B12 The Malibu Times July 3, 2014 Sports Malibu football making the most of the summer Photos by Dick Dornan / TMT Luca Marinaro of Malibu battles against an Agoura defensive back. Malibu linebacker Alec Stevenson Sharks compete in 7-on-7 passing the making of an exciting game of 7-on- 2-5 p.m. with weight training at the ing, and defensive pass coverage. Rafeedie will help out a Sharks program tournaments, lift weights to 7 passing. beginning followed by practice on the “It’s been good because we learn in need of depth. All three are juniors. Last Saturday, Malibu participated field. our pass coverage against better athletes, Rafeedie will add talent on the defen- prepare for the regular fall season. in the Agoura Tournament at Agoura Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday are faster receivers and really strong quarter- sive side while Richman and McAlpine x By Dick Dornan High School competing against Santa usually earmarked for passing round rob- backs,” junior linebacker Alec Stevenson bring versatility to the wide receiver Special to The Malibu Times Barbara, Pacifica, Agoura and Newbury ins or tournaments with weight training said. position. Park. The Sharks struggled against the and conditioning mixed in. Vincent, senior quarterback Dylan “The aggressiveness and speed from elmets? Pads? Sorry fans, not stiffer competition, but nonetheless Ah, the life of a football player: Lubell, senior Justin Baldinger and our wide receivers will open up the mid- until August 30. gained valuable experience. grinding away in the hot summer weath- junior Luca Marinaro return with plenty dle of the field,” Humphrey said. “We H But summer football — “The progress is coming along real er as aches and sores pile up on a daily of experience on offense from last sea- have threats now which will allow us to sans helmets, pads and tackling — is in well,” Malibu coach Ray Humphrey basis. son. go vertical. That’s a very big positive for full swing for Malibu High. The Sharks said. “We have some new kids in so we “The summer has been really good,” Stevenson, one of the top lineback- us.” are bolstering up for an exciting season are trying to develop continuity, have senior running back Matt Vincent said. ers in the area, anchors the defense along Playing in 7-on-7 contests, bulk- by working out relentlessly in the weight them play together and understand what “We have all made improvements in the with Vincent, Baldinger and Marinaro, ing up in the weight room and practic- room five days a week, practicing and their roles are. I am pretty pleased where weight room and on the field. All of us who will see action on both sides of the ing should benefit a program looking competing in various passing events. we are going.” are extremely excited and hyped for this ball. to turn around last season’s results. Football season begins in two After sustaining a tough campaign in upcoming season.” “Those guys are older and wiser but The regular season opener versus Santa months but why wait for the Friday 2013 where the team posted a winless Malibu has already taken part in we are still young with only four or five Monica is just around the corner. night lights when you can play two-hand 0-6 record, Malibu has rededicated itself 7-on-7 round robins at Viewpoint, Simi seniors,” said Humphrey. “We are still “We have put last year behind us and touch against tough competition from to becoming stronger, quicker and faster Valley and Thousand Oaks. growing but I like our nucleus.” are trying now to get stronger and fast- across the valley on any given day of the through grueling weight room and con- Winning and losing are the least An infusion of newcomers that er and be in shape for the season,” said week? ditioning sessions. of the team’s concerns though, as the includes Westlake transfer Cooper Stevenson. “We will be ready.” All you need is a football, 14 players, Typically, Malibu will practice on Sharks focus on improving team chem- Richman, Santa Monica transfer Indiana Next up for MHS is the Rio Mesa coaches, a couple officials and you have Monday, Wednesday and Friday from istry, quarterback and wide receiver tim- McAlpine and Loyola transfer Matt Tournament on July 12. Watkin joins LA Galaxy youth soccer academy Malibu High senior begins home of Major League Soccer’s Los why he was invited to be a part of the LA on Tuesday, July 8, against Michigan’s Malibu High next year. The academy training at the elite level with LA Angeles Galaxy. Galaxy youth academy program. Watkin Vadar U-16 squad at the StubHub season conflicts with the high school Galaxy youth camp. His opponent? The LA Galaxy made several saves and did not allow a goal Center. The winner of the quarterfinal soccer season. alumni team with notable players such in the 2-1 loss. game advances to Finals Week at the “It’s sad not being able to play By Dick Dornan as Cobi Jones, Alexi Lalas and Mauricio As the final whistle blew to end the StubHub Center July 17-19. with my friends anymore but in the Special to The Malibu Times Cienfuegos. With his team trailing 2-1 contest, Watkin walked off the field with Watkin’s commitment to play for long term with me wanting to play at halftime, Watkin was inserted into his head high, realizing what a special the Galaxy Academy includes games professional soccer when I’m older it’s oalkeeper Max Watkin walked the game and made his way to the moment he had experienced. against other MLS Academy teams definitely better for me,” Watkin said. across the field as he has done goalie box where he took in the atmo- “If you asked me if I was going to do across the country throughout the “The training and experience that I’m Gso many times in his young soc- sphere, the fans, the opponent and the that a year ago, I would have never been 2014-15 calendar year. The only set- getting now is priceless compared to cer career, but it wasn’t the soccer field once-in-a-lifetime moment. able to imagine that,” Watkin said. “Being back in this great opportunity is that anywhere else. It’s probably the best he was used to. Watkin, a 17-year-old Malibu High able to play in a stadium on a field that Watkin will not be able to play for training I could get in California.” For the next 45 minutes, Watkin senior, represented the LA Galaxy I’ve watched so many times was a great made his dream come true playing at Under-18 Academy team in a friendly opportunity and a great memory for me.” the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., match on May 25 and demonstrated Watkin played a major role in Malibu’s Waves finish No. 12 in country success this past season as the Sharks won a league title for the first time since 2008. he Pepperdine baseball team fin- rated Pepperdine No. 12 and the At the conclusion of the season, Watkin Tished the season ranked as high USA Today Coaches’ Poll rated the was invited to be a part of the prestigious as No. 12 in the country, according team at No. 14. LA Galaxy youth academy and has been to final college baseball rankings. This year’s No. 12 ranking is playing for the Galaxy U-16 and U-18 There are four major ranking outlets the highest the Waves have received developmental teams since March. and the Waves finished rated No. since their NCAA Championship “I was so relieved that all the hard 12 in three of them and No. 14 in season in 1992 where they ended work and training actually paid off,” he one. The National College Baseball the year as No. 1. Pepperdine fin- said. “It’s a great feeling to be on such Writers Association, Baseball ished this season with a 43-18 over- great teams.” America and Collegiate Baseball all all record. He has been training with both teams Monday through Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. Watkin credits Galaxy U-16 head coach Michael Munoz, goalkeeper coach Ruben Messina and Malibu coach Julian Wright for his growth as a player. Taking “I have developed a lot as a player over being able to play with the great players on the academy team. Being able to train with tennis such amazing coaches has really helped me too,” Watkin said. “I have improved a lot. ocal athlete Konrad It’s been a growing experience for me. It’s LUlich recently won been humbling as well, being around all three United States these great people.” Tennis Association Watkin has played with and against (USTA) championships Photos courtesy of Suzanne Donovan some of the most talented and respected in the BU12 division. players and teams in the world. He is currently ranked Above: Max He traveled with the Galaxy U-18 to eighth in the USTA Watkin (right) is the Dallas Cup, the most celebrated youth boys satellite division joined by Malibu coach Julian tournament in the world, and competed in the U.S. Ulrich also Wright at the at the Cotton Bowl in the ‘Super Group,’ recently won the West Galaxy alumni the highest division of the Dallas Cup. Coast Tennis South game. Watkin also participated in Generation Bay Junior Open, Adidas in Dallas with the Galaxy U-16 the Manhattan Beach Right: Max during the same two-week period.