Athletics

CHANGE OF SEASONS FOR CHAMINADE ATHLETES

Another successful Fall sports campaign has gradually drawn to a close with three 6^th grade teams nabbing division titles, and several upper grade teams qualifying for playoffs. Perhaps the biggest surprise of autumn season was that for the first time ever both “A” teams, girls volleyball and boys football, qualified for post-season play in the Valley Catholic Sports Program. The “A” volleyball team coached by Jennifer Lilley and Chris Bautista survived a wild card tie-breaker match, after finishing in a three way tie for first with St. Euphrasia and St. Didacus. Several team members showed tremendous heart and determination including Emily Gunderson, Emma Watson, and Jessica Lee. On the gridiron Coach Bill Smith successfully guided the football team to a second place division finish and a spot in the playoffs. Among those leading the Eagles to their victorious season were Collin Johnson, Isaac Tucker, and Ryan Torres.

At the “B” level in the Valley Catholic Sports Program (VCSP) all four 6^th grade teams had winning records. The “Blue football team coached by Marco Camargo had a near perfect season 6-0-1 thanks to the heroics of such players as Matt Muir, Josh Kouchi, and Connor Schroeder. The only non-win for the “Blue” team came at the hands of Mike Evans’ “Orange” team which duplicated the “Blue” team’s feat of finishing as division champion. Connor Hopkins, Travis Matosian, and Drenan Allen were among those athletes who helped the “Orange” Crush to a winning record and a 14-14 draw with the “Blue” Crew. The “Orange” volleyball team finished their year with a highly respectable 5-2 record. Morgan Ritter, Alex Bershon, and Bronte Bitaraf played well for Lee Thorneycroft’s team. Their counterpart, the “Blue” team, suffered only one loss and capped their strong season with an exciting victory over the “Orange” team. Coach Lisa Leiknes cited several key players including Jennifer Raso, Lindsey Webster, and Taylor Swick.

Girls Volleyball team - Go Eagles!!

At the Delphic level the volleyball and football teams made their customary playoff appearances. Mike Anderson’s netters fell in the first round to St. Mark’s after a third place regular season finish. The highlight of the Delphic season was their amazing triumph at the La Reina Tournament in October. Christine Ryan, Hannah Wolf, and Tournament MVP, Rachel Denniston, were among those who helped the Eagles grab First Place. The Delphic football team came on strong at the end of the season upsetting Harvard-Westlake in the opening round of the playoffs before falling to eventual champion Campbell Hall. Alex Almodovar, Julian Bernal, and Alex Radisich were key contributors to the team’s 9-5-1 overall record.

In Delphic Cross-Country the girls’ team came up just a little short in defending their team title. Led by top ten finishes by Ali Clarizio, Callie Chadwick, and Jenna Passaggio, Rauser’s Runners came in second out of ten teams. The boys dropped to fourth, but Alex Routh took second in individual and newcomers, Tristan Korras and Max Tovar, showed promise for the future.

The Delphic Swim boys also garnered a runner-up finish in league finals. Bryce Nilsson, Andrew Ingraffia, and Thomas Tahk showed off their skills with outstanding performances. Coach Anderson and Coach Snyder saw the girls take 5^th Place anchored by the versatility of Candice Alba, Nikki Feola, and Kate Pellymounter.


*Swim finals 2003*

In tennis Coaches Gunter, Tyson, and Simons girls’ squad didn’t qualify for playoffs but did show glimmers of future success with outstanding seasons by Nisha Leelavanich (6^th Grade), Mehera Hormuz, (6^th Grade), and Brenda Haug (7^th Grade).

Father Calhoun’s middle school fencers continue to shine, particularly eighth grader Chris Pinkowski who has qualified for regional competition in his age group. Newcomers Spencer Bonassi, and Jonathan Schaerf are also displaying tremendous potential. Chaminade Middle School hosted its first ever-fencing match on October 25^th in the Father Allen DeLong Arts and Athletic Center, and received several compliments on our facility.

This year Fall Sports Awards was held as a school wide assembly on Monday, December 15^th. Members of all eleven-fall sports teams were feted for their outstanding dedication, participation, and sportsmanship. Many parents joined the faculty and student body in saluting our fine athletes.

Our Winter Sports Season is just getting underway. Most Delphic squads have games in December while the “A” and “B” basketball teams will get into the full swing of things in January. Look for a complete listing of our wrestling, basketball (8 teams), and soccer (4 teams) online or in next month’s newsletter.

Dribble drive to the hoop!

A continued debt of gratitude is owed to the wonderful Chaminade Athletic Booster’s Organization, who have generously provided funds to pay for new boys and girls basketball uniforms and for a new scorer’s table that will soon arrive in our gym. President Tammy Brennan and her board also paid for the championship plaques handed out the middle school sports awards ceremony. The athletic department at the middle school would like to especially recognize Booster volunteers Jackie Goldberg and Laura Callaway for their tireless efforts in selling Chaminade Spirit items every Tuesday after school. Our athletes are truly blessed to have so many dedicated volunteers.

Cheerleading

Moderators: Mrs. Carolina Gunter and Mrs. Lisa Leiknes

After attending Cheer Camp at UCLA this August, the cheerleaders threw themselves into their roles as spirit ambassadors and stellar athletes. As a way of sharing their community spirit, they performed in the new Arts and Athletic Center at Open House and presented their cheer experiences to prospective students and parents. They also braved a chilly autumn night and their first large audience as they cheered with the high school squads at Homecoming. By the time the Annual Talent Show rolled around, they cheered with confidence.

The Eagle squad, which practices a minimum of two times a week, also continues to take a day each week to cheer at middle school football and basketball home games. While their primary focus has been to show support for the athletic program and act as spirit ambassadors, the cheerleaders are currently doing double duty by showing support and practicing for four competitions this year. These will take place on February 15^th at UC Irvine, February 28 at Disney’s California Adventure, March 7^th at Magic Mountain, and March 14^th at Universal Studios. Last year the cheerleaders, placing at each event, were very successful in their competitions. The girls would love to see you at competitions and discount tickets will be made available for those who want to come support the squad. Check out the student bulletin for more information!