Section CIF finals at 7 p.m. at San Diego Mesa College.

In last week’s CIF Division IV state bowl game rankings, Christian was removed from the No. 1 position because Cal-Hi Sports was informed by associate director Ron Nocetti of the CIF state office that the school would not be eligible for that division if it were to win the CIF San Diego Section Division III championship.

If the Patriots (11-1) lose, the season is over.

By the same account, if they win they are not guaranteed a position where they feel they have earned and deserve to be placed in the state playoffs.

“We know we’re going to have a war on our hands,” Christian athletic director DAVID BEEZER said, referring to Saturday’s championship match-up against San Marcos. The Patriots carry an enrollment of 384, while the Knights have more than 2,500.

This is a typical match-up whereby San Diego CIF commissioner Jerry Schneipp has stated that “enrollments would not come into play.”

There have been a few teams each season in the bowl game rankings that get switched around in divisions because of updated CBED enrollment figures, but it was clearly apparent that Christian, which has an enrollment of below 500 – the magical total that determines whether a school can be Division IV or not – requires a clarification as to their division standing.

The response by the CIF was that enrollment did not matter for the school that wins the San Diego Division III title because that team would then be eligible for the Division II South bowl game.

In looking over all of the material related to the CIF football bowl games, however, it is not clearly written anywhere that a school below 500 that wins a section title could be placed in Division II. In fact, it actually states the opposite in one sentence of the CIF football handbook.

Christian administrators had read that same material and were shocked to learn that the Patriots’ football team would no longer be considered the front-runner for a Division IV regional bowl game and instead would be placed into a much stronger group of teams in Division II.

Since then, Beezer has met with four attorneys, has met with his local state assemblyman, has talked to Nocetti on the phone, has talked to CIF San Diego Section commissioner Jerry Schniepp and contacted Cal-Hi Sports.

And Beezer has filed suit on behalf of Christian against the State CIF organization to reclassify back to D4 from D2 for the CIF bowl games.

“We are going to fight this as far as we can take it,” Beezer told Mark Tennis, editor of Cal-Hi Sports. “We have to get this resolved early this week. We can’t wait.”

The biggest issue with Christian is the poorly written, unclear, confusing manner in which the CIF consistently communicates its criteria in such important documents as bowl game divisions.

In the Christian football case, both the “2013 CIF State Football Divisions” document and information in a handbook sent to schools has the following statements:

• Division IV * Schools with enrollment 1–500
• If a Division III Section Champion is within the Division IV enrollment parameters of 1– 500, they will be moved to that division for Bowl Game consideration.

Where is it mentioned that a school below 500 would be placed in Division II if it won its section title?

Nowhere.

In fact, the statement about a Division III Section Champion is exactly what Christian might be on Saturday night. The Patriots would be “a Division III Section Champion” and they are “within the Division IV enrollment parameters.”

Christian is the highest scoring team in the San Diego Section with an average of 46 points per game.

“We don’t have any secrets,” said Beezer. “I think anyone who can read this document should not have any difficulty reading its intent.”

And there’s no guarantee that if Christian were to gain D4 South status if it were to win on Saturday, that the section commissioners would vote for the team during next Sunday’s selection meeting. But if Christian were on the board for D4 South with any of the possible remaining schools, the only reason that the team wouldn’t be picked would be completely, unabashedly political. All of the facts would clearly point to El Cajon Christian as the best team on the board.

Christian head football coach MATT OLIVER sums it up:

“We are fighting to be considered for D4 State playoffs in D4 where we should be. CIF is discriminating against us and excluding us even though its in direct conflict with their own written policy.”

Our hope in this situation is that the CIF just admits that it made a mistake in its bowl game divisions explanations, lets Christian go to D4 South if it wins on Saturday (there are no other schools in the state in the same situation) and then next year simply corrects its explanations and criteria not just in the bowl game divisions but in all other communications.



 

CIFSDS Fall Sports Playoff Passes now available
One ticket good for football, volleyball or water polo

© East County Sports.com
BALBOA PARK (11-4-13) — Playoff passes for CIF San Diego Section postseason events in three Fall sports are now available through the Section office, located inside the San Diego Hall of Champions.

The passes, which enable holders to skip the line to buy tickets at games, are good for all four rounds of the play-offs, regardless of who plays. Passes can be purchased only at the CIF office during normal business hours.

Passes are available for football, girls volleyball, and boys water polo.

For football, the price for the first pass is $40, and $35 for up to three additional passes.

For girls volleyball, the first pass is $25, with each additional pass (up to three) $22 each.

For boys water polo, the first pass is $27, and each additional (up to three) is $22.

The CIF San Diego Section office is located in the Hall of Champions in Balboa Park, 2131 Pan American Plazal the same parking lot as the Aerospace Museum and Starlight Theatre.

Speed Racer...with a twist
El Cajon Community To Build Dream Playground For All Ages - In One Day!

Special to East County Sports
EL CAJON (10-31-13) —The City of El Cajon, American Legion El Cajon Post 303, Stoney's Kids, Humana Inc., KABOOM! and hundreds of volunteers will create a place for all generations to gather.

What: The City of El Cajon, American Legion El Cajon Post 303, Stoney's Kids, Humana Inc., KaBOOM! (a national non-profit organization that has built more than 2,300 playgrounds) and volunteers will join forces on Sat., Nov. 9, to build a one-of-a-kind, multi-generational playground at Bostonia Park, located at 1049 Bostonia Street.

The customized playground, funded primarily by Humana (a leading health and wellness company), was created with personal drawings and input from local community members, from children to seniors, and will be built in six hours!

Humana is proud to help create a lasting neighborhood legacy that promotes healthy play and well-being. The unique space will have senior-focused and adult elements, such as fitness stations and walking paths, to promote good posture, balance and flexibility, as well as more traditional, kid-friendly equipment to build a truly multi-generational space. The project will also create an area to inspire family picnics and get-togethers for years to come.

Why/How: The existing playground at Bostonia Park is in need of replacement and exercise opportunities for seniors in the area are limited. A new playground and multi-generational exercise stations will effectively address these needs, providing the youth with an age-appropriate area to play, as well as opportunities for the seniors to interact further with each other and the community.

Humana is excited to partner with KaBOOM! to build a new space for local residents of all ages/abilities; encourage physical activity and overall health and well-being; and provide a diverse community gathering area. Hundreds of volunteers and community members will roll up their sleeves to build the new, 3,375 square feet, playground from start-to-finish in one day in a fun, similar to an old-fashioned barn raising with a playful twist! The project is one of more than 50 playgrounds being built by Humana, the Humana Foundation, and KaBOOM! across the U.S. over four years.


The Chargers' Melvin Ingram and Steve Williams
present staffers from Helix High with a check
for $75,000 to revitalize the school's weight room.
Pictured (l-r) Melvin Ingram, Mike Lewis,
Donnie Van Hook, Ryan Silva, Steve Williams.
(Photo by David Dickens)
Helix benefits from Chargers' Champions Program
Unveiling of $75,000 Weight Room

By David Dickens
© East County Sports.com

LA MESA (10-19-13) — San Diego Chargers players Melvin Ingram and Steve Williams were on hand Tuesday (Oct. 15) in support of the unveiling of Helix High School's ’ snazzy new weight room, the cumulation from a $75,000 grant awarded by the Chargers' Champions Program from 2012.

In addition to the many Helix students already enrolled in athletics and weight training classes, among the guests present at the event were long-time La Mesa mayor Art Madrid, Executive Director of Operations MIKE LEWIS, key Helix personnel DONNIE VAN HOOK, and RYAN SILVA, who were responsible for the successful application for the grant of $75,000, which was originally only a request for $58,000.

Also in attendance was San Diego Chargers Director of Public Affairs and Community Relations, Kimberley Layton. According to Layton over 65 schools in the county applied for the grant but Helix, after many site visits to other locations, was judged to be the most in need for an upgrade in equipment. It was Layton who also indicated to Van Hook that he needed, and would be granted another $17,000. “He was like a kid at a candy store,” stated Layton.

Chargers players Ingram and Williams also did their part, with a Q&A session with the students, and also were in the weight room for the official ribbon-cutting. The players also emphasized the importance of exercise and healthy eating habits, combined with great classroom work ethic is what creates success in all arenas of life. Another weight room will be announced for Mission Bay High in late October.


  

Fire danger stopped

© East County Sports.com
LAKESIDE (10-6-13, 2:40 p.m.) — A brush fire that occurred in a canyon near the Lakeside-Santee border on Sunday (Oct. 6) has been fully contained, according to Cal Fire.

The fire, which officials called the Aquilla Fire, was burning in a canyon area near the 10000 block of Aquilla Drive.

The fire started around 10 a.m., but was ruled fully contained less than four hours later.

The blaze burned a total of 15 acres. No structures were threatened. No cause has yet to be determined.

(Photo by Dustin Webster)

National Holiday in San Diego

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (10-8-13) — National University has been named the title sponsor of the 2013 Holiday Bowl, bowl president Bill Geppert announced today. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The National University Holiday Bowl, as it will be known, celebrates its 36th game this year when it pairs teams from the Pac-12 and Big 12 Conferences. The game is set for Monday, Dec. 30 with a 7:15 p.m. (ESPN).

“We are excited to partner with National University, a prominent educational institution for the 2013 Holiday Bowl,” Geppert said. “It’s a bonus when you welcome a fellow nonprofit organization into the mix. We have many of the same objectives – including supporting the community – and we are eager to get going. It’s an exciting time.”

“Sponsoring the National University Holiday Bowl deepens our support of the communities in which we serve, while showcasing our commitment to accessible, lifelong learning to a national audience,” said Dr. Michael Cunningham, president of National University. “National University and the Holiday Bowl also share a nonprofit mission that dates back to both institutions’ foundations in the 1970s. We are excited and proud to be a part of one of the bowl season’s most anticipated and beloved annual traditions, the Holiday Bowl.”

For ticket information, call the National University Holiday Bowl ticket office at (619) 285-5059 or visit www.HolidayBowl.com.


Oktoberfest in El Cajon, Oct. 5-6

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (10-5-13) — The annual German Oktoberfest in El Cajon, as the German American Societies of San Diego continues their traditional Oktoberfest on Oct. 5-6. Enjoy authentic German food and BBQ, a variety of German pastries and authentic German music! Visit the vendor and craft booths, and bring the kids to the Kids' Zone. There is no entry fee for those under age 21 and for active duty military; for those age 21 and up the entry fee is $5. Hours are Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. This annual celebration will be located at 1017 S. Mollison Avenue. Parking can be tight, but new this year is a FREE shuttle service to the event. It runs about every half hour from the El Cajon Transit Center on Marshall Avenue to Oktoberfest. When you exit the trolley, look for their signage in the parking lot closest to West Main and Mossy Nissan. For more information, visit the WEBSITE.

Former Granite Hills athletes wanted for 'Eagles Varsity Rally', Oct. 4

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (9-28-18) — Granite Hills High seeks all former letter-winners to join the school's inaugural Varsity Rally, slated for Fri., Oct. 4, starting at 6:30 p.m.

Legendary alum Dwight Morris will serve as Honorary Coach for the event, which is open to all current and former athletes at Homecoming football game against undefeated El Capitan at Valley Stadium. The cost for the event is $7.

Letter-winners are asked to RSVP assistant principal Dan Santos HERE


Participants at the Relay for Life (left) enjoy the release of doves at the event,
including one by 8-year old Jacob LeBlanc (right), a leukemia survivior.
(Photos by Linda Byerline)

Relay for Life gaining positive results

By Linda Byerline
© East County Sports.com

LA MESA (8-27-13) — More than $15,000 was raised at the annual Relay for Life, held Saturday (Aug. 24) at Northmont School. The Relay is a 24-hour fundraising event in conjunction with the American Cancer Societym with all funds raised staying within each individual community helping those families with their most basic needs – incidentals like gas, food, rent, and utilities – during times of crisis.

The Relay for Life is an event where participant walk in teams around a track for a 24-hour period. At least one person from each team is walking at each moment in order to help raise funds.

Each Relay for Life begins with the Survivors lap and the La Mesa relay added a unique dove release ceremony. This lap celebrates each survivors victory over cancer and recognizes each caregivers support given.

The Luminaria Ceremony begins after dark so to honor those who have been lost to cancer as well as those who are currently fighting and those who have beaten all odds. The La Mesa Relay for Life had a beautiful bag pipe player lead the walk around the luminaria circle for a moment of quiet reflection.

When the 24-hour clock expires, the fight back ceremony follows, where each person commits to continue to fight against the disease that has threatened to take their loved ones.

One such family is the LeBlanc family, a much loved Northmont School family who received the news that no parent ever wants to hear, On June 20, 2012, their 8-year old son, Jacob, was diagnosed with leukemia. Over the next several months the only thing wanted by Jacob's twin brother, Calder, wanted as "for his family to be together again."

Jacob was in the hospital last year during the Relay for Life, but thanks to the research – he alone was able to raise over $500 for his Team – he spent the entire 24 hours participating in the Relay for Life as a survivior.

There were teachers, neighbors, friends, parents, and children all survivors and all walking together for one reason: To help support one another in their time of need and crisis. It goes to remind us that it takes a community to survive, we cannot do it alone.

  
Dave Palet
Jeff Dotseth

'Dave & Jeff' returns on Fox Sports Radio

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com

HOLLYWOOD (8-25-13) — "The Dave & Jeff Show," featuring Dave Palet and Jeff Dotseth, made its return to the sports radio airwaves Saturday (Aug. 24) as part of the weekend schedule on Fox Sports Radio.

Dave & Jeff, which took over the morning drive slot (6-10 a.m.) at San Diego based Xtra Sports 1090 AM, but last a mere 11 months until a controversial parting in December 2011 -- various media reports claimed Palet was fired, so Dotseth supported his friend by immediately resigning -- despite raising station ratings up some 33 percent to an all-time high.

They now move from a local format to a national forum.

"It's great to be on a network like Fox, but it's only part-time for now," noted Palet. "When we get a full-time deal done, we will let everyone know."

Over the past 18 months, Palet, a San Diego State graduate, has been deeply involved in youth baseball, including the successful California Bears, which features players from the East County and South Bay.

Dotseth is a former host of San Diego Chargers post-game radio and has been heard nationally on ESPN Radio. He recently became a judge for boxing and mixed martial arts events.


HANNAH RESCUED!
Former Sheriff among four Idaho residents
to report sighting El Capitan High student
Hannah Anderson
STORY
Courtesy, Idaho Statesman


World's Largest Swim Lesson

On Tuesday (June 18), public
and private pools throughout
the East County participated
in an attempt to establish
a Guinness world record for
largest swim lesson.
Swim instructor Lisa Hannibal (left) assists "pikes' level swimmer Kyle. Meanwhile, Larissa Shumaker keeps 'guppy' swimmer Noah afloat at the Davis Family YMCA.
(Photos by Linda Byerline)

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