Lancer Athletic Wrap-Up

2020-2021 Lancer Athletic Wrap-Up

Salpointe offers a leading athletic program for all student-athletes in a Catholic atmosphere. The school promotes passion, dedication, pride, loyalty, confidence, sportsmanship and competitive spirit.

Salpointe’s tradition of athletic greatness began more than 70 years ago and is the responsibility of every Lancer to maintain. Salpointe believes that the playing fields are extensions of the classroom, places to promote development of the whole person by incorporating Carmelite values, moral leadership and community spirit. This past year, Salpointe athletics brought home an outstanding seven state championships and three state runner-ups. Great job, Lancers!

“Despite the many challenges and obstacles Salpointe athletics faced over the last year, we persevered and battled through it with great success. From daily temperature checks, health screenings, limited fans, and cancellations due to COVID-19, our students made adjustments and thrived. We ended the school year with seven state championships and three state runners-up, a remarkable accomplishment that proves when a community works together, great things can happen. I am very proud of all of our studentathletes and coaches and look forward to continuing our success next year! Go, Lancers!”

– PHIL GRUENSFELDER, SALPOINTE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

Esports Excels During First Season

This past year, Salpointe joined more than 3,000 high schools across the country with an esports team. Esports refers to organized video game competitions that involve collaborative teamwork, communication, sportsmanship and conceptual thinking. The team experienced a remarkable first season, finishing as State Runner-Up in the endof-year tournament!

Salpointe’s esports team is coached by faculty members Amy Ball and Kathy McQuown ’76. Athletes compete in video games League of Legends and Rocket League within the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA). The team meets and competes three or four days a week against other Arizona high schools.

Team members Felipe Garcia ’23 and Tyler Bish ’22 were featured in a KOLD News 13 story highlighting the successes of the first year program. Felipe told KOLD that esports helped him greatly during COVID-19 lockdowns and distancing.

“I’m happy the team was formed this year because we didn’t get to see each other as often,” Garcia said. “It’s been a great experience. I got to make some new friends, talk to some old friends, play with them and compete for the school.”

2020-2021 Team Results FALL SPORTS

• Women’s Cross Country: State Champions • Men’s Cross Country: State Champions • Women’s Volleyball: State Champions

• Football: State Semifinalist • Women’s Golf: 8th Place in State • Men’s Golf: 6th Place in State • Women’s Swim and Dive: 4th Place in State • Men’s Swim and Dive: 8th Place in State

WINTER SPORTS

• Women’s Soccer: State Champions • Men’s Soccer: State Champions

• Women’s Basketball: State Runner-Up • Men’s Basketball: State Semifinalist • Wrestling: No season due to COVID-19

SPRING SPORTS

• Beach Volleyball: State Champions • Softball: State Champions

• Baseball: State Runner-Up • Women’s Tennis: State Semifinalist • Men’s Tennis: 4th Place in Section • Women’s Track & Field: 3rd Place in State • Men’s Track & Field: 4th Place in State • Men’s Volleyball: State Semifinalist • Women’s Lacrosse: 4th Place in JV Division • Men’s Lacrosse: 15th Place in State • Rugby: No season due to COVID-19

YEAR-ROUND

• Esports State Runner-Up • Cheer: 4th Place in State • Dance: 3rd Place in State Kylie Wild Breaks Records

It was an outstanding year for Kylie Wild ’23, who won individual championships in the 5000M event in cross country and the 1600M and 3200M races in track & field. Kylie also broke a school record in the 1600M race with an outstanding time of 5:02.23. Congratulations on a great year, Kylie!

Rylen Bourguet Wins 3 State Titles

For many student-athletes, being part of just one state championship team during their four years in high school is a remarkable accomplishment. Rylen Bourguet ’23 was able to pull off the unthinkable: winning three state titles in one year! Rylen competed on the volleyball, soccer and beach volleyball teams, which all won the state championship this past school year.

“I’ve been blessed with amazing coaches for volleyball and soccer, and of course my teammates helped me along the way,” Rylen said. “It’s not a solo act. I wouldn’t be where I am right now without them.” Congratulations, Rylen!