Giovannoni claims silver in pentathlon

By Marty James

NOTES AND QUOTES for a Thursday in the Napa Valley:

Tony Giovannoni of Napa took home the silver medal in the men’s 50-54 age group in the pentathlon during the USA Masters Indoor Track & Field Championships, which were held last week in Washington, D.C.

The 3,806-point total earned Giovannoni All-America honors, as did his marks in the 60-meter hurdles, high jump and the long jump.

“It’s been an interesting journey getting back into competitive shape at the age of 50,” said Giovannoni. “I’ve learned a lot and it’s also helped me to become a much better coach.”

Giovannoni is a coach with the Napa Track Club, an organization made up of youths who compete in the spring and summer months in local, regional, state and national meets.

Giovannoni said he surpassed his goal of scoring 3,700 points in the pentathlon with room to spare. In fact, 3,806 is the second highest score recorded in the U.S. in the 50 year-old age group in the last six years.

The pentathlon also has the shot put and 1,000-meter run.

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Riding for SugarCRM, Lindsay Myers of Pacific Union College placed in several different cycling races last week in San Dimas, Calif.

Myers placed 13th, 16th and 17th in stage races. She was also 13th in an individual time trial, 17th in a criterium, and 37th in a road race.

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Trinity Prep will be playing the remainder of its home baseball games at the Veterans Home of California in Yountville.

 The Crusaders have games at Cleve Borman Field on Friday and March 31, April 17 and 24, and May 1 and 5. Games start at 4 p.m.

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Tim Steggall has started all 23 games and is batting .245 for the University of Texas-Arlington baseball team. Steggall, a Justin-Siena graduate, has a double and eight RBIs.

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Michael Gastelum of St. Helena started at second base and went 2-for-3 in St. Mary’s College’s 9-7 win over Nevada in a nonconference baseball game at Louis Guisto Field in Moraga Tuesday.

Gastelum, a St. Helena High graduate, also had two putouts and seven assists.

For the year, Gastelum has made 13 starts and has played in 22 games. Gastelum is batting .268 with eight RBIs.

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The University of Oregon football team opens spring drills Monday.

Playing for Oregon is John Boyett, a redshirt freshman free safety.

Boyett, a former Napa High standout, was a three-time scout team player of the week on offense last year, leading up to games against Boise State, Washington State and Oklahoma State.

E-mail Executive Sports Editor Marty James at mjames@napanews.com or call 256-2223.

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