Pioneer Sports Shorts for October 2022
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Oct. 22, 2022) — The Pioneer wants to publish your sports news. Please let us know about your sports news, special events, fund raisers, tryouts, signups and accomplishments.
Youth leagues, clubs, schools and adult programs are all welcome to send us a rundown on what you’re doing. Include all the necessary details (too much information is better than too little) with your contact information. It’s simple. Send an email to sports@pioneerpublishers.com.
Here are the announcements for October 2022.
Former Concord High running legend Rayna Stanziano earns St. Mary’s College Athlete of Week for record-breaking race
After a record-breaking performance over the weekend at the Bronco Invite, Concord High grad Rayna Stanziano was named Saint Mary’s College Bay Alarm Student-Athlete of the Week. The junior has been on fire all season, including claiming the individual title at the Pacific Invite for the second year running. Stanziano finished eighth overall at the Bronco Invite in the 6K with a time of 20:06.3, a personal best by five seconds and a SMC school record.
Coach Marty Kinsey had nothing but good things to say about Stanziano, “Rayna continues to impress and had another stellar day lowering her school record in a great tune up for WCC”. Stanziano and her Gaels teammates are gearing up for the WCC Championships Oct. 28 at Fern Hill Park in Portland.
Mt. Diablo High Sports Hall of Fame dinner finally coming Nov. 12
After two years of postponements, the Mt. Diablo High Sports Hall of Fame will finally be able to induct its newest class on Saturday, Nov. 12, at Zio Fraedo’s in Pleasant Hill. Chairman Lou Adamo says, “We can finally honor our very deserving inductees.” The inductees who have now had their ceremony canceled two years in a row are Jim Wharton, John Capas Morales, Tim O’Connor, Sandi Gomes Yoland and Bob Penny. For any questions regarding the Induction Dinner contact Adamo by email or phone 212-9332. Proceeds from the dinner help fund girls and boys athletic and academic programs at MDHS.
Clayton Valley Charter flag football program starts Jan. 22
Clayton Valley Charter High School hosts its Be Elite Flag Football season on 10 consecutive weekends starting Jan 22. The co-ed program is open to kindergarten through eighth grade students. There are no tryouts or draft, and everyone plays offense and defense. No football experience is necessary. One-hour weekend practices are followed by 5v5 non-contact environment games the same day from Jan. 22 – Mar. 26. Coaching is by student athlete mentors. Fee includes participant’s custom jersey (name and jersey number) and shorts. For registration information or visit BeEliteAthlete.com.
Newest Ygnacio Valley High School Athletic Hall of Fame class to be honored May 20
The Ygnacio Valley High Athletic Hall of Fame dinner for the Class of 2020 has turned into the Class of 2023, which will finally be installed May 20 at Zio Fraedo’s in Pleasant Hill, three years after the original induction date. The inductees are coaches Jack Biglen (football and golf) and Triss Carter (boys and girls cross country and track) and athletes Oliver Hanf (Class of 1987, wrestling, football, track), Jim Mayo (1975, wrestling), Julie Pitois (1989, basketball, softball, volleyball), Eric Lakin (1982, baseball, football) and Chris Iglesias (1980, baseball, football).
The school’s founding principal Dr. Ernie Wutzke will be honored as well. Visit the website yvathletichof.com for more details and to reserve tickets when they go on sale after the first of the year. The organizers are looking for additional board members. Email Jim Grace or Dan Hartwig to learn more about the Athletic Hall of Fame and the board.
Terrapins offering winter pre-season high school swimming training starting January 3
The Terrapins Swim Team announced details for its winter pre-season high school training program. The program offers high school swimmers the chance to get a jump start on their technique and conditioning in preparation for the 2023 high school swim season next spring. The Terrapins program begins Jan. 3 and runs through Feb. 2. All 80-minute practices Monday through Thursday starting at 4 p.m. are at Concord Community Pool. For more information visit the club website.
Clayton Valley Athletic Hall of Fame will be back with new class in 2023
Clayton Valley High School Athletic Hall of Fame will host is seventh induction ceremony May 19 at Centre Concord. Social hour will begin at 5 p.m. followed by dinner and the presentation of inductees. Nomination forms are available at the CVHS Athletic HOF website. Nomination deadline is Nov. 13. Ticket info will also be announced soon. The Hall of Fame committee expressed delight at having the chance to select another class of honorees after what will be a four-year hiatus since last celebrating its sixth class in May 2019. Community members, alumni and the community can nominate athletes for consideration. Check website for nomination forms and more information.
Jay Bedecarré
Jay Bedecarré is a long-time resident and writer in Concord and Clayton. He began his newspaper writing career while still a senior at Mt. Diablo High School and he has been part of The Pioneer since its inception in 2003. Jay also operates Bay Area Festivals, presenting events around the San Francisco Bay Area including Bay Area KidFest annually in Downtown Concord.