SPORTS SHORTS SPORTS SHORTS (September 17, 2004)

MEMORIAL DAY . . . The Palo Alto Oaks capped one of their most successful baseball seasons in the long history of the program by honoring its players, a former coach and their supporters during the first annual Tony Makjavich Memorial Golf Tournament on Saturday. Following a fund-raising golf tournament that drew nearly 90 golfers to Moffett Field, Oaks' first-year coach Steve Espinoza gave out two team awards during the evening's banquet. The Most Valuable Award went to Gabe Duran while the Tony Mak Award was given to Gary Mullins. That award was presented to the player who exemplified the type of play and character that would have made former coach Tony Makjavich proud. The award and golf tournament were named in honor of Makjavich, who died just one year ago following nearly 50 years of coaching the Oaks. The golf tournament and evening banquet drew former players from all over. Vince Ekman, for one, traveled from Boise, Idaho to take part in the festivities.

MENLO COLLEGE WRAP . . . The Menlo College men's soccer team defeated host Cal State Maritime, 4-1, on Tuesday as Bora Akkaya, Mike Sharabi and Omar Chavira scored goals. The fourth and final goal came when a CSU-Maritime defender headed the ball into his own goal. Junior Armando San Vincente assisted on two goals . . . Menlo senior goalkeeper Jessica Courson became the first women's soccer player in school history to be named Region II Player of the Week. Courson helped the Oaks to a 3-0 record, all three by shutouts.

BASEBALL CHAMPS . . . The Peninsula Lookouts beat the competition as they captured first place in the 13U division of the prestigious Peter J. Aldrete Baseball Tournament in Salinas on Labor Day. Manager Jim Costello's squad relied on a mix of strong pitching, defense, timely hitting and grit to win four out of five games during the tournament, culminating with a thrilling come-from-behind, 3 to 2 victory over the San Jose DiamondDawgs in the title game. The Lookouts' roster included Richard McCaffrey, Andy Moore, Carter Lyman, Seth Lassen, Bryan Macomber, Chad Hamel, Matthew Bowden, Austin O'Such, Gregg Hipwell, David Yuschak, Jon Rutter, Mammal Auerbach and Mike Appio.

COACHING CORNER . . . The Palo Alto Recreation Department is seeking coaches for its volleyball, flag football and basketball programs at the middle school level. Volleyball and flag football begin in early September, and basketball begins in November. Coaches will work 4-5 days a week, with paid and volunteer positions available. Practices held in Palo Alto. Some travel to other local schools required. For information, contact Chris Neier, Recreation Coordinator at 650-463-4926 . . . Castilleja School is looking for coaches for the upcoming season in varsity cross country, JV water polo, JV tennis, varsity track and field in addition to an assistant coach for swimming. Interested persons should contact Athletic Director Jez McIntosh at jez_mcIntosh@castilleja.org . . . Woodside Priory School is looking for a girls' varsity soccer coach. Contact Athletic Director Mark Stogner at 851-6107 or at mstogner@woodsidepriory.com . . . Menlo-Atherton High is looking for a number of coaches for the 2004-05 season: boys' varsity soccer, frosh-soph softball, girls' varsity lacrosse and girls' JV lacrosse. Interested persons should contact M-A Athletic Director Pam Wimberly at 322-5311 (ext. 5706).

OF LOCAL NOTE . . . The Scholars, an AAU girls 12-under basketball team, are looking for players interested in competing at the highest level, and coached by former Division I and II college players. Tryouts will be held at Blach Intermediate School on Wednesday, Sept. 22 between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. For information, contact Alberto Martin at 650-996-0505 or e-mail talltree@albertos.com . . . The Palo Alto 92G White, an Under-14 Class III CYSA team, is looking for additional players for the upcoming season. Those interested should contact Myrna Soper at 494-6394 or at myrna@soperspace.com. . . . The Stanford Water Polo also is accepting applications for their fall girls' program. This session is for girls in eighth grade or younger. The first meeting is Monday. For information and forms, check www.stanfordwaterpolo.com.

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