The Star-News from Chula Vista, California • Page 24

D4 The Saturday-Sunday. April 6-7, 1991 two superstars. However, this was only the first game of the Metro league. It is no.t over. Silva, Gil, and their teams still have a lot to prove.

"Hey," said Castle Park head coach Bob Korzep, this was the first league game of the year for us. It wasn't the seventh game of the world series." The season Has just begun. Baseball Continued from page D-l lva strutted his stuff. With smoking fast balls, tricky and balls that moved all over the place, Hilltop's big mart provedjo the people in the stands that he was good, very, very good. He struck out three batters in a row.

In the top of the third, the only Hilltop hit was a Richie Hinzo blast to short right field. Then, the trouble began. Silva went to the mound, and after a few warm up pitches, began shaking his arm and flexing his hand as if something was bothering him. Something was. had been the dominant pitcher up to this point (he had struck out "nine and allowed only one hit), Gil was about to take the reigns'.

In the top of the fourth, Gil struck out three in a row. With Silva out, the Lancers began vto struggle. Pitcher David Mendoza was thrown in to fire away. However, the Trojans soon had the based loaded. A balk called on Mendoza scored a run.

An Alex Rualacaba hit to left scored another run. Then, Bobby Wittmeyer (who had walked) scored on an overthrow. For all practical purposes, the game was over. He was obviously in pain. After walking the first batter, Hilltop coach John Baumgarten called time and went out to investigate.

The stands were silent. Silva shook his head as if to say "No, leave me in, I am O.K." Great concentration by Silva turned into three strike outs to end the inning. But Silva was in pain. "My arm just started hurting' said Silva with his arnu in his jacket like a sling. "Maybe it was the mound or something.

I don't know." By this time Bengi Gil was getting warmed up. Although, Silva Although Gil had allowed four hits in the first three innings, after that, he K'ed nine of ten batters (13 total). Talk about turning it on. However, Gil said that when Silva left the game, he was concerned. He was more worried than anything else, he said.

He didn't want a friend to get hurt. Silva planned to see a doctor Wednesday night. "It is only one game," said Silva. "not worth the risk." So, although Silva may have won the battle, Gil definitely won the war. The scouts were undoubtedly not disappointed in these Aztec Gymnastics Program to host Region Championships Padres donate 5,000 tickets for opening day salute to the troops The San Diego Padres Baseball Club has announced that the opening night pre-game ceremony will be a tribute to those victorious armed forces personnel stationed in San Diego.

"Qur home opener has become a San Diego tradition with the last three years in a row producing sellouts," said Dick Freeman, Padres president. "This year will be even more special because the troops are coming home and we have planned a spectacular homecoming celebration." Opening night, the inaugural game of the 1991 baseball season in San Diego, is Tuesday, April 9 against the San Francisco Giants. Pre-game ceremonies begin at 6:40 p.m. In an unprecedented gesture, the Padres have invited 5,000 armed forces personnel and their families to be the guests of the Padres at the home opener. Opening night festivities will begin with a performance by the U.S.

Naval Recruit Training Center 5-State Flag Team along with the Recruit Training Center Drum and Bugle Corps. After the team introductions, there will be several special presentations highlighted by the unfurling of a 300-foot-by-160-foot American flag during the National Anthem. "We are confident that our fans will join us in recognizing the men and women who fought for freedom in the Persian Gulf," said Freeman. By Michelle Challis Sports Kditor San Diego State University and the Aztec Gymnastics Program will host the 1991 Region I Level 9Elite Regional Championships on Saturday and Sunday, April (i-7 at San Diego State's Peterson Gym. Over 170 gymnasts from the Western Region will be competing, representing over 70 different teams.

The Elite girls have hopes of advancing to the Elite Nationals and then on day, there will be level 9 Seniors at 1 1:30 and Elite Optional at 5:30 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door. Ticket prices are as follows: Saturday; Adult (all dayi $6.00, Child tall day) $3.00. Sunday; Adult $6.00 per session or $8.00 all day, Child $3.00 per session or $4.00 all day. Special two day passes will sell for $10.00 (adults) or $6.00 (child).

For more information please call Aztec Gymnastics at San Diego State University at 594-4576. to the U.S. Championships. This is the top meet of the U.S.G.F. Championships.

The top all-around gymnasts will have the chance to make the U.S. National Team. This meet is sponsored by the Gymnaztec Parents Club, a non-profit organization dedicated to the futherance of competitive gymnastics in San Diego There will be three sessions on Saturday: 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. On Sun Scripps 12th Annual Tennis Touitiey SDAGA offers scholarship to high school golfers from S.D.

USIM boxing tourney to be held this weekend By Michelle Challis Sports Editor Tennis players may now register for Scripps Memorial Hospitals Stevens Cancer Center's 12th Annual Tennis Tourna-ment to be held on May open to men and women at and playing the event also eludes a Pro-am division for men and women. The tournament will be held at the San Diego Tennis and Racquet Club. Approximately 300 participants are expected to participate. Fees are $125 for women, $150 for men, $250 for women's Pro-am and $500 for men's Pro-am. NBC Sportscaster Dick Enberg will serve as honorary chairman for the event.

Proceeds will go to the Stevens Cancer CenterVprevehtioh and early defecOoh programs. For more information, call 457-6339. The'Stevens Cancer Center of Scripps Memorial Hospitals, established in 1975, offers total patient care and services to meet the individual needs of cancer patients and their families. These services include: prevention and early detection programs, diagnostic, therapeutic and support systems, tumor registry and aggressive community education programs. By Michelle Challis Sports Editor The San Diego Advertising -Golf-Assoeratkm --Board of Directors has approved the establishment of a scholarship fund beginning with the 1990-91 school year in the amount of $1,000.00.

Matching funds from "other Corporate and Association' entities will also be sought out follow-ing the 1990-91 year. The scholarship will be awarded to a San Diego County High, School senior. Golf Team member who is committed to attending college in the San Diego area and who will concentrate his or her studies in the Communications fields (Broadcasting, Advertising, Marketing, Graphic Arts, Jour- nalism, etc.) A scholarship committee con-sistingof Bo JQjiQvaiuJiux liams iSDA'GA), Hank Wesch (San Diego Union) and Tom Addis (PGA) will meet to marrow the list of applicants to five finalists. Those five will be interviewed by the committee. A winner will be selected and presented to the confirmation.

As funds grow for this project, it is the desire of the committee to award more than one scholarship annually andor to expand by granting follow up funds so that scholarship winners may receive money for their college expenses past their first year. For-. more information, contact Bo Donovan at 296-1601. Catch the risjng starsuf arnateutlioxing at the Fifth Annual Golden Gloves Tournament to be held oh Fryiay, April 5 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 6 at 2:00 p.m.

at the Orlando Coons Training Complex (431 Highland Avenue in National City), Sponsored by the United States Institute of Amateur Athletics, contestants from the Southwest regions of California and Nevada will compete for amateur- boxing's third highest national title. Proceeds from the event help USIAA's programs for underpriviledged youths. For more call 262-3938. Mix of local amateurs, pros hope to give Team Puma a kick ward Jose Luis Moreno (Swee-'twater)' and goalkeeper Joel Limenes (Coronado). Gutierrez and Sanchez both picked up goals in a 3-0 scrimmage win over a group of local weekend warriors while Iloski added a goal and an assist.

Also picking up an assist was Giaca-loneyjfforce down the left wing. Maruea has not finished ad- fig to the roster. Giacalone, who was a member ol the Sockers active roster for two weeks tins season, became .1.7 JF WJf -T available when the Emperors likethe Nomads. took a break from the APSL. Giacalone said the team may return next season.

The Nomads' future is uncertain. "I play because I love the game. I'm not trying to prove anything these days," said Giacalone, who said he felt it a "shame" when the Emperors decided not to operate this season. Team Puma already seems to have found a few fans. Sweetwater High 'keeper Billy Arns, who earned First Team All-Metro and All CIF-San Diego Section honors for the Division II finalist Red Devils, watched Tuesday's initial scrimmage and was impressed "I hope to see a lot more people become involved in soccer," he f'holohy Phillip Brents Members of Team Puma assembled for the team's first workout.

Front row (I. to Rene Gutierrez, Jose Luis Moreno, Jorge DeLaTorre, Jorge Zavala. Back row (I. to Joe Giacalone, Joel Limenes, Ziggy Zigante, Cacho, Mike Iloski, Manuel Sanchez. said.

"It's great to see these guys vvy Marcua hopes his younger have to perfect them. Hopefully, coming back and playing in our kickers will pick up. it will work out" By Phillip Brents Sports Writer NATIONAL CITY Since Bob Maruca became involved in the South Bay soccer scene two years ago, his teams have taken on several incarnations: From an Under-19 youth squad to a touring international team to a shortlived stint in the Mexican League Division III professional ranks to a half-season in the semi-pro Premier League. His latest endeavor may just decide the future course of professional outdoor soccer in San Diego County. The brainchild of Maruca a Bomta resident who owns a string of sporting goods outlets throughout the county (Highland Sports) and former Major Soccer League goalkeeper Ziggy Zigante, Team Puma made its official debut Tuesday at Sweetwater High.

School. The names are the first thirig that grab any observer: A who's who of indoor and outdoor soccer legends to play imSan Diego. Taking the practice pitch Tuesday were former San Diego Sockers star Cacho, a veteran of Argentina's First Division and National Team; Joe Giacalone, a veteran of the American Professional Soccer League's California Emperors; newcomer Mike Iloski from the Sockers Reserves and Zigante, who plied his trade with the Wichita Wings. Maruca has reached verbal agreement with a total of nine former pros, including eight former Sockers. Among the very recognizable Juli Veee, Ade Coker, Jean Willrich, George Katakalidis and Rafael Ruotolo.

Yes, that Juli that Ade Coker and that Jean Willrich. They may have passedtheir prime indoors but outdoors well, Maruca is banking on their popularity to game a much-needed boost. "We're looking for a better fan base," said Maruca, whose Gauchos the forerunner to Team Puma has carried the torch for'-the outdoor game in the county the San Diego. Nomads departed the APSL last summer. "People can say These guys are here playing.

We know who they are and we want to come and see them. Also, these guysr.i experience will bring our younger guys alongTas'ter." The G-auchos hosted the county's last major international friendly last November when the South Bay team comprised of former high school and junior col: lege standouts lost 4-2 to touring Nistru Kishinev of the Soviet First Division. That contest drew 1,100 fans to Southwestern-College! The Gauchos followed that match with a 1-1 exhibition draw against the Los Angeles Cosmos a month later at Sweetwater The Cosmos are one of three other teams San Pedro and Las Vegas being the others interested in. forming a semi-pro circuit this summer with Team Puma. Both the Gauchos and Cosmos were slated to become members of the a a -teui "emi-pro Sunbelt Independent Soccer League this summer, but severe financial commitments (coast-to-coast travel) put that project on hold.

Maruca, who will serve as general manager of the fledgling cluli. -aid it will cost Team Puma $100,000 to operate this season. The Nomads' APSL budget last season was estimated at $250,000. Puma has come forward to help sponsorthe team hence, the name. Maruca hopes with additional investors Team Puma can generate enough interest and revenue to join the APSL, which has set its sights on becoming the United States Soccer Federation's "Professional Division," "That's our goal," Maruca said.

"We're hoping the fans of San Diego support us. We're not saying we're better than anybody else. We just want to be ambassadors for the game." Team Puma will be coached by Zigante's uncle, Marcello Zigante, a former coach of the-Yu-goslav National Team. -Team Puma's first international friendly is set April 25 (7 p.m.) against a touring Division II team from Grenoble, France at a site to be announced. Team Puma will continue a strong South' Bay flavor witlj several holdovers from the Gau- chos.

Among those present Tuesday: Defenders Jorge DeLaTorre (Castle Park), Rene Gutierrez (Southwest) and Jorge Zavala (Montgomery), midfielder Man-' uel (Montgomery), for- own Dockyard "They have a lot of experience Arns was particularly impres- and they can teach me things I sedwithGiacalone'shallhandling haven't experienced yet," San- skills and instincts. It's that sa- chez said. "I have the skills. I just AUTO PAINTING FREE POLYURETHANE REGULAR W.06 VALUE IMVS! mm 0- i'H 1 1 f-L'H 1 llii' mii ac AneN OPEN 7:30 AM I PM SAT. I AM NOCK SmJi'UiLl ii.mipina; mini nm-ft iiiii tn i ii ii imtttiTi 533 951 BROADW CHULA VISTA NATIONAL CITY 111 474.AA31.