© East County Sports.com
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (9-28-11) — National Pro Fastpitch, which has featured local players such as CARRI LETO-MARTIN and SAVANNAH BROWN of Valhalla High School and SARAH HERSHMAN of San Diego State over the past decade, announced it will return to San Diego this fall.

NPF will again hold its Back to School Tour, with San Diego State hosting the 16th of 17 stops on Fri., Nov. 4, when the Aztecs meet a ballclub composed with many of pro softball's rising stars.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to play against professional softball players right here on our own campus," said Aztecs coach KATHY VAN WYK. "It’s a great chance to test ourselves against the best while helping the NPF promote the league.”

It's the second straight season for San Diego State to host a Tour contest.

“We are honored that the NPF has again chosen San Diego and our program as one of the tour stops," added the Aztec coach. "The draw of professional athletes helps us promote our program as well.”

Participating NPG players include Olympic medalists Andrea Duran, Kelly Kretschman, Caitlin Lowe; former Canadian Olympic Team member Caitlin Lever; former Canadian Olympic Team members and NCAA Champions Danielle Lawrie and Jenn Salling; 2010 NPF Pitcher of the Year, Lisa Norris; 2011 All NPF Team Members Ashley Charters, Bianca Mejia, Megan Wiggins, Brittany McKinney, and Sam Marder; and NPF Rookie of the Year, Alisa Goler.

Along with softball, other professional women's team sports leagues in North America include WPS soccer and WNBA basketball, while AVP beach volleyball may soon be returning.

“As we near the 40th anniversary of Title IX, the fact that we have a professional league for women’s fastpitch players is yet another testament to its impact," Van Wyk noted. "Opportunities for girls and women continue to grow and by coming out to this game and helping us support the league, people can help ensure these opportunities continue.”

The Tour begins with a game against the University of Memphis on Sept. 30, concluding on Sat., Nov. 5, at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut. Complete Tour SCHEDULE.

Tickets will become available soon. Visit the SDSU women's softball website for further information.

Historic note – Back in the 1970s, the original women's pro softball league played games at San Diego State and Oceanside High School with a local franchise, the San Diego Sandpipers.

In the first year, a minimum of 60 games will be produced and in subsequent years, a minimum of 80 games will be produced for the life of the 15-year contract.

The CIF has grown to become one of the largest youth sports organizations in the nation and has a proud heritage of providing equitable athletic competition for more than 1,500 high schools in California. Through this new partnership, Time Warner Cable brings additional elements to the overall high school athletic experience benefiting more than 757,000 student athletes involved in CIF competitions.

“We are excited for this opportunity to work with Time Warner Cable,” said CIF Executive Director Marie M. Ishida. “They have made a commitment to air championship sporting events that include teams throughout the State. This unprecedented partnership will bring exposure to CIF schools and athletes like never before.”

Time Warner Cable’s CIF sports programming will feature a variety of sports, including coverage of boys and girls sports, as well as profile pieces on student-athletes and coaches.

“High school sports and the CIF have long been cornerstones in providing countless opportunities to our youth, developing future leaders and creating stronger communities both on and off the field,” said Barry Rosenblum, Time Warner Cable’s Senior Vice President, News and Local Programming. “Our agreement with CIF will provide high school sports fans in-depth opportunities to connect with teams, players, coaches, parents and fans across the State on multiple distribution platforms. We are thrilled to have the privilege of covering our hometown heroes.”

A leader at providing local production and sports programming to millions of subscribers across the country, Time Warner Cable currently manages 34 local channels, featuring news, weather, traffic and many featuring local sports programming.

In addition to full length High School game coverage, Time Warner Cable’s regional News and Local Programming Channel SoCal 101 will feature weekly high school sports programming. Varsity Round-Up, a roundtable analysis and preview of the top games of the week, airs on Wednesdays at 7:00 PM, and Prep Sports Night Live, a weekly interactive call-in show that features up-to date scores, highlights, interviews and more, airs Fridays from 10:30 PM until midnight. Viewers interested in learning more about these programs and SoCal 101 can visit www.twcsocal101.com.

About Time Warner Cable
Time Warner Cable Inc. (NYSE: TWC) is among the largest providers of video, high-speed data and voice services in the United States, connecting more than 14 million customers to entertainment, information and each other. Time Warner Cable Business Class offers data, video, and voice services to businesses of all sizes, cell tower backhaul services to wireless carriers and, through its NaviSite subsidiary, enterprise-class hosting, managed application, messaging and cloud services. Time Warner Cable Media, the advertising arm of Time Warner Cable, offers national, regional and local companies innovative advertising solutions. More information about the services of Time Warner Cable is available at www.timewarnercable.com, www.twcbc.com, www.navisite.com, and www.twcmedia.com.

About CIF
The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) was created in 1914 and is the governing body for high school sports in the state of California. CIF is uniquely positioned to foster student growth in values and ethics. CIF’s ideal of “Pursuing Victory with Honor,” provides the opportunity to influence the actions of the athletic community. CIF strives to promote equity, quality, character and academic development. CIF is a nonprofit federation and the state office, located in Sacramento, CA, represents the interests of its member Sections. The 10 Sections represent geographic regions within the state: Central, Central Coast, Los Angeles City, North Coast, Northern, Oakland, Sac-Joaquin, San Diego, San Francisco and Southern. CIF represents more than 1,500 public and private member schools and more than 757,000 student-athletes. CIF conducts regional and state championships in cross country, football, volleyball, tennis, wrestling, basketball, soccer, track & field and golf. CIF Sections conduct championships in more than 22 sports.

San Diego Chargers defensive tackle Antonio Garay (bottom) is styled by Sergio "El Capitan" Millan, who designs and creates Garay's famous hair. (Courtesy photo, Fresh Up Barber Shop)

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (8-19-11) — When San Diego Chargers defensive tackle ANTONIO GARAY, known throughout the National Football League for his wild and unusual haircuts, feels like changing things up, there is only one person to see.

Welcome to the unique world of haircutting by SERGIO MILLAN, better known to his football-playing clientele as "El Capitan" for being more than a person who cuts hair for a living. Millan's persona makes him considered a pure virtuoso in his artistry to create singular designs, becoming the barber to the Bolts.

So when Garay reaches the sidelines on the Chargers bench and removes his helmet, you will see anything but the commonplace with his hairstyle.

"With someone like Antonio, it can take two hours to create," noted Millan, a 26-year-old resident of Lemon Grove . "After cutting his hair, you need to bleach it, inscribe the design, then add color -- it can be quite an undertaking."

Sergio "El Capitan" Millan (Courtesy, Fresh Up Barber Shop)

Millan began cutting hair at the age of 13 for family, friends and neighbors.

"I learned to cut hair in backyards, garages and family barbecues," he added. "Now it's a way to express myself -- it's not just a haircut, it really has become an art form."

Most of Millan's work is completed at Fresh Up barber shop, located at Westfield's Parkway Plaza . It opened last September to strong reviews because of the types of people he hires to cut hair.

"Perhaps one out of every 20 people who apply join our team." he added. "I'm very particular because everyone should look their best, whether it's a cut like Antonio gets or a regular haircut."

"And each of them gets a nickname, like "Country" or "Cash" -- sort of like soccer players with one name."

Students from Grossmont High School celebrate after capturing the $25,000 grand prize in front of thousands of spectators at U.S. Open of Surfing in the Hurley Walk the Walk dance competition. (Courtesy, usopenofsurfing.com) Grossmont dancers know 'The Walk' Capture $25K prize at U.S. Open of Surfing © East County Sports.com HUNTINGTON BEACH (8-4-11) — Students from Grossmont High School earned a check for $25,000 following an award-winning dance performance Thursday (Aug. 4) at the Nike U.S. Open of Surfing Championships at Surf City, USA. VIDEO Performing a routine entitled "Power of One," an online poll saw Grossmont's 20-member student troupe tally more than 50,000 votes to edge Peterborough High of Toronto, Ont., by a mere 389 votes to capture the Hurley "Walk the Walk" fashion show contest, held at the Huntington Beach Pier. The prize money will go to the school's Associated Student Body general fund. FACEBOOK Presenting the award to Grossmont was actor BooBoo Stewart, 17, who was once the 2002 and 2003 Junior Martial Arts world champion. Stewart appeared in the third installment of The Twilight Saga: Eclipse. By advancing to the finals, Grossmont was assured at least a $5,000 prize, but then beat out 19 others dance teams for the trophy. Jeremy Hersch, the Grossmont ASB faculty adviser, said the prize money would go toward ASB activities or projects, which will be decided by students. He noted some of the funds will serve as grants for performing arts students. The school started with 60 participants, which whittled down to the final 20 following weeks of rehearsals held three times per week all summer.

2010 Grossmont College camp participants

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (7-3-11) — Grossmont College men’s basketball is hosting its annual Youth Basketball Camp for boys and girls entering the 3rd through the 8th grades. Camp will run from 8 a.m. to noon from August 8-11, at the college gymnasium (next to Parking Lot No. 3).

Cost for the camp is $75 and space is limited – sign up by July 10th.

Contact coach Doug Weber by EMAIL or by calling (619) 644-7878 for further information. Click for FLYER with details and to order a t-shirt.

The focus is to learn team concepts and to develop individual skills necessary for playing at the high school level.

You may register HERE or contact Wolf Pack athletic director DON RUTLEDGE at (619) 334-0421 for further information.

© East County Sports.com
PACIFIC BEACH (7-4-11) — Team USA San Diego will travel to Japan for the 30th edition of the World Boys Baseball Tournament. Players from throughout San Diego will leave for Toyko on August 1, then transported to Yokohama – San Diego’s sister city.

Following a welcoming party with the mayor of Yokohama, Team USA San Diego will play eight goodwill friendship games. On August 6, they will fly to Fukuoka for additional World Tournament contests.

Teams from Australia, Italy, Brazil, Korea, China, Venezuela, Taiwan, Mexico, Japan, and two other teams from the USA will comprise the 16 ballclubs invited to participate.

Team members are expected to raise approximately $2,500 each through tax deductible sponsorship donations. For further information or to have questions answered, contact head coach Mark Wilson by EMAIL, Website, or call (858) 361-9344.

Foothills Christian High head coach DAVE LEWIS is one of the coaches accompanying the team. This year’s team features three players from East County: CHANDLER COSSIO (Granite Hills), JOSHUA FITZGERALD (Christian) and NOAH BUCHANAN (Grossmont).

Other players on the team include: Isaiah Armenta, Austin Bernard, Cheyne Davis, Jonathan Doulgeropoulos, Austin Erickson, Will Gaines, Christian Jimenez, Travis Kauffman, Frankie Lopez, Markus Melin, Kalani Nakamura, Jack Parham, Aaron Ping, Andy Rios and Connor Vaughs.

Team USA San Diego International is a non-profit organization founded by Al Alvarado in 1977. Each year players between the ages of 14 and 15 are selected from San Diego County to compete in the International World Boys League Tournament. The players will stay with Japanese families in a cultural experience of a lifetime for these players and host families.

The East County Suns features players from throughout the Grossmont Conference and other local high schools. (ECSuns photo)

© East County Sports.com
SAN DIEGO (5-19-11) — The EBO sponsored Big Showdown basketball tournament at San Diego State produced a flashy performance by the East County Suns boys team that led to a second-place finish in the five-game tournament.

“We lost the championship game, 60-54, to a team with kids from all over the country and one kid from Russia,” said coach JEFF BICKFORD. “I’m very proud of my team and we represented San Diego well.”

1st game; Landon Lozoya (14 pts, 3 reb, 5 ast, 1 stl), Tyson Kygar (13 pts, 2 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl), DeSean Waters (10 pts, 7 reb, 1 ast), Ryan Bickford (5 pts, 3 reb, 1 blk), Thomas Butler (2 pts, 7 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Aaron Hueslein (4 pts, 1 reb, 1 stl), Garrett Larch-Miller (5 pts, 4 reb, 3 ast), Christian Barry (1 reb, 1 stl), Jonny Preston (2 pts, 1 reb, 1 stl), Jeron Satterfield(4 pts, 3 reb, 2 ast.

2nd game: Landon Lozoya (11 pts, 5 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), Tyson Kygar (5 pts, 3 reb, 2 ast), DeSean Waters (4 pts, 1 stl), Ryan Bickford (15 pts, 3 reb, 1 stl, 3 blk), Thomas Butler (4 pts, 9 reb), Aaron Hueslein (2 reb, 1 ast), Jonny Preston (2 pts, 1 reb), Jeron Satterfield (7 pts, 3 reb, 1 ast).

3rd game: Tyson Kygar (3 pts, 1 reb, 1 stl), Landon Lazoya (5 pts, 2 reb, 5 ast, 1 stl, 2 blk), DeSean Waters (9 pts, 2 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl, 1 blk), Ryan Bickford (9 pts, 2 reb, 1 stl), 2 blk), Thomas Butler (2 pts, 3 reb, 1 stl, 2 blk), Aaron Hueslein (4 pts, 1 stl), Garrett Larch-Miller (8 pts, 4 reb, 7 ast, 3 stl), Dominique Miller (2 pts, 1 reb, 1 blk).

4th game: Jonny Preston (5 pts, 2 reb), DeSean Waters (2 pts, 1 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Aaron Hueslein (2 reb, 1 ast), Landon Lazoya (10 pts, 7 reb, 6 ast, 2 stl), Garrett Larch-Miller (12 pts, 5 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Thomas Butler 11 pts, 2 reb, 1 stl), Jeron Satterfield (11 pts, 3 reb), Ryan Bickford (1 pt, 2 reb), Tyson Kygar (9 pts, 2 reb, 3 ast, 1 blk), Dominique Miller (8 pts, 2 reb, 1 ast, 2 blk).

Championship: DeSean Walker (3 pts, 4 ast, 1 stl), Tyson Kygar (2 pts, 1 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl), Aaron Hueslein (2 pts, 1 reb, 1 stl), Landon Lazoya (13 pts, 5 reb, 1 stl, 2 blk), Thomas Butler (2 pts, 3 reb), Dominique Miller (11 pts, 3 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Garrett Larch-Miller (13 pts, 6 reb, 2 ast), Jeron Satterfield (6 pts, 4 reb), Ryan Bickford (4 reb, 2 stl, 3 blk).

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-4-11) — The Grossmont College Foundation will host its ninth annual BRAD DALUISO Golf Classic, a fund-raising tournament, starting at noon on Friday (May 6) at Sycuan Resort’s Willow Glen Course.The public is invited to play.

Proceeds benefit the Brad Daluiso Golf Classic/Bernard Osher Athletic Perpetual Scholarship and support other Grossmont College Foundation activities.

Entry donation to play is $250 per person, which includes green fees, cart, tee prizes, gift bag, lunch, snacks, and an after-golf awards dinner. Sponsorship opportunities are available and donations of merchandise and/or professional services for the silent auction and raffle are welcomed.

The tournament’s founder and namesake is Brad Daluiso, who attended Grossmont College in 1987 and 1988, and played professional football as a kicker for 10 seasons (Buffalo Bills 1991, Denver Broncos 1992, New York Giants 1993-2000). He retired in 2000 as the Giants’ all-time, most-accurate kicker, and is the second all-time leading scorer in the team’s history. Daluiso played in Super Bowl XXVI with the Bills and in Super Bowl XXXV with the Giants. In 2003, he was inducted into the Grossmont College’s Walk of Fame.

For more information about registration for the event and donation opportunities, call (619) 644-7109.

Griffins fall in marathon state final

© East County Sports.com
COSTA MESA (4-23-11) — The Grossmont College men's volleyball team came just about as close as you can to winning a state championship, yet fell just short.

In a five-set marathon, Irvine Valley College was pushed to the brink but held off the Griffins in the fifth set, 15-13, to claim its fourth California Community College Athletic Association state title.

For Grossmont, finishing second was its best finish ever in the final match for long-time head coach FRED FEATHERSTONE, who is retiring after 23 seasons.

The Lazers (15-6) took the opening two sets by identical 25-17 scores before the Griffins roared back, 25-23, 25-18, to force the tie-breaker at Orange Coast College 's Peterson Gymnasium.

State tournament most valuable player Brandon Directo led IVC with 17 kills and 8 digs and added 5 blocks in the win. Mark Metrakos also posted 17 kills and a team-high six blocks. Kevin Fiske totaled 58 assists.

"These guys did an amazing job," said IVC coach Ki Yi. "I was going to live and die with Brandon swinging, and he took care of business."

"I could tell the guys were nervous towards the end. And so was I and I think I did a bad job of hiding it. But I am so proud of these guys. It was a great overall effort."

In the deciding fifth set, Grossmont led early, 6-5 before the Lazers stormed back to score four straight points thanks to three Grossmont errors and a Directo kill.

Irvine Valley was leading 11-7 and had to withstand one final Grossmont surge.

Four IVC errors and a kill by SHALIMAR BUCHANAN moved the Griffins to within one point at 14-13. But Directo capped IVC state championship run with a cross-court kill to seal to win.

It was a tough way to go out for Featherstone.

"This is going to sting for a while," Featherstone said. "23 years of hard work and it came down to a few bounces. It was an exciting match and I'm proud of the guys for fighting their way back into it and not quitting."

All-tournament selection JOSE MENDOZA led Grossmont (16-5) with 14 kills. Buchanan added 13 kills and 8 digs, while All-tournament setter SHANE BEATTY totaled 49 assists.

2011 ALL-STATE TOURNAMENT TEAM
MVP: Brandon Directo, Irvine Valley
Mark Metrakos, Irvine Valley
Kevin Fiske, Irvine Valley
Jose Mendoza, Grossmont
Shane Beatty, Grossmont
Kristopher Johnson, Long Beach
Troy Tomasello, Orange Coast

Griffins advance to state men's volleyball final

© East County Sports.com
COSTA MESA (4-21-11) — Grossmont College owns a pair of women's volleyball state championships, but none in men's play.

However, that could change in the next 48 hours after the Griffins advanced to the California state championship match after the second-seeds stunned top-ranked Long Beach City in Wednesday's (Apr. 20) semifinals, held at Orange Coast College.

After dropping the first set, the Griffins vacated the powerful Vikings by sweeping the final three games, 17-25, 25-16, 25-22, 25-22. Long Beach, the Western State Conference champions and the 2009 state titlist, finished at 13-5.

Grossmont's run to the Final Four is dedicated to head coach FRED FEATHERSTONE, who will retire after this, his 22nd season running the program. A year ago, Featherstone was elected to the California Community College Hall of Fame.

Despite being the second seed, Grossmont was placed in the Long Beach half of the postseason draw due to a second-place finish in the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference behind Irvine Valley.

Thus, in Friday's (Apr. 22) 7 p.m. state final, the Griffins (16-4) will get one final shot to defeat the PCAC champion Lazers (14-6) in the ballclubs' third meeting of the season at OCC's Peterson Gymnasium.

IVC owns three state crowns, including recent back-to-back titles in 2007-08. The Lazers advanced to meet Grossmont after eliminating Orange Coast, the defending state champ.

Grossmont is led by play-making setter SHANE BEATTY, a freshman out of Granite Hills, who tops the state with more than 11 assists per set.

Other top performers include freshman middle blocker SHALIMAR BUCHANAN (Bonita Vista), plus a pair of players from Ensenada, B.C., Mexico, in sophomore outside hitter JOSE MENDOZA and freshman opposite JORGE CABRERA.

Several Griffins sit atop the state statistical leader board.

Buchanan is 9th in kills per game, Cabrera is 5th in hitting percentage and Mendoza is in the top 15 in both offensive categories.

The Griffins gained their Final Four berth after downing El Camino in straight sets during Monday's quarterfinals, 25-23, 25-22, 25-18. ELCO is home to Featherstone's brother, John, the longtime head football coach of the Warriors who once was a defensive back standout for San Diego State during the Don Coryell years.

Grossmont owns three state bronze medals (1994, 1999 and 2000), but fell in the state semifinals each time. The Griffins are just the third team from San Diego County to play for a state crown. Twice earlier, Palomar advanced to the finale before falling in 1995 to Golden West and 2005 to Moorpark.

Heartland's Michael Salazar medaled in the 100 fly at the Far Western Short Course Championships. (Photo by Victor Salazar)

© East County Sports.com
MORGAN HILL (4-7-11) — Five members of the Heartland Swim Association competed in the prestigious Far Western Short Course Championships, held over the weekend (Mar. 31-Apr. 3) at the Morgan Hill Aquatic Center. More than 1,600 swimmers from throughout the western U.S. were represented.

Among HSA athletes, Michael Salazar was the lone athlete to advance to a final, finished eighth overall with a personal-best time of 55.01 seconds in the 100 fly for Boys 13-14. Salazar also placed 12th in the 200 fly.

Another top finisher from Heartland include Parker Seale, who just missed a berth in the Boys 11-12 50-yard back final, capturing the consolation race for a 9th-place overall finish. Seale also placed 12th in the 100 breast.

Other locals were Benjamin Bleichwehl (23rd in Boys 12-13 500 free), Amanda Sumrow (41st, Girls 13-14 400 IM), and Tyler Rhoades (44th, Boys 13-14 50 free).

The quintet, trained by head coach Kevin Eslinger, qualified for the event after meeting stringent time qualifying standards earlier in the club swimming season.

© East County Sports.com
RANCHO SAN DIEGO (3-1-11) -— Steele Canyon High School is attempting to raise funds for Cougars spring sports and cheer teams by selling tickets to a San Diego Padres game.

The contest will be on Sat., Apr. 23, when the Padres host the Philadelphia Phillies in a special 5:35 p.m. contest at Petco Park.

For ticket information, click for the FLYER or the ticket ordering FORM.

Jim Erkenbeck was given a Monty Award as a distinguished San Diego State alum in 2008. LINK (SDSU Alumni photo)

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-30-11) — JIM ERKENBECK, the pioneer coach of Grossmont Community College football, died earlier this month. He was 81.

Erkenbeck introduced community college football to the East County when he took the reins at fledgling Grossmont College in 1962. He was the first one to pass out pads for the Griffins’ inaugural season when the original campus was still at Monte Vista High School.

The Griffins actually won their first gridiron encounter by knocking off San Bernardino Valley, 14-6. The Griffins would not win again until Game 9 when they clipped Southwestern, 28-10.

This was nonetheless a landmark season as Grossmont College opposed Fullerton College in the KCOP Channel 13 community college game of the week, which unfortunately they lost 22-0.

Erkenbeck returned a year later and the Griffins posted three wins in nine decisions. Their wins included a 41-13 victory over Riverside, 20-14 over Citrus and 30-7 over Southwestern. The season concluded with a televised loss to Fullerton 23-8.

Erkenbeck was also the first head football coach at El Capitan High when it opened in 1959. In his two seasons at the Vaqueros’ helm his teams were 6-9-2.

He continued his career in 1961 when he joined infamous coach Don Coryell at San Diego State. His career also included two seasons as offensive coordinator for the USFL champion Philadelphia Stars. Probably more impressive was the fact that he was also an assistant coach for the Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams and Oakland Raiders.

As a player Erkenbeck was on a San Diego State team that finished 10-0-1 in 1951, concluding the season with a win over Hawai'i in the Pineapple Bowl.

“He was a good guy to coach with and a very good friend,” said former teammate Tom Bass, who also coached at Grossmont College.

40 years in the making, State Route 52
Finally Open from Santee to La Jolla

The project completes the 18-mile freeway from SR-67 on the east side of Santee to Interstate 5 in La Jolla. Construction on the final 3.5-mile link began in 2008 and was paid for with $133 million from state Proposition 1B Transportation Bond Program, $35 million from the region's TransNet sales tax and federal funds.

The 52 Freeway first opened on the west end in 1970 as the San Clemente Canyon Freeway. Thus, the entire project took more than 40 years to complete.

Did You Know?... The official name for SR-52 is the Mount Soledad Freeway.

© East County Sports.com
SILVER CITY, N.M. (3-24-11) — ADAM CLARK, a former standout for West Hills High School and Grossmont College, became one of the nation's youngest college football coaches after taking over the program at Western New Mexico University.

Clark is basing his roster on players from Southern California, particularly San Diego County, already announcing a cast of nine local signees for his 2011 ballclub. However, Clark seeks additional players. If you are interested or seek additional information on his NCAA Division II program, contact him by EMAIL.

Western's Mustangs will play locally this fall during Week 2, when they meet the University of San Diego at Torero Stadium.

"We will have nearly 20 total players from the San Diego area on our roster who will be coming home," said Clark. "And we're always seeking additional talent."

Among the San Diego signees are:

Dylan Fitzgerald, Steele Canyon/Grossmont College; Tyler Jackson, RB, Ramona; David Villanueva, OL, Escondido; Michael Headrick, OL, Escondido; Shaun Licudine, DB, Otay Ranch; David Vasquez, OL, Oceanside; Shamone Fletcher, WR, Mira Mesa; Marcus Smith, WR, Mira Mesa; Larry Young, WR, Morse; and Brent Courtney, LB/TE, Carlsbad.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-19-11) -— The 2011 Grossmont Union High School District Cheer Competition will be held this Wednesday (Mar. 23) at El Cajon Valley High Stadium.

The competition will feature teams competing at the Junior Varsity, Varsity, Varsity Advanced and Varsity Co-ed levels. There will also be a Best Jumper and Best Tumbler award.

Tickets will be sold at the door, starting at 4:30 pm at the stadium box office. Admission is $5.00 for students with an ASB card and $7.00 for general admission.

Parking is limited, please arrive early to secure a parking space or plan on parking on the street. Concessions will be available.

© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (3-17-11) — The West Hills High girls fastpitch team will be the beneficiary at the annual Hot Rod Galore auto show, slated for this Saturday (Mar. 20).

Members of the Wolf Pack will be cooking up hot dogs, serving soda, water and baked goods – all on a donation basis. The auto show also included trophies for the top autos showcased at the event, plus live music and raffle prizes.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at True Line Wheel Alignment, located at 210 W. Bradley Ave., in El Cajon.

To enter a vehicle, go HERE.

© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (2-22-11) — Former Grossmont College women's volleyball coach ERIC SATO, recognized as one of the greatest players in U.S. history, has been appointed as co-head coach of the girls volleyball program at West Hills High School.

Sato, named to the USVBA's 75th anniversary All-Era team, will share duties with incumbent JAMIE BEAN. The tandem's first assignment will be this Thursday's (Feb. 24) freshmen orientation at the school gymnasium.

Sato, the best defensive player in the world in both indoor and 4-man beach volleyball, captured a gold medal at the 1986 world championship in Paris, then Olympic gold at the 1988 Seoul Games.

His international resume also features a bronze medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, during a period when Sato was recognized as the best defensive player in the world, along with numerous other domestic and international successes.

As a coach, Sato was both CIF San Diego Section and CIF state coach of the year after leading Francis Parker to the first of its two state championship under the Santa Monica native. He also coached Grossmont College to a pair of Pacific Coast Conference crowns (1999-2000), then four section titles with Parker.

“Coach Vickery has the deepest respect from fellow coaches, parents, teachers, administrators and most importantly his athletes. I cannot think of a more appropriate and deserving individual for the CIF Model Coach Award,” said El Captain assistant principal PAUL HEDBERG.

PATTY TIBBITTS Granite Hills Boys & Girls Tennis
Student athletes can expect a steady diet of sportsmanship training and support when they play for Tibbitts. All of her players attest to the importance of respect for the game and their opponents. In fact, Tibbitts’ pet peeve is clapping for unforced errors.

She also enjoys helping student athletes appreciate education. Such was the case when she supported a player’s attendance at SAT and ACT preparation courses. On the court, Tibbitts’ teams consistently compete for league titles. And her teams do it with a large group because she maintains a no-cut policy in her program.

As a result, the United States Tennis Association recognized her in 2008 for implementing such a procedure because it allows young players the opportunity to represent their high schools and helps ensure that they have more active futures.

© East County Sports.com
LINDA VISTA (2-4-11) — CIF San Diego Section commissioner Dennis Ackerman finalized an agreement with the section's board of managers on his retirement schedule.

Ackerman, who earlier announced he was stepping down upon the expiration of his current 2-year contract on June 30, agreed to stay on through Oct. 3 to allow him time to train his replacement.

The results of a 40-minute, closed-door meeting Tuesday (Feb. 1) saw both sides agree to allow Ackerman to step aside on his 60th birthday.

"I asked to have the contract extended to help the new guy, and I would have been surprised if they hadn't agreed to that,'' Ackerman told The North County Times. "I guess I could have asked to go through the football finals at Qualcomm (Stadium), but October seemed like a good time to go.''

The extra three months will also give the board additional time to find a successor. The next session to determine the section's sixth commissioner will come at its regularly scheduled April 26 meeting.

Ackerman joined the CIFSDS in 1996, serving five years as assistant commissioner under Jan Jessop, then taking over the top spot upon her retirement in 2001.

"I've been involved in some form of athletics for more than 40 years,'' Ackerman also told The Times. "It's been, for the most part, a lot of fun."

© East County Sports.com
LINDA VISTA (1-15-11) — BRUCE WARD, who oversees the athletics programs for the San Diego Unified School District, is among the leading contenders to become the fifth commissioner of the CIF San Diego Section following Friday's (Jan. 14) announcement that DENNIS ACKERMAN will retire from the post after a 10-year stint.

Ward, a former Kearny High football standout who later played for the San Diego Chargers, has served as district director for Physical Education, Health and Athletics for the San Diego Unified School District for 21 years.

Ward, a San Diego State graduate, recently received the 2010 State Award of Merit by the California State Athletic Directors Association. Among his numerous awards include the San Diego Curriculum and Instruction Administrator of the Year in 2008, the CAHPERD Outstanding Service Award for Administration and the California Athletic Director of the Year Award.

Ackerman, 59, possesses similar credentials in a career which included working as a coach and youth sports administrator to collegiate basketball referee, eventually serving five years as assistant commissioner to JAN JESSOP. He is expected to serve through the conclusion of his current contract in June, although the CIFSDS Board of Managers could extend Ackerman's term into the next school year while searching for his replacement.

Other names expected to apply include former Grossmont Union High School District administrator JERRY SCHNIEPP, who is now coordinator of athletics for the Sweetwater Union High School District, former Rancho Bernardo girls basketball coach Peggy Brose, and Hilltop High's Nancy Acerrio, who is the Women’s Coaches’ Representative to the CIFSDS Coordinating Council.

The Board of Managers is expected to determine details on Ackerman's future at its Feb. 1 meeting.

Kayla Douglas, 2010 Miss Rodeo Lakeside (ECSA courtesy photo)

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LAKESIDE (12-19-20) — The Lakeside Rodeo, which is traditionally held over the fourth weekend of April, will be moved up one week for 2011. The Lakeside Stadium Association, which operates the event, announced the 47th annual gathering will be from Apr. 15-17.

"We have changed the traditional weekend of the Lakeside Rodeo because of community and religious concern regarding the rodeo being held the same weekend as Easter," the non-profit organization announced on its website. "This will only affect 2011."

In addition, the Miss Rodeo Lakeside competition will be held Sat., Mar. 19. Reigning queen KAYLA DOUGLAS, a senior at El Capitan High, will crown the 2011 winner.

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VIEJAS INDIAN RESERVATION (11-24-10) — The Valhalla Foundation will be holding a No Limit Hold'em poker tournament at Viejas Casino on Wed., Dec. 1, benefiting the Norsemen cheerleading program.

An estimated prize pool of $5,000 will be available (based on 200 players), with the cards "going in the air" at 6:30 p.m. Payouts go to the top five players. Registration is at 5:30 p.m. ($100 buy-in, re-buys will be available). For further information, contact Marcelyn by EMAIL at (619) 322-7054.

VALHALLA NORSEMEN	GROSSMONT FOOTHILLERS
On the dotted line © East County Sports.com RANCHO SAN DIEGO (11-17-10; revised 11-18-10) — Last week, high school seniors were officially allowed to sign scholarship papers with NCAA schools in many sports. Included are Valhalla High products (left photo, l-r): Morgan Small to UCLA (crew); Francisco Tellez and Bryce Mosier, both to San Diego State (baseball); and Torrey Rook, San Francisco State (women's fastpitch). Also joining the Aztecs baseball program is Grossmont High's Joe Musgrove (right photo).

© East County Sports.com
SAN DIEGO (10-30-10) — The San Diego State softball team will play host to the National Pro Fastpitch All-Stars on Friday, Nov. 12, at SDSU Softball Stadium. The game, in conjunction with the NPF's "Back to School Tour," will begin at 6 p.m. PT.

Team NPF is comprised of athletes from all four of the NPF teams - Akron Racers, Chicago Bandits, Tennessee Diamonds and USSSA Florida Pride - and includes an accomplished list of competitors. East County high school have placed three players on NPF rosters over the past decade, ranking among the most in the country.

The NPF team will make 18 stops on college campuses across the country, competing against some of the nation's best college programs in their fall exhibition seasons. The tour kicked off Sept. 10 in Memphis, Tenn., and will conclude Nov. 15 in Daytona Beach, Fla.

As of Oct. 18, the NPF team has compiled a 13-0 record, outscoring the opposition, 112-6. The only other Southern California tour stop will be a day earlier on Fri., Nov. 11, at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut.

Tickets for the event are $5 and are available by calling the Aztec softball office at (619) 594-2345.

The Poway Field Tournament Division 1A champion Steele Regiment. (Photo by William Karstens)

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POWAY (10-10-10) — The Steele Regiment, the marching band for Steele Canyon High School, claimed the championship in its division of the Poway Invitational Field Tournament, held Saturday (Oct. 9) at Poway High School Stadium.

Facing four other schools in Division 1A, the Steele Regiment claimed a pair of blue ribbon prizes. They took first in the Band competition with a score of 62.85 points, out-distancing the band from Mount Miguel High (53.30). Then in the Auxiliary competition for color guards, Steele Canyon (58.30) edged West Hills (57.10) for the crown, followed by third-place Mount Miguel (54.60).

2011 Padres Schedule Vaqueros Golf Tournament announced © East County Sports.com LAKESIDE (9-20-10) — El Capitan High Girls Basketball announces its Inaugural Golf Classic fundraiser to be held on the Ivanhoe Course at Cottonwood Golf Club on Sun., Nov. 21. Registration begins at 8 a.m. with a Shotgun Start at 9 a.m. The format is a 4-person scramble ($100/person); awards will be presented for 1st and 2nd place teams, Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin and Putting Contest. Entry fees are due ASAP. For sponsorship or donation information, please contact FRANK QUINONES at (619) 252-4032 or KELCY DAVIS at (858) 204-4808. Are you King/Queen of the BBQ? © East County Sports.com SPRING VALLEY (9-9-10) — As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, Los Toros Youth Football & Cheer will conduct its inaugural Spring Valley Tailgate & BBQ Festival. The event will be held Sun., Oct. 17, at Cali Comfort Restaurant on Troy Street from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Organizers seek to raise funds for underprivileged youth in the area, including youngsters partaking in football or cheer for the 2010 season. The festival seeks "amateur BBQ teams" to participate in cooking competitions covering four categories: tri-tip, pork ribs, chicken, and best decorated tailgate team. Vendors are also requested to join with booth rental space available. Registration ends on Oct. 10, so to enter or participate, visiting the festival website: www.springvalleybbqfestival.com. Turn-back-the-clock tennis Event Photos HERE Actress Joan Crawford wearing her tennis whites, circa 1925. © East County Sports.com EL CAJON (9-12-10) — Grossmont College will host its annual "Whites and Woods" doubles tournament, a fundraiser for the school's state champion women's tennis program. The event runs on Sept. 18-19 on the campus courts on the north end of the Fletcher Hills school. In the tradition of tennis over the majority of the 19th & 20th centuries, players are encouraged to wear all white – an award will be given for the most authentic outfit – and to use wooden rackets (rental racquets will be available for just $5). "There will also be afternoon tea," noted Griffins head coach MEGAN HABER. "It will be a fun event for the entire tennis community" Last year, more than 20 doubles teams participated; the entry fee is only $40. For further information, contact Fletcher Hills Tennis Club pro Nathan Welden at (619) 920-9052, or visit the Tournament section of www.FletcherHillsTennis.com. Coyotes awarded State Hwy 54

City of El Cajon Media Relations
EL CAJON (8-27-10) — About 70 firefighters fought a brush fire today that burned 12 acres on a hillside just north of Grossmont College. The fire was reported to Heartland Fire Dispatch at 10:43 a.m. burning just north of Grossmont College Drive, west of State Route 125. It spread north toward the 8900 block of Clifford Heights Road threatening homes, so residents were evacuated for a short time.

Firefighters on the ground received air support from two water drop helicopters from the San Diego Sheriff's Department and two air tankers from Cal Fire. The fire was contained by noon, but fire crews stayed on scene until 3 p.m. watching for hot spots. The cause of the fire was said to be accidental. Workers near the area had been installing a fence and had been cutting metal when sparks started the blaze.

Classes at Grossmont College were not affected, although a Grossmont College official said about 50 employees were temporarily evacuated from their offices on the northern end of the campus. None of the school's athletics facilities on that end of the campus, including Mashin-Roth Memorial Stadium for football and soccer, were damaged; no injuries were reported.

© East County Sports.com
BALBOA PARK (8-13-10) — A trio of former East County coaches – DICK LANGSTON (Helix wrestling), KATHY WORLEY (Mount Miguel softball), and ZACH PECK (Monte Vista boys basketball) – will join five others to be inducted into the High School Coaching Legends wing of the San Diego Hall of Champions.

The induction ceremony will be held on Wed., Nov. 10 at the Scottish Rite Center in Mission Valley.

Langston, during an era when Monte Vista and Valhalla were kingpins in the San Diego Section in wrestling, always had his Highlanders hanging near the top. His 1988 squad edged the Norsemen for the CIF Class 2A title, while Langston's 1977, 1982 and 1987 squads were section runners-up.

Worley became the third consecutive Matadors coach to capture a CIF championship when her 1997 ballclub defeated Scripps Ranch. She followed the footsteps of Jane Trude (1978-80) and Carol Oftedahl (1985).

Worley was named SDCIF coach of the year after her Matadors-won it all in 1997, a period when Mount Miguel established a Grossmont South League record with 35 consecutive league victories – the third most in SDCIF history – from 1996-99.

Peck owns a pair of CIF runner-up finishes to his resume, finishing second to Morse in 1987 and to Torrey Pines in 1992. He was also noted for his other contributions, including coaching various all-star games, serving as a league representative to the CIF, and later serving at director of athletics for the Monarchs.

The others are Lisa Reis, who coached volleyball at Poway until her controversial release last year; Jon Robertson, golf coach at Torrey Pines; Leonard Gann, the softball coach at San Marcos before moving over to city neighbor Mission Hills when it opened; Don DeAngelo, the swim coach for USDHS/Cathedral Catholic; and Merlyn "Chip" Holmes, who guided track and cross country programs at Bonita Vista, Hilltop and Eastlake.

In addition, the Bob Breitbard Meritorious Achievement Award will be given to Curt Caspersen, Gary Chapman, Marvin Finch and Joseph "Sef" Torres for contributions to high school athletics in capacities other than coaching.

Tickets for the dinner are $55 and are available by contacting Mary Woodall by EMAIL.