The season’s cooler weather has not stopped a number of Mission Bay High winter sports teams from getting hot. Wrestling
On the wrestling mats, head coach Don Samuels notes that the team has been led to date by the likes of juniors Charley Burciaga and Francisca Diaz. “They both have helped our young wrestling team stay motivated and competitive,” Samuels commented.
According to Samuels, Diaz has won two gold medals and a silver this season, putting her on track to do well in the CIF wrestling tournament.
“Our boys team should finish strong led by our juniors, sophomores and up-and-coming freshmen,” Samuels added. “We are still looking to outwork them all.” Water polo
The future continues to look bright for the girls water polo team, with the boys squad having had a strong fall season.
According to head coach John Knight, “Numbers are up for both boys and girls, with 30 players on each team. Word is getting around about how much fun water polo is. The majority of each team is composed of sophomores and freshmen, so the program will be building over the next few years.”
One of the stars on the girls team is senior goalie Niki Moore. So far this season, she has amassed more than 120 saves. Other outstanding performances have been turned in by seniors Alina Snyder and Cassidy Kepner.
Under the guidance of a new coaching staff, the boys made it to the CIF quarterfinals game for the first time in recent years. Two players, Doug Cromar and Sid Bauer, were selected to the City All-League Second Team. Soccer
On the girls soccer front, head coach Jorge Palacios reports that the Lady Bucs are 6-5-2 (2-1 in league play).
According to Palacios, key players to date include Katie Baker and Citlaly Garcia, defenders and outstanding senior leaders; Brittany Barnes, one of the leading scorers who brings explosiveness and competitiveness; and Diana Suarez, one of our playmakers, who has excellent ball skills.
“We aim to get better with each game and hope to get into the playoffs and beyond,” Palacios added.
(Editor’s note: All varsity winter sports coaches were asked to provide information to [email protected] for this article.)