Mountain Views News          Saturday, June 9, 2012

13

SPORTS

 Mountain Views News Saturday June 9, 2012 

ARCADIA’S SHINING STAR, ERICA WU

Bound to London for Summer Olympics By Joan Schmidt

 In the City of Arcadia, a bright star shines. Her name is Erica Wu. She is fifteen years old and her proud parents are Johan Pao and Sheng 
Cheng Wu. Erica is going to the summer Olympics, participating in table tennis.

 Our story begins when Erica was seven years old and began to play table tennis for fun. Then when she reached nine, it became a more 
serious activity. She has been practicing seven days a week, two hours each day- and that is only the table tennis aspect. She also does 
physical training each day. Activities include running, jumping jacks, sit-ups, push-ups and weights. You certainly would need to build up 
strength in your arms to endure the long grueling hours of practice.

 I don’t believe the average person has any idea of the longevity of training and practice involved to become an Olympian. Several years 
ago, I taught Jean Han and she went to the Junior Nationals in Ice-Skating. Not only did she practice skating every day, but there were also 
gymnastics and even ballet! And Triple Olympian Medalist, El Monte’s own Kim Rhode spoke of her endless hours of practice!

 Erica’s parents have supported her so much. They have spent tens of thousands of dollars on equipment, travel and summer training 
camps in China and Taiwan. About $3000 a month goes to a coach and a live-in partner from China.

 Erica has worked with one of her 
Chinese partners at the Gao-Jun Tennis 
Club in El Monte. It’s a refurbished 
warehouse with fluorescent lights and 
posters of Chinese table tennis taped to 
the walls. Jay Yuan gives Erica tips of her 
returns.

 The Club that Erica practices at, is run 
by Jun Gao. She’s a former Olympian, 
who has represented both China and the 
United States in the Olympics. What is 
surprising is that Gao doesn’t feel that 
homegrown American Olympians can 
beat international players who have 
been training in special school since 
early childhood.

 That kind of rationale doesn’t faze 
Erica, her parents, trainers or any of her 
many fans. Erica just wants to play.

 “I shout. I smash balls and I have to 
fight for every point, and so it’s really 
nice to have that kind of a feeling of ‘ I’m trying to beat you, I know you’re trying to beat me,’ let’s see who wins,” 
says Erica.

 However, there is much more to Erica than table tennis. She excels in academics at Westridge School in 
Pasadena. It is only fitting that Mayor Bob Harbicht of Arcadia presented Erica with a Special Certificate in 
recognition being an Olympian. Way to go Erica! Arcadia and the entire San Gabriel Valley will be routing for 
you. Above, Erica shows off her Resolution from the City of Arcadia. Left, Erica and her parents in Mexico

Mom- Johan Pao and Dad, Cheng Sheng Wu


SIERRA MADRE 2012 SUMMER ADULT CO-ED 
SOFTBALL REGISTRATION

Grab your friends and neighbors and sign a team up for our 2012 Summer Adult Softball 
League! Games will be played on Sunday from 2:00pm - 10:00pm and Wednesday evenings 
from 6:00pm - 10:00pm. Don’t have a team? No worries! Sign yourself up as a free agent and 
we’ll place you on a team. All players must be over 18 years of age to play. 

 The Sierra Madre Adult Co-ed Softball League is divided into an “A” league geared towards 
the competitive participants, and a “B” league for recreational competition. The champions 
of each league receive t-shirts! Due to the limited field space, registration is limited. Be sure 
to sign up early and don’t miss out on the 2012 season! Please note that team sign-ups may 
have a free agent added to the roster. For more information contact 626-355-5278.

Season: Late June through August

Cost: $320 per team or $32 per player

Registration: Must be done in person at the Community 
Recreation Center, 611 E. Sierra Madre Blvd.

Games Site: Heasley Field located at Sierra Vista Park

Deadline: Teams and players must register by Monday, June 4, 2012

SANTA ANITA PARK LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS 
FOR THE THE 2012 BREEDERS' CUP

This is your chance to be part of the action by welcoming thousands of guests 
to Santa Anita Park for the world's greatest races! The Breeders' Cup takes place 
November 2 and 3, 2012. Please contact Connie Russell to register or get more 
information at 626-574-6664 or crussell@santaanita.com. 

ARCADIA RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES 
DEPARTMENT SPORTS CAMP

Sports Camp is held at Dana Middle School and offers three weeks starting August 6 to 
August 24. Weeks one and three are for youth entering grades 5-9 and week two is for youth 
entering grades 1-4. This camp utilizes the Dana Gym and features a variety of fun sports 
activities for youth including swimming, flag football, basketball, softball, soccer, volleyball 
and other fun group games. Each week there is an excursion and three swim days.

Sports camp is $110 per week. To register in person come by our office located at 375 

Campus Drive. You can also go to the city’s website at ci.arcadia.ca.us to register.

For more questions, please contact the Recreation Department at 626.574.5113


Burger Shack Classic Car Show

The 1st Monthy Burger 
Shack Classic Car Show 
filled the parking lot of 
Burger Shack Monrovia 
with a lot of classic cars and 
people. The Classic Car 
show had everything that 
would certainly be interesting 
for the casual auto enthusiast 
and enough historic 
cars for the hardcore to 
drool over. Special thanks 
to everyone who brought 
their cars and motorcycles, 
and the great music provided 
by the Rudy Benavidez 
Band aka The Burger Shack 
Band. Come join us on the 
1st Saturday of each month 
for great food, muisc, and 
of course classic cars.

Do you have to many books at home? Wondering 
what to do with them? Come to The Book Rack and 
trade them in for a book you have not read.
We have 1000's used and New books for 
your reading pleasure.
204 S. First AveArcadiawebsite: bookrackarcadia.comPhone 626-446-2525