Archive for the ‘Sports’ Category

Knights of Columbus annual Youth Basketball Shooting Competitions in Antioch Jan. 5

Monday, December 11th, 2023

All boys and girls ages 8 to 14 are invited to participate in the local level of competition for the Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship.  Age eligibility is determined by the age of the contestant as of January 1, 2024.  Proof of age is required (please bring a copy of your birth certificate). 

The competitions will be held on January 5, 2024, at Giovannoni Parish Center.

 21 East 15th Street, Antioch

Free Throw Championship

Ages 8-11        registration at 5:30 pm competition begins at 6:00 pm

Ages 12-14      registration at 6:30 pm competition begins when the 8-to-11-year-old competitors are done The Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship is sponsored annually, with winners progressing through local, district, and jurisdictional competitions. International champions are announced by the Knights of Columbus international headquarters based on scores from the jurisdiction-level competitions.

2023 local winner and State qualifier, Justin Uribarri, with organizers (L) Wayne Steffen and (R) Mike Hayes. Photo: Knights of Columbus

2023 Winners

The two State qualifiers from this year’s competition were 14-year-old Justin Uribarri who placed 3rd at State, 11-year-old Ezra Palec but she was unable to attend the State competition. Ezra made 22 out of 25 shots at Regionals.  That would have been enough to win the State competition. Another local winner was 12-year-old Thalia Pham. She lost at Regionals in a shoot-off to the girl who ended up being State and International champion.

For more information contact: Wayne Steffen 925.890.0119 or Mike Hayes 925.565.4482

Council #3265 in Antioch, CA is one of 17,000 Knights of Columbus councils that make up the world’s largest Catholic fraternal service organization. Founded in 1882 to assist working-class and immigrant Catholics in the United States, today the approximately two million members of the Knights put their faith into action through a broad range of charitable causes locally, nationally and internationally with financial contributions and hands-on service.

Antioch Speedway: Garner of Antioch, DeCarlo, Foulger, Ryan winners on Bill Bowers Memorial Weekend

Wednesday, October 25th, 2023
Nick DeCarlo #17 turned in a stellar effort to win the Saturday IMCA Modified race. Photo by Katrina Kniss

By Candice Martin, DCRR Racing Media

Antioch, CA…October 20-21…Nick DeCarlo of Martinez and Troy Foulger of Oakley were the winners in IMCA Modified competition last weekend at Antioch Speedway. This was the Annual Bill Bowers Memorial/West Coast Nationals race with the Friday portion also paying tribute to legend JD Willis.

Car count dictated an adjustment to the show that saw two complete programs run on Friday and Saturday with the intended purse on Saturday split between the two nights. This put $1,000 into the pockets of Saturday winner DeCarlo and Friday winner Foulger, who came close to picking up the Saturday win as well.

Troy Foulger #49 picked up a JD Willis trophy for his Friday night IMCA Modified triumph. He is unofficially one win shy of 70 combined on the all-time win list at Antioch Speedway. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Both nights ran two sets of heat races for each division with the points adding up to set the lineups for the feature races. State champion Andrew Pearce took the early lead of the Saturday IMCA Modified feature ahead of Kellen Chadwick of Oakley. Foulger was running third until a Lap 11 yellow flag for debris. Pearce continued to lead Chadwick with DeCarlo moving into third. When Pearce got out of shape exiting Turn 2 on the 12th lap, DeCarlo ducked low and emerged with the lead. Foulger followed closely into second. Foulger kept the pressure on DeCarlo until making the outside pass in Turn 4 on Lap 18 to grab the lead. DeCarlo stayed low and emerged with the lead in the same turn a lap later. The battle remained intense until the checkered flag with DeCarlo winning ahead of Foulger, Chadwick, Pearce and Tim Balding of Prunedale.

On Friday night, DeCarlo paced just one lap before an inside pass on the back stretch put Foulger in command. DeCarlo briefly gained the lead on Lap 14 before Foulger was back up front on Lap 15. A yellow flag also waved at that point for debris on the track. Foulger led DeCarlo and Pearce on the restart. They ran in that order to the checkered flag as Chadwick and Jim Pettit II of Prunedale rounded out the Top 5.

Mark Garner #76 finally returned to the IMCA Sport Modified winner’s circle with his Bowers Memorial win on Saturday night. Photo by Katrina Kniss

In IMCA Sport Modified competition, it was Mark Garner of Antioch picking up the win on Saturday with the Friday victory going to Jason Ryan Jr of Oakley. The wins paid both drivers $750. Garner had finished third on Friday night.

On Saturday, State champion Trevor Clymens of Brentwood set the early pace with Garner making an inside pass on the back stretch on the sixth lap to take second from Ryan. Garner went inside Clymens on the back stretch on Lap 7 to take the lead from him. The race was riddled with yellow flags during the second half. A heated incident between Tommy Fraser of Antioch and Ryan saw the race end for both of them. Through each yellow flag, Garner emerged with the lead and picked up a much deserved victory ahead of Clymens, Dylan Connelly of Antioch, Johnathan Hagio of Prunedale and Matt Pitts of Rodeo.

Jason Ryan Jr #52 picked up a JD Willis trophy with his IMCA Sport Modified win on Friday night. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Ryan enjoyed a stellar season with second place rankings at Antioch and in the State. Heat race points put him on the front row for the Friday show, and he bolted into the lead at the start ahead of Trevor Clymens. An inside move down the back stretch on Lap 6 put three-time champion Fred Ryland of Brentwood into second. Garner moved into third on a Lap 9 restart. With Ryland in pursuit, Ryan had to make the right moves on multiple restarts during the second half of the race. However, Ryan prevailed over Ryland at the checkered flag. Garner settled for third ahead of Raymond Lindeman of Rio Linda and Trevor Clymens.

Antioch and State champion Troy Foulger of Oakley picked up $500 IMCA Stock Car victories on both Friday and Saturday night as he nudges closer to 70 combined wins all time at Antioch Speedway.

Troy Foulger #49 turned in a repeat performance with IMCA Stock Car wins on both Friday and Saturday nights. Photos by Katrina Kniss

Fred Ryland of Brentwood paced the opening lap of the Saturday race with Foulger getting around Mitch Machado of Rohnert Park on the second lap. Foulger and Ryland briefly went side by side before Foulger emerged with the lead on the fifth lap. From there, Foulger sped on to the win ahead of Ryland, Dave Hill of South San Francisco, Machado and Scott Foster of Oakley.

Points from the heat races put Foulger on the front row and he led the Friday portion of the show from the start. Ryland was a race-long second. Machado was an early third, but Terry DeCarlo Jr of Martinez gained the position on the ninth lap. Foulger won ahead of Ryland, DeCarlo, Machado and Dave Hill.

Track champion Grayson Baca #31b picked up the Friday night Hobby Stock win. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Jared Baugh of Pittsburgh and track champion Grayson Baca of Brentwood picked up the Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stock feature wins for the weekend. Baugh didn’t show up on Friday but picked up the Saturday win in impressive fashion. 

Baugh took the lead from the start ahead of Troy Foulger, who was piloting the car originally intended for Mya Jones of Martinez. Baca held third in the early stages, but Foulger brought out a yellow flag on Lap 6. Baugh led Baca on the restart with Kevin Brown of Oakley running third. Jake Archibald of Oakley slipped past Brown for third on the ninth lap, and Baca brought out a Lap 11 yellow flag. Baugh continued to lead Archibald and Brown On the restart. Archibald was trailing by a straightaway when his race came to an unfortunate end three laps for the finish. Baugh cruised to victory ahead of Brown, Trevor Clymens, Baca and Archibald.

Jared Baugh #31b only raced on Saturday, but that was good enough for a Hobby Stock feature win. Photo by Katrina Kniss

On Friday night, Baca took the lead from the start ahead of Trevor Clymens. Foulger moved past Brown for third on Lap 3 before a yellow flag waved. Foulger moved into second on the restart with Tommy Clymens settling into third. Baca held command by a wide margin when the checkered flag flew, followed by Foulger, Tommy Clymens, Brown and Jess Paladino of Brentwood.

On Halloween weekend, there will be candy for the kids. The Xtreme Late Models, Super Stocks and Hardtops will be having their season point finales. Wingless Spec Sprints and Print Club Mini Stocks are also in action. For further information, go to www.raceantiochspeedway.com or check out the Antioch Speedway by PROmotions Facebook page.

Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023 Race Results

IMCA Modifieds

Heat Winners Round 1 (10 laps)-Kellen Chadwick, Andrew Pearce. Heat Winners Round 2 (10 laps)-Kellen Chadwick, Andrew Pearce. Main Event (25 laps)-Nick DeCarlo, Troy Foulger, Kellen Chadwick, Andrew Pearce, Tim Balding, Aaron Crowell, Mickey Hill, Jim Pettit II, Dave Duste Jr, Matthew Hagio DNS.

IMCA Sport Modifieds

Heat Winners Round 1 (10 laps)-Mark Garner, Jason Ryan Jr. Heat Winners Round 2 (10 laps)-Mark Garner, Trevor Clymens. Main Event (25)-Mark Garner, Trevor Clymens, Dylan Connelly, Jonathan Hagio, Matt Pitts, Tommy Clymens, Al Johnson, James Graessle, Tommy Fraser, Jason Ryan Jr.

IMCA Stock Cars

Heat Winner Round 1 (10 laps)-Dave Hill. Heat Winner Round 2 (10 laps)-Mitch Machado. Main Event (25 laps)-Troy Fougler, Fred Ryland, Dave Hill, Mitch Machado, Scott Foster, Jason Robles DNS.

Hobby Stocks

Heat Winners Round 1 (10 laps)-Kevin Brown Jared Baugh. Heat Winners Round 2 (10 laps)-Kevin Brown, Grayson Baca. Main Event (25 laps)-Jared Baugh, Kevin Brown, Trevor Clymens, Grayson Baca, Jake Archibald, John Keith, Kamren Robles, Jess Paladino, Troy Foulger, Tommy Clymens.

Friday, Oct. 20, 2023 Race Results

IMCA Modifieds

Heat Winner Round 1 (10 laps)-Troy Foulger, Andrew Pearce. Heat Winners Round 2 (10 laps)-Kellen Chadwick, Nick DeCarlo. Main Event (25 laps)-Troy Foulger, Nick DeCarlo, Andrew Pearce, Kellen Chadwick, Jim Pettit II, Tim Balding, Aaron Crowell, Paul Gugliemoni, Matthew Hagio, Dave Duste Jr.

IMCA Sport Modifieds

Heat Winners Round 1 (10 laps)-Trevor Clymens, Jason Ryan Jr. Heat Winners Round 2 (10 laps)-Jonathan Hagio, Fred Ryland. Main Event (25 laps)-Jason Ryan Jr, Fred Ryland, Mark Garner, Raymond Lindeman, Trevor Clymens, Jonathan Hagio, Tommy Clymens, Dylan Connelly, Joseph Pato, Al Johnson.

IMCA Stock Cars

Heat Winner Round 1 (10 laps)-Troy Foulger. Heat Winner Round 2 (10 laps)-Troy Foulger. Main Event (25 laps)-Troy Foulger, Fred Ryland, Terry DeCarlo Jr, Mitch Machado, Dave Hill, Scott Foster.

Hobby Stocks

Heat Winner Round 1 (10 laps)-Grayson Baca. Heat Winner Round 2 (10 laps)-Grayson Baca. Main Event (25 laps)-Grayson Baca, Troy Foulger, Tommy Clymens, Kevin Brown, Jess Paladino, Trevor Clymens.

Antioch Sports Legends honor Class of 2023 Hall of Fame inductees

Saturday, October 21st, 2023
The official photo of 13 of the 15 inductees in the Class of 2023 Antioch Sports Legends Hall of Fame. Photo by Steve Nosanchuck

By Allen D. Payton

On Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, the Antioch Sports Legends honored and celebrated 15 members and a team in this year’s class of inductees during their 16th annual dinner and ceremony. Founded by four organizers in 2006 as part of the Antioch Historical Society, they established a wing inside the Antioch Historical Museum that honors the city’s past athletes, teams, coaches and volunteers. The board recently incorporated as the Antioch Sports Legends Hall of Fame, Inc.

This year’s class includes athletes Devon Almarinez, Matt Baugh, Clark Davidson, Erica Helms, Mason Hibbard, Ashley Hodges, Lynn Lohmeier, Eddie Loretto, Lisa Ma’ake, Cassie Mann, Eddie Miller, Bob Olds, and Andy Sample, the Antioch High School 1986-1987 Golf Team, Antioch High cross-country coach Mike Amorosa and Community Leader Recipient Joanne Bilbo.

Inductees, family and friends enjoyed the annual Antioch Sports Legends Hall of Fame dinner and ceremony held at the Lone Tree Golf & Event Center on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. Photos by Allen D. Payton

Gary Bras served as Master of Ceremonies for the evening’s event. Following the dinner at the Lone Tree Golf & Event Center, he introduced Board of Directors President Mike Hurd to welcome the honorees, their families and friends in attendance.

“This is your night, inductees. This is a night you’ll always remember. We’re excited to have you here,” he said. “They were voted on by past inductees.”

“It costs about $70,000 per year to run the Sports Legends program. Volunteers and contributions are welcome,” Hurd added.

Class of 2007 Hall of Fame inductees, former professional baseball players and brothers Butch and Rally Rounsaville (left & center) were among the past recipients honored during the dinner on Oct. 7, 2021. Photo by Allen D. Payton

Past inductees were asked to stand and given a round of applause. This year’s honorees were then introduced for a group photo, and individually presented with a plaque, and given the opportunity to share a few words. Golfer Bob Olds received the largest round of applause.

Photo by Allen D. Payton

Following is the information about each Class of 2023 inductee and their photos provided in the event’s program:

Devon Almarinez, 2002 DVHS All-Around Male Athelete

Devon Almarinez

Devon Almarinez was selected to the varsity soccer team his sophomore year which enabled him to compete alongside his older brother Sports Legends Inductee, Niles Almarinez. The two of them were instrumental in helping Deer Valley High Schools win its first North Coast Section Division 1 Soccer Team Championship over perennial powerhouse De La Salle in the NCS Championship Game.

Following the championship season, Devon decided to compete in cross-country, and track and field to improve his endurance for soccer. He won his first cross-country race at the Contra Loma Reservoir Meet which inspired him to continue to compete and train resulting in him being selected 1st Team All-Bay Valley Athletic League and Most Valuable Runner on the Deer Valley Cross Country Team.

Devon was a strong and fast runner who excelled in the 800 meters in track and field. He was undefeated his senior year in the 800 meters and placed 2nd at the North Coast Section Meet of Champions with a time of 1:55.17 that qualified him for advancement to the California Interscholastic Federation Track & Field Championships. At the conclusion of the season, he was selected 1st Team North Coast Section 3A and 1st Team All-BVAL in Track & Field.

As a senior, he was selected 1st team All-BVAL in all three varsity sports in soccer, cross country and track and field. He was honored as the 2002 Deer Valley High School Male Athlete of the Year and a member of the prestigious Contra Costa County Times Top 50 Male Athletes.

Following high school graduation, Devon earned an athletic scholarship to play soccer at the University of San Francisco. After completing his first year of soccer at USF, he decided to transfer to Saint Mary’s College to join his brother Niles on the Saint Mary’s College Soccer Team

Matt Baugh, 2004 DVHS Baseball

Matt Baugh

When Deer Valley reached the 2003 NCS championship game for the first time in school history, Coach Dennis Luquet chose junior southpaw Matt Baugh to start the game. Baugh did not disappoint, holding Clayton Valley to 1 run on 3 hits over 6 innings in the Wolverines’ 4-1 victory. His 10 wins that season tied the then school record, leading Deer Valley to a 23-8-1 record. Baugh was dominant that season with 96 strikeouts (3rd in school history) with an ERA of 1.96. His accomplishments that season were recognized by Cal-Hi Sports when they named Baugh to their All-State Underclassman team.

Baugh first opened the eyes of local baseball fans when he pitched a no-hitter against Ygnacio Valley as a sophomore. His 5 victories that year were a key contribution to the NCS-bound Wolverine team. Unfortunately, arm injuries shut down Matt after only 9 innings as a senior. When Baugh wasn’t pitching, he still played a big role for the Wolverines ending his career with a .319 batting average. His 15 wins are currently 5th in school history despite a shortened senior season.

Matt’s accomplishments earned him a scholarship to the University of Arizona. In his two seasons at Arizona, Baugh had a 2-1 record and 1 save. In the 2005 Pac-10 season, he had a 2.38 ERA and 1-1 record and led the Wildcats with 10 appearances. He transferred to USF for his final two years where he appeared in 27 games for the Dons, starting 22 times. He finished with a career mark of 8-5 with 98 strikeouts in 152 innings and was named USF’s top pitcher in 2008. One highlight was a 10-inning complete game victory over Portland as a senior.

Baugh was a 26th round selection of the Colorado Rockies, pitching in 19 minor league games over two-seasons.

Clark Davidson, 1980 AHS Football

Clark Davidson

Strong, burly and quick, Clark Davidson was a star in numerous sports and excelled in football at Antioch High. As a junior Clark was a member of the DVAL Championship football team as a defensive lineman. That set the stage for a fabulous senior season where he was named 1st team ALL-DVAL defensive lineman and was also named to the 1st team All-East Bay squad. He was selected and played in the Contra Costa-Alameda County All-Star Football Game.

Clark went on to play two years at Los Medanos College as a defensive lineman. He garnered Camino Norte Conference Honorable Mention selections in both his freshman and sophomore season. Davidson parlayed those achievements into a full ride scholarship to the University of Nevada at Reno. While at Reno, Davidson was a two-year letterman on the defensive line and was part of the Wolfpack’s 1983 NCAA Division 1-AA semifinalist team.

Clark also starred on the track and wrestling mat at Antioch High. He won a varsity letter his sophomore year in wrestling and enjoyed a stellar career in Track and Field in the weight events. Davidson’s specialty was the shot

put and during his senior season he won the DVAL championship and the North Coast Meet of Champions which qualified him for the California State Meet. His mark of 58’8’’ ranks him third all-time on the AHS shot put record board. He was also a member of the 1979 DVAL Championship track and field team.

Clark continued his track career during his two years at LMC participating in the shot put, discus and javelin setting a then school record in the javelin. Davidson continued in track at UNR, taking 6th place in the Shot Put at the Big Sky Conference Championships his junior year and 6th place in the javelin his senior season.

Mason Hibbard, 1992 AHS Baseball

Mason Hibbard

It is hard to remember when Mason Hibbard was not actively playing one sport or another. From an early age you would find him either in the pool, on the baseball diamond, the basketball court or the ski slopes. To say that being involved in sports was paramount to the Hibbard family would be an understatement. It was a way of life and what one was expected to do growing up.

While Mason is being inducted in the sport of baseball, he truly was a multi-sport athlete at Antioch High which recognized him as Antioch High School Senior Athlete of the Year for his exploits on the diamond as well as the hardwood.

In the era of single sport athletes Mason was the exception. As a junior he was 2nd Team All-League in baseball and 1st Team All-League and 1st Team All-East Bay in baseball his senior year. He was also 1st Team All-League in basketball both his junior and senior seasons and was Antioch High School’s Most Valuable player in both sports. In addition, the Oakland Tribune recognized him as one of Bay Area’s 1992 Spring Athletes of the Year in baseball.

When it was time to decide on where to go to college and what sport to play, Mason chose Santa Clara University where he was a baseball walk-on his freshman year. He would go on to become a three-year letterman for the Bronco’s. His hard work and performance on the field would earn him a baseball scholarship his senior year. Mason was truly a player who would “take one for the team”. That is exemplified in the Bronco baseball record book where he is still #8 all-time in being hit by a pitch which happened 28 times during his career and #3 all-time with 21 his senior season.

Erica Helms, 2007 DVHS Basketball

Erica Helms

After spending her freshman and sophomore years commuting from Antioch to Stockton to play for State Champion basketball powerhouse St. Mary’s High School, Erica Helms made two decisions. She would verbally commit to play basketball for the University of Nevada Las Vegas and also return home to play her last two years as a Wolverine under the tutelage of coach Lindsey Lopez Wisely whose team had just won the North Coast Section Title in 2005.

To say that decision was a good one would be an understatement. As a junior she would be named to the 2nd Team All-State Underclass Team and 1st Team All-League. As a senior she would average 27.6 points and 3.2 assists per game and was named Co-BVAL Most Valuable Basketball Player. She would set the DVHS single game scoring record with 38 points versus Liberty and would end her high school career with 1,052 points ranking her fifth all-time at DVHS. Along the way she would also be named 2nd team All-CC Times as a senior and one of the CC Times top 50 girl athletes both years.

At UNLV she would become only the 19th player to score 1,000 career points. She led the Lady Rebel freshmen in scoring her first year and was one of only three UNLV players to average double-figures while leading the team in assists with as a sophomore. Her junior year she was named 3rd Team All-Mountain West Conference and led the team in scoring with 412 points which ranked 10th in the conference, scoring in double figures 23 times. Her senior season started a little slowly as she gave birth to her daughter in late September, but she was back on the court one month later and finished the season as the team’s third leading scorer with 208 points.

Ashley Hodges, 2007 DVHS Track & Field

Ashley Hodges

Ashley Hodges success has been the product of hard work, dedication, and a drive to excel. From her triumphs in high school to becoming a standout athlete at Howard University, her journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the pursuit of excellence.

Throughout her high school career she showcased her exceptional talent by qualifying for the CIF State Track and Field Championships in the 800-meter run in both 2006 and 2007. Her accomplishments also included winning the North Coast Section Meet of Champions 800-meter race in 2006 and the North Coast Section Tri-Valley 800-meter championship both as a junior and senior. In addition, she had a 1600-meter personal best of 5:02.96, which ranked her second in the North Coast Section.

Ashley’s exceptional talent during high school was further recognized when she was offered a scholarship to prestigious Howard University in Washington, D.C., competing at the NCAA Division I level. During her college tenure she continued to excel, capturing the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference individual championship in Women’s Cross Country in 2010, advancing her to the NCAA Division I Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship. In addition, Ashley showcased her prowess in the indoor 5,000-meter run in 2011, further solidifying her status as an exceptional athlete. Her remarkable achievements were honored with the prestigious Howard University Most Valuable Player Award for the 2010-2011 track and field season.

After graduating from Howard University, this exceptional student-athlete pursued her passion for law, earning a juris doctor degree from the renowned Georgetown University Law Center. Leveraging her expertise, she embarked on a career as an international anti-corruption lawyer for a prominent New York law firm and is based in Paris, France. Her commitment to justice and integrity, continue to drive her forward, making a positive impact on global efforts to combat corruption and promote ethical practices.

Lynn Lohmeier, 1991 AHS All-Around Female Athlete

Lynn Lohmeier

“Lynn has always been involved in sports” said Lorraine Lohmeier, Lynn’s mother. Lynn earned eight varsity letters at Antioch High School, three each in soccer and softball and two in volleyball. She received her first varsity soccer letter playing for Antioch High as a freshman while still a student at Park Junior High. Lynn was All-BVAL in soccer 3 times, and softball twice. An injury in Lynn’s junior year stopped her from being the first Antioch High student-athlete to earn four varsity letters in girls’ soccer.

In softball she was named the Queen of the Mountain Tournament’s top defensive player. She was athlete of the week for the Contra Costa Times, chosen AHS softball team MVP and was named to the All-East Bay Softball team.

To add to her accomplishments, she was named to the 1991 Contra Costa Times All-Star Team after breaking Antioch High School records for bunting and stealing. She also set AHS records that season batting .571 with 28 runs scored, 32 stolen bases with 30 in a row. Her 28 hits were all singles.

Lynn then took her softball talents to Merced Junior College starting at shortstop and second base becoming 1st Team All-Camino Norte Conference. She had the talent of throwing right-hand and batting left-handed and used

her speed on the bases to help lead Merced to the Northern California Regional Softball playoffs.

East County had a number of softball players in Division 1 at the college level in the 1990’s including Lynn at Sacramento State. In 1995 the Sac State softball team made it to the NCAA Collegiate Women’s Division I Softball championships.

Additionally, Lynn received the Golden Key award from the National Honor Society in recognition of her outstanding scholastic achievement and excellence. She was also named to the Western Athletic Conference All-Academic team.

Eddie Loretto, 1984 AHS Football

Eddie Loretto

Eddie Loretto decided to focus on becoming a full-time kicker his junior year at Antioch High School. After a year at the JV level, Loretto became an offensive weapon as a senior for the Panthers. He had four field goals that season of 40 or more yards missing only one and was 31-33 on PAT’s. His 47-yarder set the Panther record for longest field goal, a record that stood for 15 seasons. As a senior his accomplishments were recognized by being named 2nd Team All-League and 1st Team All-East Bay. In addition, Loretto was named to the San Francisco Examiner’s All-Bay Area team.

Upon graduation, he took his powerful left leg to UC Davis to become a member of the Division 2 powerhouse Aggie football squad. After redshirting his first year, he was named the starting kicker for the Aggies. In that 1985 season, Loretto hit 16-21 field goals setting a school record for most FG’s in a season. He was also 37-40 on PAT’s and his 85 points set another school record. As a sophomore, Loretto was 12-15 on his field goals, landing him a spot on the All-Conference 1st team. His senior year saw Loretto connect on all 26 of his PAT’s and 7-12 on FG’s, again earning him 1st Team All-Conference and Honorable Mention on the Little All-American list. He graduated as the Division 2 all-time career scoring leader, setting school records for most FG’s, PAT’s and scoring for both a season and career. He still holds school records for most PAT’s (8) and FG (4) in a game and his 273 career points rank second among all Aggie kickers.

Loretto is currently a history professor at the College of Alameda. He retired from coaching in 2022 after 12 seasons as special teams coach for Pittsburg High School.

Lisa Ma’ake, 2007 DVHS Track & Field

Lisa Ma’ake

It didn’t take long for Lisa Ma’ake to stand out as Deer Valley High School’s top shot putter. As a ninth-grader she would finish first in the North Coast Section Tri-Valley Championships and would go on to qualify for the California State Track & Field Championship, her first of four consecutive trips to the CIF State Meet. Her top performance at State would see her finish in 8th place as a sophomore with a throw of 39’ 11½’.

Along the way to the CIF Championships, she would become a three-time 1st team All- BVAL winner in the shot and two-time winner in the discus. In addition to her 1st place at the NCS Tri-Valley Championships she would also claim the title in the same meet the next two years in both the shot put and discus. At the North Coast Section Meet of Champions shot put final she would finish in the top 4 each year. Her 2nd place finish as a senior with a throw of 40’ 10 1/2” and a 4th place discus throw of 121’ ½” would earn her a trip to the top high school track and field meet in California in both events.

Beyond her individual achievements Lisa would be honored as the BVAL Field Event Athlete of the Year after her junior season. As a senior she would be recognized by the Contra Costa Times as one of the Top 50 Female Athletes in the East Bay.

After high school Lisa enrolled at Fresno State University where, as a freshman, she would set a personal best of 43’ 0” at the prestigious Brutus Hamilton Invitational held at U.C. Berkeley. She would also have the opportunity to complete internationally finishing 3rd at the Ponce Segunda Classificatoria in Ponce, Puerto Rico.

Cassie Mann, 2000 AHS Softball

Cassie Mann

The Antioch High School girls’ softball program has had a long list of talented pitchers with several inducted into the Antioch Sports Legends Hall of Fame. Cassie Mann joins that elite group because of her fabulous careers at Antioch High School and Dominican University. In high school she was the BVAL Player of the Year in her junior season and team MVP as a senior. She was first team All-League both years and was selected as the MVP of the prestigious Queen of the Mountain Tournament in Concord where she was 3-0 and didn’t allow an earned run. She was also included in the Contra Costa Times top 50 Athletes of the Year and was a NCS Scholar Athlete her junior year.

In her sophomore year, the Antioch High School team won the BVAL championship and lost in the North Coast Section semi-finals. In her junior season they lost the NCS championship game to Carondelet High School. Leading up to that tournament game, Cassie won 14 straight games, eleven of which were shutouts. She pitched 54 consecutive innings without opponents scoring a single run.

After high school, she received a full scholarship to Dominican University of California in San Rafael and graduated Cum Laude in 2004 with a degree in International Business Management. She played all four years in college and was team captain her last two seasons. In her first two years, she was awarded the NAIA California Pacific Conference Most Valuable Pitcher. In 2004 she pitched a perfect game and was chosen the Team’s MVP.

After college Cassie embarked on a career in law enforcement and is employed by the Kings County Sheriff’s Office as their Fiscal Manager. She resides in Hanford with her husband and 11-year-old son.

Eddie Miller, 2007 AHS Basketball

Eddie Miller

Following a 2-22 season in 2004-05, the Antioch Panthers stunned local basketball fans when they compiled a record of 43-13 over the next two seasons, including an impressive 23-7 in the formidable BVAL. A major contributor to that turnaround was point guard Eddie Miller. As a junior, Miller averaged a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds per game. The Panthers finished the season 21-7 with their first NCS playoff berth in many years. Miller’s accomplishments were recognized by being selected 1st Team All-League and 3rd Team All-Contra Costa Times.

Miller’s impressive junior year was just a warmup of what was to follow. As a senior, Miller led the Panthers to another NCS record of 22-6, finishing 14-2 in the BVAL. That season marked the first victory over De La Salle in the program’s history. Miller led the league in scoring with a 15.6 average over the 16-game league schedule and was named the league MVP. Again, the Contra Costa Times recognized Miller by placing him on the All-CC Times regional squad. The Times also named Eddie to its top 50 male athletes list in both his junior and senior years. Dinally, Miller was named the Panther’s Senior Athlete of the Year in 2007 for his exploits in both basketball and track and field.

After graduation, Miller walked on to the basketball program at U.C. Berkeley where he appeared in 15 games over two seasons. He then transferred to UC Davis on a scholarship for this final two years of eligibility. Over the next two seasons, Miller started 52 games as a point guard, scoring a total of 631 points. His senior year was highlighted by a 35-point outburst versus league opponent U.C. Riverside. Miller concluded his basketball career by playing professionally in Brazil for one year.

Bob Olds, 1957 AHS Golf

Bob Olds

Bob Olds didn’t play golf in high school because his passion was baseball, and the two sports were played at the same time of the school year. His brother Jim introduced Bob to the game of golf in 1960 and that’s when Bob’s love affair with golf started and is still going strong over 60 years later.

In 1990, Bob became eligible to start playing senior golf and that’s when his career really took off. In 1992, he became only the second Antioch golfer to qualify to play in the USGA Senior Open held in Bethlehem, PA. He was a NCGA Senior Cup Member from 1994 through 2012 and again in 2014. In 1995 and 2004 he was the Low Amateur at the Northern California Open. Perhaps his most prestigious and hard-earned honor came in 1996 when he was named the NCGA Senior Player of the Year. Bob played in the USGA Senior Amateur Tournament in 1996, 1997 and in 2007 when he qualified for match play. In 1997, at the famous Wing Foot Golf Club in New York, he won the Senior Division Two Man Championship and followed that in 1998 by winning the California State Fair Senior Amateur Championship.

Bob Olds (in dark blue coat) received the greatest applause while being introduced during the induction ceremony. Photo by Allen D. Payton

The new millennium didn’t stop Bob’s winning ways. In 2002 he won the San Francisco City Senior Championship and the Sacramento City Senior Championships in 2003 and 2004. As proof of his longevity, in 2005, at age 65, he became the oldest winner of the California State Senior Championship. Bob’s last win came at the age of 76 when he won the 2016 Sacramento City Super Senior Championship. He has multiple career holes-in-one with the last one coming at the age of 82.

Bob worked for US Steel for 30 years and retired at the age of 55. He currently resides in Brentwood with his wife Sandy.

Andy Sample, 1988 AHS Track & Field

Andy Sample

Andy Sample loved to run, and his talent would become apparent early in his Antioch High School career. As a sophomore he won the varsity 400-meter title at the BVAL league meet, a feat he would repeat two more times as a junior and senior. At the North Coast Section Meet of Champions he qualified for the State Track & Field Championships twice, once in the 300 intermediate hurdles and once in the 400 meters. He was also named AHS track and field Co-MVP his senior season.

Andy had a very successful high school career but for him the last year ended in disappointment. You see, his senior year was supposed to be his breakout track season. However, in a tournament basketball game at Liberty High School Andy broke his ankle and for the next 16 weeks was in a cast. Shortly before the league meet with the cast off and limited training, he still was able to win his third DVAL 400-meter title and go on to qualify for the State Meet. But his goals remained unfulfilled.

That would change the following year when he enrolled at Diablo Valley College. Over the next two seasons at DVC Andy would break the school 400-meter record running 46.61, the fastest 400 meters ever run by any Antioch High School alumnus. He was also part of the record breaking 4×100 and 4×400 meter relay teams. All three records still stand today some 33 years later.

After DVC, Andy received a track scholarship to U.C. Berkeley. At CAL he competed for the Bears in the prestigious Penn and Texas relays and Pac-10 Championships among others. Injuries held him back, but he still was able to run anchor leg on the 4×400 meter relay team that beat UCLA for the first time in 25 years.

AHS 1987 Golf Team – Outstanding Team

Legendary Sports Legends Hall of Fame golf coach Joe Gambetta felt his 1987 team was well prepared and confident prior to teeing it up at the C.I.F. Northern California Golf Championship held at Butte Creek Country Club in Chico. His team didn’t let him down as they would go on to claim the Northern California Golf Championship, completing the season with the highest finish of any sports team in Antioch High School history at that time.

“No, I’m not surprised,” Gambetta said. “These guys play a lot of junior golf, and they love courses like this. The course conditions were good with no wind and the greens were excellent.”

At the NorCal championship, AHS recorded a five-man team score of 396, seven shots better than Merced and Marin Catholic High School. On the 6,897-yard, par 72 course, senior Scott Olds claimed the first medalist spot with a two-day total of 147 followed by Sam Raines who finished tied for second at 148 and Jeff Lyons who tied for sixth at 155. Making up the rest of the team were Rob Heaton, Brian Vieira, Kevin Sullivan and Dave McCoey all of whom contributed to the record-breaking season with key match wins along the way.

On the way to the NorCal championship, after completing a 16-1 dual match record and winning their own Antioch Invitational, the golfers would finish second in the DVAL Championships before elevating their performance to win the North Coast Section title. At NCS the team was led by Scott Olds who finished the  day tournament in 3rd place shooting 151 followed by Jeff Lyons at 153 and Rob Heaton and Sam Raines who each shot 160.

Three of the team members have previously been inducted as individuals in the Antioch Sports Legends Hall of Fame, Scott Olds in 2014, Jeff Lyons in 2019 and Sam Raines in 2022.

Michael Amorosa, 1996-2008 AHS, Outstanding Coach – Cross Country

Michael Amorosa

Through three decades, Michael Amorosa left his footprint on the trails around Antioch High School. He excelled as a cross country athlete at AHS graduating in 1988, and DVC where he went to the State Championships. Earning a full scholarship to the University of Hawaii, Hilo he qualified and ran in the snow at the NCAA Cross Country Championships in Wisconsin.

Michael came back to Antioch and became an Assistant Cross Country coach with Tom Torlakson in 1995. He was hired as the boys and girls head coach in 1996 and for the next thirteen years enjoyed some of the most successful seasons in AHS cross country history. During that time, Coach Amorosa’s runners never had a losing season and racked up a string of highlights, including a 3rd place finish in Division II Girls Cross Country State Championships and his boys’ team beating De La Salle in 2001 to end their 10-year dual meet win streak at 99. His 1999 girls’ team was inducted into the Antioch Sports Hall of Fame in in 2019.

In 1999 and 2000 his girls’ team won the BVAL Cross Country Championship title. In 1998 his boys won the Division II NCS Championship and in 1999 his girls’ team won the Division II NCS Championship. During his tenure, he coached many outstanding runners including previous Antioch Sport Legends inductees Janie Nolan, Chris Hernandez and Christine Perez Michael and his wife Amanda currently work in the medical field and live in Placerville, CA with their two children Ameliana and Vinnie who both run for their high school’s cross-country team.

Joanne Biblo – Community Leader Recipient

Joanne Bilbo

Joanne (Viera) Bilbo is a lifelong resident of Antioch and grew up attending Antioch schools. She joined the Young Ladies Institute of the Holy Rosary Church chapter at the age of 16 and has held numerous offices including President. She recently was presented with a 75-year member award.

Joanne graduated from AHS in 1949 and was active in the Girls Athletic Association (GAA) where she earned the distinguished Emblem A four years in a row. During her senior year she was honored as the Queen of the Block A Carnival.

In 1960 she married Marshall Bilbo and they raised two children, Ken and Kathleen. Joanne kept very busy with the activities of her children and was Clerk of the Course for the Pittsburg swim club for over 15 years where Ken and Kathleen swam.

Joanne and Marshall owned and operated Ernie’s Liquors for many years and were very active in Rotary and Antioch Chamber of Commerce activities. She was also an active member of the Native Daughters of the Golden West and the Friends of the Arts.

Since the inception of Antioch Sports Legends Joanne has been an enormous force behind ASL serving on the Executive Board for over 10 years and coordinating the ticket sales and seating for every Induction Gala where she garnered the nickname of “The Ticket Lady”. She has served as a Board Member of the Antioch Historical Society for nearly 20 years and chaired many of their committees.

In 2014 Joanne was recognized by the Antioch Chamber of Commerce as a finalist for the Citizen of the Year-Lifetime Achievement Award. She earned the prestigious Founder’s Award in 2011 from the Antioch Sports Legends Hall of Fame and was presented with a special Lifetime Achievement Award from Sports Legends in 2021.

To see more photos of the event, learn more about or to support the Antioch Sports Legends Hall of Fame visit their website, Facebook page or the museum at 1500 W. 4th Street on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Fifth Annual West Coast Nationals Bill Bowers Memorial this Fri., Sat. at Antioch Speedway

Friday, October 20th, 2023
Jeff Browne #2, reigning race champion Troy Foulger #49 and Justin Yeager #17 could all be part of the IMCA Modified show this weekend. Photo by Katrina Kniss

By Candice Martin, DCRR Racing Media

Antioch, CA…After a weekend off to allow the local racers who desired to take a trip down south to support the show in Bakersfield, racing returns in a big way this Friday and Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. It’s the fifth running of the West Coast Nationals Bill Bowers Memorial Race.

The event hearkens back to when Antioch Speedway first had a West Coast Nationals IMCA Modified race in 1993. Then champion Scott Busby of Martinez was looking to prove a point regarding the value of this growing class. He did the legwork, and the first show produced a track record 83 Modifieds.

To this day, it’s one of the biggest Modified turnouts in California history. There are two other interesting points regarding that race. It was won by Mark Welch of Orangevale. The car Mark drove to victory was purchased by current Promoter Chad Chadwick as he came out of retirement to go racing again.

IMCA Sport Modified front-runner Mark Garner #76, Dylan Connolly #6 and Matt Pitts #16a do battle in a race earlier this year. Photo by Katrina Kniss

After four more runnings of this race, it was retired when management changed hands to John Soares in 1998. Enter Chad Chadwick and PROmotions. 

Chad had been in negotiations to take over the track and was given the opportunity to promote a big race in October of 2019. Thusly, he brought back the West Coast Nationals name. When longtime friend and employee Bill Bowers passed away, he decided to make it a memorial race in his honor.

Bowers and JD Willis are both Antioch Speedway Hall of Fame members, and they won many races and championships together. Willis, a 72 time feature winner and five-time champion at the track, will be saluted on the Friday night portion of the program.

The format is still being set as management encourages the racers to submit their ideas. The IMCA Modifieds, Sport Modifieds and Stock Cars are the featured divisions. When the purse was announced two weeks ago, the Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks were added to give them another big race.

Jason Robles #78, Steve Stone #73, Fred Ryland #7J and reigning race champion Troy Foulger #49 are all anticipated for IMCA Stock Car action this weekend. Photo by Katrina Kniss

The Modified drivers will be competing for one of the coveted feature starting births on Saturday night, which pays $300 minimum to take the green flag. The winner of the race takes home $2,000. The Sport Modified drivers get $200 minimum to start that race and $1,500 to win, while the Stock Cars get $150 to start and $1,000 to win.

More than that, the drivers want to win this race in honor of Bill, one of the most beloved figures among the local racing community. Bill’s motors were fast, and people are still competing with them to this day. Last year, his son Billy and driver Troy Foulger of Oakley teamed up to win both the Modified and Stock Car races, making it a special occasion for the family.

The Sport Modified win went to Kenny Shrader of Pacheco, who was notching his second West Coast Nationals victory. In fact, the winners of last year’s big event were a sign of what was to come this year. They won track championships in their respective divisions.

In Modified competition, there’s never been a repeat winner. The previous winners in order have been Kellen Chadwick of Oakley, Jacob Hobsheidt of Plattsmouth, Nebraska and Ryan McDaniel of Olivehurst. The first race paid an even bigger purse, and Bobby Hogge IV of Salinas had the win in hand until Chadwick used slower traffic to snatch the victory.

After Shrader got the first Sport Modified win in 2019, Guy Ahlwardt of Antioch and Fred Ryland of Brentwood won the next two. The IMCA Stock Cars got an audition in 2020 that yielded a good car count and led to the class being added for championship points a year later. Foulger won that weekend, while Nick Johnson of Bakersfield came to town and won in 2021.

Kevin Brown #17b and Trent Golden #7t are two Hobby Stock drivers to watch for this weekend. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Drivers come from everywhere in California to compete in this event. A few competitors will even show up from out of state. The addition of the Hobby Stock class to the program adds a new dimension of excitement. When last we had a race at the speedway two weeks ago, Buddy Kniss of Oakley was collecting a $3,000 Hobby Stock Nationals payday in the Dave Baca owned car. 

The fans will get an opportunity to see some top talent that they don’t see at the speedway every week. The four division lineup should offer them plenty of excitement from start to finish on both nights. With the money and the glory on the line, who will be leaving with the victories this year?

It should also be pointed out that excitement is building in Antioch with the second running of the Open Wheel Showcase planned for November 11th. That night will see some of the top Winged 360 Sprint Car drivers from California in action. Fans have been asking for more Winged Sprint Car racing, and that night will fulfill their need for speed.

The gates will open on both nights at 4:00 with the first race starting at 6:00.

Adult tickets are $20, Senior/Military $15, Kids (5-12) $15 and kids four and under free.

For further information, go to www.raceantiochspeedway.com or check out the Antioch Speedway by PROmotions Facebook page.

Buddy Kniss wins Hobby Stock Nationals at Antioch Speedway

Tuesday, October 10th, 2023
Buddy Kniss piloted Dave Baca’s #33b car to the $3,000 Hobby Stock Nationals win. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Gallaher, Robbins, McLeister also win

By Candice Martin, DCRR Racing

Antioch, CA…October 6-7…Buddy Kniss of Oakley won the 50 lap Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stock Nationals Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. The 2019 IMCA Modified champion got the ride in the Dave Baca owned entry and made the most of it. The $3,000 victory was the biggest of his career.

Three-time Watsonville Hobby Stock champion Rob Gallaher of San Jose ended up with the win on Friday night, putting him in the Trophy Dash on Saturday, which he also won. Gallaher motored into the lead at the start, followed by 2020 champion James Thomson of Pittsburgh and Kenneth Robles of Rio Vista. Thomson made an inside pass on the back stretch on Lap 2 to grab the lead, but Gallaher came back strong on the outside in the fourth turn a lap later. A yellow flag waved for a flat tire on the Nick DeCarlo of Martinez car on Lap 4. Gallaher continued to lead the restart with Robles briefly moving into second. Thomson went low in Turn 4 a lap later to reclaim second and then made an inside pass on the back stretch on the eighth lap to take the lead from Gallaher once again. Kniss briefly took second from Gallaher, but Gallaher moved back around on Lap 9. Saturday night arrival Nick Johnson of Bakersfield made a high pass in Turn 4 on Lap 10 to grab third, and the battle intensified up front.

Gallaher made an inside pass in Turn 3 of the 12th lap to take the lead, and Johnson went low in Turn 2 a lap later to claim second. Johnson began smoking as he made an outside pass in Turn 4 on Lap 14 to take the lead from Gallaher. However, Gallaher came roaring back on the inside for the lead on Lap 15. A yellow flag flew for Robles, Aidan Ponciano of Oakley and Steven Johnson of Bakersfield in Turn 2 on Lap 16. Gallaher led the restart with Kniss motoring into second ahead of Nick Johnson. Another yellow flag waved on Lap 19. The restart saw Nick Johnson make a big move on the inside to take the lead from Gallaher. DeCarlo grabbed second. Johnson was still leading the way despite serious smoking issues. Following a Lap 27 yellow flag, Kniss made an inside pass to settle into second. Following a yellow flag on Lap 35, Kniss took the lead from Nick Johnson on the restart. 

A yellow flag waved on Lap 39 for Robles. The restart lap saw contact between Nick Johnson and DeCarlo, and a yellow flag waved once again. Johnson retired, and Buddy Kniss now led Jared Baugh of Pittsburgh and Chester Kniss of Antioch. Chester Kniss pitted with a flat tire during a lap-48 yellow flag. Buddy Kniss led the restart and brought it home to victory ahead of Baugh, Lance Hurst of Madera, Jewell Crandall of Antioch and Charlie Bryant of Oakley.

Rob Gallaher X won the Friday night Hobby Stock Main Event. Photo by Katrina Kniss

On Friday night, they ran a twin heat race format that earned the driver’s points and 15 starting spots in the preliminary Main Event. Rob Gallaher of San Jose would end up with the win following the two post-race disqualifications of Chris Long of Antioch and Colten Haney of Brentwood. 

The first round of 10-lap heat race wins went to Gallaher, Robles, Steven Johnson, Michaela Taylor of Oakley and Long. The next round of heats went to Buddy Kniss, Thomson, Haney, Bobby Motts, Jr. of San Pablo and Long, making Long the only driver to win two heat races.

Long started up front with Haney in the Friday preliminary Main Event, but Haney led the opening lap. Long went by on the inside a lap later to take the lead. Motts settled into an early third, but he brought out a Lap 11 yellow flag. Long continued to lead Haney and track champion Grayson Baca of Brentwood. A final yellow flag bunched the field on Lap 18. Haney surprised Long by taking the lead, but Long went low in Turn 1 on Lap 19 to reclaim first. Gallaher had settled into third, and they took the checkered flag with Long ahead of Haney, Gallaher, Baca and Robles. Following the tech disqualification of Haney and Long’s failure to go directly to tech after the race, Gallaher was elevated into first ahead of Baca, Robles, Thomson and Buddy Kniss.

Jimmy Robbins ended up getting the Figure 8 win aboard his X Super Stock. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Jimmy Robbins emerged with his first Figure 8 Main Event win of the season following multiple disqualifications. This was also the Mike Conley Salute, paying tribute to the recent Hall of Fame inductee.

DJ Keldsen of Newman had won the previous four races and took the early lead over Robbins, who was piloting his Super Stock on this occasion. Dakota Keldsen of Watsonville was an early third before being passed by his uncle, John Keldsen of Watsonville. John has won roughly 150 Figure 8 races throughout his illustrious career in California. A Turn 3 pass on the fourth lap gained John Keldsen the second position, and he set his sights on DJ. 

Following a red flag on Lap 10 for a fire under the hood of the Dakota Keldsen car, John Keldsen surprised DJ by charging into the lead. The battle intensified between the two before DJ Keldsen made a pass as they exited Turn 2 on Lap 14. Undaunted, John Keldsen kept his foot in it and stayed on the inside as they went into Turn 3. Unfortunately, he hit an infield tire and rolled, bringing out a red flag. At that point, DJ Keldsen exited his car to check on his uncle and the race was stopped. Following some incidents after the races, all three Keldsen cars were disqualified, putting Robbins in the winner’s circle ahead of Michaela Taylor of Oakley and Mike Conley, Jr. of Antioch.

Devin McLeister #7b won the 600 Micro Sprint Main Event. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Devin McLeister of Stockton picked up the win in the 15 lap 600 Micro Sprint Main Event. He started on the pole and enjoyed a good battle with Fremont’s Ryan Dotson before the they scored the 1-2 finish. Bobby Caldeira of Salinas finished third.

Following a week off, racing returns in a big way with the Fifth Annual Bill Bowers Memorial West Coast Nationals. The big money affair will include the IMCA Modifieds, Sport Modifieds and Stock Cars along with the recently added Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks. The Friday night portion will pay tribute to Hall of Famer JD Willis as well. For further information, go to www.raceantiochspeedway.com or check out the Antioch Speedway by PROmotions Facebook page

Friday, Oct. 6, 2023 Race Results 

Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks 

Heat Winners Round 1 (10 laps)-Buddy Kniss James Thomson, Colten Haney, Bobby Motts Jr, Chris Long. Heat Winners Round 2 (10 laps)-Rob Gallaher, Kenneth Robles, Steven Johnson, Michaela Taylor, Chris Long. Main Event (25 laps)-Rob Gallaher, Grayson Baca, Kenneth Robles, James Thomson, Buddy Kniss, Chester Kniss, Steven Johnson, Kevin Brown, Michaela Taylor, Breanna Troen.

Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023 Race Results

Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks

Heat Winners (10 lap)-Buddy Kniss, Charlie Bryant, Chester Kniss, Jared Baugh. Trophy Dash (4 laps)-Rob Gallaher. B Main 1 (15 laps)-Nick DeCarlo, Steven Johnson, Tyler Irwin. B Main 2 (15 laps)-Nick Johnson, Brad Coelho, Aidan Ponciano. Main Event (50 laps)-Buddy Kniss, Jared Baugh, Lance Hurst, Jewell Crandall, Charlie Bryant, Chester Kniss, Anthony Vigna, Rob Gallaher, Brad Coelho, James Thomson.

Figure 8

Main Event (15 laps)-Jimmy Robbins, Michaela Taylor, Mike Conley Jr, John Keldsen DQ, DJ Keldsen DQ, Dakota Keldsen DQ.

600 Micro Sprints

Heat Winner (8 laps)-Devin McCleister. Main Event (15 laps)-Devin McCleister, Ryan Dotson, Bobby Caldeira, Charlie Kight, Austin Cobb DNS, Don McCleister DNS.

Take BART to Fleet Week Air Show, Cal vs. Oregon State game this weekend

Friday, October 6th, 2023
Source: BART

By BART

Friday, Oct. 6 – This promises to be a busy weekend in the skies over the Bay Area as Fleet Week is back in San Francisco. BART is ready to help you get to the prime viewing locations for the air show.

BART is welcoming Fleet Week by offering longer and more frequent trains at night and on weekends throughout the festivities. This is the first Fleet Week that will benefit from BART’s reimagined schedule that was launched last month. Now riders will wait no more than 20 minutes on a station platform for a scheduled train. We are using only Fleet of the Future trains to fulfill our basic service plan so riders will enjoy a cleaner and safer BART experience. Many lines that have been served by 6-car trains will instead feature 8-car trains as we expand our capacity for riders going to Fleet Week. 

Saturday, Oct. 7: California Golden Bears vs Oregon State University Beavers at Memorial Stadium

There’s a great matchup at Memorial Stadium Saturday as Cal hosts the 15th ranked Oregon State University Beavers. It’s the Bears’ Homecoming game so a big crowd is expected. Kickoff is at 7pm. The Bears need only three more wins to become bowl eligible. BART is the best way to get to the game. In addition to our increased weekend service and the longer trains we’re running for Fleet Week, we’ll stage an event train to expand our capacity for fans. 

See the U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform during Fleet Week. Source: BART

Happy Riding this Weekend!     

We hope you enjoy your weekend adventures aboard our trains. For an in-depth listing of local events, visit the BARTable website. You can also keep up with BARTable on Facebook and Instagram.  
 

Los Medanos College hires new athletic director

Friday, October 6th, 2023

Marty Storti joins LMC from Saint Mary’s College

Marty Storti is the new Los Medanos College Athletics Director. Source: LMC

Los Medanos College (LMC) is pleased to announce Marty Storti as Athletics director, effective Oct. 2, 2023.

“Mr. Storti comes to us with a wealth of experience in intercollegiate athletics administration” Vice President of Student Services Tanisha Maxwell said. “We are confident he will help elevate our sports and help our student athletes achieve their highest potential.”

Storti, who joins LMC after a career of more than 20 years as a coach and athletic administrator at Saint Mary’s College in Moraga, said he is eager to work with student athletes at the community college level.

“At Saint Mary’s, I designed the recruiting protocols for Club Athletics that included transfer students. We engaged and helped many community college athletes navigate the admissions and financial aid processes,” he said. “LMC, as a feeder school to UC Davis and Berkeley and other great universities, gives student athletes a unique opportunity with a unique set of support systems to help them win and graduate.”

Over the course of his tenure at Saint Mary’s College, Storti managed numerous areas within the athletic department, including human resources, strategic planning, and program assessment. In his role, Storti oversaw athletic camps, campus recreation, event management, facilities, sports medicine, and strength and conditioning. He also served as the sports supervisor for several teams, which included baseball, cross country, track, men’s golf, women’s rowing, men’s soccer, and softball. 

“LMC is an attractive opportunity, given its potential for growth in the athletics, from increasing the number of sponsored sports to increasing the number of student athletes. We will demonstrate how important student-athletes can be to the institution and the broader community,” he said. “Sports at LMC can be that light that guides more students toward higher education and long-term success.” 

As assistant vice president for Club Athletics, Storti spearheaded a departmental rebranding initiative for recruiting and revenue generation. Under his leadership, Storti introduced a student-athlete council and devised a comprehensive student leadership development program. His oversight resulted in a notable rise in student-athlete applications and enrollments. He led successful revenue-generating initiatives, which led to increases in facility rentals, camp revenue, ticket sales, and annual fundraising.  

Under his administrative leadership, several of Saint Mary’s teams achieved national success. Storti was the men’s soccer sport administrator when they participated in the 2011 NCAA tournament, where they reached the elite eight. He served as the lead administrator for men’s rugby, contributing to their historic achievements by securing USA Rugby D1A (highest level) National Championships in 2014, 2015, 2016 (7s), and 2017. 

Storti earned his master’s degree and bachelor’s degree in business administration from Saint Mary’s College.

About Los Medanos College (LMC): LMC is one of three colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District, serving the East Contra Costa County community. Established in 1974, LMC has earned federal designations as a Minority-Serving and Hispanic-Serving institution. It offers award-winning transfer and career-technical programs, support services, and diverse academic opportunities in an inclusive learning environment. With exceptional educators, innovative curriculum, growing degree and certificate offerings, and state-of-the-art facilities, the college prepares students to succeed in their educational pursuits, in the workforce, and beyond. LMC’s Pittsburg Campus is located on 120 acres bordering Antioch, with an additional education center in Brentwood.

Hannagan wins thrilling Chet Thomson Memorial Race at Antioch Speedway

Thursday, October 5th, 2023
Joel Hannagan #16 won his fourth-straight Chet Thomson Memorial Hardtop race as he gets closer to the championship. Photo by Candice Martin

Fuson, Learn, Rosa, Richardson of Antioch also win

By Candice Martin, DCRR Racing Media

Antioch, CA…September 30…Making a late move around Mike Gillard of Atwater, San Jose’s Joel Hannagan won the 20 lap Hardtop Main Event Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. This was the 21st running of the Chet Thomson Memorial Hardtop race and the fourth-straight win for Hannagan in that event aboard the Doug Braudrick owned Junkyard Dog. This was also his sixth win of the season as he maintains the point lead.

Three-time Sportsman champion Rick Elliott of Merced started on the second row and bolted into the early lead ahead of Brad Coelho of Oakley and Gillard. Gillard made an inside pass on Coelho with Hannagan also getting by on the inside in Turn 4. A yellow flag waved on Lap 4. On the restart, Gillard charged past Elliott for the lead. Elliott took an infield excursion on Lap 5 with Hannagan now second ahead of Mike Friesen of Atwater. The battle soon found the leaders working through slower traffic, and those drivers were having side by side races of their own.

Gillard managed to thread the needle between slower cars a couple of times before a yellow flag waved for a Les Warkentin of Atwater spin in Turn 4 on the 10th lap. Gillard continued to lead Hannagan and Friesen on the restart. The pressure was on Gillard as they were soon in slower traffic once again. Hannagan made an inside pass in Turn 4 of the 15th lap to grab the lead from Gillard. Gillard kept it close, but Hannagan prevailed at the checkered flag. Friesen ended up third, followed by two-time Chet Thomson Memorial winner Jason Armstrong of El Dorado and Don Slaney of Martinez.

Mike Gillard #17 picked up a win in a rare Trophy Dash for the Hardtop division. Photo by Candice Martin

Brody Fuson of Bakersfield won the 30 lap USAC Western States Midgets Main Event. This was the fifth win of the season for Fuson as he nudges closer to the series championship with one more point event remaining.

Fuson started on the second row outside, but he managed to grab the lead at the start ahead of Michael Faccinto of Hanford and championship contender Cade Lewis of Bakersfield. They maintained that order throughout the first half of the race before Faccinto stalled on the back straightaway for a Lap 17 yellow flag. Fuson led Lewis and Caden Sarale of Stockton on the restart. Fuson maintained a good pace down the stretch and prevailed at the checkered flag ahead of Lewis, Sarale, previous Antioch winner TJ Smith of Fresno and Brandon Wiley of Santa Maria.

Point leader Mike Learn #11 won his fourth-straight Super Stock Main Event. Photo by Candice Martin

Point leader Mike Learn a Petaluma collected his fourth-straight Super Stock Main Event win as he closes in on the championship. Learn has already won the championship at Petaluma Speedway this season and was the inaugural Tri State Pro Stock title winner as well. A spin in the Trophy Dash saw Learn hand the victory in that race to Donnie Richardson of Antioch.

Donnie Richardson #2a scored a surprise win in the Super Stock Trophy Dash. Photo by Candice Martin

Learn bolted into the lead at the start ahead of Richardson and Steve Studebaker of Santa Rosa. Richardson slowed and headed for the pits on Lap 3 as multi time Petaluma champion Mitch Machado of Rohnert Park got around Studebaker for second. As Learn pulled away from the pack, Machado and Studebaker engaged in an intense, side by side battle for second.

Machado pushed in Turn 4 with Studebaker going by on the inside to grab second on Lap 14. The two continued a close battle with contact sending them both spinning in Turn 4 for a Lap 15 yellow flag. Learn led Machado and Studebaker on the restart. Studebaker went low in Turn 2 on Lap 17 to grab second as Machado pushed. Knightson’s Ryan Cherezian also got past Machado for third on Lap 19. Learn went on to win ahead of Studebaker, Cherezian, Machado and Richardson.

David Michael Rosa #7 won his second-straight Delta Dwarf Car Main Event in the Roberto Monroy owned car. Photo by Candice Martin

David Michael Rosa picked up his third win of the season in Delta Dwarf Car 20 lap Main Event action. This was also the second-straight win for Rosa aboard the Roberto Monroy owned entry.

2020 champion Travis Day of Concord set the early pace ahead of Rosa, and a yellow flag waved as Rosa got around Day for the lead on Lap 3. David Michael Rosa led Day and David Rosa of Antioch on the restart. Day did his best, but Rosa seemed to have it hooked up well once he got the lead. There were a few spins for yellow flags, but David Michael Rosa would lead Day on each ensuing restart as they scored the 1-2 finish. David Rosa ended up third ahead of Joe LeDuc of Tracy.

Up next will be the Third Annual Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stock Nationals this Friday and Saturday night. The Saturday program sees the Hobby Stocks racing for a $3,000 first prize. Joining them that night will be a Figure 8 and 600 Micro Sprints. For further information, go to www.raceantiochspeedway.com.

Antioch Speedway Race Results

Hardtops
Heat Winners (8 laps)-Jason Armstrong, Joel Hannagan, Mike Gillard. Trophy Dash (4 laps)-Mike Gillard. Main Event (20 laps)-Joel Hannagan, Mike Gillard, Mike Friesen, Jason Armstrong, Don Slaney, Rick Elliott, Gary Hildebrand, Joe Shenefield, Mario Romano, Les Warkentin.

USAC Western States Midgets

FT Brandon Wiley 13.963. Heat Winners (10 laps)-Cade Lewis, Ben Worth. Main Event (20 laps)-Brody Fuson, Cade Lewis, Caden Sarale, TJ Smith, Brandon Wiley, CJ Sarna, Nikko Panella, Samuel May, Ben Covich, Ron Hazleton.

Super Stocks
Heat Winners (8 laps)-Mike Learn, Steve Studebaker. Trophy Dash (4 laps)-Donnie Richardson. Main Event (20 laps)-Mike Learn, Steve Studebaker, Ryan Cherezian, Mitch Machado, Donnie Richardson, Richard Vander Ploeg, Joey Ridgeway DNS, John Evans DNS.

Delta Dwarf Cars

Heat Winner (8 laps)-David Michael Rosa. Main Event (20 laps)-David Michael Rosa, Travis Day, David Rosa, Joe LeDuc.