Sports Briefs
Compiled by Robert Haugh & Melissa McKenzie

Umoja Track Club Youth Represent Santa Clara in 45th USATF Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships in Wichita, Kansas. Umoja Track Club, founded in 2001 and located in Santa Clara, entered 33 athletes July 26 through 31, returning with 19 medals, concluding a very successful year.

One of Umoja's athletes is 7-year-old Estevan Osuna, a Santa Clara resident who is a second grader at St. Justin School, the grandson of Frank and Bernadette DeSousa, long time Santa Clara residents - Bernadette worked over 30 years with the city of Santa Clara.

In Osuna's first year competing in track and field, he competed in the 100M, 200M, 400M, 800M, 1500M, long jump and the javelin, qualifying to the Olympics by throwing the javelin 31 feet, which placed him in the top five in the 7-8 year old age group at the Regional 14 Championships. Osuna threw a personal best at the Olympics on his last throw of 35.4 feet, ranking him 26th in the nation. Even though this is Osuna's first year with Umoja, he has been running on the track with his Dad since he was able to run. In September he will start running Cross Country for Umoja.

Umoja Track Club is a non-profit organization located in Santa Clara, founded in 2001 and has athletes competing ranging ages from 7 to 18 years old. The mission of Umoja is to empower young athletes and club volunteers to achieve their full potential on and off the track through the teaching of track and field fundamentals and skill development. The club prides itself on teaching young athletes the values and skills that will enable them to positively contribute to their community which will carry them through their lifetime.

The Umoja track club is looking for sponsors to purchase uniforms and equipment for their 80+ athletes. Contact coach Blanca Fonseca at boardmembers@umojatrackclub.com for more information.

Santa Clara Dynasty Win Playoff Game On Sunday, August 14, the Santa Clara Dynasty took on a tough SVABL Reds team in the first round of the playoffs. Despite taking a three run lead to the top of the ninth, the Reds offense came alive as they made a strong comeback, but the Dynasty, down two runs, had their own comeback and scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth. Pitcher Kyle Hatzenbuhler was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to score the game winner. Defensivley, Hatzenbuhler pitched a complete game, allowing 10 runs and striking out seven. Offensively, second baseman Jordan Fanara came up big with a homerun and Lou Agront had three hits while Marc Barron picked up two RBIs in the 11-10 victory.

Last of 49ers' Public Training Camps Scheduled for August 17 and 18 The last of the 49ers' open-to-the-public training camp sessions will be on Wednesday August 17 and Thursday August 18 at 2:30 p.m. This year's open practices are free, but ticket availability is limited and released on a first come, first served basis. One ticket admits one person. Each of the open practices provides a fun-filled experience for fans and features interactive football drills, inflatable games, 49ers game ticket sales, sponsor activities, appearances by members of the Gold Rush, Sourdough Sam and a player autograph session. The 49ers training camp is held at the team's full-time practice facility located at 4949 Centennial Boulevard in Santa Clara, CA.

Visit http://www.49ers.com/news-and-events/training-camp-central-tickets.html?ttl=ihiuyhiu for ticket information.

Briarwood Little League Fall Ball Registration Briarwood will be offering Fall Ball to Minor and Major Level age players (ages 8-12). Signups will be August 20-21 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Snack Bar. Cost is $50. All games will be played on Sunday. Games will be played Sunday afternoons at different locations based on participation from other leagues. Practices will be held every Friday with optional Saturday practice. Please note Fall Ball will be non-competitive. Fall Ball is to prepare the kids for the upcoming 2012 Spring Season. For any questions, E-mail Romeo Baddo at romeo.baddo@gmail.com