Turlock’s Lawless wins PGA Pro match

The Northern California PGA announced Monday that with a final score of even par 72, PGA Professional Marc Lawless of Diablo Grande Golf Club in captured first place at the 2011 NCPGA Pro-Series 3 contested at Catta Verdera Country Club at Twelve Bridges in Lincoln.

An interview with TC graduate Jill Baker, now a pro volleyball player in Switzerland

Jill Baker has traveled a long, productive path since her days playing on the Turlock Christian High volleyball team. During her time as an Eagle, she helped lead the team to Sac-Joaquin Section title appearances. After that, she moved onto Azusa Pacific University, a school located near Los Angeles. She had an incredible career there, culminating in winning the NAIA Volleyball Player of the Year award in 2009. ...

Blaze sweep Nuts with help from THS grad Mendonca

In a span of two days, Turlock High graduate Tommy Mendonca torched the Modesto Nuts before he sizzled down on the third day. Still, his Bakersfield Blaze took care of business.In three games this week against a team he was familiar with growing up, Mendonca - who gained national recognition for leading Fresno State to the 2008 College World Series title - had ...

Rodeo brings cowboys, cowgirls to town

Wrestling steers, riding a bucking bronco and racing around barrels were all common sights on Thursday night in the FoodMaxx Arena as cowboys and cowgirls took the stage for the California Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association Rodeo event this year at the Stanislaus County Fair.

Guess who's back? Mendonca set for 3 games vs. Nuts

Former Turlock High and Fresno State standout Tommy Mendonca will make another semi-homecoming to John Thurman Field in Modesto, home of the Modesto Nuts. But these visits appear to be a little more special than the others.

Former Stanislaus golfer finishes U.S. Open as crowd favorite

Cal State Stanislaus and its surrounding areas are about 125 miles away from Pebble Beach. But during a recent four-day stay, Erick Justesen felt like it was 2007 and '08 again, when he was building his golfing legacy at Stanislaus.

Former Stanislaus golfer produces solid back-to-back U.S. Open rounds

Different day, same result. That pretty much sums up Erick Justesen's past two days at Pebble Beach, where the former Cal State Stanislaus golfer is a first-time participant at the prestigious U.S. Open, an event that attracts the best golfers in the world, from legends such as Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson to upcoming stars.

Former Stanislaus golfer to take swing at U.S. Open

Erik Justesen accepts his position in his sport. He's good, no doubt about that, as he's considered one of the best golfers in Cal State Stanislaus history, thanks in part to being one stroke from an NCAA Division II individual championship two years ago. But he knows that he's one of many golfers in this week's U.S. Open at Pebble Beach. He hopes to stand out among greats like Tiger Woods, ...

Brandstater to have new life with Colts

Just days after his biggest NFL shakeup, Turlock High and Fresno State standout Tom Brandstater is back on his feet.

Denair grad blossoms into MLB Draft pick

Back when he was at Denair High, Shawn Stuart's favorite place to show off his athleticism wasn't the baseball diamond. Instead, it was the basketball court. That's what his high school baseball coach, Ron Cornell, remembers of the now MLB First-Year Player Draft selection.

Stanislaus pitcher Cendejas joins his hometown Angels

On Wednesday, a bit of magic happened in Eric Cendejas' life. He was visiting Anaheim, his hometown, and later on the day, he was walking around the city's main attraction, Disneyland - the most magical place in the world, according to numerous advertisements.

Former Stanislaus golfer makes U.S. Open cut

Former Cal State Stanislaus men's golfer Erik Justesen earned medalist honors at a sectional qualifier on Monday and has qualified for the USGA U.S. Open Championships at Pebble Beach.

Former Warrior ace named to all-star squad

Marquis Fleming, a former standout and second team All-American pitcher at Cal State Stanislaus, was added to the Florida State League All-Star team on Sunday.

A stable of QBs leads to Broncos releasing THS grad

In a move that didn't come as a complete shock - considering the amount of quarterbacks and experience surrounding him - Turlock High and Fresno State standout Tom Brandstater was let go by the Denver Broncos on Friday, months before his second NFL season.

Pitman grad gets his shot at NFL's Packers

Last summer, when he was volunteering his time at the Westside Ministries Sports Camp in Turlock, then-Fresno State football player Anthony Harding briefly talked about the possibility of playing in the NFL. He didn't say too much, considering he was training for the upcoming college football season and didn't want to look beyond his immediate task.

Colin Kaepernick: Gaining yards, touchdowns, and national attention

Local MMA fighter prepares for first title match

It's Wednesday, three days before the biggest fight of his career and Lewis Gonzalez is outside in the sun, running through the streets of his neighborhood bundled in layers of clothing. He is sweating and he's tired but he can't stop, he has pounds to shed and a champion to challenge. After going 6-0 at 170 and 160 pounds, Gonzalez is moving down to 155 pounds to face Cage Combat's Lightweight title holder Bobby ...

Lewis Gonzalez 6-0; forces 3rd round tap out over Preston Scharf

Mixed Martial Arts is all about control. In order to defeat an opponent you must first control them, either physically or psychologically. For "Lethal" Lewis Gonzalez that mode of control is his wrestling. Gonzalez (6-0) has the ability to subdue an opponent on the mat, weaken his will, and pressure him into submission. These tactics have led to six professional MMA victories by way of stoppage, the most recent of which was earned ...

Metcalf KO’s Wedderburn

Turlock's Jeremiah Metcalf made his K-1 debut on Saturday when he faced Jamaica's Markhaile Wedderburn at 186 pounds in the Los Angeles Sports Arena. Metcalf, a seasoned mixed martial artist, made the most of his opportunity, dispatching Wedderburn 2:12 into the first round via knockout. "I knew he was a traditional Muay Thai fighter so I figured if I came out full blast I'd overwhelm him," Metcalf said. "That was the plan and ...

Pride alumna goes pro

A little over two years ago Ashley Olsen made Pitman High history as being the first female graduate to lock a college scholarship in golf. Olsen just added to her Pride golf legacy as being the school's first professional golfer. Olsen graduated from Colorado Christian University in May with a degree in communications, and a continuing love for the sport of golf. She has been working at Applewood Golf Course in Golden, Colo. ...

Kaepernick finding his groove as quarterback

It's safe to say that more than a few of Turlock's television sets were tuned in to Friday's preseason game between the San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings. It's an even safer assumption to say that most who were watching were doing so to catch Turlock native Colin Kaepernick line up under center. Since he was drafted from the University of Nevada a year ago, Turlockers have been waiting to watch the former ...

Turlock Express gearing up for second season

Turlock's sole professional sports team, the Turlock Express, surprised the Professional Arena Soccer League last season, finishing third in the Western Division and earning a playoff berth in their first year of existence. Last season's 10-6 finish was a huge success for the smallest market in the PASL, but according to Head Coach Art Pulido, it was only the beginning of what he hopes will become a Turlock mainstay. "I think we'll ...

Jeremiah Metcalf scheduled for K-1 event in September

On Sept. 8, the world renowned kickboxing organization K-1 returns to American soil with K-1 Rising 2012. Fifteen fighters from around the world will meet in Los Angeles to help the legendary organization mount a resurgence, including Turlock's own Jeremiah Metcalf in his K-1 debut. "It's always been a dream of mine to fight in K-1," Metcalf said. With a professional record of 13-6 and ties with organizations such as Strikeforce and ...

CCPRA Rodeo Results

Calf Roping

Rodeo returns to Turlock

After six days of motorsports, the Food Maxx Arena facilitated a different kind of horsepower on Thursday - the authentic kind. The annual California Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association rolled into the Stanislaus County Fair to the delight of a packed grandstand, welcoming local and not so local competitors to chase nearly $5 million in prizes. Rodeo fans were entertained with seven different events: Bareback Riding, Calf Roping, Saddle Bronc, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, ...

Lewis Gonzalez remains unbeaten with 1st round submission

It only took 1:31 for "Lethal" Lewis Gonzalez to finish Dan Price on Saturday, recording his fourth professional victory via first round stoppage and fifth overall. In his second fight in three weeks, Gonzalez defeated Price by way of a Darce choke, delighting the fans at the Sutter County Fairgrounds in Yuba City. "Whenever I fight wrestlers I get nervous, but once I get in the cage and the bell rings all that ...

Lewis Gonzalez, Dan Price set to face off tonight

Three weeks ago "Lethal" Lewis Gonzalez scored an exciting TKO victory over Lamar Reed in his fourth professional Mixed Martial Arts bout, maintaining an undefeated record and a string of victories via stoppage. Instead of resting on his laurels, Gonzalez (4-0) will be competing in his fifth professional fight against Dan Price (5-3) tonight at the Sutter County Fairgrounds in Yuba City. "I'm already in fighting mode, coming from that fight to this ...

Former THS wrestler prepares for MMA pro bout

Professional debuts are usually planned months in advance, giving fighters ample time to train and prepare themselves for their opponent as well as their introduction to the highest level of Mixed Martial Arts competition. Turlock's Ty Costa has been fighting for two years but he's only had two weeks to get ready for today's 145 pound fight with Mario Soto. Still, the former Bulldog wrestler exhibited a calm confidence as he wrapped up his ...

‘Lethal’ Lewis Gonzalez TKOs Lamar ‘Lion King’ Reed

The cage sat in the middle of the room, under vaulted ceilings and bright lights, occupied by modern day gladiators and surrounded by spectators. Those in attendance at Stockton's Memorial Civic Auditorium gathered to watch Mixed Martial Artists fight, eager to see strikes, submissions, and if they were lucky, blood. Split between the balcony and the floor, a sizeable group of Turlockers sat in anticipation, waiting for Brandon "The Fireman" Bettencourt and "Lethal" Lewis ...

Lewis Gonzalez, Brandon Bettencourt set to compete in MMA event

"Lethal" Lewis Gonzalez is ready to step into the cage once again, as he should be. On Friday, Gonzalez (3-0) will take on Lamar Reed (1-0) at the Stockton Memorial Civic Center as part of Up and Comers 10. Six months removed from his last fight, Gonzalez is looking for his fourth professional win as he continues to further his MMA career. "I've watched his film," Gonzalez said. "I've worked on my striking ...