Bruin Turnovers Spell Trouble Against Denair

Riverbank coach Aaron Thurman offers some encouragement to a player who leaves the field during preseason action. The Bruins go on the road next for a game at Delhi. IKE DODSON/THE NEWS Three stalls within the five-yard line and six total turnovers proved too much to overcome in a 50-6 Riverbank High loss to visiting Denair on Friday. The Bruins saw sparks of offensive success, but costly fumbles and mishaps in the red zone allowed the Coyotes to snare momentum and hold it in Riverbank's second consecutive loss to start the season. "We just have to learn to play a full game and fight through adversity," Riverbank football coach Aaron Thurman said. "Football is not an easy game, and if we think we are going to get anything handed to us, we are wrong." Denair found success with their fly offense and attacked the perimeter for big gains along the sideline. The Coyotes led 27-0 at the half, surrendering a third quarter score when Alex Reynaga scampered into the end zone on a quarterback keeper. Reynaga passed, ran and returned kicks for a total of 189 yards in the defeat, showcasing his athleticism despite early game woes and a one-sided scoreboard. "Alex had a Herculean effort in that game," Thurman said. "He was by far our best guy on the field, and he made some great game decisions." The Riverbank defense switched from a three-down front in the trenches to four D-lineman at the point of attack. Thurman said the move allowed Riverbank to put more pressure on the quarterback, but noted his team must contain the edges to prevent big plays. Wednesday, September 08, 2010

Lady Bruin Golfers Post Sharp Scores

When Riverbank High golf coach John Bartlett realized three of his returning seniors had opted not to compete on the links this year, his optimism for a bright 2010 season took a serious nosedive. Since then, Bruin golfers have seen huge improvements and low scores, both showcased over the past week in a pair of matches against last year's No. 1 and 2 programs of the Valley Foothill League - Bret Harte and Escalon. Wednesday, September 08, 2010

Herrera Tackles Third Year As RHS Athletic Director

Some 180 of the 730 or so students at Riverbank High are currently participating in Bruin athletics. By the end of the spring season, over 400 RHS students will have competed on a Riverbank court, field, track, link or mat. Behind that crowd - or above it, rather - is the lofty frame of third year Bruin athletic director, Jason Herrera. The 1998 Bruin graduate is ready for continued improvements to RHS sports, big changes to Riverbank's Trans-Valley League lineup and the continued quest to keep Bruins eligible and active for competition in the California Interscholastic Federation's Sac-Joaquin Section. "It was a little rough my first year - and it's a lot of work - but I enjoy it," Herrera said. "I have been pretty busy this summer with fall schedules and getting on top of physicals." And athletic director duties weren't the only thing keeping Herrera occupied this summer. The former Bruin scholar and athlete turned 30 in May, married his wife Paloma in July, and also moved from Modesto to Riverbank to be closer to the school where he played both basketball and football. The biggest change for Bruin athletic programs in the 2010-11 school year is the addition of Orestimba and Hilmar to the TVL schedule and the loss of longtime league rival, Ripon Christian. The Knights depart to the Southern League while the Warriors and Yellowjackets break away from the TVL's twin, the Western Athletic Conference. Both Hilmar and Orestimba have a deep history in TVL athletics. The Warriors joined the league with Riverbank in 1968, and enjoyed the school's first ever conference football title in 1970 before an end to their six-year tenure in 1973. Hilmar joined the league in 1980, winning consecutive TVL football titles from 1982 to 1989 with a streak of 42 league victories across that span. The 37-mile, hour-long trek to Orestimba won't be the easiest thing for Riverbank's travel plans, and RHS doesn't require a transportation fee for athletic participants. It's a luxury that has allowed many Bruins to get involved in sports over the years. Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Final Horse Show Of Season Scheduled

The Mid-Valley Saddle Club will be hosting its last horse show of the year on Sunday, Sept. 19 at the Diamond Bar Arena, 6055 So. Central Ave., Ceres. There will be first through fourth place ribbons and high point winners in the age divisions at this Western schooling show. High point winners in the most recent June show were: Manual Sousa, 11 and under; Gina Hitchman, 12 to 17; Robin Norgard, 18 and over. Judge for the Sept. 19 show will be Lisa Vandemer and the club is also planning is popular Halloween Playday, when riders are encouraged to attend in costume with their horse. The playday will feature fun and games with prizes and costume classes, set for Oct. 31 with sign ups at 8 a.m. and the day starting at 9 a.m. Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Boating Course Scheduled

The San Joaquin Delta Power Squadron will offer America's Boating Course starting Tuesday, Sept. 14 at 7:30 p.m. Classes will meet at Tully C. Knoles School, 6511 Clarksburg Place, Stockton. The school is east off I-5 at the Benjamin Holt exit. This course is one of two classes conducted each year and is open to men and women over the age of 12. Boat ownership is not required. A nominal charge of $60 covers the cost of the syllabus and plotting tools. The syllabus can be shared with family members. There is no charge for the instruction. Register at the first session or receive additional information by calling 957-4058 or 466-3048. Register online at www.usps.org. Wednesday, August 18, 2010

SPORTS SHORTS

Riverbank High Football Scrimmage On Saturday, Aug. 21, Riverbank High's varsity football program will host an 11 a.m. scrimmage with former Trans-Valley League foe, Ripon Christian, at the RHS stadium. It will be the first game situation action for the 2010 Bruins. Impact Seeks Players, Coaches With a successful season just completed, the Impact Volleyball Club is already looking ahead to next year. They currently have a need for more coaches in the U16 area and also are hoping to recruit some new players. "I am hiring for coaches," said Impact director Irene Laugero. "Also we need 12 and under players, that team will almost all be moving up (age level) so it will be a good opportunity for beginners." Players between the ages of 8 and 11 that are interested in trying some competitive volleyball are encouraged to sign up for Impact. Interested coaches that want to work with the U16 players can also contact Laugero at 838-8181 for additional information. September Bean Run Slated Tracy Dry Bean Festival organizers have announced the return of the Bean Run. Applications are available at the Tracy Chamber of Commerce for contestants interested in participating in the Bean Festival's Bean Run, which will kick off festivities for the Festival weekend Saturday, Sept. 11. Wednesday, August 18, 2010