FROM THE ARCHIVES OF THE PARAGON
Friends, in lieu of being present at the 10th Anniversary reunion of the RHS class of 2001, I offer to you (my classmates) some select Paragon articles from the archives of 1997-2001. Here they are in order from “kind of interesting” to “you are a total nerd if you bothered to read this.”
1. “LOFTIS”- An riveting report on the great Nathan Loftis run of 2001 (aka “The Natronathon”)
2. “STDCOUNC”- An impassioned treatise on the importance of student council
3. “B-BALL99”- A pre-season review of the Pirate basketball team in the fall of '99.
4. “FLOATS”- A gripping account of the great 1999 Homecoming float dilemma
5. “IWASAKI”- A glowing tribute to an RHS legend
6. “TRACK”- An insiders report on the 1999 Track and Field season
7. “BUS”- A sober telling of the infamous bus driver firings of '98
8. “SOCCER”- An article on the Pirates' unjust loss to Golden West in January 2000
9. “HRT-OF-D”- This was never published in the Paragon, but if anyone needs help writing a persuasive essay this document (authored in 2001) has been used as a model of excellence in Mrs. Hardcastle's AP World Lit class for years since; it also might convince you that Joseph Conrad is a racist.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
LOFTIS
Three years ago Nathan Loftis was just your average Reedley High Freshman, but on September 27th of this year, as Loftis found himself sprinting through a crowd of cheering fans, the RHS Senior would be described as anything but average.
On Wednesday September 27th at first break, one might have noticed something unusual going on on the north end of the Reedley High campus. It was at this time that Loftis was scheduled to complete a tradition that he had begun as a freshman. The tradition: to run from the planter next to the Business building to the wall of the weight room and back.
“This is a strong tradition that my friends and I have built up over the years,” said Loftis.
And on September 27th that tradition reached an unprecedented peak of recognition and anticipation. The event which began with a group of freshmen daring their friend to perform a seemingly insignificant act of embarrassment (which went almost unnoticed), emerged three years later as a mecca of break-time excitement. Drawing more spectators than any waterpolo and tennis match combined, one might ask: why? Why did hordes of students crowd in tunnel-like fashion around the path on which Loftis would run. Why was it that a steady chant of “Nathan... Nathan... Nathan...” emerged from the crowd as he took his position at the starting line. And why did such a seemingly pointless thing cause such reverence from so much of the student body. Undoubtedly the answer eludes many of us.
“I think ten people noticed freshman year, now it’s like ten people didn’t notice,” said Loftis’ friend Tom Caron, who is largely responsible for the founding of this tradition.
According to Caron, the tradition started three years ago in 1997 when he and his friends were hanging out by the planter next to the Business building. Many of Loftis’ friends thought that he looked funny when he ran, so Caron offered Nathan a dollar to run all the way to the weight room and back. On the way Nathan would pass by numerous groups of people, thus suffering the embarrassment of people wondering what the heck he was doing. A few more friends donated money to the pot and the tradition began. Each year after that on Nathan’s birthday his friends would collect a pot of money and Nathan would perform the run. For the last three years the event has received little attention.
But some of Nathan’s friends thought that for his senior year the run should be hyped up a little more. Flyers were posted advertising the “4th Annual Nathan Sprint,” and on raceday T-shirts that read “Natronathon” were worn by many of his friends. Despite all the anticipation even Nathan Loftis himself said he was surprised at the large turnout. Even RHS Learning Director Jerry Stehman was there to support him.
So it was under these circumstances that Nathan stepped up to the starting line for the fourth time. Amidst chants of his name Nathan bolted from the starting line; with cameras flashing and people cheering Loftis sprinted through the human tunnel with his eyes set on the weight-room wall. At the wall Loftis performed his famous kick which he uses to turn himself around and propel himself back towards the finish line. Again he ran through the screaming crowd, grabbing a bottle of water on the way, and crossing the finish line in 39.47 seconds. Immediately afterwards when asked how he felt Loftis’ only response was, “Damn tired.” Loftis collected an amazing $32.56 in donations for his performance.
“I don’t do it for the money,” said Loftis, “I do it for the fans.”
When asked what he thought about the run, Mr. Stehman replied, “I think it’s a wonderful tradition and his sister should carry it on next year.” Thus bringing up the question as to whether or not the tradition will continue for the years to come.
“I don’t think it’s dead,” said Loftis, who also hopes to convince his sister, Cori Loftis, to do the run next year and continue the tradition.
If Cori refuses to run Nathan may decide to recruit an ambitious young freshman who is worthy enough to fill his shoes.
“I think if there’s any freshmen out there who think they have any guts at all, then they should run,” said Caron.
But then again could anyone else really carry the tradition with the same kind of modest dignity that Nathan did. And if someone tries will anybody really care. When people see someone running on campus, won’t they think he’s weird, or won’t they ask, “Why?”
It took Nathan three years to build his tradition and on the fourth year he struck gold. But perhaps this event is not about crowds watching and cameras flashing, perhaps it is more about the three years of people staring and no one caring. So if Nathan finds a successor, that person must run. And that person may have to wait for his golden year. But no matter what happens he must run, because the tradition does not know how many people are watching. People will ask him, “Why?” And the answer will be, “Tradition.”
On Wednesday September 27th at first break, one might have noticed something unusual going on on the north end of the Reedley High campus. It was at this time that Loftis was scheduled to complete a tradition that he had begun as a freshman. The tradition: to run from the planter next to the Business building to the wall of the weight room and back.
“This is a strong tradition that my friends and I have built up over the years,” said Loftis.
And on September 27th that tradition reached an unprecedented peak of recognition and anticipation. The event which began with a group of freshmen daring their friend to perform a seemingly insignificant act of embarrassment (which went almost unnoticed), emerged three years later as a mecca of break-time excitement. Drawing more spectators than any waterpolo and tennis match combined, one might ask: why? Why did hordes of students crowd in tunnel-like fashion around the path on which Loftis would run. Why was it that a steady chant of “Nathan... Nathan... Nathan...” emerged from the crowd as he took his position at the starting line. And why did such a seemingly pointless thing cause such reverence from so much of the student body. Undoubtedly the answer eludes many of us.
“I think ten people noticed freshman year, now it’s like ten people didn’t notice,” said Loftis’ friend Tom Caron, who is largely responsible for the founding of this tradition.
According to Caron, the tradition started three years ago in 1997 when he and his friends were hanging out by the planter next to the Business building. Many of Loftis’ friends thought that he looked funny when he ran, so Caron offered Nathan a dollar to run all the way to the weight room and back. On the way Nathan would pass by numerous groups of people, thus suffering the embarrassment of people wondering what the heck he was doing. A few more friends donated money to the pot and the tradition began. Each year after that on Nathan’s birthday his friends would collect a pot of money and Nathan would perform the run. For the last three years the event has received little attention.
But some of Nathan’s friends thought that for his senior year the run should be hyped up a little more. Flyers were posted advertising the “4th Annual Nathan Sprint,” and on raceday T-shirts that read “Natronathon” were worn by many of his friends. Despite all the anticipation even Nathan Loftis himself said he was surprised at the large turnout. Even RHS Learning Director Jerry Stehman was there to support him.
So it was under these circumstances that Nathan stepped up to the starting line for the fourth time. Amidst chants of his name Nathan bolted from the starting line; with cameras flashing and people cheering Loftis sprinted through the human tunnel with his eyes set on the weight-room wall. At the wall Loftis performed his famous kick which he uses to turn himself around and propel himself back towards the finish line. Again he ran through the screaming crowd, grabbing a bottle of water on the way, and crossing the finish line in 39.47 seconds. Immediately afterwards when asked how he felt Loftis’ only response was, “Damn tired.” Loftis collected an amazing $32.56 in donations for his performance.
“I don’t do it for the money,” said Loftis, “I do it for the fans.”
When asked what he thought about the run, Mr. Stehman replied, “I think it’s a wonderful tradition and his sister should carry it on next year.” Thus bringing up the question as to whether or not the tradition will continue for the years to come.
“I don’t think it’s dead,” said Loftis, who also hopes to convince his sister, Cori Loftis, to do the run next year and continue the tradition.
If Cori refuses to run Nathan may decide to recruit an ambitious young freshman who is worthy enough to fill his shoes.
“I think if there’s any freshmen out there who think they have any guts at all, then they should run,” said Caron.
But then again could anyone else really carry the tradition with the same kind of modest dignity that Nathan did. And if someone tries will anybody really care. When people see someone running on campus, won’t they think he’s weird, or won’t they ask, “Why?”
It took Nathan three years to build his tradition and on the fourth year he struck gold. But perhaps this event is not about crowds watching and cameras flashing, perhaps it is more about the three years of people staring and no one caring. So if Nathan finds a successor, that person must run. And that person may have to wait for his golden year. But no matter what happens he must run, because the tradition does not know how many people are watching. People will ask him, “Why?” And the answer will be, “Tradition.”
STD-COUNC
Through the course of my daily activities, it has come to my attention that many students at RHS find membership in student council to be a laughable occupation. Most students will probably find humor in the notion that by joining student council you can “make a difference.” Furthermore, I think the common opinion among many students is that all student council does is plan silly activities for the enjoyment of the spirited few. Naturally, as a student council member, I would want to come to the defense of student council; unfortunately I’ve had trouble escaping the reality that most of those preceding stereotypes are quite true. To be honest, the vast majority of student council’s responsibilities involve the planning of homecoming, winterfest, spring week, and various weekly activities; while very little time is spent making permanent changes for the betterment of our school. Despite all the reasonable criticisms that I’ve heard about student council, I believe that becoming a student council member is an extremely beneficial endeavor.
By becoming a part of student council you undertake the responsibility of serving a large body of people. Sure most of the responsibilities relate to some sort of expendable lunch-time activity, but those things are important to some people, and they count on student council to make these things happen. In this way student council members learn responsibility and discipline.
Perhaps one of the best aspects of joining student council is discussing issues at meetings. Even if the issue is as trivial as choosing a theme for homecoming, the chance to practice delivering your point of view to a group of peers is priceless at this time in our lives. I’ve found that in student council, students consistantly disagree on the issues that come before them; but they learn to present their opinions in a convincing, organized manner, and collaborate together to make decisions that they feel will best satisfy the most people. These, I believe, are extremely valuable skills to learn in today’s society.
This year the student council did infact face situations in which they stepped up against, or at least tried to work with, administration in order to protect the student body. When the Pirate Pit was taken away from basketball games, the matter came before student council. There were valid reasons for the administrations actions but the student council fought to get the Pit back for the last few games. Another example of student council action is when a few students caused trouble during B-95's lunchtime performance a couple months ago. The administration was close to punishing the entire student body, but student council discussions were enough to repel such a consequence.
I’m not going to claim that student council members are of huge importance or that by joining student council you will beable to make much of a difference in our school. Mostly student council is for those who would enjoy planning student activities. But also I think student council provides a worthwhile experience for those want to establish themselves as leaders and positive thinkers in our world today.
By becoming a part of student council you undertake the responsibility of serving a large body of people. Sure most of the responsibilities relate to some sort of expendable lunch-time activity, but those things are important to some people, and they count on student council to make these things happen. In this way student council members learn responsibility and discipline.
Perhaps one of the best aspects of joining student council is discussing issues at meetings. Even if the issue is as trivial as choosing a theme for homecoming, the chance to practice delivering your point of view to a group of peers is priceless at this time in our lives. I’ve found that in student council, students consistantly disagree on the issues that come before them; but they learn to present their opinions in a convincing, organized manner, and collaborate together to make decisions that they feel will best satisfy the most people. These, I believe, are extremely valuable skills to learn in today’s society.
This year the student council did infact face situations in which they stepped up against, or at least tried to work with, administration in order to protect the student body. When the Pirate Pit was taken away from basketball games, the matter came before student council. There were valid reasons for the administrations actions but the student council fought to get the Pit back for the last few games. Another example of student council action is when a few students caused trouble during B-95's lunchtime performance a couple months ago. The administration was close to punishing the entire student body, but student council discussions were enough to repel such a consequence.
I’m not going to claim that student council members are of huge importance or that by joining student council you will beable to make much of a difference in our school. Mostly student council is for those who would enjoy planning student activities. But also I think student council provides a worthwhile experience for those want to establish themselves as leaders and positive thinkers in our world today.
B-BALL99
For the past couple years the Reedley High basketball team has filled the stands on the south end of the Pirate’s gymnasium with the tremendous support of an electrified student body. Last year it was hard working, aggressive players that drew a crowd to watch them play each game; and this year, with their tallest player barely surpassing six feet, will be no different.
“We definitely lack size,” said varsity coach, Jeff Kosinsky, “We’re going to try to make up for it with hustle and defensive pressure.”
Leading the Pirates into their transition game this year will be point guard Brian Haroldsen. Haroldsen, a senior, played for Laton High School last year. This year he will try to fill the shoes of last years point guard, Elijah Penner. When asked how Haroldsen plays, Kosinski responded, “Like Elijah Penner..... they’re very, very similiar.”
The only returning players from last years squad, which finished with a 2-8 record in the WYL, will be David Arzola and Carlos Alvarez. Arzola received plenty of playing time last year, while Alvarez was ineligible most of the year, according to Kosinsky.
Most of the remaining players were on the junior varsity last year, including junior Rogelio Alvarez. “He’s probably the most athletic of the bunch,” says Randy Lepp, who coached the JV’s last year. Kosinsky describes Alvarez as a slasher with outside range. He will spend most of his time in the 2 and 3 positions. Junior, Jetson Andres, one of the hardest working players, according to Lepp, will be a back up at the point guard position. Junior 3-point shooter, Chris Islas will likely see time in the shooting-guard position; while junior Glenn Bean will be expected to grab rebounds as a small forward. “Glenn’s been playing real well,” said Kosinsky. Also coming up from the JV team will be junior Lupe Rivera. Kosinsky expects him to contribute in a guard position but he will miss the first 4-6 weeks due to a stress fracture in his foot. “Lupe is a great defender and extremely quick,” said Lepp. Junior, Victor Martinez will also add depth to the Pirate roster.
Newcomers, this year, to the team are Juan Figueroa and Daniel Areguin. Figueroa, who reminds Kosinsky of Daniel Tomazone, a Brazilian foreign exchange student from two years ago, will play inside.
According to Kosinsky, his players like each other and get along well. But they’ll still have to be competing for starting positions. “It’s pretty much up for grabs, for somebody to emerge,” said Kosinsky
The Pirates face a very tough preseason schedule, including their first home game against Clovis, on January 5th. As for the pit being back in full force this year, “I’m hoping, that’s been one of our strengths,” said Kosinsky, who also mentioned that other coaches complain about how difficult it is to play at Reedley, “I’m hoping we can give them a game they want to see.”
“We definitely lack size,” said varsity coach, Jeff Kosinsky, “We’re going to try to make up for it with hustle and defensive pressure.”
Leading the Pirates into their transition game this year will be point guard Brian Haroldsen. Haroldsen, a senior, played for Laton High School last year. This year he will try to fill the shoes of last years point guard, Elijah Penner. When asked how Haroldsen plays, Kosinski responded, “Like Elijah Penner..... they’re very, very similiar.”
The only returning players from last years squad, which finished with a 2-8 record in the WYL, will be David Arzola and Carlos Alvarez. Arzola received plenty of playing time last year, while Alvarez was ineligible most of the year, according to Kosinsky.
Most of the remaining players were on the junior varsity last year, including junior Rogelio Alvarez. “He’s probably the most athletic of the bunch,” says Randy Lepp, who coached the JV’s last year. Kosinsky describes Alvarez as a slasher with outside range. He will spend most of his time in the 2 and 3 positions. Junior, Jetson Andres, one of the hardest working players, according to Lepp, will be a back up at the point guard position. Junior 3-point shooter, Chris Islas will likely see time in the shooting-guard position; while junior Glenn Bean will be expected to grab rebounds as a small forward. “Glenn’s been playing real well,” said Kosinsky. Also coming up from the JV team will be junior Lupe Rivera. Kosinsky expects him to contribute in a guard position but he will miss the first 4-6 weeks due to a stress fracture in his foot. “Lupe is a great defender and extremely quick,” said Lepp. Junior, Victor Martinez will also add depth to the Pirate roster.
Newcomers, this year, to the team are Juan Figueroa and Daniel Areguin. Figueroa, who reminds Kosinsky of Daniel Tomazone, a Brazilian foreign exchange student from two years ago, will play inside.
According to Kosinsky, his players like each other and get along well. But they’ll still have to be competing for starting positions. “It’s pretty much up for grabs, for somebody to emerge,” said Kosinsky
The Pirates face a very tough preseason schedule, including their first home game against Clovis, on January 5th. As for the pit being back in full force this year, “I’m hoping, that’s been one of our strengths,” said Kosinsky, who also mentioned that other coaches complain about how difficult it is to play at Reedley, “I’m hoping we can give them a game they want to see.”
FLOATS
Reedley High School’s new all-weather track will prevent the use of heavy vehicles during this years homecoming festivities, forcing clubs and student council officers to find new ways of presenting to the student body.
Last year Reedley High spent approximately $300,000 to build a rubber all-weather track. The benefits were reaped during the track season, but now the school, not wanting to destroy its $300,000 investment, faces the dilemma of how to perform homecoming ceremonies with much lighter vehicles.
In past years a selection of class and club floats, usually assembled on large trucks, would take a slow lap around the track. Then homecoming attendants and king and queen candidates would be chauffeured to center field in fancy Thunderbird.
Though nothing has been officially decided, Mrs Lindeleaf says that golf carts may be used for the king and queen. A small trailer will be available for each class to use, and three mules (motorized carts) available for pulling. Upper classmen have priority, so the freshman may be required to pull their own floats via human labor. As for the clubs? “Creativity will be the main factor here,” says Mrs. Lindeleaf.
Lemoore High School was forced to reconstruct their track recently, as a result of too many large vehicles being run on the track. So float builders are asked to look for their wagons and tricycles, or start thinking, because the challenge of float creativeness has just moved up a notch.
Last year Reedley High spent approximately $300,000 to build a rubber all-weather track. The benefits were reaped during the track season, but now the school, not wanting to destroy its $300,000 investment, faces the dilemma of how to perform homecoming ceremonies with much lighter vehicles.
In past years a selection of class and club floats, usually assembled on large trucks, would take a slow lap around the track. Then homecoming attendants and king and queen candidates would be chauffeured to center field in fancy Thunderbird.
Though nothing has been officially decided, Mrs Lindeleaf says that golf carts may be used for the king and queen. A small trailer will be available for each class to use, and three mules (motorized carts) available for pulling. Upper classmen have priority, so the freshman may be required to pull their own floats via human labor. As for the clubs? “Creativity will be the main factor here,” says Mrs. Lindeleaf.
Lemoore High School was forced to reconstruct their track recently, as a result of too many large vehicles being run on the track. So float builders are asked to look for their wagons and tricycles, or start thinking, because the challenge of float creativeness has just moved up a notch.
IWASAKI
Over the past 50 years at Reedley High School, countless students have come and gone, dozens of principles have been hired, and many teachers have moved on to other places; but one person has remained as a perennial symbol of Reedley High excellence, Mr. Larry Iwasaki.
Mr. Iwasaki, who is the current Athletic Director here, has a long history with Reedley High. Born and raised in Reedley, Mr. Iwasaki excelled as a 3-sport star during his 4-years as a student at Reedley High School. As a track athlete, he set a school record in the shot-put, with a throw of 52 feet 11 inches. He threw the discus 150 feet and ran the 100 yard dash in 9.9 seconds. While Iwasaki also played basketball, the sport that brought him the most recognition was football. As a fullback Iwasaki led the Pirates to a co-championship in league his senior year, tying with both Clovis and Sanger. Not bad for the student body president.
Graduating highschool in 1957 Mr. Iwasaki went on to play 1 year of football at Reedley College and 3 years at Fresno State. As the Bulldogs starting fullback, Iwasaki brought steady improvement to the program. In his first year at FSU the team finished with a 5-5 record, but by his senior year they improved to 9-1; and Mr. Iwasaki was selected as an all-conference player.
Mr. Iwasaki began working at Reedley High in 1963 as a coach and a teacher. He continued working, even while working for his masters degree, which he obtained from FSU in 1971. Mr. Iwasaki began his work as the Athletic Director in 1986, putting in long hours as the supervisor of all our athletic events. As much as he loves his job, Mr. Iwasaki admits that the end may be near, “I’m going to work another five or so years,” he said.Since then he has brought up three children, all who have graduated from Reedley High.
Mr. Iwasaki, who is the current Athletic Director here, has a long history with Reedley High. Born and raised in Reedley, Mr. Iwasaki excelled as a 3-sport star during his 4-years as a student at Reedley High School. As a track athlete, he set a school record in the shot-put, with a throw of 52 feet 11 inches. He threw the discus 150 feet and ran the 100 yard dash in 9.9 seconds. While Iwasaki also played basketball, the sport that brought him the most recognition was football. As a fullback Iwasaki led the Pirates to a co-championship in league his senior year, tying with both Clovis and Sanger. Not bad for the student body president.
Graduating highschool in 1957 Mr. Iwasaki went on to play 1 year of football at Reedley College and 3 years at Fresno State. As the Bulldogs starting fullback, Iwasaki brought steady improvement to the program. In his first year at FSU the team finished with a 5-5 record, but by his senior year they improved to 9-1; and Mr. Iwasaki was selected as an all-conference player.
Mr. Iwasaki began working at Reedley High in 1963 as a coach and a teacher. He continued working, even while working for his masters degree, which he obtained from FSU in 1971. Mr. Iwasaki began his work as the Athletic Director in 1986, putting in long hours as the supervisor of all our athletic events. As much as he loves his job, Mr. Iwasaki admits that the end may be near, “I’m going to work another five or so years,” he said.Since then he has brought up three children, all who have graduated from Reedley High.
TRACK
While certain individuals on the 1999 Pirate Track Team are bound to excel in their respective events, the teams main concern has not been about winning or losing.
The team’s lack of numbers prevents them from competing for the WYL crown. Although they have knocked off both Redwood and Hanford in duel meets, Golden West and Mt. Whitney were both too strong for the Pirates to put up a fight. “We’re working with an elite group, that is dedicated,” said boys head coach, Aggie Contreras. This dedicated group has taken a liking to Contreras’ good-natured coaching style and, sometimes bizarre, techniques. Each practice begins with a “Happy Day Moment,” a time of rest and relaxation, where you can forget your worries and be free the stress of teenage life, even if only for a short time. Sometimes, to lighten the mood, this minute-long session is accompanied by an off-key rendition of, Oh Happy Day, sung by none other than Coach Contreras himself. ***quote here***
With two broken school records, a pair of runners at the top of the Central Section, and one happy, relaxed team, noone can question Contreras’ methods.
“This year has been going good for me, as well the other team members,” said Jeremy Garcia, who recently broke a 33 year old record with a time of 14.73 seconds in the 110 meter high hurdles. Garcia is within .2 seconds of the section leaders in that event and also keeps himself busy with the high jump and long jump. Kasey Sunamoto vaulted into the record books when she cleared 8 feet 3 inches in the pole vault this year, breaking away from a group of two others who were tied for the record at 8 feet.
The fact that junior Clay Manning was scheduled to compete in seven different events at April 30th’s Reedley Invitational, is a clear indicator of how important he is to the team.The 300 meter intermediate hurdles, where Manning is third 3rd in the section with a time of 40.16, is but one of the many events that he graces with his talents. Manning is the Pirates top long jumper and triple jumper, as well as the top 100, 200, and 400 meter sprinter on the team.
Distance runner, Moses Avila, has been making the most of his senior year with impressive times in both the one and two mile events. He is currently the 2nd fastest miler in the section with a time of 4:22.7, 1.1 seconds behing the leader Ryan Smithhart of Buchanan. Moses’ younger brother Daniel will challenge any mark Moses can post, but it will be how well they can work together that will determine the teams’ fate.
The Avila brothers, along with Manning and 800 meter runner Edgar Monsevies competed in the distance medley relay at Pasedena, where they finished 1st place among an elite field. Daniel ran 4 laps, Moses ran 3, Monsevies 2, and Manning 1 to finish in a time of 10 minutes 39 seconds. “This track year has been fun and I expect us to keep doing good,” said Monsevies. These four will also compose the Pirates 4x400 team going into the WYL finals this Saturday at Sunkist Stadium beginning at 4:00 pm.
Also coming up is the Area Championships, May 13 at Sanger High School, where the top qualifers will compete to advance to the valley meet. The Valley Championships will be held May 20 in Bakerfield followed by the State Championships on June 4-5 in Sacramento.
The team’s lack of numbers prevents them from competing for the WYL crown. Although they have knocked off both Redwood and Hanford in duel meets, Golden West and Mt. Whitney were both too strong for the Pirates to put up a fight. “We’re working with an elite group, that is dedicated,” said boys head coach, Aggie Contreras. This dedicated group has taken a liking to Contreras’ good-natured coaching style and, sometimes bizarre, techniques. Each practice begins with a “Happy Day Moment,” a time of rest and relaxation, where you can forget your worries and be free the stress of teenage life, even if only for a short time. Sometimes, to lighten the mood, this minute-long session is accompanied by an off-key rendition of, Oh Happy Day, sung by none other than Coach Contreras himself. ***quote here***
With two broken school records, a pair of runners at the top of the Central Section, and one happy, relaxed team, noone can question Contreras’ methods.
“This year has been going good for me, as well the other team members,” said Jeremy Garcia, who recently broke a 33 year old record with a time of 14.73 seconds in the 110 meter high hurdles. Garcia is within .2 seconds of the section leaders in that event and also keeps himself busy with the high jump and long jump. Kasey Sunamoto vaulted into the record books when she cleared 8 feet 3 inches in the pole vault this year, breaking away from a group of two others who were tied for the record at 8 feet.
The fact that junior Clay Manning was scheduled to compete in seven different events at April 30th’s Reedley Invitational, is a clear indicator of how important he is to the team.The 300 meter intermediate hurdles, where Manning is third 3rd in the section with a time of 40.16, is but one of the many events that he graces with his talents. Manning is the Pirates top long jumper and triple jumper, as well as the top 100, 200, and 400 meter sprinter on the team.
Distance runner, Moses Avila, has been making the most of his senior year with impressive times in both the one and two mile events. He is currently the 2nd fastest miler in the section with a time of 4:22.7, 1.1 seconds behing the leader Ryan Smithhart of Buchanan. Moses’ younger brother Daniel will challenge any mark Moses can post, but it will be how well they can work together that will determine the teams’ fate.
The Avila brothers, along with Manning and 800 meter runner Edgar Monsevies competed in the distance medley relay at Pasedena, where they finished 1st place among an elite field. Daniel ran 4 laps, Moses ran 3, Monsevies 2, and Manning 1 to finish in a time of 10 minutes 39 seconds. “This track year has been fun and I expect us to keep doing good,” said Monsevies. These four will also compose the Pirates 4x400 team going into the WYL finals this Saturday at Sunkist Stadium beginning at 4:00 pm.
Also coming up is the Area Championships, May 13 at Sanger High School, where the top qualifers will compete to advance to the valley meet. The Valley Championships will be held May 20 in Bakerfield followed by the State Championships on June 4-5 in Sacramento.
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