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Beach Cities Sports
Sports shorts
Prep gridders open Friday
Mira Costa and Redondo Union high schools get their 2000 football campaigns under way Friday with non-league contests at home. The Mustangs take on Bishop Montgomery at Waller Stadium at 7 p.m., while the Sea Hawks tangle with the Torrance Tartars at Sea Hawk Bowl at 7 p.m.
Loiola, Rego seeded second
The world's top beach volleyball team will head to Sydney seeded second behind an Australian pair. Jose Loiola and Emanuel Rego of Brazil, who now make their home in the Beach Cities, were the top-ranked team to qualify for the Olympics, but were seeded behind Australia's Julien Prosser and Lee Zahner, the world's fourth-ranked team, to give the host Australians top billing. Loiola/Rego face off against Australians Matthew Grinlaubs and Joshua Slack in the opening round. American qualifiers Rob Heidger (Redondo Beach) and Kevin Wong, the seventh seeds, meet a Canadian team in the first round, while ninth seeds Eric Fonoimoana (Hermosa Beach) and Dain Blanton face a German team that has defeated them in their only two previous games.
On the women's side, American teams Jenny Johnson Jordan/Annett Davis and Holly McPeak (Manhattan Beach)/Misty May are seeded third and fourth, respectively, behind a top-seeded Australian team and Brazilian superstars Adriana Behar and Shelda Bede. This is a huge break for McPeak/May, who could face the top-seeded Australians, the world's fifth ranked team, in the semifinals. McPeak/May start out against a team from the Czech Republic, while Johnson Jordan/Davis face an Australian pair in the first round.
Play gets under way Sept. 16 with the medal rounds Sept. 25 for women and Sept. 26 for men.
Ensberg leads minor charge
Former Redondo Union and USC baseball star Morgan Ensberg is among a handful of Beach Cities residents who concluded minor league regular season baseball play Sunday. Ensberg, a third baseman for Round Rock in the AA Texas League, had the most successful season. He batted an even .300 with 28 homers, 90 RBIs and nine steals to lead the Express to the playoffs. Ensberg's 28 home runs led the entire Astros minor league organization.
Others: Derek Nicholson (Redondo Beach, West Torrance), .309, 7 HRs, 69 RBIs, 8 steals for the Class A Michigan City (Astros); Scott Walter (Manhattan Beach), .114, 0 HRs, 2 RBIs, 1 steal in 35 at-bats for Spokane (Royals) in the Rookie League; Brian Bowles (Manhattan Beach), 4-4, 3.01 ERA, 71 Ks in 80 innings for Tennessee (Blue Jays) in Class AA; Scott Albin (Redondo Beach), 4-3, 2 saves, 2.96 ERA for the Class A Jupiter Hammerheads (Expos); John Lockhart (Redondo Beach), 0-1, 2 saves, 5.09 ERA with Johnson City (Cardinals) in the Rookie League; and Tom Doyle (Redondo Beach), 9-4, 4.86 ERA with Duluth-Superior in the Independent League.
Community Sports
Redondo Beach Roller Hockey: The South Bay T.I.D.E.S. Roller Hockey Club is still accepting youth and adult registrations for the Fall season. The cost of the youth league is $135. The fee for adult registration is $125. Register securely online at www.southbaytides.com or call 543-9939 to request a registration form.
Redondo Surfing Class for adults: A six-week surfing class for adults (ages 14 and up) begins Sunday, Sept. 10, at 8 a.m. on the beach in Redondo. Learn water safety, efficient board handling skills, basic surfing techniques and tricks. The class costs $120. A soft foam board is required and can be rented for $60. A wetsuit can be rented for $50. Swimming skills are required. Register at the Redondo Beach Recreation Center, 320 Knob Hill, Redondo Beach. For more information or to register by phone, call Redondo Beach community services at 310-318-0610, ext. 3460 or instructor Steve Fillman at 310-540-3615.
City of LA Triathlon: The inaugural city of Los Angeles Triathlon is Sunday, Sept. 10. It consists of a 1.5 km swim in Venice, a 40 km bike through Hollywood and a 10 km run ending in downtown Los Angeles. To register on-line, visit www.latriathlon.com.
Hermosa Beach Youth Volleyball: The United States Youth Volleyball League begins play Sept. 11 at South Park in Hermosa Beach. The league, which is open to children ages 8-14, meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. for eight weeks. The $90 cost includes instruction, games, one uniform top and equipment. To get a registration form or for more information, call 1-888-988-7985 or go on-line at www.usyvlk.org.
Charity Golf Tournament: The 3rd Annual Manhattan Beach Police and Fire Charity Golf Tournament will be Sept. 11 at Rio Hondo Golf Course in Downey. The shotgun tournament starts at noon. The cost per player is $125, which includes green fees, gift bag and dinner. Call Michele Walker at 374-6827 to register.
Manhattan Beach 3-on-3 Basketball: Parks & Rec. will hold a 3-on-3 basketball tournament Sept. 16-17 at Live Oak Park, 1901 Valley Drive, Manhattan Beach. The fee is $30 a team, which includes a tournament T-shirt. The tournament is open to players 16 and older in two divisions: recreational players and high school or college hoopsters. Register at City Hall by Sept. 8 at 1400 Highland Ave. or call 802-5420 for more information.
Redondo Beach Surf Classes for Kids: Kids 4-11 can learn to surf at Seaside Lagoon. Learn board handling skills, water safety, paddling and standing on soft foam boards in 3-5 feet of water. The five-session class will meet weekly on Tuesdays beginning Sept. 19 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. or 4:30-5:30 p.m.. The cost is $60. Register at the Redondo Beach Recreation Center, 320 Knob Hill, Redondo Beach. For more information or to register by phone, call Redondo Beach community services at 310-318-0610, ext. 3460 or instructor Steve Fillman at 310-540-3615. ER