Both the girls and boys soccer and boys basketball teams played preseason and tournament games during the Christmas break. Their busy family and personal schedules did not prevent them from honing their skills on the field and court.
With the second week of January just ahead, athletes, parents and students look are gearing up for West Sierra League games in basketball and soccer for both girls and boys.
Freshman Madelline Luginbill, unsure of her decision to play basketball, joins the team with some of her family’s support and encouragement. Luginbill, after a semester of high school behind her is ready to tackle the hard court game.
“I have played basketball since the fourth grade and, while I didn’t really want to play basketball in high school, but my dad wanted me to play so I tried it out and I really like it,” Luginbill said. “I think that this season will go pretty well. Our coach, Jared Kaiser, knows what he is doing and all of the girls have played so I think that we will have a good team this year.”
SophomoreTrevor Beal has high expectations for the 2013 season, despite losing most of the 2012 Valley Championship team.
“This season I’m looking forward scoring a lot of points and winning many games,” Beal said. “The season will go better now that every player on the team is eligible to play. During practice we function well together when we are focusing a lot so this year should be a good year for the team.”
Senior Dominic Mendoza and is a four-year player on the varsity boys soccer team.
“It’s kind of hard knowing that this is my last year that I can play soccer in high school but I know that I will have a great time,” Mendoza said.
With a passion for soccer, junior Mikayla Messer, continues to play the same sport she has played most of her life. Messer joins the varsity team believing that this season will even be better than last year.
“Ever since I first started playing soccer in the third grade, I really enjoyed it; soccer and I really click,” Messer said. “I’m really excited that we have a team this year. We work really well together and I know that we will do well this season. We have some work to do, but compared to last year I think we have improved so much.”
Girls varsity soccer coach, Tony Martinez, returns to coach another year having high hopes for the team. Last year Martinez won the Sierra League Coach of the Year award.
“It feels good to be coming back and practicing with the girls and watching them grow and progress in their skills,” Martinez said. “Our hope this year is that we win league. The sky’s the limit with this team. We have unbelievable talent this year, more than last. I believe that this is our year.”
For a monthly calendar for all four teams, visit the FCS Monthly Sports Calendar.
For more features, read the Dec. 21 article, Staff recollects first semester achievements.
