By Rick Hilton, Administrative VP, Delta Baseball & Softball League

Local youth sports organization, The Delta Baseball & Softball League (DBSL), announced recently, its donation of over $3,150 to East Contra Costa County schools.  The donations will be made through a special DBSL program called, “Delta Goes to Bat for Schools” and this isn’t the first time this youth sports league has donated money to local schools.

Starting in 2012, the program has provided much-needed donations that give schools and their PTAs/PTOs additional resources.  With the latest announcement, Delta Goes to Bat for Schools reached a significant milestone – over $10,000 in donations to local schools.

The Delta Goes to Bat for Schools program began at a late night board meeting in the Spring of 2012.  Due to an unanticipated influx of new sponsorship dollars and an enrollment 5% higher than budgeted for, DBSL found itself with a slight budget surplus.

Several alternatives were batted around, but the league eventually settled on their local schools as the place where a few hundred dollars might have the greatest impact, both practically and symbolically for the kids in the league.  

From this initial budget overage, they developed the Delta Goes to Bat for Schools program, making it a part of the league’s priorities.  Now a percentage of the fees families pay to play in the Delta Baseball & Softball League are donated back to the school that the players attend, bringing tangible benefits to students beyond the DBSL.  Board member David Chuey explains the nexus between youth sports and schools, “sports in general and team sports specifically teach kids things like communication, teamwork, good sportsmanship, and responsibility – all qualities that aid in their overall physical and educational development”.  

The success of the program has inspired DBSL to go beyond donations.  In addition to over $10,000 in direct cash contributions, DBSL partners with local schools to assist with carnivals and fairs, field day activities, and a wide variety of fundraising events, all focused on increasing the opportunities for local students to grow and develop their mind and bodies through better access to athletic programs. 

This year’s donation of $3,150 will go to public, charter, and private schools in Antioch, Brentwood, Discovery Bay, Knightsen, Oakley, and Pittsburg.  Representatives from five schools – Sutter Elementary, John Mir Elementary, Lone Tree Elementary, Orchard Park K-8 School, and Holy Rosary Catholic School – have been invited to the league’s Opening Day at Freedom High School on March 21, 2015 as honored guests.  The league will present checks to each of the represented schools as a part of their opening day ceremony.

Matthew Wright, the League President in the inaugural year of Delta Goes to Bat stated “As an idea that was kind of stumbled upon towards the end of a long night of league meetings, Delta Goes to Bat ended up being one of the best things we did as a board of directors that year.  It’s great to see that the leadership of the Delta Baseball & Softball League continues to make it a priority to support our local schools through this program.”

League President Mark Foley does indeed continue the commitment started by 2012 Board of Directors.  “The Delta Goes to Bat program has become fundamental to DBSL and is high on my list of priorities for the league,” Foley said.  “This program, along with our C.H.A.M.P. Buddies Program, exemplifies the spirit of community service and involvement we hope as a league to instill in our young players.”

The Delta Baseball and Softball League, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, was founded in 1984 as the Delta Peanut League by a group of like-minded parents seeking an alternative to the high pressure, high intensity youth sports leagues available at the time.  Starting with 6-8 year old players the league has grown to include children from age 4 to 13, and today continues the non-competitive legacy and vision of the league founders, and competitive divisions playing under the banner of Cal Ripken Baseball and Babe Ruth Softball.  In 2007, the league added a division for differently-abled children, the C.H.A.M.P. division (formerly FREEDOM division) where physically or mentally challenged children learn and play baseball free of charge alongside all of the other children in the league.

To learn more about the Delta Baseball & Softball League please visit www.deltabaseballleague.com or www.facebook.com/DeltaBaseballandSoftballLeague.

For more information about Royal Family Kids in East County, please visit www.brentwood.royalfamilykids.org.

Antioch Mayor Wade Harper with the 2015 Mayor’s Cup Boys Varsity Soccer Champs from Deer Valley High. Front Row: 21Oscar Arteaga, 3 Humberto Ceras, 11 Omar Navarro, 10 Nathan Parada, 6 Allan Garcia, 7 Edgar Contreras, 14 Armando Fajardo, 1 Rodolfo Saucedo and 18 Fabian Wence Back Row: Head Coach Juan Tannus, 01/16 Goalie Christian Montoya, 22 Anthony Garcia, 8 Marcelo Salvador, 24 Mark Ibarra, Mayor Wade Harper, 2 Eduardo Archaga, 12 Arnie Maravillas, 25 Jonathan Amavisca, 23 Christian Rodriguez, 0 Goalie Ryan Santos, 9 Jorge Alvarado and Goalie Corey Alford, who was out on injury.

By Allen Payton

The Mayor’s Cup for varsity boys soccer has returned to Deer Valley High School, thanks to the Wolverines’ victory over the Antioch High Panthers, last week.

A proud Juan Tannus, Deer Valley High Head Soccer Coach, shared the news.
The game is played every year at the end of the soccer season between the Boys Varsity teams from both schools.

This year, the Deer Valley Wolverines won by a score of 1-0, with Forward, striker Nathan Parada scoring the winning goal.

“We have been playing the Mayor’s Cup game since 1998,” Tannus said. “Deer Valley won the cup originally.

But, for the last six years, the cup was in the hands of the Antioch High Panthers, until now.

“We won the cup,” he said firmly.

Deer Valley had a tough season having played against some of the best teams in the East Bay.

“We lost seven games by 1-0, or 2-1 and tied others,” he shared “The boys never gave up. The boys played hard in every game, whether we were winning or losing.”

“We had a very well disciplined and very respectful team,” he added.

The teams competed at the turf soccer fields at the complex on James Donlon Blvd. in Antioch.

“It was a beautiful game,” Tannus shared. “Both teams were playing magnificent. But, we scored.”

Antioch Mayor Wade Harper was on hand to award the cup to the Wolverines’ team.

Following is the record of the Mayor’s Cup:

1998-2003 Deer Valley

2004 Antioch

2005-06 Deer Valley

2007 Antioch

2008 Deer Valley

2009-14 Antioch

2015 Deer Valley

Tannus has been the Head Coach at Deer Valley for four years. So, this is the first time the team has won the cup, since he took the helm.

“As long as I’m the Head Coach I’m going to keep the cup with us,” he said with a laugh.

By John Crowder

On January 10, 2015, the Contra Costa Alumnae Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., held its Inaugural Debutante Cotillion at the San Ramon Marriott.

A dozen young ladies from throughout the East Bay participated in the event, which marked the culmination of an almost year-long program that each of them were involved with, entitled Pearls of Perfection. The twelve debutantes celebrated the evening with their escorts, ladies-in-waiting, family, and friends.

The evening began with a greeting extended to all the guests by Crystal McClendon-Gourdine, Ph.D., Chairperson of the 2014-2015 Pearls of Perfection Debutante Program. Following a full-course dinner and entertainment, the young ladies were presented to society by Monica Cherie Scott, Co-Chairperson, and LaConnie Taylor-Jones, Program Workshop Manager. The debutantes participated in a confirmation waltz with their escorts, and were then welcomed to society. The evening ended with a salute to the debutantes, acknowledgments, and a sweetheart song.

The journey to the cotillion began for the young ladies a year earlier, when each had made application to the program. Then, in February, a welcome reception was held, first in a series of fifteen events that would culminate in the cotillion.

Over the course of the next eleven months, the girls attended workshops teaching etiquette, manners and dressing for success, a discussion on self-esteem, and learned to waltz. Other events included a talent showcase and fashion exhibit, a community service project, a cultural event, and both father-daughter and mother-daughter outings.

One unique aspect of the debutante program is the focus on academic excellence and preparation for college. According to Taylor-Jones, “We put a great emphasis on, and have a high standard for academic excellence.” Two of the events the young ladies participate in are a six-hour symposium on education and a college tour.

The parents of the three Antioch students involved in the program all spoke positively about the experience for their children.

Felicia Branch noted that, “The program has given my son, Jarrett (JT), an Antioch High School senior who participated as an escort this year, the opportunity to learn etiquette and how to waltz.” She was also happy to see that her son had the opportunity to make friends with young men and women who shared the same goals of attending college and pursuing professional careers. Taylor-Jones said, “The experience was very exciting for my daughter, Caryn,” who is a junior in the law academy at Deer Valley High School. She went on to say that her daughter was looking forward to participating next year as a debutante. Deborah Hicks, referencing the cotillion said, “The excellent work done by Delta Sigma Theta Inc. made this an outstanding evening for all. I am thrilled at the possibility of my son, Devon, (currently a junior at Cornerstone Christian School) being involved with the program as an escort again next year.”

The sorority is currently accepting applications for the 2015-2016 debutante program. Those interested in learning about the program, or in participating, can find more information at www.ccacdebutante.com.

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.