SRU Sparta, coached by Rick Hewko, are the U10 Boys Premier Champions of the 2010 Sacramento United Oct-Boo-Fest.  They took first place in group play defeating top ranked teams El Dorado Crew and the Danville Mustang Boca Juniors, and earning a hard fought draw against 2nd place finisher Inter Rage Academy.  Sparta advanced to the Championship and defeated the Manteca Futbol Aztec Warriors in penalty kicks.

Sparta players pictured are, Top Row from left:  Padraig Lafferty, Jack Balestrieri, Keegan Ledger, Angelo Lammoglia-Morel, Chauncey LeBerthon, Matthew Lipparini, C.J. Des-Bordes, & Coach Hewko.  Bottom Row from left:  Max Goeggel, Reily Ringle, Matthew Nielson, Luis Velasco, & Jordan Merical 

The team also took home top honors winning the trophy for "Most Original Costume" in the Costume Parade & Contest on Saturday night.  Creative genius and parent Gina Balestrieri designed and hand built each costume on a shoe-string budget.  Big Lot shelves were raided.  Glue guns were fired up.  Helmets were cut from soccer balls that had previously "given up the ghost".    All in all it was a weekend the boys won't soon forget.    Special thanks to Gina Balestrieri and congratulations to coach Hewko and SRU Sparta!