The Viking: Volume 7, Issue 6

2014

YEAR IN REVIEW

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Volume VII, Issue 6 May 2014

Staff List Editors-in-Chief Zoe Bhargava Rowan McEvoy Alex Murray Managing Editors Priscilla Bell Anna Dukovic Clara Harrington Maddie Kinnaman Hayley Poore Sheila Subramanian Design Editor Paige Bara

Photo Editors Katie Foug Olivia Scola Multimedia Editor Gillian Chryst Business Manager Megan Valencia Columnist Garrett Reynolds Staff Writers Bryn Carlson Alys Olmstead

Senior Staff Writers Paul Bienaimé Audrey DeBruine Tori Destefano Ami Drez Tara Lawrence Niall Patrick Pippa Raffel Zach Rizk Julia Saul Chris Smith Josh Stern Staff Adviser R. Michael McNulty

The Viking Palo Alto High School 50 Embarcadero Road Palo Alto, CA 94301 650-329-3837 Email contact: vikingeds@gmail.com Advertising and Sponsorship Contact: vikingads@gmail.com The Viking, a sports magazine published by the students in Palo Alto High School’s Advanced Magazine Journalism class, is an open forum for student expression and the discussion of issues of concern to its readership. The Viking is distributed to its readers and the student body at no cost. The staff welcomes letters to the editor, but reserves the right to edit all submissions for length, grammar, potential libel, invasion of privacy and obscenity.

Advertising in The Viking

The staff publishes advertisements with signed contracts providing they are not deemed by the staff inappropriate for the magazine’s audience. For more information about advertising with The Viking, please contact the The Viking by email at vikingeds@gmail.com Printing Services 2,500 copies of The Viking are printed, six times a year by Fricke-Parks Press in Fremont, Calif.

MAY 2014

LINEUP Volume VII Issue 6 May 2014

ZOOMS 6 8 10

#WET #SPRINT #ATTACK

KICKOFF

12 14

Staff view Hot or not & Pop culture

15

Inside the mind of Omri Newman (‘14)

16

Ten questions with Allie Peery (‘15)

17

Underclassmen upset Powderpuff wrap-up

18

Finish line

24

College Recruiting Map

by PIPPA RAFFEL

AWARDS 31

Coach of the Year

by PAUL BIENAIMÉ

32

Girls’ Team of the Year

by CLARA HARRINGTON

34

Boys’ Team of the Year

by PRISCILLA BELL

36

Female Underclassman of the Year

by HAYLEY POORE

37

Male Underclassman of the Year

by GARRETT REYNOLDS

46

COLUMNS Last word

BIG HOPS Jacey Pederson (‘16) flies through the air in the long jump event at Milpitas High School. Pederson also competes in the triple jump.

Bottom 10 Moments 26 Top 10 Moments 28 A recap of Paly’s worst sporting moments from 2013-2014

A recap of Paly’s best sporting moments from 2013-2014

by AMI DREZ and ZACH RIZK

by AUDREY DEBRUINE and MADDIE KINNAMAN

by JOSH STERN

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Michelle Xie

by ANNA DUKOVIC

pg. 38

UPPERCLASSMEN ATHLETES OF THE YEAR Andrew Liang

by GILLIAN CHRYST and ALYS OLMSTEAD

pg. 40

ZOOM

#WET

Andrew Liang (‘14)

swimming his strongest stroke, butterfly. He holds the CCS record for 100 fly with a time of 47.09 seconds.

photo by Olivia Scola

ZOOM #SPRINT Megan Tall (‘14) Races to the finsh line coming in 1st place in the 200 meter at Milpitas. Teammate Jacey Pederson (‘16) took second place.

photo by Katie Foug

ZOOM

#ATTACK Lisa Rogge (‘15)

carries the ball down the field against Saratoga. The Lady Vikes beat the Falcons 15-13 to win the SCVAL championship.

photo by Olivia Scola

From the editors Dear readers, We’re excited to present to you the sixth issue of The Viking for the 2013-2014 school year. In this issue of The Viking, we continue the annual tradition of Year in Review highlights of an entire year of Paly athletics.

As we embark on our summer vacations, we’d like to say our thanks to our faithful readers, contributors, sponsors and lastly our seniors for helping us continue on with another

great volume of The Viking.

We’d like to give an especially big thanks to our former editors-in-chiefs Pippa Raffel and Josh Stern for teaching us the Viking ways and preparing us to take over the magazine.

We’d also like to honor our fantastic adviser Mr. McNulty for serving as a true mentor and friend throughout the year. We are very sad to see him go and wish him the best in his retire-

ment!

As the editors-in-chiefs for the next six issues of The Viking, we are excited to continue the legacy that the previous seven leadership staffs have created for us.

Thanks so much for your continued support and readership. We hope you have a fantastic summer!

See you in August!

Zoe Bhargava, Rowan McEvoy and Alex Murray

Staff view

The NBA responded appropriately to Clippers’ owner Donald Sterling’s racist remarks Recently, Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling was recorded saying racist remarks pertaining to African Americans by his girlfriend V. Stiviano. NBA commissioner Adam Silver subsequently banned Sterling from the league for life and assessed a $2.5 million fine.

Sterling may also be forced to sell his team. Although quite a few publications and individuals have already released statements and columns regarding the incident, members of The Viking discussed the issue and wanted to voice an opinion as well. The Viking believes that the NBA responded appropriately to Sterling’s racist remarks. As Miami Heat forward Lebron James put it, “There’s no room for Donald Sterling in the NBA.” The NBA certainly does not have room for Sterling. With the majority of its players being African-American, allowing Sterling to get away with anything less than the maximum penalty (which he was given) brings a sense of illegitimacy to the league. The NBA could not truly represent the interests of its players without cleansing itself of Sterling. Many players have denounced the actions of Sterling, and even the Clippers themselves staged a demonstration against his actions. During warm-ups before the fourth game of their first round playoff series with the Golden State Warriors, Clippers players all wore their shirts inside out

12 | T H E V I K I N G |

so that the Clippers’ logo could not be seen on them.

Even with such a harsh ruling, Sterling has actually not lost a whole lot. According to Forbes, Sterling’s net worth is valued at $1.9 billion, so $2.5 million is somewhat of a paltry sum. Additionally, Sterling’s racist past means that these newly released comments are nothing new. In 2009, Sterling paid $2.7 million to settle a lawsuit over discriminatory renting and was also sued by former Clippers’ general manager Elgin Baylor over employment discrimination based on age and race.

While some argue that losing the team is unfair, Sterling doesn’t seem particularly taken by the team in the first place. Sterling received criticism in 2010 for taunting and heckling point guard Baron Davis among a number of players from his courtside seat. With an owner that heckles his own team, being forced to sell the team doesn’t seem like a horrible thing at all. Furthermore, Sterling could turn a nice profit; he bought the Clippers, currently valued by Forbes at $575 million, for $12.5 million back in 1981.

With a reputation that is far from “sterling”, Sterling’s presence should grace the NBA no longer. With a league that recently welcomed the first openly gay player in a major American sport, the NBA cannot and should not allow

w w w. v i k i n g s p o r t s m a g . c o m

racism to exist within itself. In a world where sports stand for much more than just a game, it is important that sports teams and leagues make the right decisions when pressed with issues such as racism. <<<

Donald Sterling in 1989 Image taken from

We will miss our seniors!

Paul BienaimĂŠ

Audrey DeBruine

Tara Lawrence

Zach Rizk

Tori Destefano

Niall Patrick

Julia Saul

Ami Drez

Pippa Raffel

Chris Smith

Josh Stern

This year, we have had the pleasure of learning the Viking ways from our eleven fabulous seniors. We are sad to see them go, but wish them the best of luck in their upcoming adventures. Thanks for the great year, guys. We are excited to continue your legacy.

MAY 2014

P Culture Grid Su

mm

The op

What Paly athletes say

er

Ed

itio

n!

W H A T D O P A LY AT H L E T E S S AY ?

Andrew Liang (`14)

Andrea Clerici (`14)

Walker Ritchie (`15)

Patrick Fuery (`14)

Karina Chan (`16)

Beach or pool?

Beach

Beach

Pool

Beach

Beach

Beating Wilcox

Winning leagues

Watching Olympic figure skating

Boys’ swimming

Best memory of 2013-2014?

Girls’ lacrosse

First day of Beating Gunn & school streakers St. Francis

Baseball

Boys’ golf

Girls’ badminton

Popsicles or ice cream?

Ice cream

Popsicles

Ice cream

Ice cream

Ice cream

Favorite summer activity?

Breaking out the red solos

Tanning

Traveling

Golf with the boys

Drawing

HOT #SpikeBall

Second story

For those of you who did not take an AP test in the new math and history building, you’re missing out. Besides looking incredibly new and having a second story, the desks in the building actually have room to sit in them and don’t restrict your movements. Next year is going to be a real treat.

Spike ball has been quite the rage on campus as of late. Students have been spotted playing the popular game on the quad and near the language building.

The game consists of spiking a little yellow ball down into a trampoline sort of net. What’s not to like?

Bay Area bust

After promising seasons by both the Sharks and Warriors, both teams managed to lose in the final game of their respective first round series. While the Warriors played a back and forth series with the Los Angeles Clippers, San Jose thoroughly choked and dropped its final four games to the Los Angeles Kings en route to a series loss.

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Racial remarks

This has not been a great few weeks for Los Angeles Clippers’ owner Donald Sterling. Since racist remarks he said to his girlfriend were released by TMZ, Sterling has taken a public nosedive. In an interview with CNN, Sterling argued that he was not racist. One memorable quote he included: ““What has he done?

Can you tell me? Big Magic Johnson, what has he done? He’s got AIDS”. Ouch.

N OT Images taken from

Inside the mind of

Omri Newman (‘14) as told to Josh Stern and Sheila Subramanian

On water sports

On #SSS

“I like water polo practice “There are two main definitions for more, but I prefer big swim- SSS. The most common one is secming competitions like ond semester senior. Another definileagues and CCS. Water polo tion that my friends and I came up has a more fun and engaging with at the end of first semester is practice, but nothing beats S**t Shiri [Arnon (‘14)] Says. SSS has the thrill of a swim meet.” become a big part of my life these past couple of months - it has driven me to achieve greatness and to On high school accomplish my goals.”

“It’s been the best time of my life. I love it, and I’m sad that it’s going to be over soon. Since I’m going to Foothill though next year, I’ll still be at home.”

For ‘interested’ girls

“Don’t be easy, everyone likes a little challenge. Reading glasses are super cute.”

Best features?

“I would have to say my tan and hairy body, but also my jaw line.”

On bromance

“I would say [my, John Young (‘14) and Andrew Liang’s (‘14)] three way relationship is ‘outta control’, it’s a complete go and this semester would have been horrible without them in my life. I love ‘em to death, they are my Asian brethren.”

On the JCC hype

“I love it there. It’s my home away from home. I go there all the time, and I’m Jewish which makes it even better.”

MAY 2014

10Questions with

Allie Peery(‘15)

as told to Katie Foug and Olivia Scola

The Viking asked Paly girls’ lacrosse attacker Allie Peery 10 questions about herself and then compared her responses to those of her coach Jamie Nesbitt, boyfriend Charlie Oliveira (‘15) and teammate Paige Anderson (‘15). Read on to discover who knows Allie best!

Allie Peery

Questions

Jamie Nesbitt

Charlie Oliveira

Coach

Boyfriend

Nice jaw bones

Best physical feature in a guy

Arms

Eyes

Smile

Zac Efron

Celebrity crush

Liam Hemsworth

Chris Martin

Zac Efron

Cycling class

Favorite off season workout

Soul cycle

Running

Insanity

Beating Saint Francis

Best memory of the season

Beating Saint Francis

Beating Gunn

Beating Saint Francis

Sunrise

A Milli

Feeling Myself

Fruit

Protein Bar

Orange

Social media faux paus

Chewing with mouth open

Chewing with mouth open

Coconut water

Coconut water

Coconut water

Girls’ lacrosse

A Milli by Lil Wayne Fruit

Pump up song Pre-game snack

People licking their fingers

Biggest pet peeve

Paige Anderson Teammate

Coconut water

Favorite sports drink

New Girl

Favorite tv show

New Girl

New Girl

The Hills

Swimming at the University club

Summer activity of choice

Beach

Beach

Swimming

Images taken from

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50%

30%

50%

Photo by Alys Olmstead

Underclassmen UPSET

BY THE NUMBERS:

5 0 12

Number of touch downs scored by Jacey Pederson (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;16)

Total number of points scored by upperclassmen

Number of injuries suffered from falling on the turf

In this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s round of Powderpuff Games at Paly, the sophomore class triumphed over the other grades. The underclassmen dominated the field early on, with a 7-0 win for the freshmen against the seniors. When the sophomores took on the juniors, the class of 2016 won 21-0. In the final Powderpuff game, the freshmen and sophomore teams battled it out on the football field. Dominating the turf, the sophomore girls won with a final score of 14-0.

The finish line Paly’s athletic 2013-2014 campaign

>>> For more online coverage and game recaps, check out vikingsportsmag.com

BOYS’ WATER POLO Boys’ water polo had a successful season, ending with a league record of 10-2. The Vikings were able to dominate in all league games except for those against rival Gunn.

They held a 0-3 record against the Titans after losing to them during the SCVAL championship game.

The boys coasted to a first round victory in CCS after beating Pioneer. The Vikings ended

up beating Gunn for the first time all season during CCS quarterfinals game and advanced to the semifinals. The team ended their season after a loss during the CCS semifinals against Bellarmine College Preparatory.

Sam Kelley (‘14), Winston Rosati (‘16), Ethan Look (‘14) and Lucas Novak (‘15) led the team in goals. Novak, Rosati, Andrew Josefov (‘17) and others will lead next year.

GIRLS’ WATER POLO After losing key starting players Martine Leclerc (‘13) and Abby Bromberg (‘13) from the 2012-2013 season, the girls’ water polo team turned to the key returning varsity members Tess van Hulsen (‘15), Katie Francis (‘16) and Emma Wolfe (‘14) to lead the young team.

Girls’ water polo had a tough season, undergoing a coaching change mid-season to

18 | T H E V I K I N G |

Aileen Delaney and Polly Ziegler after Danny Dye stepped down from his head coaching position. The Lady Vikes suffered a reduction in the number of players as well as several changes in player positions. The team finished the season with a disappointing league record of 4-12 and did not end up qualifying for any of the Central Coast Section (CCS) games.

w w w. v i k i n g s p o r t s m a g . c o m

FOOTBALL

The Vikings suffered a tough season after losing vital players after last season such as Erik Anderson (‘13), Spencer Drazovich (‘13), Matt Tolbert (‘13), the Gates-Mouton brothers (‘13) and Larry Allen (‘13).

The team finished its season with a league record of 6-6 after disappointing losses in close games to both Milpitas and Wilcox. The Vikes

VOLLEYBALL

Vikings volleyball had a successful season with a 25-11 record overall and 8-4 record in the De Anza division. The girls ended the league season in third place behind Los Altos and Homestead. Jessica Lee (‘17) started for the team at setter after the team lost former setter Sophia Bono (‘13.

Two key players of this year’s varsity volleyball team were seniors Becca Raffel (‘14) and Keri Gee (‘14).

dominated the first round of CCS after beating Leland High School but didn’t make it past the second round after a loss to Archbishop Mitty.

Next year, Paly will rely on the key, young players such as Eli Givens (‘16), Oliver Svirsky (‘16), Shaun Pike (‘16) and Justin Hull (‘16) to help lead the team to victory.

The highlights of the 2014 season included beating Los Altos at the dig pink night, defeating Menlo Atherton during CCS semis as the underdogs and making it to the CIF Division 1 NorCal semi-finals.

“Beating Menlo-Atherton in five sets to go to the CCS finals and guaranteeing us a spot in NorCals was so exciting,” Becca Raffel said.

“I’m so glad we did so well in my senior season.”

BOYS’ CROSS-COUNTRY After suffering through a slow season in the fall of 2012, the 2013 season Paly boys’ crosscountry team qualified for the Central Coast Section Championship and placed ninth.

Under the leadership of a new coach, Kelsey Feely, the team was plumbous by Lucas Matison (‘15), who transfered to Paly this year after attending Carlmont for his first two years of high school. Matison became injured after

he suffered from an accident while biking and could put his strong talent to use during CCS. Talented freshmen such as Kent Slaney (‘17), Kai Oda (‘17) and Ben Beaudry (‘17) also contributed a significant amount to the team’s success this season and will continue to lead the team during the next year’s promising 2014-15 season.

GIRLS’ CROSS-COUNTRY This year’s cross-country team was exceptionally young, with six of the seven varsity runners being underclassmen due to the loss of Nora Rosati (‘13) and others Dominant runner Audrey DeBruine (‘14) was not able to compete during her senior season due to injuries. “We had a disappointing season that definitely did not live

up to our expectations,” DeBruine said.

Bryn Carlson (‘16) and Katie Foug (‘15) contributed a great amount throughout the season through their victories. Many members of the team were plagued with injury— the top three runners all ended up sick or injured at the CCS meet, which led to a disappointing 15th place finish at the meet.

GIRLS’ TENNIS Despite losing Katy Abbott (‘13), Tiffany Nguyen (’13) and Sammy Solomon (‘13), the girls’ tennis had a good season, finishing with a record of 19-6. Seniors Aashli Budhiraja (‘14) and Felicia Wang (’14) were the top singles players along with freshman Avanika Narayan (’17).

The team started off the season hot, win-

ning the Santa Catalina Tournament and the Paly Invitational as part of a long undefeated streak. The Vikings ended up losing in the CCS semifinals to Monte Vista, a team they had defeated earlier in the year.

They will have to rebuild next year as over half the team will be departing for college.

MAY 2014

GIRLS’ GOLF

Girls’ golf ended its season with an 11-1 record overall. Breaking away from the male golfers to form its own team last fall, the girls were enormously successful in their first season together.

Losing only one match in leagues, the team progressed to CCS where it placed first. In

CIF, the lady Vikes got fourth place with a score of 427. Michelle Xie (‘15) stood out this season with continuous low-scoring matches.

In addition, the team was anchored by Annie Chen (‘14), Audrey Horn (‘14) and Emily Wong (‘17).

BOYS’ SOCCER The boys’ soccer team battled during a tough season with an ending record of 7-8-5. Their season was off to a rough start two immediate losses to Freedom and Bishop O’Dowd.

Then, the team had a break when Antioch forfeited and they were given the win. The teams record began to improve when they

tied the two next games and won the next two after that against Menlo and Yerba Buena. “It was a good season and a good group of guys and I think we really came together in the end,” Jack Brooke (‘15) said. “Especially in the last game against Fremont,”

GIRLS’ SOCCER The girls’ soccer team ended a successful season with an overall record of 11-5-5. The team started off slow with two initial losses against Carlmont and Menlo-Atherton. The Vikings then came back to win their next three games in a row; one of these wins being a tight game against rival Gunn high school with an

ending score of 3-2. Their season was cut short in the CCS quarterfinals, in which there was a tough loss to Los Gatos. The team will be losing key seniors Sunny Lyu (‘14), Megan Tall (‘14), Jessica Branson (‘14) and Julia Kwasnick (‘14). The team will look to younger players in the years to come such as Jacey Pederson (‘16).

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

Girls’ basketball ended their season with a 13-13 record overall and 5-7 record in league. The Lady Vikes lost in the CCS semifinals against North Salinas.

Key players this past season included Maddy Atwater (‘16) and Lauren Koyama (‘17), who averaged 6.1 and 11.3 points per game respectively.

Both Charlotte Alipate (‘14) and Hope Crockett (‘14) suffered injuries throughout the entire season, preventing them from

competing to their full potential in games.

According to captain Alipate, the highlight of their season was the quarterfinal CCS game against Mountain View. “We came back and won after being down by so much [in the beginning],” Alipate said.

The team hopes to utilize their young talent including Atwater and Koyama to lead them to victory in the years to come and hopefully earn a CCS championship.

With the loss of six seniors considered to be key players on the team, it was expected that the boys’ basketball team would not be a strong force. Despite such losses, the boys’ basketball team exceeded all expectations and ended with a league record of 8-4, finishing as second best in the league behind Los Altos with the help of leading scorers Kevin Mullin (‘15) and Keesean Johnson (‘14). The Vikings played the last game in the Paly gym against historic rival

Sequoia, a winning game that sent the Vikes to the second round of CCS. The Vikings lost the quarterfinals game to Menlo Atherton, bringing their overall record to 15-11.

Though the team will experience a loss of vital players like Johnson, Clark Schmutz (‘14), Noah Phillips (‘14) and Matthew Fogarty (‘14), the Vikings will look to younger players as well as returning varsity players to lead the team next season.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL

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WRESTLING

The varsity wrestling team endured a difficult season, with only one Senior, Josh Deckelman (‘15) and ended the season with a 1-5 record. Key wrestlers from last year that graduated included Erik Anderson (‘13) and Gary Hohbach (‘13). Despite this, James Giaccia believes that next year’s team will build upon this

season and enjoy success.

“Next year will be more promising, with hopefully two future CCS champs,” Giaccia said.

The best wrestlers included Seth Goyal (‘17), Giaccia (‘15) and Deckelman (‘14).

BOYS’ LACROSSE With new head coach D.J. Shelton, boys’ lacrosse finished with an overall record of 12-6 and 7-3 in league.

Stand-out players were captain Jordan Gans (‘14) and the promising group of younger players including Matt Seligson (‘16) and Quintin Valenti (‘16). Seligson started as forward for almost every game and contributed goals each game. Valenti was the goalie through-

out the season and had many key saves.

The Vikings demonstrated team efforts and commitment after shutting down SCVAL champions Menlo-Atherton twice and breaking Sacred Heart Prep’s perfect record on the Vikings’ senior night. The boys ended up losing to Menlo-Atherton 11-10 in the SCVAL League semifinals game, preventing them from facing Sacred Heart in the championship game.

GIRLS’ LACROSSE

The varsity girls’ lacrosse team had a lot to prove this season after losing 13 seniors.

The Lady Vikes lost former co-captains Nina Kelty (‘13) and Charlotte Biffar (‘13), both All-Americans and key players to the Paly team. They also shared one coach, Jamie Nesbitt, between both JV and varsity.

However, despite some setbacks, the Vikings had an overall dominant season. Their

SOFTBALL

Following a tough 2012-13 season with a record of 3-22, the teams record improved immensely. After last year, the softball team moved down into the lower El Camino league and now has a new coaching staff. Now coaching the Vikings is Bill Laskey, a former San Francisco Giants pitcher. Laskey has helped the team earn triple the wins as that of last year’s team.

The team hit a tough stretch midseason in

overall league record was 13-1. Paly also came back to defeat rivals Saint Francis, who they have lost to in the championships for the past three years, 14-11 after being down seven points. The Lady Vikes defeated Saint Francis at the SCVAL semifinals game and are now looking to hopefully win the league championship game this coming Saturday.

which they lost three games against Fremont, Mountain View and Sacred Heart Cathedral.

Each was lost by only one run. They made a comeback by defeating top ranked Milpitas, 7-6.

Casey Glassford (‘15) led the team offensively with a top batting average of .429 followed by Hannah Bundy (‘14), who had a batting average of .364. The team hopes to win key upcoming games to secure a path back into the upper De Anza league.

BASEBALL The baseball team currently has an overall record of 11-12. The beginning of its season was disappointing, with four losses in a row to start out the season. The Vikings then came back with three wins in a row, against Saratoga twice and then Carlmont. The team dominated rival high school Gunn by beat-

ing them twice with a score of 9-1 both times.

The team hopes to win key upcoming games and win its league and move onto the SCVAL league. A key player has been shortstop Jack Cleasby (‘14) who has a batting average of .448 and has hit three home runs and has 22 RBI’s.

MAY 2014

BOYS’ TRACK & FIELD After graduating a key team members, Justin Gates-Mouton (‘13), Jayshawn GatesMouton (‘13), Matt Tolbert (‘13), Michael Johnson (‘13), Eilon Tzur (‘13), Grant Shorin (‘13) and Victor Du (‘13), the Paly boys’ track and field team was filled with new talent as underclassmen stepped up to the challenge.

The team has been lead this season by Nick Sullivan (‘14) and Eli Givens (‘16).

Over the course of the season, the two have tied multiple times in the 200m. As of May 9, Sullivan is ranked third in the 200m and second in the 400m in the Central Coast Section. Givens is ranked second in the 200m, third in the 400m and third in the 100m.

Going into the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League finals, the prospects look strong for the team.

GIRLS’ TRACK AND FIELD The Palo Alto High School girls’ track and field team finished its season 4-2 in the De Anza League, earning third place after Gunn High School and Los Gatos High School. Former head coach Paul Jones resumed his position as head coach this spring. The team has been led by Megan Tall (‘14), Jess Branson (‘14) and Anna

Dukovic (‘15) in sprints, while underclassmen Bryn Carlson (‘16), Sophia Armitano (‘16) and Catherine Yu (‘16) have been dominant in distance, throws, and hurdles, respectively.

“Track has been an amazing experience over my four years, and I will really miss it,” captain Audrey DeBruine (‘14) said.

BOYS’ SWIMMING The Paly boys’ swimming team had a very successful season, finishing undefeated in leagues and securing first place in the SCVAL championship meet for the ninth consecutive time. Dominant swimmers this season included Andrew Liang (‘14), Alex Liang (‘17), Winston Wang (‘15), Andrew Cho (‘16), Willy Lee (‘14), Scott Powell (‘14), Omri Newman (‘14), William Shin (‘15) and

Sam Kelley (‘14). Liang set a league record in the 50 free with a time of 20.33 seconds and beat his old league record for the 100 fly set last year with a time of 47.74 seconds.

The Vikings will compete in the CCS championship meet and hope to end Bellarmine’s 29 year winning streak by finishing in first place for the first time in Paly history.

The girls’ swimming team experienced several losses during the league season against team rivals Monta Vista, Los Gatos and Gunn. The Lady Vikes finished with a league record of 3-3. Despite such losses, the team finished in second place at the SCVAL meet, just 16 points behind Monta Vista. Many girls secured their CCS cuts in their best events during leagues.

Dominant swimmers this season included Grace Zhao (‘17), Elizabeth Wilkinson (‘17), Jayna Wittenbrink (‘14), Brittany Ngyuen (‘16), Katie Francis (‘16) and Kayleigh Svensson (‘16). These swimmers, along with a few others, will be competing in the CCS meet and wish to place in the top five alongside other top swimming schools.

GIRLS’ SWIMMING

BOYS’ TENNIS Led by number one singles Blake Smith (‘14) as well as number one doubles duo Aditya Mahadevan (‘14) and Jack Paladin (‘14), the boys’ tennis team finished with a strong overall record of 14-7. Early in the season, they attended the California Classic Tournament in Fresno and placed third. After coming in second in their league, they reached

22 | T H E V I K I N G |

the CCS quarterfinals where they lost to powerhouse and heavily-recruited Menlo.

After losing just one senior last year, Mason Haverstock (‘13), the team will lose six this time around. Head coach Andy Harader will look to replace them with talented underclassmen willing to step up as well as turning over the leadership role to new faces.

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DIVING

Despite the loss of Cole Plambeck (‘13) who went on to dive at Duke, the boys’ diving team had an undefeated season with a record of 110. Scott Hillen (‘15) and Reed Merritt (‘16) were the top divers on the team, posting high scores of 461 and 398. Hillen believed it was down to the planning at the beginning of the

season that led them to their winning year.

“The diving season went exactly as planned,” Hillen said. “I mean we won everyone of our dual meets and [Hillen and Merritt] got first and second in league finals.”

BOYS’ GOLF Boys’ golf finished with a 12-0 record, its second undefeated season in a row. The team placed second in the first tournament of the season and placed 13th at its second tournament. Against Los Altos, they boys shot a season low of 176. Gunn was the most threatening competitor in the league, but Paly was able to defeat them twice. The Vikings placed first in SCVAL, just ahead of Gunn, and went

to the first round of CCS. Patrick Fuery (‘14), Henry Gordon (‘16), Alex Hwang (‘15), John Knowles (‘15), Matt Lewis (‘16) and Sam Niethammer (‘14) played in the first round of CCS. Knowles and Lewis qualified individually for the finals by Lewis shooting 76 and Knowles shooting 73. At the finals, Lewis shot 78 and Knowles shot 80, yet neither qualified for the next round.

BADMINTON This year the badminton team finished with a league record of 5-5 after losing two valuable seniors Oliver Wang (‘13) and Gavin Chan (‘13). After suffering a loss in players, the team fell from its early league record of 5-2 as the season progressed. Highlights of the season, however, included beating rival Gunn

in both of the meetings of the season handing the Titans their only losses of the season. As the team will also lose Kevin Zhang (‘14), Alex Fang (‘14) and Tesera Chin (‘14) the team will look to Eric Cheng (‘16) and Alan Hsu (‘16) to step up and lead the team.

The finish line MAY 2014

Class of 2014 By sport:

8 5 4 3 2 1

Football

Univ. of Great Falls: Tony Maharaj (soccer)

Track and field

Whitman College: Issy Kelsey (soccer) Lewis and Clark College: Jensen Hsiao (cross-country, track and field) Univ. of Portland: Jess Branson (track and field) Univ. of Oregon: Chris Smith (baseball)

Swimming Soccer

Univ. of Nevada, Reno: Tully McCalister (football) Univ. of the Pacific: Keri Gee (volleyball)

Volleyball Baseball

Foothill College: Omri Newman (swimming) Stanford Univ.: Keller Chryst (football), Andrew Liang (swimming) CSU, Fresno: Keesean Johnson (football) Cal. Polytechnic State Univ: Malcolm Davis (football), Austin Kron (baseball)

Tennis Rowing

UC Los Angeles: Justin Rittman (football)

Lacrosse Softball Cross-country

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Claremont McKenna College: Andrew Frick (football) UC San Diego: Olivia Koyama (rowing), Jayna Wittenbrink (swimming) Univ. of Arizona: Danny Erlich (baseball)

College Recruiting Map See where athletes of the class of 2014 will continue their athletic careers next year.

Colby College: Julia Saul (softball)

Dartmouth College: Jack Anderson (football) Middlebury College: Becca Raffel (volleyball), Pippa Raffel (track and field)

Univ. of Chicago: Joyce Chang (track and field) Raphael Bargues (football) Kenyon College: Lauren Kerr (volleyball) Miami Univ.: Will Mendenhall (diving)

Univ. of Massachusetts Amherst: James Hindery (rowing) Brown Univ.: Willy Lee (swimming) Yale Univ.: Josh Totte (soccer) Wesleyan Univ.: Aashli Budhiraja (tennis) Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute: Jordan Gans (lacrosse) New York Univ.: Arjun Parikh (soccer) Georgetown Univ.: Nick Sullivan (track and field)

Guilford College: Chasen Chacon (tennis)

MAY 2014

The Viking’s

10

Bottom

Sports Moments of 2013-2014

Despite many successful moments for the 2013-2014 Paly sports teams, this year has had it’s share of sporting disappointments. . Here are The Viking’s bottom 10 Paly sports moments of the year.

by AMI DREZ and ZACH RIZK photos by The Viking staff

10 9 8 7

Better run next time The varsity cross-country teams did not place as high as in years

past. Last season, the varisty girls placed third in CCS and this season they placed 9th. Many key runners were out due to illnesses and injuries. The varsity boys’ team did not place in CCS, bringing the overall cross country season to a disappointing end.

The 7th inning curse

Despite an improved record from last year’s 3-22 league record, the varsity softball team dropped seven games in one-run losses. The Lady Vikes frequently started off strong in their games, but then let the wins slip away in the last innings.

Digging too deep

After girls’ varsity volleyball lost to Homestead twice in the regular season, the Mustangs landed one final blow to the lady Vikes, beating them out in the CCS championship game.

Redemption?

After facing technicalities of an ineligible player and canceling the season last year, the varsity girls’ soccer team had a lot to prove this season. Subsequently, the Vikings had a dominant regular season, and were optimistic as they entered into CCS playoffs.

However, Paly dropped a 2-1 loss to the Los Gatos Wildcats in CCS semis, ending the redemptive season in a disappointing loss.

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6 5 4 3 2

Coming up short

The boys’ varsity golf team had a winning 12-0 winning streak during the regular season, triumphing in SCVAL championships. However, the Vikings suffered a tough loss in the first round of CCS, ending the season.

New stadium, no groove

Despite the opening of the new Palo Alto High School football stadium, the Vikings were subpar to the new turf. Paly went 4-3 in league and lost in the second round of the Central Coast Section (CCS) playoffs to the Saint Francis Lancers. The Vikings suffered some very close losses, falling to Milpitas by a close 31-28 and to Wilcox by three points. Paly also had a disappointing loss on Senior Night to the Los Gatos Wildcats, 35-21.

Season not on target

The varsity girls’ water polo team switched coaches mid-season and suffered some very tough losses. After the retiring of previous head coach, who has been the girls varsity water polo for 4 years, the Lady Vikes had new coach Danny Dye. Dye was the head coach for Swimming and volunteered himself to coach Paly. However, mid-way through the season Dye announced his resignation to the team and the two JV coaches became head coaches for varsity and JV. The Lady Vikes went 3-5 in league and lost to 13-1 in their first game against cross-town rival Gunn.

Out for the season

Due to unfortunate injuries, the only seniors on the girls’ basketball team, Hope Crockett (‘14) and Charlotte Alipate (‘14), were unable to play in their last season for the Vikings.

However, despite their lack of physical presence on the court, the seniors supported the young team throughout the season. Overall, Paly went 5-7 in league.

Momentum shot

Following a momentum boosting win against undefeated Sacred Heart Prep, the boys’ lacrosse team faced a season ending loss in the SCVAL semifinals. The Vikings dropped the SCVAL semis to Menlo Atherton 1110, despite defeating them twice in the regular season.

1

Legends never die

Mac and Hansen are retiring. This year, two of the most influential men in Paly sports history announced their retirement at the end of this year. Their contribution to the school not only made the Vikings what they are today, but will leave an everlasting impact on the Paly community.

MAY 2014

10

The Viking’s

TOP

Sports Moments 2013-2014 of

While there were no state championship games won by Paly, the 2013-2014 sports teams still offered plenty of excitement and unforgettable moments. Here are The Viking’s top 10 Paly sports moments of the year.

by AUDREY DeBRUINE and MADDIE KINNAMAN photos by The Viking staff

10 9 8 7

Big Gym send-off

As the last basketball game ever played in the historic Big Gym, it was only fitting that the Vikings faced off against old-time rival Sequoia High School, as the Cherokees were the first foes Paly faced back when the gym opened. The boys’ basketball team grabbed a 61-47 win in front of a nostalgic home crowd, closing the book on Paly sports in the Big Gym.

Semifinal bound

The girls’ basketball team nearly defeated the Mountain View Spartans 57-54 during CCS quarterfinals. Lauren Koyama (‘17) scored an impressive 22 points to secure the victory for the Vikings and their advancement to the CCS semifinals.

Girls’ golf goes off

In its opening year as a newly instated Paly team, girls’ golf had a near-perfect season, losing only one match. Led by team captains Michelle Xie (‘15) and Annie Chen (‘14) the team placed second in the SCVAL championship to Gunn and went on to place fourth at the state meet.

PKs for the win

After ending regulation in its CCS quarterfinal game against the Alisal Trojans with the score tied at 1-1, the girls’ soccer team went into overtime. Following two scoreless overtime periods, the two teams faced off in penalty shots, where the Vikings earned a nailbiting win after making three shots to one.The victory propelled the Vikings into the semifinals of CCS, just two years after being moved back up the the De Anza division of SCVAL.

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6 5 4 3 2

Started at the bottom

After dropping the first two sets to San Ramon Valley in Nor Cal quarterfinals, the Vikings rallied to take the next three sets and . The Lady Vikes continued their comeback and dominated the fifth set 15-7. The win allowed the Vikings to advance to CCS semifinals.

Impressive comeback

Girls’ lacrosse bested the St. Francis Lancers at home 14-11, in a redeeming win on a night dedicated to former teammate Emily Benatar (‘11). The teams have a competitive history; last season, the Lady Vikes lost 16-15 to the Lancers during the SCVAL championship game in which they scored nine goals. The Vikings then went on to beating Saint Francis in the SCVAL seminfinal game to advance them to the championship.

Beat the Bells Boys’ swimming beat Bellarmine in the Section Challenge this season and placed second in the meet overall. The Vikings have never beaten the Bells in CCS, but this year the meet came down to the last event of the meet, with the Vikings coming in a close second.

Third time’s the charm

Boys’ water polo had an impressive 13-12 OT victory over Gunn in the CCS quarterfinal game. The teams had clashed twice during the league season, with the Titans coming out on top both times. However, the Vikings pulled out the win in an exciting game when it really mattered. The boys went on to the semifinals and lost to Bellarmine.

Senior night upset

Against an undefeated Sacred Heart team, who crushed the Vikings 14-4 in an earlier matchup, the boys’ lacrosse team beat Sacred Heart Prep 11-9 on senior night in front of an excited home crowd. The Vikings ended the Gators perfect league record and secured the two-seed for the SCVAL championship. Jordan Gans (‘14) had five goals for the Vikings.

1

Claiming their title

For the first time since 2010 the girls’ lacrosse team claimed the SCVAL championship title. The Lady Vikes defeated the Saratoga Falcons for a 15-13 win. The win was especially gratifying for the Vikings after they took second in the Championship last year against St. Francis, losing 16-15 in triple overtime.

MAY 2014

P A ALY

thletic wards

2013-2014

COACH OF THE YEAR

Recognizing the figures that sacrifice themselves for the Vikings, this award goes out to the coach who made a significant contribution to the Palo Alto High School athletics team that he or she is involved in. Coaches are such a vital component in the athletic realm, not only for their teams, but for the Paly community as a whole. It is important to give one Paly coach the proper recognition for his or her hard work: a ‘thank you’ for their dedicatation and focus to better the team and individual players.

TEAMS OF THE YEAR

Paly’s high caliber athletic program holsters some of the most competitive teams in the Bay Area. The Team of the Year Award recognizes one male and one female team for exhibiting their hard work, dedication and outstanding performance throughout their season. These two teams are the teams that have competed at the top level and that have had success doing so, bringing impressive results back to Palo Alto.

UNDERCLASSMEN OF THE YEAR Given to one male and one female freshman or sophomore, the Underclassmen of the Year is presented to the players

who have demonstrated athletic excellence in their sport(s) despite their young age. These athletes exhibit outstanding performances given their short time and lack of experience with Paly athletics, and are projected to dominate throughout the years to come.

ATHLETES OF THE YEAR Granted to one male and one female athlete who stand out as the leading force behind his or her team’s success, the Athletes of the Year Awards are given to the impact players who demonstrate undeniable skill and who shine on their respective teams. The athletes chosen are those who have proved to be the core of their team and are always reliable in the clutch.

ALOK SUBBARAO

The Alok Subbarao Award is given to the player whose greatest impact on his or her team is not necessarily printed in the newspaper or visible at the top of every statistics category. The Viking grants this award to the player who carries his or her team with great leadership and acts as the glue that keeps the team working as one cohesive unit. The value of this athlete cannot necessarily be measured by points scored or shots made, but rather by the motivation he or she brings to the team.

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COACH OF THE YEAR

Bill Laskey

With a team he had never coached before, MLB veteran Bill Laskey was successful in taking the first step towards victory with the 2014 varsity softball team.

photo by Paul Bienaimé

by PAUL BIENAIMÉ

SENIOR SALUTATIONS Coach Laskey poses for a picture with the six seniors on the team during the Senior Day game. The Lady Vikes defeated the Fremont Firebirds 8-3 after being down 2-0 for the first half of the game.

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fter ending the 2013 season with a league record of 0-12 and an overall record of 3-22, Paly softball welcomed a new coach to kick off Paly’s 2014 season. Coach Bill Laskey took over George Marshall’s position.

Major League Baseball veteran Bill Laskey pitched professionally in the 1980’s after being drafted in the second round by the Kansas City Royals. After ending his pitching career, Laskey went on to serve as the head softball coach at Aragon High School in San Mateo. Laskey has now led the Vikings to a 13-12 overall season so far, an astounding improvement from last year.

This year, the team looked for something new and different to change pace, hoping to improve its record from last year. With a new coach and team, players expected something very different.

“It was a new team, a new coach, and a new everything, so we went in expecting something

different from last year,” utility player Hannah Bundy (‘14) said.

Coach Laskey studied last year’s mistakes and practice techniques to focus on what the team needed to improve most. His pursuit for the team’s success is reflected in how he approaches the girls when they need the most help and structure.

“During games, if we lose our focus and have a few errors, Coach Laskey is very good at finding the right words or motivating us to get back on track,” Bundy said. “Whereas last year a few errors would lead to many more.”

After graduating Maya Padilla (‘13), Anna Rizza (‘13) and Rachel Day (‘13) from the team, the Lady Vikes had certain holes to fill.

“We thought it would be very hard to replace them,” Bundy said. “But everyone has really stepped up this year, including the new freshmen, to help fill those holes.”

Coach Laskey enjoys setting goals for his girls and he uses rewards as an incentive for the team to work hard. At the end of the sea-

son, Laskey rewarded the hard-working seniors with box seats when the San Francisco Giants faced the Cleveland Indians.

The Viking takes pleasure in awarding Bill Laskey with the Coach of the Year Award for his drive and patience to take what he has learned over the years as a professional, and improving on past mistakes that the team has made, in order to build a stronger group of players and lead them to success.

On top of bringing the team’s record back up and giving the girls a more structured season, Coach Laskey might be the first coach in four years to stay and coach for another season.

“I’m really excited for next year to already start off with a coach that we’ve been for at least a year,” shortstop Casey Glassford (‘15) said. “I’m really excited to continue in this direction.”

Although the team will lose six seniors next year, there is hope for upcoming underclassmen and another progressing season in 2015. <<<

MAY 2014

TEAM OF THE YEAR

Girls’ golf

Breaking away from boys’ golf to form its own entity this season, girls’ golf placed second in SCVAL and first in CCS in its first separated season.

by CLARA HARRINGTON

EARLY HIT The girls’ golf team poses after a tournament. In their first year as a team at Paly, the lady Vikes placed first in Central Coast Section (CCS) and fourth in California Interscholastic Federation (CIF).

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arely does a team see great success in its year of creation. Triumphant wins usually come after building a foundation over time, allowing the athletes to hone their abilities.

However, in rare instances, a team may immediately have high achievements. This year at Paly, girls’ golf was that team.

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Winning Central Coast Section (CCS) is no easy accomplishment: even more impressive is a team winning CCS the same year that it is introduced to a school. Last fall, girls’ golf was separated as its own team for the first time in Paly history. Although female golfers were previously part of the co-ed golf team with the boys, this year they disbanded and formed

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their own girls’ team.

“I didn’t really know what to expect going in, but I had a lot of fun with everyone,” Olivia Johnson (‘15) said.

The immediate victory of the team came from a group of relatively new golfers; seven of the nine players were newcomers. Although many of the girls began the year new to the

the TEAM Head Coach: Doyle Knight Players: Alice An (‘17) Annie Chen (‘14)* Audrey Horn (‘14) Emily Hwang (‘17) Olivia Johnson (‘15) Elise Kiya (‘17) Sophie Robinson (‘15) Celia Wilner (‘17) EXTENSION Michelle Xie (‘15), Emily Hwang (‘17), Annie Chen (‘14), Audrey Horn (‘14), Celia Willner (‘17), Elise Kiya (‘17) and Coach Doyle Knight pose with their medals after winning CCS. sport, they defeated Los Fais 221-192 in their first tournament. Their record remained strong as the team continued to compete fiercely against its opponents. Although girls’ golf tied Gunn for first place in leagues with a record of 11-1, its only loss in a match against the Titans, there was no other team on par with the Vikings in CCS. “We won CCS, and then we got fourth place in states [California Interscholastic Federation],” Johnson said. “None of us were really expecting to go very far, and we didn’t think that we would even place very high in leagues.

Winning CCS was a huge shock to us.”

Four of team’s crucial players were Michelle Xie (‘15), Emily Wong (‘17), Annie Chen (‘14) and Audrey Horn (‘14). Although the team has its stars, all of the players contributed to its success as a whole during the girls’ first season together.

“Michelle and Annie were like our one-two punch, Emily Hwang and Audrey Horn came in with more punches and then Celia Willner [‘17] and Elise Kiya [‘17] came in with the knockout punches,” Coach Doyle Knight said.

“Olivia Johnson, Sophie Robinson [‘15] and Alice An [‘17] gave us depth.”

Girls’ golf ended the season with a low score of 429 in CIF. A considerable amount of the team’s glory in the tournament belongs to Xie.

After placing first in NorCal with a score of 73, she then proceeded to CIF where she tied for eighth place with 74 points.

“Michelle is the best player on our team,” Horn said. “She got a hole-in-one during one of the matches, so that was super exciting.”

Although the team made it exceptionally far for their first season at Paly, the players felt that they could have performed better at CIF and placed even higher.

“As a team, we played really well except for NorCals and states,” golfer Audrey Horn (‘14) said. “It was surprising that we made it to states in our first year.”

Although the girls’ scores did not always reflect their supreme execution, the team still felt that it played well in its first season.

“They buckled down when they had to,” Knight said. “Annie Chen was key; Michelle Xie had to miss a few matches, and Annie kept the team together. She scored low when it was needed. When the girls were all there, they all fulfilled their role.”

The team became very close during the time that they spent together both on and off the golf course. The girls had many bonding moments over the fall that allowed them to support one another in the season, from extended car rides together to a long match where players were exposed to dehydration and one even

Michelle Xie (‘15)* *Captain had a broken ankle.

“The whole experience was great,” Knight said. “But I think my favorite was the van rides to and from our matches. The girls had so much energy. They would be singing and laughing and talking… They would sing at the top of their lungs. All the girls got along so well.”

Horn agreed that they had strong team dynamics.

“We’re like a little family,” Horn said.

Despite the laborious efforts made by the team, the lady Vikes still managed to make their time together exciting.

“Just getting to know everyone and hanging out was really great,” Sophia Robinson (‘15) said. “Going on golf excursions on the weekends with the team was also insanely fun.”

As the team will continue to gain new golfers and grow as a whole in seasons to come, it hopes to progress as it establishes its place among the other teams at Paly. With a group that has already made their potential clear, girls’ golf will hopefully continue to expand its greatness in the upcoming season.

“I am so proud of these girls not only for winning a CCS title their first year, but for being such wonderful people and developing good relationships with each other,” Knight said. <<<

MAY 2014

TEAM OF THE YEAR

Boys’ golf

After having a previously strong year, boys’ golf was prepared to continue its winning streak. They ended up with a second undefeated season, and then won the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League (SCVAL) championship.

photo courtesy of Patrick Fuery

by PRISCILLA BELL

BITTERSWEET The team takes a final photo after returning from CCS and not moving on to NorCals. The team shot 393 over 18 holes and placed seventh out of 11 teams.

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fter an undefeated league season last year, the boys’ golf team headed to the Central Coast Section (CCS) final tournament, but fell short of moving onto NorCals.

“We lost to Stevenson in CCS last year, which was tough,” Henry Gordon (‘16) said.

In the finals, the team placed eighth out of 8 teams, shooting a total of 406.

This year, despite captain Grant Raffel (‘13) graduating, the team did not falter in success.

It set high goals after coming off of the strong

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season last spring.

“At the beginning of the season, we were focused on winning [the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League] and CCS,” captain John Knowles (‘15) said. “We accomplished one of these goals.”

Coming into a new season, players from last year were improved, which made for a stronger team.

“Our players from last year, players who were just okay, now they’re really good, and we’re all playing at a high level,” Hwang said.

The team started another successful season

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by placing second in the Salinas Invitational, its first tournament in February.

They continued to practice and play well in matches, increasing their wins, much like the previous season.

“Things that have helped the team are more time spent competing amongst each other during practice and also having wins from the past few years gave us confidence this year that we could repeat,” Knowles said.

Then, with a final league win against Gunn, the team shooting 183 to Gunn’s 193, the boys finished with an undefeated record (12-0) for

photo courtesy of John Knowles

READY TO PLAY The team prepares to play in the first CCS tournament in Carmel. The team finished with an undefeated league season. The boys won SCVAL championships by placing first, just ahead of crosstown rival Gunn, in order to make it to the CCS tournament. the second year in a row. For its consistency and overall high skill level from all of the athletes, the Viking names golf as the boys’ team of the year.

The whole team has had a big part in the success had this season.

“Our top seven to eight players just really play well and complement each other,” Gordon said. “If one has a bad day, then the other guy can really pick him up and it worked out really well.”

There was not a great skill level difference in the whole team, allowing both upperclassmen and underclassmen could pull their weight when it came to match day.

“Having a lot of depth has been advantageous because it puts less pressure on the top guys to perform well because we can count on good scores from our players the bottom of the order,” Knowles said.

In a league match against Fremont High School, the underclassmen dominated the roster for the day in order to give the upperclassmen a rest for an upcoming match, and they pulled off a win by 57 strokes. Eric Maser (‘17) and Matt Lewis (‘16) were both medalists.

“What makes our team stand out is probably the depth of our players, and how we can play underclassmen and they will play just as well,” Hwang said. “There are six or seven people that can be a medalist at every match, so that makes us confident in each other and more confident in ourselves.”

Postseason, in late April, the team won the

Santa Clara Valley Athletic League (SCVAL) finals and moved on to CCS. The team came in just ahead of Gunn, who shot 398, with a score of 389.

“Our main competitors [in SCVAL were] Gunn [and] Saratoga,” Gordon said. “And all the competition is within ourselves, it’s not against the other teams; it’s just being the best that we can be.”

Moving on, the team had high hopes for success in CCS, the next level on the path to states.

Last year, the whole team was able to make it to CCS finals. This year, with a score of 393 and placing seventh out of 11 teams, the team did not move on to CCS finals. However, Knowles and Lewis qualified individually with scores of 73 and 76, respectively. At CCS finals, Lewis shot 78 and Knowles shot 80, neither qualifying for California Interscholastic Federation (CIF).

Despite the earlier end to the season than the team may have hoped for, the run was still a good one.

“This season, probably our team chemistry was the thing that helped the most,” Knowles said. “We weren’t too intense, and kept things pretty light and had a lot of fun.”

The team will be ready for another chance to make it further as a team next year, but are proud of this season.

“The season was good,” Knowles said. “I felt that we could have pushed a little harder as a team, but the whole time was a lot of fun.” <<<

the TEAM Head Coach:

Doyle Knight

Players: Han Choi (‘15) Patrick Fuery (‘14) Henry Gordon (‘16) Henry Hughes (‘16) Alex Hwang (‘15)* John Knowles (‘15)* Matt Lewis (‘16) Timothy Liu (‘17) Eric Maser (‘17) Sam Neithammer (‘14) Dillon Scheel (‘17) *Captain

Honorable Mentions: Boys’ swimming Boys’ tennis MAY 2014

UNDERCLASSMEN

Lauren Koyama

Lauren Koyama (‘17) was a key player on the girls’ varsity basketball team this past season. With few upperclassmen on the team, she took on a major role as the leading scorer for the Vikings.

by HAYLEY POORE

zlruwstropS fo ysetruoc otohp

DRIVE Koyama dribbles past an opponent.

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tanding 5 feet and 8 inches tall, Lauren Koyama (‘17) is certainly not the biggest player on the Paly girls’ varsity basketball team. In a sport where size is key, Koyama’s height may cause a fan to overlook her ability to play. However, when looking at Koyama’s statistics, it is evident that she plays an important part on her team. As the leading

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scorer, with 295 points this season, Koyama has demonstrated her ability to play at the varsity level as just a freshman.

While watching Koyama play for the Vikings, one may not immediately see the effect that she has on her team. Her teammates, however, see and know the positive impact she can have during a game.

“We call her the silent killer because she is very calm and very collected,” teammate Siggi Bengston (‘16) said. “She’s one of those players you wouldn’t expect to be able to shine, but if you leave her open she will take advantage of it very easily.”

This year, Koyama has played a major role on the team, being the point guard as just a freshman.

“The coaching staff wanted to have Lauren play a shooting guard for her freshman year, but it became apparent early on that the team needed her to play the point guard position,” head coach Scott Peters wrote to The Viking.

“The point guard position is one of the most difficult positions to play in basketball because it demands that you be an all around player.

I know the pressure of playing [point guard] was at times a huge burden for Lauren, but she continued to play as hard as she could and never complained or asked out of this burden.”

Koyama’s teammates were also impressed with how well she handled the pressure of being the point guard on the team.

“She really stepped up as a freshman,” Bengston said. “Obviously being point guard is one of the hardest positions. She was a threat offensively and she did great defensively as well, so she definitely filled really big shoes.”

Being such a key player on the team can be intimidating, but Koyama is just happy to be given the chance to show the team what she can contribute in her first year.

“It’s just exciting to be put in that position and have that opportunity,” Koyama said.

However, being such a dedicated player is not easy; it requires hours of practice multiple times a week.

“During school we practice everyday but

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Sunday for about two hours,” Koyama said.

In an effort to keep improving, Koyama sometimes shoots baskets after school, outside of her scheduled practices. Her hard work in and out of practice does not go unnoticed and her good attitude is something her teammates admire.

“She always goes hard in practice, she never complains,” Bengston said.

In addition to her teammates, Peters sees all that Koyama brings to the team.

“It is a dream to coach Lauren,” Peters said.

“We asked Lauren to do so many things for the team that at times we were worried that we put too much pressure on her.”

Koyama has been an offensive threat to other teams this year by being not only the leading scorer on the team, but by also having the most three pointers made, most free throws made and highest free throw percentage on the Paly team.

“She’s a great shooter, a great offensive player,” Bengston said. “She’s a force. She’s very skilled and her technical skills are great. She has great ball handling skills. That’s how she beats people.”

As well as being a great shooter, being a team player is a key part of what makes a good point guard, which is also something Koyama does well.

“One of the best qualities of Lauren is that she doesn’t crave the spotlight and just wants what is best for the team,” Peters wrote.

Since Koyama is only a freshman, she will continue to improve and be a key player on the varsity team for the next few years.

“She is going to continue to grow,” Bengston said. “We all play summer, so she will continue to get better, stronger and faster. She will still be a great shooter, maybe even better.”

Peters also thinks that Koyama will get better in the next few years and has high hopes for her future.

“I think Lauren is going to become one of the top players in the CCS before she graduates,” Peters said. <<<

ATHLETES OF THE YEAR

Eli Givens

Eli Givens (‘16) is a three-sport athlete and played on two varsity teams this 20132014 school year. He was pulled up from the junior varsity football team to the varsity team, where he had great success.

by GARRETT REYNOLDS

I

f history tells us anything, it is that hard work leads to success. Eli Givens (‘16) is a prime example of this.

“Eli works extremely hard at whatever sport he is playing,” Michael Pappas (‘15) said.

To be a sophomore on one varsity sport is a feat on its own, let alone being on two. Eli Givens plays varsity football and runs varsity track. In addition to playing two varsity sports, Givens played JV basketball.

“Sports [take] a lot of your time [which] makes it really difficult,” Givens said.

With all three sports overlapping, Givens is in a sport from when football starts in early August to when track is over in early June.

“He’s a good kid, he works hard and wants to be the best, ” Keller Chryst (‘14) said.

Givens was called up from the JV football team to varsity at the beginning of the season.

“Moving up was very nerve-wracking at first, but after moving up you get used to the level of play. It was really exciting to play with a whole bunch of other good players,” Givens said. “It made me set harder and more challenging goals for myself.”

There are a lot of drawbacks come along with being a three sport athlete, a major one is not being able to spend time with your friends.

“You can’t really hang out with your friends a lot because you’re always practicing or training,” Givens said. “When you get home from long days you’re tired and you have a lot of homework.”

Despite the tremendous work load, Givens finds a way to perform on the field. In his first year on the varsity football team, Givens had 21 receptions for 664 yards. Givens averaged 31.62 yards per reception. The majority of his passes caught were more than 50 yards.

“He has [Division 1] long speed that made it impossible for the average corner to guard him,” Chryst said.

Though varsity ended the season with a 6-6 record, Givens still recorded big numbers. He finished second on the team in yards behind Keesean Johnson (‘14) and third in receptions.

This 2014 track season, Givens’ speed has led him to a personal best of 49.56 seconds in the 400-meter dash and another personal best of 10.77 seconds in the 100-meter dash.

“Finally breaking fifty in the 400 was a big accomplishment,” Givens said.

Givens is currently ranked third in the 100-meter dash, second in the 200-meter dash and third in the 400-meter dash in the Central Coast Section.

Givens competes in six events the 400, 100, 200, 4x100, 4x400 and the long jump. Givens has run track since his freshman year at Paly and has always run the 400, he and fellow track star Nick Sullivan (‘14) both have 400 times below fifty seconds. “[He’s] a great teammate, its good to have him as a training partner,” Sullivan said.

Givens is liked by all his teammates and has a long playing career ahead of him.

“Eli has a hard work ethic,” Pappas said.

“Considering what he did this year in football and in track he’s going to do great things as a junior and senior.” <<<

DASHING Eli Givens (‘16) runs the 400 meter dash in a meet against Los Gatos. Givens is currently ranked third in the 400 meter dash in the Central Coast Section.

Honorable Mentions:

Female Jessica Lee (‘17) Volleyball

Male Justin Hull (‘16) Football, Basketball, Baseball

Jacey Pederson (‘16) Alex Liang (‘17) Soccer, Track and field

Swimming

MAY 2014

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Michelle Xie

Michelle Xie (‘15) led the first ever Paly girls’ golf team to states this year. She individually tied for 8th in the state. Aside from being on the school team, she also played in individual tournaments around the United States.

by ANNA DUKOVIC

photo courtesy of Charlene Yang

U

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nlike professionals in many sports, such as gymnastics, athletes usually peak in their twenties; however, the average age of professional golfers is early to mid-thirties and these athletes can continue to play the sport into their retirement.

“Golf is a sport you can play until you are old,” Michelle Xie (‘15) said. “[In] a lot of sports, by the time you are thirty, you are old, but golf is not that way. A lot of people say golf is an old person’s sport because it is kind of the only one that they can keep playing.”

Despite golf being an “old person’s sport,” Xie, co-captain of Paly’s girls’ golf team, is getting an early start. Xie began playing golf at age eight and has been with it ever since.

Xie reached new heights on Paly’s first ever girls’ golf team this year. Not only did she help her team win the Central Coast Section (CCS) title, but she also claimed the individual title.

“She is just a really good all around player,” girls’ golf coach Doyle Knight said. “That is why she won CCS.” Xie is proud of her team’s success, especially after suffering a defeat to cross-town rival, Gunn, shortly before CCS took place.

“Winning CCS was really big for us,” Xie said. “Coming out of leagues, we lost by two strokes to Gunn. We were a little bit down in the dumps, but we kept it together.”

Paly girls’ golf qualified for NorCals with Xie’s help. Xie started off shaky, bogeying her first three holes, thus on track to get a 90. However, she turned her game around when she got a hole-in-one on the 144-yard fifth hole.

“When she is struggling, you can just see that she gets focused more...internally she evaluates what’s going on and she adjusts,” Knight said. She plays back to her strengths.”

Instead of shooting a 90, Xie shot an even-par 73 and was able to earn herself a medal. Her individual effort, along with the success of the team as a whole, qualified the girls for states.

At states, Xie tied for eighth place.

While bringing girls’ golf to new levels for

Paly, Xie also participated in individual tournaments on weekends throughout the season.

Although this did improve her playing, it also took away from her time on the Paly team.

“Last fall, I wasn’t able to play as many matches as I would have liked because I was traveling for colleges and other golf tournaments,” Xie said. “Being able to be a part of the team more often [is a goal of mine for next year].”

Another goal of hers, after having had a taste of states, is for the team to reach that level again.

“Knowing that now we have made it to states, [I believe] we can do it again,” Xie said.

Prior to this year, Xie played on Paly’s boys’ golf team because the girls’ team did not exist. Although it had its drawbacks, Xie believes that the team helped prepare her more for this year. “[Playing with the boys] gave me an idea of the Paly team and working with Knight... that really helped me as a golfer,” Xie said.

“

One big change Xie encountered with the formation of the girls’ team was the different team dynamics.

“I didn’t really get to connect with the guys as well as with the girls because I was one of the only girls,” Xie said.

She has accomplished a great deal of achievements on a personal level and for her team, and she will continue to accomplish more throughout her golfing career—a career in which she sees no finish line.

leader this year than in the past.”

Xie acknowledges the fact that she has been more of a leader this year, in part because of her experience out of Paly golf.

“I had a lot more experience than the other girls because I played in tournaments outside of school,” Xie said. “Sharing that with other girls and taking a leadership role was a little different.”

Looking toward the future, Xie hopes to play golf in college at the Division 1 (D1) level.

Unsure of where, she is looking at schools outside of California.

“I am actually thinking about East Coast, still D1... getting away from California, that is really my chance to explore what the rest of the country is like,” Xie said. <<<

I really do hope to incorporate golf into the rest of my life.

-Michelle Xie (‘15)

”

photo courtesy of Monterey Herald

“I really do hope to incorporate golf into the rest of my life,” Xie said.

In addition to growing and improving on the golf course, Xie has also grown as a leader.

“She has grown up and has taken more charge,” Knight said. “She has been more of a

FOCUS Michelle Xie (‘15) follows through on a swing in the 2013 Nature Valley First Tee Open in Pebble Beach. Xie helped the Paly girls’ golf team tie for first in CCS and place fourth in the state this season.

Prior to this year, she played on the coed team, which consisted of only one other girl.

Honorable Mentions

Keri Gee (‘14) Volleyball, Lacrosse

Jayna Wittenbrink (‘14) Swimming

MAY 2014

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Andrew Liang

Andrew Liang (‘14) sets an intense standard that his opponents and teammates strive to meet in the pool. He has led the Vikings’ swimming team to SCVAL championship wins along with CCS record-breaking times.

by GILLIAN CHRYST

photo by Olivia Scola

F

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and ALYS OLMSTEAD

or most of us swimming entails getting wrinkly fingers, a sunburn and damaged hair, but for Palo Alto High School senior, Andrew Liang (‘14), it is a passion, a lifestyle and a future. After competing in the United States Olympic trials, breaking national records and committing to Stanford University, Liang has proven that his accomplishments in the pool make him the perfect fit for Male Upperclassman Athlete of the Year.

“He has always been very talented and very humble but he has a desire to race,” coach Danny Dye said. “He has grown this year and he has the senior motivation of wanting to perform.”

Liang’s teammates agree with Dye, seeing him as a strong leader and someone that has set the bar high for Paly swimmers.

“A lot of people [on the team] already respect him, as both an athlete and a leader,” teammate Andrew Cho (‘16) said.

Liang exemplifies what a true leader should be, having his actions reflect how his teammates and coaches see him.

“He is humble and looks at everybody on the team as equals and knows everybody on the team is important,” Dye said. “He doesn’t think that because of his speed or talent he is better than anybody, he treats everybody really well.

He is just a really nice young man.”

Liang has proven that he is more than an individual in a sport that emphasizes single athletes. His natural ability to put the team first is one that is not found in swimming very often and is a main reason why success has come to him so early in his swimming career.

“He is genuinely there to look after us and wants our team to do well,” teammate and friend Omri Newman (‘14) said. “He has a big impact because he scores points, but beyond the points he is a good team leader.”

Despite already having various aquatic accomplishments, he continues to improve. In his senior season as a Viking, Liang has already

broken the 41 year league record for the 50 free of 20.55 seconds by swimming it in 20.33 seconds, and has beat his own record in the 100 butterfly. His work in leagues is just a preview on what he can do in Central Coast Section (CCS).

Liang, as well as the rest of his teammates are looking to come out strong in CCS. They hope to beat Bellarmine who has won the championship for 29 straight years.

“Our team has some big goals even though we are underdogs,” Liang said. “If [we beat Bellarmine], that would be big.”

Liang is determined to finish off the season strong, not only for himself but also for his team as well.

Last season in the league championships, Liang broke Olympian Mark Spitz’s long standing record from 1967, improving his time of butterfly and making history. However, it wasn’t until the last moments that Liang knew he had the potential to break the record in the first place.

“I asked him if he knew who Mark Spitz was and he said no,” Dye said. “I said he is kind of a legend in the area and you really got the chance to break his record.”

of testament of my dedication and to all the hours I have spent in the pool.”

Moving forward, he is eager to spend the next four years at a place that offers him a strong swim program and rigorous academics.

“Stanford brought the best combination of athletics and academics,” Liang said. “Stanford was a place that I could succeed both in the classroom and in the pool. It just felt like home for me.”

Liang is thankful for those who have helped him get to where he is today.

“I couldn’t have done it without my friends and my coaches, [Dye] at Paly and Tony Batis at Palo Alto Swim Aquatics (PASA) and my family for supporting me throughout this whole journey of mine,” Liang said.

In hopes to inspire his teammates and other Paly students that walk through the swimming program, Liang wants to continue his successes at Stanford by helping them claim an NCAA title to make history just like he has done here.

“Getting to know the guys and having fun at Stanford [is important],” Liang said. “Honestly I would really like to do well and and contend for NCAA titles, but if that is not in the books then that’s cool too.” <<<

I think [Stanford] is more of a testament to my dedication.

-Andrew Liang (‘14) tionally from playing basketball.

“I think I was around seven or eight when my parents threw me in the pool for swim lessons for water safety,” Liang said. “I loved basketball way more than I liked swimming and I did not get into competitive swimming until I was ten and moved here to Palo Alto and joined Palo Alto Stanford Aquatics (PASA).”

From that point on, Liang focused solely on swimming. Liang’s commitment to Stanford University this year is a highlight of his success at Paly.

“I am happy,” Liang said. “I think it is more

”

photo by Olivia Scola

“

Liang eventually shattered the record with a time of 47.88 seconds, two seconds from Spitz’s record proving that Liang is a remarkable athlete.

“It was almost at the point he got to the historical point of the sport, and of course he broke the record,” Dye said. “He was over there with his little grin after he did it.”

Liang’s hard work has started from holistic beginnings as he fell in with the sport uninten-

SPEED Liang practices butterfly, one of the many strokes he competes in. His best time in the 100 yeard butterfly at Paly is 47.74 seconds, which is the SCVAL record this year.

Honorable Mentions Jordan Gans (‘14) Lacrosse

Nick Sullivan (‘14) Track and field

MAY 2014

ALOK SUBBARAO

Andrew Frick

photo by Bernie Flather

Andrew Frick (‘14) has been a member of the varsity football and wrestling teams since his sophomore year, and has earned the Alok Subbarao award because of his oustanding character as an athlete.

by BRYN CARLSON

MICHAEL JACKSON Frick flashes his white gloves while handling the ball during a game.

P

alo Alto High School’s athletic program is known for its many successes and consistently high performing teams. The Viking rosters are packed with many gifted and devoted students.

While Paly has many accomplished athletes, few possess the defining traits of former Paly cross country and track runner, Alok Subbarao. While not the star of the team, Subbarao contributed by virtue of his remarkable character and spirit both on and off of the field.

Subbarao demonstrated tremendous heart, hustle and work ethic. The Viking staff gives the Alok Subbarao award each year to a Paly athlete who exemplifies these characteristics in the Paly athletic community.

42 | THE VIKING | www.vikingsportsmag.com

This year, Andrew Frick (‘14) has been nominated as the recipient of this award. Frick has shown outstanding dedication, effort, and ambition during his three years on varsity football, as well as in his wrestling career at Paly.

Frick, like Subbarao, has made significant contributions to his team as a result of his admirable character that distinguishes him from other Paly athletes.

Frick joined varsity football as a sophomore and assisted the team with their winning season ending with a record of 8-2. Frick had played quarterback until Keller Chryst (‘14) transfered to Paly during Frick’s sophomore year, and has since played linebacker.

“Keller [Chryst] came in and he’s a great quarterback—he’s better than myself and my

philosophy was that I want to get the playing time and I want to get out there on the field, so [I played] wherever I could,” Frick said.

Although his technical skills may not have measured up to Chryst’s, Frick stood out in a different way. He proved his dedication and selflessness as an athlete by readily trying different positions and playing wherever he was needed.

Frick’s personality as a player impressed Paly’s football head coach, Earl Hansen.

“We were able to move him around and play different positions, and all that was unselfish and being a good teammate,” Hansen said.

Nearing the end of the 2011 football season, Frick tore his MCL and was forced to sit out for the remaining games, including the entire

photo by Grant Shorin

photo by JIm Anderson CCS run. The injury took four months to heal, but Frick recovered quickly enough to join the wrestling team for the ending half of the season.

“He only had about maybe six weeks of real practice before we got to CCS, only about two or three weeks before we got to league finals,” wrestling head coach David Duran said. “He did a good job, he qualified at league finals...he got to CCS and he went crazy.”

Frick finished third in CCS, the first of two times he would be a section placer during his wrestling career at Paly. Despite coming into the season late due to his injury, he was a state qualifier during his sophomore year.

Duran believes the reason for his success was his winning mentality.

“He is extremely competitive...he doesn’t like losing,” Duran said.

Frick’s competitiveness translates to his his high work ethic both in football and wrestling.”

“I think one of the things I focus on is just trying to improve everyday, because you can always keep improving,” Frick said.

Besides his desire for personal growth, Frick also deeply cares about the success of the entire team. Frick’s attitude motivated his teammates and affected the dynamic of the team.

“Every time we got on the field Andrew

HALF NELSON Frick attempts to pin his opponent during a wrestling match.

locked in and went to work,” football teammate Malcolm Davis (‘14) said. “He was very good at what he did and he left everything he could out there every friday night and I’m proud I got the chance to play with him.”

Frick’s hard work and dedication was not only noticed by his teammates but also by his

game that ended the season...the two games that I hurt it were losses so I wanted to get out there and help my teammates” Frick said. Despite his recurring injuries, Frick continues to support the team and channel his competitive spirit to his teammates.

Frick was not able to participate in wrestling this winter because of his injury and has been attending physical therapy to recuperate his knee so he will be ready to play football for Claremont McKenna in the fall. Frick estimates the total recovery time will be six months.

“I gotta just bounce back, I’m gonna be playing college ball next year so I’ve been rehabbing and all that so hopefully I can come back stronger.”

Paly alumni, Spencer Drazovich (‘13) played football with Frick for two years at Paly. Drazovich now plays for the Claremont McKenna Stags and is looking forward to playing with Frick again in the fall.

“Andrew is a great teammate. He is a hard worker and will rarely be found taking any plays off ” said Drazovich, “Frick encompasses a lot of the values that Paly football was built on….I am very excited to have him at Claremont next year. He will bring great intensity to our practices and games.” <<<

Andrew was a very good football player, and he didn’t do it just by natural ability—he worked hard at it and became better and better.

- Earl Hansen

“

coaches.

“Andrew was a very good football player, and he didn’t do it just by natural ability—he worked hard at it and became better and better,” Hansen said. “One play I’ll never forget, it was against Milipitas—he took a pass and scored that touchdown—that was an amazing individual effort play. He made a bad play into a good play. That was by his effort and determination.”

This fall, at the end of his final Paly football season during a game against Los Gatos, Frick tore his MCL for a second time.

“I got to come back and play one playoff game but I tore it again in the Saint Francis

“

PLEDGE Frick stands with his team during the national anthem before a home game.

MAY 2014

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THE WORLD AWAITS

As the summer heats up, the world will turn to Brazil to watch the 2014 FIFA World Cup and see history being made. The Viking has the preview you need to enjoy one of the biggest sporting events on Earth.

Dark Horses With one of the most promising and youthful squads in the European game, Belgium is ready to make a deep run with Eden Hazard (Chelsea), Vincent Kompany (Man. City) and Thibaut Courtois (Atl. Madrid) leading the team.

Meanwhile, the 2011 Copa Americawinning Uruguay team will be stacked with a variety of offensive talent, including Luis Suarez (Liverpool), Edison Cavani (PSG) and Ezequiel Lavezzi (PSG) that could send them all the way to the final.

Best Games

A rematch of the 2010 World Cup Final will take place on Friday, June 13th, with the Netherlands taking on Spain. It will be a game that is sure to guarantee a couple of world-class goals.

Another game to check out will be Germany versus Portugal on June 16th. With European superstars on both sides, it will definitely be a brilliant game with plenty of attacking fervor on both sides.

Favorites While no European team has won a World Cup in South America, Spain looks to repeat as winners and it would be hard to bet against them with Xavi (Barcelona) and Andreas Ineista (Barcelona) in midfield.

Brazil will be looking to establish themselves as world beaters once again, having not won the tournement since 2002. All eyes will be on Neymar (Barcelona), as he looks to establish himself as one of the world’s premier players.

Star Players Cristiano Ronaldo (R. Madrid) will turn to Brazil with hopes of continuing his dazzling form with Portugal that won him the 2014 Ballon D’Or. After a relatively disappointing season for Lionel Messi (Barcelona), the Argentine forward will be looking to bounce back by winning the World Cup and cementing his place amongst his country’s all-time greats.

The Red, White And Blue The 2014 U.S.A. World Cup squad includes a mixture of experience and youth, a combination that coach Jurgen Klinsmann hopes will lead the U.S.A. to glory. Goalkeeper Tim Howard (Everton), defender Geoff Cameron (Stoke City), and forwards Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders) and Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy) will guide the Yanks with their European experience.

But the Stars and Stripes face an uphill task to get out of the “Group of Death” with Portugal, Germany and Ghana all looking to make it to the knockout rounds.

Images taken from

MAY 2014

Columns: The Last Word

Education is the answer

Among others, Donald Sterling and Don Jones have shared their discriminatory thoughts over social media, and have suffered the punishments of their respective leagues and teams.

by JOSH STERN

W

hat merits what can be said on the national stage? Can anyone speak his or her mind about anything, or are there certain controversial areas that should be permanently censored? Recently, there have been several instances where professional sports have collided with the freedom of speech.

To most, the First Amendment to the United States’ Constitution seems very straightforward: all citizens are guaranteed a freedom of expression, which entitles them to maintain the rights to freedom of speech.

So, that means that anyone can say anything, with no repercussions, right?

On April 29, 2014, Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling was banned from the NBA for life and fined $2.5 million by the National Basketball Association (NBA) after recordings of him making racist comments in a private conversation were made public.

African American basketball players raised the possibility of boycotting the rest of the NBA Finals, as long as Sterling remained a part of the league.

Although his remarks were entirely inappropriate, others including NBA Hall-of-Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar asked the public if Sterling was unfairly stripped of his privacy, as his human rights were questionably ignored.

Now, when I first heard of Jabbar’s defense, I was surprised to say the least. How could anyone actually side with Sterling? Sterling should have known better and had to be held accountable for his actions.

Following Sterling’s incident a few weeks later, Michael Sam was selected by the St. Louis Rams in the seventh round of the 2014 National Football League (NFL) Draft and became the only active openly gay player to ever have a spot on an NFL roster. During his drafting, ESPN cut to the celebration, which included Sam kissing his boyfriend, as draftees often do with their loved ones.

A few minutes later, Don Jones, a defensive

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Image taken from

MAN OF THE PEOPLE Michael Sam became the first openly gay active NFL player after he was drafted by the St. Louis Rams. He has been met by both support and resentment from insiders in the league. back for the Miami Dolphins decided to share his insights on the kiss. “OMG” and “horrible,” he tweeted. Several other past NFL players also maligned the Sam’s celebration and entrance into the league. Immediately, the Dolphins fined and suspended Jones from the team, labeling his words as “inappropriate and unacceptable.” Jones will not be able to return to Miami until completion of “educational treatment.”

Now, in no way am I defending the conduct of Sterling or Jones, but the handling to each situation by the leagues and franchises involved does set a precedent. However, I do believe this sequence of events call for serious education.

I think the Dolphins’ handling of Jones was well-thought out. I recognize that opinions will differ from person-to-person, and conservative thoughts are bound to exist within leagues such as the NFL or NBA. I think that an educational approach to educating players and those involved with each franchise is an important step to allowing a respectful professional sports society. This way, players can still maintain their same beliefs, but also civil

w w w. v i k i n g s p o r t s m a g . c o m

locker rooms and networks.

Also, there is a need for rules for any public figure such as Sterling or Jones. If each league mandates a code of ethics and respect that aims to prevent malicious usage of social media with a base punishment, the amount of racist or discriminatory remarks will decrease significantly. Jones and various players who have acted similarly have immediately apologized for their comments and have admitted they were due to reckless behavior and thinking, and an established violation of discriminatory usage of social media would be extremely beneficial.

Professional athletes’ and management’s main focus is not to please the public with their well-thought out speaking. It’s to generate a great performance on the field. It’s terrible that their ill-thought out and offensive remarks have become so prevalent in recent tabloids, but without proper education, can’t it almost be expected of them? A lifetime ban and $2.5 million is a big punishment, and my bet is that Donald Sterling wishes he knew better. <<<

Bob Hintz

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