December 7, 2006

SPORTS

Hard-fought matches highlight impressive Leland wrestling win over Del Mar

Depth, skill of Leland wrestlers proves to be too much for Dons

By Ali Abdollahi
Staff Writer

The Leland wrestling team dominated its Jan. 10 meet with Del Mar at almost every weight class, earning an impressive 63-11 victory.

Leland's Matthew Dickson (in blue) battles Del Mar's Edgar Flores during a 63-11 victory over the Dons on Jan. 10. Photos by Dan Miranda

Despite several hard-fought matches, the Leland squad proved too deep and technically sound for Del Mar. Chargers assistant coach Geoff Wellington said, “We just came to wrestle tonight. Our guys stayed focused on dominating their matches and getting pins.”

The most exciting match of the meet was the final tussle of the competition, when Leland’s Roberto Garcia battled with Del Mar’s Anthony Portales in the 125-pound class. Both wrestlers demonstrated will and poise during the back-and-forth contest, with coaches, teammates and fans growing louder as the match intensified. Garcia executed a shoot very early in the match, and it looked like it would be another smooth Leland victory.

Portales had other ideas, however, countering each of Garcia’s moves with aggressive moves of his own, and fighting all the way back to take the lead late into the third round. Garcia then scored on a quick reversal with 30 seconds left in the match to retake the lead 4-3, and held on until the final buzzer to secure the win.

Leland's Brandon Hong is pinned by his Del Mar opponent, Eric Tilbury, during a 63-11 win over the Dons on Jan. 10.

The varsity portion of the competition began in the 135-pound weight class, when Leland’s Matthew Dickinson built a lead through two periods over Del Mar’s Edgar Flores, before securing the victory by rolling Flores into a pin.

Leland followed up with a quick pin in the next match, when Kenneth Barcos was able to gain the upper hand on Del Mar’s John Schuler. Leland’s Andrew Garg and Jeffrey Sommer also won their matches by pinning their respective opponents. Del Mar’s Eric Tilbury gave the Dons their only pin victory of the meet with his win in the 140-pound weight class.

Del Mar’s most impressive victory, however, was delivered by Daniel Linares, who dominated his match from the early going. After a frantic first minute, Linares controlled the rest of the three-round match, earning a 19-3 victory.

“We wrestled really well, and we’ve got some really hard workers,” said Del Mar coach Brad Ramezone. “We don’t have as many kids come out for wrestling as some other schools,
but the guys that come out are great examples of hard work and perseverance.”

Leland girls’ soccer controls game, but settles for tie

Skillful performance dampened by missed opportunities in 1-1 tie versus Piedmont Hills

By Ali Abdollahi
Staff Writer

Despite controlling possession and dominating the tempo for the majority of their Jan. 12 game against
Piedmont Hills, the Leland girls’ soccer team ultimately had to settle for a 1-1 tie.

Leland’s Allison Huffman advances toward the goal during the Chargers’ 1-1 tie versus Piedmont Hills on Jan. 12. Photos by Ali Abdollahi

Failing to capitalize on several goal-scoring opportunities in the second half, Leland missed a chance to improve its record, which currently sits at 1-3-3 in league play and 5-4-4 overall.

“We’ve definitely got to finish our chances,” said Leland head coach David Blutrich. “We controlled most of the second half, but we’ve got to make better use of those opportunities.”

Junior forward Sara Chehrehsa was the catalyst for Leland’s domination during the game, displaying ball control, passing vision and leadership throughout.

“Sara played really well. She’s a real difference maker out there,” said Blutrich. “She easily could have had three goals.”

After receiving a pass from senior Allison Huffman, Chehresha opened the scoring in the first half by dribbling through the Piedmont Hills defense, forcing the goalie to lean right, and finally placing a pinpoint shot into the upper-left corner of the goal.

Playing with a 1-0 advantage for much of the second half, Leland stayed on the offensive behind Chehrehsa, Huffman and sophomore Neekoo Delrooz.

A cross by sophomore Maggie Nguyen nearly resulted in a backbreaking goal for Leland early in the second half, but the shot sailed high over the goal.

Leland senior Morgan Wampler winds up for a corner kick against Piedmont Hills on Jan. 12.

Piedmont responded by finally scoring on a difficult shot into the left side of the goal to tie the game at 1-1.

The Leland attacked never relented, however. Several opportunities for the Chargers ended in heartbreaking fashion during the final 15 minutes of play. Another cross by Chehrehsa was nearly netted by Huffman, but again went over the crossbar. Chehrehsa then shuffled through the Piedmont defense once again and pushed the ball past the goalkeeper, missing another goal by inches.

The game’s most controversial moment came when yet another Leland attack was stopped by a hard takedown inside of the goal
box. No foul was called, however, prompting protests from the
Leland supporters.

“That was definitely a questionable call,” said Blutrich, “We just had some bad luck in the second half.”

Piedmont then threatened to steal a victory when they had a breakaway opportunity in the final minutes of the game. But junior goalie Jennifer Oiye, playing in place of injured starter Elisa Vye, made a game-saving stop to keep the score tied.

Leland had one last opportunity to get the win when junior Karina Cavanna nearly scored a long-range goal off of a set piece. But like other scoring chances in the second half,
the shot just missed, forcing the Chargers to settle for the 1-1 draw.

Sports Briefs

Almaden Stealth boys’ U11 competitive soccer tryouts
Open tryouts for the boys’ U11 class 3 soccer team will be held Jan. 20 from 1 p.m.–3 p.m. at Steinbeck Middle School. The tryout is open to all boys who are born after July 31, 1996. This is the perfect opportunity to try out
for a competitive team as roster sizes grow, due to increasing players on the field from eight versus eight to 11 versus 11. The team will retain the services of a professional coach. The team is also looking for a part-time goalie. For questions, call Tom Geraghty at (408) 927-6252 or e-mail 4mon@sbcglobal.net.

Almaden Valley Rebels U17 girls’ soccer tryouts
The U17 girls’ Division 3 (comp.) Almaden Valley Rebels soccer team is looking for players for both spring and fall. Players must be born after 8-1-90. The Rebels have several players on the team that are “playing up,” so even if you are 14 or 15 years old, do not be afraid to try out for the team. Please contact Scott Hoyt at shoyt@cinnabarhills.com for complete details and tryout dates.

Almaden U9 boys’ competitive soccer team tryouts Jan. 20
A new Almaden U9 boys’ competitive soccer team is holding two tryout sessions for the upcoming year. It is open to boys born after 7/31/98. The tryouts will be held on Jan. 20 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Almaden Elementary School, located at 1295 Dentwood Ave., San Jose. For questions and additional information, please contact John Jussen (408) 504-8405 or e-mail jussen1@netzero.net. Interested parties may also contact Timothy Mackin at (408) 997-1046 or e-mail mackinfam@sbcglobal.net.

Almaden Wildcats girls’ U-12 soccer tryouts
The Almaden Wildcats competitive soccer team will be holding tryouts on Jan. 28 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. and Feb. 4 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Simonds Elementary School on Little Falls Drive. Girls wanting to tryout must be
born after 7/31/1995. The Wildcats are the two-time defending Spring League competitive champions. Their
other accomplishments this past year include going undefeated in 2006 tournament pool play, quarterfinalists in the 2006 Association Cup, and winning their district cup tournament. If you would like more information about
the team or tryouts, contact Coach Ron Richardson at (408) 997-6168 or visit the team Web site at http://www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?url=avwildcats or www.almadensoccer.org.

Almaden Storm U12 boys soccer needs players
The Almaden Storm U12 (Fall) boys’ class 1 soccer team needs players for spring (U11) and fall. If you are interested in trying out, please contact Oleg Levitsky at (408) 927-5620 or Mike Reickerd at (408) 268-7576. 

Almaden Storm U14 boys’ soccer needs players
The Almaden Storm U14 (Fall) boys’ class 1 soccer team needs players for spring and fall. The U13 Almaden Storm, currently ranked eighth in northern California, is also looking for players. If you are interested in trying
out, please contact Chris Brubaker at (408) 226-1718 or Mike Reickerd at (408) 268-7576.

Almaden Quicksilver U11 girls’ comp tryouts
Open tryouts for girls U11 (born after 7/31/96) competitive class 3 team will be held on Saturday, Jan. 27 from 1–3 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 28 from noon–2 p.m. at Simonds Elementary School. The field is located on the
corner of Little Falls and Parajo Drive.  The team is looking to expand its roster with girls who have a desire to
play soccer at a competitive level.  The team will be playing spring and fall soccer.

Come dressed to play soccer with a ball and water. If you have any questions, please call Kathy Wesolowski at (408) 323-9236 or kathywesolowski@sbcglobal.net.

4U/16U "A" Ball softball program seeks players
The 4U/16U "A" Ball softball program, Bay Area Starters, is looking for a few additional players to add to its competitive spring team. For more information, visit http://www.bayareastarters.com or call (408) 315-2704

Almaden Arsenal tryouts
The Arsenal, a boys’ U14 (for fall 2007, born after 7/31/1993) class 3 team in the Almaden Valley Youth Soccer League, will be holding tryouts on Feb. 3, 10 a.m.-noon, and Feb. 4, 2-4 p.m., at Allen at Steinbeck School. For more information, contact Jeff Earl at jsearl@pacbell.net or call (408) 268-5125.

Tryouts for Quicksilver U14 girls soccer
The Almaden Quicksilver U14 girls’ class 3 competitive soccer team is holding open tryouts for the spring and fall 2007 seasons. Girls must be born after Aug. 1, 1993 to be eligible. The tryouts are on Jan. 20 and 27 from 3–5 p.m. at Simonds Elementary. For more information, please contact Coach John at john@politoski.com.

Almaden Arsenal boys’ U9 and U10 soccer tryouts Jan. 21 and 28
The Almaden Arsenal is holding soccer team tryouts on Jan. 21 and 28. The boys U10 will be from 1:30–3 p.m. (8-1-97 through 7-31-98 birth dates for eligible players) and the boys U9 from 3:30–5 p.m. (8-1-98 through 7-31-99 birth dates for eligible players) at Almaden Elementary School, 1295 Dentwood Drive. Head Coach Paul Monteith is a semiprofessional soccer player from England and professional Major League Soccer trainer. This could be an exciting opportunity to be coached by a trained professional.  Please e-mail team manager Kristen Del Biaggio at kristen@delbiaggio.net if you have further questions.

Boys U15 Almaden Newcastle United Select (Division 1) tryouts
The Delgado champions and Association Cup semifinalists are holding tryouts on the dates listed below. Please contact christina_redondo@yahoo.com if interested in trying out.

Tryout dates:
Feb. 3, 2-4 p.m. at Steinbeck Middle School
Feb. 10, 9–11 a.m. at Steinbeck Middle School
Feb. 11, 2–4 p.m. at Steinbeck Middle School

Almaden Flames girls’ U13 soccer open soccer tryouts
The Almaden Flames, a girls’ U13 select soccer team, will be holding tryouts for the 2007 spring/fall season Friday, Jan.19 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 21 from 1–3 p.m. at Steinbeck field 1. Last season, the Flames finished in first place overall in the G U13 Delgado A division. This is a spirited team with great camaraderie. For any questions about the team or additional tryout dates, contact Coach Ron Ramirez at (408) 981-5975.

REACH Youth Scholarship nomination forms available online from San Jose Sports Authority
Nomination forms for the San Jose Sports Authority’s 2006 REACH Youth Scholarship Program, sponsored by Bridge Bank, which has provided college funds to 50 high school students over the past 10 years, are now available for downloading from the Sports Authority’s Web site at www.sjsa.org.
 
Last year, 31 Santa Clara County high school seniors were nominated, and six who overcame adversity through participation in sports were awarded scholarships through the REACH program, an acronym for Recognizing Excellence, Adversity, Courage and Hard Work. Scholarships are awarded based on an essay competition in which nominees explain how sports helped them overcome adversity.

The nominees and scholarship winners for 2006 will be honored at the REACH Awards Breakfast, chaired by
former San Francisco 49er Ronnie Lott, on Thursday, May 3, 2007.

Only Santa Clara County high schools may nominate students for the award, with a maximum of five nominees per school. Nominees must then complete an essay and student information form.

Nominees must:

- Be high school seniors,
- Maintain a 2.5 GPA,
- Participate in at least one sanctioned high school athletic activity,
- Demonstrate community involvement,
- Show the ability to overcome adversity or obstacles to reach his or her goals.

Each nominee is required to write an essay of one to three pages based on his or her experiences. The essay should focus on the obstacles they have overcome and how sports have helped them achieve their goals. Essays will be judged on content.

Nominations must be postmarked by Friday, March 31.

Visit the San Jose Sports Authority Web site at www.sjsa.org for more information.

South San Jose Hotshots seek experienced girls’ soccer players
The South San Jose Hotshots, a girls U11 comp soccer team, is looking for experienced players for its 2007
indoor and outdoor seasons.  The Hotshots play in the Delgado competitive league and finished as one of the
top U10 girls’ teams in the 2006 fall season.  The team has a positive coaching environment, with a focus on teamwork and player development.  Interested players should contact head coach Mike Bunge at awalt80@yahoo.com.

Girls’ Lacrosse of San Jose now registering players
Girls’ Lacrosse of San Jose is now registering players for its spring 2007 season. The club, which plays under the name San Jose Extreme, has openings remaining for its new developmental team for third and fourth graders (second graders by permission), and for its fifth and sixth grade team. In addition, it has a short wait list for its 7th and 8th grade team and a second high school team.

Girls’ lacrosse is a fast-growing, non-contact field sport played with a webbed stick and ball that combines elements of basketball and field hockey. Girls Lacrosse of San Jose started five years ago with one team. In 2007, it will have five teams for girls of all ages.

The club practices at Kirk Community Center on Foxworthy Avenue and is part of the Northern California Junior Lacrosse Association. The season will run from February through mid-May.

For information, go to www.sjextreme.org or contact club President John Fensterwald by email at john@sjextreme.org or call (408) 265-2224

Bret Harte seeks boys’ junior lacrosse coaches
Bret Harte Middle School in San Jose is looking for boys' junior lacrosse coaches for the 2006-2007 season. Multiple positions are available for both head coaches and assistants. Previous lacrosse coaching experience recommended. If you are skilled in lacrosse, kid-oriented, and motivated to create a winning team from the ground floor up, we would love to talk with you! This is an exciting, and rapidly growing sport in California, and these Bret Harte boys are ready to go!

For more information, please contact Wayne Schatz at (408) 623-4691 or email wayne_schatz@sbcglobal.net.

Valley Flag Football now accepting Spring 2007 registration
Valley Flag Football is the premier youth football league for boys and girls ages 5-14. The program provides young players a fun and exciting opportunity to engage in continuous action while learning lessons in teamwork. It’s an excellent way to introduce players before playing tackle and keeping tackle players active in the off-season.

Launched in 1996, the FLAG Football program is designed to educate young people about football while emphasizing participation and sportsmanship. Players learn skills and lessons that help them succeed both on and off the field.

NFL FLAG Football is played across the United States and is a fun and exciting sport that teaches great life lessons, such as sportsmanship, dedication and discipline.

This five-on-five game is recognizable to football fans everywhere. Participants learn about formations, pass patterns and different types of offense and defense. All teams are actual NFL team names. Players keep their team logo jerseys. Sign up today and be part of the Valley Flag Football Family. The first 100 players to register online receive a free league T-shirt. Registration deadline is Feb. 28. The season starts March 25, 2007
Visit our website for more information and registration: www.valleyflagfootball.com or contact us at (408) 531-0417 or via email at tmorgan_valleyflag@hotmail.com.

High School Sports Schedule

Leland High School
Friday – Boys’ basketball at Overfelt, F/S 6 p.m. and varsity 7:30 p.m.
Friday – Girls’ basketball at Westmont, JV 5:30 p.m. and varsity 7 p.m.
Friday – Girls’ soccer at Evergreen, 3:15 p.m.

Tuesday – Boys’ basketball vs. Willow Glen, F/S 5:30 p.m. and varsity 7 p.m.
Tuesday – Wrestling vs. Yerba Buena, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday – Boys’ soccer vs. Live Oak, 3:15 p.m.

Wednesday – Girls’ basketball vs. Gunderson, JV 5:30 p.m. and varsity 7 p.m.
Wednesday – Girls’ soccer vs. Pioneer, 3:15 p.m.

Thursday – Boys’ soccer at Pioneer, 3:15 p.m.*

Pioneer High School
Friday – Boys’ basketball vs. Prospect, F/S 6 p.m. and varsity 7:30 p.m.
Friday – Girls’ basketball at Gunderson, JV 3:30 p.m. and varsity 6:30 p.m.
Friday – Girls’ soccer vs. Leigh, 3:15 p.m.*

Tuesday – Boys’ soccer at Overfelt, 3:15 p.m.*

Wednesday –Boys’ basketball vs. Piedmont Hills, F/S 5:30 p.m. and varsity 7 p.m.
Wednesday –Girls’ basketball at Piedmont Hills, JV 5:30 p.m. and varsity 7 p.m.
Wednesday – Girls’ soccer at Leland, 3:15 p.m.

Thursday – Boys’ soccer vs. Leland, 3:15 p.m.*

For more information about Leland and Pioneer sporting events, go to:

Pioneer Athletics: http://www.phsathletics.com/
Leland Athletics: http://www.lelandathletics.com/
Blossom Valley Athletic League: http://www.bval.org/

High School Scoreboard

Jan. 9
Leland boys’ basketball 51-43 loss at Sobrato
Leland boys’ soccer 3-0 loss vs. Lincoln

Pioneer boys’ soccer 3-2 loss vs. Yerba Buena

Jan. 10
Leland girls’ basketball 60-39 win at Evergreen
Leland girls’ soccer 1-0 loss at Santa Teresa

Pioneer boys’ basketball 75-54 win at Leigh
Pioneer girls’ basketball 45-41 win vs. Leigh
Pioneer girls’ soccer 2-0 win vs. Live Oak

Jan. 11
Leland boys’ soccer 3-3 tie vs. Oak Grove

Pioneer boys’ soccer 8-0 loss at Lincoln

Almaden Storm claims championship at Mustang Winter Turf Invitational

The U13 boys’ Almaden Storm class 1 soccer team was crowned champions in the Mustang Winter Turf
Invitational on the weekend of Jan. 6 and 7.

The U 13 boys’ Almaden Storm

The tournament is a U.S. Soccer Club-sponsored platinum-level tournament, the highest rated level tournament in the state of California.

The Storm entered its first game with a 4-2 victory over the Davis Legacy before earning a second victory, 2-1, in their next game against ACC Mavricks.

The third game of the tournament was against the highly rated Santa Rosa Athletico. This was the second meeting between the two teams, with Santa Rosa prevailing in the first game played at the Santa Clara Invitational, 4-3.

The Storm had to tie or win to get to the finals, which was going to be against Santa Rosa again, as they finished the round with the highest points, due to less goals allowed during the first two games. The Storm finished second in total points.

The match was filled with drama and physical play, led by goalkeeper Masa Nishizaki, who enabled the Storm to walk away with a 0-0 draw after 70 minutes of play.

In the final game, the Storm struck first with a cross from left mid Luc Brubaker to a waiting Alfred Edmonds, who out-jumped everyone to head the ball in for an early 1-0 lead. Santa Rosa countered back with a blistering 30-yard shot by the tournaments most dangerous and gifted player. The Storm’s Connor Jauch had the assignment to mark him all night.

“This was probably the best player we have seen in a long time, and we have seen a lot,” said coach Dave Gold. “Connor had an impossible task, but there was no one who we wanted to mark this kid, but him. Connor left the game exhausted, bruised and bleeding, but shut this kid down.”

Almaden then roared back with a late goal by Roberto Mendoza to walk into halftime with a 2-1 lead.

The second half started with Santa Rosa pressing forward and throwing everything it had at the Storm defense,
but time and time again were turned back. The siege by Santa Rosa finally went answered as Santa Rosa put an 18-yard shot inside the upper right corner to draw the game even at 2-2.

The game turned physical with players going down on both sides. A foul ensued outside the 18-yard box of Santa Rosa. Aurash Bani-Taba was called on to do what he does best—drill penalty kicks. Aurash lined up and bent the ball around the wall. The goalie leapt, got both hands on the ball, but the kick was strong enough to drive the goalie into the net for a goal, giving the Storm a 3-2 edge.

The final five minutes of the game was frantic, as Santa Rosa blasted a shot that hit the cross bar, with Kyle Reickerd heading it away, only to have it shot again past the Storm goalkeeper. Reickerd, who is the team’s starting sweeper, circled behind the keeper and cleared the ball off of the line, keeping Santa Rosa from tying
the match. The Storm immediately countered, and Roberto Mendoza put the nail in coffin with a volley over the goalie for a final score of 4-2.

“This was just a great win for these boys as they prepare for the state tournament in Sacramento at the end of this month,” Gold said. “This team is ranked eighth in northern California; this win may move them up to
number four.”

Special recognition went out to Alfred Edmonds, who scored six goals in four games and goalkeeper Masa Nishizaki, who made brilliant saves all weekend.

The Storm team consists of Aurash Bani-Taba, Luc Brubaker, Alfred Edmonds, Garrett Heinen, Connor Jauch, Thomas Kutleas, Besar Madzar, Besnk Madzar, Ante Marusic, Roberto Mendoza, Alex Mitchell, Brandon Nall,
Masa Nishizaki, Branden Potts, Kyle Reickerd, David Rosas, Stephen Zhang and Brian Kelleher.

Rollin’ Ice Roller Hockey opens at Silver Creek Sportsplex

First Silver Creek Sportsplex partner to open doors Jan. 19

By Jeanne Carbone Lewis
Staff Writer

Bay Area residents have long anticipated the opening of the Silver Creek Sportsplex. Their wait will soon be over as Rollin’ Ice Roller Hockey, the first partner of one of the largest sports mecca buildings in the United States opens Jan. 19.

Former San Jose Shark and now Silver Creek Sportsplex President David Maley oversees construction of the new 240,000 square foot sports mecca. The first partner, Rollin’ Ice Roller Hockey will open Jan. 19. Photo by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

“Our goal is to build a fitness, sports and recreational destination in the South Bay,” said Silver Creek Sportsplex President David Maley. “Each component facility—from the fitness center to the soccer and hockey programs to the restaurant—will be run by partners who are experts in their fields so we can provide the highest quality service and amenities.”

Rollin’ Ice
Silver Creek Sportsplex plans are to meet the fitness, health and sports needs for every member of the family on the brand new 240,000 square foot facility. And with partners of Rollin’ Ice Roller Hockey and Club One Fitness already signed on as part of the Sportsplex, the site is well on the way to becoming a premier Bay Area fitness, health and sports destination.

Rollin’ Ice Roller Hockey is the first partner to open along with a fully stocked pro shop on Jan. 19. Founded by former San Jose Shark and Stanley Cup winner David Maley, Rollin’ Ice became the foremost inline hockey facility in Northern California operating at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds since 1996 and boasting over 30,000 members playing on its two rinks.

The new and improved Rollin’ Ice at Silver Creek Sportsplex will offer three state-of-the-art rink systems, locker rooms and showers and recreational programs for all levels and ages including youth, high school, adult and women.

It is also the home of the Patriots and the Silicon Valley Quakes travel teams as well as host of numerous tournaments. Rollin’ Ice is known for its focus on skills, sportsmanship and fun. It abides by U.S. Hockey In-line Rules and Regulations.

“I’m really excited about the opening of Rollin’ Ice Roller Hockey,” said General Manager Manny Garcia. “We’re looking forward to the extra rink and introducing hockey to a lot more people—youths and adults. And David is a great guy to work for.”

Garcia started as a volunteer at Rollin’Ice seven years ago when his sons were 5 and 2-years-old. His kids were
ice skating and hockey enthusiasts and became members of Rollin’ Ice. Now, Garcia oversees 40 high school and 25 recreation teams as well as adult leagues. He’s looking forward to expanding the membership and teaching more people about roller hockey.

That’s what you’ll find at Rollin’ Ice. One child will sign up for a team and the next child will want to become involved as well. Alison Rickert’s son, 7-year-old Tyler, and 4-year-old daughter, Alyssa, are members as well.

“Alyssa’s one of the youngest players,” said Rickert. “We heard about Rollin’ Ice from a friend of a friend. Now they practice and have a game a week. It’s really great the way it’s set up because you show up when you want. We can’t wait for the nice new facility. Coach Manny is amazing. He has so much patience. The kids get exercise and better balance, an appreciation of a competitive game and have so much confidence from playing.”

Besides the kids, adults have a great time, too. Gary Brown is on the Mission Impossible team and wouldn’t miss a game or practice session. Adult teams of all skill levels are invited to join. Camps and tournaments for adults and youth are planned year round.

Club One Fitness pre-sale office also will open Jan. 19 with a launch day in March or April. Maley is negotiating
with potential restaurant and sports partners for the building with a tentative grand opening the end of March.

Going Pro
Maley started practicing roller hockey off season because the exercise used the “same muscles, the same everything” as when he played pro hockey. His journey into every young man’s dream career started innocuously enough. Born in Beaver Dam, Wis., the family moved to Minnesota when he was in eighth grade. He had already started playing hockey when he was 10 and says, “it was kind of late.” In his senior year in high school, his team won the state championship.

Silver Creek Sportsplex President David Maley [far right] talks to workers as Rink 1 floors are prepared to be installed at Rollin’ Ice Roller Hockey. Photo by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

“Hockey in Minnesota is like basketball in Indiana,” said Maley. “There’s an ice rink on every corner. It’s a big sport.”

Maley attended the University of Wisconsin—Madison and his team won an MCA championship in his freshman year. After four years he was recruited to play in the National Hockey League with Montreal winning the
pinnacle Stanley Cup his first year with the team.

“I got lucky,” he said.

From there he played with the New Jersey Devils, Edmonton Oilers, San Jose Sharks and the New York Islanders. Maley was known as a scrappy competitor who battled hard all over the ice. While playing for the Sharks in 1994 he opened Rollin’ Ice Roller Hockey at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds.

“It has been so much fun being a part of this,” said Maley. “We have some great partners and we’re talking to some other potential partners. That is what this site is all about—getting experts in each field and giving something to the community that all members of the family can participate in.”

And when Maley isn’t working, he spends his time with his wife Karin and their two children at home in Almaden. He enjoys golf and fishing, but for now he’s putting the finishing touches on Roller’ Ice and negotiating with
future partners of the Silver Creek Sportsplex.

For more information on Rollin’ Ice Roller Hockey visit www.rollinice.com or call (408) 226-611. Silver Creek Sportsplex
is located at 800 Embedded Way, San Jose.

Leland girls’ hoops unseats Pioneer, remains last undefeated team standing

Chargers win 60-44 on Mustang territory

By Justin Petersen
Staff Writer

Leland prevailed 60-44 in a battle of Mount Hamilton Division’s final undefeated girls’ basketball squads at Pioneer on Jan. 12.

The Chargers (9-5, 4-0) pulled away in the fourth quarter, outscoring Pioneer (9-5, 3-1) 23-9, and neutralizing
the affect of 17 third quarter points scored by Mustang sophomore Mercedes Pardo that brought her club within one point of Leland’s lead at the end of the period.

Pioneer's Steffi Mattern dribbles the ball across half court during a 60-44 loss to Leland on Jan. 12. The loss was Pioneer's first in league play this season, giving the Mustangs a 3-1 record. Photo by Dan Miranda

Leland opened the fourth quarter, however, draining three consecutive three-point shots. In the commotion, Pardo and the Mustangs’ leading scorer, senior Michelle Rebozzi, fouled out midway through the period.

“It was a little frustrating,” said Pioneer Coach Kim Yanda. “We were surprised because we were supposed to have momentum going into the fourth quarter.”

As the clock expired in the third, Pardo had banked in a half court shot, capping her explosive effort. Pioneer had hoped Her Hail Mary heave from half court would change the course of the game for good.

Leland backcourt mates Megan Yoshioka, Kristen Yoshioka, Anna Castillo and Amanda Do squelched Pioneer’s momentum, however, combining for nine three-pointers in the game, beyond the three three-pointers during the fourth.

“I am pleased, but it was a one-point game going into the fourth,” said Leland Coach Wade Nakamura. “We missed a lot of shots that we should have made.”

Nakamura said that Leland erred on six layup attempts throughout the course of the game.

Meanwhile, the Chargers capitalized on fouls drawn charging to the hoop. Leland converted 24 of 31 free throws, while Pioneer attempted just 10 free throw shots.

“We got into foul trouble early, and played the remainder of the game without posts,” said Yanda.

Leland was also able to hold Pioneer leading scorer, Rebozzi, to her lowest total of the season with five points.

“In Pardo and Rebozzi, Pioneer has two of the leading scorers in our league,” said Nakamura. “They account for approximately 95 percent of their points.”

Nakamura said that Leland’s approach was geared toward slowing the scorers.

“We figured if we could hold them less than 50 points combined, then we would have the opportunity to win,” he said.

With Rebozzi’s production stalled, Pardo still managed to become the game’s leading point scorer, with 21.

“Mercedes is coming along,” said Yanda. “She wasn’t doing too much in the first half because she was forcing up outside shots. I told her to take it strong to the post and to start rebounding.”

As for Leland, three players posted double figures. Kristen Yoshioka had the high total with 15 points. Her sister Meggie Yoshioka scored 13, and Anna Farrington chipped in 11.

“It was a team win,” said Nakamura. “We switched up our defense and Pardo fouled out in the fourth. We got a little more aggressive on her, and focused on taking her as far away from the basket as possible.”

Although Nakamura said he’s pleased with his team’s undefeated record thus far, there’s still a long way to go in league play, with talented teams ready and able to win any night of the week.

“Just because we are 4-0 doesn’t mean that we are that much better than anybody else,” said Nakamura. “We just happened to pull a couple out. Every team in our league is capable of being a good team on any given night.”

Yet, Leland is a perennial contender this season, as it has been in past years. Nakamura said the Chargers are 49-6 in league play over the past four years.

Almaden Flames U13 girls’ soccer team lands in the northern California’s top 8

The Almaden Flames girls’ U13 competitive soccer team competed in the Association Cup—the playoff
tournament for competitive teams from all over Northern California—the past two weekends.

In their first weekend of play, the Flames shut out their opponents in all three games.

This past Saturday, the Flames bested the Delta Storm 2-1, which placed them in the top eight teams in the quarterfinals. The following day, the Flames came out strong, leading 1-0 at the half before the Pleasanton
Rage gained momentum in the second half to take a 3-1 win.

Placing in the top eight in northern California added to the list of the Flame’s recent successes. In the 2006 fall season, the Flames finished in first place overall in the GU13 Delgado League A division.

Share your news

Do you have a sports story to share? Contact the sports department at 494-7000 x 217 or by e-mail at diego@timesmediainc.com or fax to Almaden Times Sports at 494-7078.