Charles Kaloustian
Here we are, the spring semester is coming to a close and so are the seasons for the athletic teams on campus. It’s been a great run for some, but not for all. Since this is a learning institution, why not grade each program. Just like the stipulations in the classroom, these teams were graded on – Overall performance, season accolades and if there was any improvement from last season.
Swim A+
Even the great mythical god of the sea, Poseidon, would be proud of head coach Fred Shaw and his women’s swim team performance this season. Ranked No. 8 in the state, eight women competed at the Western State Conference Championship, with six of them advancing to the State Championships. Breaking school records became a routine for the women’s relay teams, special kudos go out to Alexandra Rogers, 2006 two-time state champion in the 50-yrd. and the 100-yrd. backstroke; and to Jessica Chen, 2006 runner-up in the 100-yrd. freestyle and a triple WSC champion.
(Alexandra Rogers, 2006 two-time state champion, has broken several Pierce records individually and comtributed to the relay team )
Baseball A
With playoffs just around the corner, head coach Bob Lofrano has primed his team to be a contender for the state championship title. With a cast of superheroes, Pierce is the eighth seed heading into the first round of playoffs this weekend where they will host Santa Ana College Saturday and Sunday in a best-of-three playoff. Game time is 1 p.m. Leading the league with a .401 batting average and 10 homeruns, it’s no surprise why Willie Cabrera is considered a top prospect for the major leagues. He has the experience to push this team far into the playoffs and knows what it takes to be a winner. His track record is proves it, a member 2003 and 2004 Chatsworth High baseball team’s that won two consecutive CIF City Championships
(Miguel Cuevas, 6-foot-9 right-hander from the Dominican Republic. intimidates batters with his 90-mph pitches, In 77 innings pitched he struck out 89 batters.)
Men’s Volleyball B+
After last season’s disappointing 2-14 record, second season head coach Adam Black challenged himself and the program, finishing a strong second in the state among community colleges. Sadly though, next season this team is going to have to rebuild after losing three key starters- co-captains David Hunt and Chris Reyes, and also Jordan Hickle. Holding them back from earning an A was their 13-6 overall record, with two early season losses to Moorpark College and El Camino College.
(Freshmen Joe Papadapolous (15) and Kyle Luongo (2) will chase the state title next season. )
Tennis C+
I’m not sure if legendary coach Paul Xanthos or assistant coach Rajeev Datt could have foreseen this season to be a bust. Only winning three games, I would have to blame the playing surfaces for the lack of enthusiasm by the players and for the poor recruiting. Who wants to play on cracked courts, anyway? Teamates, Karlos Huschke-Favela and Long Dao left marks on the court, ranked in No. 1 in the WSC for doubles play and are individually ranked in the top 25 for singles.
(Returning a serve- Long Dao is ranked No. 25 in singles match play. )
Softball Incomplete
From wire-to-wire this team was plagued with injuries. Losing starting pitcher Shelby Anderson, ranked fifth last season among pitchers in the conference, made a huge impact on the outcome of the season. It was a complete turnaround from the 2005 team where they finished 14-19, to this season, 3-32. With the majority of his team returning and with the help of fresh faces, I predict that head coach Pat Grennan will probally have a better 2007 team.
(The softball team won only three games this season, giving up 401 runs. )