Athlete
of
the
Christie Requa
Issue:
Senior Christie Requa helped her team cheer their way to the
first place title at NCA Nationals last year.
As team co-captain and most valuable player, Requa is working
hard to motivate the team for the rest of this year’s
competitions.
The team is thrilled that Principal Adam Clark designated
cheerleading as an official Miramonte sport last month.
“It’s really cool to be recognized. We’ve worked hard to earn
respect for the sport, and when Mr. Clark suggested it, we
were really excited,” said Requa.
This year, the cheerleading team saw many new additions,
creating a dedicated and hard-working squad.
“We’ve always wanted to be co-ed,” said Requa. “Ricky is
really courageous and persistent in his pursuit of
cheerleading.”
Both Requa’s older and younger sisters participate in
cheerleading, but her older sister Katie is the reason Requa
tried out for the team freshman year. Now, freshman Carrie
Requa is following in her sisters’ footsteps on the varsity
team.
In addition to Miramonte cheerleading, Requa was a member of
the All Star team called The Pyramids in the ‘09-‘10 season.
Leading up to her cheerleading career, Requa participated in
softball, soccer, basketball, and gymnastics.
Gymnastics has been the most valuable for her cheerleading
talent because that is where she learned to tumble and flip.
Requa has been thrown as far as 18 feet from the ground during
a stunt called the “basket.” On the basketball court, Requa
can do three back-handsprings in a row, but on a tumbling mat,
she could flip forever. The most difficult cheerleading trick
that Requa aspires to accomplish is called the “Scorpion,” a
one-legged stunt.
A successful cheerleader, according to Requa, has to be
committed, spirited, upbeat, and determined to improve the
squad. Many girls on the team are capable of high-level
gymnastics, but a round-off is the only physical requirement
to be a Miramonte cheerleader. “Facials” are the official term
for the enthusiastic facial expressions worn by cheerleaders
during routines.
“Facials are important because they gain you points in
competitions,” said Requa. “They’re kind of ridiculous, but we
have to practice them.”
The great mash-ups that the fans hear during the cheerleaders’
half-time routine are made by Coach Rebecca George or bought
online. Requa and co-captain Gabby Galarza ‘11 choreograph
most of the team’s routines, and get new ideas from watching
other teams and YouTube clips.
“Sometimes we think a routine is going to look a certain way
but we often have to adjust the moves until it works for our
team,” said Requa.
Requa and Galarza prepare the team before competitions and
games by going over the counts of their routine. Coach George
occasionally gives the team pep talks to get them motivated.
“It’s a little weird to get motivated to motivate people,”
said Requa.
Depending on the college she attends, Requa may try out for
the school’s cheerleading team and has considered coaching
girls in the future. She enjoys working at the Kids Camp
fundraiser that the MHS cheerleaders run during football and
basketball seasons.
Requa hopes to lead her team not only to nationals, but also
to top finishes in regional competitions throughout the year.
Mats Hoops
Season
Jump
Into
New
After losing seven seniors, the men’s basketball team is
strategizing to overcome the challenges that this season will
bring. With two of last year’s starters playing in college,
this year’s team is young and more inexperienced.
Overall, the team lacks height and will work to compensate
this setback by running a fast paced offense. The team has
threats that can score on a fast break or in a half court
offense.
Key returners include Brian Henson ‘11, Ross Anderson ‘12,
Anthony Piganelli ‘11, Kazz Tamura ‘11, and Jack Pietrykowski
‘12. However, three of the team’s starters were absent for the
start of the season because of football, but have returned
since the football season ended last Friday. Henson tore both
his MCL and PCL during football and will begin physical
therapy in 2-3 weeks if he does not need surgery. Assuming it
is a quick recovery, Henson hopes to return for the start of
league.
The team will depend on new players Kiran Shastri ‘13, Conor
Volpe ‘11, and Derek Lin ‘13 to start the season strongly.
Currently, the team has four underclassmen, but when the
starters return from football, some will return to JV.
“Last year’s jerseys no longer follow league regulation due to
excessive black striping on the shorts. So, with our new
jerseys this year, and Jack Pietrykowski, we could arguably be
the best looking team in the DFAL,” said Matt Ward ‘11.
This year the team hopes to win league, continue to the NCS
finals, and compete in the state tournament. After solid
performances in scrimmages against Thurgood Marshall and
Antioch, these goals seem within reach.
The team played their first home game against John F. Kennedy
of Fremont last Saturday. Although they lost 54-52, they
worked hard throughout the game. “It was close the whole game,
but we made costly mistakes that put them ahead. We missed lay
ups, which we can’t do against good teams,” said Henson.
On Dec. 9, the team beat Antioch in the Granada Holiday
Invitational. This was their first game with all their players
and they worked together to clinch their first official win.
However, they fell to Freedom and Enterprise Redding in their
next two games of the tournament.
The team plays Drake at home on Friday.
MHS Wrestling Gears Up for a
New Season
The Miramonte wrestling team is once again revving up for a
season full of blood, sweat, tears, and brute force. With
singlets in hand, these boys plan to take on our surrounding
competitors, the North Coast, and the State of California.
The team is being led this year by captain Bryce Pummer ‘11,
and coaches alum Sam Worth ‘09, his dad Mike Worth, and Brad
Caine. The leaders are working hard to prepare all the new
freshman and first year athletes.
While the team lost key players last year, Pummer feels
optimistic about their abilities to succeed this year. “I hope
we can at least go 3 and 3. If we can do better than that, I
would be really happy.”
Pummer personally hopes to make it to State this year, and
sees great potential in Christian Kelly ‘12 and Kai Shimoko
‘12. “If they work hard enough they could breeze into Coast,”
said Pummer.
The team had their first tournament at Redwood High the
weekend of Dec. 4, where the team placed seventh. Last weekend
two tournaments took place, a novice tournament and a varsity
tournament. Pummer placed first at the varsity tournament, and
Micah Spalding ‘13 placed fourth.
On Tuesday, Dec. 7 the team had their last duel meet against
Sir Francis Drake High School, where they won.
The team has accepted the various degrees of ridicule their
sport has received over the years. “People can think what they
want, but until they suit up and try it themselves they
shouldn’t project negative opinions towards us. It really is a
sport that anyone can do well in,” said Pummer.
The team is also preparing to wrestle Campolindo on Jan. 6 and
Acalanes on Jan. 13.
Today the team plays Alhambra,
appreciated and welcome.
and
support
would
be
Golden State Warriors Can’t
Hit Their Stride: Key players
need to perform better if the
Warriors intend to contend in
the West
Trying to bounce back from a 26-56 2009-2010 season, the
Golden State Warriors pulled a blockbuster trade, switched
head coaches and switched owners. In order to pick up Knicks
superstar David Lee, the Warriors had to sacrifice to say the
least.
Giving up players like Corey Maggette, Anthony
Randolph and Kelena Azubuike- the Warriors are making a
statement about their place in the NBA.
With newly acquired big men, David Lee and Ekpe Udoh, the
Warriors’ style of play may also head in a new direction.
Expect to see an abundance of pick and rolls, utilizing not
only their centers, but the star, Stephen Curry.
Another newly-found component of Warriors’basketball is
rebounding. Yes, rebounding. When David Lee and Andris
Biedrins hit the boards and Monta Ellis gets back to his
earlier rebounding rates, this team could be a threat down
low.
Newly found size can help this struggling team; however,
turnovers will be the kryptonite in Golden State-like always.
Anytime Ellis is on the court, there’s always a risk of silly
turnovers; basketball I.Q. is not his strongpoint. Although
showing significant improvement from last year, Ellis still
has to take significant strides in reducing turnovers.
In addition to Ellis, Curry is also prone to careless
turnovers on flashy passes. In order to take care of business
this year, the Warriors first need to take care of the rockEllis and Curry need to step up big here.
Although Ellis is sometimes the cause of a useless turnover,
his performance so far this season has catapulted him to be
compared with some of the NBA’s best players. Averaging 24.5
points per game along with a solid five assists per game,
Ellis has established himself as a team leader. Ellis also
provides the needed spark to get the rest of his team going.
Lee and Dorrell Wright rely on good passing to establish their
inside presence on offense. If the team has any chance of
succeeding this year, expect Ellis to play an essential role.
A new head coach could be looked at with two, opposite
viewpoints. There are a few reasons to be happy Keith Smart
got the job.
He’s a genuinely nice guy, the players seem to like him, and
as a long time assistant, he’s been running practices for a
while.
However, there are some obvious drawbacks.
His head coaching track record is nothing to be proud of; he
was the Warriors’ defensive coordinator the past season, and
defense (along with turnovers) was the ultimate downfall of
the team.
As of now, the Warriors are 8-14, with a 3-10 record on the
road. Sitting in third place in the Pacific Division (behind
the Suns and the Lakers) the Warriors are going to need a
spark of energy and a team that can play on the road if they
want a chance at the playoffs.
Cross Country Sprints Towards
NCS Success
After performing well at Clovis International in Fresno over
Columbus Day weekend, the Miramonte Cross Country team has
high hopes for the rest of their season. The Mats have been
struggling more this season than in the past, but they still
ultimately hope to win NCS and go to State.
In order to win NCS, the Mats must beat some of their top
rivals, including Campolindo. Campo has proved to be a tough
competitor, and unfortunately the Mats lost to them twice this
year, on Sept. 29 and again on Oct. 20.
“Our goal is to beat Campo at NCS and go to state,” said
captain David Fuhriman ‘11.
The team is recovering from the loss of coaches last year, but
are now led by coaches Alison Zamanian and Greg Fernbacher.
“Alison Zamanian is great. All she wants to do is help the
team do well,” said captain Leahna Purcell ‘11.
The new coaches have enjoyed working with the team as well.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed
Miramonte,” said Zamanian.
coaching
cross-country
at
In addition to their coaches, captains Fuhriman, Purcell,
Pierce Haley ‘11, Jamie Fehrnstrom ‘12, and Mary Doyle ‘12
have supported the 85-person team through its victories this
season.
Purcell, Hannah Li ‘14, Lauren Branagh ‘14, Savannah Ryder
‘12, Sierra Ryder ‘14, and Doyle have been key athletes for
the girls’ varsity team this season. At Clovis, Sierra Ryder
placed 55th with a time of 21:05, coming in first for the Lady
Mats.
Haley, Fehrnstrom, Matt Stewart ‘12, Tyler Hanson ‘13, and
Adam Roeder ‘12 have been consistent team players for the
men’s varsity, with Fehrnstrom coming in 5th at Clovis with a
time of 16:19.
“We have done well in the JV boys division, placing 2nd out of
seven teams, as well as in the varsity boys division, at third
(behind Campo and Las Lomas respectively),” said Zamanian.
DFAL Championships will be held tomorrow, Nov. 6, at Hidden
Valley Park. NCS will take place on Nov. 20, and CIF State
Championships are to be held on Nov. 27.
Look for the Cross Country team around school with their tshirts reading: “I look good from behind–don’t I?” Due to
their toned physiques, chances are they do.
Volleyball Works to Secure
NCS Seeding
The women’s volleyball team has been off to a strong start,
going 10-2 in league play. Their only losses came against
Campolindo.
After losing three key seniors, two of which went on to play
Division I collegiate volleyball, the team has come together
and vastly improved from the beginning of their season.
The Lady Mats have participated in five tournaments so far,
winning the consolation round in two of them and placing in
the top eight in the most recent tournament.
The team has completed
all of their league matches, but
unfortunately they lost two tough matches to their rival,
Campolindo. The Lady Mats clinched the first set 25-23 in a
match in which the Cougars were heavily favored, but the Lady
Mats put up a good fight.
“NCS is a reachable goal for us,” said captain Kirsten
Rutledge ‘11.
“We had a rough start, but we are getting
better as a team and the chemistry is much improved.”
With five new players on the team, the returning players have
stressed teamwork and team spirit. Some of the key players
include captains Rutledge and Jane Siri ‘11, Mollie Swan ‘12,
Sarah Vaccaro ‘12, Audrey Breitwieser ‘12 and Beryl Slezak
‘13.
“A lot of the younger players have stepped up and the team as
a whole has come together really well,” said Rutledge.
However, the team’s misfortunes have posed a potential problem
for success down the road. Several key players have gotten
injured or sick and become unable to participate in matches,
including Sophia Diamantidis ‘12 and Rutledge.
The Lady Mats are also looking to excel in the remaining
weekend tournaments they have, as positive performances will
help their NCS seeding.
Even though the Lady Mats are not lacking in skill, experience
or ability, they are lacking in fan support. In order to win
their matches and represent Miramonte in NCS, the team will
need to feed off fan energy and perform well.
In the second match against Campolindo, the Lady Mats fell
3-0. The team started and finished off strongly, but could
not keep up the high level of play throughout the match.
The key to winning more matches will be the Lady Mats keeping
a positive attitude and not getting down on themselves.
“We can’t let ourselves break down easily and we just have to
maintain confidence,” said Rutledge.
Power Balance Bracelets Sweep
the Nation
Since they were created in 2007, Power Balance wristbands have
become more popular among athletes. These silicone wristbands
have two Mylar holograms embedded in them, designed to work
with your body’s natural energy field.
The overall goal of a Power Balance bracelet or pendant is to
help your body and its energy work more efficiently. Many
athletes report noticeable improvements in their balance,
flexibility, strength, and overall performance while using
Power Balance.
Many professional baseball, football, and basketball players
can be seen wearing Power Balance wristbands during practices
and games. Athletes such as Shaquille O’Neil, Fred Couples,
Ricky Romero, Lamar Odom, Nicole Branagh and Todd Rogers are
strong advocates of this trend. “I definitely feel a
difference on the court when I wear the wristband. It gives me
more energy and balance,” Odom of the Los Angeles Lakers
posted on his website.
The fad has now spread to college, high school, and club
sports all over the country. Power Balance sets up booths at
tournaments and other sporting events where they inform
athletes about the product and allow them to test it.
“Power Balance bracelets work. It gives me that extra
strength, whether I’m hitting or lifting,” said baseball
player Drew Jackson ‘12.
Although many athletes now depend on Power Balance to help
them perform well, many others do not believe in the hype.
Many athletes refuse to believe that a simple wristband can
improve your skills and athletic abilities. Some even found
that wearing the wristband had negative effects.
“I tried wearing a Power Balance bracelet during basketball
one day and within 10 minutes my head began to throb and my
stomach hurt. I felt horrible until I took it off,” said Jack
Houston ‘12.
It is also argued that the effect of a Power Balance bracelet
is purely placebo. According to John Grigsby, Miramonte’s
athletic trainer, even if this is true, it is not harmful to
wear the bracelet. It may even be beneficial for athletes if
they think the bracelet will help them perform better.
Athletes are not the only people who find these wristbands
helpful. Some elderly people who are challenged by their
diminishing strength find that wearing a Power Balance
wristband makes them feel stronger. Others have found it helps
fight off motion sickness.
No one can say whether Power Balance wristbands truly work or
if it is only in the mind of the athletes. For as long as they
are out there, this debate will continue, but if you’re a
believer then more power to ya’.
Athlete
of
the
Anastasia Kaiser
Issue:
For four years, Anastasia Kaiser ‘11, the captain of the
girls’ varsity tennis team, has been a steadfast leader and an
unrivaled competitor. With back-to-back DFAL Individual
Singles Championships under her belt, Kaiser has continually
proved herself as the strongest player in DFAL.
Now into her third year as the number one singles player at
Miramonte, Kaiser feels stronger than ever.
“Over the past four years, I’ve learned from tight situations
how to handle myself under pressure,” said Kaiser.
After last year’s four hour long battle for the DFAL
Individual Singles Championship, against Miramonte’s own
number two singles player, Hanne Andersen ‘12, Kaiser is
certainly no stranger to pressure.
“That was the most intense match I have ever played. We had
both supported each other all season, and we both wanted to
win so badly. After I won, we were both crying and hugging
each other at the net,” said Kaiser.
With new competition this year in DFAL, Kaiser has used her
extensive match experience to her advantage.
Left:
Anastasia
Kaiser ‘11 sets up
for a backhand. Top
left:
Kaiser
follows through on
a serve. Above:
Kaiser is the most
dominant player in
the DFAL. Photo: H.
Andersen
Kaiser has defeated Campo’s Nicole Wedlake three times this
year already. However, the emergence of Myiesha Simmons at
Dublin and Rickimae Torres at Dougherty Valley has proved to
be a challenge.
“Myiesha and Rickimae are both really good athletes, but I’m
very proud of how I have played against them,” said Kaiser.
Also, this season, Kaiser has come up with big wins in nonleague competition. After winning decisively against the
number one players at both Mission San Jose and San Ramon
Valley, she is quickly becoming a formidable opponent not just
in DFAL, but in NCS as well.
If ever there were a poster child for student athletes, it
would be Kaiser. Once a top junior player in NorCal, Kaiser
was ranked 17th in 12 and unders, and placed second in the
West Coast Junior Championships. However, Kaiser later
sacrificed tennis for her academics.
“I stopped competing in USTA tournaments because it became
impossible to keep up with schoolwork, and still excel in
competition,” said Kaiser.
Now, in addition to being the captain of the tennis team,
Anastasia serves as the Public Speaking President and the cocaptain of the Mock Trial Team.
However, Kaiser still plans to continue playing tennis
collegiately.
“Hopefully, depending on where I end up, I can play Club or
Division III tennis, but my main focus is still my academics,”
said Kaiser.
Kaiser’s personal goals for this season include winning the
DFAL Doubles Championship with Andersen. After a successful
singles career in DFAL, Kaiser looks forward to making her
doubles debut.
“I’ve already won the Singles Championship twice, and been a
finalist once. It’s someone else’s turn now, and Hanne and I
have been planning this since she was a freshman,” said
Kaiser.
This year, Kaiser also hopes to bring home the team NCS title
after losing 4-3 match last year in the semifinals to the
eventual champions, Mission San Jose.
Despite graduating several key doubles players last year,
Kaiser remains confident that the team can take home the NCS
Championship.
“I fully expect us to win NCS this year. This is the strongest
team I have been a part of, and we all want it so badly after
last year,” said Kaiser.
Fun Facts About Anastasia Kaiser
Height: 5’9”
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Food: Salt
Favorite Author: Chaim Potok
Favorite Poet: Ogden Nash
Favorite Magazine: The New Yorker
Favorite NPR Program: Planet Money
Favorite Nobel Laureate: Paul Krugman
Favorite Kennedy: Ted Kennedy
Favorite Athlete: Roger Federer
Favorite Racket: Babalot
Favorite Class: AP Euro
Random Fact: Russian was her first language.
Men’s Polo Ready for NCS
fter being upset by league champion and rival Acalanes, the
Mats are determined to seek revenge in the North Coast.
“No doubt it was a tough loss,” said Joey Fabian ‘11. “This
team has the experience to regroup and focus on the challenge
ahead.”
It will most certainly be a challenge, but the strongest teams
out of the league schedule will have Miramonte better prepared
than most teams in NCS.
Two weekends ago the Mats traveled to Palo Alto High School
for the highly regarded North South Tournament. In the
tournament, the Mats gave good games to El Torro and Marrieta
Valley; both teams are among the top teams in the state.
However, the Mats beat Los Alamitos and demolished Saint
Francis 10-4, giving them an undefeated record against teams
from Northern California in the North South Tournament.
“Although we lost to both Southern California teams it allowed
us to play against better teams which will ultimately help us
once NCS starts.” said Charlie Wiser ‘10.
For the first time ever, NCS has established two divisions,
separating smaller schools from bigger schools. Because of
Miramonte’s prior dominance in NCS, the Mats were placed in
the division with the larger and more competitive schools.
The Mats are the number two seed in NCS and will play Alameda
in the first round of the playoffs. Acalanes clinched the
first seed and will play Berkeley in their opening game.
The NCS bracket is filled with talent and competitive teams.
The Mats will need to bring their best game if they want to
come anywhere close to extending their dynasty and winning
their unprecedented sixth straight NCS title.
Mats Beat Campo; “Take It To
Da G”
As Miramonte’s own version of Denard Robinson, minus the
untied shoes and hair, Ross Anderson ‘12, has led the Matadors
to an impressive 7-1 record so far. Running an Oregon-style
spread offense which includes options and run fakes, the
Matadors have utilized their speed to overwhelm opponents and
rack up points in their high-octane offensive scheme.
The Matadors have averaged
Anderson under center, and
“We are trying to take it
honoring Joe every step of
‘11.
well over 30 points per game with
the team is looking very strong.
one game at a time, week by week,
the way,” said Anthony Piganelli
In the Homecoming win against Dougherty Valley, Anderson
accounted for 276 yards and four touchdowns. “Number Nine
(Anderson) is really good – surprise, surprise – news flash,”
said Dougherty Valley coach Bob Spain to the Lamorinda Patch.
With 46 seconds left in the second half, the Mats completed a
no-huddle, 80-yard drive that resulted in a touchdown. They
were up 38-0 by the end of the third quarter.
On Sept. 16, the Mats faced Mission San Jose and defeated them
62-0.
Their stifling defense only gave up six yards
throughout the entire game and Chris Thatcher ‘11 scored on
two punt returns.
Offensive standouts include Anderson, John Coupin ‘11,
Piganelli, Kevin Booze ‘12, Blake Swimmer ‘11 and Jack
Pietrykowski ‘12.
The defense has also been solid, with key starters Coupin,
Pietrykowski, Thatcher, Brian Friel ‘11, Tyler Davis ‘11 and
Luke Carrillo ‘12.
In the DFAL opener against Acalanes, the Matadors posted a
44-21 win led by another dominant performance from Anderson
and Coupin, who both chipped in for a total of five
touchdowns.
Special teams ace Taylor Armosino ‘11 has shown off his speed
by contributing towards seven special team tackles and
numerous pancakes on kickoffs, kick returns, and punts.
With offense, defense and special teams firing on all
cylinders, the season outlook for the Mats is very positive.
“We are the best team on both sides of the ball in DFAL, so
we should win the championship,” said Armosino.
“If we
execute every week, we’ll have as good a chance as any team to
win NCS.”
On Oct. 15, the Mats played the Las Lomas Knights and suffered
their first loss of the season. The Knights’ running back,
Marquis Waters, took over the game, running for 315 yards and
three touchdowns. The Mats lost 27-24 after nearly making a
comeback for the ages.
In the fourth quarter, down by 10, Andy Joss ‘11 caught a pass
for a touchdown, and Brian Henson ‘11 returned a punt for a
touchdown, putting the Mats up by four.
The Knights then
scored a touchdown, and the Mats lost by three.
On Oct. 22, the Mats took on cross-town rivals Campolindo in
another chapter of their heated rivalry. The Mats won 34-7 in
a game in which Miles Honens ‘12 caught two touchdown passes,
snagged one pick and recovered a fumble.
The Mats play at Dublin today.