Napa Valley Swim Team shines at Far Western Long Course Championships

Six Napa Valley Swim Team members competed in the Pacific Swimming Far Western Long Course Championships Aug. 1-5 in Concord.

Swimmers had to achieve time standards to qualify for the meet, which was attended by more than 113 teams and 1,200 swimmers from California, Mexico, Canada, Connecticut, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Oregon, Colorado and New Mexico.

Elise Roberts, 11, finished second in the 50-meter breaststroke in 37.28 seconds, breaking her own NVST record while achieving a new best time and new Pacific Reportable Time. Roberts placed 12th in the 200 breaststroke in 2 minutes, 59.74 seconds, breaking her own NVST record by more than 2 1/2 seconds and achieving a new “AAA” time. She also achieved a new “AAA time while taking eighth in the 100 breaststroke in 1:22.48, lopping nearly three full seconds off a team record set by Maggie LaRochelle in 1998.

Ten-year-old Colby Gibbs placed sixth in the 100 backstroke in a new Pacific Reportable Time of 1:23.16. He also took seventh in the 50 freestyle in a new best time of 32.59. Gibbs took 16th in the 100 free (1:13.23), 12th in the 200 free (2:36.55), 17th in the 50 back (40.28), achieving new best times in all three.

Megan Minor, 10, placed 11th in the 50 back (39.82), where she achieved a new best time and was the second alternate. Miles McArdle, 10, achieved a new best time in the 200 individual medley (3:09.96) and also swam the 100 butterfly (1:32.83).

Alli Channels, 13, achieved a new best time and new “AA” time in the 400 IM (5:47.02), and a new best time in the 200 back (2:39.93). McCoy Ayers, 14, swam the 800 free (10:02.54)./Register

Napa United U-14 boys soccer team finishes second in Concord tourney

The Napa Valley Soccer Club’s Napa United Under-14 Boys Division 1 team finished second in the Mount Diablo Summer Classic, its first tournament of the season, held last weekend in Concord.

Second-year coach Miguel Ayala’s squad opened with a 1-1 tie against Danville’s Mustang Swoosh, getting its goal from forward Juan Montenez in the 14th minute.

On Saturday afternoon, Napa United defeated Heritage FC 8-0, with scores from newcomers Juanbaldo Gomez and Juan Casillas along with Juan Montenez, Igancio Guitierrez, Fabian Quitana-Medina and Hugo Figueroa.

Napa United reached the championship game with a 3 -1 comeback win over the El Dorado Crew. Trailing 1-0 at halftime, the United scored on a Montenez header, a penalty kick by Mario Gallegos and a breakaway goal by Hugo Figueroa.

The tournament strong host team, the MDSL Earthquakes, defeated Napa United 3-0 in the title match./Register

Napa junior tennis player helps captures doubles title in Portola

The team of Napa’s Philip Holbrook and Rancho Santa Fe’s Will Prim captured the Boys 18 Doubles title at the Alpine Hills Junior Classic, held Aug. 6-10 in Portola.

Playing in an older age bracket, they notched a 6-2, 6-1 victory over a Saratoga opponent and a 7-5, 6-0 sweep of a Palo Alto pair en route to the crown/Register

Vintage High girls water polo team to host world champions Aug. 24-25

The Vintage High School girls water polo team will host the coaching staff of the U.S. women’s water polo team Aug. 24-25 at the school’s new aquatics center. The U.S. won the world championship in March and won the Pan-Am Games championships in July, securing an automatic berth in the Olympic Games to be held in Beijing, China in August of 2008.

United States head coach Guy Baker is assisted by 2000 and 2004 Olympic team captain Heather Moody, center and defender coach Kyle Kopp, and goalie coach Bernice Orwig. They will instruct the Vintage girls players and coaches in the individual and team tactics used by U.S. women’s water polo to win their recent crowns.

The Vintage varsity girls are coached by Julian Szmidt, who led the Central California Youth Girls team to sixth-, second- and fourth-place finishes in the National Zone Championship Tournament over the last three years. He has been able to arrange for one of only two private pace clinics (Programs for Athlete and Coach Education) in 2007 to be held at Vintage.

The U.S. coaches will be guests at a reception/dinner in their honor at 6 p.m. Aug. 24 at the Los Flores Community Center, 4300 Linda Vista Ave. After dinner there will be a brief presentation by Baker, followed by a question-and-answer session. Dinner, prepared by Patricia DiBiase Catering, is $50 per person and seating is limited to 100.

The dinner menu features Oven Roasted Dry Spice Rubbed Prime Rib of Beef, Grilled Thai Ginger Orange Glazed Chicken Breast, Yukon Gold Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes, Mixed Baby Greens with Blue Cheese, Toasted Pecans and Red Raspberry Vinaigrette, Sautéed Garden Fresh Mixed Vegetables, Assorted Handmade Cookies, coffee and tea.

Tickets may be purchased from Vintage Girls Water Polo Players, the Vintage High School Office and Napa Community Bank. Call 815-2859 for tickets or more information. To benefit Vintage Girls Water Polo. Tickets courtesy of Herdell Printing, St. Helena./Register

Sorcerer softball tryouts

The Sorcerer 10 and under fastpitch softball team will hold tryouts on August 25th from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Allen Witt Park in Fairfield. For more infor mation contact Rick Robben at 707 251 5552 or rickrobben@yahoo.com./Register

Napa Saints youth football accepting sign-ups

Napa Saints youth football practices began Aug. 1. The organization is still taking sign-ups for all football and cheer squads, with the exception of the scout’s cheer, which is now full. Participants need to bring a certified copy of their birth certificate and a completed league physical card in order to begin practice. Sign-ups are at Redwood Middle School from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. There is a $50 non refundable registration fee due at sign-up. Napa Saints also offers scholarships for qualifying children to give everyone the opportunity to participate.

For more information, go to www.napasaints.com or www.napasaintscheer.com, or call 258-5842./Register

Napa High seeks boys soccer coach for fall season

Napa High School has an opening for the head boys soccer coach position.

The season begins Aug. 13 and runs through Nov. 17.

Applicants must have coaching experience in soccer and the ability to work with athletes of all skill levels.

Interested candidates can contact Sue at Napa High School at 253-3711 to set up an appointment. Resumes can be faxed to 253-3906./Register

Napa Youth Soccer League’s free soccer swap

The Napa Youth Soccer League is conducting a free soccer swap at Ben & Jerry’s, located at 1299 Napa Town Center, daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Soccer cleats, shinguards and uniforms are available. Organizers will also accept equipment that is donated./Register

Justin-Siena needs JV volleyball coach

Justin-Siena High School is looking for a junior varsity coach for its volleyball program. Candidates should be experienced and knowledgeable in the sport, either as a player or coach. This paid position begins in mid-August and ends in mid-November. The JV coach will organize practices and work on developing the proper fundamentals. They also will work closely in coordination with the varsity program and head coach Kelly Porter. This is currently a walk-on position with the possibility of teaching full-time in the future. Interested applicants must send a resume and a cover letter to athletic director Derek McIntyre by fax at 255-1334 or by e-mail at mcintyred@justin-siena.org./Register

Tornadoes softball offers fall tryouts starting Aug. 14

The Tornadoes softball organization is offering fall ball tryouts for several age groups on the following dates at Allan Witt Park in Fairfield:

• Aug. 14, 14’s and 16’s on Fields 2 and 3, from 5 to 7 p.m.

• Aug. 15, 10’s and 12’s on Fields 2 and 3, from 5 to 7 p.m.

• Aug 16, 18’s on Field 2, from 5 to 7 p.m.

• Aug. 18, 10’s and 12’s on Fields 2 and 3, from 10 a.m. to noon.

• Aug. 18, 14’s and 16’s on Fields 2 and 3, from noon to 2 p.m.

• Aug. 18, 18’s on Field 2, from 2 to 4 p.m.

For more information, contact Rick Payne at (650) 467-4272 or (707) 732-3026, or by e-mail at payne.richard@gene.com or rpayne@bay-tec.com./Register

Napa wheelchair tennis tournament Aug. 17-19

The U.S. Tennis Association’s Northern Section Wheelchair Circuit is putting on a Napa wheelchair tennis tournament Aug. 17-19 at Napa Valley College.

It’s a sanctioned event and is open to men, women and juniors. Prizes will be awarded.

To sign up, or for more information, contact Jeff Stuhr at 938-1216 or e-mail wheelmanjeff@yahoo.com./Register

Napa Valley Express fall season softball tryouts Aug. 18

Napa Valley Express Softball will be holding tryouts for the 14- and 16-and-under teams for the 2007 fall season. This tryout will be held Aug. 18 at the Vintage High School varsity field. Players age 16-and-under are asked to check-in 9:30 a.m. and will begin at 10 a.m. Players ages 14-and-under are asked to check in at 11:30 a.m. and begins at noon. Pitchers and catchers will be asked to stay after for approximately an hour.

All players under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian or they will not be allowed to try out. For more information, visit  napavalleyexpress.org or call Dave Price at 255-6050./Register

Bears 16 softball tryouts start Aug. 18

The Bears 16’s softball tryouts will be held in Concord on Aug. 18-19 and Aug. 25-26. Only serious players born in 1991 and 1992 with aspirations of playing college softball should attend. The team practices in Benicia and has a hitting facility in Vacaville. For more information, go to www.eteamz.com/bears16 for times and location. Also, Gold-level tryouts for 10’s, 12’s, 14’s and 18’s are on the same dates. Any questions, e-mail bearball16@yahoo.com./Register

Napa Saints golf tournament deadline Aug. 19

The second annual Napa Saints golf tournament, benefiting youth football and cheer, is Sept. 9 at the Chardonnay Golf Club. It has an 11 a.m. start and has a four-person scramble format. The cost is $150 per person or $560 for a foursome. The entry fee includes green fees, golf cart, range balls and dinner. The cost for a dinner guest only is $35. The tournament features a $10,000 hole-in-one contest. The deadline to register is Aug. 19.

To sign up, or for more information, call Keith May at 486-7679 or e-mail opdivr11464@sbcglobal.net/Register

Fall sports practices for all Justin-Siena teams start Aug. 20

Justin-Siena High School begins fall sports practices for all teams on Aug. 20. Student-athletes must turn in their athletic forms and a fee of $125 to athletic secretary Debbie Skillings prior to the first day of fall practice. The paperwork includes a doctor’s physical, the Justin-Siena athletic agreement/ejection policy, and medical consent form. No student-athlete will be allowed to practice until this has been completed and processed.

The paperwork is currently available in the main office or the Zeller Center. For any questions or further information, contact the school at 255-0950, extension 642./Register

Vintage High School to open new aquatic center Aug. 23

Vintage High School is inviting all former Crusher swimmers and water polo players to the opening and dedication of its new aquatic center on Aug. 23 at 6 p.m. All former aquatic athletes are invited to swim in the new pool as well. For more information, call athletic director Dave Shipp at 299-2552 or swim coach Liza Saunders at 255-5409./Register

Hospice and Adult Day Services of Napa Valley’s third annual FUNd Golf Tournament Aug. 24

Hospice and Adult Day Services of Napa Valley has announced its 2007 FUNd Golf Tournament on Aug. 24 at the Chardonnay Golf Club in Napa. This third annual tournament has a 7:30 a.m. shotgun start, and following the round golfers will enjoy a barbecue lunch and no-host bar. It’s an 18-hole “Shamble” format, and offers tee prizes, a raffle, and separate prizes for men’s, women’s and mixed foursomes. There are awards for long drive, hole-in-one, closest to the pin, and the casino hole.

Reservations are $150 per player, or $550 per foursome signing up together, and can be made by contacting Hospice at 258-9080 or golf@hospiceofnapa.org. In addition, there are a wide variety of sponsorship opportunities, starting from $100 and up.

The entry includes green fees, cart, complimentary beverages and snacks, tee prizes and awards. There is also a raffle, silent auction and live auction.

The FUNd Golf Tournament is one of the major activities supporting Hospice and Adult Day Services of Napa Valley. Hospice is an organization that helps families and individuals through many stages of life. The Adult Day Services Program helps those in the community who suffer from brain trauma, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. The Hospice Program not only supports the individual who is ill, but provides counseling services to families, grief services to children in schools, and support services throughout the individual’s illness.

For more information on participating, sponsoring or volunteering for the golf tournament, call 258-9080./Register

Umpqua Bank Charity Golf Tournament Aug. 28

Chardonnay Golf Club will be the site of the Umpqua Bank Charity Golf Tournament on Aug. 28. The cost is $235 per player. There’s a 12:30 p.m. shotgun start. There are also sponsorships available, ranging from $150 to $2500. To sign up, or for more information, call 252-5020 or e-mail UmpquaGolf@Umpqua./Register

North Bay Corporate Golf Challenge Cup Aug. 28 at Mayacama Golf Club

The North Bay Corporate Golf Challenge Cup, presented by North Bay Biz magazine, is a golf tournament and corporate event to be held at the Mayacama Golf Club on Aug. 28, the Sonoma State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced. This event will be open to a limited number of corporations and businesses from Sonoma, Napa and Marin counties.

Participating corporations will compete for the championship cup, which they will be able to keep and display at their business or corporate offices for one year. Additionally, participants will be assisting Sonoma State student-athletes by funding athletic scholarships.

At least one member of the four-person team has to be employed by the sponsoring corporation or business. Customers, vendors or business associates are eligible to occupy the three remaining slots on the four-person team. Each player will have their own caddie.

All participating players must have a verified handicap-index through the Northern California Golf Association or the U.S. Golf Association.

The format is two best balls of the foursome.

For more information, contact SSU Director of Athletics Bill Fusco at 664-2639 or e-mail bill.fusco@sonoma.edu./Register

Former big league players to visit Napa Sept. 1

Former major league baseball players Vida Blue, Kevin Mitchell, J.T. Snow and Lenny Randle will dine at Bay Leaf Restaurant on Sept. 1 to help raise funds for Napa Youth, a non-profit organization benefiting kids in the Napa Valley and beyond. The event is entitled “Dinner with the Stars” and is presented by Lenny Randle Sports Tours. It includes a four-course dinner with entertainment provided by jazz artist, Lloyd “Conspire” Lopez and R&B hit artist TQ. There is a silent auction, offering a trip to Hawaii, a Las Vegas get-away, sports memorabilia, and wines from the Napa Valley.

Napa Youth, founded by Pam Turner, is dedicated to helping kids prepare for the next phase of their life.

Thanks to Randle and former San Francisco Giants manager Dusty Baker, four boys from the community have received college scholarships as a result of Napa Youth’s baseball clinics.

Napa Youth invites the public to “Dinner with the Stars” beginning at 6 p.m. The cost is $125 per person in advance or $175 at the door. Call Turner at 255-8600 to request tickets, or you may purchase tickets at Bay Leaf Restaurant on Monticello Road. If you would like to contribute gifts in kind for the auction, contact Turner at 255-8600 or by e-mail at pam@turnermoving.net./Register

Sand Trap Scramble to benefit Teen Intervention deadline Sept. 20

The Sand Trap Scramble Charity Golf Tournament, a fund-raiser benefiting local parents with at-risk teens, is Sept. 30 at 1 p.m. at the Vintner’s Golf Club in Yountville. The tournament has a shotgun start and is a scramble format. It features contests with prizes. Sponsorships are needed. Registration and sponsorship information are available at www.intervene4ateen.com, or by contacting Jean Pihl at 255-0490 or jenapapihl2@aol.com. The deadline to register is Sept. 20./Register

Napa High School cross country plans activities

Napa High School’s cross country program has many activities and conditioning scheduled this summer.

The team welcomes all who are interested in participating in cross country this fall, including any incoming freshmen. The program will have three scheduled runs each week throughout the summer and will have a five-day training camp scheduled in Mammoth Lakes, from July 22-26.

For more information, contact coach Roger Ruegg at rlruegg@napanet.net./Register

Vintage High School freshman boys basketball advisory

All incoming Vintage High School freshman boys interested in playing basketball next winter should contact JV boys basketball coach Tony Rubio at arubio@co.napa.ca.us for information regarding summer ball./Register

Napa Saints youth football and cheerleading coaches needed

The Napa Saints youth football and cheerleading program, which coaches youths ages 5 to 14 years of age, is currently recruiting football and cheerleading head coaches 21 years and older, assistant coaches 18 years and older, and junior coaches ages 14 to 17 to volunteer for the 2007 season. It starts Aug. 1. CPR, first aid and all coaches certification is provided by Napa Saints at no charge. Interviews for the 2007 season start in March. Interested parties should visit www.napasaints.com to download a coaching form or to get further information./Register

Junior golf sessions at Vintner’s Golf Club on Saturdays

The Vintner’s Golf Club in Yountville is offering junior golf sessions every Saturday. Sessions, open to all ages and all skill levels, run from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. and 3 to 5 p.m.

The cost is $25 per player per session.

Sessions will cover golf instruction for all skill levels, golf etiquette, general golf rules, daily contests and skills challenges.

Advance reservations are required, and players need to check in 10 minutes prior to a lesson at the driving range.

To sign up, or for more information, contact Jeff Dennis at 738-8276./Register