Jan 15, 2004

Lady Chargers jump to top of MHAL basketball standings
Claim victories over Oak Grove and Westmont

By Justin Petersen
Staff Writer

Last Friday, supporters of Leland High School’s girls basketball team had trouble leaving the Westmont gym. Post-traumatic stress syndrome set in rendering everybody immobile. With quaky legs and raspy voices, the Leland fanatics stood in disbelief, having witnessed a comeback victory to go down in the annals of high school basketball folklore.

With 22.6 seconds left and down by one point, Leland took the ball out of bounds for one last shot. Unfortunately for Westmont, the Warriors were charged with a flagrant foul, attempting to defend the Chargers at half court. The foul sent Leland’s Jackie George to the line, who subsequently hit one of two free throws, tying the game at 39 apiece, requiring overtime.

After one, four-minute overtime period, the game remained tied, each team producing a single basket in the midst of a defensive clinic and enough physical violence to mimic a wrestling match.

“Coach [Nakamura] teaches us to keep them [offensive players] in front of us,” explains sophomore point guard, Mika Yanai, who dove freely and unabashedly for loose balls and rebounds throughout the overtimes. “We don’t mind a physical game. We get knocked around in practice playing against our coaches all the time.”

The second overtime began the same as the first, with neither team scoring until George found senior Liz Widgren walling off two defenders underneath the basket. With 1:45 remaining in the period, George passed the ball down to Widgren who finished with a lay-up, muscling her way to the basket.

Streaking for freedom, the Chargers never looked back, finally beating Westmont 51-43.

“We won,” said Leland coach Wade Nakamura. “That’s the important thing.”

After securing the Chargers’ taxing double overtime victory, the second in as many tries of an early Mount Hamilton Athletic League campaign, Nakamura appeared as exhausted as his girls.

“We’re so young on the perimeter,” continued Nakamura. “I know we will make mistakes on the offensive end of the court. Our key is to be defense-oriented. We can’t give up penetration in the middle like we did early on (versus Westmont). We know who we’re playing every week. We’ve seen all the teams in our league. We just need to stick to our game plan.”

Earlier in the week, the Lady Chargers beat the Eagles of Oak Grove High School 39-20, maintaining their goal, shutting out Oak Grove from a defensive standpoint.

Next, the Chargers head to Del Mar High School on Friday, Jan. 16, before returning home for a bout versus Santa Teresa on Jan. 23. The Jan. 16 game begins at 7 p.m., while the Jan. 23 game will begin earlier with a 5 p.m. start time.

Sports Schedules

Leland

Thursday 1/15
Girls varsity soccer vs. Santa Teresa, 3:15 p.m.
Girls JV soccer @ Santa Teresa, 3:15 p.m.

Friday 1/16
Boys soccer @ Pioneer, 3:15 p.m. (JV, V)
Girls basketball @ Del Mar, 5:30/7:30 p.m. (JV, V)
Boys basketball vs. Westmont, 6/7:30 p.m. (JV, V)
Boys freshman basketball vs. Oak Grove, 4 p.m.

Saturday 1/17
Wrestling @ West Valley, 9 a.m.

Monday 1/19
Girls soccer scrimmage @ Live Oak, 3:30/5:30 p.m. (JV, V)

Tuesday 1/20
Boys basketball @ Branham, 5:30/7 p.m. (JV, V)

Wednesday 1/21
Boys soccer vs. Overfelt @ Evergreen College
Boys freshman basketball @ Gunderson, 7 p.m.
Leland wrestling @ Mt. Pleasant, 6:30 p.m.

Pioneer

Thursday 1/15
Girls basketball @ Mt. Pleasant, 5:30/7 p.m. (JV, V)
Girls soccer @ Leigh, 3:15 p.m.

Friday 1/16
Boys basketball vs. Piedmont Hills, 6/7:30 p.m. (JV, V)
Boys soccer vs. Leland, 3:15 p.m.

Tuesday 1/20
Girls soccer vs. Prospect, 3:15 p.m.

Wednesday 1/21
Boys basketball @ Oak Grove, 5:30/7 p.m. (JV, V)
Boys soccer vs. Leigh, 3:15 p.m.

Leigh

Thursday 1/15
Girls basketball vs. Santa Teresa, 5:30/7 p.m. (JV, V)
Girls soccer vs. Pioneer, 3:15 p.m.

Friday 1/16
Boys basketball @ Santa Teresa, 6/7:30 p.m. (JV, V)
Boys soccer vs. Andrew Hill, 3:15 p.m.

Tuesday 1/20
Girls soccer @ Piedmont Hills, 3:15 p.m.

Wednesday 1/21
Girls basketball vs. Piedmont Hills, 5:30/7 p.m. (JV, V)
Boys basketball @ Piedmont Hills, 5:30/7 p.m. (JV, V)
Boys soccer @ Pioneer, 3:15 p.m.

Leland varsity boys soccer undefeated, clench first in league

By Miranda Schultz
Sports Editor

After defeating Oak Grove and Andrew Hill last week, the Leland varsity boys soccer team is undefeated (9-0-6) and has jumped from fourth place to a first place ranking in the Mount Hamilton Division.

Although the Chargers are dominating, Head Coach Dave Gold has yet to play his best 11 players due to injuries. Senior David Dally and junior Ryan Villaipando have been out since before Christmas, and are considered by Gold to be two of his best players.

“They are both very fast, and skillful, both of them create goals.”

During last week’s game against Oak Grove, senior Arian Chehrshsa went out toward the end of the game, and it is probable he will be out for the season. Results from a recent MRI are pending.

“This is a high contact sport, injuries are going to occur and it’s something a coach can’t really plan for,” said Gold.
Another shock to Gold was senior Sean Conners making the decision to quit on account of colleges seriously recruiting him for baseball. Gold recognizes that it was the best decision for him.

“High school is going to be over in a couple of months, Conners has the rest of his life to think about. He’s good at every sport. The most important thing is the decision that is best for him, and we came to the conclusion that was the best decision.”

The Leland boys soccer team has worked through the injuries, and shown they can step up when it matters.

“I’m very happy with my team. They have tremendous character and everyone cares about everyone else. It’s a real positive environment. Every time we play, we’re getting better. Individuals are getting better and collectively we’re getting better. I’m seeing little improvements all of the time.”

High schools in SJUSD set to play on new synthetic turf fields by October
Synthetic all-weather tracks to follow

By Miranda Schultz
Staff Writer

San Jose Unified School District has paired up with Kitchell Construction and Beals Landscape Architecture to start work on what is considered the largest high school sports construction in the history of California. All schools in the district will first be receiving synthetic turf football fields, then synthetic all-weather tracks.

Studies show that synthetic tracks are better on the joints, because they are made from the high-performance material latex; the surface allows more give and better traction for athletes of all ages. The track and field will be much more durable and safe for athletes, allowing as much use as needed at any time, regardless of the weather.

Construction is said to begin around the third week in April, continuing on all six SJUSD high schools simultaneously, and hopefully be finished by October, just in time for the fall season. The rest of the athletic fields will be reconstructed soon after.

Measure C was a $165 million dollar bond passed in 1997 for all SJUSD neighborhood schools meant to fix and replace deteriorating roofs, gas, sewer and water lines; heating, ventilation and electrical systems; wire classrooms and computer labs for technology; renovate, construct and acquire classrooms; remodel outdated toilet and science facilities; and improve safety and security of schools and playgrounds.

In 2002, San Jose voters approved a new bond, Measure F, which is a $429 million dollar bond, providing the San Jose Unified School District with funds to provide additional improvements not affordable under the Measure C Bond program. Schools within the district are set to receive more upgrades including a more comprehensive modernization to complement the work already performed under Measure C.

Scope of work under the Measure F Modernization program includes the construction of new classrooms, multi-purpose rooms, and restroom buildings at specific sites, new casework and whiteboards, restroom upgrades, safety improvements to playgrounds, field renovation at all sites, improving site utilities, and improved parking and bus drop-off areas.
Ron Edwards spent 25 years as a district member and football coach /administrator at Fremont High School. He is now working for Beals Landscape Architecture as an athletic and education specialist. Edwards believes this project is in the best interest of the community, especially with the cuts on staff members such as maintenance crews.
“It’s going to be state-of-the-art construction; I think it will be completely safe all of the time. The amount of use these fields will be able to take is amazing. There won’t be any down time, no worry about damage during the rainy season. There is no worry of mowing, fertilization, no striping or aerating. We won’t have to worry about gophers or squirrels, very little maintenance is required for this type of field,” said Edwards.

While construction is underway, athletic events will be scheduled at off-campus venues, which is something Leland High School has already become used to. The girls and boys varsity soccer teams have been playing their games at Evergreen Community College since the season began due to extensive field damage. Head Coach Dave Gold says that there have been injuries sustained on the field at Leland High strictly because of their bad condition.

Chris Hanson, athletic director at Leland for 20 years, feels that the athletes and the community deserve the better fields.

“This is a huge project and we are so excited to have this at Leland,” said Hanson. “Our field conditions have been so poor, and soon our athletes will be playing on state-of-the-art, picture-perfect fields. We also have a very large amount of people in the community who use our fields and this will give them the opportunity to use a quality facility.”

The community will be able to have more use of the fields for things like youth soccer and football games. According to Edwards, “It’s no doubt that everyone in the community will benefit from this project, they will all be able to use it. I used to get so many requests to use our fields and I would have to deny those requests because of possible damage, now the fields will be able to take much more use.”

Edwards’ son Kelly has just finished his third year coaching varsity football at Leland. He says the athletes will enjoy the fields and adapt rather quickly.

“The athletes will love it, this type of material makes them feel like they’re flying, I think it’s a wonderful thing that the district is doing for all of the kids.”

Ron adds, “The San Jose Unified School District is as organized as any district I’ve worked with. They’ve done a tremendous job in getting this thing going.”

Players of the Week

Martin Stacey, Leland Varsity Soccer #8
Class: Senior

Head Coach Dave Gold: “Martin’s got a great work ethic, works very hard without the ball, very dangerous striker, prolific goal scorer, very aggressive in the box. He has eight goals and six assists so far this season. Constantly challenging goalkeepers; he’s a very tenacious player. I feel that he is a Division I-caliber college player.”

Amy Cusick, Captain, Pioneer Varsity Soccer #13
Class: Junior

Head Coach Lisa Smith: “I can put Amy anywhere and she’ll do extremely well. This is her second year as captain; she has amazing skills and potential to be an amazing player. She has an attitude geared towards a natural leadership role; she’s always positive and supportive. She’s one of those girls that the rest of the team looks to on and off the field.”

Stirm and Valley Christian attack new territory

By Miranda Schultz
Staff Writer

The Valley Christian boys soccer team is already making its mark, standing alone in second place in the Division II West Catholic League with a record of 5-1-1. This is the team’s first year competing at this level, which is considered one of the top soccer leagues in all of California and includes teams with a history of success such as Bellarmine, Mitty and St. Francis.

Led by senior Brandon Stirm, the Warriors tread new territory and hold an 8-1-4 record. Stirm, who has recently accepted a soccer scholarship to Asuza Pacific University, is one of Valley Christian’s top players, according to Assistant Coach John Besanese.

“Stirm has been instrumental in our success for the last two seasons. His ability to dominate games offensively and defensively has led his team to a top 10 ranking for two straight years. He works very hard and I expect him to lead Valley Christian to CCS, and then take his craft to Azusa.”

Stirm, a resident of Almaden, currently has three assists this season, even playing a defensive role at central midfield. Not only is he a dominant force on the field, Besanese considers him to be a great role model for his peers as well.

Having experience and being one of the team’s strongest forces this season, Stirm is eager to deflect recognition, attributing his own success to the team as a whole.

“We have a really good team, we only lost two starters, so everyone knew what to expect from the beginning. We gained experience and all of us have been playing together for about a year now, so we know our teammates a little more. That always helps.”

Since last year, the Valley Christian boys have gained a lot of experience and play better soccer all around, according to Besanese. Only allowing nine goals and scoring over thirty, they are making strides to prove their potential at this level.

“We’re playing better soccer this year. The kids are great friends and things are going really well. We’re hoping to win the west Catholic this year. In this league you can’t really take anyone lightly. Even though we’re doing well, we can never let our guard down. We play Bellarmine this week, they’re one of the toughest teams in this league.”
Valley Christian has only one loss, falling to Bellarmine back in December, and will play the fierce opponent again this Thursday. Stirm feels that his team will be ready.

“The last time we played Bellarmine, we let up at the end when we were up 2-1, and they ended up scoring two goals with about two minutes left in the game. They will be tough to beat but we are confident in our ability to dominate.” Says Stirm.

Olympic spotlight: Kendra Zanotto

By Miranda Schultz
Sports Editor

It isn’t every day that three grandparents in Almaden can boast about an Olympic-bound grandchild. Rosa Zanotto and Paul and Carol Zimmerman have been Almaden residents for 30 years, and the trio has some serious bragging rights.

Their granddaughter, Kendra Zanotto, 22, has been named to the Olympic synchronized swimming team. Zanotto, who has been a member of the Santa Clara Aquamaids since she began synchronized swimming 13 years ago, started working toward the Olympic team four years ago.

“I’ve been swimming since I was 7,” said Kendra. “I decided at the beginning of 2000 that I wanted to give it a shot; I’ve been on the first national team for the past four years, so it’s been a realistic goal. I’m kind of the person that has to fight for the last spot, it’s never easy.”

For the past four years, Zanotto has been training long hours, often in the pool for up to eight hours a day. After going to night school for a couple of years, Zanotto made the decision to put it off all together for the time being, so she could completely focus on synchronized swimming.

Zanotto arrives at the pool around 6 a.m., and sometimes doesn’t leave until 5 p.m. Although the hours are long, she enjoys every bit of it and could never imagine not being a part of this team.

“I actually get tired on my days off if I go to the mall and walk around,” said Kendra. “I’m just not a land creature anymore.”

Olympic athletes, training night and day, living and breathing and traveling for their sport, can sometimes become emotionally depleted. Zanotto says that the team is very close, and some of them have been swimming together all of their lives.

“Minimum, we’ve swam together for five years. You just depend on your teammates and it gets you out of any situation, [and avoids] negative feelings.”

Synchronized swimming has allowed Zanotto to see many countries and learn precious life values through commitment and perseverance. She is grateful to have the support of her family, who she counts as her biggest fans, throughout her journey.

“My family has been there every step of they way, traveling out of the country to see me compete,” said Kendra.

“Knowing they are there really gives me confidence. I appreciate them so much.”

Carol Zimmerman admits that she was concerned about Zanotto delaying her education, but knows this is what she wants to do right now, and Zimmerman is planning on being in Athens in August to watch her granddaughter compete.

“This is the opportunity of a lifetime, we are so proud of all she has accomplished, she works extremely hard,” said Zimmerman.

Qualifying rounds to earn the chance to compete in the 2004 Olympics will be held April 14-18 in Athens, Greece.

Between 30 and 40 countries compete for the nine slots to compete in the Olympics. The USA team is almost a definite top contender, in the World competition last year, USA took third, behind Japan second, and Russia, who has been in first place since 1997. The USA team won first in Atlanta in the ’96 Olympics.

The Santa Clara Aquamaids make up seven of the nine spots on the Olympic team. Founded in 1964, the Aquamaids have produced 50 percent of the 22 synchronized swimming Olympians since 1984.

Leland boys basketball team emerges, begins league with 2-1 record

By Justin Petersen
Staff Writer

Leland High School boys basketball team continued its climb out of a tough preseason to the top of the Santa Teresa Athletic League with two wins and one loss this past week. And after three games in league, two things are clear: free throws win games and free throws lose games.

The Chargers hope their late synergy of success continues into the upcoming week where they will face Westmont High School at home on Jan. 16 and Branham High School at Branham Jan. 20.

After a big win in the league opener versus Mt. Pleasant High School last Tuesday, Leland defeated the Royals of Overfelt High School 55-50 on Jan. 9. The Chargers, who outscored Overfelt 35-26 in the first half, secured the victory hitting five of six free throws in the last four minutes of the game.

Actually, it was sophomore David Farsai who hit five of six free throws to finish the game. The points capped a 16-point, nine-assist performance from Farsai, who is leading the Chargers in scoring, averaging 11.62 points per game.

Junior forward Dannie Hamouie made his headliner debut, finishing with 15 points in just 16 minutes versus the Royals. Hamouie had been hampered all year with a nagging ankle injury initially suffered during the Alumni Game on Nov. 26.

“We hit our free throws, we block out, we hit the two foot shots, we win,” explains Leland’s Coach Dave Frandsen. “The team is still learning what is necessary to win.”

Unfortunately versus Independence High School on Tuesday night, the Chargers shot errant free throws, missed block outs, and botched shots from two feet.

For the second time this season Leland fell at the hands of Independence, losing 38-31.

“It’s disappointing,” continued Frandsen. “The kids are really trying hard, but they’re still young and inexperienced. There’s not one varsity starter that returned this year. They need to learn to finish. We can’t miss free throws and expect to win.”

Farsai and senior guard Matt Zuvella provided the girth of scoring for the Chargers. The tandem finished with eight points apiece.

Leland’s Doug Proudfoot fights for a rebound as senior Joe Tang looks on in the Chargers’ Tuesday night game at Independence. Despite losing 38-31, Leland is 2-1 in league. Tonight the Chargers play Westmont at Leland. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.