Sports Briefs: Vaqueros look to rebound at state
History at stake for Glendale Community College
No team has enjoyed more success at the California Community College Athletic Assn. championships in recent years than the Glendale Community College women’s team.
The Vaqueros have won back-to-back state crowns and have claimed eight overall in program history.
That dominance will be tested at Saturday’s CCCAA Finals at Fresno’s Woodward Park. The women’s 3.1-mile race is scheduled for 10 a.m., while the men’s 4-mile contest is at 11.
Glendale comes limping in on the men’s and women’s sides.
The women finished fourth at the Southern California Cross-Country Championships on Nov. 3 at Santa Clarita’s Central Park.
The result marked the first time in 12 years the Vaqueros didn’t place in the top three, while Glendale’s streak of three straight SoCal titles was ended.
The men placed fifth at Southern California and are off their second-place state finish pace from last season.
Locals look for cross-country glory
Individual and team titles will be the focus along with state qualification for the Crescenta Valley High boys and girls, Flintridge Prep boys and girls and Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy cross-country teams at Saturday morning’s CIF Southern Section championships at the Riverside Cross Country Course.
The Prep League runner-up Flintridge Prep girls get going first at the Division V finals at 7:45 a.m. as the defending champions will look to win their fifth straight crown and sixth in school history.
At 8:25 a.m., the Prep League champion Flintridge Prep boys will look for their third title in five years and fifth in program history. Senior Evan Pattinelli will also attempt to defend his individual Division V title.
In between, the Pacific League runner-up Crescenta Valley girls will get their chance at the Division I finals at 8:05 a.m. The Falcons are led by a dynamic one-two punch of Caitlyn Couch and Naila Ortiz.
A little more than half an hour later, the Crescenta Valley boys get their turn in the Division I finals at 8:45 a.m. Last season, senior Colin FitzGerald turned in a sensational effort in finishing runner-up in arguably the toughest division in America.
Down in Division IV, Mission League champion Flintridge Sacred Heart will compete in the Division IV girls’ championship at 9:45 a.m. The Tologs have already enjoyed a wonderful season a year after missing the postseason entirely last year.
To advance to the finals, a team must finish in the top seven or an individual will have to post a top-five effort through the first 20 spots not secured by an athlete from a qualifying team.
Golden Knights earn all-league honors
Greg Camacho and Cole Marston were selected to the All-Mission League boys’ water polo squad after the Golden Knights finished 7-11, 1-4 in league for fourth place.
Camacho, a freshman utility, finished with 31 goals. He collected eight league goals.
“Greg was an absolutely critical component of our team this year,” St. Francis coach Brady Lowdermilk said. “His anticipation, speed and high IQ are his best weapons and, when coupled with his powerful and accurate shot, Greg is a force in the water. I look forward to watching him develop over the next three years.”
Marston, a sophomore goalkeeper, finished with 210 saves. Marston registered 59 saves in league.
“Even though he’s the goalie, Cole is the most important part of our offense,” Lowdermilk said. “His ability to command the defense, make a stop, see the outlet man in transition, and make an effective pass was the source of most of our goals this season. He made some spectacular saves this season, especially in our biggest games”
CV basketball alumni games
The Crescenta Valley High boys’ basketball alumni games will be held Wednesday at the school’s gymnasium, 2900 Community Drive, La Crescenta.
The sophomore/freshman game will start at 4 p.m., followed by the junior varsity game at 5:30 and the varsity contest at 7.
The cost is $5 for students and children and $8 for adults. Proceeds will go toward the boys’ basketball program.
For more information, email cvfalconsbb@gmail.com.
Fall ball clinics being held
The Crescenta Valley High baseball team is conducting fall ball clinics on Wednesdays at Stengel Field in Glendale.
A session for ages 7-9 will be held at 5 p.m., followed by a session for those 10-12 at 6.
The cost is $5 per person.
For more information, contact Crescenta Valley baseball coach Phil Torres at cvbaseball@hotmail.com.
Annual Hoop Shoot competition
Glendale Elks Lodge No. 1289 invites all girls and boys, ages 8-13, to participate in its annual “Hoop Shoot” basketball competition at 8 a.m. Dec. 9 at Hoover High’s gymnasium, 651 Glenwood Road, Glendale.
The competition is open to all students from public and private schools in the Glendale area. Winners who qualify will go on to represent their schools at district, regional, state and national competitions.
Schools that wish to participate should contact John Jolly at (818) 242-2105 or hoopshoot1289@aol.com.
Falcons Winter Baseball Camp
The 22nd annual Falcons Winter Baseball Camp will run from 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 27-28 at Stengel Field in Glendale.
The camp, conducted by Crescenta Valley baseball coach Phil Torres, will focus on hitting, pitching and more. The cost is $75 per person.
The event is geared for ages 7-13 during the 2017-18 school year.
For more information, contact Torres at (818) 249-5871, ext., 6110, or at cvbaseball@hotmail.com.