Coyotes Football Conditioning Camp Cut Short -- But That's a Good Thing

Hoping to make an improvement under new football coach Christian Pierce after finishing 3-7 last season and failing to make the playoffs, Calabasas has performed so well during summer practice that Pierce decided to shorten camp by two days – about as nice a gift as a coach can give the young players who’ve been laboring in the sun while working to get into football shape.

“Yeah, I’m cutting it short for a couple of days, and plus we have some bumps and bruises, so I think it’s a good idea,” Pierce said. “Nothing major, just some fatigue injuries.”

Added Pierce with a laugh: “I know the kids are happy with getting a break, but I am still going to hire a food-taster.”

The standout in camp has been Caleb Madden, a receiver/defensive back.

"He's the best guy we have," Pierce said.

Calabasas returns Wednesday for a four-way passing-league event with Taft, Canoga Park and Sierra Canyon at Calabasas, beginning at 4 p.m.

The event should be a good chance for Calabasas to tighten its defense: Sierra Canyon features top quarterback Tyler Stewart and elite receiver Julian Brooks, both of whom have major-college scholarship offers; Canoga Park features receiver Randy Uzoma, one of California's fastest players and blue-chip prospect; and Taft is a traditional City power with a reputation for passing for a lot of yards, though top quarterback Michael Bercovici has moved on to Arizona State.

TENNIS ANYONE?

Brett Buford, a top returning tennis player at Calabasas High, has had an active summer, and he’s moved up to 18-under in USTA competition. His next tournament is July 21 at the 40^th annual Knollwood Junior Tournament, a large-scale tournament in Santa Barbara.

In other Calabasas tennis news, the school has begun construction on new tennis courts, and Coach Kim Kinberg is hoping the work will be finished by the end of the September.

“Of course we’re happy about it because being homeless is not fun,” she said.

CALABASAS BASEBALL GETTING BETTER

Calabasas’ baseball team took its lumps this past season, finishing 9-18 and failing to make the playoffs, but the Coyotes have looked good in Valley Invitational Baseball League competition. They’re 10-7 after a 13-12 victory at Saugus on Wednesday, preceded by an 8-4 win over Notre Dame on Tuesday.