December 18, 2008

SPORTS

Gabrielle De Leon

Local gymnast wins all around state title

Nine-year-old Gabrielle De Leon successfully completed her 2008 level 5 season by winning the all-around state title at the 2008 Level 5 Northern California (NorCal) State Championships

She is ranked number one in the Junior A division. She trains at Airborne Gymnastics in Santa Clara and is coached by Melanie Ruggiero, Stephanie McCarthy and John Yip.

She reached the all-around championship with a score of 37.675. She also took a first place on the balance beam and floor exercises, fourth place on the vault and fifth on bars. She is the first gymnast competing in the NorCal State division to score 9.950.

Gabrielle’s favorite events are the balance beam and floor exercises; her favorite gymnast is Shawn Johnson. She was inspired by Johnson’s performances on the balance beam and floor exercises at this year’s Olympic games.

Gabrielle lives in San Jose and is a fourth grader at Valley Christian School. She has been training since she was 18 months old. She also dances ballet and jazz and plays the violin at the Almaden School of Music. She plays the violin for Valley Christian’s Elementary School Orchestra.

Leland men’s varsity soccer off to 4-0 start

The Leland Chargers varsity soccer team is undefeated for the season so far. They have won four games against Gilroy, Monte Vista, Soquel and Salinas, all tough opponents competing in the tough, annual Christmas Cup tournament.

Leland players Haar (left photo) and Raflaski (photo below) play in the Christmas Cup tournament vs. Gilroy.

Although they had a poor season last year, they proved they were a good team when they blasted powerhouse Gilroy 3-0 and handled the dozen Monte Vista seniors a 3-1 loss. In their four wins, the Chargers have only allowed two goals against them while scoring 11 with a total of 21 corner kicks compared with their opponents eight. Considering the tough competition so far this year, the varsity players are savoring the wins.

“We are energized this year, we have a new formation, a new system, a new coaching staff and we are winning,” said co-captain Zade Shakir. “The guys are really confident and rely on the system rather than individual play. We are really a team in every sense of the word. Coach encourages team first and playing a system over individual play.”

The team, under varsity head coach Dan Minutillo, plays an off-balanced offense, which is so flexible that it’s difficult for opponents to figure out the system on the pitch before the Chargers put two quick goals in the back of the net. If the opponents do figure out the offense, the system adjusts to present a different offensive scheme to opponents during the run of play.

Another reason for the Chargers early success is parental support. At least 100 parents have been present at each game. The parents put balloons in the stands, provide ball boys and girls for the games and created a roster so fans can follow the game as it progresses.

In addition, the team has a new Web site at www.leaguelineup.com/leland_soccer as well as weekly player dinners, team bonding events, a new playbook, new set pieces, new uniforms and other equipment provided by the parents.

“This is a team effort, but the team is comprised not only of players but also their parents, coaches and Leland administrators including Athletic Director Scot Gillis, who has been very supportive. This is a group effort and our success so far reflects the commitment of everyone involved, a commitment to once again be a soccer powerhouse emulated by the best high school soccer teams in the country. The players believe this and the coaches are quickly moving them in that direction, undefeated,” Minutilo said.

“I hope that fans and parents continue to come to our games as the season progresses. We play very aggressive, exciting and well-organized soccer and our fans won’t be disappointed. Playing soccer for Leland this year has been a great team experience. Coach wants us to be better players when we return to our clubs after the high school season is over and we will be,” said goalkeeper RJ Aitkin.

The team played its first league game on Dec. 16 against Willow Glen. The next league game is Jan. 6 against Sobrato at Leland.

Pictured above are, front row from the left, Luke McCrary, Brent Easton and Jimmy Cannino and back row, coaches Chris McCrary and Andrew Kim.

Bret Harte wrestlers conclude season

The 2008 Bret Harte Middle School Wrestling Team concluded its season this week. This year’s team featured many sixth graders and first-time wrestlers. The Broncos compete in the Eastside League, which, along with Bret Harte, includes Willow Glen, Sylvandale, Valley Christian and perennial wrestling powerhouse Quimby Oak Middle Schools. The Varsity League Finals Tournament was held at Quimby Oak on Dec. 4. The following Bronco wrestlers placed third in their weight classes: Jake Wingo, Trent Geronimo, Ian Lubliner, Garrett Stanton and Ethan Stanton. Jimmy Cannino and Brent Easton placed second in the league, and Luke McCrary was league champion for the second year in a row. By virtue of placing second or higher, these three wrestlers qualified for the sectional finals, held at South Valley Junior High in Gilroy on Dec. 9, where the competition against year-round wrestling teams was fierce. Jimmy Cannino fought hard for a fourth-place finish – very impressive for a first year wrestler. Great job, Broncos!

Sports Briefs

Free Lacrosse Clinic

Attention 7 and 8 year-old boys:  Please come to our free clinic to learn the basics of lacrosse - the fastest growing sport in America!  Sticks will be provided. The South Valley Chiefs Lacrosse Club needs several players to fill their U-9 team for the Spring season: 

- Clinic Date:  Jan. 3, 2009  
- Location:  Lone Hill Park, 1749 Vintner Way, San Jose. 

RSVP to joy@joybender.com.  To find out more about our season go to www.svlax.com.

Girls’ U13 Soccer Tryouts

The South San Jose Hot Shots, a U13 Girls “comp” soccer team, is holding tryouts for the 2009 season. Experienced players born on or after 8/1/1996 are eligible to play. For tryout details, please send email to SSJ.HOTSHOTS@GMAIL.COM.

2009 Almaden Valley Girls Recreational Softball Registration is open

This year the AVGSL has implemented an online registration system. Please visit WWW.AVGSL.ORG to register or to find out more information regarding our league.  We are accepting registration for ages Under 6, Under 8, Under 10, Under 12 and Under 14. Everyone is welcome to join our league – from first-time player to all-star - because we have a spot for you.  AVGSL’s main goal is to ensure that all players are in a fun, positive environment while learning and expanding their softball skills. AVGSL promotes a sense of belonging for everyone. We emphasize teamwork and the sense of individual success that contributes to team sports. No player will sit out more than two innings during a game, which offers each girl the opportunity to make contributions to their team while participating in a large part of all activities.  If you have questions, please email president@avgsl.org and we will be happy to help.


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