Volume 47, Issue 7 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2004 Castro Valley, CA 94546

First line of double headline

By Matt RiceSTAFF WRITER

Anatomy and physiology student Perry Hung dissects a deceased cat for a hands-on experience in the classroom.

ATHENA GIANOPOULOS / COPY EDITOR

By Yelena TeplitskayaSTAFF WRITER

California State Universities (CSU) and Universities of Cali-fornia (UC) could possibly take big financial hits if the governors proposed budget is enacted.

Governor Arnold Schwarzeneg-gers new state budget proposes a nine percent ($240 million) reduc-tion in CSU funding and a $372 million cut from the UC system.

According to the budget plan, [the state] continues to recognize the significant contributions and benefits to society from broad ac-cess to higher education, but finds it, necessary to reduce General Fund spending in both the CSU and UC [systems].

Student reorganization is also proposed in the budget. The plan calls for ten percent of incoming CSU and UC students to be placed in the California Community Col-lege (CCC) system instead of a CSU or UC.

Students are also facing some tough monetary decisions. Stu-dents attending CCCs will face a hike in cost per unit to $26 for undergraduates and $50 for graduates.

The plan is met with harsh criti-cism and opposition from most high school students, the group it would affect the most.

Lower-income students will probably suffer most from the pro-posed budget. In the plan, financial aid programs in the UC system are

If you thought that dissecting frogs in Biology was the only thing gross enough to make you reconsider your position as a stu-dent, think again. Anatomy and Physiology classes on campus are dissecting cats to learn about the digestive system, the heart, blood, arteries and more.

Many of the students taking the class agreed that if you get past the gross-factor, it would definitely pave the way to an excellent learn-ing experience.

Its good to explore the natural body, said junior Darwin Tsang. And the closest thing to the natural human body, that is available to the school in large numbers, is a cat.

Cats are very similar to hu-mans, said Carol Dixon, Anatomy and Physiology teacher. Theyre small and easy to manipulate. I think its an excellent learning experience.

The cats are supplied every year by Wards Bio Supply House in North Carolina, where the cats are embalmed and injected with latex into their veins for preservation.

Traditionally, every Anatomy and Physiology class in college and high school uses cats, said Dixon. Its not my favorite thing to do, but you dont ever see what tissue is like [without it].

Students taking the class have to slice open a preserved, but still just as dead, cat and identify whatever anatomical aspect they are learning that week. The slice can be a mid-line incision like a two-door refrigerator, explained Dixon, with the flaps held down by stainless steel T-pins. From there,

students can examine the four chambers of the heart, the lungs, the liver and more.

Despite the intense sight and smell of a deceased cat in front of them, students agreed that theres nothing like learning Anatomy and Physiology first-hand.

Its kind of cool to learn [the anatomy of a cat] hands-on rather than from a mannequin or some-thing, said Laura Watkins.

Senior Kiran Bal agreed, it makes so much more sense now that were looking in the cat.

Anatomy and Physiology students dissect cats to explore body systems

Naturally, there is a substantial amount of doubt about the ethical prospect of dissecting cats from the students.

I think a few [students] were a little scared and nervous at first, explained Dixon, but in the be-ginning of the year, its one of the things I said wed do.

With all the hassle and issues of dissecting cats in the classroom, teachers still have faith in the process after all this time.

Its worth it, Dixon con-cluded.

planned to take a dramatic 33 per-cent funding reduction, decreasing the number of lower-income stu-dents able to attend.

Instead of denying people the right to their education, he should just raise taxes like any sane per-son would, said senior Maxine Wiseman.

Other students cite the fact that the budget may have its priorities in the wrong order.

Education is very important for California right now, having a balanced budget isnt, said senior Channing Cheng.

CSU and UC officials also take the proposed cuts as a poor choice for the future of California.

While we continue to share the pain of the states fiscal crisis, the public must realize that these budget reductions will negatively impact student access to the Cali-fornia State University because all qualified students will not be admitted, said CSU Chancellor Charles Reed.

Fewer students admitted means fewer educated citizens entering the workforce to stimulate the economy and provide the jobs that the governor stressed in his State of the State address, Reed said. Not investing in higher education will have a devastating impact on the states economic future.

In the end it will come down to the voters to choosing whether or not Schwarzenegger s plan will be the new standard, or the memory of a failed plan.

California Governor proposes reduction

of CSU and UC funds

By Haseeb SadatSTAFF WRITER

Girls wrestlers dominate state championshipsCVHS girls wrestling team cap-

tured the title of State Champions at the prestigious California Girls State Wrestling Championships on Feb. 7 at Vallejo High School.

In just two years of existence, the girl grapplers accomplished something no other Castro Val-ley High team had ever achieved winning a team championship at a state event. Head coach Steve Solis says the formula to success was any easy one to follow.

Its a simple formula, said Steve Solis. If [the girls] put the work in, good things will happen. Set high goals and good things will happen.

Junior Sharlee Solis (weight class 126) and senior Summer Scott (weight class 132) led the way with the only individual titles.

Castro Valley also got third-place finishes from Katrina Dutchover and Danielle Freitas, a fifth-place finish from Gabrielle Solis and Ashley Mora, a sixth-place fin-ish from Jessica Cleaver and an eighth-place finish from Jessica Fazzio. The Trojans won by 22.5 points over San Leandro.

Sharlee Solis won her finals match in stunning fashion. Los-ing by two points with 20 seconds remaining in the final period, Shar-lee Solis needed a takedown. She shot in and tied the match 5-5 to take it into overtime. Sharlee Solis wasted little time in the overtime period as she used a counter take-down to win 7-5.

I feel proud because all my hard work paid off, responded Sharlee Solis when asked about her first-place finish. It was our goal at the beginning of the season. Im really happy for my

teammates and proud of our ac-complishments.

Scott also overcame a dramatic finish to win her title bout. Scott got an escape point with 11 sec-onds left to prevail in double-overtime. Scotts match was particularly special because her opponent had beaten her at the beginning of the season.

It feels good, said Scott. All our had work paid off.

Scott was also glad to see her teammates do so well.

They really put out, said Scott. They did extremely well at the tournament.

Steve Solis attributes the teams success to setting goal before the season began and working hard.

[The girls] put the extra time in. said Steve Solis.

Six CVHS wrestlers qualified for National Championships on March 28 in Detroit, Michigan.

CVHS girl wrestlers competed at the state championships. Shown left to right: (top) Jessica Fazzio, Jessica Klever, Danielle Freitas, Stephanie Vossekuil, (bottom) Katrina Ducthover, Summer Scott, Ashley Mora, and Gabby Solis

MORYAH SCHINDLER / STAFF WRITER

2 OPINION Friday, February 27, 2004

The Olympian is a publication of the Journalism class, Castro Valley High School, 19400 Santa Maria Ave., Castro Valley, CA 94546.

Editor-In-Chief.........................................................Hallie Jaramillo Helene RidellaNews Editor........................................................................Erin GaabOpinion Editor..............................................................Rada Feldman Feature Editor..................................................................Susan SongSports Editor...................................................................Ben TopkinsCopy Editors.....................................................................Laura Choi Athena GianopoulosPhoto Editor.......................................................................Sean RyanSystems Manager.....................................................Enrique PedrosaBusiness Managers.........................................................Ruby Butler Rachel Huggins Susan Song

Staff Writers: Jordan Bailey, Samantha Basto, Tyler Crabe, Stephanie De Groot, Randy Eisenberg, Divya Gopakumar, Harris Hennig, Marie Manuel, Matt Rice, Amrita Sabharwal, Jesse Sabharwal, Haseeb Sadat, Moryah Schindler, Yelena Teplitskaya, Brandon Young

Advisor........................................................................Matt Johanson

By Harris HennigSTAFF WRITER

Editorial:Governor Schwarzeneg-

gers proposal to reduce University of California and California State Uni-versity admissions by 10% is no good for anyone. Because of this, more than 20,000 students will be funneled into Californias already overcrowded junior colleges, rather than going to a four-year college. To make bad things worse, the junior colleges will receive no money to deal with the influx of new students.

With all his babble about recovery, our Governa-tor is forgetting something important: the college kids he keeps from getting an education lose an avenue to becoming productive members of society. A more intelligent populace never hurt anyone. Unfortunately, money doesnt grow on trees

and in a cash-strapped state with horrible credit like Cali-fornia, its going to be hard to find the money to fill that gap. However, this money could be obtained by either making small cuts to a large number of programs or we could do the unthinkable (as far as Republicans are con-cerned) raise taxes.

The property tax and Prop-osition 13 are in serious need of reconsideration. With the current setup locking in taxes, people who bought their homes years ago pay far less than they should. Basing the taxes off of cur-rent value rather than what it was purchased for 30 years ago would bring in extra money that could be used to fill holes in the state s porous budget rather than taking the ax to higher education.

Making it harder to go to college is bad for students, and ultimately bad for Cali-fornia.

What I expected to be a devas-tating and tragic experience turned out to be a day of victory.

On Feb. 9 I fidgeted and anx-iously made my way through each class, waiting until the moment I could rush home and turn on my TV to find out the fate of someone whose life I had been following very closely Kevin Cooper.When I walked into room 106 at lunch, my friend Amanda Gelender greeted me with the words I had been dying to hear all day, Theres still hope for Kevin Cooper. I let out an ec-static squeal.

Amanda and I have hosted a teach-in on Kevin Coopers case through Amnesty International and attended a Live From Death Row event, where we got a chance to hear Kevin Cooper speak.

From the moment I learned about the case, I became attached to Kevin. Through reading his es-says, going through a numerous amount of articles about him and having hour-long conversations with Amanda about him, I have become more devoted to trying to do something about saving

By Amrita SabharwalSTAFF WRITER

his life.Although I often heard people

tell me, He should be killed so the families can receive justice, and Its not like you can do anything about it, I ignored these ignorant comments and did anything I could to vocalize my feelings about this case. The fact that someone can even talk about achieving justice through yet another murder is be-yond me, so I just brushed it off and continued to fight.

Monday night approached with uncertainty about Kevins fate; he was still scheduled to die on Feb. 10 at 12:01 a.m. Amanda and I planned to attend his vigil with the American Civil Liberties Union and decided to go ahead with it, not sure whether we would be celebrating or in tears by the end of the evening.

As we approached San Quentin, where the vigil was scheduled to be held, we saw big groups of people walking away. As each group passed us, they asked if we had heard the good news; Kevin Cooper had been granted a stay of execution. However, we knew that even at that moment, although things were looking up, his fate was still undecided. His life was, at that moment, in the hands of the U.S. Supreme Court, who were

deciding his fate via the Internet. While people continued to leave, we decided to continue to San Quentin. When it was confirmed that Kevins life was spared, at least for the moment, I breathed a sigh of relief, but I knew that it wasnt over yet.

One or two weeks in advance, we had been warned about how intense these vigils can get, and I was relieved that we did not have to experience that. Not only was I relieved, but I was also as-sured that peoples voices can be heard and the people who told me otherwise were wrong. Although it was ultimately Kevins lawyers that fought to keep him alive, it was also the support of those of us who supported him and I was glad to be a part of that experience.

Throughout my experience, I have come to despise the death penalty, but even those who sup-port the death penalty should want this so-called justice executed fairly. If there are any doubts, they should be explored because a human life is at stake. While people like Governor Schwar-zenegger made me lose faith in the system, it was again restored that moment when I learned that Kevin Coopers execution would be stayed so that he could have the fair trial he deserves.

As I look back on my educa-tional career and as the school year slowly draws to a close, I have noticed one prominent and peculiar fact; I have always been failing. Seriously, I have never had a single report card that didnt have at least one F on it, not to mention the straggling D minuses.

Honestly, I have been a horrible failure as a student, a problem to teachers and an embarrassment to

my parents.And Ive loved every minute

of it.Grades, school, homework, class

work its not worth doing, re-ally. Its all like some sick societal game with no ending, a competi-tion with yourself, where the les-son plan celebrates mediocrity and conformity instead of the search for actual happiness. Isnt that point of life, really? Happiness? Of course, if ones sense of accomplishment is acclaim from teachers (which basically consists of a pat on the back and a scribbled consonant

on paper), then by all means, they should immerse themselves in the school system, the testing and the mind-numbing homework.

But it doesnt make me happy. Im actually insulted when a teacher slips me a handout, filled with blank spaces and a demean-ing slot for my name. And then everyone else gets the same paper, everyone else is sitting in rows, doing exactly the same thing I am, trying to manifest exactly the same answers. How can we not feel like sheep?

Surfing makes me happy. So does rugby, hanging out with friends, speeding in a Jeep Cher-okee dragging a trashcan out the window and then letting it go, observing the awesome power of physical stress being released as the vehicle passes up the can when its stopped by a parked BMW. Movies. Watching stars in a sleeping bag on my roof.

School conflicts with what makes me happy. But thats okay, because it doesnt really create any inner struggle with me. Like

LETTERSTo the Editor

Your editorial regarding the ri-diculousness of the vocational and technical requirements shows me your lack of understanding of the educational system. Education should enlighten and broaden peoples knowledge of the world around them. What if you took a foods class and discovered you re-ally wanted to further your studies at a culinary academy? Or took

Auto Shop and discovered you had a love for working on cars? Education is your opportunity to explore and see what the world has to offer you.

If opportunities to try some-thing different are not available, then how can people ever expect to achieve their full potential? If everyone was so sure what path to take for their future there wouldnt be so many people trying [to fig-ure out] what to do after they leave high school. Youre nave to think

any well-adjusted individual, I have set my priorities in order and fun comes first. And my views arent simply disguised procrasti-nation: I dont intend to work and never do.

Its not being immature or unmotivated; in fact, I consider myself to be extremely mature, wise beyond my years and mo-tivated beyond comparison. But sadly, my generation has been brainwashed and conditioned by parents and teachers, made to think that happiness can be found in grades that being successful is directly related to grades, and that character is determined by grades. How horrible is it that teen society is terrorized like this? Shouldnt this be some type of crime?

How much drama and strife have we spent on SATs, finals, college and just everything related to academics in general? Why are they doing this to us? What have we done to deserve this debasing, dreary and depressing punishment called school?

Wake up, peers! We are being

controlled! No one considers teens to be victims, because of the simple fact that we havent realized it yet! Once we begin to speak out, com-plain and shake up the system, then our grievances will be heard, then things will begin to change.

A collar is always attached to a leash, and in case no ones noticed, thats what everyone wears in the work force. All we need are the panting tongues and the wagging tails and CVHS has done its job.

Have I lived a full life? No, of course not, not yet, but Im definitely headed in the right direc-tion. I have my priorities straight, which is way ahead of most of my peers.

Im fighting back, reclaiming my happiness bit by bit and right now there is so much joy in my life Im fit to burst. Its so simple too, so painfully obvious. Next time when youre bent over your desk, filling out useless answer after an-swer, having your mind raped of individuality and atypical thought, think about what youd rather be doing. And then go do it.

that a well-rounded education will hurt you, when in reality it may only serve to strengthen your resolve to pursue your chosen path. And as far as what the UCs see, a fantastic transcript is not a guarantee of success or happiness. Sometimes its nice just to take a class for sheer enjoyment but Heaven forbid you should actu-ally enjoy school.

- Sally Fountain

Confessions of a failing student

Terminate Arnold's new mission Executeinjustice

Courtny Valenzuela and Jennifer Vanderbilt with their dates (left to right) dress up as Scooby Doo characters for the dance.

MORYAH SCHINDLER / STAFF WRITER

3FEATUREFriday, February 27, 2004

By Jordan BaileySTAFF WRITER

The Sadie Hawkins dance, which took place on Friday, Feb. 6, resulted in many girls at CVHS feeling anxious about asking a guy to a dance.

I was hecka nervous. I was hyperventilating. Just kidding, but it was scary, said freshman Chelsey Atnip.

To some girls, though, the role reversal was no big deal.

It wasnt hard because the guy I asked was my boyfriend, said sophomore Jessica Schmidt. I put up signs in his room when he was sick, asking him to go with me.

A few girls were put off by the concept of the Sadie Hawkins dance.

I didnt like the pressure of hav-ing to ask someone to the dance, said senior Christina Palizzolo.

Other girls did not attend the dance for different reasons.

By Brandon YoungSTAFF WRITER

By Stephanie De GrootSTAFF WRITER

Sadie Hawkins dance does not conform to stereotypes

Taking its third swing at bat, the annual DECA Variety Show rocked the house with a true va-riety of singing, stand-up comedy and break dancing.

The third annual variety show on Feb. 5 showed the entire Castro Valley community how much tal-ent really resides within CVHS.

Because we were dividing the $100 between all eight of us, theres only enough to buy match-ing BIC socks, said James Aqui-tania, of the first-place winning Breakers Image Crew (BIC) with its break dancing routine.

Essentially consisting of three main parts, the night contained a variety show, battle of the bands and a silent auction. Four teachers judged the variety show: Michelle Lew, Kevin Garcia, Susanne Holst and Duane Magno. Three prizes were distributed for the variety show, gift certificates to Stoneridge Mall differing in value. First place received $100, second place, $50 and third place, $25.

For the Battle of The Bands section of the evening, a $100 gift certificate to Stoneridge Mall was given to the winning band, Sum-merset.

The silent auction, ironically named, showed the lack of inter-est for auctions as the annex hall was nearly empty. The auction took place an hour before the

DECA Variety Show rocks the house

Junior Kyoko Utsumi was a mere 20 seconds away from pass-ing her drive test when tragedy struck. Up to that point she had driven exceptionally well, only being marked down for two mistakes. As she approached the final four-way intersection before her destination, the DMV, her once-promising test turned into a nightmare.

I saw a lady a step away from the curb of one of the midsec-tions separating the intersection, recounted Utsumi. I thought to myself, I can go because obviously she will be out of the intersection by the time I get there and it wasnt like I was going to hit her.

Apparently her instructor thought differently, failing Utsumi for making what he considered to be a dangerous maneuver. Talk about heartbreak.

Many teenagers consider their drivers licenses to be one of their

most valuable possessions. This three-by-two-inch rectangle of plastic is the key to freedom for many, and acquiring it is often a major rite of passage. But for others, trying to get their drivers licenses can be a stressful experi-ence. It can be a roller coaster of feelings, ranging from embarrass-ment and anger, to an overall sense of failure.

Senior Jason Ribeira was un-lucky enough to experience that same roller coaster of emotions during his drive test. When he first arrived at the DMV, he suddenly realized he had forgotten his insur-ance, an element that is required in order to take the test. However, Ribeira was fortunate enough to have the vital document faxed to the DMV. That was the only break he had all day.

The reason that I told people I failed was because I had 19 marks, which was true, reported Ribeira. Although the main reason why I failed is, I turned onto a street right in front of an ambulance that had

its lights on. The guy in the am-bulance honked his horn loudly and gave me a dirty look, said Ribeira.

He turned to his instructor for support but all his instructor could utter was, If there was an officer there, he wouldve given you a ticket.

Failing the test must feel pretty miserable, but imagine how pain-ful it must feel to fail twice, as junior Aimee Shin did.

I felt so stupid, said Shin.Materials that need to be brought

to the test include a learners per-mit, $12, insurance, registration, proof of drivers education and proof of drivers training.

Utsumi eventually passed the test, but in a bizarre manner. It was Halloween, and the instructor was dressed up as a cowboy, and he kept telling me to go faster, even though it was raining.

This proves Ribeiras belief, The license system is based on luck. Your score depends on who is grading you.

I wanted to go almost as much as I love Justin Timberlake, said junior Molly Feeley, but you can only [dress up as] Tom Cruise so many times.

variety show and was located in the cafeteria annex, which could appeal to most audiences. Rang-ing from signed football jerseys to vacations, the auction did its best to attract bidders.

Some of the audience was very enthusiastic for the events of the evening.

The show was really great! It gave everything a guy wants to see, sultry dancing, break dancing and rocking bands. Its definitely something to look forward to next year, said junior Chris Palia.

Other students felt that the show was good, but lacked in a few nec-essary areas.

Overall it was good but it could have been better organized. But in the Battle of The Bands, it was unfair that Summerset got to play two songs. It also wouldve been better if the other two bands actu-ally played original songs, stated senior Patrick Wong.

The money raised from the variety show will assist select members to attend conferences. The international conference held this year in Nashville, Tennessee will cost a whopping $900 per student. These proceeds help sub-sidize the cost of the trip, making it more available to students.

Regardless of the overly used Simon impersonations by Wilkerson throughout the night, the DECA Variety Show is defi-nitely something worthy of seeing year after year.

Students strive to drive

NIMA MOGHAREISophomore

I think a girl

asking a guy to a dance is

very sexy.

If you went with a guy, youd

be tied down. You would have to stick with him the whole time, said freshman Kristen Shew.

Some students are comfortable with the idea of girls asking guys to the dance

I think a girl asking a guy to a dance is very sexy, said sopho-more Nima Mogharei. Guys shouldnt be asking all the time.

Its hard to feel devastated about not getting asked to the [Sadie Hawkins] dance. I didnt even know about it, said senior Renn Eberle.

The Sadie Hawkins concept was invented by Al Capp, who created the Lil Abner cartoon strip. Capp created the character Sadie Hawkins who grew tired of waiting for the fellows to come a courting. Sadie Hawkinss fa-ther, Hekzebiah Hawkins, wanted his daughter to marry. He created Sadie Hawkins Day so unmarried girls could literally race to pursue the bachelors of their town.

By, Brandon YoungFreshman: Ryan Schilling

S u p e r S a v v y S p o r t s S t a r s

SPORTS Thursday, February 27, 2004

By Jesse SabharwalSTAFF WRITTER

Sixteen teams from California and bordering states will join the Red Hand, CVHSs Frisbee Team, in a tournament hosted at CVHS this weekend.

Players from these teams plan to stay overnight in the homes of players from CVHS.

On Saturday, Feb. 28, the Red Hand will hold the pool tourna-ment, where they play with the teams from their own pool. There are four different pools to decide who plays each other. It will last from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. On Sunday, Feb. 29, the final tourna-ment will be held. It will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Food and music will be avail-able, the team encourages people from the community to come watch, and they are hoping many will come.

Frisbee is a lot of fun because you get to know your opponent,

said sophomore Matthew Sung. Frisbee allows you to balance social and competitive aspects of the game.

Camaraderie is encouraged between teams apposed to other sports where winning is every-thing, said Frisbee coach and math teacher Jesse Woodward.

Watching an ultimate Frisbee match will be totally different than watching other sports, as there will be no referees. Frisbee runs off a totally different rule known as the spirit of the game. This is basically a rule where players determine fouls and almost every aspect of the game.

Ultimate is not just a sport, it is an atmosphere; you hang out with your opponents. Nobody really gets paid to play ultimate they just play it because they love it, said Woodward.

The Ultimate Frisbee Team also plans on going to Oregon and Grass Valley for tournaments in the future.

CVHS hosts ultimate frisbee tournament

All day I dream about soccer, said Schilling, a defensive player on the JV soc-cer team.

A lot of skills are involved with soccer. Soccer is all about the steps before becom-

ing a great player. First you need to know all the moves, the physical skill. Next, you have to know the game and love it in your mind. You need to visualize the strategy and play it out. Soccer doesnt receive enough credit as a thinking sport, said Schilling.

Wow! With her second year on the Varsity Cross Country team, Ma has been enjoying it ever since the first practice. Its definitely a lot more fun than running in circles around the track, at least theres a slight change in scenery, said Ma.

No one, not even Ma believed that shed be the one to enjoy long-distance running. In middle school I could barely break nine minutes on my mile, now I have to run five or six miles just for practice, said Ma.

Having two school records at CVHS for the 100- and 200-meter races, Charis Chan runs laps around the competition, both boys and girls. Chan, a Varsity track runner, par-ticipated in the 2003 Junior Olympics games. Regardless of coming back empty handed, Chan still kept her hopes up for upcoming races and still dominates the track here at CVHS.

Now occupying the number two Var-sity Tennis seat, Geoff Lowe has the fastest serve on the team. Recently topping out at 105 miles per hour, his serve brings fear to the hearts of those hes playing against. Having been on the Varsity team since freshman year, Lowe showed promise for being an excellent tennis player.

Sure Im good at tennis, but hacky sacking is my true calling. Move over tennis, the in thing is hacky sacks, said Lowe.

Kevin Draper and John Brain dive to catch the frisbee during practice on the soccer field.

BRANDON YOUNG / STAFF WRITER

Many of CVHS swimmers are expected to have a very successful season, in the eyes of their coaches and teammates.

With the start of a new season, the swimmers are hard at work practicing, putting in countless hours and swimming countless laps.

The swim team has two new coaches; Todd Esguerra is the new head coach, alongside the new as-sistant coach Brian Berry.

This season I am expecting a competitive team that is very focused and gives 100%, said Esguerra. He also believes swim-ming is a great sport, because it can be a team sport, as well as an individual one.

Esguerra and Berry are friends of former CVHS teacher Jeremy Vaa, and current CVHS teacher Kevin Garcia and contacted CVHS through him. Both Esguerra and Berry were on the same relay with them and they all went to CVHS

This is Berrys first year coach-ing and he enjoys it, mostly be-

cause of its rewards.The most important and ex-

citing thing for me to see is the swimmers progression over the season. Seeing improvement is the best, because it makes me feel confident as a coach, said Berry.

Last year the CVHS swim team had an excellent HAAL record, with the girls winning the League, and the boys coming in second place. Esguerra is looking to improve this season.

Sophomore Kelly Sykora made the Varsity team last year and has been swimming for about eight to nine years. She attended a sum-mer league and two clinics since the end of last season.

Im excited for the meets to see how well we do, explained Sykora. I like competing, be-cause I feel good when I win, and know how I need to work when I dont.

I think our new coaches are re-ally nice, prepared, and will work us hard, said Sykora.

Senior Anthony Atthowe was on the Varsity team last year, and has been on the CVHS swim team since he was a freshman. Atthowe

is excited about this season, mostly because it is his last year.

Ive been swimming for as long as there was a life jacket that fit, said Atthowe. Atthowe s main goal this season is to get a good time on the 500 yard.

The best part about swimming, is the way you can zone out, ex-plains Atthowe.

Outside of the League tourna-ment, the swim team plans to attend the Swim Invitational in Roseville, California. At the In-vitational, there will be about 20 other teams.

The swim coach believes it is a good opportunity to expose the swimmers to other swimmers they usually wouldnt come in contact with.

I do see a few swimmers that will have strong seasons, and there a lot of swimmers with potential, said Esguerra.

Winning isnt the most impor-tant thing, it s more about personal achievement, he said.

The swim teams first meet will be on Wednesday, March 10, against their toughest competition, Bishop O Dowd.

By Samantha BastoSTAFF WRITTER

Swimmers paddle toward an HAAL victory

Dustin Mooneyjunior

Im one of the top junior

prospects

Juniors James Grimes and Dustin Mooney play football well and colleges like that.

Im one of the top junior pros-pects, said Mooney.

Mooneys and Grimes job is to play linebacker on the Varsity football team has been noticed by recruiters who have already begun contacting them.

I get college letters every day and I fill them out, said Mooney.

Grimes explained that the ques-tionnaires that Mooney speaks of ask basic questions like name, weight, height and GPA.

They just want to know you and what youre about, said

Grimes.Grimes has already heard from

such schools as Fresno State and the University of Utah. Grimes is

By Sean RyanPHOTO EDITOR

humbled by the idea of playing college football.

Big definite. Id love to play football at that level, said Grimes.

Grimes would like to play col-

lege football as long as he can study to be a dentist. A good dentistry program is a top prior-ity for any college Grimes looks at. Grimes has been interested in dentistry since he was a child. Im really fascinated by the mouth, said Grimes.

Mooney would like to remain in the state and hopes to play at either Fresno State or University of Southern California, unless he can get a scholarship.

If Mooney can get a scholarship he would like to play at Oregon State or possibly Arizona State University.

Grimes and Mooney still have some way to go before they are playing linebacker at college.

They still have their senior year to play football for CVHS.

College scouts fight for CVHS top players

Sophomore: Lauren Ma Junior: Charis Chan Senior: Geoff Lowe

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