Winter Sports Edition 2012

SAN DIEGO’S PREMIER HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT ATHLETE MAGAZINE

Winter 2012 All-Cif Teams

See All 6 Winter Sports Feature Athletes

LCC’s Matt Shrigley & LJCD’s Maya Hood

inside: Carlsbad High Soccer meet our scholar athlete:

Vista’s Collin Nyenhuis

WINTER SPORTS 2012 VOLUME 3 NO.2

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WINTER 2012

Coach Carl Higham

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contents

SPOTLIGHT SPORTS WINTER 2012 VOL.3 NO.2

8 Winter Sports All-CIF Teams

Departments

10 Girls Water Polo Gabby Stone - Bishop’s

3 The Heart of a Champion Our regular column by FCA’s Donnie Dee

by Steve Brand, San Diego Hall of Champions

16 Boys Basketball Matt Shrigley - La Costa Canyon 18 Girls Basketball Maya Hood - La Jolla Country Day 20 Boys Soccer Jared Hegardt - Cathedral Catholic 22 Girls Soccer Sarah Adams - Westview 24 Wrestling Chance Eskam - Carlsbad

6 Spotlight Sports Scholar Athlete Vista High’s Collin Nyenhuis 12 Ask the Jock Doc Your Questions Answered by the Sports Medicine Experts at UC San Diego 26 Coach’s Corner Winter Coach of the Year: Carlsbad’s Carl Higham

Spotlight Sports’ Winter Scholar athlete from Vista High School, Collin Nyenhuis, participates in The Miracle League.

SPOTLIGHT SPORTS

Players of the Year Matt Shrigley (La Costa Canyon) and Maya Hood (La Jolla Country Day), photographed

by Kimberly Deutsch

2

Winter 2012 All-Cif

The HEart of a Champion

More Than Winning By Donnie Dee We all remember when Herm Edwards, former head coach of the New York Jets, exclaimed at a post-game press conference, “You play… to win the game. You play…. to win the game.” As a coach or an athlete, we would all agree that the primary purpose of competition is to win. It was Vince Lombardi who said, “Winning isn’t the most important thing, it’s the only thing.”

Victory is the reason we practice, lift weights, condition and create a game plan. Winning is one of the goals of each season.

The reality is that winning is a short-term accomplishment. Sure, teams and athletes get their name written in history when a championship is won. Absolutely, there is worth in all the hard work and hours preparing for each competition, but time ensures the fading significance of winning.

For example: • Who won the Super Bowl in 1998?

• Who won the NCAA basketball tournament 10 years ago?

• Who was the National League’s Cy Young Award winner in 2005?

If you’re like me, you probably don’t know the answers to these once important sports highlights questions without a quick Google search. That’s the point! If winning is the only thing, then why doesn’t our memory of that experience last longer?

I believe winning is the result of doing many things well and worth the time and effort that it requires, but it’s certainly not the only thing. As a coach or an athlete, the influence you have on the platform God has given you is the only thing. It is really what matters most. Twenty years from now, will people remember your wins? Probably not!

Tim Tebow took time before a Bronco’s game to meet with Jacob Rainey, a former prep QB who had his leg amputated after an injury. AP Photo/Derek Gee, courtesy ESPn.COM

But those whose lives you have touched will never forget the impact you had on them. Now that’s playing with a purpose!

It’s what I respect most about Tim Tebow. The Denver Broncos’ quarterback plays for the right reasons. The team won their Division and won seven out of eight games during a key stretch of the season. There is no question that Tebow is playing to win, but he is also having a tremendous impact on his team, community and young athletes all over this country. Before the New England game, Tim Tebow arranged to meet a local high school quarterback, who had endured a horrible injury, in order to encourage and support him during a difficult time in his life. Now that’s playing with a purpose!

As an athlete, it’s important for to you realize that your relationship with your sport will go one of two ways: you will use your sport, or your sport will use you. If it’s just about winning, then consider yourself used by your sport.

Ephesians 5:16 tells us to make the most of every opportunity. You have an opportunity as an athlete to transform your sport and use your influence to be about more than winning!

Donnie Dee has been with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for 19 years and now serves as FCA’s Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer at the Home Office in Kansas City, Mo. As a Kansas City native, Dee played football and basketball for Oak Park High School and was a fouryear letterman in football at the University of Tulsa.

He was then drafted by the Indianapolis Colts and played in the NFL for two years. Today, Dee directs the daily ministry of FCA’s Home Office, which serves more than 400 local and regional offices that annually impact more than 2 million people across the country.

Dee met his wife, Jackie, while both were athletes at the University of Tulsa. They have two children, Johnny and Jennifer, and reside in San Diego, California.

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WINTER 2012

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Publisher/Editor Jim Schwab Staff Writer Brad Hollingsworth COVER DESIGN Jill Davis Cover Photo Kimberly Deutsch www.snappsphotography.com Graphic Design & Production Jill Davis Contributing Photographers Deb Hellman Bill Reilly Kimberly Deutsch www.snappsphotography.com Copy EDITOR Sydney Saunders

I

Letter From the Publisher

n the many packed gyms around the county during the

road to the CIF basketball finals, the rock concert-like atmosphere makes it one of the most exciting events to watch in all of high school sports. This year we had the rare

privilege to have two of our teams make it all the way through to the state championship games in Sacramento.

Representing both of these teams and appearing on this editions’ cover are Matt Shrigley of La Costa Canyon and Maya Hood of La Jolla Country Day. Shooting the photos for the cover with these young athletes was a great experience. Their

Advertising Information CALL 760-809-2700

jim@spotlightsportsmag.com © 2012 by SPOTLIGHT SPORTS All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without permission. All images are © and the PHOTOGRAPHS are reproduced with the permission of the PHOTOGRAPHERS And/or their representatives.

maturity and good manners are a reflection of their parents, coaching staff, and schools that have guided and supported them during their high school careers. As they take the next step to the college level, they are sure to make an impact.

This Winter Sports Issue marks our association with the San Diego Hall of Champions. If you do not already know the SDHOC, they are the wonderful people in Balboa Park who are responsible for the All-CIF teams that we have all come to revere.

We are honored to be able to bring the winter All-CIF teams to you while continuing to showcase our feature athletes in the way you have come to know and love.

One of the highlights of this edition is our scholar athlete feature. Two-sport athlete Collin Nyenhuis is a remarkable

SPOTLIGHT SPORTS

young man whose talents extend beyond his sport and into the

Carlsbad, CA 92008

community.

jim@spotlightsportsmag.com

It was a season of firsts for our winter Coach of the Year Carl Higham. Read how the Carlsbad High girls’ soccer coach directed his team to its first Avocado West League title and first CIF San Diego Section championship.

With respect to financial, medical, nutritional or physical training information found within, this publication is not a substitute for readers’ responsibility to seek personalized attention. The accuracy of the material is to be considered limited to its intended use, and is not guaranteed. Spotlight Sports shall not be liable for any claim, loss, expense or damage of any kind to user, or to any third party, related to the use of information contained herein.

Visit our website at spotlightsportsmag.com and join us on Facebook. As always, if you know anyone who would like to become a sponsor or advertiser, please have them contact me at jim@spotlightsportsmag.com.

Until next time,

Jim Schwab

WINTER 2012

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein. However, Spotlight Sports, its subsidiaries, affiliates, advertisers or agents, shall not be responsible for errors, misprints, omissions or any misinformation.

5

Winter Scholar Athlete

Vista High’s Collin Nyenhuis: A Leader in the Community and Beyond

C

ollin Nyenhuis’ value to Vista High and his community reaches

far beyond the basketball court and baseball field. While he is an invaluable member of both squads, it is what the senior does when he is not playing that makes him the true definition of a student-

Outside of school, Nyenhuis is actively involved with the Miracle League, which incorporates baseball with physically or mentally challenged athletes. It’s an experience that has had a lasting effect on him.

SPOTLIGHT SPORTS

By Brad Hollingsworth

6

PHOTO: Jerry Bryan Photography

athlete.

The 6'2" senior, who carries a 3.8 overall grade-point average, is actively involved on the Panthers’ campus, and when he graduates in June, he will be a living example of someone who seized every opportunity, no matter how big or small.

“Collin is an amazing student-athlete of great character. He constantly walks the talk of good character and is a positive and compassionate presence on campus,” said David Hanlon, a VHS history teacher who heads the Character Leaders Program. “Collin inspires others by who he is on a daily basis. Collin always jumps in to help where he can. Collin works well with well with kids of diverse backgrounds and his disarming personality and strong character make him trustworthy, and the students and staff greatly admire him.”

For his efforts, Nyenhuis has been named spotlight sports magazine’s Scholar-Athlete for the Winter Season and his true value to Panthers’ Avocado League East title in basketball had nothing to do with statistics. While teammates John Fletcher and Sedrick Childress were grabbing headlines, Nyenhuis was just going about his business under the boards or at the defensive end of the floor, inspiring his teammates to give their very best.

“I knew my role on the basketball team was to defend and allow my teammates to be the best scorers they could be,” Nyenhuis said. “I love to score as well, but the best approach for our team to go far was to be all about the team.

Nyenhuis helped lead

Vista’s Collin Nyenhuis goes in for a lay-up during their game at Mission Hills.

the Panthers to the CIFSan Diego Division I

Photo: John Koster For The North County Times

basketball finals where he earned the teams’ sportsmanship award, but it was his work off the court that had an even greater impact on his

“I saw my role as captain of the basketball team was to lead by example, especially since my younger brother Carston was also on the varsity this year with me. I also felt I need to be an encourager, promote team unity and to work harder than anyone else on the team.”

And no one saw that more than basketball coach Charlie Mercado, who valued Nyenhuis’ role more than anyone else. “He’s a great kid and our hardest working player,” said Mercado, who played for the Panthers in the 1990s. “Whatever I asked him to do, he would do. He’s just relentless and we wouldn’t have gone as far as we did without him.”

If Nyenhuis contributions on the basketball court helped lead the Panthers to the CIF-San Diego Division I finals, where he earned the teams’ sportsmanship award, then his work off the court had a much greater effect for his community. At Vista, he is a leader for the “Breaking Down the Walls” seminar and a Safe School Ambassador, which is an anti-bullying campaign. Outside of school, Nyenhuis is actively involved with the Miracle League, which incorporates baseball with physically or mentally challenged athletes. It’s an experience that has had a lasting effect on him.

“Being a Miracle League Buddy, has affected me personally and has helped me as an athlete to have a great perspective on my own game,” Nyenhuis said. “Even with all their limitations, they are always smiling and encouraging each other, even the opposing team. I will always appreciate every win and every loss as a high school athlete. Being a buddy is a great reminder to smile and have fun in every game I play.”

Nyenhuis’ role on the VHS baseball team is quite different than in basketball. As a

third baseman and leadoff hitter, he has a much greater role providing a steady bat in the leadoff position and solid glove at the proverbial hot corner.

“I love every aspect of baseball,” said Nyenhuis, who batted .290 with three home runs and 13 RBI last season. “My approach right now is to stay healthy, gain weight and get on base as the leadoff batter.”

Nyenhuis would like to play baseball at the college level and major in criminology with perhaps a career as a detective or FBI agent. Those goals are seemingly within reach after what he has accomplished in high school, despite having dyslexia. However,

Nyenhuis conquered that like he does everything else in lifewith reckless abandon.

“As a dyslexic student, I have learned to work harder and challenge myself to utilize my abilities,” he explained. “For example, when I was younger, I remember in Sunday School if you could recite the memory verse at the end of class you would get a prize, so I always memorized the verse so I could get that prize. I learned to read by sight memorization.

And that work ethic has driven Nyenhuis to unprecedented heights as a student and an athlete.

WINTER 2012

community.

7

Spotlight Sports Magazine and the SD Hall of Champions Present

The 2011-12 Winter Sports All-CIF Teams

By Steve Brand

T

PHOTO: KIMBERLY DEUTSCH WWW.SNAPPSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

8

here is something special about a high school athlete when they perform their best at the times it matters most. Perfect examples are basketball players La Costa Canyon’s Matt Shrigley and La Jolla Country Day’s Maya Hood, who led their respective teams to the state championship game and topped our list of Winter All-CIF Players of the Year.

Shrigley, a 6'6" forward/guard who is headed to San Diego State and led his team to the state championship game in Sacramento, always seemed to have the ball in his hands when the Mavericks needed it, whether it was making a key basket or free throw or pulling down a crucial rebound, as he did as the clock wound down during the San Diego Section Division II title game against Lincoln.

“He’s a prime-time player,” says Coach David Cassaw. “He’s smart—he knows when to shoot and when to give it up. I trust him that when things don’t go according to plan, he’ll make the right decision.” Cassaw went on to describe at least three times—twice against El Camino—when Shrigley helped win games that seemed all but lost.

The high-jumping 5'10" Hood, too, jumps out at you when the Torreys needed a boost. She not only averaged 17.4 points, 8.7 rebounds and collected almost four steals a game, but also led her team to the Division IV state championship. “Maya is such a competitor,” said Coach Terri Bamford.

“The tougher the game, the more she can produce. She is a very spirited player but she also remains a team player. She’s as athletic as they come and knows how to control the tempo of the game – knowing when to be aggressive and when to back off. She just doesn’t make mistakes.

“With all of that you know she’s an incredible leader by example. She’s very mature. Maya has compassion for her teammates and they all want to play hard for her. When she talks, everyone listens because she has so much knowledge, humility and compassion.” And yet all of those words still don’t begin to capture the full essence of Maya Hood, whose twin sister Malina as well as junior Kelsey Plum were also named to the All-CIF team.

Not surprisingly, the Players of the Year in the other four sports were also cited for more than just their athletic ability.

Gabby Stone of The Bishop’s School, who led the Knights to the Division II title and No. 1 ranking in the section, was considered as tough as they come from her goalie position when the other team threatened. She will take her athletic and academic skills to Stanford.

Both soccer standouts Sarah Adams of Westview and Francisco Ramirez of San Diego Southwest gained reputations as much more than goalscorers, as they not only could find the back of the net, but had the ability to spot teammates who might have an even better chance to score.

And they didn’t come any tougher than Central of El Centro’s Micah Perez, a sophomore, who dominated at 113 pounds, earning a third place medal at the state wrestling championships en route to being selected as his sport’s top athlete for 2011-2012.

PHOTO: KEVIN MUMMAU

Pictured opposing page – All-CIF first-team selection: Jared Hegardt (Cathedral Catholic). This page clockwise: Maya Hood (La Jolla Country Day), Matt Shrigley (La Costa Canyon) and Gabby Stone (Bishop’s).

Winter 2012 All-Cif

WINTER 2012

PHOTO: SUSAN COOPER PHOTOGRAPHY

9

girls >> WATER POLO

Bishops’ Gabby Stone Defends Her Goal

By Brad Hollingsworth

T

here may be goalies that are taller, stronger and quicker than Gabby Stone, but they probably don’t work as hard as she does. Since she began playing as a seventh grader, Stone has only known one way to prepare - by staying in the water longer than anyone else. The results have enabled her to earn enough trophies and awards to fill the bottom of a pool.

“My team and I worked extremely hard this year. Each of us, coaches included, worked tirelessly through our winter break and after school,” said Stone, the CIF-San Diego Section girls’ water polo player of the year. “We were in the water four hours a day during winter break with the exception of

Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Sundays and practiced six days a week during school.

The labor was worth it as the Knights won their second consecutive county championship, defeating La Jolla, 9-6, in the CIF-San Diego Section Division III final.

Stone earned most valuable player honors for her efforts against the Vikings and set a school record for saves (377) in a season.

Stone credits her coaches and teammates for the extra motivation that allowed her to have such a great season.

“My individual efforts to improve, coupled with daily competition in practice enabled me to have a successful season,” Stone said. “As far as individual skills, my coaches gave me specialized goalie drills to improve my leg strength and agility in

the water. These drills greatly helped me as they’re applicable to game situations.”

Stone will take her talents to Stanford, where she expects the competition to be tougher and uniquely different from the high school game. “Collegiate athletes are typically stronger, so I will need to adjust to their powerful shots and style of play,” Stone said. “For example, I will probably not see as many slow lob shots in collegiate games since college players are able to pound the ball in the cage with greater strength and they don’t need off-speed shots to beat the goalie.”

They may beat her, but it won’t be because Stone hasn’t put in the work in the water.

<< all-CIF Girls Water Polo First Team

PLAYER SCHOOL YEAR Gabby Stone Bishop’s

Senior

Erin Pannek Bishop’s

Senior

Meagan Smith Carlsbad

Senior

Jessica Webster Bishop’s

Junior

Ariel Arcidiancono

La Jolla

Senior

Julia Herrmann

Torrey Pines

Junior

Sierra Stillwater

Patrick Henry

Junior

Makena Magro Carlsbad

Junior

Hannah Carrillo Bishop’s

Freshman

Rylee Boland

Senior

La Jolla

<< all-CIF Girls Water Polo Second Team

SPOTLIGHT SPORTS

PLAYER SCHOOL YEAR

10

Emma Sasson

Rancho Bernardo

Senior

Emilie Myers

Cathedral Catholic

Senior

Michelle Martinelli

Torrey Pines

Junior

Nicole Ryder

Mt. Carmel

Senior

Kaitlyn Persky Valhalla

Senior

Natalie Chun Bishop’s

Sophomore

Lauren Silver

La Jolla

Sophomore

Katie Owens

Granite Hills

Senior

Bryn Lutz Carlsbad Senior Sarah Bushnell Fallbrook

Senior

Player of the Year: Gabby Stone, Bishop’s Coach of the Year: Doug Peabody, Bishop’s

“I am very lucky to have been coached by

Winter 2012 All-Cif

the same skilled coaches throughout my high school and club water polo careers.

They have given me a solid foundation and I would not be the water polo goalie I am today without them.”

Spotlight on Gabby Stone Position Goalie Height 6' 0"

Grade Senior

Favorite local restaurant? A Thai place called Spice & Rice. I love their Pad Thai noodles!

Favorite video game? The Simpson’s Game, Dance Dance Revolution Favorite band/music artist? Jack Johnson, Billy Joel, The Beatles, The XX Ultimate dream car? Mercedes convertible

GPA 4.15

College Stanford University

Person you’d most like to meet? Aung San Suu Kyi – awarded the Nobel Peace Price for her dedication to democracy, women’s rights, and health care for the people of Myanmar.

What’s the best thing about your sport? Water polo has enabled me to meet people from all over the country who share my passion for the game.

Favorite sportscaster? Charles Barkley

Advice for younger athletes? Athletics may be challenging and difficult at times, but stick with your desired sport through adversity. I wanted to quit water polo when I was much younger and am so thankful that I stuck with it.

The struggle makes the end result more rewarding and fulfilling.

Favorite cartoon as a youngster? The Little Mermaid

Nickname? Gabs, Gabster, Pebbles, Megatron

Favorite Movie? Remember the Titans Favorite actor or actress? Rachel McAdams and Jason Segel

WINTER 2012

Sport Water Polo

11

Q. My daughter has been practicing hard to get ready for varsity lacrosse. She’s complaining that both her knee and ankle have been bothering her. She’s putting a lot of pressure on herself to play, and the coaches want her out on the field too. I’m concerned that this may eventually lead to a bigger injury.What should we do?

A.

Santa Fe Christian’s certified athletic trainer Kristal Peterson tends to an ankle during a boys’ lacrosse game. The most common injuries in lacrosse players occur to the lower extremities including ligament injuries, strains and sprains, and tendinitis.

SPOTLIGHT SPORTS

PHOTO: TAYLOR WASHINGTON

12

In this day and age, there’s a lot of pressure on young athletes to succeed. The high level of competition has caused a rise in youth sports injuries. The harder and more intense the competition, the greater risk there is for injury. There are two types of injuries that athletes sustain while playing sports: overuse and acute. It sounds like your daughter is experiencing overuse injuries. The most common lower extremity injuries in lacrosse players include ligament injuries, strains and sprains, and tendinitis.

The first step in injury prevention is awareness by the athlete, parent, and coach.

Pushing through small overuse injuries is a leading cause of more serious injuries.

“Approach your daughter’s coach and make sure that she is aware of her pain. Her participation in practice and games should be temporarily stopped to give the injured tissues time to recover.” says Lindsey Marshall, Physician Assistant at UC San Diego Sports Medicine (and former semi-pro soccer player).

“Rest is extremely important in preventing further injury. When your daughter feels that her pain has subsided, it’s important for her to implement all of the following tools as she returns to playing lacrosse.”

Gradually increase the frequency and intensity of play while being aware of any pain.

Warm up and cool down properly.

Slowly incorporate aerobic activity, strength training, and agility training prior to returning to competition.

Maintain open communication between yourself, your daughter and the coach regarding her level of pain and ability to return to playing lacrosse If your daughter continues to experience knee or ankle pain, she should be evalu-

Q. I’ve heard that you should stretch after exercise or practice, but not before exercise? What’s the latest on stretching?

A.

There is no scientific proof that stretching before exercise prevents injury during that specific workout. However, stretching in general can increase range of motion, promote smooth and efficient movement and may reduce the risk of injury during exercise, particularly in sports that require extreme flexibility or explosive movements. There is some evidence that static stretching (long, slow stretching) immediately before exercise may temporarily decrease the muscle’s ability to generate force or power.

So when should you stretch? Ideally stretching is done when your muscles are warm, for example, after a workout. But you

can also stretch any time during the day: while watching TV, waiting for a ride, doing homework. Put the muscle into a position of tension (not pain) and hold for 15-60 seconds. Repeat 4 times.

How do you warm up? Warm up with low-intensity aerobic activity to increase blood flow to your muscles and get your heart pumping. Then perform dynamic movements that simulate your sports activity to lubricate the joints and get your neuromuscular patterns in the groove. “Dynamic stretching” is appropriate for sports that involve ballistic (bouncing) movements. For example, if you play tennis, jog 5-10 minutes.

Then do some hurdle walks, trunk rotations and swing your racquet easily to simulate all your strokes (forehand, backhand, overhead/ serve), gradually increasing the arc of movement. Move onto the court and perform your strokes at half speed. Build up to hitting the ball with full speed and intensity. After your match or practice, stretch the muscles you use in tennis, for example, calves, hamstrings, groin, trunk and front shoulder/chest.

If you experience muscle soreness after a hard workout or competition, stretching doesn’t help get rid of the discomfort any sooner. But it won’t hurt either.

Ask the Jock Doc is brought to you by the sports medicine experts at UC San Diego Health System – Sports Medicine. Let us help you get back on track. Call 858.657.8200. For answers to your sports injury or performance questions email jockdoc@spotlightsportsmag.com.

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boys >> BASKETBALL

LCC’s Matt Shrigley: A Season to Remember

L

egend has it that as an incoming

freshman, Matt Shrigley was in a pickup game during the summer with Chase Budinger and took it to the basket with bad intentions. The story gets a little fuzzy on whether he dunked on or around Budinger; however, the message was clear - Shrigley wouldn’t back down from anyone, no matter how detailed their basketball resume.

Four years later, Shrigley has compiled an impressive list of accomplishments, including helping La Costa Canyon to its best season (35-2) in school history as the Mavericks advanced to the Division II state championship game, picking up the Southern California and San Diego Section titles along the way.

“I was successful this season because I was pushed by my team every day in practice,” said the 6-foot-6, 190-pound guard/forward.

“We had some of the most competitive practices I have ever been in this year and it allowed us to get better every time we got in the gym.”

Shrigley, who is ranked as the 11th best player in the state by Cali High Sports, will take his talents down Interstate 5 with a quick transition onto Interstate 8 to play for San Diego State, where he is projected to play the off-guard position.

“His game translates well to the next level,” said a West Coast recruiter for Cali High Sports. “He has the versatility to play both the 2 and the 3 and his underrated athleticism will probably start to surface at

SPOTLIGHT SPORTS

By Brad Hollingsworth

16

Winter 2012 All-Cif PHOTO: KIMBERLY DEUTSCH WWW.SNAPPSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

the college level once he enters a collegiate level training program. Shrigley can score and shoot from the perimeter with the best of them, an invaluable trait in today’s college game.”

But before he heads off to the Aztecs, Shrigley doesn’t want let go of his final season in a Mavericks uniform.

“I would describe this season as unforgettable,” he said. “It was so much fun that I will never forget it.

PHOTO: KEVIN MUMMAU

Shrigley slam dunks against RBV earlier this season.

Sport Basketball Position Shooting Guard Height 6'6" Weight 190 Grade Senior GPA 3.4 College SDSU

Favorite local restaurant? Board n’ Brew. I order the Chicken Club.

Favorite band/music artist? Dtrap Da Kid Favorite cartoon as a youngster? Tasmanian Devil

<< all-CIF Boys Basketball First team >> Player School YEAR Matt Shrigley

La Costa Canyon

Senior

Tyree Robinson

Lincoln

Junior

Joe Rahon

Torrey Pines

Senior

Javion Watson

San Ysidro

Senior

Person you’d most like to meet? Obama

Dalante Dunklin Parker

Senior

Favorite food? Mexican Food

Dayton Boddie

El Camino

Senior

Tyrell Robinson

Lincoln

Junior

Favorite Movie? Pirates of the Caribbean

Anthony Alston

Rancho Buena Vista

Senior

Greatest sports memory? CIF championship last year and this year.

Chris Jones Hoover

Senior

David Travers

Senior

Ultimate dream car? 2012 BMW M5 F10

Future career? I’m not sure but I definitely want to stay involved in sports.

What do you miss most about being a little kid? Nap time in school Professional athlete you’d like to be compared to?

MJ because he is the best

La Costa Canyon

<< all-CIF Boys Basketball Second team >> Player School YEAR Xavier Williams

Cathedral Catholic

Junior

John Fletcher Vista

Senior

Sedrick Childress Vista

Senior

Garrett Galvin

Senior

Torrey Pines

Damonte Holiday Hoover

Sophomore

Robby Nesovic Grossmont

Senior

Devin Watson Army-Navy

Sophomore

James Jackson

Senior

Monte Vista

Sam Okhotin Westview

Senior

Marley Simmons Morse

Senior

Player of the year: Matt Shrigley, La Costa Canyon Coach of the year: Will Cunningham, Cathedral Catholic

WINTER 2012

Spotlight on Matt Shrigley

17

18

SPOTLIGHT SPORTS

girls >> BASKETBALL

Maya Hood Leads Torreys to State Title

L

a Jolla Country Day’s Maya Hood could probably decorate her room solely in championship banners.

Whether it was the volleyball or basketball court, Hood has compiled five CIF-San Diego Section and two state titles in both sports, but she wants to be known for someone who did things the right way on and off court.

“I want my character, leadership and ultimately the role model I was to be remembered,” Hood said. “I want people to remember the hard work I put in, that it paid off, and that I was a true scholar-athlete, which is the motto of La Jolla Country Day.” The senior forward averaged 17.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.7 steals and 1.9 block shots for the Torreys, who have been the top-

ranked team in the county for the entire season. With Hood patrolling the interior, LJCD has compiled a 32-1 overall record, winning three national-level tournaments en route to the state championship title.

“This season for me has been incredible and indescribable. I seriously could not have asked for a better senior year,” said Hood, the CIF-San Diego Section girls’ basketball player of the year. “We were definitely successful this year because of all the hard work that I and my team put in. In every practice, drill, game, and weight-lifting session, my team gave 110 percent in whatever we did in order to better ourselves.”

Such a work ethic should undoubtedly pay off for Hood next year at the University of San Diego, where she will have to expand her game in order to make an immediate impact.

Spotlight on Maya Hood Sport Basketball Position Guard, forward Height 5'10" Grade Senior GPA 3.3 College USD

Favorite local restaurant? Phil’s Barbecue. I order a full rack of baby back ribs, with fries and onion rings that I always split with my twin sister.

Person you’d most like to meet? Lebron James Favorite cartoon as a youngster? SpongeBob Ultimate dream car? A black Range Rover with black rims and tinted windows.

Favorite actor? Denzel Washington Greatest sports memory? Winning two back to back State Volleyball Championships, a third appearance in another, and making it to the Basketball State Championship my senior year.

Future career? Pharmaceutical Sales Best thing about your sport? Winning close games, because you feel so great, and also learn and get better.

PHOTO: KIMBERLY DEUTSCH WWW.SNAPPSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

What do you miss most about being a little kid? Taking naps in Kindergarten and how easy elementary school was, because high school can be a piece of work sometimes.

Professional athlete you’d like to be compared to? I have been told that I remind people of Candice Wiggins, because of my drive, work ethic, and the ability and will to win.

Advice for younger athletes? In everything you do, give 110% because in the end it will all pay off.

“The transition will be a difficult one,” she said. “I need to improve my ball handling skills and I plan on putting in the extra work to get me there. Also I need to become a little more comfortable with my jump shot.

Ultimately, I’m going to work my hardest to improve every aspect of my game so that when I go to USD next year, I will feel very prepared and ready to work.”

And maybe find some room for more championship banners.

Winter 2012 All-Cif

<< all-CIF Girls Basketball First team >> Player School YEAR Tia Dixon

San Diego

Senior

Kelsey Plum

La Jolla Country Day

Junior

Maya Hood

La Jolla Country Day

Senior

Shay Young

Mount Miguel

Senior

Aimee Calloway

San Diego

Senior

Keyahndra Cannon

Mission Bay

Senior

Briteesha Solomon

Mission Bay

Junior

Tylinn Carter Serra

Junior

Devin Roeper Bishop’s

Junior

Imani Littleton Bishop’s

Sophomore

<< all-CIF Girls Basketball Second team >> Player School YEAR Malina Hood

La Jolla Country Day

Senior

Mary Catherine McRoskey Our Lady of Peace

Senior

Bridget Whitfield

La Costa Canyon

Senior

Alexandria Young

Mater Dei

Junior

Erica Lohrenz

Mt. Carmel

Senior

Jessica Harris

Granite Hills

Senior

T.R. Griffis Serra

Junior

Mandy Castro Poway

Junior

Ty Wheetley-Amaya Westview

Senior

Emily Cole

Junior

West Hills

Player of the year: Maya Hood, La Jolla Country Day Coach of the year: Corey Wright, Serra

WINTER 2012

By Brad Hollingsworth

19

boys >> SOCCER

Jared Cashes In as Dealer for the Dons

I

f one had to compare Jared Hegardt’s

game to a profession, the answer would be simple -blackjack dealer.

The senior midfielder can get everyone involved in a game in a variety of ways, so they all can cash in. Hegardt knows when to “hit” a teammate with a sweet crossing pass or read the defense so his forwards won’t waste a scoring opportunity and go “bust” near the goal. Such playmaking ability helped Hegardt and Cathedral Catholic “cash in” on a Western League title and a berth in the CIF-San Diego Section Division III finals.

“We did really well this season,” said Hegardt, the spotlight sports magazine boys’ soccer player of the year. “We passed and moved off each other well which is

unusual for a high school team. We had a young, small team, but I think our ability to play quick attributed to our success this season.”

Hegardt hopes to continue his success at the college level, where he earned a scholarship to the University of Santa Clara.

Broncos coach Cameron Rast believes Hegardt has the skill set to contribute immediately.

“Jared can play in the midfield or play wing,” said Rast in press release announcing his 2012 recruiting class. “He is very crafty on the ball. He has the ability to breakdown opponents on the dribble or on the pass and is very creative going to the goal. We believe he will help create a lot of opportunities to score, either for himself or his teammates.”

Spotlight on Jared Hegardt Sport Soccer Position Center Midfield Height 5'8" Grade Senior GPA 3.4 College Santa Clara

Favorite local restaurant? El Jardin in Fallbrook. I order two cheese enchiladas.

Favorite video game? Fifa Favorite music? Hip-Hop Person you’d most like to meet? Will Ferrell Favorite cartoon as a youngster? Rocket Power

SPOTLIGHT SPORTS

Winter 2012 All-Cif Hegardt knows the only way he will be on the pitch for Santa Clara is with more time training and developing as a player, either with his club team, the San Diego Surf, or with the U.S. Men’s National Team Residency Program in Bradenton, Florida.

“The guys will be bigger, more experienced and older in college,” he said.

“It will probably take me a month or two to actually adapt to a new style of play that suits the college game.”

<< all-CIF Boys Soccer First team >> Player School YEAR Jared Hegardt

Cathedral Catholic

Senior

Austin Freel

Torrey Pines

Senior

Connor O’Neill

La Costa Canyon

Senior

Francisco Ramirez Southwest

Senior

Andrew Orozco Coronado

Junior

Jimmy Estrada Hilltop

Senior

Favorite food? Steak and mash potatoes

Jose Merlo

San Pasqual

Senior

Ultimate dream car? Audi R8

Connor Keefe

St. Augustine

Senior

Favorite Movie? The Other Guys

Paul Arriola

Mater Dei

Junior

Favorite sportscaster? Erin Andrews

Eric Budniewski Poway

Senior

Best thing about your sport? There are a lot of good looking soccer girls plus you get to travel to cool places.

Michael Griswold

Junior

Professional athlete would you like to be compared to? Andres Iniesta from Barcelona. His composure and awareness with the ball is unmatched in the modern game today.

<< all-CIF Boys Soccer SECOND team >>

Advice for younger athletes? Train more than any other kid on your team because eventually it will pay off.

20

By Brad Hollingsworth

Mt. Carmel

Player School YEAR Luke Kadillak

Maranatha Christian

Senior

Ryan Kretz Parker

Senior

Eduardo Galvan Calexico

Senior

Kyler McLaughlin Serra

Senior

Riki Michael

Scripps Ranch

Senior

Garrett Heine

Torrey Pines

Senior

Omar Hernandez Hilltop

Senior

Aaron Martinez

St. Augustine

Senior

Kostas Kotselas

St. Augustine

Junior

Bruno Mattioli

San Diego

Senior

Luis Leal

Orange Glen

Senior

Player of the year: Francisco Ramirez, Southwest Coach of the year: Brendan Johnston, St. Augustine

WINTER 2012

PHOTO: KIMBERLY DEUTSCH WWW.SNAPPSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

21

Adams, a four-year letterman, has been an integral part of the Westview program and helped it reach heights it has never seen in the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brief 10-year history.

SPOTLIGHT SPORTS

PHOTO: DEB HELLMAN

22

girls >> Soccer

Westview’s Sarah Adams Leaves Indelible Mark

By Brad Hollingsworth

P

erhaps the only thing bigger on the soccer pitch

than Westview’s Sarah Adams is the giant “W” at the center of the field. In fact, the shadow the senior has cast over the entire Wolverines program will not go away anytime soon.

Adams, a four-year letterman, has been an integral part of the Westview program and helped it reach heights it has never seen in the school’s brief 10-year history. Thanks to a pair of CIF titles and a finals appearance this year, Adams has left her mark.

“I would like my high school to remember me as an athlete that helped influence the program in a positive way and set a standard with the team because we were so good this year,” said Adams, the CIF-San Diego Section girls’ soccer Player of the Year.

The Georgetown University signee led Westview from her midfielder position with 37 points (11 goals, 15 assists) and believed her ability to link the defense with the offense was vital.

“My success this season cam from working hard and helping my team in the offensive side of the field,” Adams said. “I think I was very good at setting up opportunities that my very talented teammates were able to capitalize on. We played well together.”

Adams knows that it won’t be so easy in the Big East Conference with the Hoyas where the game will be more physical and faster. “I think the transition will be pretty difficult,” she said. “I will need to get stronger and practice quicker because the college game is very fast paced and competitive.”

Adams will carry with her to the Washington, D.C. campus a memorable senior season. She helped Westview to the Palomar League title, as well as a victory in the prestigious Butch Lee Tournament at Cathedral Catholic, and despite a loss in the CIF finals, the Wolverines finished fifth in the final MaxPreps’ state and national rankings.

“As a team, everyone is very talented and it was an enjoyable season,” she said. “I think with all the young players, Westview will continue to be strong.”

<< all-CIF GIRLS SOCCER First team Player

School

YEAR

Sarah Adams Westview

Senior

Brittany Doan

Sophomore

Cathedral Catholic

Cory De Marco Coronado

Senior

Morgan Batcheller Carlsbad

Senior

Kyra Carusa

Sophomore

Del Norte

Cassie Collins Westview

Senior

Ashley Doyle

La Costa Canyon

Senior

Ashley Hauke

Rancho Bernardo

Senior

Kiana Quarles

Steele Canyon

Junior

Jackie Friedman

Torrey Pines

Senior

Maya Theuer Bishops’

Senior

<< all-CIF GIRLS SOCCER Second team Player

School

YEAR

Pilar Torres

La Costa Canyon

Sophomore

Meggie Gulczynski Westview

Senior

Christina Burkenroad

Senior

Mission Bay

Abigail Callahan Coronado

Sophomore

Elissa Perry Eastlake

Senior

Kassy Castillo

Junior

Bonita Vista

Hailey Harbison Westview

Sophomore

Emma Romberg

Senior

San Marcos

McKenna Tollack Carlsbad

Senior

Jazmin Aguas

San Pasqual

Senior

Betsy Muirhead

Cathedral Catholic

Senior

Player of the year: Sarah Adams, Westview Coach of the year: Carl Higham, Carlsbad

Spotlight on Sarah Adams Sport Soccer Position Center Midfield Height 5'3" Grade Senior GPA 4.12 College Georgetown University

Favorite local restaurant? Filet mignon at Flemings Favorite video games? SIMS Favorite music artist? Taylor Swift Person you’d most like to meet? Dumbledore Favorite cartoon as a youngster? Power Rangers Professional athlete you’d like to be compared to? Lauren Cheney. She is really good and moves so well on the field.

Winter 2012 All-Cif

Favorite actor or actress? Kristen Wiig Favorite sporting event to watch on TV? Tennis is the most entertaining sport to watch.

Greatest sports memory? Receiving the Adidas National Golden Boot after placing the winning PK into the goal.

WINTER 2012

Favorite food? McDonalds French Fries and salads with feta cheese

23

>> WRESTLING

Carlsbad’s Chance Eskam Weighs in as

By Brad Best in Class Hollingsworth

I

f you see Chance Eskam in downtown Carlsbad scarfing

down a few cheeseburgers or powering his way through a California burrito, don’t bother him because you don’t want to see him when he’s angry. That’s because you may end up on your back.

The Carlsbad High sophomore did that to everyone in San Diego County this season, earning the 195-pound CIFSan Diego Section and Masters Division championships and for his efforts he earned the spotlight sports recognition in being named first-team All-CIF. “I had a pretty good season and achieved most of my goals,” Eskam said. “Going undefeated in league and winning CIF and Masters were among the goals that I was really glad to achieve. I am really looking forward to spending the next two years working really hard, improving my performance and accomplishing more of my goals.”

Eskam may not even be the best wrestler in his family. His brother, Chace, competes at Arizona State in the 197-pound weight class, so the younger sibling knows there is plenty of work to do before he reaches the college level.

“I have received some recruiting letters from different colleges, but as a sophomore, I still have some time to consider my options,” Eskam said. “I know I would like to end up at a good Division I college with a solid wrestling program.

“During the offseason, I am looking forward to eating whatever I want, hitting the weight room and going to a lot of offseason tournaments. Of course, when the weather warms up, I am also looking forward to spending some time at the beach or in the water.”

However, Eskam won’t be far away from wrestling room where he puts in a tremendous amount of work under the watchful eye of coach Ross O’Briant. Eskam believes that the environment his coach creates along with his teammates’ dedication is the perfect formula for achievement.

“I can attribute much of my success to the great coaches at Carlsbad,” he said. “Plus, I can’t overstate how really fortunate I was having several really great upper-weight wrestlers (Charlie Rassel, Danny Knox and Jesse Orona) on the team to work out with. They only helped me get better.”

Despite the help, Eskam won’t be sharing any meals with them anytime soon.

<< all-CIF WRESTLING First team Player

School

YEAR

Alfredo Espinoza

Otay Ranch

Junior

Micah Perez

Central

Sophomore

Josh Miranda Poway

Senior

Evan McKirdy

Senior

Del Norte

Victor Lopez Poway

Junior

Ridvan Bekirov Helix

Senior

Travis Ino

San Marcos

Senior

Renas Hassan

El Cajon Valley

Senior

Brady Beamon

Steele Canyon

Senior

Connor King Poway

Senior

Brit Bastow Poway

Senior

Chance Eskam Carlsbad

Sophomore

Richard Durr Poway

Senior

Kelly Simmons Poway

Senior

<< all-CIF WRESTLING Second team Player

School

YEAR

Vincent Elizalde Brawley

Sophomore

Colt Doyle Poway

Freshman

Manny Boyle

Junior

Valley Center

Ralphy Tovar Poway

Freshman

Antonio Perez Central

Sophomore

Eddie Valencia

Senior

Granite Hills

Jeremy Edgel Vista

Senior

Ian Baker

Sophomore

La Costa Canyon

Jesse Orona Carlsbad

Senior

Josh McFadden Central

Senior

Danny Knox Carlsbad

Senior

Jimmy Moreno Poway

Senior

Connor Blackwell

Senior

Granite Hills

James Cannon Escondido

Junior

WRESTLER of the Year: Micah Perez, Central Coach of the Year: Brody Barrios, San Marcos

Spotlight on Chance Eskam

SPOTLIGHT SPORTS

Sport Wrestling Position Varsity, 195 lb weight class Height 5'10" POST SEASON weight 215 Grade Sophomore GPA 3.5

24

Favorite local restaurant and what do you order? Don’s Country Kitchen in downtown Carlsbad. My favorite dish is the Hot Roast Beef sandwich with mashed potatoes, covered in lots of brown gravy (and a side of pancakes).

Ultimate dream car? Rolls Royce Phantom Person you’d most like to meet? My maternal grandfather that died before I was born. He was a professional boxer, WWII pilot and an FBI agent. He was a great family man, had many friends and had a great sense of humor.

Greatest sports memory? The San Diego Masters Tournament this year. Immediately after winning, I spoke with my older brother Chace, who had been watching the match over a live feed. Chace won the Masters title in 2010 (and now wrestles for Arizona State) and it was really great to share the moment with him.

Professional athlete would you like to be compared to? UFC fighter Rampage Jackson, because he has a great “double leg takedown.”

Most Inspirational Athlete? Anthony Robles

WINTER 2012

PHOTO: DEB HELLMAN

Winter 2012 All-Cif

25

COACH’S CORNER

Spotlight Sports Winter Coach of the Year: Carl Higham, Carlsbad High’s Girls Soccer

By Brad Hollingsworth

SPOTLIGHT SPORTS

C

26

arl Higham knows the value of a good pre-match warm up. During his experience as a player for the Barclay’s Premier League club Wigan and as a successful club coach for the Carlsbad Lightning, Higham believes matches can be won or lost before a team even hits the pitch. Squads that are sharp and purposeful can intimidate opponents and gain a slight advantage, while those that are lackadaisical seem destined for a steam-rolling defeat.

However, the Carlsbad High girls’ soccer team took Higham and every other coach’s theory about warming up and stomped on it with their collective cleats. The Lancers were unconventional in their approach as they won their first CIF and league championships in the 57-year history of the school, which somewhat confounds their coach. “I never pressured their warm up and in all my years coaching, they had the poorest warm up ever, but when the whistle blew they were always ready to play,” explained Higham, spotlight sports magazine’s Winter Coach of the Year.

“As crazy as it seems, it seemed to work well for us.”

Carlsbad used a stifling defense that recorded 18 shutouts, thanks to the excellent goalkeeping tandem of McKenna Tollack and Sarah Harrelson, to go along with a balanced attack with six players scoring at least seven goals. Even with those numbers, Higham believes the difference for the Lancers was the one thing that cannot be measured. “We were successful because of the players that I had to work with and the team chemistry was special,” he said. “They played with a lot of confidence. On the field, we had a solid defense, which let me take chances going forward.”

The Lancers, who were unbeaten (7-0-1) en route to the Avocado League West title, used that strategy in the CIF-San Diego Division I finals against San Pasqual. Shelby

Photos by Deb Hellman

Lee’s sudden-death overtime goal with nine minutes left gave Carlsbad a 2-1 victory. They used that momentum all the way to the CIF Southern California Regional semifinals before bowing out with a 3-2 defeat to Los Osos. In all, Carlsbad had a 15-match unbeaten streak to go along with a school record for victories (19) and shutouts (18).

All in all, Higham didn’t change much in his coaching style. In fact, with his team’s success based on defense and opportunistic offense, his beliefs are rooted in his methods as much as ever. “I really didn’t coach this team any differently than any other,” Higham said. “I always believe we can win every game so my style didn’t change. What I learned about myself is to keep doing things you believe in and eventually you will achieve your goals.”

And although this year’s Carlsbad team shattered one of Higham’s beliefs, they put everything together for a championship season.

“I really didn’t coach this team any differently than any other. I always believe we can win every game so my style didn’t change. What I learned about myself is to keep doing things you believe in and eventually you will

By Brad Hollingsworth

achieve your goals.”

WINTER 2012

PHOTOS: TAYLOR WASHINGTON

27

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