Feb 12, 2004

From Charger to Bruin:
Leland player heads for UCLA in the fall

By Miranda Schultz
Sports Editor

Scott Glicksberg, the Blossom Valley Athletic League’s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman, is getting ready to attend UCLA in the fall. The 6-foot 4-inch 285-pound senior verbally committed in December, and signed the National Letter of Intent Feb. 4.

The beginning of the school year was a different one for incoming senior Scott Glicksberg. Most seniors return to their alma mater with a feeling of being home, having a history with administration, faculty and students. For Glicksberg, who was transferring from Bellarmine, his senior year hadn’t been all that reminiscent…yet.

“It was difficult leaving a group of guys I had been around for three years, but I really felt like a part of Leland within a couple of weeks,” says Glicksberg.

Glicksberg proved to be Leland’s main force in the offensive line, and is determined to train hard for the next transition in the fall. Although there were a few schools looking to recruit Glicksberg, he felt UCLA showed the most personal interest.

“They were the first to show any serious interest, and I felt like they were really interested in my career now, andhow I could develop as a player. Plus, UCLA had everything I wanted to see in a school,” says Glicksberg.

Head coach, Kelly Edwards feels it is a great opportunity for Glicksberg, and his family at the same time.”I think it’s good for him to stay local; it will be easier for his family to support him at games, and it’s a great school with a big athletic program, Scott should do well there,” says Edwards.

Glicksberg feels he has a chance at some playing time, but admits that he’s going from being the big fish to the little one. “I just have to work really hard training and lifting. I want to have an impact and do well,” he says.

Mustangs, Chargers qualify three each in BVAL tourney
Pioneer’s Jeff Terry takes mean route to CCS wrestling championships

By Karl Laucher
Staff Writer

Jeff Terry of Pioneer High School went for the jugular when asked what he likes about wrestling. “You can be mean and get away with it,” he said. That chilling point has been impressed upon many who have confronted him in his four years of representing the Mustangs in a blue singlet.

Terry, honored offensive lineman for the Pioneer football team in the fall, had a particularly malevolent finish to his Blossom Valley Athletic League career, pinning three of his four opponents en route to a third place finish in the 215-pound division of the BVAL championship tournament, held Saturday at Leland High School.

The effort earned him some swagger rights in the Central Coast Section championships set for Feb. 13-14 at Independence High School. The top six from each league earn a berth at CCS, so Terry will be joined there by teammates Armando Apolinar (fourth place in the BVAL at 275 pounds), and Nick Esposito (fourth place at 162 pounds),

Leland also gained three CCS assignments led by Jeremiah Harvey’s surprise fourth place finish at 191 pounds. Harvey, who checked in 14 pounds underweight for the division, will be joined at CCS by Charger teammates Kris Pinula (fifth in the BVAL at 132 pounds) and Greg Edwards (sixth at 173 pounds).

With three wrestlers each in the top six, out of 14 weight classifications, Pioneer and Leland didn’t exactly shiver the timbers in Almaden Valley, placing 13th and 15th with 58.5 and 47 points, respectively, in the 21-team field. The team championship went to Oak Grove High School (202.5 points) with three individual champions and 10 wrestlers earning tickets to the CCS.

Terry plans to continue playing football next season at the community college level, but can remember his senior season as a high school wrestler with pride. He won about 50 percent of his matches at 215 pounds as a junior. This season his record is 20-11 with 14 wins by pin versus four losses by pin. “I feel I’ve done really well,” he said. As for the CCS, he said, “I’ll work hard and see what the outcome will be.”

Pioneer Coach Mike Medlock notes that Terry has won medal in eight tournaments this season without being a truly skilled wrestler. “It’s his determination,” Medlock said. “He has a lot of determination and love for the sport.”
Determination, and maybe some unconscious relaxation paid off handsomely, too, for Leland’s Harvey, who got only four hours of sleep before the BVAL tournament. He attended Leland’s Sadie Hawkins dance on Friday night, got in late, and showed up at the Leland gym for weigh-ins at 6 a.m. Commented Leland Co-Coach Val Esquivel, “Jeremiah had the tournament of his life.”

Leland had setbacks with veterans Mark Azzarello (121 pounds) and Brian Herz (137 pounds) failed to qualify for CCS as they did a year ago. Edwards, a Charger co-captain (with Azzarello) injured an ankle in his semi-final loss and was unable to continue in the consolation bracket, as was Pinula, a senior who entered the tourney with a pinched nerve in his neck. Pioneer’s promising sophomores Brian Watts (114 pounds) and Tuan Nguyen (127 pounds) also made early exits.

Player of the Week

Melissa Crespo, #13
Valley Christian varsity soccer, captain
Senior

Melissa Crespo recently accepted a scholarship to the University of Utah.

“Melissa is a great leader, she’s a very tactical and technical soccer player,” says Head Coach Jolene Keel “She knows the game really well. When she says jump, they jump. That’s the kind of leader she is.”

David Farsai
Leland Basketball
Sophomore

Despite a rough year for the Leland High School boys' basketball team, sophomore, David Farsai continues to keep his head up, gaining momentum as the season progresses.

Last week Farsai connected for 20 points versus Overfelt High School in Leland's 67-53 loss. Later that week, he dumped in 17 during a battle with Independence High School at home.

Look for Farsai to continue his scoring ways as he lobbies for the Blossom Valley Athletic League, Santa Teresa Division Sophomore of the Year award. He is currently averaging 16.2 points in 19 minutes per game: lofty numbers for anyone, especially a sophomore.

Sports Schedules

Pioneer High School

Friday, 2/13/04
Boys basketball vs. Oak Grove 6/7:30 (JV, V)

Tuesday, 2/17/04
Girls basketball @ Independence 5:30/7 (JV, V)
Girls soccer—first CCS contest (TBA)
Boys soccer—first CCS contest (TBA)

Thursday, 2/19/04
Girls basketball vs. Gunderson 5:30/7 (JV, V)

Leland High School

Wednesday 2/11/04
Boys soccer @ Leland 7:00
Girls basketball vs. Del Mar 5:30/7 (JV, V)
Boys freshman basketball @ Oak Grove 7:00

Wednesday 2/11/04
Boys soccer vs. Pioneer 7:00

Friday 2/13/04
Boys basketball vs. Branham 6/7:30 (JV, V)

Tuesday 2/17/04
Girls soccer—CCS playoffs (TBA)

Wednesday, 2/18/04
Boys basketball @ Prospect 5:30/7 (JV, V)
Boys freshman basketball vs. Los Gatos 3:30
Girls basketball @ Santa Teresa 5:30/7

Valley Christian girls soccer finishes 5th in WCAL
Underdogs hope to gain respect in CCS

By Miranda Schultz
Sports Editor

Being the underdog isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In most cases, the underdog is held in high respect, like a hero in the eyes of the spectators. They pay their dues, and gain their respect with hard work.

The Valley Christian girls soccer team has only three seniors on the team, two of which are starters. The majority of the team is underclassmen; only two of the three seniors on the team are starters.

First year head coach, Jolene Keel, says, “We’ve surprised a lot of teams this year, we’ve held our own against a lot of the big teams like Presentation and Mitty. I’ve had numerous positive comments from parents and coaches about our level of play this year, considering our youth.”

Keel considers the team’s greatest strength to be their ability to play together as a team. “They have really grown into a family. There is no showboating on this team and no one is selfish. They play with a lot of heart. I am a really lucky coach,” says Keel.

January was a big month for the girls as they beat Presentation, who finished fourth in the league, and tied to Mitty, second in the league. The theme this year, “believe,” found a permanent place in their hearts after those games, and they have blue camouflage t-shirts to prove it.

“After that, the girls really seemed to realize that they had the ability to succeed, and it was a boost to their confidence. They really started to believe in themselves and I think that is what we’re going to take into the playoffs.”

Team captains, senior Melissa Crespo, and junior Lauren Vroom, will carry the team into the CCS tournament with their exceptional talent as leaders. “Lauren plays every minute of every game, she’s a born leader and she mans our defense. She’s strong and physical, she wins every ball in the air. Melissa knows the game so well, she’s a tactical and talented player, I am confident in their ability to carry this team,” says Keel.

Vroom’s sister, freshman Erin Vroom, was moved up to varsity at the end of the regular season following a stellar JV year. The sibling duo lives in Almaden, along with powerhouse freshman Danielle Cory, who played on varsity all year, with one goal and two assists for the season.

The CCS seeding will be held this Saturday. Game schedules are to be announced at that time.

Valley Christian boys soccer best team in school’s history

With a record of 15-2-5, the Valley Christian High School boys soccer team is the best in the school’s soccer history. The Mercury News ranked the team fourth of about 120 schools in the Central Coast Section. The team record, and the ranking by the Mercury News are the best the team has ever had.

A 3-2 win against Mitty on Tuesday, paired with Bellarmine’s loss to Serra, puts Valley Christian, who finished second in the West Valley Athletic League, in the running for a co-champion title. “If Bellarmine doesn’t win the league tournament, they will have to be co-champion with the winner of the tournament, which gives us a great opportunity to upgrade,” says assistant coach John Besanese.

Seniors Brandon Stirm and Jimmy Coggan lead the team, both scoring in the game against Mitty. Coggan’s last minute goal pushed Valley Christian ahead for the win. Coggan leads the league in scoring with 16 goals. Coggan’s sophomore sibling Jeffrey ended league play as the league's leader in assists, with eight.

Valley Christian is gearing up for a tough match against Serra on Thursday. “Serra is a great team, but as long as we play our game, I think we’ll do really well. We played them last week and beat them 4-1, but you never really know. It’s going to be both a physical and tough game.

“Our biggest strength is the leadership and togetherness of the guys. We have some really strong players and the kids work for one another. Having a team that plays like a team is great, all of our players give us everything they have. That is the way we win games. Also, the school is very supportive of us, they’ve given us a lot of support,” says Besanese.

Dear Leland boys’ basketball,

As this paper prints, on the eve of Valentine’s Day, 2004, I wish to tell you, Leland High School boys’ basketball team and Coach Dave Frandsen, that I love you. I love how hard you try. And I love that you have promise, with good players like David Farsai and Gabe Castaneda returning next year for another season. And I love that senior Doug Proudfoot leaves his heart on the court after every game; that he hustles, and leads by example, so the other, younger players can learn.

However, news is news, Leland, and I can’t hide it any longer. You lost this week, Leland. You lost to Independence High School and Westmont High School by a combined score of 100-86. I can never forgive you for this, Leland. I can never forget. And though this probably hurts, you must persevere because you have three tough games remaining on your schedule. You have a game Fri, Feb. 13, versus Branham at home, and two games away, versus Prospect and Willow Glen.

Despite our differences, I sincerely hope that you win these remaining games, Leland basketball. I hope you can summon the strength from deep within your soul and continue your journey along the path of attempt and forget [or contempt and regret].

But I believe in you, Leland, though I remain by your side only in heart. And I’m sorry to you and to anyone else who this article may have offended, because it wasn’t meant to offend. It was meant for so much more.

And now with this weight off my chest, I want to express my hope for the Happiest Valentine’s Day in Almaden ever.

Rainbows, Hearts, and Unicorn Dreams.

I love you, Leland.

-Your secret admirer 2004

Leland serves Westmont retribution, beats Leigh in OT; appears to be primed for MHAL basketball Championship

By Justin Petersen

Coach Wade Nakamura and his lady Chargers of Leland High School had a hectic week at work. Between seeking revenge, silencing naysayers, and positioning themselves for a league championship there’s been a lot going on.

However, the girls appear more focused than ever, playing the best basketball they’ve played all season and peaking at just the right time.

“Every game’s important,” said Nakamura. “We just have to take them one at a time.”

Last week Leland faced Westmont High School, a rematch of Leland’s only double overtime victory of the season.

This time the Warriors had trouble making it past the second quarter, finally losing by 27 points, 51-24.

“The first time we played (Westmont) we got kneed in the backside up and down the court,” said Nakamura.

Tighter officiating helped Leland, who depends largely on a dominant post game, beat Westmont easily in the rematch.

Then, on Fri, Feb. 6, the Chargers traveled to Leigh High School to face the Longhorns, Leland’s closest competition in the Blossom Valley Athletic League, Mount Hamilton Division.

Earlier in the week, the San Jose Mercury News had printed a story celebrating Leigh’s talents. But Leland wasn’t quick to believe.

Ultimately Leland won in a single overtime, 66-58. However, the game was much closer than the final score.

Leland junior Jackie Gerorge, a major scoring threat and sturdy defensive plug, got into early foul trouble after scoring 12 points in the first half. With George on the bench and essentially a non-factor in the second half, Nakamura called upon the talents of sophomore, Hillary Barnes, who filled in, limiting the success of Leigh’s most effective player, Laura McLellan.

“She (Hillary Barnes) played some huge minutes for us,” said Nakamura. “She grabbed big boards, played great defense, and hustled all over the court. She’s been a great help for us this year.”

Despite the humble assistance of Ms. Barnes, Liz Widgren was the real star of the game. Widgren, a senior post-player, dumped in 24 points and grabbed 15 rebounds on the night.

“She (Widgren) was huge for us in the second half,” said Nakamura. “And our guards did great too.”

Leland’s guards by committee, including Meggie and Christie Yoshioka, Kaleen Ugai, and Mika Yanai, hit 8-9 free throws in overtime, securing the victory down the stretch.

“It’s great that we won,” said Nakamura, “But like I say, we have to take one game at a time. Next it’s Santa Teresa.”

Leland has a bye this Friday, but plays at Santa Teresa High School on Wed, Feb. 18. Leland hopes to resolve a dispute which began last year after ST beat Leland in the final game of the season, ending the Chargers’ hopes of a 2002-2003 league championship. But Santa Teresa will have a tough time spoiling a determined Leland squad this year. The Chargers have yet to forget.

Pioneer boys basketball team proves too mature for mental lapse, log two more victories

By Justin Petersen

The Pioneer High School boys’ basketball team continued its fairy-tale destruction of the Blossom Valley Athletic League, Mount Hamilton Division this week, recording resounding victories over Gunderson High School and Santa Teresa High School.

It’s not so much that beating these two cellar-dwellers is an impressive feat. They aren’t great teams. The impressive part is by the quality of the victories and the degree of focus demonstrated by the Mustangs.

“We played good basketball this week,” said Pioneer Coach Joe Berticevich. “We didn’t let down [after the big win versus Leigh].”

Pioneer beat Gunderson and ST by a combined score of 124-79, largely at the hands of second teamers’ and younger Mustangs.

Mustangs, Ceylon Elgin-Taylor and Mark Bundlie accounted for the majority of Pioneer’s offense, scoring a combined 80 points in the two games. [Elgin-Taylor had a 30 point performance versus Santa Teresa]

“Despite how young we are,” said Berticevich, “we are mature in playing experience. Our starters have all been there before.”

As the season winds down, Pioneer remains in the hunt for a league championship, but, is probably capable, even, of capturing a CCS championship.

“I don’t want to get ahead of ourselves,” said coach Berticevich. “We need to re-focus and get ready for the remainder of league.”

The remainder of league is daunting to say the least. The three remaining teams on Pioneer’s schedule consist of Piedmont Hills High School [ranked second in the CCS] Oak Grove High School [ranked fourteenth in the CCS], and Leigh High School [ranked tenth in the CCS]. Pioneer’s [ranked ninth in the CCS] toughest work lies ahead. But it’s encouraging to see a team with heart and brains in addition to talent.