Team Jamaica Takes Bronze!

Congratulations to Team Jamaica for taking Bronze at the 43rd Annual Soquel International Games on Thursday, May 19, 2016!

Team Jamaica athletes earned a variety of medals and the team earned Gold in several events. Team England (New Brighton Middle School) took the Silver by earning 78 points to Team Jamaica's 77. Congratulations to Team USA (Scotts Valley Middle School) for earning the Gold! The talent, athletic potential, camaraderie, and sportsmanship displayed by all teams made the spirit of the International Games come to life.

Congratulations Team Jamaica for all of your hard work and dedication that earned a top three finish!
And a big THANK YOU to our coaches!

Team Jamaica Takes Gold in the Tug-of-War!

Team Jamaica vs. Team Japan fighting for Gold!

Throwing Technique

Ashley is a skilled and experienced athlete who will represent Team Jamaica for the football throw. She is a shortstop and pitcher for the Tremblers travel softball team. We can't wait to see Ashley crush it at the 2016 International Games. 

Team Jamaica Tug-of-War Team is STRONG!

Athlete of the Week

Julianne will be representing Team Jamaica in several events. One of her strengths is the soccer kick.
In this picture Julianne is executing excellent form on her drop kick for distance.

Name: Julianne

International Games Event: Tug-of-War team member, 400m relay, 1 mile run, soccer kick, 100m sprint

Favorite Thing About Practice: "The CrossFit"

Why do you like it? "Because it's fun, and I know that I'm getting in shape."

Favorite Food: "Hmmm, there's so many...Mexican food."

Favorite Sport to Play: Soccer

What position do you play in soccer? goalie and midfield

What team do you play on? Santa Cruz Breakers Travel

How long have you been playing soccer? 8 years

Favorite Athlete: Hope Solo or Alex Morgan (USA Women's Soccer Team)

Fun/Funny Facts: "Whenever I score a goal in soccer, I run with my arms out, like an airplane. Whenever I do good in something, I say, "Crushed it". I am really hard on myself when I play baseball or kickball, when I mess up."

Did You Know...

Coach Sweet competed on Team Italy, when he was a 6th grader at Valencia! He is also our veteran International Games team coach with 8 years of dedication and experience!

Athlete of the Week

These two athletes are known for their hustle, positive attitudes, and ability to push hard at practice!

Congratulations to our first two athletes of the week for the 2016 season!

Name: Riley 

International Games Event: 100m sprint, 400m relay, shuttle run, long jump

Favorite Thing About Practice: "My favorite thing about practice is doing the conditioning workouts, like the burpees and box jumps."

Favorite Food: pizza

Favorite Sport to Play: baseball

Favorite Position in Baseball: 2nd Base and Centerfield

Favorite Athlete: Buster Posey (San Francisco Giants, catcher)

Name: Kylie

International Games Event: 50yd team relay

Favorite Thing About Practice: "When we do the strength and conditioning with Coach B."

Favorite Food: pasta

Favorite Sport to Play: Gymnastics

Specialty in Gymnastics: Bars

How long have you been doing gymnastics? 10 years

Favorite Athlete: Simone Biles (World and national champion gymnast)





Funny Facts: "I'm really injury prone. I have had twenty plus major injuries, like I have Osgood Schlatter's and Sever's disease. I count how many words I say in my head whenever I say a sentence. Whenever I go upstairs, like any stairs, I like to end on my left foot."

Did You Know....

Did you know that Coach Kurek used to be the track and field coach at South Tahoe Middle School, specializing in long jump, triple jump and high jump? He is also a three year Team Jamaica, International Games coach! We are so lucky to have his coaching expertise!

Team Jamaica Strong!

Team Jamaica Day 3

 10 Min. Partner Workout

100 Jump Rope Single Unders

30 Burpees

30 Box Jumps

Partner A works/Partner B rests and visa versa.

The athletes strategize to decide how they will break up the reps 

to achieve the total number given per exercise.

The athletes complete the number of repetitions per exercise as a team. 

You cannot move on to the next exercise until you 

and your partner have completed the work at each station.

Each time the team completes all three exercises in the round one point is earned. 

Additional points are given for additional reps in the final round. 

“It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up.” – Babe Ruth

Russian Kettlebell Swings

Proper Kettlebell Form

Samantha from Rio Del Mar, Team Jamaica is executing the dynamic Russian kettlebell swing with a fifteen pound kettlebell (appropriate for her bodyweight and height) with perfection. The picture on the left shows the athlete in the start of the kettlebell swing, the athlete's weight is in her heels, her chest is up, her knees are bent, and the kettlebell is held with her arms in extension. The picture on the right shows the athlete at the top of the swing, with her ankles, knees, and hips in extension, and the kettlebell is swung to eye level with a tight grip and arms in extension at the top of the swing. This is a dynamic movement that builds core strength, muscular endurance, and power.

Click on the link below to learn more about the kettlebell swing.

Kids and Kettlebells: Is it Safe?