Alison Lazzerini plays competitive soccer, these days, in spite of possibly not being able to walk due to a brain tumor she had seven years ago.

By Allen Payton

Alison Lazzerini is more than a survivor. Now, only 11 years old and a sixth grader, she’s in her eighth year since the discovery and removal of a brain tumor the size of a baseball in the back of her head.

The youngest of three children of Maria Lazzerini, a supervisor at Antioch’s Deer Valley Safeway, Alison was just four years old, in 2008, when the slow-growing tumor, which she was probably born with, was discovered.

She had what is known as a Juvenile Pilocytic Astrocytoma.

“They discovered it on Friday and they sent her in for surgery on Monday,” her mother Maria shared. “It was resting on her brain stem.”

Alison also likes playing volleyball.

Fortunately, she didn’t have to undergo any chemotherapy or radiation for the benign tumor. But, it could come back. So, Alison gets an MRI once each year, and so far, they’ve all been clear.

“There was a possibility Alison wouldn’t be able to walk, talk, ride a bike or play any sports,” Maria said. “But, today, she’s playing competitive soccer and she’s been on the honor roll since she’s been in school.”

“We thank God for Alison’s strength and health,” she added.

Alison’s school principal had only glowing remarks about her.

“Amazing achievement,” Didi Del Chiaro said in describing her student. “Social, academic, athletic and wholistically. The things she’s been able to accomplish are amazing, when I think of where she started. It’s like being able to witness a miracle. Someone able to overcome so much.”

Alison is “the kind of kid who gives 100%. She’s a dedicated student and a flat out soccer player,” Del Chiaro continued.

They play a game in which Alison has to tell her something she’s learned, that day, whether it be a new word or a physical accomplishment.

“She never stops striving to improve in all aspects of her being,” Del Chiaro stated. “She’s very humble and will be embarrassed about what I’ve said. But she deserves that kind of acknowledgment.”

To celebrate Alison’s seven years being tumor free, the Lazzerinis are hosting a fundraiser at Skipolini’s in Antioch, on March 3, from 5 p.m to 8 p.m. to benefit Camp Attitude, for special needs children and their families.

To participate, simply download the flyer, here: Alisonsurviverflyer1, print it out and bring it with you to Skipolini’s that day and a portion of your bill will be donated. Be sure to wear grey to support Brain Tumor Awareness.

Seventeen-year-old Katrina Nahe posing with her wide collection of championship belts she started earning in 2007.

By Luke Johnson

Katrina Nahe is no ordinary senior walking the halls of Deer Valley High School. The 17-year-old has a kickboxing resume containing five world titles along with three international titles.

She began training in martial arts at the age of five in Grandmaster Dennis Guila’s garage in Antioch, who is a ninth degree black belt in Kajukenbo. She then started competing in tournaments at seven years old, and won her first championship via TKO when she was nine at the International Kickboxing Federation World Classic in Florida.

“I felt very motivated after winning my first title,” Nahe said. “I wanted to keep fighting and win more titles.”

On top of being an accomplished fighter, Nahe is also the captain of the Deer Valley girls’ tennis team, and participateed in the Bay Valley Athletic League Tournament, a two-day event, last Oct. 30th and 31st.

For the past couple years she has been training with University of San Francisco boxing coach Angelo Merino, and wants to transition into that form of combat so she can contend in the Olympics. She won a bronze medal in the 2013 Junior Olympics, and has also been offered a full-ride scholarship to Michigan State University for boxing.

“I plan to take [my boxing career] to the 2016 Olympics in Brazil and win gold, and be on a cereal box, and make my own clothing designs,” Nahe said.

Delta Valley Wolfpack Cheerleading squad.

By John Crowder

Delta Valley Wolfpack, an Antioch nonprofit group that provides an opportunity for local youth from ages six to fourteen to participate in high-level football and cheerleading, is once again sending four teams to the Youth National Championships. About 50 cheerleaders from the Wolfpack will compete in the event, which is to be held from January 23 through 26 at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Wolfpack Cheer squad has won the national championship four times since their founding in 2009.

The all-volunteer organization, which sees over 200 young people participate in their programs, each year, was founded by Kim and Lee Scott. Today, Lee serves as President of the organization, and Kim is head of Varsity Cheer. About 60 volunteers work throughout the year to guide their young charges to success.

The program is not just focused on athletics, however. Academic and life skills are a large part of the training that the young people who participate in Wolfpack programs receive.

Tony Carter, Coaches Commissioner with the Wolfpack, created a student scholar program within the group. Students are required to turn in their report cards, and the Wolfpack has tutors on hand to help students who might struggle academically. At the end of the year, students are recognized for their academic performance, and several students on the team have attained 4.0 grade point averages.

Wolfpack volunteers also mentor their young charges in citizenship. Respect is a major focus. According to Kim, “You’ve got to have self-control, self respect, and respect for others if you are going to be successful in life.” Lee concurred, saying that he does not allow any poor sportsmanship from the members of his football teams. “There is no trash talking, no arguing, no bullying,” he said. Lee emphasized that the coaches maintained discipline, and expected the young scholar-athletes to learn and practice self-discipline. “We run it like a household,” he said.

Indeed, the entire program is very family oriented. There are no tryouts, no weight limits imposed, and nobody is cut from the team because of a lack of physical ability. “The first forty kids who apply will make a squad,” Lee said. He emphasized that he wanted any child who was interested to have a chance to compete, and by allowing all students to play, even those who might not have an innate athletic ability, it put the onus on the coaches to work hard to help each team member succeed, regardless of incoming skill level.

The Wolfpack is mostly financed through parent participation fees, with additional revenue generated by entry sales to view games, revenue from their concession stand, participant fund-raisers, and a small group of sponsors, including Mountain Mike’s Pizza, One Work Place, and Sign O Rama.

For more information about the Wolfpack, contact Kim Scott at 925-754-8668 or by email at deltavalleywolfpack@yahoo.com.