Whole Foods Market Pasadena Triathlon

I'm excited about this Pasadena Triathlon, wellonly in theory am I excited, because working out hasn't really been a priority of mine. But, if you're like me and need a competitive reason to stay in shape, the Whole Foods Market Pasadena Triathlon seems like a pretty reasonable start. When I say "reasonable", I only mean that the course isn't too difficult, they're actually promoting it as an event for everyone. So, I ask myself, "do I have the guts?" I haven't decided yet, but for the rest of you, maybe you'll decide much sooner than I. The race is limited to 600 participants, so I'm thinking that I need to hurry up and make a decision...oh the pressure! Another plus is that the race date is March 14, 2009, so there's plenty of time to get it together. Anyway, here are the costs and the course information (for further details, click here):

Entry Fees-
TRIATHLON - INDIVIDUAL (ages 17+): $75 through Feb. 22; $85 through March 5
TRIATHLON - YOUTH (between 13-16)$50 through Feb. 22$60 through March 5
TRIATHLON - TEAM/RELAY (teams of 2-3)$150 through February 22$180 through March 5


Course Description-
5k Run-(1 loop around the Rose Bowl) - Race Start is on Seco Dr.
15k Bike- (3 loops around the Rose Bowl)
150m Swim- (3 laps in the Rose Bowl Aquatics Pool)

Not bad, huh?

Spotlight: Lance Mitchell

Recruited in football as one of California's best two-way prospects, and ranked the 29th best prospect in the nation by scout.com, Lance Mitchell a John Muir High School graduate, is now playing for the Oregon State Beavers. Today, the Oregon State Beavers will face the Oregon Ducks in their final regular season game. By winning, Oregon State will have it's first Rose Bowl appearance since New Years Day in 1965. Lets cheer to bring one of Pasadena's own, Lance Mitchell, home for one of the biggest college bowl games, the Pasadena Rose Bowl. So....Let's Go BEAVERS!

Schools Out

I just found a really cool website called schoolsout.org. It's provided for parents, teachers, and mentors to learn about after school opportunities for children and youth in Pasadena. Of course, I went straight to the sports link and this site offers information on sports like, basketball, football, soccer, tennis, swimming, wrestling, and boxing. Other sports like bowling, gymnastics, skating, and karate are also included, making this a great resource for a wide variety of youth sports opportunities in Pasadena. I'm just loving this!

I am definitely planning on highlighting http://www.schoolsout.org/ in future postings.

My Gym Pasadena

I told you guys that this blog serviced people of all ages...even babies!!! My Gym, located at 839 S. Arroyo Parkway in Pasadena helps children between 6 weeks to 13 years of age develop physically, cognitively, and emotionally. Considered one of the best early learning programs of its kind, My Gym is a great local resource for new parents or parents looking for alternative activities for their young. The one time membership fee is $75 (ages 7 months and up). Monthly fees are:

$64/month (one class, for one child under 7 months, no membership fee)

$74/month (one class, for one child)

$140.50 (one class, two children)

Currently, they are offering a free guest class plus $25 off lifetime membership! Print the coupon here.

They also host 1.5 hour birthday parties on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The monthof December is Member Appreciation Month, where you can attend as many classes as you want! For more information, click on the post title to be redirected to the Pasadena My Gym website. I am personally looking into the Champions class for my 5 (soon to be 6) year old son and the Mighty Mites class for my 3 (almost 21, LOL) year old son. Remember childhood obesity is rapidly increasing because of the increase in stationary activities for our kids, so lets try to break the pattern. There's no investment too great when it comes to our children! Maybe I'll see some familiar faces....

Play Hard Baseball Club

I had the opportunity to watch a Play Hard practice this past spring at Loma Alta Park in Altadena, and their name suits them well. The practice was very intense, focused, challenging, and well organized. In my opinion, for boys, ages 9-16, with a passion for baseball and the potential to excel, an investment in this development based travel baseball club is worthwhile. I must admit that it is quite expensive, costing as much as $950 and at the very least $630. However, scholarships are available. But, that saying, "you get what you pay for" all too much applies after taking into consideration the benefits. Play Hard offers a 6,700 sqaure foot indoor facility, with an well designed training program consisting of pitching, hitting, defensive fundamental workouts, and weekly team practices. In addition, they have added to their program speed and agility training, and other regimens to keep the boys strong and healthy. The coaches consist of former champion players, playing either on the professional or collegiate level. Play Hard also offers a summer camp, which is a cheaper option and can be utilized as a trial period for you.

Most of the practices seem to be held at Victory Park in Pasadena and Loma Alta Park in Altadena. They average about 10 games per month during the fall and winter sessions, and they play doubleheaders every Sunday.

Visit the Play Hard website for more impressive information. Let me and others know what you think by adding your comments to this post.

Pasadena YES- Youth Education & Sports

Pasadena YES, Youth Education & Sports is based at Wilson Middle School. Pasadena YES has 900 boys and girls ages 5-15 participating in basketball, soccer, volleyball, and lacross. Basketball is offered as a winter sports program and the last remaining day to sign-up is Decemeber 6th from 10am-2pm at the Wilson Middle School Gym. Pasadena YES is also offering a mini 2 hour basketball camp for only $50 on December 13th for kids ages 7-15. For more information about Pasadena YES and the winter sports programs, click here.

Soccer, volleyball, and lacross are offered September through November (I should have started this blog a little sooner, huh?). Click here, for a spring '09 volleyball option. And, if you are interested in a local soccer program for the spring, the Pasadena YMCA offers indoor soccer.

United States Youth Volleyball League

For those of you looking for a local volleyball league for your son or daughter, I've found one. The closest youth volleyball league program to Pasadena is in Duarte at Otis Gordon Sport Park. I know its not quite Pasadena, but hey its still in the San Gabriel Valley. Volleyball League Spring '09 is an 8-weeek instructional volleyball league for boys and girls, ages 7-14. The divisions are divided based upon these age groups: 7-9, 10-11, and 12-14. The start date is Wednesday April 1, 2009 from 6:00-7:00pm and the team meets every Wednesday (same time) and on Saturdays from 9:00-10:00am. Click here for the registration form. The early registration fee is $120 and is due by December 15th. So, if you have a child that really wants to learn and play volleyball, this could be the perfect Christmas gift. The regular registration fee is $140 and due by March 15th. For more information, click here.

Another great option for Pasadena youth volleyball players, is to start a new volleyball league right here in Pasadena. The five step proces for opening a new United States Youth Volleyball League (USYVL) is very simple and USYVL helps to locate a site head coach and assists with all aspects of registration. So, this may be a good opportunity to start a league in our hometown of Pasadena. For more details about opening a new site in the Pasadena community, visit the USYVL webpage.

I plan on posting information about other youth volleyball programs in the near future so continue to check here for new volleyball news.

Pasadena Jr. Pee Wee Team Loses to La Canada Gladiators

I hate to say it, but the Pasadena Panthers were shut-out by the Gladiators, losing 28-0 yesterday at Baldwin Park High School in the Championship game. Earlier this year, the Panthers faced the Gladiators and beat them 13-8, so what happened?

Khmori House, Offensive Coordinator, admits that although defense was unable to stop the run, the Gladiators were playing a handicapped offense. Chris Byers (running back and corner), the Reggie Bush of Jr. All American football this year (in my opinion), fractured his ankle in the previous game and was a huge loss for the Panthers on both sides of the football. Caleb Devine, a fullback and linebacker, sat out most of the first half with a cut to the finger, while the Gladiators scored two touchdowns. Losing key playmakers is always a difficult task to overcome and without the speed of Byers and the strength and power of Devine, the Gladiators appeared to be the dominant team on the field.

The Panthers were faced with a daunting task the week prior, having to change their game play without their key player Chris Byers in the lineup. During the first series it looked as though they had figured it out, but with some key drops on offense the Gladiators were able to stay in the game and score first. The Panthers were unable to answer the first touchdown and for the first time this season the Panthers faced the half with no points on the board. And obviously, it only got worse and the Gladiators were victorious in the end.

I personally can't wait for next year....looks like we have ourselves a local rivalry and the Panthers must redeem themselves. Lets not forget that the Panther's Jr. Pee Wee team wasn't expected to get as far as they did. Lets congratulate them on a stellar season and remind them that without the valleys their wouldn't be a mountain top so lets keep climbing!

This post isn't only to report but also to recruit. Bring your kids out next year and trust me they wont be the only one's having fun. Remember, a community that plays together, wins together...on and off the field!

Pasadena Panther Pee Wee Team Celebrate their Championship WIN!!!!

photo.jpg
Originally uploaded by disiap

Plenty of people came out to support the Panther Pee Wee team in their championship game on Saturday against the Covina Vikings.

Diamond Ranch Defeats Muir in First Round of Playoffs

It seems like John Muir High School has been having some difficulty getting pass the first round of the playoffs in recent years. Miguel A. Melendez sums up the game in his recently posted article, but without going into details, a score of 21-7 is all that matters for the Muir varsity football team. There's always next year, but I wonder what will be different.

PHS Head Football Coach Quits 3 Days after the Tussle

Calling all unemployed coaches, Pasadena needs you! Even as a Muir alumni I feel terrible about the PHS football program. After what I would consider a humilating season, only winning one football game against the Hoover Tornadoes, now they lose their coach, Coach Kevin Mills. Although, having PHS a few steps behind Muir would definitely secure another decade of Tussle wins (whoohoo), that would only be serving our own selfish needs. A much greater need is for there to be TWO (at least) dominant teams serving Pasadena, producing college-bound young men and women with good moral character....at least that would be optimal. Lets remember that we are a community, an entire community, who has a responsibility to support our youth and their talents. Now, how would that be possible without a proper leader for the Pasadena Bulldog football varsity football team? Lets put our minds together people....who do you think would be an appropriate choice? Please comment with your choice for the job.

Besides, imagine not knowing whose gonna win the Tussle in years to come? Wouldn't that be something new? Okay, okay, all jokes aside, let's imagine doubling or even tripling the number of football athletes that receive college football scholarships!

I hope PHS gets it together...

Don't forget Muir is playing tomorrow at 7:30pm (@ home) in the first round of the playoffs! Sorry, had to throw it in.

Pasadena Star News Final Football Rankings

Miguel Melendez, the Preps Editor at the Pasadena Star News, just recently posted on his blog, football's final rankings. I'm so excited to see that the John Muir Mustang team is dominating the area, but really, what's new? For the final rankings and commentary by Miguel Melendez, check out the article here.

Oh, and for those of you that missed the 55th annual Turkey Tussle, it will be televised on Friday, November 21st at 8am and 8pm on channel 56. For those of us who work, or will be at Muir watching the 1st round playoff game against Diamond Ranch @ 7:30pm, or dont have recording capabilities, the game will be televised again on Saturday at 1:30am and 1:30pm (same channel). You can also watch the game on Channel 5. Or, visit http://www.pasadenacommunitynetwork.com/ and click on the channel "56" icon to view the game in real time. I hope these are enough options!

Are You a Runner???

If you are a runner and live in the Pasadena area, I found a great website, therunplanet.com, that recently posted an article called, "The Best Place to Run in Pasadena is on...". Beginning at the homepage, you'll find the "best running tips, races and routes for runner worldwide." Pass this along to all of your fellow running fanatics! Hope you enjoy!

Pasadena Panthers vs. Covina Vikings in the Championship Game THIS WEEKEND!!!

The Pasadena Panthers Jr. All American Pee Wee Football team will be playing against the Covina Vikings in the Championship game this Saturday. The Panther Family is urging the Pasadena community is come and show their support!

Game details are as follows:

Date: November 22nd
Time: 3:00pm
Location: Mt. View High School, 2900 Parkway Drive, El Monte
Admission: $3.00

Driving Directions: Take the 210 freeway East to the 605 South, exit Valley Blvd. Turn LEFT on Valley and take to Durfee, make a LEFT. Take Durfee to Denholm Drive, make a LEFT. The school is on the left side of the street.

Rose Bowl Aquatics

Rose Bowl Aquatics
Originally uploaded by disiap

The Rose Bowl Aquatics center offers year-round swimming lessons in Pasadena for all ages and swimming abilities. The Holiday Session (3 weeks long) begins November 24th. Check here, for class schedules. I think its a great idea to have winter swim lessons, as the class sizes are much smaller! And of course, the pool is heated!

The Rose Bowl Aquatics center also offers recreational swim and family swim hours as well. The fee for adults is $2.00 and $1.00 for children . Check here for days and times.

The Rose Bowl Aquatics Pre-Competitive Swim team, the Rose Buds, are having tryouts Decemeber 8-19 for Session 3, beginning on January 5, 2009.

Did you know that Jason Lezak, the anchor for the world record setting relay team who has the fastest 100m freestyle relay split in history (by over half a second), is a Pasadena All Star and one of Rose Bowl Aquatics' very own?

Pasadena Sports and Social Club Events

If you are over the age of 21, and looking for a way to stay active, meet new people, and have a good time, Planet Social Sports was created for you. Luckily, Planet Social Sports has a league right here in Pasadena, and you can join as a individual player or bring your own team! Could be fun.....what do you think?

Both Touch Football and Coed Softball Registrations are now open. Touch Football begins 1/10/09 and Coed Softball begins on 1/18/09 (kickball, volleyball and bowling are also offered). Games will be played at the Eagle Rock Recreation Center. Check out Social Sports Frequently Asked Questions. I found this information quite useful.


For more specific information about the Pasadena league, click here.

Pasadena Hockey Program

Did you know that Pasadena hosts a youth hockey program? Apparently so, they're called the Maple Leafs. I was surfing the net a came across an article that spoke of the program. The Maple Leafs play in the Southern California Hockey Association, a youth hockey club league (ages range between 6-18).

Some of you are probably like, "Hockey? Yeah, right." I thought this too, but then I wondered what if Tiger had said, "Golf? Yeah, right!" All it takes is exposure people for one of our kids to become the next Wayne Gretzky!!!! Besides, don't knock 'til you try it.

I found a few sites that may be of some interest:

• http://theworldofjuniorhockey.blogspot.com/
• http://www.youthhockeyreport.com/
• http://www.scaha.com/

How many of you prefer to stick to football or basketball?
Please comment with your thoughts....

And, if anyone out there has any other useful information for our interested Pasadena friends, please do share.

Nov 16, 2008 - Half Marathon Cancelled

Nov 16, 2008 - Half Marathon Cancelled
Originally uploaded by Pablo VDW

Many participants were disappointed.

Pasadena's New Marathon Cancelled

The Kaiser Permanente Pasadena Marathon was cancelled today due to the poor air quality resulting from the wildfires in the area. The event was to include a Marathon, Half Marathon, Bike Tour, and a 3-mile community Run/Walk. nbclosangeles.com reported that the decision was made to cancel the event at 4 a.m. this morning. Race organizers were expecting 15,000 registrants, and many disappointments followed todays cancellations. I read on a Pasadena Marathon blog that many participants didn't receive the email notification of the cancellation and showed up at 5:45 a.m., dressed and ready to go. . Over the next few days the organizers will decide on the next steps. For more information, read this.

Panther-Gladiator Rematch: Jr. Pee Wee Football Championship

The La Canada Gladiators will have another chance to try to beat the Pasadena Panthers. Today, in their semi-final game, the Gladiators beat the Charter Oak Chargers to advance to the Championship game. Next Sunday, November 23rd at 10:00 a.m., the Gladiators will face the Panthers in an attempt to pay them back for the loss they suffered earlier this month (13-8), while Pasadena will work to remind them why they have the perfect record of 9-0. I'm looking forward to seeing what new things our Jr. Wee Pee team will teach the La Canada Gladiators about PASADENA FOOTBALL!

A special shout-out to the coaching staff, as they were dedicated this season to building champions, one game at a time.

Pasadena YMCA Youth Sports

I just received the Pasadena YMCA youth sports registration calendar for 2008-2009 and wanted to share. My two sons, ages 3 and 5, just finished their flag football season with the Dragonflies (Scooter Flag football team). I must say that it was a great experience for the kids. Their coach, Coach Randy, really attempted to teach the kids the fundamentals of the game and I was pleasantly surprised by their improvement. They were even running plays.


Here are the sign-up dates and registration deadlines for November and December:

• Winter Basketball: Ages 6-15- November 3 - December 6




• Scooters Winter Basketball: Ages 3-5- November 3- December 6
  

You can find more information on the YMCA website.

Please pass this information on to anyone you know that may be interested.

Muir to Face Diamond Ranch in 1st Round of Playoffs

At 11:40 am this morning, the playoff pairings were released on the CIF Southern Section website. The 1st round game will be played against the Diamond Ranch Panthers this coming Friday, November 21st, at John Muir High School in Pasadena. The Mustangs faced the Panthers their first game of the season this year, beating the Panthers 16-6. The Panthers will be seeking redemption, while the Mustangs will seek a second victory. So, come ready in your Blue and Gold to support the John Muir High School Varsity Football Team. Remember a community that plays together, wins together! Go Stangs!

55th Turkey Tussle

Were any of you expecting a much bigger blowout than the one witnessed on Friday, November 14th (13-0) at the Rosebowl? This year's Turkey Tussle was a slight disappointment for me and I am certain that coaches and players alike were expecting a much higher scoring game. However, I am proud as a Mustang that we were able to stretch our winning streak against the Pasadena Bulldogs by another year, making it the 12th consecutive year. A win is a win, and we'll take it!

See Migel A. Melendez's Pasadena Star News report. View the San Gabriel Valley Tribune Photo Gallery for the Tussle.

Pasadena Panther's Jr. Pee Wee Team Heads For the 'Ship!

Wow. I must say that this has been a standout season! I have no doubt that the Jr. Pee Wee team will be able to call themselves the 2008 Champs. However, they need the support of not only the parents, friends and families of the players, but of the community that they rely on to support the positive endeavors of our young. Lets be proud of the choices these young men have made to join a positive team effort, exercising discipline, hard work and dedication as a single unbreakable unit. Thus far, this team has managed to finish each game as winners and with a 9-0 season behind them, they are head for the 'ship.

"Where ya'll from?"............"DENA!!!!"

Game details will be posted on a later date.