Coaches and athletes are often defined by the roles they play in their sports. Their worth comes from the records they put up, the statistics behind them, and the patches on their letterman’s jackets. As sports fans, we often get lost in the excitement of the physical feats these athletes accomplish, and the coaches and teams that defeat the odds to achieve victory.
Yet there is a very human side to sports that is overlooked. The determination, motivation, sacrifice, and passion that exist within everyone involved in athletics are the driving forces behind every extra repetition, college scholarship, and Athlete of the Week nomination.
This year Central Coast residents have seen no shortage of incredible moments in local athletics. But rather than focus on just the wins, the Sun also got to know the people who make local sports so great.
Head to head
With an increasing number of athletes visiting the emergency room for head injuries, athletic trainers and high schools across the Central Coast are taking concussions more seriously. Using the ImPACT Concussion Testing Program, athletic trainers closely monitor athletes’ cognitive memory after concussions. Only when they pass the program are they allowed to return to play.
Derby-hood
Cal-Skate Roller Derby team took the Sun on a wild ride in February. Women and young ladies from all walks of life come together every week to practice. Contrary to popular belief, there is more to roller derby than throwing elbows—it involves careful coordination and strategy.
Warrior legend
In March, Luke Wilson made history as the first Righetti High School wrestler since 1977 to bring home a CIF championship title. Wilson outwrestled the 43 participants in his 152-pound weight class at the CIF tournament in Bakersfield. His achievement also landed him the opportunity to compete in the Nationals tournament in Florida. Since then, Wilson signed as a wrestler for the Cal Poly Mustangs.
Get your kicks
Business partners Jose Cerros and Dave Eckenrode wanted to bring indoor soccer to Santa Maria. Initially investing $100,000, the pair managed to score a sponsorship from Pepsi for Kickers, the new indoor arena at the Santa Maria Town Center mall. Eckenrode and Cerros opened On Deck 2 batting cages in the mall as well.
Promising prospects
For the first time in school history, more than 10 Major League Baseball scouts came to see what Hancock players had to offer. The scouts were able to watch promising players work through batting practice, timed running, and a scrimmage. Coach Chris Stevens said scouts were interested in several Bulldog sophomores.
Tight tummies
Managing Editor Amy Asman watched members of Blue Haven, a local belly-dancing troupe, master the art of belly dancing while wearing bright, colorful skirts. This type of dance is based largely on illusion, but a lot of work goes into making it look effortless.
Gridiron boys
The Sun reached out to four standout football players—Chris Carter from Pioneer Valley, Matt Albright from Nipomo, Jacob Fowler from Righetti (pictured), and AJ Florez from Lompoc. Nominated by their coaches, these players are driven by family, friends, and love for the game.
Moving on up
Baseball studs and brothers Ryan and Jeff McNeil are leaving small-town Nipomo behind for life in the major leagues. Ryan, a pitcher, was drafted to the Chicago Cubs in 2012 while Jeff, a shortstop, signed with the New York Mets in June.
Living in infamy
Former NFL replacement referee Lance Easley opened up to the Sun in November about his infamous call in a 2012 Packers-Seahawks game, which took a nasty turn before a national audience. After numerous death threats, phone calls, and mysterious packages, Easley has released a book that discusses how he has overcome this ordeal.
Healing
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Managing Editor Amy Asman learned about the Ride 2 Recovery program for American veterans, fits soldiers for bikes and trains them how to ride and how to take care of themselves. The program helps veterans rebuild both mentally and physically.
Contact Staff Writer Kristina Sewell at ksewell@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Dec 26, 2013 – Jan 2, 2014.