BOYS VOLLEYBALL

The Mustangs think that after a mediocre 13-13 season, they can make a huge leap with a largely intact volleyball roster.

Despite losing the likes of Jacob Zybura and Nathaniel Maksymiw to graduation, Clifton brings back a host of talent to the floor and look primed for a big spring.

Speaking of big, the Mustangs have two 6’4” seniors manning the middle. Volodymyr “Vova” Voroshchuk is back after a 79-kill, 53-dig year, while Mohand Abdelkarim has emerged as a new face with a high ceiling.

Senior Lukas Ferrada, whose team-high 75 digs demonstrated his defensive prowess in 2022, is back at outside hitter. Junior Nathaniel Fisbeck has played a lot of private ball in the offseason and could have a breakout year.

“This group has a lot of energy,” said head coach Jorge Rodriguez. “We have got to be able to use it, not overdoing too much, with everyone knowing their role and job.” That is something Rodriguez has preached over his tenure.

Junior Lauro Barrantes will play the opposite side. Junior Adrian Nemeth will be the team’s setter but will see time on the right side, as well.

Sophomore Nick Doktor will be in the setter rotation, and senior Pawel Holak will serve as a utility player, of sorts, mostly seeing time as an outside hitter or defensive specialist.

“The goal is like always—to get the best seed possible, and host some games, and make a run for championships,” said Rodriguez. “Everyone needs to stay positive and communicate with each other. We have the capability to be good at everything.”

Shirah Wittwer is excited about her tennis roster this spring. The Mustangs aren’t the most experienced team in the area, but they are athletic, enthusiastic and talented enough to make the fifth-year head coach hopeful that they may surprise in 2023.

“We have some really athletic kids,” Wittwer said. “And these guys want to show up every day and get better.”

Junior first singles player Patrick DuBois is a program player who has risen to the team’s top slot. The first singles role means he will face stiff competition nearly every match, but he has invested in himself and played a lot during the offseason.

Junior Pratham Gandhi is a first-year player who has quickly risen to the second singles spot. He has shown moxie on the clay and is quick, agile and good on the serve. His ability to read the court is exceptional in spite of his inexperience.

Senior Ego Feijoo, last season’s second singles player, has put in a ton of work this offseason and will play third singles.

Twin freshmen Adrian and Alex Wilson-King are a duo of court technicians with strong forehands and backhands and will take the court in the first doubles circuit.

Junior Marcelo Murphy and sophomore Abdullah Aref will play second doubles for the Mustangs.

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Here are the Mustangs of the Month for April 2023.

These four students, one from each grade, were selected by the vice principals at CHS, to be spotlighted for their personal achievements and school-wide contributions.

Freshman, Anthony Stella

After an untraditional middle school education experience, Anthony Stella and many of his peers have adjusted to life in high school.

Stella (CHS 2026) said that his favorite subject in school is history because of “the environment in the classroom and how my teacher makes everything interactive.” His freshman year history teacher is Mr. Paul Hlat, who he named as his most influential teacher.

“He has such positive vibes, and I look forward to going to his class,” said Stella.

Stella noted a few reasons why he believes he has experienced success so far at CHS. Stella’s main reason is that he has worked hard and completed all of his assignments. He added that he has good friends by his side.

He credited the people who raised him as well.

“My parents inspire me to work hard and be dedicated to any activities and work that I decide to do,” said Stella.

Stella doesn’t currently partake in CHS extracurricular activities. He does enjoy spending time with friends after school and playing basketball in his free time. Stella continued by saying that he’s open to looking into CHS’ academic programs.

“Having a sister who attended the MSU program, I am considering this option to further my education,” he said.

Sophomore, Ava Acuna

Ava Acuna sees the value of critical thinking skills. It is what makes math and science appealing for the CHS sophomore.

Yet the CHS Class of 2025 Mustang doesn’t see one single contributor for her passion.

“I can’t say that I have exactly one teacher who has been the most influential because all of my teachers, including those from my freshman year, have been key elements in my success,” said Acuna.

But she does have some inspirations, both inside and outside of the Colfax Avenue building. In school, she admires teachers Mr. Rafat Ewais, Mr. Michael Cadmus, and Mr. Richard Rando. They have all “inspired me to do my best.”

“And my mother,” added Acuna, “for being a pillar of strength for me.”

Acuna is a member of the CHS Cheer team. She also founded a book club with media teacher Mrs. Nil Sendul, and she is a member of the group Heroes & Cool Kids. Ahead of the fall, Acuna has enrolled in the Bergen Community College (BCC) – Early College Program.

So has she succeeded in her transition to CHS?

“Yes I have,” she said. “With the help of my teachers, peers, and family, I have been able to transition from middle school to high school.”

Junior, Neal Jariwala

Family is the biggest source of inspiration for Neal Jariwala. The CHS junior said that without his family’s “neverending support”, he wouldn’t have reached where he is today.

“They have made countless sacrifices to help me achieve my goals and to provide the many opportunities that I have been given,” said Jariwala (CHS 2024). “And, for that, I will be forever grateful.”

Life after CHS includes going to college and majoring in Computer Science. Jariwala has not yet determined which college, but he knows he wants to work in the tech industry. He added that his interest in Computer Science stems from its creativity and innovation.

Jariwala enjoys US History. He said that he likes learning about events and historical figures. He identified social studies teacher Mr. Michael Rogers as an influential figure in his education.

“His lessons are enjoyable and his teaching methods help students understand complex topics,” said Jariwala. “He’s also a very empathetic teacher and willing to go the extra mile to support his students whenever they need help.”

Jariwala isn’t involved with CHS athletics, but he still has a packed schedule. He is the vice president of the Coding Club, a member of the Hindu Student Association, and a member of the Investment Club.

Senior, Christian Grant

One major hurdle for Christian Grant was the leap from Distance Learning during the COVID-19 pandemic to returning to the classroom. During that time, the senior said that his grades and his way of learning needed to adjust.

Yet he had the motivation to make it work. Grant also had the inspiration from his mother.

“My mom has lupus, battled breast cancer, and she needs a kidney,” said Grant (CHS 2023). “But she gets up every day and continues to keep a smile on her face.”

“She is what keeps me going,” he added.

Grant hopes to become a Marketing Manager in the future. Pitching to big businesses is what excites him and he plans to get his start at Felician University.

He currently runs for CHS’ Track & Field team. Outside of school extracurricular activities, Grant also tries to assist at his grandmother’s nursing home.

In the classroom, Grant is interested in learning about history.

“I love learning about our time and how we were brought up as a nation and as people,” he said.

Grant’s most inspirational teacher is Mr. Matthew O’Brien.

“He is very passionate about his job [and] he’s very fun to be around,” said Grant. “[He’s] also so real as a teacher.”