It was a double victory for the Park Middle School Spartan Cheer Team this weekend. The girls achieved their first victory by winning 1st Place at the 2024 JAMZ Cheer & Dance NorCal Challenge Cup Championship in the Middle School Level 2 Division. This competition took place in Stockton, CA.
The second victory was via Virtual Submission to the Full Out Combat Cheerleading Competition which took place in Missoula, Montana. The Spartan Cheerleading Team won 1st Place in the Middle School Division for the Northwest Region.
The victories follow last month’s first place at the Rockstar-Justice League National Cheer and Dance Competition, last month. (See related article)
What an amazing weekend for our Spartan Cheerleaders! We are proud of YOU!
We have had an incredible competition season, bringing three Cheer Championship wins back to Park Middle School this year. We are so proud of all the time, energy, hard work and dedication our girls have put into making this team amazing.
If you know any local businesses that love supporting our schools and the youth in our community, please reach out to us. Go Spartans!
Park Middle School cheerleaders following their win on Saturday, March 16, 2024. Photos: Marie West
By Marie West, Head Cheer Coach, Park Middle School
Congratulations to the Park Middle School Cheerleaders for winning first place at the Rockstar-Justice League National Cheer and Dance Competition in Sacramento on Saturday, March 16, 2024. Over 50 teams participated in the national competition. Over 50 teams participated in the competition, one of six different cheerleading and dance events held across the country.
The City of Antioch offers Adult Drop-In Sports programs to individuals 18+ in order to offer opportunities for residents to stay active, have fun, meet new people and build a sense of community. All Drop-In programs take place at the Antioch Community Center Gym at Prewett Family Park, 4703 Lone Tree Way.
$5 per person, each visit payable at the Antioch Community Center Front Desk.
Volleyball – Sundays, 6pm-7:30pm and Tuesdays, 7:30pm-9pm
Cousins Kellen Chadwick #83 and reigning IMCA Modified State champion Andrew Pearce #15p battle for position. Photo by Katrina Kniss
By Candice Martin, DCRR Racing Media
Antioch, CA…The rainy weather has prevented things from happening at Antioch Speedway for the last three weeks, but this Saturday night, March 16th that’s about to change. The 64th season of auto racing begins with an exciting five-division lineup.
The track at the Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds) is the only place to enjoy auto racing in the county. There will be weekly racing from Saturday night through the end of October with some events planned in November as well.
The popular IMCA Modifieds are the headliners. This division enters its 35th consecutive championship season. They started in 1990 as the track became the third in the state to add the division.
Nearly 15 years ago, the IMCA Sport Modifieds were offered as a slightly more affordable alternative. This is also the opening night of the fourth season for the IMCA Stock Cars.
Pacific Coast Hobby Stock racers Jared Baugh #07 and rookie Mya Jones #73j. Photo by Katrina Kniss
Rounding things out will be the Pacific Coast Hobby Stocks, which began being featured at the speedway in 1995. Also, the 26th season for the Wingless Spec Sprints will begin. Antioch Speedway was the first place to feature a wingless, carbureted Sprint Car class in the state.
Last season, Troy Foulger of Oakley and Billy Bowers teamed up for a stellar effort. The duo picked up championships in both the Modified and Stock Car classes, making this the first team to ever win two championships in the same season at the track. Furthermore, Foulger was the IMCA Stock Car State title winner.
IMCA Sport Modified State champion Trevor Clymens #2c and State runner-up Jason Ryan Jr #52 had a close point battle last year. Photo by Katrina Kniss
The closest point battle last season was featured in the IMCA Sport Modified ranks, where Kenny Shrader of Pacheco, Jason Ryan, Jr. of Oakley, Trevor Clymens of Brentwood and Mark Garner of Antioch all had a shot at the title going into the finale. Shrader beat Ryan by just two points. Ryan also settled for second in the State point battle behind Clymens.
Grayson Baca of Brentwood left little doubt who the Pacific Coast Hobby Stock title winner would be, despite the resurgence of Antioch’s Ken Johns late in the season. Not to be forgotten in the mix, Gilroy’s Jarrett Soares scored a pivotal win late last season to notch the Wingless Spec Sprint title as Oakley’s James East again settled for second.
General consensus is that these are the five most popular classes featured in the speedway’s lineup, and this will be a rare opportunity to see them all in the same night as the curtain comes up on an exciting new season.
As we approach spring, this is a unique opportunity to see green grass in the infield and cars with new bodies on them as they hit the racetrack for the first time. It’s a clean slate for everybody, and anything is possible.
Jason Robles #78 and Dave Hill #15a will be ready to kick off the new IMCA Stock Car season. Photo by Katrina Kniss
Jason Robles of Rio Vista ended up runner up in the IMCA Stock Car class for the second-straight season last year. He’s hoping to get back in the winner’s circle for the first time since 2022, an honor his son Kenneth Robles of Rio Vista earned at the opener last season. Kenneth topped the rookies and ended up third in the standings. 2022’s top rookie, Jason Jennings of Antioch, returns this week after a year off.
Last season’s top IMCA Modified rookie Andrew Pearce of Oakley also won the State title. Each year this talented up-and-comer has improved noticeably in his driving skills. The DeCarlo family should be back in action again, including two-time champion Nick DeCarlo of Martinez and his Hall of Fame father Terry DeCarlo Sr of Martinez. Nick and brother Terry DeCarlo Jr of Martinez are anticipated in the IMCA Stock Car ranks as well.
Terry, Jr.’s daughter Taylor DeCarlo of Martinez is one of the top Hobby Stock drivers in the field. Jewell Crandall of Antioch will attack the season with renewed excitement, and other returning stars include Aidan Ponciano of Oakley, Kevin Brown of Oakley and Jared Baugh of Pittsburg.
Top 5 ranked Spec Sprint racer Jeff Scotto #92a and Dylan Newberry #63 are two of the top Spec Sprint racers at the speedway. Photo by Katrina Kniss
The Wingless Spec Sprint division will be visited by top competitors from out of town throughout the season with a Hunt Series race scheduled for next week. Some of our top stars include ageless veteran Roy Fisher of Antioch, Jeff Scotto of Brentwood, Steve Maionch of Sonora and Bob Newberry and nephew Dylan Newberry of Brentwood.
There’s plenty of anticipation in the air as we get ready for the excitement that only a night of racing at Antioch Speedway can bring. It’s not a show that you will want to miss.
The gates will open at 4:00 PM with the first race starting at 6:00 PM.
Adult tickets are $20, Senior/Military $15, Kids (5-12) $15 and kids four and under free.
Join our Adult Softball League – where camaraderie meets competition and the crack of the bat echoes through the summer evenings! Our league is a vibrant community of individuals who share a passion for softball, creating an environment that blends friendly sportsmanship with the thrill of the game.
The City of Antioch offers two seasons of Softball Leagues for adults. Our Spring season runs April-July and our Fall season runs July-October. Below is a list of divisions offered, each night. Please note that all games take place at Antioch Community Park, 801 James Donlon Blvd.
The Warriors are hosting a day of fun, excitement and education focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (S.T.E.A.M.) in addition to cheering on the Santa Cruz Warriors, their G-league team as they take on the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. The game is LIVE at the Chase Center this Sunday, March 10th, tipoff is 12:30pm.
Seats are in sections 126, 127, 128 starting at row 6. This is a great opportunity to engage your kids in S.T.E.A.M.-related activities throughout the Main concourse and enjoy an afternoon of some great basketball.
DVHS sophomore Jaelyn Wilkins with her winning MLK essay contest check and certificate from AUSD. All photos courtesy of Shar’ron Johnson-Wilkins
Wolverines’ student athlete Jaelyn Wilkins recognized by state, federal representatives
12 other students win essay, art contests; Dozier Libbey senior honored with Reggie Moore Memorial Community Service Award
Carmen Dragon students win all 3 for both Elementary School essay and art contests
By Allen D. Payton
(Publisher’s Note: Apologies for the delay in publishing this article, but the information was not provided to the Herald until last week.)
During this year’s Antioch Unified School District Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration held in January, awards and checks were presented to a variety of elementary, middle and high school students who won the contests for the best essay and art. The submission topic for this year was, “Shifting the Culture Climate through the Study and Practice of Dr. King’s Nonviolence.” Students were invited to submit either a written entry of a poem or essay, short story, etc. or a visual entry including a story told through video, photographs, music, drawings, paintings, collages, etc.
Jaelyn was honored by congressional and state representatives for her winning essay.
Deer Valley High School sophomore scholar athlete, Jaelyn Wilkins, won first place in the high school essay contest and received a check for $250.00, as well as certificates of recognition by Congressman Mark DeSaulnier and Assemblyman Tim Grayson.
Jaelyn during track competitions and with all of her medals.
Wilkins also runs on the cross country and track teams for the Wolverines. In 2022 she was honored to be part of the Cross Country Second Team All-League by the coaches of the Bay Valley Athlete. Wilkins was also honored as the 2022-23 Deer Valley cross country team’s Freshman Phenom and the track team’s Most Valuable Player with the Most Points.
Jaelyn Wilkins’ 2022-23 DVHS Cross Country Freshman Phenom and Track and Field Most Points – MVP plaques, and 2022 BVAL Cross Country 2nd Team All-League certificate.
Following is Jaelyn’s winning 2024 MLK contest essay:
“Dr. King’s incredible legacy has a profound impact on me, even at the age of 15.
Embracing the 2024 theme, I am determined to make a difference in my own unique way. Through acts of kindness, understanding, and empathy, I strive to create a world where everyone is treated with respect and equality.
Inspired by Dr. King’s unwavering dedication, I am committed to standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.
Whether it’s advocating for social justice, promoting inclusivity in my school and community, or raising awareness about important issues, I believe that every action, no matter how small, can contribute to a brighter future.
As a young person, I recognize the power of my voice and the impact I can have on those around me. By educating myself and others, fostering dialogue, and encouraging empathy, I hope to inspire my peers to join me in creating positive change. Together, we can break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and build a more equitable society. Dr. King’s dream of equality and justice serves as a guiding light for me and my generation.
We carry his message in our hearts and are committed to continuing his work. With passion, determination, and a belief in the power of unity, we can make a lasting impact and create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Let’s continue to honor Dr. King’s legacy and work towards a future filled with love, compassion, and equality.”
The following AUSD students were the winners in each contest category and the prize money amounts they received:
High School-Essay:
1st place: Jaelyn Wilkins, 10th grade, Deer Valley High School – $250.00
2nd place: Daniela Edeh, 10th grade, Dozier Libby High School – $150.00
3rd place: Jae’la Falls, 10th grade, Deer Valley High School – $100.00
