There was no stopping Grauer and the Dons from winning the Livermore Stampede on April 7. They steamrolled the competition en route to 8-1 wins over nationally-ranked Archbishop Mitty in the semis and 11-0 over Livermore in the final. Amador Valley climbed to No. 2 in the state rankings after their performances, and seem poised to defend their NCS Div. I title.
There was no stopping Grauer and the Dons from winning the Livermore Stampede on April 7. They steamrolled the competition en route to 8-1 wins over nationally-ranked Archbishop Mitty in the semis and 11-0 over Livermore in the final. Amador Valley climbed to No. 2 in the state rankings after their performances, and seem poised to defend their NCS Div. I title.
SportStars Magazine: You dominated the Stampede, including a shutout in the final with 12 strikeouts on just two hits. How were you so dialed in?
Johanna Grauer: Going into the tournament … I was working really hard and preparing for this tournament. Just staying rested, trying to get a lot of sleep … a lot of it was just preparation.
SSM: You guys are undefeated and one of the best teams in the state. How does it feel playing on a team this awesome?
JG: It’s obviously really great, everyone loves to be on the winning side. I feel like it’s our spot to lose in the league. … Obviously we have targets on our backs. We’ve got to not let it get to us and focus on what we need to do.
SSM: How do you improve, personally, on this performance?
JG: I exercise during the offseason. … But a lot of it is just that I’m out there practicing six days a week. Also I play on a really really competitive (travel) team over the summer… so I can face the best possible competition.
JOHANNA’S QUICK HITS
Favorite subject: Science
Favorite athlete: Brian Wilson
Favorite team: Chicago Cubs
Honorable Mention
Frank Kurtz — The Heritage sophomore sprinter won the 400 meter event at the Stanford Invitational on April 7 with a time of 48.26 seconds.
Nijae Jones — Crossing the finish line at 56.53 seconds, the San Leandro junior won the 800 meter race at the Stanford Invitational on April 7.
Joe DeMers — The College Park freshman phenom is 4-0 so far for the Falcons which includes a complete game over Washington-Fremont on April 11.