FALL SPORTS By: Brittany and Jessica Waserstein
The 2009-2010 school year has just begun and that can only mean one thing…fall sports. The Beach High sport teams are looking forward to the new season as the coaches and athletes have been working hard, highly motivated to qualify for district, regional, and ultimately state competition.
The cross country team, coached by David Reese and Pedro Rivera, is practicing diligently in order to accomplish their goals of qualifying for states.
“I believe we will make it to Regionals as a team,” Reese said. “We might also have individual success in Regionals and state competition.”
They are more motivated and determined than ever, practicing every day. Rachel Grosz, senior captain, believes this year is going to be better than last year due to the new multitude of atleast twenty runners.
“I want to be able to qualify for states,” said Grosz. “But more importantly I expect the team to qualify for regionals.”
Currently, the girls’ team is 5-12.
The Girls’ Beach High swimming team, coached by Sunday Lewandowski, stared off the season strong with a record of 7-0.
“I expect them to win finals at States,” said Lewandowski. “Along the way I expect them to win GMACs and district championships.”
The Boys’ team coached by Charles Pilamunga is succeeding as well posting a 5-1-1 record.
Practicing weeklong, the boys’ and girls’ teams strive to return to Regionals and States.
The diving team, also coached by Lewandowski, is anchored by standout senior, Hunter Beccerra. Last year, Beccerra was the gold medal winner at States last season and won second place in Nationals over the summer. He also represents the U.S. diving team in international competitions.
The Beach High football team has high expectations after a win in their first exhibition game against Mater Academy. “When we won our first game, I felt like crying because I really pushed myself to the limit,” Deron Del Valle, senior, said. “All the hard work paid off.”
With a record of 2-2, the Hi Tides are even more motivated, practicing Mondays through Saturdays. Head Coach, Ralph Jimenez improved the team to three wins last season and is on pace to surpass that this year.
One team that has had its share of success is the golf team, under Coach Michael Perez. After making it to Districts and Regionals the past two seasons, the team looks to make it a third with a 5-3 record so far this year.
“This year we have a better team,” Daniel Peterson, senior, said. “We also have a tougher schedule in order to prepare us for success.”
The bowling team is coached by Alberto Muhtar and Peter Kraus. Last year, the girls finished undefeated and placed second at districts. “We will win districts this year and go to states,” Kraus declared, keeping his expectations elevated.
The boys’ team is struggling to find enough bowlers but Muhtar is optimistic that will change.
Coached by Sonia Ambrose, Paul Rehage and assistant Rembo Li, the Volleyball team is looking to repeat last season’s achievements, where they placed third at Districts. This season they are 3-5.
“The coaches expect to win districts under the leadership of senior, Alexandra Camps,” said Rehage.
Alexandra Melody Camps, senior captain, puts the team’s recent struggles with the new makeup of the team. Not all is lost however as they can still qualify for districts.
“It’s all about everyone’s attitude, focus, and confidant level,” said Camps.