SandStorm Lacrosse Festival Offers Top Competition,Three-peats
The SandStorm Lacrosse Festival returned to Indio, CA this past weekend for the third year in a row. This year’s festival brought top competition that made up 45 teams from all over the country, including Minnesota, Colorado, Oregon, Texas, Connecticut and New York to the Empire Polo Fields the showcase some great talent over the two days. Among the many teams Triple Threat, a San Francisco-based program in the Coachella Division and Denver based Team 180 for the Indio Division returned to defend their titles and with hopes of the 3rd consecutive year of wins in the Coachella and Indio divisions respectively.
The Coachella Semi-Finals were hotly contested between Team 180 12′ vs. Xteam Black and Triple Threat Green vs. West Coast Starz 11’ as the previous winner battled hard to keep their titles. Team Triple Threat Green held on to their reign, winning the championship for the 3rd consecutive year. Team 180 2013 also won the title for the 3rd year in a row for the Indio Division beating out Bear Lax Blue from the Bay Area. For the La Quinta Division, The Minnesota Storm defeated Bear Lax White in the finals to take top honors.
See below for highlights from the tournament. It is not too late to order a game DVD. Click here to visit our store and select your game(s).
Players whose games were filmed also have the option of selecting the Sand Storm Tournament college recruiting video package.
To sign up for the the Sand Storm College Recruiting Video Package click: http://www.sportsforceonline.com/store/index.php/profile-packages/sand-storm-individual-recruiting-package.html
To see an example of a profile created with last years SandStorm footage, click here.
Eat to Win: Nutrition for the Student Athlete Part II
Are you really bringing your “A” game every day? How would you know? You see, it isn’t just about getting the workout done, it is about believing in your body and mind, and about knowing you’ve prepared yourself to achieve all you are truly capable of achieving. Athletes, both young and old, often treat nutrition as an afterthought to their workout. Showing up to a practice on an empty stomach or eating junk food prior to a grueling strength training session means you are showing up with a “C” game mentality and you’re sabotaging your body, your mind, your game.
In my previous article, I talked about the importance of eating five small meals a day to maintain proper blood sugar levels and to allow for optimal energy. The amounts and types of food that an athlete puts into their bodies directly influence the body’s ability to digest, absorb, and use nutrients. The energy needed for muscle repair, growth, development, and recovery during the season is not going to come from a one-time bar or protein shake; it can only come from consistent and optimized nutrition during pre-season, early season, in season and game day. You might get away with cheating for a while, but eventually, you will see the results from your lack of discipline in your athletic performance on game day. Likewise, when you give your body the right kinds and amounts of fuel, you are less likely to get injured, heal faster if you do get injured, and have more energy available for both the short burst energy expenditures and longer energy use.
Now for a lesson in nutrition and how the body gets energy from nutrition for exercise, otherwise known as metabolism. Another way to think of metabolism is as the chemical reactions that occur in an athlete’s body everyday at a cellular level where energy is being stored and released to allow muscles to do their work. All cells use ATP (adenosine triphosphate) as their major fuel source and when the bonds of this molecule are broken, the result is the release of large amounts of energy. The human body is such an amazing machine that it is constantly forming, breaking down, and then reforming these bonds as a continuous energy source used in muscle activity, repair, and growth. There are a total of three energy systems in the body that are capable of generating ATP and each of them are used in different types of sports activities: the phosphagen system, the anaerobic system, and the aerobic system. The length of the activity and type of activity the athlete is performing determines which of these systems the body uses.
The next article will expand on the foods that support these energy systems. Till then, eat well, train well, and bring your “A”game!
–To learn more about athlete nutrition and Optimal Nutrition visit: http://optimalnutritioninc.com/
Arizona Burns Adrenaline Challenge
The Arizona Burn Program brought the heat to the beaches of San Diego, where there wasn’t anything that could cool them off. Arizona began the tournament as the no.7 seed in a field of twenty-four total teams in the Elite Division. Despite a tough loss early on, the team was able to gather itself and finish strong against the LaxDawgs Brown Elite of San Diego. It was a one-sided affair as the Arizona Burn Elite Orange captured an 8-1 victory, a game in which six different Burn players scored at least one goal. Goalie Brett Lawless (Desert Vista) had a strong showing Sunday as he only allowed seven total goals on the day.
Starting from a young age, Coach Chris Malone, of both MCLA’s Arizona State and the Arizona Burn teams, has instilled his players with a high level of lacrosse IQ.
In the South Swell High School Division, consisting of 9th and 10th grade students, yet another Arizona Burn team took home a trophy.
The Warrior Elite Division was taken by the Norcal Pups in a 7-4 defeat of the LaxDawgs Royal team. However the LaxDawgs Program did not go home empty-handed, their ladies team won the Women’s Elite Division in an 11-6 contest against the Coastal Cougars.
Watch out for these Arizona Burn players: Brock Ghelfi [M/So./Brophy Prep], Charlie Hushek [D/So./Brophy Prep], Rockne Repp [A/Jr./Saguaro], Brandon Moranz [M/Jr./Chandler], Ramie Arbid [D/Jr./Mesa Heat]
SportsForce Partners with SandStorm Lacrosse Tournament
For the second consecutive year, SportsForce has partnered with Synapse Sports to offer video services at their Sand Storm tournament this weekend.
Annually hosted by Synapse at the elite Empire Polo Club, the 2010 Sand Storm tournament will showcase a wide array of girls’ lacrosse athletes from both the high school and middle school levels. Over 50 teams from across the country are scheduled to attend including, California, Minnesota, Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, and Texas. SportsForce will be in the heart of the action, partnering with Synapse and providing video coverage.
The tournament is a fantastic opportunity for athletes to be recognized and recruited by college coaches, and this year over 20 coaches are scheduled to attend from universities and colleges across the nation. 2009 attendees included coaches from Yale, Stanford, Cal-Berkley, Cornell, U. Oregon, and Loyola.
SportsForce will be at Sand Storm to support athlete recruitment by providing video coverage of games, in addition to distributing helpful recruiting and game packages.
Take a look at Meghan Jordan’s Highlight Video which was created with footage from last years SandStorm Tournament below.
WANTED: Varsity Head Coach Interview Prep
I am an executive recruiter by day and High School Varsity Head Coach by afternoon. I rub elbows with top level executives nationwide in the retail world. I coach and speak to executives about their professional experience and how to effectively communicate their skill sets and successes in order to make them the best candidate for the job they are interviewing for. I have coached hundreds of professionals, critiquing their resumes, improving their interview style, preparing them with potential questions and rehearsing answers. I am a master interview preparer but when it came to preparing myself to interview for a Girls Varsity Lacrosse Head Coach role – I was terrified. Scared stiff, actually.
I counseled with my boss, college teammates, fellow High School Varsity Coaches and college coach friends and acquaintances regarding strategy and preparation. I took all of their advice and combined it with my own knowledge of executive recruiting to answer all of my questions. The result: I got the job.
Q: How does one prepare for a Head Coach interview?
Prepare a coaching book, ideally a 3 ring binder including:
-Detailed practice plans with objectives and coaching notes, draw out your drills.
-Drawn out offensive and defensive strategies
-Offensive plays drawn out
-Goals and game plan for the season including: County / State Championship, highest GPA, implement a study hall for student athletes, create a relationship with teachers to ensure grade accountability, community service project to promote teamwork off the field.
-Letters of Recommendation
-Professional resume including ALL coaching experience
Talk to your friends who are coaches and players, pick their brains, talk to parents of student athletes you have coached – ask them what concerns they have for you coaching, they will have some and stress that you want to hear them to overcome them. Create a coaching philosophy and write it down.
Q: What is the Athletic Director looking for?
An accountable, responsible, assertive individual, who is confident, articulate, strategic, plays by the rules and values sportsmanship. Always speak and think in the best interest of the school. Read the school’s mission statement and be sure your coaching philosophy is in alignment with that. The AD wants strong student-athletes and he wants a coach who will be there long-term, not one season.
Q: Who will I be going up against?
You may be going up against another Varsity Head Coach, the JV Coach, the Assistant Varsity Head Coach or a parent. Whichever the case, do your homework on the other candidates and cater your strengths to eclipse their weaknesses. Think strategically and be careful to NOT mention their names. Any advertisement is good advertisement; do not waste your precious time in front of the panel by addressing your competition. Take the high road and focus on yourself.
West Seizes Opportunity at U.S. Army All-American Bowl
The West team received the opening kickoff, but the first possession for each team resulted in quick three and outs. During the West’s second drive, Connor Wood, a quarterback committed to The University of Texas, led the offense down the field and struck first by sailing a ball over the defenders to his emergency tight end, Ronald Powell, in the back of the end zone for a 23-yard score. Powell, known as a terrific defensive end and the fifth ranked player nationally, showed that he has the potential to be a two way player at the college level with his leaping grab.
On the ensuing drive, facing a third-and-9, Markeith Ambles came up with a spectacular forty-yard catch to keep the drive alive. Just when the East looked like they were going to get on the board, Michael Palardy had his 32-yard field goal attempt blocked by Cassius Marsh and Josh Shirley delivered and put the West up 14-0 at the half.
During the half Dillon Baxter, an explosive all purpose back from Mission Bay High School in San Diego, California, was awarded the U.S. Army player of the year award for his outstanding performance and leadership this past season. Baxter led the Buccaneers on a perfect 13-0 season that resulted in a San Diego CIF Division IV title. His stats are astonishing as he has accounted for 76 total touchdowns on the season and carried his team with 7 touchdowns in the championship game. With the departure of Pete Carroll to the Seattle Seahawks, Baxter is seriously reconsidering his commitment to USC.
Male Student Athlete of the Week: Deon Randall
Sport: Football Positions: QB / DB Height: 5’9” Weight: 180 Class: 2010 School: Francis Parker High School San Diego, CA
Deon Randall was a one-man human highlight reel as his Francis Parker Lancers came up just short in the CIF State bowl series against Modesto Christian 44-40. The speedy 5’9” 180 lb quarterback was nothing short of spectacular. He accounted for 30 of his team’s 40 points, totaled 5 touchdowns: 2 through the air, 3 on the ground, and gained 386 of his team’s 437 total yards on offense. Often cited as too short to play the quarterback position at the collegiate level, Randall’s leadership has never been questioned. Head coach John Morrison told the North County Times, “I want the ball in his hands with the game on the line.” While his Lancers may have come up short, Deon Randall was anything but.
To view Deon’s complete SportsForce profile click here – http://www.sportsforceonline.com/athletes/drandall
Scouting report courtesy of SportsForce – Home for college Sports Recruiting Videos, Tips, Tools and Premium Services – www.sportsforceonline.com
Eat to Win: Nutrition for Student Athletes
“Work harder” say the coaches. I say eat better if you want to work harder. My 18 year old niece trains seven days a week to become the best collegiate swimmer possible. Every weight training session, every 6 am practice, she is there with a smile and enthusiasm that screams, “Bring it on!” Yet, as I asked her about her eating habits the other day, I stopped dead in my tracks. It appears that Rubio’s has been the greatest nutritional component of her training as of late.
As a sports nutritionist, I focus on guiding professional and amateur athletes in various sports from MMA fighters and major league baseball players to pleasure surfers, and I have neglected my own flesh and blood. Let me explain myself before continuing because I feel there are many parents and athletes who might relate and learn a few things. As a young teenager my niece wisely stopped drinking sodas and decided to never eat fast food. Movies like Fast Food Nation had an impact on her, so I decided she was a rather healthy individual. But does my niece eat anywhere near the quality of nutrition she should as a hardcore athlete?
Not even close! Thus, the inspiration to write this article was born and I hope it can help those who seek to achieve optimum athletic conditioning and are showing up at 6 am while their peers are sleeping in. I will be writing this article in several parts with this being part one, so stay tuned and take notes. We will start with the foundation today.
Eating 5 Small Meals a Day
As a nutritionist, I see people (myself included!) struggle to eat 5 small meals a day. It is even more challenging for busy teenage athletes going 100 miles an hour to eat well and more often. In typical teenage invincible-mode, they often believe they can skip meals without negative consequences. Worse yet, young female athletes sometimes intentionally skip meals thinking this will help them control their weight. Why is it so important to eat smaller amounts of food more frequently throughout the day?
Eating more often keeps you feeling great and full of energy. This practice helps to keep your blood-sugar level stable and avoids the highs and lows associated with other eating habits. Eating smaller, well balanced meals containing lean proteins, complex carbs, and healthy fats will result in a healthy body ready for challenge. It also provides fuel needed for muscle repair and growth, development, and recovery. We will explore each of these areas in the next article.
–To learn more about athlete nutrition and Optimal Nutrition visit: http://optimalnutritioninc.com/
Male Student Athlete of the Week: Chen Cai
Sport: Boys Basketball Positions: Forward Height: 6’ 8” Weight: 245 lbs Class: 2011 School: Maranatha Christian High School San Diego, CA
Junior forward Chen Cai of Maranatha High School helped propel his team to a 3-1 record at the Torrey Pines Holiday Classic. The 6’8” 245 lb big man scratched, clawed and pounded the competition in route to 102 points over a 4 game stretch. Cai is averaging an impressive 27.6 points and 17.8 rebounds through 14 games this season. Cai was named to the all-tournament team for his performance in the Holiday Classic. The Chinese born player has been a dominant force in the paint since he arrived in the United States as a freshman and looks to continue his stellar play for the Eagles this season.
To view Chen’s complete SportsForce profile click here – http://www.sportsforceonline.com/athletes/ccai
Highlight video and scouting report courtesy of SportsForce – Home for college Sports Recruiting Videos, Tips, Tools and Premium Services – www.sportsforceonline.com
Chen Cai
Boys Basketball
Positions: Forward
Height: 6’ 8”
Weight: 245 lbs.
Class: 2011
Maranatha Christian High School
San Diego, CA
Junior forward Chen Cai of Maranatha High School helped propel his team to a 3-1 record at the Torrey Pines Holiday Classic. The 6’8” 245 lb big man scratched, clawed and pounded the competition in route to 102 points over a 4 game stretch. Cai is averaging an impressive 27.6 points and 17.8 rebounds through 14 games this season. Cai was named to the all-tournament team for his performance in the Holiday Classic. The Chinese born player has been a dominant force in the paint since he arrived in the United States as a freshman and looks to continue his stellar play for the Eagles this season.
To view Chen’s complete SportsForce profile click here – http://www.sportsforceonline.com/athletes/ccai
Highlight video and scouting report courtesy of SportsForce – Home for college Sports Recruiting Videos, Tips, Tools and Premium Services – www.sportsforceonline.com
Boomer Sooner Rolls Through San Diego
Maybe someday Brady Hoke will throw that proverbial “fence around the county” and get the top prospects in San Diego County to come to SDSU. Before he builds that fence, though, Hoke will need to first interrupt the pipeline.
You know, the one Bob Stoops has built between San Diego and Norman, Oklahoma.
Stoops, looking to restore Oklahoma to national title contention in 2010, will do so with the help of a trio of San Diego talents. All-time San Diego section receiving leader Kenny Stills and hard-hitting Eastlake star
Tony Jefferson both announced on Friday night that they will attend the University of Oklahoma next year, joining Scripps Ranch star Brennan Clay. The threesome made their announcements at the KUSI Prep Pigskin Gala at the Hall of Champions.
Clay, who had committed months before to the Sooners, was thrilled to have his two talented Silver Pigskin finalists (Mission Bay’s Dillon Baxter won the trophy) join him in Norman:
Hear from all three of the newest Sooners after the jump:
Brennan Clay(full SportsForce profile here) was the first to commit to Oklahoma. He joined 619 Sports immediately after the announcement of the Silver Pigskin award to talk about the honor of the evening and the process of luring Jefferson and Stills to join him in Norman:
Kenny Stills (full SportsForce profile here) had been heavily recruited by USC but wound up narrowing his choices to Florida, Michigan and Oklahoma. In the end, Stills told 619 Sports the chance to team up with Jefferson and Clay, and to participate in the Sooners’ vaunted passing attack, was too much to pass up:
Tony Jefferson angered the Arroyo Seco when he first committed to UCLA, only to show up at the UCLA-USC game wearing Trojans garb. After hearing the barbs from the Bruins, Jefferson withdrew his commitment to the Bruins and took a campus trip to Norman. The rest was history, as he told 619 Sports:
With Jefferson in the secondary and Clay and Stills in the OU backfield, Boomer Sooner is picking up speed heading into 2010.
