Viking Volume 1 Issue 1

Volume #1 Issue #1 Sept 2007 As a result of increased interest and feedback from our high school community, Paly’s award-winning journalism program has once again decided to branch off and add a new publication to its lineup. We invite you to read and enjoy Paly’s new sports magazine, The Viking. The Viking is an innovative publication, the first of its kind at the high school level.

Throughout the year, The Viking will bring you the best in Paly sports coverage while continuing the tradition of excellence already in place. As we all know, sports are a big part of our high school experience, as well as the larger Palo Alto community. The Viking will report not only on the day-to-day events of the sports world, but also on the important underlying issues that face athletes, parents and fans.

In this first publication we will be featuring season previews and personality profiles for each sport, as well as sports features, question-and-answer sessions with Paly athletes, editorials concerning controversial issues in today’s sports world and top notch photos and graphics.

This first production has been a challenging run, and there have been a few bumps in the road as we have gotten going, but we hope you’ll all stick with us as the year progresses and things will get smoother. We want to cover the topics you as readers are interested in, and are looking to respond to your feedback to make the next issues as good as they can possibly be.

We would like to extend a special thanks to the people who have made this possible: the Paly administration, the PTA, Coach Hansen and all of the other players and coaches who have been accessible and forthcoming for our reporters, Ignacio, Woj, Mr. Kandell, Ms. Austin, and most of all the hardworking staff who has labored long hours dealing with Nina’s edits and Noah’s design nitpicking.

We hope you enjoy reading this magazine as much as we have enjoyed producing it. Please email us any suggestions or letters at theviking08@gmail.com.

- The Editors

Staff List Editors-in-Chief Charlie Avis Nina Gertsvolf Peter Johnson Austin Smith Noah Sneider Steven Tran Photo Manager Alek Milovidov Photo Staff Allen Au Michela Fossati-Ballani Design Editor Noah Sneider Photo Illustrations Noah Sneider Cover Photo Alek Milovidov

Staff Ben Afshar John Christopherson Oliver Davies Liza Dernehl Adam Furlong Olivia Garcia Amanda Hohbach Ian Kellly Lucy McComas Ahna Rao Elizabeth Scott Patrick Sheehan Greg Stewart Matthew Tracy Adam Zernik Logo Design Nate James (Cleveland, OH) Adviser Ellen Austin

Viking Palo Alto High School 50 Embarcadero Road Palo Alto, CA 94301 650-329-3837 Email contact: theviking08@gmail.com Letters to the editor 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 e-mail at theviking08@gmail.com or call 650-329-3837 for more information.

Printing services The Viking is printed seven times a year by Fricke-Parks Press in Fremont, Calif.

12 FallSports Preview Issue

lineup Profiles the

36 Hallie Kennan

46 Phillip MacQuitty

38 Tim Wenzlau

49 Francisca Harriss

40 Michael Fortune

50 Sam Tompkins

58 Mike Scott

52 Will Brandin

On the cover: Mike Scott.

Photograph by Alek Milovidov This page: Paly football helmet.

Photograph by Alek Milovidov

42 Leah Gaeta 44 Gracie Dulik and Sophie Biffar

56 Hillary

Ford

Features Snapshots Kevin Hall and Paly Football vs. Oak Grove

5

Hell Week

A detailed look at Paly conditioning and practicing over summer

16 Passing League Paly’s football team makes it to the national finals

48

Calender

61

7

Eight Questions: Michael Anderson with family and friends Pop Culture, Say 8 What?, By the Numbers, and Staff View

Stacey’s Corner 9 – advice from our trainer for athletes

10

Who’s Hot/ Who’s Not and Desirable Athletes Inside the 11 Mind of Brook Seaman

Pro Sports

19

The NFL – Five Fantasy Rookie Prospects and Power Rankings for the top 15 teams Fantasy Land – A recap of this year’s fantasy baseball season NCAA Football –Power Rankings with BCS bowl prediction

The Last Word

60

ZOOM////// mmm...SEXY SEXY Senior Kevin Hall shows us how wrestlers truly get down. Check out page 10 to see how to land this stud.

ZOOM////// Paly linemen lineup against Oak Grove during September 21st loss. The Viking’s record stands at 2-1 as of September 27th.

Sticking with Cross-Country

By OliverDavies Why do people play sports?

What’s the motivation? Why would a person subject themselves to bone-crunching tackles, ankle-breaking opponents, and cross-country courses with no end in sight? Whether it’s for pride, glory, or to just get in shape, these minor blemishes should play a small role in the decision process of playing a sport. In many cases, an athlete’s mind is the thing holding them back, and acceptance of a situation and dealing with it, can be the most useful skill.

It has become clear to me that running is the best sport around. People trash and slander it, not realizing that it plays a role in every sport.

Football, baseball, soccer, running can be found any-

8

where and everywhere. So the next time you hear somebody complaining about running, set them straight. In order to be the athlete you want to be, you must overcome the difficulties of running to get there. Embracing the pain and sucking it up can be one of the hardest things to do, but in order to succeed, it’s a must.

As I start my third year of Cross Country, I am continually thinking of new ways to answer the same old questions, “Why are you doing Cross Country?” and “Why would you do Cross Country it’s just running?” The past two years, I’d generally shy away from an appropriate answer such as, “you’re underestimating the mental and physical advan-

with

Questions

as told to John Christopherson

tages of running,” “it’s a lot better than you’d think,” and I would resort to my same old, “it gets me my prep.”

Though as another year of Cross Country starts, I now realize that my routine answer could not have been farther from the truth. Granted, I did walk into practice my first day of freshman year looking to run for that prep, but as the season wore on, my love for running grew stronger and stronger. It grew so much so that I came back Sophomore year, and again as a Junior, and I see no end in sight.

My love for running doesn’t come from the quick results I see and the physical stamina I build, but rather because of the mental toughness I gain while running. “Should I stop now?” “How many more laps?” “When will this be over?” These questions race through my head, and there is no way to avoid them. The

only thing that sets a runner apart from any other person is the strict personal discipline they develop, that enables them to turn these one-time statements of desperation into more fuel for the fire.

Although I am far from fast, and far from calling myself a good runner, I still call myself a runner. No matter how many races I come in near-last, or how many times I get close to walking, I am still a runner.

My will to succeed and my mind set to never give up are the only things I need, and no “four-minute miler” will ever change that. As you can find with all sports, there are only a select few at the top, and those on the bottom need to stay motivated. The same goes for Cross Country, but if anything, it’s easier. As long as you give it 100% every time you go out on that course, you will do fine, and in due time, you might just find that “sticking with it”

Michael Anderson Kristen Witte Robbie Heeger Anne Anderson

WewentoutandaskedPaly’sownMichaelAnderson10Q’sabouthimself,andthenwenttotwoclosefriendsandhismomtoseewhoknewhimbest Who knows Michael best?

Michael Anderson

Kristen Witte

Best Friend

Robbie Heeger

Robbie

Secret Talent

Guitar

Guitar

Pre-game Meal

Cheese House Sandwich

Nothing

Favorite Band

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Coolest Superpower

Flying

Invisibility

Pet Peeve

High, squeaky voices

B-pluses

Coke or Pepsi

Pepsi

Pepsi

24 or LOST

LOST

LOST

Gatorade or Vitamin Water

Gatorade

Gatorade

Total

Senior lineman

Robbie Heeger

Close Friend

30 Winner!

Anne Anderson

Close Friend

+5 +5

Me, Of Course

+5 +5 +5

+5

Robbie

+5

Performs well on little sleep

Truffle Shuffle Cheese House Sandwich

+5

Mother

+5

Turkey Sandwich

+2.5

The Kooks

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Flying

Cleaning room with no effort

+5

+5

Little brother

Little brother wearing his clothes

Coke

Coke

24

LOST

Vitamin Water

Vitamin Water

15

17.5

+5

Thisonewasalittlesurprising--althoughbestfriendRobbiehadthebestMichaelimpressionswhilegivinghisanswers,Kristinmanagedto pull it out, beating Momma Anderson by an impressive 12.5 points... apparently Michael needs to spend more time at home.

The Viking | 7

Staff View

Why did we love sport so much when we were kids?

Don’t you remember the days when a few friends would get together and play a little mudfootball—no pressure or competition?

In an age where high school stats are recorded and analyzed and we know about the next Michael Jordan when he or she is still in middle school, where has that careless fun gone?

High school sports these days are just taken so seriously that it is no wonder so many promising athletes burn out in their teens. Somewhere along the road, through the hours of hard work, the fun fades. Competition is great in that it drives us and makes us better, but when it brings us down as well, what benefi t is that?

It is hard to have fun when a coach screams at you after a tough game in which you played your heart out. You can’t feel proud of yourself if the coach gives nothing but negative feedback.

The message given to high school athletes is that they must succeed through wins and losses, punish themselves with hard work, when the reality is that they are the same people who played mud-football as a kid.

Sports have evolved into something much more competitive and intense than we could have imagined as little teeballers. So why, as teens, do we fall into the trap of specialization in sports? What happened to the days when we played whatever sport was in season, just for fun? We need to play high school sports with a more positive and a less competitive outlook.

8 | The Viking

SayWhat?

By the Numbers

“Our defense is vital this season, if we can keep the other team’s offense off the fi eld, it will give our offense a chance to score.”

—Jordan Jefferson (Linebacker, Sr. ) 2007 Football Preview, pg. 22

29-13 The combined record of all six Paly fallseason sports (as of Sept.

25), good for a 69% win percentage.

“I guess it was because I liked throwing, and I was decent at it.”

—Will Brandin (Quarterback, Jr.)

12 Total points allowed

“I think my name affects my street cred in a positive way, actually. After you meet me you’re never gonna forget me.”

—Brook Seaman (Football, Sr. )

48.5 Quarterback rat-

“It is nice to be on a team with such a good vibe and where everyone has so much fun together. It is really nice to know that anyone can be on the court with anyone else.”

—Ashley Acuff (Volleyball, Sr. )

98 Final quarterback rating of last year’s starter, Nick Goodspeed, who led the Vikings to the state championship.

by the Paly football defense this season over a two game span.

New Face, pg. 52

ing of starting quarterback Will Brandin through the season’s first two games.

Inside the Mind, pg. 11

2007 Volleyball Preview, pg. 14

Pop Culture Grid

How tuned in are our Paly sports stars?

50 or Kanye?

Believes in Pairs of Jessica Alba Can Soulja Aliens shoes owned or Biel?

Boy Dance

Sam Jones (Cross Country Sr.)

Kanye

Hell yes!

Jake Zebker (Football, Sr.)

Britney Spears

@*!# For- 15, one for eigners! each day of

Five

Alba

Superman that ho!

Biel

Yes. Duh.

the week

Amanda Wong (Water Polo, Sr.)

Kanye

No

Six

Alba

Yooouuh!

Neal Ketchum (Water Polo, Sr.)

Kanye

I do! Ugh! Believe it!

I got my Nike’s, Adidas, Crocs, my Uggers...(5 min later)...New Balance, K-Swiss, Reebok...

Biel

Like frickin’ yes!

Stacey’s Corner

by Oliver Davies and Adam Zernik -- Photography by Alek Milovidov

In the perilous world of competitive sports, one person has helped maintain the health of Paly’s athletes for almost 15 years. Stacey Kofman, Palo Alto High School’s athletic trainer, has been around for the ups, the downs, and everything in between in the realm of Paly sports. A rock of consistency for those wounded on Paly’s battlefields, Stacey possesses a knowledge of sports injuries that surpasses that of many. Kofman recently sat down with us to explain her views on what all Paly athletes should know.

Stacey’s Top Five Tips of The Month: 5) Never underestimate the gravity of a concussion

information directly from the players’ helmets after every hit, allowing them to analyze injuries sooner and provide the right diagnoses. While this system is not available at Paly, Stacey and her staff work hard to ensure that all Paly athletes are safe before walking on to the field.

4) Be careful what you eat The reason many athletes resort to unhealthy energy drinks is often because their bodies are not properly nourished.

Malnourishment leads to a lack of energy, which does not come in handy come game time. Foods with a high glycemic index lead to a “sugar high” and eventually a major drop in energy and performance. In order to overcome this energy drop, athletes need to avoid eating foods that are sugar-packed and finish meals three hours before game time in order to avoid cramps.

Concussion: a bruise to the brain or spinal cord due to jarring from a blow or fall.

Although concussions are not an injury most athletes experience or witness on a frequent basis, there has recently been 3) Caffeine is detrimental to an extensive research proving their impact on athlete’s performance young athletes’ development. Many play ers and coaches do

Although Red not pay enough Bull and Rockattention to star Energy Foods with a high glycemic the fact that drinks may concussions p r o v i d e index lead to a “sugar high” take time to e n e r g y and eventually a major drop in heal. Ofb o o s t s , tentimes, oftenenergy and performance. the brain t i m e s s w e l l s t h e s e up after a “pick-me-ups” are short-lived. In fact, concussion and an athlete will return to the drinking caffeine before an athletic playing field before the brain has had time event is just as bad as not staying hyto return to its normal state.

drated. By the time the halfway point When this occurs, the athlete is putting rolls around, the athlete will feel much him or herself at risk of Secondary Impact worse than before they even started due Syndrome (a second concussion), which to the energy loss from the caffeine. could be potentially fatal. Some common symptoms of a concussion include 2) Staying hydrated, an important blacking out, dizziness, headaches, nau- ingredient. sea, and forgetfulness, and each coach or

trainer has their own method of assessing Staying hydrated can sometimes be an athlete after a severe blow to the head. tedious, but according to studies, athletes The NFL has implemented the “ImPACT can lose up to 30 percent of their perforSystem”, in which team trainers receive mance capabilities if they are dehydrated.

While there are many theories out there as to how much water an athlete should drink before competing, Stacey believes urine is the clear indicator, pun intended. Clear urine means an athlete is sufficiently hydrated.

1) Cross-Training limits injuries

Throughout a year-round sport, an athlete’s muscles suffer from overuse, and injury is likely to occur. Stacey says sprains and strains are the most common injury she sees because of the constant abuse and work that an athlete’s muscles are subjected to without any break. Stacey recommends at least one month a year dedicated to resting the muscles, so they can restore themselves for the next season. Each sport has a separate set of muscles that are overworked, but by running, weight lifting and swimming, athlete can stay in shape while resting whichever muscles pertain to their sport.

Well that is it for this month, check back next edition to see Stacey’s tips for October.

Stacey works on Paly football player Mike Scott.

Stacey’s treatment has helped Paly athletes stay healthy for fifteen years.

The Viking | 9

Desirable Athletes

We all know Paly students sport good genes, but after intense scientific study of body tone and facial symmetry, we have selected a few of Paly’s fall-season athletes to be named Most Desirable. We have kindly asked each Desirable to describe their perfect date and name his or her celebrity crush.

Ali Bisset (Volleyball, Sr.)

”Bungee jumping and eating lots of food.” ”Heath Ledger.”

Hillary Ford (Volleyball, Sr.) “Going to the beach.”

“Paul Walker.”

Michael Fortune (Water Polo, Sr.) “Going to the movies; maybe dinner.”

“Jessica Alba. No question.”

Leah Gaeta (Cross-Country, Sr.)

“Something adventurous, not just dinner and a movie.” (Sorry Michael) “Definitely Fernando Torres.”

Mia Lattanzi (Cross Country, Sr.) “Go out for pizza.”

“Jude Law.”

Mike Scott (Football, Sr.)

”We’d go to a scary movie so she’d get scared, then to a nice restaurant and eat $200 worth of food.”

“Kim Kardashian & Jessica Alba.”

10 | The Viking

HotNot WHO’S

WHO’S

Ally Whitson

Paly passing game

Will Holder

Mr. Foug

Cleveland

Chicago

Gunn

Gunn

After stepping up from JV, Whitson has done well to fi ll an important role as varsity middle-hitter. Her early season performance has been outstanding.

The junior strong safety started the season off strong with a phenomenal 80yard interception return for a TD against Oakland’s McClymonds High School.

The Indians are in the playoffs for the fi rst time in fi ve years. The Derek Anderson era with the Browns got off to a 51point-start. Cavaliers’ star Lebron James’ eye surgery will mean more points and a better shooting percentage.

The football team is off to a respectable, 2-1 start, already matching their win total from last year when they went 2-8. Volleyball has breezed through their early-season schedule, posting an 11-0 record.

Kevin Hall (Wrestling, Sr.) “Go to the movies and use a gift card to go to a nice restaurant then go back to my house to do the ‘Thang.’”

“Girl from Transformers [Megan Fox]”

Staff Favorite

With big holes to fi ll all over the offense, the passing game has struggled. Junior Will Brandin has four interceptions and the new line is not living up to expectations.

His beloved Michigan Wolverines started the season with consecutive home losses for fi rst time since 1959, crushing their national title hopes in a span of two games and 73 combined points allowed.

The White Sox are in last place and Rex Grossman can’t get the ball to his own team.

It does not help that the team’s only offensive touchdown came from a back-up offensive tackle. Bull fan’s will not be happy with General Manager Paxson’s choice to draft the ugliest player in the draft, Joakim Noah.

The football team’s two wins have come against teams with a combined 1-4 record.

The team relies on senior running back, Nate Burpee, a homegrown Paly product and former football team member. Also, they have yet to face Paly, who demoralized them, 55-12 last season.

Inside the Mind

“

ON STARTING FOOTBALL HIS SENIOR YEAR Something I wanted to do going into high school was play football, but I never got around to it. Going into my last year, I figured I would regret it if I never played football, so I decided to go out.

ON STARTING THE GAME ON SPECIAL TEAMS It is actually a lot of fun because you get all jacked up for the game and the crowd’s all into it. I’m on kick return so I’m usually on the first play of the game. I just get to go out there and hit someone as hard as I can in front of the fans - it’s a lot of fun.

ON WHICH COACH IS MORE INTENSE: HANSEN OR DIEPENBROCK That is a hard one. Definitely after a win Diepenbrock goes pretty freaking crazy, so I would say Diepenbrock, but Hansen is not far behind.

ON HIS NAME AFFECTING HIS STREET CRED (ONCE AGAIN THAT’S BROOK SEAMAN) I think my name affects my street cred in a positive way, actually. After you meet me your never gonna forget me or my name.

ON FOOTBALL BEING AN EXCUSE TO MISS B-BALL CONDITIONING (Laughs) No. I have heard of people doing that in the past, and basketball conditioning is very hard, as most people know. But I actually wanted to do football this year – missing conditioning was a nice add-on – but it is not the only reason I did football.

ON HIS ROLE ON THE BASKETBALL TEAM THIS SEASON Sophomore year I got a little playing time. Junior year I got

of

BROOK SEAMAN Football and Basketball

less playing time. So hopefully that trend will reverse itself this year. Who knows? Hopefully I will be a contributor in basketball this year.

ON DIEPENBROCK’S CRAZIEST MOMENT Sophomore year he went pretty crazy one time when he kicked this guy out of practice for arguing a call.

They were arguing about it and then there was a long water break and the kid came out and kinda tried to apologize a little bit, but then they got into a fight again. And Diepenbrock just kicked him straight out of practice – he let the expletives fly.

ON RULING THE FANTASY SPORTS KINGDOM I follow every sport pretty closely, so when fantasy season rolls around I dominate my league and take all the money from my friends – all of them.

ON PLAYING HIS FIRST FOOTBALL GAME IN A PART OF OAKLAND NICKNAMED “MURDER DUBS” We were driving up and there was graffiti on every building and rundown warehouses everywhere. We rolled up and there were people yelling at our bus.

When we got off, we could not even walk through the other team’s locker room because there was a brawl there the year before. On the way back, we had our windows down in the team bus, and people were riding beside the bus throwing things in. It was kind of ridiculous.

“

Senior Brook Seaman is a special teams player and wide receiver for the Paly football team, beginning his first season ever in the sport. Seaman is also a guard on the basketball team and has a CCS title and state championship to his name.

ON THE TEAM’S BIGGEST GAME I am looking forward to Los Gatos this year, because it’s a home game, and they are obviously our biggest rivals in the league.

I think it will get pretty crazy at our place.

- Ian Kelly

The Viking | 11

Fall Sports

Previews

Photography by Alek Milovidov

34

Boys -

26

Girls -

28

Tennis

Water Polo 14 Football

Volleyball By: Michela Fossati-Bellani

22

Cross Country Boys Girls -

30 32 Photography by Alek Milovidov

Fall Sports Preview

U PCO M ING 2007 SC HEDULE OC TOBER 04 Mountain View 08 at Homestead 10 Los Gatos

NOVEMBER 16 at Los Altos 18 Saratoga 23 at Gunn

25 at Mountain View 27 Spikefest Tourney 30 Homestead

06 CCS Playoffs 07 CCS Finals

Palo Alto

VOLLEYBALL Solid chemistry and smart play lead Lady Vikes in quest to recapture last season’s success

By Adam Zernik Photography by Allen Au and Alek Milovidov

Coming off a superb third-place fi nish in last year’s Central Coast Section (CCS) playoffs, an optimistic Palo Alto High School varsity girls’ volleyball team is hoping to carry its success into the coming season.

A rough loss to perennial powerhouse Archbishop Mitty in the CCS semifi nals was not representative of the Lady Vikes’ phenomenal season, in which they went 27-9 overall and were crowned champions of the De Anza league. However, after losing six seniors, four of whom were dominating starters, this team is full of new faces in new roles.

“To compare this team with last year’s team would just be impossible,” head coach Dave Winn said. “They are two completely different animals.”

Winn, who has amassed an extensive coaching record including an impressive 99-47 record during his four-year reign at Los Altos High School, is looking for solid contributions from

14 | The Viking

new players as he kicks off his second season as head coach for Paly. The team, captained by seniors Ali Bisset, Hillary Ford and Jessica Juarez, is composed of seven seniors, fi ve juniors, and two sophomores. Such a balance of youth and experience has always been cherished in high school sports, especially because of the bright future it suggests.

Ford, an outside hitter who has been on varsity all four years, pilots the team through her outstanding play and an unparalleled work ethic. Other players have learned to feed off her consistency.

“She truly leads by example; everyone strives to follow what she does,” sophomore Marissa Florant said. “She always competes to the best of her ability, so everyone else has to work extra hard just to keep up to her level of play.”

It appears as though the team is already gelling, having shown signifi cant improvement throughout the pre-season. After going 2-3 in their fi rst preseason tournament, the girls traveled to Reno, Nevada to try their luck at the challenging, invitation-only High Sierra Tournament. Seeded 34th out of 36 of the top teams in

KEEPYOUR

Northern California and Nevada, they beat out the odds by taking an impressive fi fth place.

“In Reno, we played really well as a team for the fi rst time,” Ford said.

“It was a great morale booster for the start of the season. We got to spend time together and bond as a team, and I think our positive chemistry translated into our on-court performance.”

The girls were then able to carry this momentum into their fi rst three games. They handily defeated both Menlo-Atherton and Evergreen Valley in non-league games before taking care of business in their league opener against rival Los Altos, overwhelming them by a score of three games to one.

It seems fi tting that one of the season goals Winn has set is to be the most communicative team, which includes talking on the court as well a s having a l o u d and excited bench that team pumped keeps the up during games.

For a group with such positive team chemistry, this goal should be quite attainable.

“It is nice to be on a team with such a good vibe and where everyone has so much fun together,” senior Ashley Acuff said. “It is really comforting to know that anyone can be on the court with anyone else.”

In order to accomplish their goal of winning league for the second year

Returning Varsity

EYES ON

Marissa Florant

>>> Opposite Setter

Florant, a sophomore, has more than proved her ability early on, compiling 44 kills in the team’s first two tournaments. As one of two sophomores on the varsity team (the other being Alice Liang), she has already created a buzz by establishing a firm starting spot and shining on the court.

in a row, the Vikings will have to overcome a lack of height by focusing on technique and working on basics.

“You can always improve your ball control, your serving and your aggression,” Winn said. “We want to stay mentally tough late in matches when both teams would usually be faltering.”

Another problem the Vikings face is fi lling the shoes of last year’s powerful middle blockers Ariel Ajagu, Erica Gage and Jenice Wilson, but this does not seem to trouble Ford.

“We are not the most powerful team, but we play really intelligently and we can put the ball in good spots,” she said.

“She [Hillary Ford] truly leads by example; everyone strivesto follow what she does.”

-sophomore Marissa Florant Nevertheless, nobody argues that the competition in league is exceedingly challenging. Such formidable opponents as the dangerous Los Gatos and Homestead, which placed second in Reno, will be contending the top spot. Even Mountain View, which went 0-12 in league play last season, has a completely transformed roster and will undoubtedly be fi ghting for a top three fi nish.

“This year, league is anybody’s for the taking, and I think we have the right personnel to win it,” said Ford. “However, our main goal is to know that we were the most improved team out there when the end of the season comes.”

The Lady Vikes continue their campaign next Thursday, October 4 at 6:45 PM, at Mountain View.

PROJEC TED STAR TERS

OP Marissa Florant SO #6 (R) 6 L Euna Oh SR #5 OH Allison Whitson JR #9 (R) 14 Subs OP Ashley Acuff SR #1 L Helene Zahoudonis JR #3 OH Ali Bisset SR #7 OH Eliza Stevens JR #2

9

5 15

OH Hillary Ford SR #14

MB Daniella Florant JR #15 13 S Jessica Juarez SR #13 MB Roxy Busch SR #11 MB Abbie Havern SR #12 MB Alice Liang SO #8 S Allie Coleman JR # The Viking | 15

HeHell ll We e Week k 4:46 p.m. on August

6th. The late afternoon sun beams on the Paly campus, its rays striking through the trees encompassing the athletic fields. There is a strange on August 6. The late afternoon beams unspoken aura ofsun anticipation loomingits over rays the locker room. onto the Paly campus, striking It is summer, but no one’s on through the trees that vacation. encompass the athletic The football field is fi elds. There is a strange unspoken aura of anticipation looming over the completely empty and silent, but vacation. in a matter ofThe minutes it locker room. It is summer, but no one is on footwill be swarmed with hunball fi eld is completely empty and silent, but in dreds a matter of and minutes of athletes over a it will be swarmed with hundreds of athletes and over a dozen coaches. It will dozen coaches. It will become the blank canvas that the Paly become the blank canvas the Paly football team uses to kick off its 2007 season. football team uses to kick off its 2007 season.

By Peter Johnson Photography by Alek Milovidov

4:47 PM

Will Brandin laces up his cleats and “The running itself was not that killer,” “I was on vacation with my family,” throws on a PE t-shirt. He and his team- Kramer remembers. “It was more the lack Gargulio said. “We had planned the trip mates prepare in silence, contemplating the of any real breaks that did you in. The months in advance, so canceling it to attend physical struggle they will endure through- maximum time for a break must have only Hell Week was not really an option.” out the upcoming week. Brandin will not been three minutes. It was just constant Because Hell Week starts on August 10, put on pads today, nor will he even touch running.” a week before CCS (Central Coast Section) a ball. This week is not meant for football With a few out-of-shape linemen cramp- rules allow mandatory practices to begin, training, but for the sole purpose of condi- ing and aspiring underclassman throw- it must remain optional. tioning. It is a week of continuous running ing up, the players stagger on to complete “Hell Week is a captain-run, completely with few breaks, of dehydraoptional conditioning week,” tion and occasional vomiting Hansen said.

– a week notoriously known However, according to a as “Hell Week”. number of players, Hell Week “There are always nerves is not as optional as some going into the first day [of may believe.

Hell Week], especially com“When I told [coach] Peter ing off a state championship [Hansen] that I was not going appearance,” Brandin said. to come, he said, ‘That’s unac“Everyone is anxious.” ceptable’ and walked away,” Palo Alto High School Gargulio said. “Technically football has embraced the it is ‘optional’, but you basinotion of dedicating a full cally should go or else you week to conditioning for are frowned upon.” many years.

Kramer agrees, “If you are “Hell Week has been in town, you should not miss around for forever,” junior Hell Week.” varsity head coach Dave DuThis issue also brings up LONGDAYHard-hittingdrillslikethesehelppreparePalyfoot- the simple legality of having ran said. “Or at least for as ball for their season ahead. long as I can remember.” preseason conditioning sessions. According to CCS byBrandin walks out onto the field and is greeted by head coach Earl the final drill: twenty 20 meter runs, with laws, holding any organized conditioning Hansen and the rest of the coaching staff twenty pushups after the first run, 19 push- before August 10 is forbidden.

“No physical conditioning or practice for the first time since spring practices. ups after the next, 18 pushups after the Brandin and the rest of the team start with next, and so on. That is a combined total sessions for football prior to the opening of a 20-minute warm-up jog around the track. distance of 400 meters and a total of 210 authorized practice may be conducted by a The incoming freshmen quickly tire out as pushups. The result of this drill? Over 200 high school, unless specifically authorized they desperately attempt to make as big of an impression as possible by trying to keep up with the front of the pack.

“It is especially hard for them [the freshmen],” junior lineman Tommy Kramer said.

“They tend to want to impress the coaches right off the bat, and end up tiring out dur- dead beat football players paralyzed with by the appropriate CIF Section.” (Section V, CCS Bylaws) ing the warm up jog.” exhaustion.

However, according to Hansen, the law After the 20-minute run, the team gath“It is definitely tiring,” Brandin said. “It ers together to stretch, a highly underesti- takes a lot of mental toughness to make it also requires a certain amount of practice days before the season starts. mated aspect of the practice. through the day.”

“You are required to have 15 days of “So many people do not take stretching After this run, Coach Hansen looks at his seriously,” Kramer said. “And those are the watch and blows the final whistle. Brandin practices before you can hold your first people cramping 30 minutes later.” and his teammates stagger off to the locker scrimmage,” Hansen said. “It is in there to prevent injury.”

Stretching seems to pass rather quickly room in tired silence. Day one is over.

On the opposite side of the scale, Jeff and transitions into a long series of sprints.

Billing and his cross country team take a Starting with 400 meters and going down “low-key” approach to his pre-August 10 to 20 meters, the quantity of sprints gradually increases as the distances decrease.

Amidst all of this, junior tight end Ste- practices.

“I sat down with all the seniors at the Two 400s, three 300s, four 200s, six 100s; ven Gargulio sits in an east coast hotel end of the school last year, and they agreed The football players begin to feel the pain. room thousands of miles away.

“It takes a lot of mental toughness to make it through the day,” Brandin said.

The Viking | 17

upon a time during the summer where they the goals that the boys have this year it was in. would have senior practices,” Billing said. necessary,” Billing said. “We would not “Cross Country is a special sport be“Nothing was mandatory. It was 100 per- be able to accomplish those goals if they cause we are essentially training for the cent optional. Those kids who were really hadn’t put in that work over the summer.” November CCS meet, not the September into it showed up, those who were meet,” Billing said. “So I undernot did not. We have 65 kids on the stand and empathize with coaches team and there were about 15 reguthat need a prepared team coming lars over the summer.” into late August. It is a diffi cult poBilling did not even make pracsition to be in.” tices mandatory after August 10th.

Even football players see the “We had the option of starting importance of Hell Week. practices on August 14, but I decid“While it [Hell Week] is tough, ed not to,” Billing said. “We have it is defi nitely necessary for getjust found that the kids that are into ting in shape for the tough pracand want to put in the work will be tices, as well as the upcoming running whether it is mandatory or games,” junior cornerback Harry not. And the kids who are not will Woolson said. just fi nd a reason not to come.”

Whether it is football Hell David Winn takes a similar phiWeek, volleyball open-gyms, or losophy with the volleyball team. cross-country summer runs, there “We had optional open gyms in is no doubt that summer practices June and July and then took the fi rst plays an important role in fall two weeks of August off before trysports. outs,” Winn said. “You do not want “Between August 1 and the to over-train the girls.” beginning of school you have so Despite the controversy, there many things going on, whether seem to be general agreement that it is club basketball, club volINTENSE PREPARATION Paly football took many leyball, or passing league for preseason practices are a necessity steps over the summer to prepare for their season. football,” Hansen said. “It [sumto a successful season.

“It is just one of those things that mer preparation] is just one you have to do to get ready for a of those things if you do not season,” Hansen said.

Billing also empathizes with the posi- do it you are going to fall way behind.”

“The summer was low-key, but to reach tion that football coaches, like Hansen, are

Summer Sports Timeline Volleyball June 14-Open gyms start

Football July 11- Passing League Nationals in Houston, Texas

June 14: Last day of school

Football June 16-First Passing League tournament 18 | The Viking

X-Country June 18-Seniors organize light summer training

Football August 6-Hell Week

Volleyball, Water Polo, Football August 13- Teams begin tryouts

August 10- CCS allows mandatory practices

Tennis August 20Tryouts

X-Country August 28Practices start

August 28: First day of school

NFL Rookie Prospects:

Power Rankings

Five rookie sleepers to keep an eye on

By Greg Stewart | Photo-illustrations by Noah Sneider

Jacoby Jones WR (Houston Texans) – A third round selection out of Lane College, Jones stands at 6-foot-2 and weighs 210 lbs. He and Andre Johnson team up to form an attractive tandem for rookie quarterback Matt Schaub.

With defenses focused on the feature wide out Johnson, Jones should have a chance to unleash his speed to the tune of some surprising numbers for your fantasy team.

Booker may become a solid choice for a running back if one of your top tailbacks is out with injury or has a bye week. Wait a few weeks into the season to see how many touches he is receiving before picking him up.

Dwayne Bowe (Kansas City Chiefs) – The top selection by the Kansas City Chiefs with the 23rd pick, Dwayne Bowe out of LSU, has the potential to be one of the Chief’s top Greg Olsen TE (Chicago receivers by the end of the Bears) – A fi rst rounder 2007 season. With no real out of The U, Olsen is already one of the receiving threats outside of Tony Gonzalez, bigger tight ends in the NFL at 6-foot-6 255 someone will need to step up to bolster lbs. Olsen is a big target over the middle Kansas City’s passing game. and should provide a reliable safety net, especially in the red zone for quarterback Rex Brady Quinn QB (Cleveland Browns) – Grossman. Olsen spent the preseason build- Every team that needed a superstar under ing a strong chemistry with Grossthe helm and passed on Quinn may man and has already established have just made the biggest mistake himself as a go-to-guy. Although in draft history. In my opinion, he he will be out for a week or two is the most NFL-ready rookie recovering from a knee injury, quarterback straight out of a he should be in top form by the pro style offense under Charlie end of September.

Weis at Notre Dame. Weis, Quinn’s mentor at Notre Dame, has prepared him well, not only for success at the college level, but for success in the Lorenzo NFL. With Quinn landing Booker RB (Miami in the lap of Cleveland at Dolphins) – An early the 22nd pick, expect to third round choice, out of see him starting towards Florida State, Booker was the middle of the seataken to help reduce Ronson when Browns head nie Brown’s load this season. coach Romeo CrenBrown struggled mightily nel can start him in a without another established back last year, low pressure situation possibly week nine so look for Booker to get touches throughagainst Miami, whose pass defense is nothout the season, and possibly do some ing to brag about. Even with starter Derek damage to opposing defenses when Brown Anderson’s recent success Brady Quinn is is winded. Although he is not a starter, still the future of the Cleveland Browns.

By Steven Tran A look at who is primed to tear up the league this NFL season.

1. New England Patriots Moss and Thomas are big name pickups, but Welker will be the man who will make the Patriots unbeatable. Cheating accusations won’t affect this experienced team, as they are still dominating.

2. Indianapolis Colts 22-20 is close but the Titans have always had an edge on Indy. Addai is looking more and more like James.

3. Dallas Cowboys Tony Romo has led a strong offensive unit and the defense looks acceptable.

4. Green Bay Packers Brett Farve looks 10-years younger and the defensive has been especially sharp.

5. Baltimore Ravens Ed Reed and Ray Lewis seem unaffected

by Thomas’ defection to New England.

6. Pittsburgh Steelers Big Ben seems over his 2006 woes.

7. Philadelphia Eagles Westbrook and McNabb finally broke out for a big game against Detroit.

8. Denver Broncos Mike Shanahan’s team is barely scoring but the defense and kicker are playing well.

9. Chicago One problem: Rex Grossman 10. San Diego Any team with this amount of talent should not be 1-2. Norv Turner needs to utilize LT more and find some way to win.

11. Tennessee Titans Vince Young is coming around with a 62.2 percent completion rate. The close loss to Indy was a mental victory.

12. Seattle Seahawks Tough loss to Arizona won’t happen again.

13. Houston Texans 2-0 start for the first time in history. The young combo of Mario Williams, DeMeco Ryans, and Amobi Okoye has great potential.

14. Washington Redskins 15. San Francisco 49ers Two close victories. The worst offense in the league will turn around the coaches put more confidence in Alex Smith and Vernon Davis. Patrick Willis is a savage.

THE VIKING | 19

Fantasy Land

Where your dreams become reality

Fantasy Baseball’s Year In Review A look back at this year’s ups and downs fantasy baseball season

By Oliver Davies | Photo Illustration by Noah Sneider This year, fantasy baseball has brought many disappointments, but more importantly, many incredible surprises. While Chris Carpenter rehabbed his numerous ailments and Travis Hafner spent the season looking for his long-lost power, many former “no-names” have stepped into the spotlight. This season, the “Flyin’ Hawaiian” Shane Victorino has been running all over the bases and Ryan Braun is having a debut season for the ages.

If you were lucky enough to pick up Braun and avoided picking Alfonso Soriano with your high first round pick, then you are probably shining in the standings as we speak.

On the other hand, if you grabbed Manny Ramirez, expecting his typical 40-hr, 130RBI season, and snagged Felix Hernandez expecting a true breakout year, then you are sitting dead last in the gutter.

For those that could not pull it together this fantasy season, at least we all got to witness the important milestones that flew by this year. Whether it was Justin Verlander’s no-hitter, Bond’s 756th, Rick Ankiel’s amazing comeback, or Clay Bucholz throwing a no-hitter in his second major league start, this season has been spectacular in and of itself.

Rick Ankiel’s story is one for the ages. For those not familiar with Ankiel’s story, it is one everybody should know. Drafted out of high school, Ankiel joined the St. Louis Cardinals pitching staff as a promising pitching prospect. In one and a half seasons in the Cardinal rotation, Ankiel excelled and blew away the competition.

Unfortunately, Ankiel suffered an elbow injury and subsequently lost his ability to throw a ball anywhere near the plate, and lost all control of his pitches.

After melting down in a playoff game, Ankiel suffered through an array of injuries and bouts of wildness for the next three years, before finally calling an end to his pitching career in 2004.

This year, Ankiel is back with the Cardinals, but this time as an outfielder. As if the

20 | The Viking

story could not get any better, Ankiel dominated this season in the majors, showing many signs of his powerful stroke, belting h o m e run after home r u n .

In just 37 games, Ankiel hit 9 home runs, a pace for a 40 home run season.

Recent allegations linking Ankiel to HGH, Human Growth Hormone, have failed to put a dent into his magical run.

Ankiel has said that the only drugs he took were prescribed to him by his doctor after his ligament replacement surgery in 2004. Ankiel’s fans have thrown these scary allegations out the window, backing their hero, the man that never quit.

On the topic of drugs, Bond’s 756th homer brought lots of controversy.

In an era where nobody is safe from skepticism, and steroids and Human Growth Hormone run rampant, every record broken will be looked at twice.

Unfortunately, Bonds was at the center of this controversy, and while nobody can and probably never will be able to prove him guilty, it seems to be almost common knowledge that Bonds took steroids.

Whether or not an asterisk should be placed by his name in the record books is up for Major League Baseball officials to decide, but it seems as if fans of baseball have made their decision and passed their guilty verdict.

As another season of baseball flashes before our eyes, I do not think anyone can be disappointed.

Whether your team blew up in your fantasy league, or your team blew up in real life, we as fans have been lucky to witness such amazing milestones and feats. So if you had a bad season, take a second, let it go, and get ready for football season!

Milwaukee Rookie Third Baseman Ryan Braun, the hottest pick-up of the year, was good for a .325 average, 33 HRs, 94 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases in only 109 games.

NCAA

Football Power Rankings

By Adam Furlong 1. USC

The defending Rose Bowl champions get my top vote. With another top recruiting class coming in, they have too many weapons, both on offense and defense, to sustain more than one loss this year.

Prediction: 11-1

6. Texas

The explosive offense was on display Saturday as the Longhorns thrashed Texas Christian 39-7. Lead by QB Colt McCoy, I am already looking forward to their game against Oklahoma. Prediction: 10-2

2. LSU

Despite losing JaMarcus Russel, the first pick in the 2007 NFL draft, the Tigers are armed with a senior QB and talented backfield, ready to make a run at USC for the National Championship.

Prediction: 11-1

8. Wisconsin

The Badgers have not looked very impressive early on in the season, which is the reason for their drop out of the Top 5.

Threats at RB and QB have this team’s sights on the Big Ten championship, especially because of Michigan’s collapse.

Prediction: 11-1

9. Penn State

The Nittany Lions have been extremely impressive early on, despite the set-back against Michigan. They are my sleeper BCS bowl game team, so do not be surprised if they are playing in early January.

Prediction: 11-1

3. Florida

10. Ohio State

The multi-dimensional Tim Tebow is back and ready to assume the leadership role for the Gator’s after the departure of Chris Leak to the NFL. His ability to both run and pass the football confuses defenses, opening holes for their entire offense. Prediction: 10-2

After embarrassing play in the National Championship last year against Florida, OSU has bounced back nicely, bringing in talent on both sides of the football.

However, until they make the transition to a more physical style of play, they will not be in the running for another shot at the National Championship. Prediction: 10-2 11. Oregon - Prediction: 10-2 12. Boston College - Prediction: 9-3 13. Rutgers - Prediction: 9-3 14. Clemson - Prediction: 8-4 15. Georgia - Prediction: 9-3 16. Virginia Tech - Prediction: 8-4 17. Louisville - Prediction 10-2 18. UCLA - Prediction 9-3 19. Nebraska - Prediction: 9-3 20. Alabama - Prediction 8-4 21-25. South Carolina, Texas A&M, Hawaii, University of South Florida, Arkansas

4. Oklahoma

I was a bit skeptical of the Sooners until last weekend, when they pummeled Miami (FL) 51-13. It was all business, as freshman quarterback Sam Bradford racked up 5 TD passes, tying the previous record. Prediction: 11-1

5. West Virginia

With probably the best offensive unit in the country, WVU will be tough to grind out. However, their game against Louisville (Nov. 8) will surely be one to watch, with upwards of 100 points scored. Their lack of a solid defense is all that is keeping the Mountaineers out of the Top 3. Prediction: 10-2

Rams. Most Bear fans are already talking about the match up against USC November 10. Prediction: 10-2

7. California

After looking very solid in their home opener against the Tennessee Volunteers, the Golden Bears were on the verge of blowing up against the Colorado State

Allstate BCS Championship Game (Jan. 7th) in the New Orleans Superdome: USC defeats LSU 31-27.

The Viking | 21

Fall Sports Preview

2 0 0 7 S C HEDULE SEPTEMBER 7 14 21 28

at McClymonds W 20-6 Burlingame W 23-6 Oak Grove L 7-28 Los Gatos

OC TOBER

5 at Mountain View 12 Milpitas 19 at Wilcox 27 at Santa Clara

NOVEMBER

2 Los Altos 9 at Gunn

Palo Alto

FOOTBALL

With a potent offense and a menacing defense, the Vikings look to defend their CCS title

By Ian Kelly Photography by Robert Drebin

have replaced them are seniors Michael Anderson, Tim Crown, Donnie Salas, Ryan Drebin and Jake Zebker.

“I do not know if any line could compare to last year’s,” head coach Earl Hansen said. “[The linemen] have improved a ton over the last three weeks. They will make an okay transition and get better all the time.”

The line still is Paly’s weakness.

“Our biggest gray area is our linemen,” said senior tight end and linebacker Jordan Jefferson. “They are inexperienced and have some big shoes to fill.”

Another noticeable change on the Viking team is the loss of last year’s all-league quarterback Nick Goodspeed, whose replacement is 6-foot 3 junior Will Brandin. Though Brandin has been somewhat inconsistent in the first few games with one touchdown and four interceptions, he comes with a lot of promise.

“I think he can be very good,” Hansen said.

“We have got to see him in the game. He needs to stay focused and keep his head clear.”

Jefferson sees the Palo Alto air attack as one of the team’s biggest assets.

“Our biggest strength is our passing game because of our great off-season,” Jefferson said.

The Palo Alto High School football team walked off a stormy field last December at the Home Depot Center in Carson, realizing their state championship dream had washed away in a 42-28 loss to Orange Lutheran. Just eight months later, the Paly Vikings are back to contend for more.

Despite losing many graduating seniors, the Palo Alto High School varsity football team is expected to be among the best in the Central Coast Section (CCS) this upcoming season.

Following the team’s magical12-2 season last year, which included a league championship, CCS championship and Division II state-championship game berth, the Vikes expect to rebound with another strong season this fall.

Last year’s team was built on the strength of a massive offensive line, but all five of last year’s starting lineman have graduated, leaving the Vikings Paly’s offense is led by aforementioned senior looking for replacements. The fullback Mataele and senior wide-receiver Mike star-studded group included Scott. Mataele is a bruising fullback who can first-team all-league John Hall pound through the trenches by utilizing his and John Stirrat, three year starter power running game and strong frame. He Uly Morales, Palo Alto Daily News WORK HORSE Paly looks to senior Sione used this aggressive style to gain 215 rushing first-team tackle Will Elmore, and Mataele to carry the load on offense this year. yards and score four touchdowns in the team’s all-state lineman and current San first two games.

Jose State starter Fred Koloto.

“Having Sione [Mataele] back and being able to use him as Their departures have left the Vikings looking for a workhouse will help us a lot,” Jefferson said. number of players to fill their spots. Among those who Scott, who had seven receptions for 181 yards in the first two

22 | The Viking

KEEPYOUR

EYES ON games, uses his blazing speed, great hands and pure athleticism to be a constant threat at wide-out, while also starring as one of the team’s starting safeties. During the offseason, Scott competed alongside a number of Paly players in an elite passing league tournament in Houston. [see page 52] “Mike Scott is excellent on both sides of the ball,” Hansen said. “In Houston he was the best guy there, and they had all-star teams from all over the country.”

The Viking’s offense is particularly talented in providing a plethora of weapons for Brandin to attack opposing defenses.

“The skill positions are strong,” Hansen said. “Our tight ends, wide receivers and Sione will prove that.”

The Vikings are stacked at both wide receiver and tight end.

Juniors Bobby Holman, Will Holder and Harry Woolson and seniors Michael Martin, Dom Powell and Brook Seaman make up a deep and talented receiving group behind Scott.

Despite losing tight end Buddy Benaderet, last year’s Palo Alto Daily News Player of the Year, Hansen sees a major strength at the position with Jefferson, senior Kevin Johnson and junior Steven Gargiulo all providing size and depth.

Despite Hansen’s praise about Palo Alto’s offensive stars, it may well prove to be the defense that is the team’s greatest strength this year.

The team brings back the core of its defense in returning firstteam all-league senior linebackers Jefferson and James McCollough, along with the dynamic Salas. The trio forms a formidable group in the Paly defense that should be able to constantly neutralize the rushing and passing attacks of their opponents.

Palo Alto’s defense has only allowed six points in the first two games this season.

“Our defense is going to be a

James McCollough >>> Linebacker

McCollough, a senior inside linebacker, is a force to be reckoned with. He garnered all-league honors last year, amassing 51 tackles, three sacks and four fumble recoveries.

Possessing Urlacher-esque tackling ability, excellent speed and eye-opening ferocity, McCollough will be one the team’s most fearsome defenders on this year’s squad. In addition, McCollough will double as running back, following the loss of junior Sam Tompkins to an ACL injur,y.

major factor,” McCollough said. “Defense wins championships.”

The secondary should also be particularly strong with safeties Scott and Holder being joined by cornerbacks Woolson and junior Paul Brown in a unit that limited its opponents to a mere 140 yards passing in the first two games.

The Vikings are already off to a strong start, subduing powerhouse McClymonds 20-6 in their first game and defeating Burlingame 23-6 in their home opener, before falling to Oak Grove 28-7.

The most difficult part of the Viking’s schedule appears to be the first month or so of the season, where they face a collection of “who’s who” among local pigskin powers.

“The toughest part of the schedule will be all of September,” Hansen said. “McClymonds is a section champ, Burlingame always plays us hard, Oak Grove beat us last year and Los Gatos is our division rival.”

Jefferson takes the same point of view as his coach.

“Oak Grove is the most daunting game because it has turned into a really big rivalry,” Jefferson said. “Los Gatos is looking really strong this year, and that game is going to decide who wins league.”

The Vikings are ranked third in the Central Coast Section by the San Jose Mercury News (as of press time) and are ranked close to division rival Los Gatos and area dynasty Oak Grove. Despite the Viking’s standing, Hansen sees no significance in the early-season rankings.

“Rankings mean nothing,” Hansen said. “The only ranking that means anything is the last one, and last year we were number one.”

One of the biggest challenges for the Vikings this season will be its ability to replace the leaders from last year’s squad. The losses of their offensive line, starting quarterback, wide receiver/safety Trenton Hart, running back Will Frazier and wide receiver/cornerback Maurice Williams, among others, leaves the Vikings needing new blood to pilot this year’s squad.

“You can’t replace that leadership,” Hansen said. “It’s a new group of kids. They all have to perform.”

In spite of the team’s loss of veterans, the Vikes should have a successful season and contend for another league and CCS title, and perhaps even make it back to that field in Carson.

“We have to fill a lot of empty spots left by last year’s seniors,” Jefferson said. “But if we can fill them effectively, we can make it back to the state championship game.”

The Viking | 23

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Fall Sports Preview

2 0 0 7 S C HEDULE SEPTEMBER

7-8 Schmitt Tournament 14-15 Roche Tournament 27 at Monta Vista

2nd 4th

OC TOBER

1 Los Altos 3 at Gunn 9 Mountain View 17 at Saratoga 24 Los Gatos

NOVEMBE

1-3 SCVAL League Championships

Palo Alto Boys’

WATER POLO Built on the strength of a close-knit group of upperclassmen, the Vikes aim to win a CCS title

By Ian Kelly Photography by Ian Kelly The Palo Alto High School varsity boys’ water polo team is gearing up for a season full of high expectations. With the bulk of its squad back from last year, coach Reid Particelli’s squad is a perennial contender for both a De Anza Division title and Central Coast Section (CCS) championship.

The Vikings have already started off to a blistering pace, garnering second place at the prestigious John Schmitt Memorial tournament, which drew top teams from across the Bay Area. The Vikings overcame league rival Los Altos 5-3 and defeated Menlo School 7-5, only to lose to Sacred Heart Prep 7-3 in a hardfought final.

“The Schmitt tournament was our first big test,” Particelli said. “We passed it.”

The Vikings also made it to the semifinals of the Scott Roche tournament before losing to an aggressive and physical Mater Dei (Santa Ana) squad.

Losing just two of last year’s starters, Paul Reamey and Brian Hwang, the team is led by a strong core of upperclassmen. At the helm of this year’s crop are seniors Michael Fortune and Geng Wang, both three-year varsity players who will co-captain the squad this season.

“It is an honor to be captain,” Wang said, “I think it is one of the best water polo teams Paly has ever seen.”

According to Wang, the team is aiming high this year.

“Our goals are to win league without any losses and to win CCS,” he said.

Though the Vikings have been extremely successful in the pool, one of their distinguishing factors is the lack of a

single star.

“Both our strength and our weakness is that we do not have a superstar,” Wang said. “We do not have a go-to guy, but instead we have team-oriented style of offense.”

The Viking’s distribution-style offense correlates with their long-standing familiarity.

“Most of these guys have been playing together for years,” Particelli said. “Their chemistry has gotten them to where they are now.”

“Our chemistry is amazing, we have better chemistry than Mr. Pruzan,” senior driver Cyril Gary said. “Everyone knows and trusts one another’s abilities.”

Despite Gary’s tendency to be the comedic, the Vikings are taking this year’s season extremely seriously.

“We’re working really hard because we want to be able to look back and say we gave it our all,” Wang said.

In addition to Fortune and Wang, the Vikings look to the leadership from senior drivers Scott Mielke and Neal Ketchum, junior driver Tim Wenzlau and senior goalie Will Simon. Simon, a four-year letterman and starter, is an absolute menace in the net.

“You really cannot measure the fact that Will is behind us on defense,” Particelli said.

Simon’s teammates concur.

“We have the best goalie in CCS,” said Fortune. “By far.”

The team’s road to a league title will have to go through Los Altos High School, with returning star Elliot Samuels. Even though Paly has already beaten the Eagles once this season [in a non-league match], by most accounts the Eagles are the Viking’s only legitimate opposition for the De Anza Division title.

“Los Altos is our biggest rival and they are our only competition in league,” Fortune said. “Winning league depends on whether we beat Los Altos or not.”

“Los Altos is our biggest rival and they are our only competition in league,” Fortune said. “Winning league depends on whether we beat Los Altos or not.”

26 | The Viking

In addition to Los Altos, the Viking’s biggest threats during the CCS playoffs include the likes of private school powerhouses Sacred Heart, Bellarmine and St. Francis.

Though last year’s Vikings won the league title, they were only able to advance to the CCS quarterfinals. Many think this year will be different.

“We have a better team this year,” Fortune said. “We are ready to take the next step.”

Gary agrees.

“Our expectations are nothing less than perfect,” Gary said. “We are going to take no prisoners.”

Particelli believes the way in which to achieve the Vikings’ success is to continuously raise their standard of play.

“Our key is continuing what we have started by not being complacent,” Particelli said. “We have got to put our head down and keep working hard.”

It appears that with this year’s group, the Vikings will go far.

“We can go as far as they guys want to take us,” Particelli said. “It’s up to these guys in how they want to band together.”

KEEPYOUR

EYES ON Bobby Abbott >>> Driver

Abbott, only a sophomore, possesses good speed and uses his slim frame to tire out opposing defenses. The underclassman has one goal and eight assists thus far. Despite being the only sophomore on the squad, Abbott has earned the admiration and praise of teamates. “Bobby has good talent and possesses a ton of potential,” teammate Scott Mielke said. Look for Abbott to get a lot of playing time and be an important fixture to the success of this year’s squad.

Projected Offense 11

1 3 13 10 5 11 2

5

10

13 3

Projected Defense Starters

Will Simon Michael Fortune Geng Wang Aaron Johnson Scott Mielke Neal Ketchum Tim Wenzlau

10

Goalie Driver Driver 2M/Driver Driver 2MD/Driver Driver

5 3

11

1

13 2

2

7

8

9

4

4 9 8 7

Off the Bench

Bobby Abbott Cyril Gary Sung Kim Jeremy Kim

Driver Driver 2M/2MD Driver

4

9

8

7

The Viking | 27

Fall Sports Preview

2 0 0 7 S C HEDULE OC TOBER 1 3 6 9

Los Altos Gunn Menlo Mt. View

17 Saratoga 24 Los Gatos

NOVEMBER

1 SCVALs

(Home games in bold)

Palo Alto

GIRLS’ WATER POLO

BY BEN AFSHAR

With a very strong senior class, girls water polo seeks to defend their league title

After a league-championship season, the Palo Alto High School girls’ varsity water polo team is ready to repeat lastseason’s performance.

Boasting a strong line up with players including senoirs Hallie Kennan, Lizzie Abbott, and senior Christy Campbell, the team hopes to outwork their opponents. Captains Lizzie Abbott and Hallie Kennan are more than ready for the promising season ahead.

“We have a lot of potential,” Kennan said. “Almost everyone on the team now was on the team last year, so we’re all pretty experienced.”

B o t h Kennan and Abbott are singled out by their teammates as key players for this year’s team.

“Hallie is very strong and inspiring, she has a really hard shot,” sister and teammate Emily Kennan said. “Lizzie’s good at pumping up the team, her loud voice is very commanding, she is a very aggressive person in the water.”

In addition to the two captains, the Lady Vikes have yet another new leader. After an extremely successful two-year career, coach Theo Ludwick left his position as head coach, passing it on to new head coach Cory Olcott. “[Olcott] is pretty good, there’s obviously a difference between him and our past coach,” Emily said.

Following a successful season (SCVAL league champions and fourth in Central Coast Section) the girls are looking to improve upon last season.

“We want to win CCS,” Hallie said. “We are really going to work towards winning it.”

Although the team has lost arguably one of the best players Paly’s seen in a while (Tanya Wilcox) the girls are confidant that they will do as well, if not better than they did last year.

“While we lost a really good player in Tanya, a lot of other teams lost a lot of really good players,” Hallie said. “We were all really close, so losing Tanya was really more of an emotional loss.”

Although the team is full of talented players, the girls realize that they do not have a go-to player that will carry the team. They plan to rely more on the team as a whole rather than on the individual player.

“We can no longer rely on one single player,” Emily said. “It’s good because now we have to rely on the team as a whole.”

Utilizing players’ strengths is going to be the key to success this season.

With fast swimmers like Abbott and senior Amanda Wong; a huge part of the Lady Vikes’ offense is going to be counters.

“We’re all fast, all of us swim in the off-season,” Hallie said.

“We can counter a lot of teams.”

“We want to win CCS,” Hallie said. “We’re really going to work towards winning it.”

28 | The Viking

The Lady Vikes seem to have found a decent shooter in Campbell, who has absolutely no problem taking (and making) perimeter shots from anywhere on the outside.

“Christy is not afraid to take the risky shots that other players can sometimes be afraid to take,” Emily said. “She has one of the best shots on the team, the fact that she is willing to take risks makes her a good player.”

Between Abbott and Wong on the counters, Hallie in set, and Campbell on the outside, the Lady Vikes have offense pretty well covered.

Second-year varsity goalkeeper, senior Talia Kori, will lead the Lady Vikes defense. Kori is no stranger to varsity play, having played as a junior; she is well up to the challenge.

“Talia’s an excellent goalie, however, we do have to help and support her defensively,” Emily said.

In addition to the starters, Paly has a talented substitution pool. First off the bench is Emily, who might as well be labeled the “7th starter.” After Emily, senior Allison Feeney is next off the bench. Both of these players come into the game with explosive energy that adds greatly to the dynamic of the game.

Outside of the water, the team maintains a close relationship; they plan on utilizing their close relationship during games.

“We know each other really well,” Hallie said. “That transfers into the pool, we have really great in-game chemistry.”

Aside from the obvious, part of the reason that the team wants to win CCS so badly is the fact that the majority of the team are seniors The girls attributed part of their fierce determination to winning a CCS title to the boys’ team.

“The boys’ team has really been an inspiration for us,” Hallie said. “We’ve seen how badly they want to win CCS.” As the season gets started, the girls are sure to be found working hard in the pool, preparing for endless tournaments and six league games. With high aspirations and lofty, yet attainable goals, the girls’ water polo team is promising to deliver an exciting season.

KEEPYOUR

GAMES

EYES ON St. Francis

KAILEY FLATHER

As one of the three sophomores on varsity this season, A lot is expected of Flather.

Her experience promises great potential for the future. Flather’s got speed, skills, and an attitude to match, there is no doubt Flather will make an impact this season.

Flather Facts Age: 15 Height: 5’6 Position: Driver Ice Cream: Coconut Movie: She’s the Man

Mitty Menlo Castilleja

L W W L

The Team

Coach: Cory Olcott Assistant: Kellan Hori

Talia Kori 1 Liza Dernehl 1 Danielle Carlson 2 Lizzie Abbott 3 Alexi Dagan 4 Christy Campbell 6 Malaika Drebin 7 Xio Pinto 8 Jenny Whyte 9 Tara Murao 11 Kailey Flather 12 13 Madison Hoffacker Hallie Kennan 14 Allison Feeney 15 Amanda Wong 16 Emily Kennan 17 Sam Bromberg 18 The Viking | 29

Fall Sports Preview

2 0 0 7 S C HEDULE SEPTEMBER 6 22 25 29

Gunn, St. Francis Lowell Invite SCVAL invite Stanford invite

OC TOBER

6 Clovis invite 9 SCVAL @ Crystal 13 Punahou Invite

23 City 30 Leagues

NOVEMBER

10 CCS 24 State finals

Palo Alto Boys’ CROSS-COUNTRY

By Lucy McComas Photos by Alek Miovidov After a strong season last year, the Palo “There are so many good seniors this Billing sees this year to be a special one Alto High School boys’ cross-country year that I have no idea who would be and has decided to take a group of mostly team is prepared for the upcoming season, the best,” Billing said. “There are around seniors and several outstanding underone which Coach Jeff Billing believes seven seniors who could all be considered classmen to an invitational in Hawaii in October. In Hawaii, the team will compete has the potential to win a spot in the state top runners.” against schools championships. from all over the “Last year was west coast. pretty much fo “This is a specused on preparing cial year and I for this year,” said wanted to do Billing. something fun The team, for the guys,” which includes 21 Billing said rereturning seniors, garding the uphas been working coming trip. all year to stay in This year’s seshape to start the niors have more season off with a experience and bang. are looking for “I would perward to going sonally like to on the trip to Habuild off of my waii. success from last “Hawaii will year, and as for be fun,” Narang the team, I would said. “It is will like to see us go to be a great experistates,” senior and ence for all of us team captain Raand we will be jan Narang said. able to run fast This year the The boys’ cross-country team works out in preparation for the season. (Left to against a bunch team returns with right) Sam Jones, Brian Karvelas, Skyler Cummins and Willie Xiang run together. of schools we all of the same do not normally runners, except for graduate Zev Karlin-Neuman. With In addition, sophomore runner Philip compete against,” Narang said.

Cross-country is scored differently than last year’s top seven runners returning this MacQuitty looks to play a key role. Macseason, the team has a stronger foundation Quitty set both state and national records almost all other sports. The number of last. points a runner earns is equivalent to the to build on.

30 | The Viking

place in which he fi nishes (fi rst gets one point, second gets two points and so on). Even though it appears to be an individual sport, the team score is based on the combined fi nish of the top fi ve runners. Unlike most sports, points work against the team rather than in its advantage.

With great chemistry and a strong core, the Vikings have high hopes for the season.

“This is a huge year,” Jones said.

“We have about 30 guys who have run all four years of high school. It is great,” The top seven runners returning from last year include MacQuitty, juniors Charlie Avis and Skyler Cummins, and seniors Narang, Gilbert Choi, Jeremy Jacob and Sam Jones.

MacQuitty, the fastest runner on the team, is working to break 15 minutes on the famous 2.95 mile long Crystal Springs course. He currently runs the course at 15:59.

MacQuitty puts pressure on himself to always improve on his times.

“I have two main goals for this season,” Macquitty said. “On the Crystal Springs course, I want to run 14:50, and I want to get 15 on the state course, Woodward.”

Macquitty is not the only one of the boys with an objective for this year. There are about seven or eight boys that are all working to break seventeen minutes. “We are going to work year-round to achieve our goals,” Billing said. “ My personal goal for the team is to go to leagues and win, go to CCS, win, and then

Top seven runners, Crystal Springs course 1. Philip MacQuitty- 15:59 2. Charlie Avis -16:24 3. Rajan Narang- 16:54 4. Gilbert Choi- 17:03 5. Sam Jones- 17:16 6.Skyler Cummins- 17:17 7. Jeremy Jacob- 17:41 Record Course time- 14:28

KEEPYOUR

EYES ON

Skyler Cum>>>Junior

After a summer of long runs and exhausting work outs, junior Skyler Cummins has transformed himself from a junior varsity runner to a topvarsity notch petitor comathlete.

Cummins has goals for himself as well as the team. “I would like to break 16 minutes at the Crystal Springs course and as for the team I would like to see us go to states,” Cummins said.

make it to states.”

Jones, a captain of the team, agrees with Billing’s high expectations. “I really think we can make it all the way to states,” he said. “The team is driven and competitive this year.”

However, the freshmen turnout this year is lower than in all previous years. Billing has never seen so few freshmen come out in all his years coaching the team. Despite the lack of newcomers, the team is ready for the season to begin.

Based on last year’s stats, Paly boy’s cross-country has a good chance of winning leagues this year.

“I really think we can make it all the way to states. The team is driven and competitive this year,” senior captain Sam Jones.

Last year, the boys came in at fi fth place by 27 points.

Paly had two boys in the top 20 last year and by subtracting all of the seniors from last year, that puts Palo Alto with fi ve boys in the top twenty at SCVAL league fi nals.

Fortunately for the boys, the same competition follows the team from leagues all the way to states.

No matter how many teams or what stage in the competition the team is, the most challenging teams will always stay the same. “ They are all in our league, even at the CCS level,” Billing said. “The top four teams at CCS Division II are Los Gatos, us, Gunn and Santa Clara,” Billing said. “I think Los Gatos is our biggest competition but some people would say it is Santa Clara,” The boys’ and the Paly community, have an exciting season to look forward to. “This is the year,” Billing said. At the Lowell Invitational, the varsity team came in fourth, despite missing both Cummins and Narang.

Paly Boy’s Cross Country Team

Seniors: Austin Smith Michael Fittoria Tommy Angelopoulos Brian Hsueh Gilbert Choi Brian Karvelas Shaun Gao Alok Subbarao Bryan Wells Alfred Chen Wes Duplantier Henry Becker Fedor Snarsky Rajan Narang

Alex Gromob Phil Schroder Willie Xiang Ben Sklaroff Mohammed Abid Nathan Tall Sam Jones Julius Berezin Juniors: Justin Ellmann Matt Tracy Oliver Davies Jack Gale Skyler Cummins

Stuart Yee Jujhaar Singh Josh Newby Reed Carter John Olson Nikhil Bhargava Richard Chern Robert Fox Avi Arfin Sophomores: Evan Gitterman Jordan Brown Philip MacQuitty Spencer Brock Conor Ney Chris Lo Scott Alexander Alex Voet Henry Jordan Varun Kohli Peter Wilson Jamie Blake Daniel Yeh John Hicks Jay Nguyen Alex Browne Erik Klingbeil Charlie Avis Colin Schmit

Andrew Stober Evan Hahn Chris Gallagher Philip Chen Freshmen: Brandon Dukovic Ryan Brenner Kenta Suzuki Michael Bouteau Coach: Jeff Billing

The Viking | 31

Fall Sports Preview

2 0 0 7 SC HEDULE SEPTEMBER

22 Lowell Invitational 25 SCVAL @ Central 29 Stanford Invitational

OC TOBER

6 Clovis Invitational 9 SCVAL @ Crystal 13 Punahoe Invitational 23 City Championship 30 League Championship

Girl’s Cross Country NOVEMBER

10 CCSTournament 24 State Finals

Palo Alto GIRLS’ CROSS COUNTRY

By Adam Furlong

With a new look to the squad, the Vikings look to open strong and make a run at a League title.

Photography by Allen Au The Lady Vikings look to work their way into an excellent fi nish this year in the De Anza Division. Though inexperienced, the extremely talented team plans on solidifying its name in the minds of their opponents.

D

espite losing the top four runners from last year’s team, the Palo Alto High School girl’s varsity cross-

country team is poised for another terrific season.

Armed with senior leadership, the Lady Vikings are looking to make an impact at the League Championships this year.

Seniors Leah Gaeta and captain Ariana Hoyt lead the team, along with junior captain Tamar Ben-Shachar. Although this

year’s team is short on racing experience, coach Paul Jones has little doubt that the team will prove itself early on in the season.

“Although over half of the team has not run cross-country before, they are all excellent athletes,” coach Jones said.

Last year was a year to remember for the team. With two runners qualifying for the state meet, Palo Alto had finally broken the top echelon in the sport: statewide recognition. Unfortunately, with both state-qualifying racers graduating last year, as well as the third and fourth

Training Hard: The girls cross-country team practices during one of their after-school training runs. After losing four of their top seven runners, the team hopes to make this “rebuilding season” into a successful run at leagues.

32 | The Viking

KEEP YOUR fastest runners, this year’s squad was left short-handed.

“We have several nice additions of raw talent, but it will take a while for them to realize that racing is all about tempo,” coach Jones said.

Leah Gaeta is one of those examples.

Having been on the girl’s varsity soccer team for the last three years, she decided to pick up cross-country this year.

“She is a great soccer player, but she is still just learning how to run,” coach Jones said.

Despite the vast differences between the two sports, Leah has attributed her past in soccer to an excellent start to running.

“Soccer has helped me in many ways,” she said. “It motivated me this summer to come out to the track everyday and do intervals.”

This transition seems to have been rather smooth. Leah finished strong for the Lady Vikings in their first meet, with a team-best time of 14:26 over the 2.2mile course.

“I really could have done better,” she said. “I was feeling really nervous and sick about my first race, so that affected my time.”

Loving to run is important in the sport of cross-country. A racer must genuinely

“Although over half of the team have not run cross country before, they are all excellent athletes.” love the sport in order to succeed.

“Although some people may think soccer is my number one sport, cross country has definitely grown on me,” Gaeta said, “I am taking this sport extremely seriously.”

Senior Ariana Hoyt, one of the five captains on the team, also has an optimistic approach to the upcoming sea-

EYES Regina Wang

>>> SOPHOMORE Regina Wang has had a strong start to the beginning of the cross country season. Finishing second for the Vikings in their first race, Regina has solidified her spot as one of the top runners on the team.

Only in her second year of cross country, look for Regina to break out this year and post better and better times each race. As she gains racing experience, her times will only become faster.

son.

“We have the potential to continue improving throughout the season,” Hoyt said. “We do not have any superstar runners, so working together as a team will be even more important.”

With 35 racers on the team this year, competition for the seven racing spots will undoubtedly be intense. Despite the heated rivalry between the athletes, unity still plays a crucial role on the team.

“I really like the people and the supportive atmosphere of cross-country,” Hoyt said.

More than any other sport, crosscountry is all about getting in shape, a goal which requires lots of hard work.

“I really like the people and the supportive atmosphere of cross-country.”

“I came out to the track almost every day and ran,” Gaeta said.

The whole team is buying into the same philosophy -- work hard and anything is possible.

“We are trying to improve as much as possible by putting in as much effort as we can,” Hoyt said.

In the first race, Gaeta finished first for the Vikings, followed by sophomore Regina Wang at 14:31 and Gillian Lui at 14:38. Elizabeth Scott came in at 14:46 and junior Grace Park at 14:50 to round out the top five finishers for the Lady Vikings.

In the aftermath of the excellent season last year, the Lady Vikings are looking to repeat as League Champions and qualify for CCS, if not go farther in the postseason.

“I think we’ll do as well as last year, possibly better,” Coach Jones said.

Times for Gunn/St. Francis Meet 9/6 (2.2-mile course): 1. Leah Gaeta (Sr.) - 14:26 2. Regina Wang (So.) - 14:31 3. Gillian Lui (Jr.) - 14:38 4. Elizabeth Scott (Jr.) - 14:46 5. Grace Park (Jr.) - 14:50

The Viking | 33

Fall Sports Preview

2 0 0 7 S C HEDULE SEPTEMBER 6 Los Altos 11 Wilcox 12 Lynbrook 13 Cupertino 18 Los Gatos 19 Castilleja 20 Mt. View 25 Fremont 27 Milpitas 28 Paly Tourney

OC TOBER

2 Santa Clara 3 Gunn 4 Cupertino 10 M-A 11 Mt. View 16 Fremont 18 Wilcox 23 Milpitas 25 Santa Clara 30 SCVAL playoffs

NOVEMBER

7 CCS Team 20 CCS individual Home*

Palo Alto

GIRLS’ TENNIS Strong underclassmen to lead the Lady Vikes back into the De Anza Division.

By Greg Stewart Photography by Allen Au and Alek Milovidov Coming off a disappointing 2006 campaign, the Palo Alto High School varsity girls’ tennis team is looking to right the Vikings’ ship with one of the best incoming freshman classes in CCS. “The past three years the team has been a bit too social, this year’s squad is much more competitive” head coach Andy Harader said.

The 2006 team struggled right from the start last year, losing early season matches, and finishing with 7 wins and 11 losses, which dropped them from the DeAnza Division to the El Camino Division.

This year’s players are hopeful about the upcoming season. “The key to this year is getting off to a good start,” sophomore Sophie Biffar said. With several tough opponents and an early season tournament scheduled, the team should have an accurate idea of where it stands among some of the top teams in CCS. With the 2006 season far in the rearview mirror, the team is focused on fixing the problems that held back last year’s team.

34 | The Viking

IMPROVEMENT The girls’ tennis team lookstoimprove,withanewlineupafter a disappointing season last year

Although talent was not the problem, the team could not find a way to close out some of the tougher opponents during league play.

Some players did not seem to have tennis as their number one priority last year. However this year the team is more serious about its game.

“This year we are together as a team and ready to go,” sophomore Gracie Dulik said.

The transition to the weaker El Camino Division should also lead to an improved record.

This year’s lineup features a number of fresh faces. With nine underclassmen on the roster, the team looks as though it may be in a rebuilding year. Of these nine underclassmen, five are freshman, several of whom are ranked in Northern California.

“All the incoming freshmen play in tournaments outside of Paly tennis and are very serious tennis players,” Harader said.

These underclassmen, along with key returning juniors Vrinda Khana and Lindsay Yang, have been named team captains

KEEPYOUR

along with Dulik. They will look to lead the team to make some noise in the El Camino Division as well as to qualify for the CCS playoffs.

To qualify for CCS the team would need to be specially chosen by the selection committee. This would require some key wins outside of the division, either in tournaments or against non-conference opponents.

So far, they have proved that they can indeed compete with the best, by smashing Los Altos of the upper De Anza Division 6-1 in its season opener on September 4.

One of the team’s strengths is its depth in both singles and doubles.

The number one doubles tandem, which consists of sophomores Gracie Dulik and Sophie Biffar, nicknamed “the killers”, are a key to the success of this year’s team.

Dulik, who gained experience from last year’s team, and Biffar, a transfer from rival Gunn, look to tear it up on court. The success of this dynamic duo goes beyond its ability to serve blistering aces and cross court winners. Dulik and Biffar had the opportunity to play together before the season began and the chemistry clicked once they began this year.

“Dulik and Biffar have a great history together; both are sophomores and they work well with one another,” Harader said Though many believe that tennis is not an exiting sport to watch, Biffar disagrees.

“Previous assumptions lead

EYES ON The Khanna Sisters

> > > Singles Players This years tennis team will be counting on some serious contributions from the Khana sisters. Vrinda, junior, and Mira, freshman, are both top singles players on the Vikings roster. After both posting wins in the Vikings home opener Coach Harader and the rest of the team are expecting many more in the near future.

many people to believe that tennis is a boring sport,” Biffar said. “But when you get out there, it is very intense and exciting.”

Dulik agreed, explaining that any extra support would help. Some marquee match-ups for this years Viking tennis team include the Paly tournament on September 29, an October 3 showdown against cross-town rival Gunn and a home affair against St.

“The past three years the team has been a bit too social. This year’s squad is much more competitive.” ~ Coach Harader Francis on October 17.

With the El Camino Division lacking great talent, Milpitas appears to be the toughest competitor within the division. Hopefully ending the season with an El Camino Division crown and a possible at-large birth into this years playoff, the tennis team should see itself back in the De Anza league in 2008, primed to make a deep run into the CCS playoffs.

The newfound strength and enthusiasm on the roster this fall has the team setting high goals heading into the season.

“Our goal is to win the league and get out of the El Camino Division,” Dulik said. “We want to move up to the elite De Anza Division.”

Girls Tennis Roster 2007 Shireen Tofi g (Sr.)

Vrinda Khanna (Jr.) Lisa Ke (Jr.)

Lindsay Yang (Jr.)

Sophie Biffar (So.) Gracie Dulik (So.)

Christina Koepnick (So.) Lauren Mah (So.)

Emily Efl and (Fr.)

Margo Gerould (Fr.) Mira Khanna (Fr.) Janet Liu (Fr.)

Emma Marti (Fr.)

The Viking | 35

(POWER) (PLAYER)

BY AMANDA HOHBACH Photography by Alek Milovidov

W

alking out of the girl’s locker room, senior and team captain Hallie Kennan is ready for practice. It is 3:30 PM and the Palo Alto High School varsity girls’ water polo team is waiting for its coach to arrive. Kennan puts on sunscreen and prepares for the upcoming practice

Kennan began playing water polo six years ago at a camp the summer before seventh grade. As a result, these practices have become fairly routine.

“I started swimming in sixth grade,” Kennan said.“ I wanted to try something new, so because two of my friends had already started playing and I really liked being in the water, I decided to join.”

Since then, Kennan has played on the Stanford club team.

“Though anyone can sign up for the club, you have to be good enough to be selected to play on the team,” Kennan said “The Stanford Club is a lot more rigorous than water polo at Paly so everyone is really dedicated.”

She still continues playing for Stanford during the Paly water polo off-season, in the summer and winter.

Kennan takes a leading position this year as a team captain for Paly. On the team, Kennan plays both set and utility.

She has been a key player on Paly’s varsity team since her sophomore year.

“Hallie is strong, fast and beyond that

she is a lefty,” varsity girls’ water polo coach Corry Olcott said. “Playing the position that she does, she takes a lot of abuse and she deals with it well.”

Kennan is very committed to her sport and devotes a lot of her time and energy to succeeding in games.

“Hallie works hard during practices and it shows during games,” Olcott said.

“She is a very accomplished player and has natural charisma.”

Water polo requires a great deal of dedication and effort.

Players need to wake up early to make morning practices before school and have after school practices as well.

“It is hard to wake up at 5:30, but it shows how committed you are,” Kennan said.

“They make afternoon practices seem a lot easier.”

Because Kennan spends so much time in the water, she has become good friends with her teammates and often spends DETERMINED LEADER: Senior Hallie Kennan, the captain her free time sowith of girls varsity water polo team, looks to lead her team to cializing

CCS. 36 | The Viking

PREPARATION: Kennan, a fierce competitor on the girls water polo team, prepares for a tough season ahead and is determined for victory. them. “I am really close to my water polo teammates,” Kennan said. “One of the best things about water polo is that you make new friends really easily. In order to practice like you would in a game you have to be really comfortable with you team.”

Kennan’s teammates also recognize

Having graduated several of the teams best players, one being former captain Tanya Wilcox, Kennan has had to take the new role of responsibility.

Olcott believes that Kennan has what it takes to be a captain.

“She is very tough and a model for the rest of the team,” Olccott said.

“The best thing about my sport is it helps to relieve stress.” Kennan said. “There is also a great team aspect about water polo.” her connection with the rest of the players.

“She [Kennan] really cares about her team,” said junior Tara Murao. “She is not only a good captain and teammate, but is also one of my closest friends.”

As well as being a leader, Kennan provides support for the rest of the team.

“She is very dedicated and helps keep me motivated because she has true passion for the sport,” senior Talia Kori said.

Although water polo is strenuous, Kennan sees it as a great way to take out aggression.

“The best thing about my sport is it helps to relieve stress,” Kennan said.

“There is also a great team aspect about water polo.”

“Because we lost only three players, we have basically the same team as last year,” Kennan said. “We are all really experienced and used to each other, so I

Hallie’s Hot Picks CANDY

Milky Way

SNACK BEFORE A GAME

Red Bull MOVIE STAR

ReeseWitherspoon SONG

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Greys Anatomy MOVIE

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Science The Viking | 37

There's Something

Water Polo

in the Water Palo Alto High School’s Tim Wenzlau exceeds expectations in Water Polo and beyond

“S

By: Patrick Sheehan Photography by Allen Au

tudent Athlete” - One who excels simultaneously in both school athletics and academics. Combining incredible speed and power in water polo with careful and methodical thinking in the classroom, Tim Wenzlau is a prime example of this rare combination of talents. Wenzlau has been a natural in the water since the age of eight. Ever since getting his start on the local swimming club’s team, Wenzlau has over-achieved in the water - and has not slacked off in school either.

Being a student athlete is no easy job, but Wenzlau fi nds that his academics and athletics compliment each other. ”I always do better in school when I’m in a sport,” Wenzlau said. “I manage my time better when I have to go to practice, so overall it defi nitely helps me in school.”

Wenzlau fi rst tried water sports at the age of eight, racing various styles for the local Stanford Covington Racing Aquatics Club.

He quickly found his favorite and best race, the backstroke. Competitive swimming is nothing new to the Wenzlau family. His mother and both sisters swam on organized teams. Becky Wenzlau, Tim’s older sister, was an All-American in both the 400-meter free relay and the 200-meter freestyle races.

Despite becoming an All-American himself

38 | The Viking

in the 100-meter back-stroke and 400 meter free relay last season, Wenzlau is not solely interested in swimming.

Water polo seems to be his true calling.

“It [water polo] is much more interesting than swimming,” Wenzlau said. “There are so many more

aspects to the game like strategy, strength, and team work. But it defi nitely takes a lot of commitment.”

Water polo is indeed a time consuming sport. Wenzlau plays and trains for water polo at least fi fteen hours each week. He also fi nds time in his schedule to squeeze in seven academic classes including two advanced placement and one honors course.

This combination of water polo talent and academic excellence opens up many opportunities for his future.

Those opportunities include playing NCAA Division I water polo.

However, Wenzlau is not so sure about his future in the sport. “[My playing college water polo] depends on the school I go to,” Wenzlau said.

“Some schools are very serious and Wenzlau pushes the pace while looking for an of- spend up to six to eight hours a fensive opening in a Paly team scrimmage. day playing water

polo. I couldn’t do that. I still want to have a life.”

Wenzlau began his water polo career in the seventh grade playing on his local club team. Since then he has improved by leaps and bounds. This past summer he played on Stanford’s U18 club team, a team that placed third in the nation at the USA Water Polo Junior Olympics in San Jose.

The road to success has not always been easy for Tim Wenzlau. A lingering shoulder injury has limited his playing time since it was sustained in the eighth grade. Months of intense physical therapy have helped to assuage the pain, but have not healed his shoulder completely.

“My shoulder defi nitely keeps me in check.” Wenzlau said. “I have to be wary of it all the time.”

But injuries cannot stop Wenzlau from playing his favorite game.

“I love it,” he said. “It keeps me busy. I don’t know what I would do if I did not play water polo, I would probably just sit around all day.”

Wenzlau has been a member of Palo Alto High School’s varsity squad since his freshman year, and has made an impact on the team ever since. In his freshman year he was named co-most valuable player on the team, as the start-

“This is probably our strongest team in the past fi ve or ten years,” Wenzlau said of his teammates. ”The starting team is mostly seniors and we have a lot of talent.”

Wenzlau is one of only two juniors to earn a starting spot on the team. The team’s goals for the season include a Central Coast Section championship - something that Paly water polo has not achieved since 1991. Wenzlau looks to contribute to this goal by tweaking his own game.

“I would really like to improve my

Shot on goal: Wenzlau finds time to score goals in between his numerous academic studies

Tim’s Favs

shot,” Wenzlau said. “But more important is strength; I have been lifting to gain strength and size so I can match up better against older and stronger opponents.”

Along with his athletic goals, Wenzlau

“I love it,” [Wenzlau] said. “It keeps me busy. I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t play water polo, I would probably just sit around all day.” ing driver. The driver looks for shots on goal, but also tries to create openings for the hole man, something that Wenzlau does superbly.

Paly’s star driver feels that the team has improved greatly over the last few years, and that this is the year to make things happen.

ments, Wenzlau’s efforts in water polo are hard to overlook. In the team’s opening tournament on September 8 and 9, Wenzlau scored a goal in all fi ve of the Vikings’ games showing himself to be a leader as the team took second in the tournament.

Wenzlau looks to be one of Paly’s leading scorers.

“Tim’s impact on the team comes from his experience playing in big games,” Paly’s varsity boys water polo coach, Reid Particelli said. “[He] has showed himself unafraid to take the big shot against great teams.”

But Tim Wenzlau does much more than just water polo. Out of the pool, Wenzlau enjoys many other sports and activities.

Glassblowing became a hobby of his when he discovered it in his freshman year. Wenzlau creates vases, glasses, and much more - sometimes selling them for a profi t, but usually contributing the money to Paly’s glassblowing program.

“I really enjoy glassblowing,” Wenzlau said. “[It’s] a really fun form of art, and I like the creativity of it.”

Wenzlau has high expectations for himself in this water polo season and more importantly in this school year. Combining goals with grades, Tim Wenzlau can do it all.

looks to better his academics as well.

“I am always trying to improve in school to keep my options open,” Wenzlau said.

Last year, as a sophomore, Wenzlau excelled in all of his classes while taking multiple honors courses.

Along with his academic achieve-

Movie Office Space TV Show Arrested Development + The Office Food Chocolate Cake Video Game Fifa Artist Kanye West + Third Eye Blind The Viking | 39

The Big

Tuna

BY LIZA DERNEHL PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEK MILOVIDOV

Morning practice, three AP classes, an occasional round of Battlefield II and another twohour practice. This is just a typical day in the life of Palo Alto High School senior, Michael Fortune.

Fortune is tall, strong and broad-shouldered, an obvious swimmer and water polo player. Fortune begins to explain how he got into water polo. After an awkward smile and a shrug of the shoulders, he reveals that it was culmination of many factors.

40 | The Viking

“Ever since I was in fifth grade I have watched my brother play water polo,” Fortune said. Fortune’s brother, Ryan (a former Paly star), now plays for Stanford University, and attends many of Michael’s games.

Fortune has been taking swim lessons since kindergarten. By second grade, he was already swimming competitively. After having great success in swimming, Fortune decided to take a stab at the game his brother loved.

Water polo came easily to Fortune. He started playing for a Stanford Club team when he was eleven and caught on quickly.

Fortune found water polo to be much more captivating than swimming and enjoyed the team aspect of the sport.

Learning a new game is never an easy task. Water polo has a slough of rules and, given the amount of movement during the game, it is difficult to keep up.

“I was so confused [when I first began],” Fortune said. “I could not even throw the ball where I wanted to because someone was always sinking me.”

He practiced for almost two hours everyday, conditioning and improving his skills. Before long, Michael was headed to the Junior Olympics. His team ended up placing seventh in the nation.

Fortune continued playing for the Stanford Club team and this summer, he played on the 18 and under team that went to the Junior Olympics. Fortune scored multiple goals and his speed played a key role in leading his team.

The Paly boy’s team has high expectations for CCS, and many on the team believe they have a chance at winning.

“We are looking great,” head coach, Reid Particelli said. “We had a second

FAMILY GAME Fortune grew up with the game, taking after his brother Ryan, a starter for the Stanford water polo team. place finish in the Schmidt [tournament] and we have not done that well since 1991.

Obviously our goal is to win CCS this year, it is going to be tough, but we keep getting better.”

During the games against rival teams, including Menlo, Jesuit, and Los Altos, Fortune played a key role.

“Michael’s speed helps him to get the ball down the pool, which opens up a lot of counter attacks for us,” senior teammate Geng Wang said.

As co-captain of the team, Michael takes practice seriously.

Fortune treats every practice as a game, focusing on taking the team to the CCS championship game.

“He [Fortune] brings explosiveness.”

Particelli said. “He is one of the fastest swimmers on the team, and as the co-captain, he not only lead in the water but out of the pool as well.”

His explosiveness is one of his most valuable attributes; his power in the water helps him surge over defenders.

“Michael works his ‘Michael Magic’,” junior teammate Jeremy Kim said. “It is something special that only he can do. It’s amazing. You have to be there and witness it to understand.”

While Fortune is unstoppable in a water polo game, he is fierce competition as a swimmer in the spring.

“He is very fun to be around,” varsity swim coach, Danny Dye said. “He always has a smile on his face and it’s kind of contagious. As his body has grown and developed, he has developed extreme quickness.

He has some moves out there that I have not seen in water polo in my twelve years, and his ability to make get open is tremendous. He is probably one of the top ten athletes in the entire school.”

This January, Fortune plans to try out for the Premiere League, a league reserved for the best of the best.

His coach believes he has a good shot at making it this year.

Many of his fellow seniors will also be vying for spots on the team, including Wang and teammate, junior Tim Wenzlau.

Fortune plans on playing at a four-year college, possibly following in his brother’s footsteps. “[His future] is looking bright.” Reid Particelli, head coach said. “He will play [in college]. I have no doubt about that, whether in division I or not, he will shine.”

The Viking | 41

E

e h T

e i k o o R

by Oliver Davies - PHOTOS BY ALLEN AU

xcelling in one sport is impressive, but excelling in two requires determination, endurance and a skill set not found in most athletes. Paly’s own, senior Leah Gaeta, a standout soccer player, found cross-country by mistake.

42 | The Viking

Less than four months ago, as Gaeta ran around the track training for her only sport, soccer, the cross-country coach, Jeff Billing, happened to turn. “I was on the Paly track with my soccer coach doing intervals, and Coach Billing, the boys’ crosscountry coach saw me running,” Gaeta said.

“He told me I should go out for the team.”

Since then, Gaeta has taken the varsity girls’ cross-country team by storm.

As a senior, many would think it is a little too late to start running crosscountry, but Gaeta is defying the odds.

With Gaeta’s background in soccer, she enters her first cross-country season in perfect shape to tear up the courses.

Gaeta plays soccer on the Class One Palo Alto Breakers. The Palo Alto Breakers is a club team that travels around California to compete in various tournaments.

This summer, the team also took a trip to Tahoe to condition in high altitudes.

A center-midfielder for her whole life, Gaeta has been adjusting to a new position, playing forward on the Breakers this year.

In the Gunn race on September 6, Gaeta placed eleventh with a great time of 14:26, further solidifying her spot as one of the top runners on the girls’ varsity squad. Placing eleventh in a difficult field of runners from Saint Francis and Castilleja, Gaeta came out of the Gunn race motivated for the rest of the season.

“I wanted to give up in the middle, but I couldn’t in my first race,” Gaeta said.

“The Gunn race has motivated me to come back and run some better races.”

Gaeta has made an impact on the whole cross-country team, earning her teammates’ respect very quickly.

“Leah is a great new addition to our team,” junior Cassie Wedemeyer said. “She is really fast. She will really help our team out this year.”

Gaeta is enjoying her time on the crosscountry team, bonding with teammates so early in the season. Gaeta has been impressed with the team camaraderie.

“I really like the girls on the cross-country team, they are incredibly sweet and that is something you did not find a lot in soccer,” Gaeta said.

While Gaeta maintains her focus primarily on soccer, she is ready to admit that her priorities may slowly be changing. As an added bonus, Gaeta has found that cross-country and soccer seem to be mutually beneficial, in the sense that the extensive running has

“I wanted to give up in the middle, but I couldn’t in my first race,” Gaeta said. “ The Gunn race has motivated me to come back and run some better races.”

helped increase her breakaway speed.

“I had several breakaways in my soccer game,” Gaeta said. “Some parents mentioned it, even some who did not know I was doing cross-country.”

Whether you see Gaeta playing soccer this fall, or running in her flamboyant pink running outfit which she is slowly becoming known for, you can rest assured that she is passing the competition one way or another.

A muscular pain kept Gaeta from finishing the Lowell Invitational, but look for her at next week’s Stanford meet.

LEAH’S FAVORITES Pregame Meal: Egg Whites, Pita Chips, and Roasted Chicken.

Favorite Athlete: Steve Nash, Fernando Torres Pro Team: Phoenix Suns College Team: Duke Blue Devils Sport To Watch: Basketball The Viking | 43

Double the Trouble

W

By Noah Sneider --- Photography by Alek Milovidov

hen it comes to playing doubles tennis, the path to success lies less in a big serve or a great twohanded backhand than in being in synch with your partner. Great communication can elevate a pair of good players, to an outstanding doubles team. It is not a skill that one can practice alone. It must grow out of a strong rapport between partners.

Palo Alto High School sophomores and doubles partners Gracie Dulik and Sophie Biffar now appear to have all the marks of lifelong friends - they finish each other’s thoughts, take friendly jabs at each other (Dulik at Biffar’s serve and Biffar at Dulik’s hatred for running), and cannot resist a laugh together.

But this chemistry did not come easily.

When Dulik and Biffar first started playing doubles together in sixth grade at Castilleja Middle School, their

44 | The Viking

coach kicked them off the court. They were too loud, fought too much and could not work together as a team.

“For a while we were not allowed to play together because we fought too much,” Biffar said.

Since then they have come a long way, to the tune of the number one doubles spot on Paly’s team, and a #37 ranking in USTA (United States Tennis Association) 16U NorCal doubles. While Dulik held down the number two doubles spot on Paly’s varsity team last year as a freshman, Biffar was the number three singles player on Gunn’s varsity tennis team. During this time, Dulik and Biffar continued working on their doubles play outside of school, playing USTA tournaments and taking lessons with private instructor J.J. Whitlinger.

Although both had played singles in the past, when Biffar decided to transfer to Paly, she and Dulik immediately knew they wanted to play doubles together.

“For the past year or so we have been playing tournaments and doing lessons and clinics together,” Dulik said. “So we knew we wanted to doubles together at Paly because we had played together a lot.”

Paly coach Andy Harader was equally excited when he heard that Biffar would be coming to Paly.

seriously until middle school. Dulik and Biffar played other sports when they were younger - lacrosse and horseback riding for Biffar, and basketball and soccer for Dulik - and the time spent playing these other sports helped to develop the athletic ability that makes them a potent pair on the court.

TEAM WORK Biffar and Dulik have bonded to become a strong doubles pair with a chance at winning leagues As each player started to focus on tennis, they developed unique skill sets. For Biffar, her forte is her power and athleticism, along with strong ground strokes.

“Sophie has all the tools to become a great player,” Whitlinger said. “She has good strokes and when she gets a hold of the ball she can really hit it.”

Dulik and Biffar also share two of the most important qualities for athletic success - unflinching mental toughness and a never-ending desire to improve.

Coach Harader recalls one of his first conversations with the Gunn coach about Sophie, which reinforced that view.

“He [the Gunn coach] told me that [Sophie] was the type of player who could pull a match out if she was down,” Harader said. “She could come back fighting and pull it out and that’s a very strong characteristic of a tennis player at the high school level.”

Dulik’s mental toughness is also praiseworthy, Whitlinger and Harader noted. “[Gracie] is very, very determined and is a wonderful listener,” Whitlinger said. “She takes everything I say to heart and uses every minute she’s out here practicing to get better. She rarely ever gets down on herself at practice and always gives 110%, which is all you can ask as a coach.”

Dulik and Biffar have channeled their energy into lofty goals for the season, among them an undefeated league record and a trip to CCS. The girls are well on their way, as they have yet to lose a doubles match this season.

“They have an excellent chance of winning the league championship,” Ha-

“For a while we were not allowed to play together because we fought too much,”Biffar said.

“Sophie came over during the summer and when I found out that she was number three singles for Gunn I was happily amazed, to say the least, when I heard she was coming to Paly,” Harader said. “Then I found out that she and Gracie had been doubles partners in the past and I was astonished.”

For Dulik and Biffar, tennis came naturally, as both come from families that loved the game.

“Both my parents and two of my brothers play tennis,” Dulik said. “So it was natural for me [to play tennis as well].”

Both first began playing tennis around the age of eight, but did not start playing

Biffar’s power is a great complement to Dulik’s stellar net play.

“I love playing with Gracie,” Biffar said. “She’s great at net and always gets everything back.”

Dulik and Biffar’s strengths combine to form a balanced team. Doubles tennis requires a combination of skills, and with Biffar’s power and Dulik’s net play, the pair appears to have a great future together.

“The girls have great potential as a doubles team in the future, because they complement each other well,” Whitlinger said. “Sophie has power, Gracie has consistency. Sophie serves well, Gracie volleys well.”

rader said. “If they continue to develop and stay focused, I see them winning the league in doubles.”

Off the court, Dulik and Biffar have grown into great friends, and have then bring this back to the court, where communication and teamwork have developed into a essential part of Dulik and Biffar’s success.

“It takes a lot of communication to play doubles at a good level,” Whitlinger said.

“But they do this well because they are close as friends [off the court].”

With the past tensions between them on the court far in the past, they are focused on the season ahead.

“We don’t fight anymore,” Dulik said

The Viking | 45

Sophomore Speed A

s a standout member of the boys’ crosscountry team, sophomore Philip MacQuitty, 16, has brought new excitement to the competitive running world.

MacQuitty, a tall, somewhat lanky sophomore is now a recognizable fi gure throughout the state running community. With pictures and articles appearing in several newspapers, MacQuitty’s success seems

46 | The Viking

By Elizabeth Scott Photography by Alek Milovidov guaranteed.

When MacQuitty debuted on Palo Alto High School’s team last year as a freshman, he shocked and delighted the whole school.

Winning race after race, MacQuitty made a name for himself and Paly sports as whole.

As the fastest member of the cross-country team last year, MacQuitty consistently ran just over fi ve-minute

miles in races of varying lengths. Throughout the season, the team competed at many schools including Gunn, Clovis and Crystal Springs. The races range from about two miles to four miles. No matter the length or terrain of a race, MacQuitty has never ceased to amaze his coaches and fans.

“He is a great runner and an inspiration,” senior co-captain Rajan Narang said.

During the track season, MacQuitty became the fi rst freshman to win the 3200meter race at California Central Coast Sectionals.

“It was one of my proudest moments,” MacQuitty said. “As well as the fi rst time I broke fi ve minutes on the mile.” His win was even more impressive due to the fi erce competition of the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League.

“Paly belongs to one of the best athletic districts in the state,” cross-country coach Paul Jones said. “Schools we compete against like Gunn and St. Francis have some of the fastest runners around.”

Though his natural talent is obvious, MacQuitty still trains diligently. “Training is not fun, but there is no way not to train and be a good runner,” he said.

Macquitty runs a challenging thirty-fi ve miles per week, about fi ve miles a day, as well as extra workouts.

“We have been adding fi ve miles a week to his training each season,” coach Jeff Billing said. This rigorous training shows the work ethic MacQuitty has been known for.

“He has lots of energy and works really hard,” team captain Sam Jones said. “He is like a spark. Everyone loves to be around him.”

After such an explosive fi rst year, the Paly community is anxious to see what MacQuitty will do in the upcoming season.

Parents, teachers and students all know him as “the super-fast freshman,” and now wonder what he will do as a sophomore.

The current cross-country team is opti-

season.

“His motivation is defi nitely there,” Billing said, “He has the potential to be a really amazing runner.”

Though his impressive record may seem intimidating, MacQuitty says most of the pressure he feels he puts on himself.

“I have really high expectations and that is what I work for,” said MacQuitty.

Though it seems like he cannot amaze the running community more than he did last year, intense training and an unbeatable attitude will help MacQuitty’s career grow further.

“I just make sure he does not do anything stupid,” co-captain Sam Jones said, “like not stretch. I make sure he is prepared for races.”

One obstacle MacQuitty must avoid is injury.

Last year, he had to fi nd great patience to deal with preexisting injuries.

“It was really hard to have such a talented runner come into the season with many in-

mistic for their season as a whole.

“My only goal is to make it to states,” Narang said, “I think we will do it, too.”

To achieve this goal, MacQuitty and the team will have to perform their best all season and make it to Central Coast Sectionals in November.

CCS will take place on the grueling Crystal Springs course and test all of the athletes’ endurance and speed.

From CCS, Paly will hopefully qualify to participate in the California State Championship in Fresno.

“We are currently ranked third in CCS,” team co-captain Jones said. “I really think we are good enough to make it to state.”

MacQuitty also aims for the team to make it to state.

“I think we have at least a 75 percent chance of making it,” MacQuitty said. Everyone has high hopes for MacQuitty this

juries,” Billing said.

When he was able to run again in October, MacQuitty was off to a quick start.

MacQuitty visits a personal trainer once a week, uses a foam roller and gets professional massages to keep his body in healthy running condition. “We just want to teach him how to keep healthy,” Billing said.

His knowledge of the sport is noticed by everyone around him. “He is a great runner and very knowledgeable,” Narang said.

“He provides a good example for the rest of the team and is very inspirational.”

As The Paly community watches MacQuitty grow as a runner and a person, his goals continue to rise.

“He could win CCS and the division II state meet,” Billing said. “And either this year or next, an ultimate goal is to qualify for the Footlocker National.”

High Expectations: MacQuitty trains hard to match his success in track this year in cross-country MacQuitty has had no trouble standing out in the ultra-competitive sports league.

The media often portrays stories of athletes forced into a sport by an overbearing parent or coach, but MacQuitty’s case is much less dramatic. His father, whose running career was cut short by an ankle injury, inspired him. MacQuitty has never felt pressure from his parents, though they encourage him in following his passion.

He began running in seventh grade and was immediately drawn further into the addictive sport as his talents began to shine through. During physical education class, most students struggled to complete the mile and possibly earn the desirable “sub-8” or “sub-7” t-shirt. Even then, MacQuitty was in a league of his own breaking the fi ve-minute mile mark. There was no denying that he would be a runner.

The Viking | 47

SPaly UMMER F OOTBALL ‘07 strides to new heights in summer Passing League

By Matthew Tracy Photography by Alek Milovidov

T

ypical high school students spend summers swimming, hanging out with friends and generally just having a good time. However, relaxing was not on the schedule for Palo Alto High School’s football team. In order to prepare for the coming season, several of the top varsity players chose to participate in a summer football league.

The summer league, commonly known as the Passing League, begins every year a week after school gets out, and fi nishes in mid-July. The team spent the fi rst several Passing League games getting used to the different style of play. Differences such as no tackling, two-hand touch, 80-yard fi elds, no running plays, seven-on-seven and coaches refereeing, gave the players a great chance to improve on fundamentals without the constant worry of injury.

“I was looking forward to the summer football league,” junior running back Sam

48 | The Viking

Tompkins said. “[It gave us a chance] to practice a lot and get ready for the season ahead of us.”

Joining other teams from the Bay Area in a summer league was a great way for players to improve their fi tness, build new team chemistry and strengthen the connection within the offense. Paly Athletic Director Earl Hansen and his son Peter coached the team in order to help the players get as much out of the league as possible.

Along with a few new varsity players added to the previous year’s summer league team and a slightly different playbook, several other changes also occurred. One of the most prominent changes was the style of playoffs that the team would participate in after the regular season.

In 2007, the San Francisco 49ers joined a group of eight other National Football League (NFL) teams in hosting a qualifying tournament for nationals. The national tournament was held on July 12 in Houston, Texas. The Paly coaches signed the team up for this extraordinary opportunity, and continued the regular season with high

hopes for their post-season. The qualifying tournament was held on June 30, at the 49ers training facility in Santa Clara. The team played all day, with seven games in total. The last game came down to overtime; when they pulled the game out of the bag in the end with an astonishing play.

“It was a pass play to [junior] wide receiver Bobby Holman, so [senior] Brandon Boyd went behind Bobby,” Tompkins said.

“The ball refl ected over Bobby’s hands and Brandon dove and caught the ball in the end zone.” This capped an incredible 7-0 showing, earning the Vikings a berth into the prestigious national tournament.

On July 11, the team left for Houston from the San Jose Airport, and the fl ight took until mid-day to fi nally get into the Houston Airport. The weather was scorching and hit temperatures of over 110 degrees outside the air-conditioned airport.

“When we looked outside the fi rst day, we saw all these nice fi elds, and we thought we would have to be playing in the heat all continued on page 55

A League of Her Own As the players file onto the football field for

practice in their coordinating white and green uniforms, one player stands out. A long blond ponytail hangs down number 89’s back as she stands alongside her freshmen boy teammates.

Football is no longer just for boys.

For many years now, girls have been organizing football teams and playing for their high schools. Freshman Francisca Harriss is brave enough to be the first girl in ten years at Palo Alto High school to step outside the box and show girls that they are strong enough to play the sport.

Harriss is the first in her family to play football.

“I have just always enjoyed it,” Harriss said.

Although Harriss is new to Paly, almost everyone on campus knows who the most recent addition to the team is.

Harriss is the first girl in over ten years football player at Paly, but not in the US. As far back as 1939, girls have been stepping up and playing alongside boys.

Since then, girls from all over the country have been struggling in finding their own teams.

In 2004, The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), an organization representing state governing bodies for high-school sports, found that 1,477 girls participated in tackle football at 306 schools across the nation.

The idea of girls playing football is becoming more widely accepted in our society. Last year the National Football League (NFL) took an interest in girls’ increasing involvement in football. The NFL set up and sponsored a girls’ football camp at the New York Giant’s football stadium.

Harriss’ bold move will make Paly history and will inspire incoming girls to join her.

Harriss does not want her gender to be the sole reason of her recognition.

“I don’t want to be remembered as ‘the girl’ who played football but rather as a good player,” Harriss said.

Harriss is confident that though she is inexperienced she can still perform this season.

By Lucy McComas and Liza Dernehl Photography by Alek Milovidov

football player James McCollough said.

“Its nice to see that she has a lot of determination.”

“This is my first time ever playing football, but it’s not scary playing against all those boys,” Harriss said.

Though Harriss currently plays wide receiver and defensive back, she hopes to eventually be a running back, a challenging yet attainable goal.

“She can really hold her own out there on the field,” Coach Dave Duran said.

Harriss was not able to play in Paly’s debut game against Carlemont because she had not turned in necessary paperwork. Despite sitting out the first game, Harriss expects to get more playing time throughout the rest of the season.

Harris is involved in three sports, two of which are male dominated. Along with football, Harriss also participates in soccer and wrestling.

“She likes the more physical sports,” Duran said. “I know in junior high she wrestled and plans on wrestling this year too. I have never had a girl on the football team and it has been at least ten years since I have coached a girl on the wrestling team. I remember watching her wrestle against the boys in Junior High and she had a lot of close matches.”

As the only girl on the football team, the Paly community is interested and eager to watch her grow into as a player.

“It is good to see a girl come out for football, most girls would be too scared,” varsity

The Viking | 49

Sam Tompkins’ torn ACL causes coaches to tear up the playbook and start from scratch

BY O L IVI A GA RCI A

S

Photography by Alek Milovidov

am Tompkins sprints up the field alongside the opposing player with the ball. He prepares to make the tackle when suddenly the player dives and lands on his leg. Pop! Tompkins feels an excruciating pain rush through his entire knee as his ACL tears.

Tompkins was looking forward to a great junior season as first-string running back for the Palo Alto High School varsity football team, but his plans for this year have been put to an abrupt halt in one quick accident.

Tompkins and other players on the team were in Houston playing in a Passing League tournament (see p.52). Tompkins injured himself the morning of the team’s first game.

“I was on defense and I was running alongside the guy with the ball,” Tompkins said. “He jumped and fell on my leg, but I didn’t fall to the ground. He fell on my lower right leg and I heard a crack.”

After the injury, Tompkins continued to play because he had a minor knee injury last year and did not think this one was anything serious. Tompkins was only able to make it through a through a few more plays before he realized the injury was more serious than he had originally thought.

“When we were on offense, I was running and tried to make a cut and my knee

50 | The Viking

gave way and I heard a louder, more painful pop,” Tompkins said.

The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is the tissue in the knee area that connects the lower leg bone to the upper leg bone. When the ligament is torn, it no longer connects the bones.

Tompkins later learned that when his ACL ligament tore, the blood vessels inside burst and blood filled his knee joint, caus- Looking Forward: Sam Tompkins traveled to Houston this ing swelling. The meniscus, summer with other varsity players where he tore his ACL a cartilage on both sides of in their first game. “I will be back on the field next year!” the knee, cushions the area where bones meet. It is common for the knee sprain. meniscus to tear along with ACL injuries.

However, the following day, the trainer Tompkins was slowly helped off the took a second look at Tompkins leg. His field and could not play for the rest of he knee had swelled over night, and there was game. After a quick look, the trainer in no way he would be able to play for the rest Houston told him that he would be back in of the tournament. While his knee was exaction the next day because it was only a tremely swollen, he was surprisingly able

to walk with some ease, though his lathoping to be off crutches by September eral movement was somewhat limited.

26th and to be 100 percent in another Tompkins returned home the day afnine months. ter the injury with the rest of the team.

“It feels likes it’s taking forever Soon after, he went to his regular docthough,” Tompkins said. “I can’t wait to tor, who also diagnosed the injury as a get back on the field.” serious sprain. The doctor told TompThe rest of the team is anxiously kins to come back for a check-up within awaiting Tompkins’ return as well, as the week. If there would be no improveTompkins was definitely an asset to the ment, he would make a further diagnosquad, and brought a lot to the football sis. field.

After further deliberation, Tompkins “We changed our whole offense bedecided with his family to visit an orcause of the injury,” senior James Mcthopedic surgeon during the upcomCollough said. ing week, because they believed it was Prior to his injury, the team had many something more serious than a sprain. running plays in their offense using both “He [the orthopedic surgeon] could the fullback, Sione Mataele, and Tompimmediately tell it was an ACL injury,” kins. Many of the formations are varied Tompkins said. The next step for Tompnow because the new running back, Mckins was to take an MRI (Magnetic Collough, has different strengths from Resonance Imaging) to see exactly what Tompkins. was wrong with his knee. The results Junior quarterback Will Brandin has took a few days to come back -- it was also adjusted to the changes made to the dangerous game: “He jumped and fell on my leg, an anxious time for Tompkins. offense, but definitely misses having “My dad went to receive the MRI results but I didn’t fall to the ground. He fell on my lower Tompkins on the team. because I didn’t want to hear any bad news right leg and I heard a crack.”

“We run a lot more of a solo back formafrom the doctor,” Tompkins said. tion with just Sione [Mataele] in the back-

“It feels likes it’s taking forever though,” Tompkins said. “I cannot wait to get back on the field.”

Tompkins later reviewed the results with the Paly team doctor, Steve Woolson.

The results showed that Tompkins tore his ACL and a part of his meniscus. He immediately scheduled surgery for the upcoming week with the orthopedic surgeon.

Tompkins hopes to play football again, so effective treatment was vital to him. For ACL surgery, doctors generally reconstruct the ACL using either tissue from the patients own body or donor tissue.

He chose to use auto-graft tissue (his own tissue), from his patella tendon. The patella tendon connects from the quadricep muscle to the kneecap and attaches to the tibia or shin bone.

“We talked to the doctor about it, and he said it would potentially heal Long wait: “I miss being a part of the team, practicfaster because the tendon is from my ing withthem,hangingwiththemsocially,anddefiown body,” Tompkins said. Tompkins is nitely on the field...”

field,” Brandin said. Brandin knows that in order to succeed, the team has had to overcome the fact that Tompkins will not be playing this season.

“Sam definitely would have been a big contributor if he didn’t get hurt, but I like the new offense and its variety,” Brandin said.

The team has remained optimistic and looks forward to a great year.

“We will embrace our new offense and play every game with tons of energy and intensity,” McCollough said.

Despite the bump in the road, Tompkins will be on the sideline supporting his team every step of the way.

“I miss being a part of the team, practicing with them, hanging with them socially and definitely on the field because we had good chemistry,” Tompkins said. “I love the game so it’s really hard to just watch from the sideline, but I love being there to support my team.”

The Viking | 51

52| The Viking

The Vi k i n g s’

New Face Varsity Quarterback Will Brandin strives to lead Paly’s offensive attack this season in the hopes of defending their Division CCS title.

By Ahna Rao Photography by Alek Milovidov Junior Will Brandin struggles against mounting pressure as he prepares for a challenging season as Palo Alto High School’s varsity starting quarterback. He began last year’s football season at third-string, just behind Jeff Wilson and Nick Goodspeed.

With little field experience, Brandin begins this year as the team’s prime component.

Brandin’s lack of game time in the past may affect his performance on the field.

“It’s true that he does not have much game experience,” head coach Earl Hansen said, “but Passing League [see page 52] gave him a sense for the game.” Last year Brandin attempted a mere total of four passes on the field. Hansen explained his choice in rewarding this crucial position to Brandin.

“He had a very good summer; he showed some team leadership and performed very well accuracy wise,” Hansen said. Brandin’s teammates also look forward to watching him develop as a player.

“I think he improved a lot over the summer, and now we can trust him playing back there,” senior Donnie Salas said.

With his helmet in his hand, and sweaty hair sticking in all directions, Brandin jogs at a relaxed pace onto the practice field.

His lanky frame and seemingly unfocused nature do not make him the obvious choice for quarterback, but his teammates believe he is the one to look out for.

“Well, if I had to choose anyone right now I would choose him,” teammate Mike Scott said Brandin started playing football when he was quite young, playing catch with friends in his backyard, but he did not join a team until eighth grade.

“I liked watching football on TV,” said Brandin, “ and my dad played football in college, so I wanted to play.” However, he cannot recall why he decided to start playing quarterback.

Courtesy of Robert Drebin/Photo illustration by Noah Sneider

“I guess it was just because I liked throwing, and I was decent at it,” Brandin said.

Though Brandin can only hope for another season like last years, many of the players acknowledge the unlikelihood of a success comparable to Paly’s historic 2006 season. Last year, Paly quarterback Nick Goodspeed led the team to the state championship game in southern California, a first for Paly in 80 years. Goodspeed’s impressive record, throwing 2,089 yards and 17 touchdowns throughout the season, will be hard to match.

After such an unreal experience last year, Brandin admits to feeling a heavy burden.

“There’s definitely pressure on me,” said Brandin, “Especially after coming off of state championship’s, you know there is pressure.” The legacy of outstanding Paly quarterbacks forces Brandin to step up to the plate.

“I have very high expectations for the season,” said Hansen. “I have no reason to expect anything less.”

Quarterbacks like Nathan Ford and Nick Goodspeed, who both led the Paly team to the Central Coast Section finals, leave Brandin with big shoes to fill and a legacy to uphold.

Due to the loss of several key players, Hansen has established a completely new line that relies heavily on consistent performance from the quarterback.

“Anytime you lose a whole offensive line it is going to be hard, but we have a lot of talent,” said Brandin, “ Our new line is different but I am confident we will do well over the season.”

Losing the team’s offensive line as well as some player injuries, has caused some formation changes in the team line up.

Sione Mataele will remain at fullback, while senior Jordan Jefferson plans on replacing Buddy Benedaret at tight end. On the defensive end, junior Will Holder will play strong safety. Despite its losses, Brandin maintains that the team remains strong.

The Viking|53

“Sam [Tompkins’] injury defiJunior Will Holder scored the first nitely hurt the team, but otherwise touchdown of the game, returning Jordan is a really good replacement the ball 80 yards off an interception, for Buddy,” Brandin said, “We also while running back Sione Mataele have got some strong wide receivrushed for a total of 113 yards and 2 ers to lead our line.” touchdowns, ending the game with a Losing a lot of seniors may Viking victory 20-6. have drastically affected Paly’s “Overall we did pretty well considgame, but it has far from discourering the circumstances,” Hansen said. aged the team’s high hopes, as it “But we had some good drives that we still aspires to defend its CCS title. didn’t finish, so I would say we left at “Because we have a lot of exleast two touchdowns on the field.” perience from last year’s returning Brandin led the Vikings to a 23-6 players, and we have incoming peovictory against Burlingame in their ple with the ability to fill the missing home-opener, throwing for a total of positions, we’re not at all discour144 yards. However, his 36 percent aged from stepping up this season,” completion rate allows room for imsaid Jefferson. provement.

Passing league allowed the “He has just got to work on consisteam to get accustomed to its new tency,” Hansen said. quarterback and was a great opporThe team’s untested line was able tunity for Brandin to get experience to prove themselves in their first two and become introduced to the ingames, finishing with strong victories. tense realities of the game.

“We [offensive line] did really well “It gave him experience and for our size,” senior Donnie Salas said, gave him some time to learn the Photograph by Alek Milovidov “But we have the potential to do a lot new plays,” Jefferson said. “[It also] better.” This early victory proved to be helped us [the team] develop a an excellent beginning to the Vikings CarrYing a LegaCY: Will Brandin faces mounting pres- season, but Hansen acknowledges a good chemistry.”

Without the on-field experineed for improvement. ence he received over the summer, Brandin played his game on the Brandin would have begun the season team is new, so it was good to practice.” field in an attempt to deliver for his unprepared for the challenges to come.

In the first game of the season team, but Hansen insists he has more to Brandin agrees that the Passing League against McClymond’s High School in offer.

“He has [Brandin] got all the tools,” Hansen said, “He is accurate and he “He [Brandin] has got all the tools, he is has got a strong arm, he is just lacking the experience.” But Brandin is not left accurate and he has got a strong arm,” with much time to develop his game, coach hansen said. because the team’s most competitive games are arriving early. helped reveal his strengths and weak- Oakland, Paly’s fresh new line proved it“Our hardest games are definesses on the playing field. self worthy. The Vikings were able to prenitely going to be against Oak Grove “Over the summer we had Passing vent six-foot six, 330 pound, defensive and Los Gatos, and they are some League, weight training, Hell Week and linemen Allen Carrol from putting presof the first games we play this seadouble days,” said Brandin,” I just had to sure on Brandin, so Brandin delivered an son,” said Brandin. “But our line has work on improving my technique. But it impressive performance, completing 13 played really well so far so I am conwas good because everything about the out of 17 passes, for a total of 133 yards. fident we can compete with them.”

Flick?

Out Cold Football Team?

San Jose Sabercats 54| The Viking

Will’s Thrills Vacation Spot?

Mexico Athlete?

Lance Armstrong

Food?

Garlic twists Celebrity Crush?

Jessica Alba

continued from page 48

said.

As it turned out, every other city did in fact pick an all-star team to represent them in the national tournament. While the 49ers had a tournament to select the best high school team to represent them, the other nine teams selected the best 250 or so players from the state and had them all tryout for a spot on their prospective teams.

“Atlanta took all of the top-ranked prospects from the state, including the number

They ended up coming in fourth place out of 10 teams filled with recruits and collegeday,” said senior wide-receiver Mike Scott. bound athletes.

“But then we saw this huge dome, and we The team accomplished incredible were told we were going to get to play in things in the four weeks that they were tothere.” gether. Team chemistry improved both on That evening, the team was finally able and off the field. A second accomplishment to settle down, and rest up for the tournawas that the team perfected its play book on ment ahead of them. both offense and defense. The offense now “We had a team bonding dinner, and just uses their arsenal of plays more effectively hung out at the hotel all night,” senior tightagainst competitive high school teams, and the defense’s coverage and overall ability has improved drastically.

“Passing league is about focusing on the coverage part of football,” Brown said. “It helped me a lot as well as the whole team in our pass coverage, and ever since Houston I have gotten a lot better at pass protection.”

Perhaps the most important improvement was the connection new starting quarterback, junior Will Brandin, formed with his receivers.

“There was almost no connection with the Will and his receivers when we started this passing league season,” Holder said.

“But when the season was over, it looked as if they had had an entire high school season together.”

Brandin and his three main receivers; Courtesy of Sam Tompkins Scott, Jefferson and junior Bobby Holman The Paly team poses 5 minutes before their first game of the Passing League were able to connect on a different level national tournament in Houston, Texas. Paly finished in 4th place overall. during the four weeks they worked together. Unlike a high school football game, end and line backer Jordan Jefferson said.

18 wide receiver recruit,” junior corner- these three had to make most of the catches, because the rules prevented running the They did not end up having one of the back Paul Brown recalls. first games the next day, which gave them The Vikings played seven games over ball. With this kind of repetition, Brandin some time to scout the teams they were go- the course of the next two days, but unfor- and his receivers were able to learn each other’s strengths and weaknesses, tendening to play and warm-up adequately. Their first game was against the team represent“There was almost no connection with Will and his receiving the Atlanta Falcons, which provided a great way for the team to warm-up to the ers when we started this passing league season.” Holder said. style of play in nationals.

“But when the season was over, it looked as if they’d had an However, competition at the national entire high school season together.” tournament proved to be much more difficult than at the qualifying tournament.

Although Paly came ready to play tough tunately did not make the championship cies, and basic feel for the game. teams in the national tournament, they game. The highlight of the trip however, With better chemistry, a perfected ofwere not expecting their opponents to be was beating the team who represented the fensive and defensive playbook and an future professionals. However, that is ex- Washington Redskins. The Redskins end- incredible connection between Brandin ed up winning the entire tournament and and his targets, the Paly team is looking actly what they got.

“The teams we played were not like our played dominantly throughout the tourna- forward to the upcoming high school season as a chance to prove to everyone that team,” junior strong-safety Will Holder ment until they collided with Paly. said. “They had state-wide tryouts, so we “[My favorite game] would have to be they deserve to go back to state championthe game against the Redskins, because we ship game. When asked whether he would were basically playing all-star teams.” beat them, but they ended up winning it join the team and go to Houston again next Other teammates agreed. year if he had the chance, Holder exclaims, “We were a normal high-school team, all,” Brown said. but these guys had some of the top recruits However, win or lose, the tournament “Hell yeah! It made my summer, and we in the country on their teams,” Jefferson was considered a success for the Paly team. need to redeem ourselves!”

The Viking | 55

The Silent

Assassin

A leader by example, senior Hillary Ford looks to lead Paly’s volleyball team to CCS for the second year in a row.

BY C H A RLI E AVI S

C

Photographs by Charlie Avis

heers filled the Palo Alto High School’s gym as the varsity girl’s volleyball team scrimmaged Menlo School.

After every point, the whole team enthusiastically gave high-fives and words of encouragement, regardless of the score or outcome of the point. Some of the more vocal

players constantly cheered for their team.

One can usually pick out the leaders of the team based on verbal inspiration to those around them, but this is not the case with Paly’s team. Hillary Ford may not be the loudest on the court, or even the tallest, but her outstanding athleticism and positive attitude make her a deadly threat to opponents and a strong leader on the court.

“Hillary is always positive,” head coach David Winn said. “It is hard to get her mad.”

The “Silent Assassin”, as Winn likes to call Ford, has been playing volleyball since her best friend’s mom introduced her to

56 | The Viking

off. This season will be her fourth year on Paly’s varsity team and her third year as a starter. Because she was the star player last year, Ford’s teammates look to her for leadership this season.

“Hillary is the go-to player the sport in fourth [on the team],” grade. Ford played senior Ashley for Corte Madera Acuff said.

Middle School, “People rely and in sixth grade Photography by Alek Milovidov on her for supshe decided to take her volleyball LEADER Ford’s all-around play is the an- port.” skills to the next chor of Paly’s volleyball team. She will try to Ford has parlevel by trying out lead the team to a league championship. ticipated in the Junior Olymfor the Vision Vol pic trials since she was 12 years old and leyball Club.

“I tried out for club just for fun,” Ford continues playing for the prestigious club said. “But as I got older, it got more and team Vision in the 17-Gold division. Every year, Vision plays in a west coast regional more competitive.”

Ford’s early start in the sport has paid tournament. Ford has played a key role in

PicSKILLS Ford’s offensive attack compliments her strong defense. Her 408 kills and 304 digs last season led the Paly team. these tournaments for the past six years, propelling her team to top three finishes and a spot in the Junior Olympic tournament each year.

Vision has harvested successful college players such as sophomore Joanna Evans and freshman Stephanie Brown on last year’s Stanford volleyball team which finished second in the nation.

Ford led Paly in both kills and digs last season, recording 408 and 304 respectively. Her impressive 11.3 kills per game make Ford a threat on offense, but her all-around talent make her an all-league player. “[Ford] is smart on offense,” Winn said, “but her solid defense is what really makes her stand out.”

As a hard worker, Ford still sees room to strengthen her already solid skills.

I still want to improve my all-around game,” Ford said, despite leading Paly in both offensive and defensive stats last year.

Ford plays libaro for her club team and hopes to use her defensive prowess to play volleyball in college. Ford keeps up her academic life along with volleyball as she

Ford’s Favs Movie The Notebook Sport to Watch Football Idol Her Brother, Nathan Song Ayo Technology - 50 Cent

Pregame Meal Fruit Teacher Mr. Knight Class Auto TV Show Friends

is considering top-end universities such as Princeton and Yale. Ford wants to go to school on the east coast, like her brother, Nathan (05’), who attends Cornell. Other schools she is considering are Notre Dame, Lehigh, Dartmouth, and Cornell.

As for this year, Ford has high expectations for Paly’s team.

“Winning league is our main goal,” Ford said. “I would like to go to CCS again also.”

Along with cocaptains Alison Bisset and Jessie Juarez, the “Silent Assassin” is going into the 2007 season with a confidence that cannot help but rub off on the other players.

“Hillary Ford is amazing!” junior Helene Zahoudanis said. “She keeps us all in high spirits.”

With her teammates behind her, all eyes are on Ford to do something special with this year’s volleyball team. So far this season, Ford has led the team to a winning record with her solid defense and explosive offense. With a stronger supporting cast this year, it is a question of Ford’s leaderALL AROUND PLAYER Ford sets a ship skills that will determine the teams ball to her teammate in a Paly game. post-season presence.

“[Ford] is smart on offense, but her solid defense is what really makes her stand out,” Winn said.

The Viking | 57

Harder, Better, Faster

With an eye-catching performance at last year’s state football championship, senior Mike Scott has all eyes on him

BY BEN AFSHAR

F

Photography by Alek Milovidov

ollowing an impressive display at last year’s state football game, senior Mike Scott is prepared to show defenders just why he has been labelled the best in the section. An athlete since his early days on the El Carmelo soccer field, the dominant wide receiver that we now rely on did not begin to play football until his freshman year.

After turning heads in the CIF State Bowl Championship, Scott is ready to convince the competition that he is the real deal. Playing wide receiver on the freshman team, it did not take long for Scott to establish his dominance over opponents. “[Then quarterback] Tyger Pederson and I would connect all game, usually scoring three to four touchdowns per game,” Scott said.

After a successful year on the freshman team, Scott followed it up the next season with an impressive sophomore year. Returning as a wide receiver and cornerback, Scott’s athleticism made him stand out yet again, earning him the all-league award as both a wide receiver and a corner. As a junior, Scott was sidelined for the first eight games of the season due to academic issues.

Scott now looks back and sees that that was a great learning experience for him.

“I learned that I have to work just as

58 | The Viking

Courtesy of Robert Drebin

MILKY MIKE Scott sports his customized back flap on the sidelines

hard in the classroom as I do on the field,” Scott said. With his academic issues out of the way, Scott was able to suit up and play during Palo Alto High School’s ninth game against Milpitas. Scott proved his worth by reeling in five catches for 68 yards and one touchdown. Although Scott had shown his ability on the field, Paly’s first post-season game saw Scott without any passes.

It was not until the second round of Central Coast Section play against Palma High School that Scott showed what he could do on the post-season level. Scott connected with quarterback Nick Goodspeed five times for an overall gain of 80 yards. Scott repeated his performance against Palma a week later in the CCS finals against Oak Grove High School, making five catches for 90 yards.

Most impressive of all was his effort against Southern California’s football powerhouse Orange Lutheran High School in the CIF State Bowl Championships. After Scott had a momentum shifting fumble early in the game, he recovered immediately, putting yards, and points on the board.

Scott finished the game with a seasonhigh ten receptions for 210 yards with two touchdowns, doubling his yardage accrued during his past five games.

After such a short yet impressive junior season, Scott knows he has a lot to prove

whenever he steps onto the fi eld. “[Coach] Hansen told the papers that I was the best receiver in the league, so now I have to live up to my name and prove myself,” Scott

some athletes, Scott sees it as an opportunity to better himself as a player. “I know that if I don’t do as well as I’m supposed to, other teams will doubt my skill,” Scott

in the backfi eld,” Scott said. “We’re going to have to spread out our plays evenly between running and passing. We can’t just rely on our passing.”

“He’s a great guy and a hard worker,” Jordan Jefferson said. “He definitely has college-level ability.” said.

Teammate and senior tight end Jordan Jefferson agrees with Coach Hansen assessment of Scott.

Jefferson attributes Scott’s success mostly to his teammate’s athleticism, a trait that is a huge part of Scott.

“He’s good because he can beat you as an opponent in so many ways,” Jefferson said. “He’s a really good all-around athlete, that helps him jump higher and out-play his opponents.”

Although fame can get to the heads of

said.

In addition to putting up points and yardage, Scott’s teammates look to him for encouragement both on and off the fi eld.

“He’s a good leader, he leads by example,” Jefferson said. “He’s a great guy and a hard worker, he defi nitely has college-level ability.”

Understandably, Scott is looking forward to the beginning of league-play this season. Scott sees this year’s team as one with multiple strengths. “We’re going to run a lot because we have Sione Mataele

Scott has already began proving his worth this year; so far he has accrued 181 yards, two interceptions, and one touchdown off of a deep pass down the left side against Burlingame. Scott has already been approached by a number of college coaches.

“At this point both Washington and San Jose State have shown a lot of interest in me,” Scott said. “My preference would be to play basketball, but at this point I think football’s my best option.”

s

Mike’s Like

ABOVE & BEYOND Scott had two catches for 102 yards and a touchdown against Burlingame

Flick Scarface Sport to Watch Basketball College Athlete O.J. Mayo Professional Athlete Kobe Bryant Pregame Meal Sour Gummy worms Video Game Grand Theft Auto Class Sports Literature The Viking | 59

MIKE SCOTT The Viking | 60

Paly Varsity Sports

The Last Word

The Jessica Alba Connection

by Austin Smith

You know the stereotype that all sports jocks are just air headed and superfi cial? It’s quite common really, especially in high school—maybe you’ve seen Friday Night Lights (the sex-crazed NBC show, not the heartwarming 2005 release) or Varsity Blues.

I’m not saying it’s true, for all we know football players are just better looking and more confi dent with the ladies, but I challenge you to think about what it is that these are made of, because they just might be the same beliefs that bind us.

Now that you’ve got the picture in your head, I’ll quickly mention that I’m proud to say that The Viking is doing everything in it’s power, however subconsciously, to thoroughly endorse that sentiment of stereotype.

While looking through the magazine on a fi nal round of edits, I happened to notice that there seemed to be a dominant trend: Mike Scott and Jessica Alba. Now Scott has every right to be on all ten pages he’s mentioned on, but Alba, well, Alba might just be our own personalities breaking through. All seven pages of breakthrough.

It was never our intention to develop an obsession, but I give us some slack; it is Jessica Alba. Now I’m not trying to sound like a creep, and I know other guys who have shared this same “reality” (cough), but Jessica Alba could toss away her used spoon and I would keep it in my mouth the rest of my life.

However, the point is clear: we are full of substance and solid writing, but we haven’t forgotten our shallow side, either. We have a Desirable Athletes section, a Pop Culture Grid with answers ranging from “Jessica Biel” to “Superman that ho!”

I can’t say it’s our fault. We’ve been raised to love Jessica Alba like we love our own mothers, and 62 | The Viking

nobody will contest me on that. And let’s not forget Mike Scott, and I’m entirely in my heterosexual means here, is a real man’s man. We just want our issue to look good, and the people inside it to do so as well.

I don’t want to put anyone under the impression that we here at the magazine are “that” type of jocks. I can give you concrete examples.

One staff member is intent on playing the Goo Goo Dolls on his computer for the entirety of production. If that doesn’t show a sensitive side, then I don’t know what does.

Another male on staff enjoys singing eighties tunes, and he sings them to his heart’s desire. His voice is a little grating, but not entirely devoid of tone, and a deeply intellectual man can always sing.

Another person on staff is Ben Afshar.

The point is, we on staff do not want to promote any false stereotype, especially for our “jock” brothers, with whom we maintain a very good relationship as sports writers. Besides, who else do you think translates their interviews into normal, readable English quotes?

So for this fi rst issue, I need to make While lookit clear to the commuing through the nity that whatever it is that sneaks into the magazine...there magazine, be it sexual seemed to be a innuendo or grammatical errors, that we are dominant trend: just trying to give you Mike Scott and a fun read, and if Jessica Alba is what’s on Jessica Alba. our mind, then we’re sorry but that’s what you’re going to read.

It’s not us putting a cold shoulder to the community. We need you and you know it. What it is about is about normalcy, not New York Times normalcy, but everyday, Palo Alto High School normalcy. We are writing about sports, but we’re also a mass media and if Jessica Alba is the example I have to use to prove to you that we’re on the same page with you, that we sit in class with you, and we talk about the same things as you, then I say hooray for Jessica Alba!

And if you’re reading this, Jessica...

How you doin’?

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