The Poly Optimist John H. Francis Polytechnic High School Vol. XCVII, No. 6 Serving the Poly Community Since 1913 February 2011 Special Ed Acadeca Makes Will Field a Strong Effort Track Team Parrot squad just misses state; Em- By Daniela Solis Staff Writer ralino scores 10 on 10 super quiz. oly Special Ed teacher Decathlon awards ceremony at Alberto Flores has started By Yenifer Rodriguez & Jizel Emralino Hollywood High School. Hundreds a Special Ed track and Staff Writer of decathletes, representing 64 high field team. P school teams in the District, attended “The kids are very excited,” Flores oly’s 2011 Academic and top scoring students were said. “They can’t wait to start.” Photo by Alejandro Cadena Decathlon squad narrowly honored with individual medals and Poly Athletic Director Kim HONORED: Principal Gerardo Loera (right) and AP Ari Bennet will re- missed advancing to the trophies for academic achievement. McEwen added her approval. ceive awards for their outstanding work at Polytechnic High School this year. state competition for the ”We’ve been trying to get a P second year running, coming in 12th. [ See Acadeca, pg 3 ] Special Ed team for years,” McEwen “This team did an incredible said, “but we just couldn’t find a Loera Named LAUSD job,” said Parrot Acadeca veteran coach for them. I’m happy that the coach Brian Block, “studied harder, kids have the opportunity to have a worked longer, and accomplished team, to have a sport” Principal of the Year more in less time than any team in Flores said helping the kids was Poly history, and probably statewide, his prime motivation Ari Bennett awarded Assistant Principal honors. too.” “Some kids have sports or band The Parrot team needed 660 more years” said Principal Loera. “I am after school, other things to do,” said By Armando Orozco points to top 11th place Van Nuys humbled by it.” Flores. “Our kids should have after- Staff Writer High’s 38,665 points. Recipients are recognized and school activities too and do physical Granada Hill Charter took first nominated by fellow educators for activity, do sports. It helps them both place honors with 49,104 points. oly’s Gerardo Loera and their commitment to the success and emotionally and physically.” The Highlander team and their Ari Bennett were named progress of their schools. Special Ed events will include the four coaches will go on to compete principal and assistant This is the first time that both 100 meter dash, the 400 meter dash, in the 2011 California Academic principal of the year Loera and Bennett have won the Google Image the 400 meter relay, the long jump, P Decathlon, scheduled March 12-13, by the Association of California the high jump, and the shot put. award. MTV: “Mad Men’s” Caity Lotz will School Administrators (ACSA) at an in Sacramento. Since 1987, LAUSD The Special Ed team will have to Twenty-five awards are given do her own stunts in “Death Valley.” administrators’ meeting in January. has won 16 state competitions and meet all the same requirements as in each of California’s 19 regions. “I believe this award is a reflection 11 national titles. any other sports team. Administrators at all levels are of the committed staff, teachers and Winners were announced at “They need physicals, cooperative students that Poly has had over the the LAUSD’s annual Academic behavior and a point average of 2.0,” [ See Loera, pg 3 ] MTV at said Assistant Principal April Hood. Some exceptions are allowed, however. Poly “They are not limited by age,” Parrots Hood said, “and they can participate if they are a new student.” “Death Valley” Students with wheelchairs or Get an walkers are not allowed to compete. episode here. “The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), the organization Energy in charge of high school sports, will By Stephen Castaneda only permit kids to participate who Staff Writer are able to perform on their own without any assistance,” Hood said. Lesson here was action on Poly’s The team’s first meet is scheduled baseball field Thursday for March 10 at Poly against Fairfax. That big blue building night a couple weeks “Fairfax doesn’t have a special ed ago. But it wasn’t the track and field team,” said Flores, in the teachers’ park- T baseball team kicking up dirt. MTV ing lot is buzzing. had come to film a scene for its new [ See Special Ed, pg 3 ] Photo by Alejandro Cadena Series, “Death Valley.” THEATER: A state-of-the-art 24-seat immersive theater is part of the high The horror-comedy features a By Jizel Emralino tech layout in the National Guard’s “Energy Lab” visiting the Poly campus. special police unit called the Undead Staff Writer Task Force (UTF) assigned to Nathan Linduski, a Mobile Learning engineering and must apply that kill the zombies, werewolves and Center Manager and educator. “We knowledge to navigate through the he Energy Lab, a 1300 vampires that are overrunning the want to enlighten the students about scenario.” sq. ft., fully mobile Valley. the many opportunities in the field of The students first see an classroom filled with The 12-episode series stars energy and engineering.” introductory movie about the interactive learning tools, Caity Lotz from “Mad Men,” Tania T The lab consists of four interactive different sources of energy in a Raymonde from “Lost” and Charlie came to Poly recently as part of a exhibits - earth, water, fire, and wind 24-seat immersive theatre with nationwide initiative to raise student Sanders from “Big Dog.” - that are designed to raise awareness a powerful sound and lighting awareness in the fields of Science, Series location manager Stephen about existing and alternative system for an enhanced multi-media Technology, Engineering, and Math Andrzejewski looked at many methods of harnessing energy. learning experience. (STEM). Called the Mobile Learning different campuses and liked Poly’s “The lab provides interactivity “The sound and light effects are Center (MLC), the Lab is sponsored the most through video game-type amazing,” said Junior Kathleen by the National Guard. Film L.A., a private, nonprofit Photo by Alejandro Cadena technology,” said Linduski. “The Argueta. “We are here to ignite interest organization that coordinates and games run scenarios in which COACH: Special Ed’s Alberto among students about science,” said Flores will coach AA track team. students learn about science and [ See Lab, pg 3 ] [ See MTV, pg 3 ]

Shakespeare Portman is Goes Ceramic Compelling

Garden setting for “Black Swan” star wins “Gnomeo and Juliet” Best Actress award. CINEMA - page 4 CINEMA - page 4 Google Image Google Image 2 February 2011 The Poly Optimist polyhigh.org/opt.jsp OPINION

EDITORIAL OP-ED Denise acosta Familiar Pattern Are newly elected Republican governors setting up an ideological battle in 2012?

magine public schools throughout the critics claim Walker is “directly assaulting state…closed! Although many students organized labor.” Walker, meanwhile, seems to squirm with delight at the thought of overlook the possibility that there is a problem. I such a turn of events, the community Democratic lawmakers fled the state, knows this as a sign of unrest. denying the possibility of a majority needed In Wisconsin, citizens wish they could close to pass the bill. Indeed, all 14 Democratic their eyes to the harsh reality of political chaos. senators fled, leaving Republicans one senator Teachers, among other union workers, have short of a quorum. With no other choice, the been forced to confront the nightmare created Senate adjourned without debating the bill. by new Republican governor Scott Walker. Governors from Iowa and Michigan are More than 20,000 contemplating following protesters swarmed in Governor Walker’s the state capitol last “More than 20,000 steps. week to denounce A pattern seems to Putting the Book the governor’s protesters swarmed the be emerging. Across scheme to take away the United States, new collective bargaining state capitol last week to Republican governors rights from most denounce the governor’s are demanding their in Facebook public sector unions. legislatures enact The unions are scheme” extremely strict fiscal historical pillars policies. Many of their Can networking be educational? of Democracy. By decisions to drastically taking away their bargaining rights, Walker decrease government spending have so far had is essentially decreasing the influence of unexpected and severe outcomes. oth teens and you reach your potential in students, since college work Democracy. Since President Obama’s election, teachers in class, not for you to cheat.” is similar. Ironically, in 1959, Wisconsin was the first Republicans have stealthily planned their Greenwood Students in overcrowded Teachers from Warren state in the nation to give all public-sector 2012 comeback. They seem to be willing to do High and Warren classrooms who can’t get County’s two high schools use B workers collective bargaining rights. Today, anything to prevent Obama’s reelection. The Central High in Warren enough help from their Facebook to collaborate on however, Republicans support Governor current policy gridlock between the Republican County, Kentucky are making teacher can now have group the best way to explain their Walker’s decision, declaring the unions House of Representatives and the Democratic use of their time during snow discussions on Facebook to curriculum. representing teachers, welfare workers, and Senate is just one example. days doing assignments and better understand the work. Other Facebook other state and local employees have grown Republican governors’ hasty and ill- having class discussions on Teachers found the applications might include excessively strong and inflated pay and conceived fiscal policies at the state level Facebook. Facebook connection an increase in electives that pensions across the country. They consider this suggest that the nation could be in store for “It’s our way of staying in effective in preparing students would only need an online the foundation for the nation’s fiscal crisis. more of the same at the national level in 2012. class even when we’re not in for Advanced Placement tests boost and communication The Wisconsin governor claims to be The potential for even more divisive and school,” said Sarah Halcomb, with national test dates that between teachers and balancing the state’s budget. But fifteen school contentious politics ahead is growing. a 15 year old AP European can’t be moved. students. districts closed due to protesting teachers and History student. Teachers can set an Classes might even be Ironically, some teachers assignment in the morning, shorter because some course are using Facebook, the latest (essays, quizzes, online work can be covered online internet distraction from “home” work, and even tests) on Facebook. school work, as a tool for and create a deadline for Facebook certainly has education. online completion. the potential to solve many LETTERS TO THE EDITOR For example, Greenwood Internet access is problems because of the High has its own AP mandatory for these online number of students and Dear OPTIMIST: Facebook profile page. classes, of course,. Students teachers already with profiles. The profile’s basic info without are expected to go to The site might even help I just read the December edition of the OPTIMIST and discovered that four students from Poly category reads, “This group libraries, a friend’s house, or lessen the impact of budget made finalist in the QuestBridge National College Match Program.As a former applicant who will be used for help on simply anywhere with Wifi to cuts by providing learning didn’t even make finalist status I am thrilled to know that not one but four of our successors in the confusing assignments and do their work. opportunities without actual class of 2011 have gone so far and I would like to offer them my congratulations for their accom- the keep a record of what we Warren County teachers classrooms. plishments. I’m sure you and the OPTIMIST staff be in contact with them through the end of their have assigned. Do NOT post agree this type of class work senior so I hope you can please do me the favor of tell them this for me. all the answers. This is to help is a useful preparation for the As my mentor and friend Jin Lee told me on several occasions, it’s not about the cards you’re dealt -- it’s about how you play your hand. These four finalists played their cards superbly and have been dealt an amazing opportunity in turn. As long as they continue to persist they will go Editor-In-Chief far no matter what the obstacles and setbacks they are faced with. And while planning ahead is Joel Hinojosa typically considered a good idea, the future may not always be what you predict it to be, so I will Sports Editor instead say that the wise person steers according to the changing playing field they are faced with. Kelsey Cruz Getting admitted to a university IS NOT THE FINISH LINE. The work continues and resolve Photo Editors Alejandro Cadena and effort is still required of you, more so than ever before. (I was actually doing my Chemistry Mariana Santos homework right now until I got distracted and read the December edition of the OPTIMIST) Things are what you make of them and so I hope that the class of 2011 and the generations yet to Writers come can make the best of the hand they are dealt. Denise Acosta Stephen Castaneda In an insignificant world that will eventually wipe away every legacy left behind after countless the Jizel Emralino ages, we should celebrate the day to day struggles and personal victories, the moments shared Ivan Escobedo with loved ones that make living worthwhile, those are the significant things. But our current Optimist Armando Orozco world doesn’t let life be as simple and clean as it should be. In order to have that comfortable life Yenifer Rodriguez John H. Francis Polytechnic High School you need to go through school (according to the government) and get a career (according to most 12431 Roscoe Blvd, Sun Valley, CA, 91352 Daniela Solis of the job market) for money to support yourself and family. http://polyhigh.org Optimist Advisor John Blau That’s what is demanded in our world and we can do little more than give our all to meet those Letters To The Editor Editorial Policy demands. But one shouldn’t lose themselves in the strife towards meeting the demands of the world. The past should be kept in mind to help steer the present so the future may be met with a Letters to the Editor must be typed or printed The OPTIMIST is the voice of the Poly resolute will to make things the way you want them to be for yourself and the people you love. in ink and include the writer’s signature. The OP- community, and follows the Code of Ethics TIMIST reserves the right to edit submissions. for the Society of Professional Journalists. Marvin Martinez, Poly ‘10 Send letters to Rm.14 or Mr. Blau’s box. Editorials are the opinions of the staff. polyhigh.org/opt.jsp The Poly Optimist February 2011 3 NEWS Parrots Get Energy Lab [ From Lab, pg 1 ] The “Water” section shows students the different types of waves and the locations The “Energy Town,” centerpiece of the optimal for harnessing wave energy. Energy Lab, is a representation of a typical “It shows how buoys gather energy from the city with business buildings, factories and ocean waves,” said Linduski. residences. The “Fire” station challenges students to “The Energy town is a geographical capture solar energy to power as many homes representation which shows the different types as possible. of energy through different colored lights: blue “Enough sunlight falls on earth’s surface for water, white for wind, red for solar, and each minute to meet world energy demand for green for earth,” said Linduski. an entire year,” said Kevin Baron, the Senior The lab encourages students to pursue a Production Manager of The Energy Lab. career in the energy field. The Energy Lab directs students to careers “There are many vacant jobs in the science that would benefit the community in the long and technology fields, but not a lot of people run. have the qualifications for the jobs,” said The feedback from the students, teachers Linduski. “Most are engineering jobs that and parents has been very positive. Photo by Alejandro Cadena focus on the renewal of energy.” “It is fun and exciting,” said Junior Yecenia ACADECA: From left: Seniors Quenten Millhauser and Jizel Emralino and coach Brian Block. The “Earth” station contains three interactive Cid. computers where students extract oil, coal, and The Lab combines education with students natural gas to produce electrical energy. having fun. “The activity teaches the students how to “It’s not boring,” said Arguta. “The Energy maximize production in an efficient manner,” Lab makes learning more fun because it’s Acadeca Misses said Linduski. interactive.” [ From Acadeca, pg 1 ] conference, had eight returning members from The “Wind” section contains a large touch- Poly is currently the only school in last year. The Parrot team had two. screen table. Students locate different turbines California scheduled for an Energy Lab visit. In the academic decathlon competition, each The state competition can be easier than the where they can gain the most energy. school team is comprised of nine students— district competition. Every California county three students from three different grade-point winner is guaranteed a spot regardless of their average (GPA) categories—Varsity (2.99 GPA score. Last year’s Parrot team won 12 medals and below), Scholastic (3.00-3.74 GPA) and in the district competition and 22 more at State. Honor (3.75 and above GPA). The LAUSD competition is so tough that a Special Ed Principal The 10-quiz competition involved speech, team that finishes twelfth usually has enough interviews (prepared and impromptu), essay, points to take first place in many states. art, economics, language and literature, Track & Field Award mathematics, music, social science and a Individual Parrot performances “Super Quiz” written and oral relay. The total [ From Loera, pg 1 ] [ From Special Ed, pg 1 ] score of all 10 quizzes determines the 2011 Jizel Emralino – Team captain and highest winner. eligible, from the superintendent to the special- scorer on the team. In a year where individual “so we’ll just run on our own.” ed coordinator. This year’s study topic was “The Great scores dropped about 350 points from the Flores, who ran track and cross country in Depression.” “I am proud of the school and the previous year, her scores went up 350 points. high school, was an assistant coach for an AA achievements of the school” said Assistant Despite missing the cut, Poly’s 2011 track team for the past five years. Acadeca squad put up many respectable Principal Bennett. “This award may be Denise Acosta – Medalist for her speech on “I ran a marathon at Mission Bay San Diego honoring Loera and me, but it is really for Poly numbers. balancing Acadeca with being a cheerleader in 1978. I ran the mile and the 2 mile in high The three varsity students, two juniors and and the increased success as a school.” and Senior class vice-president. school.” Loera and Bennett will receive their awards one sophomore (GPA 2.0 to 2.99) scored over Flores got encouragement to start the Special 1700 points combined on their essays. This at the annual Administrators of the Year awards Maverick Santos - Second highest overall Ed team from another staff member. banquet at the Casa Italiana Restaurant in Los is higher than last years scholastics (GPA 3.0 score on the team. His speech score was also “I had been asking around school if Poly had to 3.75), who were all seniors, and went to Angeles on May 5. the second highest on the team. an AA track team for Special Ed,” Flores said, “This year’s ceremony theme is ‘Leadership UCLA, UCLA and UC Berkeley. “and coach Jeff Ring told me that I should start Poly finished in the top three (and earned a Matters,’” said Loera. “Lucky for us Poly is Quenten Millhauser - Won medals for one, so I said okay.” blessed with strong leaders.” plaque) for the first time in any category, this speech and interview. His speech was a So far the paper work has been the hardest time for speech. This year’s team received five sentimental tale of how his parents first met. part, Flores said. medals for speech, also a record, besting last Highest Scholastic scorer. “There is lot of paperwork, since the year’s four speech medals. students are academically challenged,” said Poly had never won more than four medals Oscar Cordova - Narrowly missed winning Flores. “We have to help them, we have to do SUDOKU total in a single competition until three years medals for outstanding scores in Social the paper work for them since they can’t do it ago. The team scored 8 medals in 2009, 12 last Science and Interview. on their own, and we call the parents and let February 2011 year and 8 this time. them know.” The 2011 competition was harder than last Rafael Cordova -- “Last” member to join the Athletic director Kim McEwen will have year. Scores around the nation were about team. Came on as a “dare” -- thought that he more paperwork too 2,000 points lower than last year. could outscore his brother. Lost – but not by “Just a little more work,” McEwen said. ”It’s This year’s team was superior to last year’s much. just like any new team. The paperwork, it’s team in several categories. Even with the nothing. It’s just like any other team we have more difficult exam, this year’s team scored Kayle Sicairos – Top speech score on the on campus” 813 points higher on the combined speech/ team for her speech on her love for the Los The meets will longer, McEwen said, since interview/essay totals and 885 points higher on Angeles Dodgers. more athletes will compete. mathematics. Flores has 12 students on the team, but so far About half of the Academic Decathlon exam Antonio Rodriguez – Highest Varsity scorer. only three have been cleared. is the same as the previous year. The basics of Won a medal on his speech detailing the Flores will get help from said three Special math, economics, art and music do not change, conflict between good and evil. Ed staff members and volunteers. and neither does the criteria for speeches and Training will start on February 28. interviews. As a result, a team with several Luis Miranda - Had the highest scoring “returning” members has a great advantage in essay of any varsity or scholastic student in the going to state. past two years. Poly only had two returning members on its team. Other coaches refer to this type of year December 2010 Solution as a “rebuilding year,” because it is so hard to learn the entire curriculum in just a few months. To gain an advantage, many top teams have MTV shoot on campus their students take classes before making the team. One school has an “honors humanities” [ From MTV, pg 1 ] hired LAPD to arrive at 7 am to secure the class, where students learn the basics, and a premises. The actual filming crew arrived at 2 “junior varsity” academic decathlon class. processes permits for on-location motion p.m. to setup equipment on the football field Only the best are then chosen from this class pictures and television shows, was the go- and the filming started shooting mostly on the for the honor of working long honors after between for MTV, getting clearance from baseball field from 7 p.m. through 7:30 a.m. school. LAUSD to film at Poly. The community was notified that MTV was Many top teams also have more than one Andrzejewski contacted Poly Assistant filming because weapons were involved. coach. Granada Hills and Marshall have 3 or Principal Elidia Vasquez three weeks ahead of MTV is scheduled to return to Poly during 4 primary coaches and bringing in specialists filming to confirm an acceptable date for the spring break to shoot more scenes. as well. shoot. “Death Valley” will air on MTV sometime San Fernando, the winning team in Poly’s MTV had Wicks St. closed for shoot. They during the summer. 4 February 2011 The Poly Optimist polyhigh.org/opt.jsp CINEMA

Google Image GNOME LOVE: From left: Shroom, Juliet (Emily Blunt) and Gnomeo (James McAvoy), the lov- ers, and Spanish accented plastic flamingo, Featherstone (Jim Cummings). Bard of the Garden Love blooms against all odds in this lively tale of ceramic romance based on Shakespeare’s play.

Lord Redbrick (Michael Caine) keeps By Joel Hinojosa daughter Juliet secluded on her castle and Editor in Chief Gnomeo’s mother Lady Blueberry (Maggie Google Image Rating Guide: 3.5/5 Smith) hassles him with family problems. Gnomeo and Juliet meet under the night sky and in the presence of a heart-shaped flower irector Kelly Asbury’s “Gnomeo and fall in love. and Juliet” is a fun kiddish The 3D doesn’t add to the experience of the comedy take on a Shakespeare Portman film. There aren’t many pop out scenes and the play about two crossed lovers, D 3D tends to blend in like a 2D movie. Gnomeo (James McAvoy) and Juliet (Emily Elton John’s music complements the Blunt), in a world of ceramic garden gnomes. whimsical characters, including Juliet’s tough Like Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” Triumphs in cousin Tybalt (Jason Statham), frog ornament family hostilities between the Reds, owned by and romantic Nanette (Ashley Jensen), and gardener Mr. Capulet, and the Blues, owned by Spanish accented pink flamingo Featherstone gardener Miss Montague, provide the backdrop (Jim Cummings), whose story of courtship for the gnomes’ antics. Capulet and Montague outdoes Gnomeo and Juliet’s. ‘Black Swan’ are neighbors at odds over who will have the “Gnomeo and Juliet,” though not Disney’s most extravagant gardens. best, is still worth watching, and unlike The gnomes come to life when the humans Actress brings to life the compelling and Shakespeare’s drama, this one has a happy are away. For entertainment and competition, ending. terrifying world of a New York ballet dancer. the gnomes have lawn-mower derbies.

psychological demands of her star role in By Ivan Escobedo Staff Writer Tchaikovsky’s 19th century masterpiece “Swan Lake.” TECH TALK - jOEL HINOJOSA Rating Guide: 4.9/5 Sayers, the ideal and innocent white swan, must fully embody the seductively evil black s was widely expected, Natalie swan for the play. Portman received the Best Actress The darker half of Sayers gradually New Sony Portable Oscar for her performance in surfaces as she prepares for the role of her “Black Swan” at the 83rd Annual life, paranoia, delusion and sexual awakening A ending her adolescence. Academy Awards held Sunday in Hollywood’s Kodak Theatre. The innocent protagonist is lost forever Steals the Spotlight The Academy clearly appreciated as Sayers transforms herself at the cost of her physically demanding and dramatic someone’s life, a powerful statement from performance. Portman lost 20 pounds and took director Aronofsky. Sony unveiled a new handheld ballet training for over a year and a half for the Fellow dancer Lily (Mila Kunis, “The Book role. of Eli”) tries to help Sayers relax, but Nina is Portman’s tearful acceptance speech convinced that Lily wants to steal her role. aimed at hardcore gamers. included a thanks to her parents and friends The overprotective mother, Erica, annoys “who mean everything” to her as well as Nina by always worrying about her eating he new Sony NGP The NGP supports 3G, said Kazuo Hirai President director Darren Aronofsky for being “a fearless habits and over-extended practice sessions. (Next Generation WiFi and GPS connectivity. & Group CEO of Sony leader and visionary.” The production’s ballet instructor, Thomas Portable) handheld The device also features a Computer Entertainment, Inc. The 29-year old actress has also won Leroy, sexually assaults Sayers during her T that embraces built-in six axis motion sensor New software called several awards this season for her “Swan” role, practice, thinking his actions will improve her the same graphics as the PS3 and a three-axis compass. PlaySation Suite will act like including the Golden Globe, the Screen Actors role as a seductress. (Playstation 3), is causing Front and rear cameras with Apple’s App Store for games Guild award and the Independent Spirit Award. “Swan” was nominated for five Oscars, hardcore gamers to drool. microphone are built-in as from independent or third The film, a terrifying and compelling look including best picture and best director, but Originally, the spotlight well. party developers. at the world of New York ballet dancers, took Portman was the film’s only winner. was on Nintendo, who is PS3 console games, such No actual release date for its toll on the actress. The $13M film has already made over $103 expected to release the as Uncharted, a game “’Black Swan’ is going to affect me for million dollars and will be on DVD and Blu- Nintendo 3DS, a portable of adventure with years,” Portman said. Ray March 29th. game console which utilizes striking graphics, At “Swan’s” center is Nina Sayers The psychological thriller is rated R. 3D without spectacles, on Call of Duty, a (Portman), a fragile, naive, and vulnerable March 27. But Sony has major hardcore and young ballet dancer whose life collapses been the talk of gaming news multiplayer shooter around her as she struggles with the sources. franchise and Metal Aside from the high Gear Solid 4, a quality graphics, the Sony spy and shooter game with the NGP has been disclosed, device has a built in 5 inch stunning visuals, will be but the device is expected for touch screen, rear touchpad, available in the NGP format. the holiday season. No price and the first integrated double “Activision talked about has been announced. analog sticks. The NGP’s Call of Duty and that’s a resolution is 960 x 544 pixels. very big thing for NGP,” polyhigh.org/opt.jsp The Poly Optimist February 2011 5 SPORTS

INTERVIEW

The OPTIMIST spoke In college you’re able to spend double the time with newly-hired varsity with your kids. Everyone was an all-American Poly football coach Joseph or the best player in their town, so everyone is the biggest, fastest, and strongest student Pierro last week. Here’s athlete you’ve ever seen.

what he said. Q. How much of high school football is Q. Why did you want the Poly coaching strategy and execution and how much is just Gets the desire to win? job and what qualities can you bring to the program that other candidates couldn’t? I feel it’s a healthy blend of the two, something I had a lot of opportunities this off-season to like 80% preparation 20% desire. If we don’t take over programs. When I first interviewed go above and beyond the call of duty with New for this job, it was like meeting a girl who you preparation for our opponents, all the desire in really liked, and you only hoped that she liked the world will get us just that, just the desire to you back. It felt like family from the second I win instead of defeating our opponent through was introduced to the panel. What separated preparation, knowing that we’ve outworked me from the other candidates, I’m going to re- them before we touch the field. Coach ceive more joy for my players graduating with honors than making all-league as a football Q. Will you coach to the skills of the players player. you have or will you expect the players to adapt to your system? Please give us some Former Q. Tell us about your plans for assistant examples of how you plan to do that. coaches. Cleveland Our players have no option, they have to adapt We’ll have eight assistant coaches on Varsity, and buy into our system. Now how our players and five on Junior Varsity. There will be a react with a new system, a new philosophy, JV coach will quarterback coach, Offensive Line coach, Wide and new coaches will decide how much of our receiver coach, Running back coach, a Defen- playbook we will run with our student athletes. sive Line coach, Linebacker coach, Defensive helm Parrot back coach, Special teams coach, Defensive Q. Who is your contact with Poly’s admin- coordinator and an Offensive coordinator. istration and what are the expectations of Obviously a few of the coaches will double up Poly’s administration for you? How specific varsity foot- as coordinators. have they been in terms of what they expect and how they want you to coach? Please be Q. Tell us about your prior coaching respon- specific. ball squad, sibilities. What were your assignments, what schools did you coach at and how long were 14. For now I’m working hand and hand Ms. you at each school? Photo by Alejandro Cadena McEwen, and Mr. Loera. Though there are replacing countless other support staff that I will be FOOTBALL: New hire Joseph Pierro will leaning heavily on. Their expectations from me I coached at Birmingham for three years as a take over Poly’s football program in the fall. Defensive Assistant/ Defensive Coordinator are to change the perception of Poly players by Scott Faer. and at Cleveland as a Defensive Coordinator/ Facebook and contact info to my players. I’ve running a clean, well-run organization through JV Head Coach/Varsity Quarterback coach been told that twitter maybe the easiest way for discipline. for the last three years. I will be the Offensive all the community to follow our team, so that is By Kelsey Cruz Coordinator and Quarterback coach at Poly. next. I have great flexibility with my job, I will Q. Tell us what kind of offense you plan to Sports Editor be at all pep rallies and make my presence felt run and what kind of defense. Is there a Q. Talk about your football career. When through out our community thru appearances, current high school or college football team did you start playing football, what football camps etc. that you would model either your offense or position(s) did you play and where and defense after? when - high school? college? Q. How much time does your day job con- sume? How much time every week do you This question was answered offensively I started playing football in the 5th grade in expect to devote to coaching Poly football? already. On defense we’ll be running multiple Clovis for Dry Creek Elementary as a running sets, with our base a three/four. Somewhat back. I played for two years at Kastner Inter- My day starts at 5 am every morning, and is modeled after USC mediate as a Running back/Defensive Back completed by 2 pm, leaving me ample time to and four years as a Running back/ Defensive coach my team. Each day our practices will Q. Tell us your plans for Poly’s football team back at Clovis West High School (1991). run an average of four hours. between now and the first game in Septem- ber. I started my college career at Fresno City Q. How will you measure your success this College, playing two years as a Strong Safety/ year? My plans are to now install my system as Linebacker. I earned a scholarship to Cal State quickly and efficiently as possible so that we Northridge as a linebacker and earned all- Well I did not come here to be an average can achieve all of our goals. conference honors. coach, or run an average program. I fully expect Poly to not only win a championship Q. Briefly describe your coaching philoso- Q. Give us some background on where you this year, but to break multiple offensive and phy. Are you a gambler, a risk taker or a were born and grew up and if you’ve done defensive records on the way. by-the-book coach who relies on statistics anything besides coaching. and past experience? Q. Is your first priority offense or defense? I was born and raised in Fresno. After college, I consider my philosophy of that simple, a risk I was a UPS driver, a driver for Sparkletts, a I don’t treat one aspect of our team with a pri- taker until it absolutely does not work. Then real estate broker and a painter for the City Of ority. If our or Offense, Defense, and Special I’m by the book. Los Angeles. teams are not on ONE accord, I’m not doing my job. So you’ll never see me focusing on Q. Will stats be available after the game for Q. Are you interviewing assistant coaches? any of these three more than the other. the press?

So far, I have seven coaches ready to go. I’m Q. For the last four years, Poly has suc- We will have a full time stat person on the holding open five positions for former staff, ceeded largely with a running game and sidelines who will have all stats ready for the alumni, and Pop Warner Falcon coaches. There grind-it-out offense. What changes, if any, press and myself by game’s end. are NO restrictions on how many coaches I will you make? hire to be a Parrot. These coaches’ responsibili- Q. It’s fourth down for Poly late in the ties are simple - help repair the perception of Coach Faer has done a great job creating a fourth and you’re down by four. What play POLY football through expert preparation. running game bully in the East Valley. My do you call and why? job is to incorporate that mentality into our Q. A walk-on coach has additional chal- wide open, multiple set, multiple play offense. I have a group of special plays that I set aside lenges because he is not on campus or a part We’re going to look a lot like the University of for these occasions, and we’ll run the one of most school activities. How will you meet Oregon. that we’ve mastered and the players feel most these challenges and become part of the comfortable with. Poly community? Q. Talk a little bit about the main differenc- es between football at the high school level One of the first things that I did was give my versus college football. 6 February 2011 The Poly Optimist polyhigh.org/opt.jsp SPORTS Soccer Girls Lose Playoff Thriller

The OPTIMIST spoke with new- Trust was a second goal. To trust me and each other as a team, Sure enough, it was a big win over Arleta 1 to 0. It was a really playing together as a team and having trust is very important. windy game that opened doors. We won that game and every ly-hired varsity soccer coach You can just join a sport and make best friends. It’s a great game. Jose Alvarez last week about the learning experience and trust is a very big goal. We fought hard to get a playoff spot. In our last game against playoffs. Here’s what he said. Q. Talk about two or three highlights of the season – match- Grant, we lost 2 to 0, but this time the Poly girls remembered es you won, or players who improved, etc. that loss and we showed up to play. We made a statement. We By Daniela Solis are a better team, faster, stronger and ready for anything and Staff Writer Three highlights of the season - I would have to say our very sure enough, we won 2 to 1 to clinch a playoff spot and we were first game against Marshall, a home game for us. I was very in 2nd place in our league after 1st place Verdugo Hills High nervous. I didn’t show it but I was. I remember showing up with our record 8-3-3. It’s been five years since Poly girls’ soc- THE PLAYOFFS early, chalking up the field, fixing the lines, making sure we cer were in the playoffs. We made it. had everything ready, and the next thing I was on the side line One of the most intense games Poly has ever played. watching and coaching the girls as we battled our way to our Q. What is the most important trait a coach should have to be successful? And a player? Eagle Rock was a really good team. Since our girls never been to playoffs, I saw how nervous the team was. Just as we arrived Having experience working with youth. Start coaching young to the school, the girls had a look in their eyes that said it all kids and work your way up. Attending coach clinics, learn new - they were nervous. We got early to Eagle Rock High, so we skills and techniques to improve your team. warmed up, stretched and focused on the game. As a player, it’s always important not to get lazy. Keep condi- I met the coach from Eagle Rock. We talked and we shared tioning after season. Maybe join a gym or play outside sports, about how our season went. Once we seen the officials show up, just so when season starts you won’t fall behind. we knew it was game time. Q. What did you learn this season, about yourself, about the I called the girls in for a huddle. We got down in one knee. We team, about Poly, about the league? had our prayer for a safe game and once we got up I got in the middle of that huddle and I asked the girls “who wants to go It was a wonderful year for me as a first-time head coach at home?” They all shouted ‘No one!’ I gave them what I thought Poly. I had so much fun and the league was different from other was not going to be my final speech or pep talk. I said “ladies, leagues. It’s a learning experience for me to coach a great team when you are out there on the soccer field playing, nothing else and watch a lot of the players develop their skills and move on. matters. It’s like the whole world has disappeared, and you and I learned so much from the girls, but I feel they learned a lot your teammates are all that matters. So this is your time! Now from me since I challenged them a lot and made them think a go out there and take it! lot and make wise choices off and on the field.

Poly fought such a intense game the first half the ball was going Q. Every team has a personality. Describe the girls’ soccer back and forth we made mistakes and we corrected them. Eagle team’s personality? Rock made mistakes and corrected themselves. Our personality as a team was tough pack with attitude. The First point Eagle Rock. One of our defenders was beat on the girls had a lot to prove to themselves and to everybody they right side, so Eagle Rock shot and our goal keeper Stephanie walk around like they have a chip on their shoulders challeng- Romo, our veteran senior player, had one get through. ing someone to knock it off. I like the fact that they never let anything bring them down. They were always hungry for a chal- We continued. I let the girls know “Don’t worry about the score, lenge. it’s 0 to 0, keep playing.” Photo courtesy of Jose Alvarez So we did. So intense. Eagle Rock scored off a free kick 2 to 0. PLAYOFFS: Poly senior Dianna Barba moves the ball upfield THE COACH against Eagle Rock in the Parrots’ first round 3-0 loss. Halftime, I had to motivate the girls, so I told them “victory Q. Where have you coached – what schools, what years? How isn’t defined by wins or losses, it is defined by effort. If you can first win 2 to 1. It was a wonderful feeling for me and the team. did your teams do? truthfully say I did the best I could, I gave everything I had, then you’re a winner. When you step on that field, knowing that Second highlight was half way through our season, I realized I coached in different leagues, recreational parks and at non- everything you worked for comes down to one game, you get how serious we got as a team. Our record was not good - 1-2-2. profit organizations. I come from Panorama high school I was that realization: this is what it’s all about, and this is why the We faced Arleta High School for the second time. the JV head coach and assistant coach for varsity for about a game was made.” year. I have been coaching since 2002 so I have been coach- So in our team huddle, I gave a speech to the girls. I told them ing for about 9 years now in different leagues and recreational Once again I said out loud “who wants to go home?” The entire “We are the underdogs. It has happened many times in history. parks. Teams I have coached have won league, tournament cups field echoed “NO ONE!” Ever since David defeated Goliath, the underdog can win. Si se and four championships. puede. Yes we can. I screamed “ladies, what do we want?” Out loud, our girls Q. What other jobs have you had? screamed “RESPECT!” Let’s make history. Nothing in life is guaranteed. They aren’t guaranteed a win today, ladies. The favorite team doesn’t always win. When I was a Program Coordinator, Youth Counselor, and Outreach We fought a tough game. It seem at one point the refs were not they relax, they let their guard down. When they take you for Coordinator. I work with a non-profit organization in Panorama giving us a break. So many bad calls. granted, and when you out play them, they will be defeated. city for about 12 years Because they can.” But in the end, the girls gave it everything. The score was 3 to Q. Where were you born and raised? 0, but people who were there watching the game said it was From this point on, if we win every game, we make playoffs. one of the best games ever played by these girls. Even the other I was born in East Los Angeles. I’ve spent half of my life in the coach said I don’t know what you said to them coach, but Poly San Fernando Valley came back stronger and faster. I was proud of my team, very proud of the girls. GIRLS SOCCER I attended different schools growing up but for all four years I was at James Monroe High School, I played soccer. I was also THE SEASON SEASON RESULTS part of several club soccer teams outside of school in Los Ange- les and the San Fernando Valley. Q. What goals did you set for the team this season and how Opponent Result well did the team do? Marshall 2-1 (W) Q. Any special hobbies or preferences? @ Fairfax 2-1 (W) Number one was “respect.” It’s very important to respect Arleta 1-1 (T) It’s funny; most coaches have long hours and one job. I have themselves, the team and all others around you. I have coached @ Verdugo Hills 1-5 (L) three jobs working with at-risk youth. I also work at a homeless teams in the past and it’s very important to respect the team and @ Sun Valley 10-0 (W) youth shelter in Los Angeles. I love working with kids I never each others just because I felt women’s soccer has never gotten North Hollywood 0-0 (T) stop working. It’s my passion, working with at-risk youth. I much respect since it’s a female sport. Grant 0-2 (L) have been working with youth since I was about 16 years old @ Monroe 2-0 (W) and it helped me change my life and help others change to bet- So my goal was more like a strong statement since I’m the new @ Arleta 1-0 (W) ter themselves and I love helping in my community. coach I want the girls to get and earn respect and what better Verdugo Hills 0-2 (L) way to earn respect than by winning and proving to the school @ North Hollywood 3-1 (W) What I do to relax, I draw, I paint, I’m a mural artist. I paint and every student that the girls can do it all. Sun Valley 6-0 (W) murals for the community to stop vandalism. I host art shows Monroe 0-0 (T) within the community. Painting and drawing help me relax. Women’s soccer is a tough sport. Not everybody can play and @ Grant 2-1 (W) it’s very competitive. @ Eagle Rock 0-3 (L) polyhigh.org/opt.jsp The Poly Optimist February 2011 7 SPORTS

Faer: the Exit Interview Coach’s four-year stay included winning seasons, new re- cords and playoff runs for Parrot varsity. The OPTIMIST spoke By Kelsey Cruz Q. You ran a strong rushing team and not so strong passing team. Talk about your stats Sports Editor with former Poly foot- compared with other teams and how you’ve improved them over the years: 2200 yards ball coach Scott Faer rushing your first season, 3150 rushing your second, 4639 rushing your third and 4865 rush- Q. Each year you’ve coached at Poly, you’ve ing yards this past season. about his tenure with improved your record. How did you do it? Give us what you think the critical changes I give all the credit to the players. I told them believe in me, the coaching staff and my system the Parrots. These are or improvements were. and let the rest happen. Gradually, we formed one of the most powerful rushing attacks in the some comments from city. As far as passing, I believe we had more success passing then any other run oriented of- Dedication to the program is how we improved fenses. Let’s face it, we knew each week that we would run the ball. When other teams started to that interview. each year. Set high but achievable goals and cheat on the run we would throw a bomb on them for an easy touchdown. prepared each day to accomplish them. The critical changes were establishing an attitude Q. We’ve mentioned some stats we think are important. Are there others you believe are (swagger) and made them believe that the sky was the limit. The rest speaks for itself. important that we haven’t thought of?

Q. What did you want to accomplish while you coached at Poly? Some stats that I feel are important. Anthony Manriquez and Edgar Alejandro both gained over a 1,000 yards and Tony Ephriam averaged 15 yards a carry. While at Poly, I wanted to accomplish a winning tradition. I wanted my guys to believe that they could compete with anyone. My approach was work hard and believe in each other. Ultimately Q. Talk about your legacy overall. You’ve set standards for Poly’s football program that the we wanted a league championship, which we achieved, and a division-2 championship. We got new coach can benefit from. What challenges have you overcome? How have you shaped close. Build character and establish confidence in each and every player. your players?

Q. What is left to do? I feel the new coach is walking into a program where the guys believe they can accomplish any- thing. The program is way better now than when I started four years ago. The challenges I was Keep building. Rome was not built over night and neither is a program that has struggled in years able to overcome were to bring more spirit to the football program. Also, it is not easy to work past. with limited resources. I stuck with what I felt was important and tried to perfect things to help us be successful. I helped shape these young men into passionate athletes that will do whatever it Q. How is the team compared to when you first coached them? How have they changed? takes for the team. What did you teach them? Q. In an earlier story, you told the OPTIMIST “I want to turn Poly into a winning program, When I first took over in 2007, the players resisted everything. By the time I finished, we knew no matter how long it takes.” Your thoughts today? if you didn’t bring your top game the score would be lop-sided. The players have changed in that they believe in themselves as athletes and men. I taught them to believe in the guy next to you Any coach coming in wants to win. I feel it happened right on track. I knew once they bought in, and prepare yourself year round. the rest would happen. I believe in myself as a coach and I feel I have a way of getting my play- ers ready for anything in their way. Although the wins are a lot to be proud of, I am more proud Q. Talk about Kevin Ervin, the records he set and how he was a big part of the team. Was he of the positive changes the guys have made. They walk around with way more confidence in always this good? Did you see potential in him? How was he the first year you coached him themselves and that is priceless. The program is better because they don’t just want to win, they and how has he changed? expect it. They know the hard work in the classroom, weight room and on the field will benefit them in the long run. The records Kevin Ervin set are remarkable. He is a special talent, one that doesn’t come around every year Q. Why did you resigned?

He was always good but needed a kick in the butt from time to time. His numbers speak for I resigned for personal reasons. themselves. No matter what offense you run, it is extremely difficult to rush for over 2,000 yards in back to back seasons. Q. Where are you now? What job do you have?

He was always talented; he just needed to be in the right program. His improvements from year I am not coaching anywhere right now. I am just working as a probation officer and being a dad. to year were exciting to watch. He had that swagger and belief in his lineman. I knew from day one that we had something special. Q. Any words of advice for the new coach?

He has changed to a player that knew the team was bigger than him. He believed and his achieve- The new coach needs to get to know these guys and understand that they are hungry. Believe in ments speak for themselves. I built a special bond with Kevin that will be never forgotten. them because there are some very special young men at POLY. 8 February 2011 The Poly Optimist polyhigh.org/opt.jsp SPORTS Finding That Silver Lining Coach see positives in first-round playoff loss to Garfield.

mentality, but Garfield still found By Kelsey Cruz Sports Editor ways to dismantle Poly’s good defense. Garfield got nine quick points on transition layups from Poly oly cut a 20-point third- turnovers to lead 49-23. Katz took a quarter deficit to 3, but timeout to stop Garfield’s run and the it was too little too late Bulldog crowd. P and Garfield eliminated Out of the timeout, Parrot the Parrots in the first round of the sophomore guard Eric Figueroa playoffs with a 74-69 win. Photo by Alejandro Cadena drove the lane, was fouled and sank “I was proud of our guys for the two free throws to get Poly back in LADIES: Varsity tennis girls and coach Evan Rabins with GPA certificates. way that they battled back in the the game. Senior Chris Torres scored second half,” said head coach Brad a critical 3-pointer off a Garfield Katz. turnover, the score then 49-28. Tennis Girls Net Poly dominated the paint all night, “At half time we went in and forcing Garfield into outside shots, made a couple of adjustments and but Garfield quickly went up16-10 in explained to them a couple of finite League-Best GPA the first quarter. things,” Katz said. “They finally Garfield went on a 21-10 run understood it and they played with early in the second quarter. After a what our slogan was: You have Photo by Jennifer Martinez Time management and extra effort for Bulldog timeout with six minutes nothing to lose and everything to END RUN: Parrot senior guard left, Poly’s defense picked up. The gain.” Chris Torres avoids Bulldog player. Coach Evan Rabins’ scholar-athletes. Parrots turned steals into fast break Now it was Poly’s turn to get easy and foul opportunities, but couldn’t layups off Garfield turnovers. Poly in the beginning, but we were an By Kelsey Cruz convert. dominated the inside, reading the inexperienced team, not a lot of Sports Editor “Our bus is quiet Poly switched to a zone defense, Garfield defense and making passes playoff experience.” but it was not working on Garfield’s for open layups. Garfield made a Figueroa led Poly with 12 points. for a sports team, sharp shooting. Even with a hand Tinajero and Vargas had 11 each and alancing sports with 3-point buzzer beater to end the third in their face, Garfield could hit the Torres added two treys. academics is a hard because most of us with a 54-37 advantage. shot. Not only were their field goals “I was disappointed that we lost, enough task, but getting Poly started the fourth down 20 would be studying or on point, but they were scoring too but I was excited by the fact that the good grades too? Not a points, but held the Bulldogs at 69 B many points in the paint. Poly went while narrowing the margin to nine underclassmen really got in there problem for Poly’s girls tennis team. doing homework.” into half time behind 18 points, 38- and battled back and never gave up,” The CIF awarded Poly’s girl’s points with 50 seconds left. Junior 20. said Katz. “That’s what I preach and tennis team the Academic Team Kevin Fabian made another critical Poly scored 10 points in the first that’s what my players did and I was Excellence Award for maintaining a who help you with your homework 3-pointer off a Garfield turnover with and second quarter. Senior Luis happy with that. We hope to build on team 3.6 GPA. The girls are coached or help you understand something is 34 seconds left. Vargas was the top scorer of the first this for next year and use this as a by English teacher Evan Rabins. a plus,” said Barba Figueroa’s penetration and make with five points, and senior Jose foundation to get to this game again “In between games, or even “Our bus is relatively quiet could have changed the game, Tinajero led the Parrots with eight and win it next year.” on the bus, we would bust out for a sports team, because most but the referee called an offensive points in the second quarter. Third-seed Garfield faces second- our flashcards and study our of us would be studying or doing foul. Parrot junior Oscar Zelaya’s “We watched film on them for seed Grant in a semifinal matchup vocabulary,” said senior Jizel homework,” said Emralino. “Of 3-pointer ended Poly’s scoring. two or three days and so we knew Thursday following their 75-50 win Emralino. “Having an English course, that’s when we weren’t “We were down, we had nothing what they were going to do,” said over fifth-seed Banning Monday. teacher as a coach makes it very singing songs at the top of our to lose and we were just going to Katz at halftime. The Parrots went convenient.” lungs.” play,” said Katz. “We came out a into the third quarter with a winning For some, sports with academics little apprehensive, a little slow isn’t their first rodeo. “Well Wendy and I are used to studying and playing a sport at Kelsey cruz - sports editor the same because we figure skated before we started tennis in 11th grade,” said senior Cindy Keo. “I believe that it’s all about time Tough Defense Marks Varsity Season management,” said senior Dianna Barba, “long nights staying up to do homework or study for a crucial Head Coach Brad Katz builds a foundation, looks to the future. exam.” The girls found strategies to Q. What were your strengths as a team? practice on time ev- season and how does next season look? overcome their fatigue. eryday, worked hard “The best strategy is to organize The team’s strength this year was defense. We in the weight room That Poly is rebuilding and like I told the kids, I and prioritize,” said senior Angela were the second best defensive team in the league and they really want tell them repeatedly that our goal this year was Lomboy. “I try to do what has more this year. Even though our record wasn’t the best, to learn and want to to rebuild a foundation and over the next couple importance. When procrastination it showed other teams that we come to play de- get better. years the goal would be to build the walls to re- gets the best of me, sacrificing fense. We gave up, on average, 47 points a game, build the program. I think that we’ve done a good my sleep unfortunately becomes which is second only to Grant in the East Valley The biggest frustra- job of building the foundation. It doesn’t show in necessary.” League. tion was not being wins and losses, but the foundation has been built “In a way having a sport helps able to win so many and they can take away from that the satisfaction you do your work,” said senior The kids really bought in to what we were trying of the close games that they’ve been able to gain both on and off the Brenda Gonzalez, “A sport gives you to do, and that was what kept us in a lot of the that we were in- court. a little pressure telling you ‘okay you games. Our defense really kept us close and we volved with. We had Photo by Alejandro Cadena have to do this, this, and that when used our offense to obviously try to win games. many games that we Next season looks good. I think that we’re going you get home.’” Defense was really our biggest strength. The one lost by single digits, to be very young. I’m anticipating having quite Working also took time away thing that you could always play is defense. a lot by five points or less, and we just weren’t a few underclassmen, sophomores and juniors, from doing homework, but nothing able to win those. It was frustrating because we on varsity. I really like the freshman we have this that these girls weren’t used to. Even in you’re having a bad shooting night, if played so hard and we could never just get over year on the lower levels, on frosh/soph and JV. I ”We would come back at 8pm you’re struggling on offense, you could always the hump. We’re hoping now that in the playoffs really think that the potential for the next couple and work at my mom’s donut shop play defense and that’s how we got the kids to buy we learned enough and we can take care of that. of years is very good. I’m very optimistic that we while doing our homework,” said into what we want to do. Even if we’re struggling will be able to rebuild very soon. Keo. “When we get home at 9pm we we could always turn it around and play D and Q. The worst loss and what made it bad? still stayed up to finish homework, that’s what we did. so when we started tennis it was no The loss that hurt the most was probably the Ver- different from when we were figure Q. Best quality you felt this year’s team had? dugo Hills game because the first time we played “Once we got rolling this year, skating.” Biggest frustration for you this season? them we lost by quite a bit, and the second time nobody quit and the kids were In the end, friends that support we had an opportunity to win and the kids really and encourage helped boost The desire to want to get better. The last few believed that they could win, but we ended up showing up to practice on time confidence and increase the years have been a struggle here and I think that losing by five. That one probably stuck with us the everyday, and they really want- willingness to do homework and their commitment to want to get better has been longest this year. study for tests. a huge quality in them. Once we got rolling this ed to learn and get better.” “Having supportive teammates year, nobody quit and the kids were showing up to Q. What can the team take away from this