Happy Mother’s Day To All The Wonderful Central Valley Moms.
Spring season heating up!
From the desk of Commissioner Alton Williams
We are thrilled to announce that enrollment is now open for the highly anticipated coaching certification program, jointly designed by Fresno Pro-Am and USA Basketball. This program has been specifically crafted to enhance the coaching skills and techniques of all coaches serving at Season 2 of the Fresno Pro-Am. Whether you are a seasoned coach or just starting your coaching journey, this program will empower you with invaluable knowledge and expertise.
The coaching certification program is entirely online, allowing you to complete it at your own pace and convenience. It comprises a comprehensive series of interactive modules that delve into various aspects of coaching, including leadership skills, effective communication, defensive game planning, and player development. These modules have been meticulously developed by experienced coaches to equip you with the essential tools required to excel as a coach.
Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded a coaching certification, jointly accredited by Fresno Pro-Am and USA Basketball. This certification serves as a powerful testament to your dedication to coaching excellence and sets you apart as a standout coach in the community.
We strongly encourage all current and aspiring coaches to seize this unparalleled opportunity to refine their skills and elevate their coaching prowess. By enrolling in this program, you will gain access to an exclusive network of like-minded coaches and unlock new avenues for personal and professional growth.
To enroll in the coaching certification program, please visit our website at https://community.usab.com/users/learning_plans/lbhAybKDtwoojrTHvK38Og/join_learning_plan and follow the straightforward registration process. Spaces are limited, so be sure to secure your spot early.
Student-Athletes from several high schools across the Valley are getting special recognition for their achievements in athletics and academics.
At Buchanan High School, Bailey Bracha and Zachary Weaver were recognized as CIF Scholar Athletes Of The Year. Weaver has excelled in track-and-field while also making sure that he stays dedicated in the classroom. Bracha, a four-year varsity starter for the Bears’ soccer team, has proven her commitment in the classroom with a 4.1 GPA. She will continue her athletic and academic career at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
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Here is what Bracha had to stay about being recognized as the TRAC Female Scholar-Athlete Of The Year:
I am very honored to be receiving this recognition and representing the TRAC for the female scholar-athlete. I think both athletes coming from Buchanan is a big accomplishment and it really shows how dominant Buchanan is all across the board in all sports programs. Obviously I would not be here without a thanks and the help to many people.
I would like to start with thanking God because I would be a nobody with no identity without him. Next I would like to thank my parents because to be where I am at today, they have had to give up a lot for me. Spending weekends traveling up and down the state, and weeks traveling across the country, is no easy task. Seeing them balance not only my sports and sport events, but my siblings, truly amazed me. It takes a lot to be a parent, and it takes even more to be a great parent and my parents have mastered that. I love them so much and wouldn’t be anywhere without them.
Next, I would like to thank every single coach and player I have had along the years. All of my coaches have pushed me to be the best player I can be. Every teammate I have played with and against have pushed me and made me a more competitive player. Getting to play at the next level has been a dream of mine ever since I knew you could do what you love in college. Without the help and support I have received from my family, coaches, players, and friends, I would not be where I am today.
I am so honored to receive this award and opportunity to represent the TRAC. Getting to play for Buchanan these past few years have been the best years. Having the support from the community and fans is so ideal and without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Ar Caruthers, star student-athletes Morgan Trigueiro and Landon Almeida are honored as NWSC CIF scholar athletes of the year.
Here is what Trigueiro said about getting the honor:
It was amazing to be honored along with so many talented student athletes and to be chosen as this years top female. It really is crazy how many champions and MVP’s there were in one place. I’m so grateful the for the scholarship and the event the CIFCC put on. Also, congratulations to all the student athletes honored last night! Nobody understands what it’s like balancing everything quite like we do.
Other Valley athletes recognized as scholar athletes include Firebaugh’s Judith Coreas and Kingsburg’s Jimmy Cranford, as well as the Clovis North duo Ryan Maddox and Marissa Lucas.
San Joaquin Memorial’s 4×1 team has made history. The team of Jaden Zdarstek, Brandon Ramirez, Ryan Wristen and Ramon Ruiz broke the school record in the 4×1 when they finished with a time of 42.78 at the Thunderbird Classic in Delano on April 28.
When anchor Ramon Ruiz gave his team the lead after taking the baton from Ryan Wristen, the Panthers put themselves in position to make history. As he watched Ruiz take the lead, Ramirez said he had a feeling that something special was about to happen.
Something special did apparently happen for the Panthers, who executed their handoffs as planned from the beginning and set the new mark while finishing ahead of Ridgeview (43.23).
Neither the opponents nor the heat were enough to deter the Panthers’ confidence on that memorable day in Kern County.
“We felt good and confident that we would PR going into the race,” Ramirez said. “It was a hot a day, but the track was good. I did believe we could have a performance like this.”
The Panthers were determined to break the 4×1 record all season long. At the West Coast Relays on April 1, the team of Wristen, Ruiz, Ramirez and Gerald Perry inched closer to the goal, finishing with a time of 43.39. The breakthrough moment finally happened nearly a month later in Delano.
“This is something we knew we could get by the season,” Ramirez said.
Although he is heading to Fresno State to play football, Ramirez said track-and-field still holds a special place in his heart.
“I love track because it’s a sport where you are on your own and it challenges you to do your best,” he said. “It helps you get in top shape and get faster which is important for other sports like football.”
Ramirez, who holds an impeccable resume as a student-athlete at San Joaquin Memorial, including CMAC Offensive Player of the Year as a running back and The Fresno Bee‘s Player of the Year last season, will look to add a few more accolades on the track before closing the book on his high school journey.
“Some goals of mine are to beat my personal records, win League and divisionals. Also qualify for Masters and State,” he said.
Bears Set For The Next Chapter
Buchanan’s baseball standouts Braden Guentz, Colton O’Toole and JP Acosta were among the 33 student-athletes from their school who were honored at a special ceremony on April 24 after signing their letter of intent. O’Toole and Acosta are headed to Long Beach State while Guentz if off to Pepperdine.
This Tiger Is A Hornet
Edison High’s star thrower Eric Nakagawa has committed to Sacramento State.
Welcome To The Valley
Long Beach Poly wide receiver Jordan Malan’ulu has committed to Fresno State.
HOME SWEET HOME
Former Buchanan High and Fresno City College standout Steven Scheidt is coming back home to play football at Fresno. Scheidt spent the last two years at Eastern Michigan.
Idaho To Fresno
Idaho transfer defensive end Kemari Bailey has committed to Fresno State
Ram To Cowboy
Fresno City College defensive back Cameron Irvin has committed to Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas.
New Tiger In Town
Sierra High School pitcher Noah Mitchell has committed to play baseball at Reedley College.
It Was A Pool Party For Fresno State Down In San Diego On Sunday!
The Bulldogs’ water polo team earned its third-straight trip to the NCAA Championship, taking down the Pacific Tigers 5-3. It’s also the third-straight Golden Coast Conference Tournament title for the Bulldogs.
Sophomore Brooke Ochoa may be wanted for robbery! She totaled six of Fresno State’s 12 steals in the win.
Ochoa totaled five goals, two assists and six steals in the tournament. She was named tournament MVP.
It was a total team effort!
Jillian Schultz scored two goals while Hailey Andress, Daphne Guevremont and Kaitlin Howarth added the rest.
Paula Nieto Jasny had seven saves and one steal.
Who’s Next?
The Bulldogs will soon find out their opponent for the 2023 NCAA Championship. The selection show is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Monday, May 1.
I thought this team had it in them, just with the way that they play together. You never know how the games are going to go and how they are going to respond. If you would have drawn this up at the beginning of the year, it is like everything would have just had to fall into place. They answered the call for us. It is a testament to these women. They came everyday and they trained really hard. They played together, and embraced the fact that no one person was going to do everything for our team.
Natalie Benson, FRESNO State head coach
These Splash Sisters Are Clearly On A Mission! Stay Tuned!
She believed in herself and relied on the people who believed in her.