Sports: The Northwest Voice

Sports Shorts

Karma: the totality of a person’s actions in any one of the successive states of his or her existence, thought of as determining his or her fate. Loosely translated: destiny. Destiny’s children were on display in Clovis recently as the Bakersfield Christian High School girl’s tennis team captured the Division II, Flight III championship at the Central California High School Tennis Classic. The girls had to “Fly like an eagle” in order to pull off the feat as they won four matches and tied one. The title was won via a sets tie-breaker. And just where did the karma come from you ask? Well, from the Steve Miller Band’s recent stop at Rabobank Arena, of course!

Growing pains are being felt over at Centennial High as the varsity football team sports a plethora of underclassmen this year. As time goes by, and as maturity accrues, look for this group to make great strides behind sophomore quarterback Cody Kessler. This young man has the tools to succeed, as was evidenced during the Hawks recent 34-31 loss to Redwood High School. His 34-of-45, 331 yards, two-touchdown effort was impressive for the young signal caller. The pains will definitely be worth the gains for these boys as the season rolls on.

Fast and furious: Frontier’s girl’s golf team torched the field at a recent SWYL match at North Kern as they laid waste to Stockdale and Centennial, among others. Liberty High’s varsity volleyballers engaged in a classic five-setter with Centennial and came away victorious with a 15-9 fifth-set win. North High ran roughshod over Porterville in prep football, rushing for 437 yards in the 55-28 victory. Liberty’s girl’s tennis team ran their unblemished SEYL record to 3-0 by whitewashing East High 12-0. Regarding subject matter, just a minor whitewash job was performed by Taft over this columnist’s alma mater, as the Avenal High Buccaneers held the Wildcats under 50 points in the 49-0 debacle!

If you have the opportunity, support your local prep sports teams as they will appreciate it and a great time will be had by all.

Today’s quote: “Besides pride, loyalty, discipline, heart, and mind, confidence is the key to all the locks.”

The Condors ... and Sarah Palin? Maybe!

Condors invite Sarah Palin to be Honorary Vice President and Team Mom of Condorstown

Bakersfield to extend Amateur Tryout Agreement to Track Palin

Sept. 22, 2008

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - The Bakersfield Condors, official ECHL affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks, have extended an invitation to self-proclaimed hockey mom, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, to serve as the Honorary Vice President and Team Mom of Condorstown.

Vice Presidential Candidate Sarah Palin is considered by many to currently be the most famous hockey mom in the country. The Wasilla, Alaska native has served as a member of the Wasilla City Counsel, Wasilla Mayor and Governor of Alaska.

Her Condorstown title comes complete with a personalized Condors jersey and an official Amateur Tryout for her oldest son. Track, 19, has played hockey growing up and throughout high school, and has recently been deployed to Iraq as a member of the United States Army. The tryout will be awaiting him upon his return to the States.

What Matthew Riley Says:

"It makes us cringe to think that it's possible to have a potential Alaska Aces fan in the White House," Condors President Matthew Riley said. "She could very well be the First Family of hockey in this country, and we feel that the Condors have much more to offer than any other team. It would only be appropriate for her to be the Honorary Vice President and Team Mom of Condorstown."

The Condors ideology matches many of Palin's platform issues. The Condors agree that the economy needs help and therefore offer cost-efficient ticket packets starting as low as $42. The Condors agree that a strong national defense is paramount, having signed 6-foot-7-inch Tom Morrow for the front line of defense along with goalie Yutaka Fukufuji. The Condors also have a long-standing history of bringing international delegates to work together as a team with strong connections with Canada, Japan and European nations.

With regard to energy, Kern County is responsible for 10% of the United States total oil production, 550,000 barrels a day. There are no worries about off-shore drilling when the drilling is done in our own backyard. Finally, just as Palin is in favor of setting limits on greenhouse gas emissions to slow the melting process of the polar ice caps, the Condors also believe ice is important and there should be plenty of it!

Notes from The Nest:

Open House & Family Day is set for Sunday, Oct. 5, so be sure to come to the Bakersfield Ice Sports Center and get your first look at this year's team. The event starts at noon with a team practice, followed by a free public skate with the players. Skate rentals will be available for $3. Admission is free for anyone who brings two non-perishable food items to be collected and donated to the Kern County Food Bank. Season Ticket Books and Gifts will be available for pick up for those who have paid in full. Kids Club packets will also be ready for pick up. For more info, click here or call the front office at (661) 324-PUCK (7825).

Opening Night against the Ontario Reign is just 26 days away, on October 18. Season seats and mini-plans, starting at just $42, are on sale now. Group outings and reservations for the Condors on-ice and VIP suites are now available as well. Visit bakersfieldcondors.com to see further details, stop by the Condors office or call 324-PUCK (7825) for remaining seat availability.

Get Your Fangs Out, It's Fall Ball!

I had only imagined and had only speculated the joys and frustrations that make up organized youth sports. If I’m being honest, I really only saw the frustration up until recently when my eldest son started T-Ball. Before we had an opportunity to participate in youth sports, I only saw throngs of parents sitting in wobbly camping chairs either in the extreme heat or extreme cold, watching a practice or a game either too early or too late in the day but more often smack in the middle of a meal time. And, sometimes I saw tired and dirty boys and girls piling into a fast food restaurant at an hour nearing bedtime with cleats still on their feet and designated jersey numbers upon their backs.

“Is this our future?” I had asked my husband before we had our first child.

“Maybe.” He replied.

Well, two sons later it most certainly is our present. And after being at our eldest son’s first t-ball game, I see the joy of the game and only found frustration in the parking situation. For those of you who don’t see that there is a parking situation, perhaps a few rules will help you stop annoying the rest of us.

Rule Number One: Little cars should not be so bold when you have angry moms in SUV’s. If you drive a little car, think bumblebee and rhinoceros. Hope that helps.

Rule Number Two: Just because your car can fit there, it still doesn’t make it a parking spot.

Rule Number Three: I don’t think the architects of these parking lots have envisioned the lots, as clearly as some of you have, that there should only be one point of ingress and egress as you have clearly created by disregarding Rule #’s 1 and 2.

But, be that as it may, what I don’t do to offend as far as parking is concerned, I seemed to have more than made up for in the realm of being annoying and offensive on the field. I videotaped nearly the entire game and have watched it almost every day this week. And, I’ll be the first one to admit it’s hard to watch without curling my shoulders up to my ears at the sheer shrillness of my voice, screaming to my son to run, run, run and catch it, catch it, catch it!

Ah, yes. I’m quite embarrassed with myself. I used to make fun of crazy moms like me. Naturally, I assumed I would not be one of those psychotic sports moms. But there’s just something about MY kid that makes me think he’s so much better than everyone else’s and I feel an overwhelming need to let all of you know that. I kid, of course, but at the game I screamed and I screamed and I screamed. I interfered with the dugout, overstepped the natural boundaries between observer and wanna-be coach, and probably inserted my big butt in the frame of several different snapshots trying to be taken by demure and properly sitting parents when their own child was up at bat. Uh yeah, I got nothing except…I’m sorry.

All I can say is that I have evidence through my videotaping that I may have taken it a bit overboard. I’m going to try to tone it down a smidge before the next game and try my darndest to not get out of my seat. Of course, my seat might be up against the fence at home base, but I promise to attempt sitting nonetheless.

So, some of you need to understand the rational of white painted, properly designated parking spaces, and I’ll take a muscle relaxer. Then, we’ll all be good and we can say in unison, “Play Ball!”

Sports Shorts

Ladies and gentlemen! Just like the monkey said when the train ran over his tail, “It won’t be long now!” Yes indeed. With local schools in session, practice footballs are in the air and prep pigskin games have begun. Friday night excitement brings a special feel with it — not only for players, coaches and student bodies, but also for fans as the weekend finally arrives. Support your local Northwest high school football teams if you get the opportunity. It will be appreciated by all.

“Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’, gotta keep on goin’, keep those balls a rollin’. Rawhide!” My daddy used to sing those words to my mother as she walked out the door on her way to her weekly bowling league, while my brother and I curled up on the couch to watch Gil Favor and Rowdy Yates (Clint Eastwood) round up the doggies on “Rawhide” back in the late ’50s and early ’60s! Frankie Laine’s song was not written that way, but we had fun with it. And fun can be had for you bowling aficionados come Sept. 27 and 28 as the Don Glover Masters Scratch Bowling Tournament is held at the AMF Southwest Lanes, 3610 Wible Road. Local bowling stalwart and Northwest resident Bette Addington asks that those interested visit: www.geusbc.org for entry information. This is a top-level tourney that hopes to attract numerous California PBA bowlers. Bette has given so much to the local bowling establishment over the years. Many thanks for your efforts. You truly deserve any recognition “rolled” your way, Bette.

Former Centennial High School baseball star Jarret Martin just improved the Bakersfield College baseball program for the coming year as he spurned the Baltimore Orioles’ offer to become a professional at this time. The 19th-round pick also rejected the advances of national power Cal State Fullerton in order to leave his signing option open for next year’s Major League Baseball draft. This portends to be an astute move for Jarret as he shall receive top-flight instruction from coach Tim Painton and his staff at B.C. and will gain valuable playing time in order to show off his talents and wares to numerous scouts witnessing his performances. A gutsy but well-made move, Jarret.

‘Coach of the month’

Steve Bentley, varsity volleyball coach at Frontier High School, is a remarkable individual. He is coach of the month for taking his 14 varsity volleyball players on a team building camping trip. Yes, 14 teenage girls camping in tents at the beach!

The three-day adventure excluded most modern day conveniences: no beds, no TVs, no curling irons, no computers, and no cell phones — just volleyball practice and good old-fashioned team bonding.

Bentley and his family, along with Frontier’s assistant varsity coach Brandi Holmes and junior varsity coach Kristy Kessler, shared with the girls the importance of communication, nutrition, and choices as a foundation for a successful season and life.

Although the girls arrived back home exhausted, cranky, and in need of a long, hot shower, each and every one of them returned with the attitude of a Titan.

Bike Bakersfield: Local non-profit gets people moving!

Bike Bakersfield was established in 2006 as a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting cycling as a preferred mode of transportation. Our many programs include: Recycle-a-Bicycle, which helps disadvantaged adults acquire a bike; bike rodeos to teach elementary children about bicycle safety; and creating bike routes for the public to help encourage bicycle commuting. Plus, if you donate a new or gently used bike to Bike Bakersfield, you will receive a tax deduction on next year’s taxes. Other programs also include tutorial classes on fixing your bike, fun bike rides and community events.

Cycling is a great, low impact sport, meaning it won’t harm your joints or bones. It’s also great for cardio exercise and increases lung capacity, not to mention an amazing weight loss program. Many people lose between 10 to 15 pounds after commuting regularly for a few months. Plus it’s a great way to meet new people who enjoy cycling as well. There are several cycling clubs in Bakersfield that put on regular events. It’s not hard to ride to work, and in fact takes only 10 minutes more than driving. So get on your bikes and ride!

If you are looking for a great place to ride, try the bike path. The Kern River Parkway is 32 miles of beautiful hidden scenery many residents may not notice. The Bike Path starts in the Northeast at Lake Ming and Hart Park and follows the mighty Kern River to the Nature Reserve at Enos Lane. Beautiful parks such as Hart, Beach, Yokuts and the Park at River Walk make it easy to jump on and off the bike path where ever you live. Even if you ride to commute, for fun, or just to spend time with family, cycling is great all around!

Visit: www.bikebakersfield.org and ask for a bike route to your work, or come in and visit us at 1708 Chester Ave.

Blog: NW Bakersfield needs more bike-friendly roads

As an avid bicycle rider, I can’t understand why Bakersfield, especially Northwest Bakersfield, doesn’t have better roads for bicycles. You can’t really ride anywhere without running into a narrow stretch of road or a bike lane so full of broken glass and other junk that you have to ride in traffic lanes just to get around it.

Some drivers aren’t very kind to bicyclists. I’ve been honked at and yelled at while riding down the road. Recently, I had turned onto Verdugo Lane from Holland Street. (I had to use Holland Street to avoid the Calloway Drive and Rosedale Highway intersection on my way home from Action Sports at Calloway Drive and Brimhall Road). On Holland Street, I had to ride away from the side of the street to avoid hitting parked cars. When I turned right onto Verdugo, a young woman in a truck yelled at me, “Get out of the middle of the street!”

Of course, I was pretty ticked off at the lady for saying that. She drove off and I just rode on, thinking if I could have responded to her, I would have said, “Shut up! You try riding a bicycle in nearly 100-degree heat for 10 miles!”

My word to drivers: Give us bicyclists care and respect on the road. We have enough to deal with already. We’re doing you a favor by helping to keep our air clean and reduce dependence on oil. So please do us bicyclists a favor and respect the fact that we’re riding bicycles and that we can’t go 50 mph like you can. By law, we have to be on the street, and you have to share the road with us.

I apologize if I was riding too far out in middle of Holland Street that day. When I ride, I try to respect drivers as best as I can. If I’m at a four-way stop and nobody is coming up behind me, you’ll often see me yield to as many as six cars just because I know they can clear the intersection faster than I can. I use the bike path whenever possible, too. Also, most bicyclists I see are riding on the right side of the road and away from traffic.

There is a pure lack of bike racks here in Bakersfield. Bike racks are places where riders can safely park their bikes and lock them up while at work or patronizing a business. I think most schools have bike racks for students who ride to school. I would like to see more bike racks here.

Want to respond to Bryan’s blog?

Bike safety tips: Whether to work or play, be wise on two wheels

Remember, bicycles must obey the same rules of the road as motor vehicles, meaning you must: ride on the right hand side, with traffic, as close to the curb as possible, and obey all stop signs and traffic signals. Even to turn left, a bicycle should act like a vehicle and merge into traffic to make the turn. However, if a rider doesn’t feel comfortable riding with traffic, just use the crosswalk. There’s no shame!

Some tips for commuting
1. Make sure you bring water for the ride and a snack for when you get to work. You’ll probably be ready for a little bite to eat after you cool off.

2. Flat fixin’s: Don’t forget spare tubes, portable pump or CO2 cartridges, tire lever.

3. Rolling your clothes instead of folding them tends to work out well if you’re bringing an extra change. While you’re on the bike, you’ll also want to wear something comfortable that will not get caught in the chain. (You can roll up pants, secure them with a rubber band, or wear shorts to avoid pant legs getting caught.) Also, it’s good to bring some layers just in case. Sometimes it’s cooler in the mornings and you might want a light windbreaker or sweater that you can peel off when it’s warmer on your ride home.

4. If your work doesn’t have a shower, an easy way to feel fresher is to bring a washcloth and sponge off. You can always leave extra toiletries at work, like deodorant, hair stuff, or makeup. That way, you don’t have to carry it to and from work every day.

Safety tips for children riding their bikes
1. Always wear a helmet. It is against the law for any child under 18 to not wear a helmet while riding a bicycle. If caught not wearing a helmet, the parent will receive an initial fine of $25 that increases every time the child is caught not wearing a helmet.

2. Ride in the bike lane, going the same direction as traffic. Drivers are looking for riders in the street, not on the sidewalk. Small children should ride on the sidewalk when accompanied by an adult.

3. Obey all stop signs and traffic lights. Even though the child may be riding in a familiar area, they must stop at all traffic lights. And, like always, look both ways before crossing the street.

4. A bike is made for one person, not two. Many BMX bikes come with pegs which are meant to help perform tricks, however, children use it as a way to take their best bud along for the ride. This is dangerous. If the bike gets into an accident, then two children will be hurt.

5. Wear a well-fitting helmet — it’s no use if it’s too big or too small. The helmet should be snug, but not tight, and fall about two fingers above the eyebrows.

Biking in Bako

We put out a "call for photos," and our Northwest community responded!

Check out the bicycling photos contributed by Northwest Voice readers!

Youth Athlete of the Month Nominating Wade Froehlich

I am nominating my son Wade Froehlich because of his amazing dedication to a sport that gets very little recognition. He practices year round on a Boys Gymnastics Team at American Kids Sports Center. His dedication to the sport amazes me. He loves all sports and does his best to juggle Flag Football and Baseball while continuing his year round sport. Most importanlty he has been a loving and caring son, a great student at school and church, and a wonderful example for his younger brother and sister. We are so very proud of him. We love you....Papa, Mama, Jake and Nicoletta !

Attention sports fans: Bakersfield has water polo!

Bakersfield Water Polo Club was started in October 2007, after Jason Gall came from the Ivy League Brown University to become the head coach at Cal State Bakersfield. He brought with him a great deal of experience and success from both the club and collegiate ranks.

Gall, a native Californian, started the club with about 20 kids, mostly junior high and high school aged boys and girls. The club has held consecutive eight-week sessions throughout the year, ending with a 10-week session for the summer. The kids practice twice a week for two hours at a time.

Throughout the season, the club brought teams to tournaments up and down the San Joaquin Valley and into Southern California, including the John Hale Summer Championships in Ontario and the National Junior Olympics in Irvine. The club may not have brought home any medals this year, but the kids have had a lot of fun through practice and competitive experiences that provided them with a solid foundation from which to continue growth and improvement as water polo players. Participation peaked in the summer with over 60 kids participating in games and tournaments.

It is Coach Gall’s hope that, with enough exposure and interest, water polo will make its way into all high schools in Bakersfield. Garces, a private high school on the east side, will be fielding girls and boys water polo teams beginning this fall.

“Some of the kids on the Garces team have been playing water polo for my club since October,” Gall concluded. “It’s great to see that they will have the opportunity to compete at the high school level. Hopefully, this will put the pressure on other high schools to add water polo. My hope is that water polo becomes one of the more popular sports here in Bakersfield.”

This fall, Bakersfield Water Polo Club will be offering a low-cost introduction to water polo to provide a new and different choice for kids who may only participate in activities offered through local recreation centers. This program is open to all school-age children ages 7 and up. All it takes is interest and a desire to learn and have fun!

Visit: www.bakersfieldwaterpolo.org for more information.

Saturday Morning Cyclist

On one of our early dates, my future husband mentioned that he would soon be traveling to France. Knowing that he often traveled for business, I asked how he'd been lucky enough to land a conference in the City of Lights. Kyle responded that he would be following the Tour.

"The Tour?" I asked...

"The Tour de France, the bike race Lance Armstrong made so popular."

Ahh. The fact that he was following the route with only a tent and plans to bathe in rivers should have been my first clue to the depths of his love of cycling, both as a spectator and a participant.

Nearly three years later, most of our Saturday mornings hinge on biking. The alarm chirps at five o'clock and I groggily watch Kyle change into bright Lycra. His cycling shoes click-clack across the kitchen floor as he gathers his sports drinks, sports bars, and iPod. I follow him outside, still dark and crisp, to watch him air up the slim tires and load the surprisingly lightweight (and pricey) bicycle onto his SUV. The rhythmic sound of sprinklers and twittering of birds usually help me finish waking up. I stand in the driveway to wave goodbye, saying a prayer that he comes back safely.

Our routine means that I now have at least five hours to myself. Well, six or seven; he has to eat, shower, and rest once he arrives home red-faced and sweaty. My Saturday mornings have morphed into something of a restful cyclone, when I hunt bargains at yard sales, do chores around the house, visit my parents, get lunch ready, and sneak in some indulgent reality show-watching time.

Names like Breckenridge, Arvin Loop, Round Mountain, and Caliente did not mean much to me in the past, but they have come to represent my husband's hard work and dedication to a sport that he loves. He and a small group of friends have Saturday mornings to push themselves physically for thirty to forty miles, encouraging each other as their muscles burn and they secretly want to turn around for home. This brotherhood is something I know he looks forward to throughout the week, no computer or desk in sight, just an open road to pedal down. I will always be his biggest cheerleader and encourage him to ride on.

Sometimes, though, I wish we could just hit the snooze.

Kern County Gun Club offers Scholastic Clay Target Program

The Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) provides school-age participants in grades 12 and under with the opportunity to showcase their competitive shooting skills and earn state and national recognition. The program is designed to instill in participants safe firearms handling, commitment, responsibility, leadership and teamwork.

We will have instructors and coaches to teach trap, skeet and sporting clays. We invite new shooters as well as those who already shoot to join us and join in the fun — whether its competition shooting you’re looking for or just learning to shoot and having fun with your friends.

The Kern County Gun Club is proud to be associated with the Scholastic Clay Target Program and to offer classes by certified instructors and coaches. Classes will be held on Saturdays beginning in September and will run through May. Cost is $75 per shooter and will cover SCTP registration fees, Saturday practice shooting and a T-shirt. Shotguns will be available for new shooters, but if you have one bring it.

At least one parent must be present for registration. Registration will be held on Saturday, Sept. 13, beginning at 8 a.m. at the Kern County Gun Club, located adjacent to the Buena Vista Recreation Area, two miles south of Taft Highway on Enos Lane.

For more information call Cyndi Benson at 205-8569 or Charles Brewster at 205-2914.

Athlete of the Month Winner: Kody Wright

Kody Wright, 11, has been playing travel baseball for over two years. In a recent tournament, Kody batted .555 for the weekend, including two doubles and three walks. Defensively, he played catcher for 11 innings — in one day — and had an out at home that involved a collision preventing the opposing team from scoring; he had no errors and five outs defensively. Kody maintained a 4.0 GPA for his first two semesters at Centennial Elementary. We are most proud of the effort and positive attitude that Kody brings to any situation.

Sports Shorts

It shall be the grandest of slams once renovations are complete at the Bakersfield College baseball and softball fields sometime in the near future. New backstops and new grandstands shall adorn each complex, with new bullpens and dugouts added to the softball diamond. If you have never treated yourself to a ballgame at this immaculate baseball field in the past, you should calendar a game in for next season and enjoy the gem of a diamond that it will be. Coach Tim Painton and his players treat and care for that sanctuary as if it were a Major League facility. Not enough can be said regarding the efforts longtime Bakersfield baseball man George Culver and his Light Brigade committee have put forth through their yearly Hot Stove Dinner fundraiser that has benefitted the baseball program tremendously. The softball setting is feeling the love also, so try to catch some games this coming season. You’ll be impressed!

“Brady, Brady!” as he walked out of the tunnel onto the field ... oops — wrong Brady! As he walked off of the 18th green, after pulling the cat out of the hat with an astonishing eagle to capture the 29th Bakersfield City Golf Championship, former Cal-State Roadrunner Brady Baguio breathed a sigh of relief as he literally stole the title from former BHS golf phenom Bhavik Patel with the one-stroke victory. Kudos to both for their brilliant play at Sundale Country Club.

Incoming Liberty High School senior Cassidy Bell has announced her intention of playing shortstop for the Nittany Lions at Penn State. Cassidy’s .587 batting average endeared her to numerous Division I softball programs who courted her services. Good luck Cass in the land of Joe Pa!

Kingsburg native and former B.C. Renegade pitcher Jake Woods has been called back up to the Seattle Mariners’ parent club for the third time in three seasons. Hope Jake shows some staying power as third time’s the charm!

Here’s hoping that the Bakersfield Northwest 12-year-old all-star team brings home both the national and world baseball championship titles as they embark on their magical journey, which begins in Aberdeen, Maryland. Show ‘em how the west was won, boys — and “shake a pair!”

Editor’s note: The phone number for Junior Golf Academy at RiverLakes Ranch Golf Course is 661-496-0631.