There are reports that North Salinas graduate Ronnie Drummer could land in an NFL camp over the next two weeks.
Drummer, The Herald's Athlete of the Year in 2003 and 2004, had a sub par career at Duke University, rushing for just over 1,000 yards over four seasons.
Hardly the type of numbers that warrant attention.
Yet, the 5-foot-9 Drummer is a burner in the open field, having returned a kickoff for Duke a modern day record 100 yards two years ago.
His speed has intrigued a few scouts. Durability on a small frame is an issue.
It's possible that Drummer could also be moved to receiver or defensive back to take advantage of his 4.3 40-yard dash speed.
He could also get a look from the Canadian Football League.
Drummer holds the North Salinas 100-meter school record, breaking the mark that was held by 1996 and 2000 Olympic gold medalist Alvin Harrison
4/28/2008
baseball battle
Cooler heads must prevail this week if Monterey wants a shot at keeping its run of Monterey Bay League titles alive.
No doubt, there is some lingering bitterness after Monterey was forced to forfeit a 12-6 win over Monte Vista for using an ineligible player two weeks ago.
But that's not Monte Vista's fault. Whether the umpire made the right call or not - or this case no call - a player can't lose control and slam his helmet.
Plus I'm not sure anyone wants a cheap win. Oh, we won the MBL title because we got a forfeit win.
That being said, the Toreadores have responded like champions with six straight wins to put themselves within a game of Monte Vista.
Guess whose coming to Monterey Friday?
Of course, it won't mean much if the Toreadores don't take care of business today by beating North County, the team that ended their run of 37 straight MBL wins.
I know both teams pump themselves up with chatter in the dugout. But remember coaches, the game is played between the lines.
No doubt, there is some lingering bitterness after Monterey was forced to forfeit a 12-6 win over Monte Vista for using an ineligible player two weeks ago.
But that's not Monte Vista's fault. Whether the umpire made the right call or not - or this case no call - a player can't lose control and slam his helmet.
Plus I'm not sure anyone wants a cheap win. Oh, we won the MBL title because we got a forfeit win.
That being said, the Toreadores have responded like champions with six straight wins to put themselves within a game of Monte Vista.
Guess whose coming to Monterey Friday?
Of course, it won't mean much if the Toreadores don't take care of business today by beating North County, the team that ended their run of 37 straight MBL wins.
I know both teams pump themselves up with chatter in the dugout. But remember coaches, the game is played between the lines.
softball treat
At stake Tuesday is a Tri-County Athletic League softball title when unbeaten San Benito renews its rivalry with host Notre Dame.
The two-time defending Central Coast Section champion Balers are ranked nationally, having already beaten Notre Dame 4-0 in their first TCAL battle.
However, the Balers haven't beaten Notre Dame on its turf in five years.
While the Spirits don't have that one Division I caliber player that has anchored the lineup during its run of nine straight CCS Division III titles, this might be their most athletic team in a decade.
Sure, Notre Dame can tag teams with its power in the middle of the order. Yet, it will likely have to manufacture runs and rely on the live arms of Kylie Linnane or Sarah Solis to put themselves in a position to gather a share of the title.
Notre Dame has the distinction of having beaten San Benito 3-2 in nine innings in a tournament this spring.
The two-time defending Central Coast Section champion Balers are ranked nationally, having already beaten Notre Dame 4-0 in their first TCAL battle.
However, the Balers haven't beaten Notre Dame on its turf in five years.
While the Spirits don't have that one Division I caliber player that has anchored the lineup during its run of nine straight CCS Division III titles, this might be their most athletic team in a decade.
Sure, Notre Dame can tag teams with its power in the middle of the order. Yet, it will likely have to manufacture runs and rely on the live arms of Kylie Linnane or Sarah Solis to put themselves in a position to gather a share of the title.
Notre Dame has the distinction of having beaten San Benito 3-2 in nine innings in a tournament this spring.
4/27/2008
Nicks a Saint
One-time North Salinas standout Carl Nicks was selected Sunday in the fifth round of the NFL draft by the New Orleans Saints as an offensive lineman.
Nicks spent the last two years at the University of Nebraska, where he started 11 of 12 games last fall as a left tackle.
The 6-foot-5, 341-pound Nicks is the first player from Monterey County to be drafted in the NFL since Monterey product Maurice Mann was chosen by Cincinnati in the fifth round in 2005. Mann is now with the Washington Redskins.
While at North Salinas, Nicks was a member of The Herald's All-County football and basketball teams. He also reached the Central Coast Section finals in track in the shot put.
Nicks is one of six county players in the NFL, joining Eagles receiver Michael Gasperson (Palma), Arizona offensive lineman Elliott Vallejo (Palma), Chargers receiver and two-time special teams all-pro Kassim Osgood (North Salinas), Dallas tight end Tony Curtis (Seaside)and Mann.
Nicks spent the last two years at the University of Nebraska, where he started 11 of 12 games last fall as a left tackle.
The 6-foot-5, 341-pound Nicks is the first player from Monterey County to be drafted in the NFL since Monterey product Maurice Mann was chosen by Cincinnati in the fifth round in 2005. Mann is now with the Washington Redskins.
While at North Salinas, Nicks was a member of The Herald's All-County football and basketball teams. He also reached the Central Coast Section finals in track in the shot put.
Nicks is one of six county players in the NFL, joining Eagles receiver Michael Gasperson (Palma), Arizona offensive lineman Elliott Vallejo (Palma), Chargers receiver and two-time special teams all-pro Kassim Osgood (North Salinas), Dallas tight end Tony Curtis (Seaside)and Mann.
4/16/2008
track bonzana
With the league track and field finals just three weeks off, a gauge to where athletes stand comes this weekend with the Top 8 Meet on Friday in Los Gatos and Bill Kearney Invitational on Saturday at Hartnell College.
This year's Kearney meet has attracted a talented field, including the national girls leader in the discus and four individuals with the top marks in the Central Coast Section.
Among them is Alisal's Diego Estrada, who recently broke the school and Monterey County record in the 3,200 at 9:05.94. Estrada is ranked sixth in the state.
Some individuals won't see each other again until the section trials. As one coach put it, watching your athletes run when pushed is different than chasing the clock.
Confidence is often gained or lost in meets of this caliber. The good thing is there is still time to make adjustments for the stretch run.
This year's Kearney meet has attracted a talented field, including the national girls leader in the discus and four individuals with the top marks in the Central Coast Section.
Among them is Alisal's Diego Estrada, who recently broke the school and Monterey County record in the 3,200 at 9:05.94. Estrada is ranked sixth in the state.
Some individuals won't see each other again until the section trials. As one coach put it, watching your athletes run when pushed is different than chasing the clock.
Confidence is often gained or lost in meets of this caliber. The good thing is there is still time to make adjustments for the stretch run.
4/11/2008
too much yapping
I realize that high school baseball dugouts are often filled with chatter.
But when you're down 12-4 in late innings, tone it down.
There is a difference between confidence and arrogance.
Coaches, you can control this. Of course, if you're yapping at umpires and opposing coaches, you're sending the wrong message.
But when you're down 12-4 in late innings, tone it down.
There is a difference between confidence and arrogance.
Coaches, you can control this. Of course, if you're yapping at umpires and opposing coaches, you're sending the wrong message.
4/10/2008
video down for a week
Prep Nation the video, will take a two-week break while I'm on assignment. But it should be back for the stretch run with guest athletes. The blog will remain up.
monterey baseball
There will be no bigger game for Monterey than Friday when it hosts unbeaten Monte Vista.
If the five-time Monterey Bay League champion Toreadores have aspirations about defending their title, they can't fall three games back with nine to play.
Particuarly since two of those losses would have come from Monte Vista, whom Monterey will have one more meeting with after Friday.
Monterey's struggles this year (6-12 overall after falling 3-2 in eight innings to Monte Vista Tuesday) can't be pointed to the injury to Lucas Herbst. Baseball is a team sport and Monterey produces baseball players like a factory.
It's time for the Toreadores to come together as a unit. You played a brutal preseason for a reason. To defend your league title.
If the five-time Monterey Bay League champion Toreadores have aspirations about defending their title, they can't fall three games back with nine to play.
Particuarly since two of those losses would have come from Monte Vista, whom Monterey will have one more meeting with after Friday.
Monterey's struggles this year (6-12 overall after falling 3-2 in eight innings to Monte Vista Tuesday) can't be pointed to the injury to Lucas Herbst. Baseball is a team sport and Monterey produces baseball players like a factory.
It's time for the Toreadores to come together as a unit. You played a brutal preseason for a reason. To defend your league title.
4/07/2008
fast track
Two races, 135 miles a part, 120 minutes between them, in two different counties.
Dakota Sanchez spent the morning in Stanford before finishing her day in King City -- running a pair of 400's.
The Alvarez senior ran the 400 low hurdles at the Stanford Invitational, finishing 11th in a state caliber field.
A two-hour drive later, Sanchez was in the blocks for the 400 meters, where she won the event, helping Alvarez to a team title at King City.
I'm not sure I'd recommend running two 400's in the same day in two different meets, 135 miles a part. Injuries would concern me.
But what a feat.
You have to admire the dedication of the athlete for testing her talents in an elite field, yet keeping her teammates in mind.
Dakota Sanchez spent the morning in Stanford before finishing her day in King City -- running a pair of 400's.
The Alvarez senior ran the 400 low hurdles at the Stanford Invitational, finishing 11th in a state caliber field.
A two-hour drive later, Sanchez was in the blocks for the 400 meters, where she won the event, helping Alvarez to a team title at King City.
I'm not sure I'd recommend running two 400's in the same day in two different meets, 135 miles a part. Injuries would concern me.
But what a feat.
You have to admire the dedication of the athlete for testing her talents in an elite field, yet keeping her teammates in mind.
nady update
So it's just one week into the season. Seven games out of 162.
Xavier Nady is tied for the home run lead in the National League and is among the leaders in runs batted in.
Now Nady is no stranger to fast starts. Belting two home runs in the season opener for Pittsburgh is the second time the Salinas graduate has achieved the feat.
He is just the fifth player in Major League Baseball history to hit two homers in a season opener twice.
The 27-year-old though, appears comfortable. He's healthy and knows he will be the Pirates everyday starter in right field.
Belting 40 home runs could be a stretch. But if Nady's healthy, he will surpass his single season career high of 20 by at least 10.
Xavier Nady is tied for the home run lead in the National League and is among the leaders in runs batted in.
Now Nady is no stranger to fast starts. Belting two home runs in the season opener for Pittsburgh is the second time the Salinas graduate has achieved the feat.
He is just the fifth player in Major League Baseball history to hit two homers in a season opener twice.
The 27-year-old though, appears comfortable. He's healthy and knows he will be the Pirates everyday starter in right field.
Belting 40 home runs could be a stretch. But if Nady's healthy, he will surpass his single season career high of 20 by at least 10.
mountain bike team
Salinas High has put together a mountain bike team that competes against other high schools in California.
And from all reports, the Cowboys are pretty good.
While the sport isn't sanctioned yet by the Central Coast Section, Salinas treats it like other sports on campus, meaning you have to maintain grades.
Competition comes from other schools.
Could it be long before other schools put together programs? Mountain biking is one of the fastest growing sports in the nation.
And from all reports, the Cowboys are pretty good.
While the sport isn't sanctioned yet by the Central Coast Section, Salinas treats it like other sports on campus, meaning you have to maintain grades.
Competition comes from other schools.
Could it be long before other schools put together programs? Mountain biking is one of the fastest growing sports in the nation.
4/02/2008
baseball talk
Can anyone remember the last time Carmel and Monterey both had losing records in baseball in April?
Lets put it this way. No player on either team was alive.
How well Monterey bounces back after seeing its run of 28 straight Monterey Bay League wins snapped Tuesday could very well determine the rest of its season.
Carmel will dip over the .500 mark before the spring is over in the Mission Trail Athletic League. It is one of three teams in the MTAL unbeaten at 3-0.
First year coach Randall Bispo has taken the right approach in retooling a team gutted by graduation. Winning 13 consecutive league titles didn't come by accident.
Lets put it this way. No player on either team was alive.
How well Monterey bounces back after seeing its run of 28 straight Monterey Bay League wins snapped Tuesday could very well determine the rest of its season.
Carmel will dip over the .500 mark before the spring is over in the Mission Trail Athletic League. It is one of three teams in the MTAL unbeaten at 3-0.
First year coach Randall Bispo has taken the right approach in retooling a team gutted by graduation. Winning 13 consecutive league titles didn't come by accident.
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