Follow the Leader Slowly Into the Atacking Area of the Feld,” Finney Said

Page B1 • Mariposa Gazette Thursday, December 13, 2018

‘I always turn to the sports section frst. The sports page records people’s accomplishments.’ —Chief Justice Earl Warren PLAYBOOK FOR SUCCESS Wichmann goes behind the scenes to reveal the grind of an NFL career By MATT JOHNSON Assistant Editor

Tink about the small percentage of gridiron athletes around the nation who make it to the National Football League. Te percentage is minuscule. And once players do make it into the league, they can’t survive on talent alone. It requires constant upkeep of their bodies to be successful. Tere’s a reason the NFL is referred to as Not For Long. It’s a dog-eat-dog world and not easy to survive for many years. Mariposa’s Cody Wichmann has managed to carve out a successful career thus far as an ofensive lineman, afer being drafed in 2015 by the St. Louis Rams. Wichmann eventually moved on to the Tennessee Titans and is now with the Dallas Cowboys, but he’s hanging in there, hoping to last for years to come. Wichmann took the Gazete inside his weekly schedule and revealed what it takes to survive in the toughest football league on the planet. Early week If a team has a game on Sunday, Monday is typically an of day, Wichmann said. Courtesy photo See WICHMANN on Page B-3 Cody Wichmann, who graduated from MCHS, is shown during a season with the St. Louis Rams. He now plays on the practice squad for the Dallas Cowboys. The 6-foot-5, 319-pound offensive guard is enjoying his time in Dallas. Volleyball, basketball open gyms planned Mariposa County Parks and Recreation ofcials are organizing adult coed volleyball and adult men’s basketball in the Mariposa County High School gymnasium, every Sunday in January from noon to 4 p.m., starting Jan. 6. Volleyball will be scheduled from noon to 2 p.m. and basketball will follow from 2-4 p.m. Tere will be a $3 admission, and it will be open gym, not team based. “We want to get ofcial teams and a league started, but we need more interest and more people to show up in order to do that,” said Katie Wall, Senior Recreation Leader. “Our plan is to see who comes to these open gym sessions, and then to build our league games of of that.” Te Parks and Recreation ofce is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call (209) 966- 2498 to ask questions. MCHS soccer girls are tripped up in match at Yosemite It was a tough afernoon for the Mariposa County High School girls soccer team on Wednesday, as the Grizzlies fell 5-1 against the Yosemite Badgers in a non-league contest. “It was a prety good game that we dominated in terms of possession but gave up too many easy goals,” said MCHS coach Adam Finney. “Tey have a legit college level striker who caused problems for us in transition.” For instance, during one 10 minute passage of play, Yo- semite completed only two passes but scored two goals (with one section of over eight minutes where they com- Photo by John Mabon pleted no passes). Senior Milea Appling broke the all-time scoring record for girls basketball at MCHS last week. “Tis was partly due to it being early in the season and us still working out some kinks, and also the high level of ability of that one player they had,” Finney said. In the frst half MCHS completed over 120 passes and Yosemite completed fewer than 50. “One thing we need to improve on is entering the ball Follow the leader slowly into the atacking area of the feld,” Finney said. “We kept breaking the press and speeding forward out Appling moves into frst on girls hoops all-time scoring list of the midfeld as opposed to puting the breaks on and allowing Yosemite to move their players back on defense, By MATT JOHNSON point total for her varsity basketball career: 1,620 Assistant Editor giving us time to set up our ofense and our press with all points. of them back in front of their goal. As we moved forward, “He told me one day it would be my shoes in his they dropped numbers really fast, so it really wasn’t on to Te path leading Milea Appling to the all-time girls classroom,” Appling said. try and play quickly through them all the time.” basketball scoring record at Mariposa County High With a stellar game in a win against El Capitan last Finney said his team made adjustments in the second School started with a pair of shoes. week, Appling broke that record and now has 1,633 half and dominated with even more possession while Appling was a student in her coach, Trace DeSan- points and counting, and the season is barely under- scoring a goal. dres’ class at MCHS. DeSandres kept a pair of shoes way. Finney said his less experienced, younger players from one of his former players, Shea Williams, who “It’s crazy to me that I actually accomplished that,” looked good against an older Yosemite varsity team for held the record until Appling broke it last week. said Appling. “I do feel like I’ve put in a lot of efort On that pair of shoes was writen Williams’ fnal See LEADER on Page B-3 See TRIPPED on Page B-3 Four players score goals in Griz win over TC By MATT JOHNSON Assistant Editor ‘It was a game we decided we A true team efort lifed the Mariposa County High School boys soccer team to its frst win of the season last wanted to win early on.’ Tuesday. —Miguel Ramirez MCHS defeated the Turlock Christian Eagles 5-0 in Mariposa. Ramiro Marquez led the way for the Grizzlies with half. We also won the ball in high percentage spots (for two goals, while brothers Owen and Lincoln Bissmeyer atacks). It was a game we decided we wanted to win each scored a goal, and Cael Harry scored MCHS’s lone early on.” second half goal, which he lofed just over the reach of Ramirez said Beck Westerlund and Marquez were the goalkeeper from short range. “instrumental” in jump starting the ofensive atack and Mariposa atacked early and ofen. With a much dri- moving the ball from one side of the feld to the other. er feld compared to their previous game, in which the MCHS improved to 1-2 this season and was set to Grizzlies played in a downpour, the ofense came alive start Southern League play with a home game on Dec. Photo by Matt Johnson against Turlock Christian. 11 against Delhi, followed on Dec. 12 with a home game Mariposa’s Nate Kunz (left, 2) tries to get a head on the “We got of to a really good start,” said MCHS coach against Denair. MCHS will then play at Ripon Christian ball last week in a match held in Mariposa. Miguel Ramirez. “Our pressing was good in the frst on Dec. 17 and host Orestimba on Dec. 20. Page B2 www.mariposagazette.com Mariposa Gazette • Thursday, December 13, 2018

‘We just didn’t respond until it was too late.’ —Pierce Chaney

Photos by Matt Johnson MCHS senior Leo Kari took the ball to the hoop for a fastbreak layup against Firebaugh last week. MCHS fell behind but mounted a furious comeback, falling 86-79. Long home winning streak fnally snapped for boys hardwood team By MATT JOHNSON Assistant Editor

A late scoring surge couldn’t propel the Mariposa County High School boys basketball team to a win over the Firebaugh Eagles last Tuesday, as the team fell 86- 79 and snapped a longstanding home win streak for MCHS. Te last time an MCHS boys basketball team dropped a home game was during the 2012-13 season " Feb. 12, 2013 " a remarkable span of 50 home games. Turnovers killed the Grizzlies, with 23 throughout the game. Firebaugh rotated in its entire bench to stay fresh while applying a full-court press all game long. It certainly badgered the Grizzlies, who had a hard time geting into a rhythm and seting up the ofense. “I think we broke their press when we wanted to, it just came down to not executing afer we broke the press,” said MCHS coach Pierce Chaney. Firebaugh took a 41-26 lead into halfime and main- tained that lead for much of the third quarter. MCHS fnally went on a run to cut the lead to 54-49, but Fire- baugh went on a 14-0 run to go up 68-49 with 1:03 remaining in the third quarter. MCHS’s Carson Arebalo looks for an opening off of a screen set by teammate Jaq Quinn. Firebaugh would keep that double digit lead late into the fourth quarter. 59. Acker-James was on fre, shooting 9-of-13 from the program against Firebaugh. Tat was when Devon Acker-James woke up. feld for 25 points. But MCHS commited 14 turnovers. Te junior varsity team also lost, 57-53. Isaiah Lu- Te MCHS senior scored 20 points in the quarter and MCHS fnished the tournament by dropping a 68-56 ra-Holmes led MCHS with 15 points, followed by Kan- knocked down four shots from behind the arc during game to Calaveras. Te Grizzlies shot poorly overall, es- non Gibson with 13 points. Christian Stockwell and his scoring furry. His deep 3-pointer cut Firebaugh’s pecially from behind the arc, going 5-of-27. Curtis Clinkenbeard both scored 9 points. lead to 82-79 with 45 seconds remaining, but Mariposa MCHS is now 4-3 overall and was slated to play at “Firebaugh was tenacious and physical all over the couldn’t get any closer. Mendota on Tuesday and host Chowchilla on Wednes- place,” said MCHS JV coach Seth Blessing. “Tey were Acker-James was 6-of-11 in the fnal frame, and 11-of- day. Te Grizzlies will then play at Bret Harte on Dec. quick, too. We need to learn how to take beter care of 22 for the game. He fnished with 39 points. 22 at 4 p.m. the ball.” “I’d like if he shot more,” Chaney said. “I want him to Following the loss to Firebaugh, the JV team compet- be more assertive. Sometimes he gets a litle down on FIRE 18 23 27 18 - 86 ed in a tournament in Mendota from Dec. 6-8. himself, like if he misses a few, he shouldn’t shoot any- MCHS 14 12 23 30 - 79 MCHS: Devon Acker-James 39, Matthew Fryer 16, Jaq Quinn 11, Leo Tey fell to Chowchilla 60-21 on Tursday. Gibson more. But he really should shoot every single time he’s Kari 4, Carson Arebalo 4, Will Harris 3, Bryce O’Brien 2. FG: 25-57. FT: was the high scorer with 7, followed by Jack Bertram open. He’s that good of a shooter.” 22-27. 3-pointers: 7 (Acker-James 5, Fryer 2). Total fouls: 17. Fouled with 5 and Hunter Dreyer with 3 points. Chaney said overall, the loss could be atributed to out: Acker-James. Te JV team then lost to Roosevelt on Friday, 45-40. “not being disciplined” in the ofensive side of the game. Stockwell was the high scorer with 14 points, followed by MCHS 23 20 8 9 - 60 “We got back in the ball game by doing what we are MILL 8 8 16 11 - 43 Spencer Baumann and Dreyer, who both scored 7 points. capable of,” Chaney said. “I think the whole frst half es- MCHS: Devon Acker-James 18, Jaq Quinn 13, Jonathan Knobles 6, Will Ten Tranquility canceled its matchup with MCHS pecially, we just didn’t do what we were capable of. Fire- Harris 6, Carson Arebalo 5, Leo Kari 4, Cody Truchsess 3, Matthew due to fog in the area. MCHS ended up playing an ex- baugh wanted it more than we did and were more ag- Fryer 3, Travis Breemer 2. FG: 24-61. FT: 3-13. 3-pointers: 9-22 (Ack- hibition against Mendota and fell 60-45. Dreyer led the gressive than we were. Tey were more physical than we er-James 3, Quinn 1, Knobles 2, Arebalo 1, Truchsess 1, Fryer 1). Total fouls: 7. Fouled out: None. scoring with 16 points, with Gibson adding 7 points were. We just didn’t respond to it until it was too late.” and Richie Dominguez scoring 6 points. Dreyer won MCHS 15 17 18 9 - 59 the medal for best player in the tournament Varsity team competes at Bret Harte DIXON 13 10 18 25 - 66 Te JV team is now 1-4 and was set to play at Men- Following the loss to Firebaugh, the Grizzly boys MCHS: Devon Acker-James 25, Jaq Quinn 10, Matthew Fryer 8, Leo Kari 7, Will Harris 5, Travis Breemer 4. FG: 22-51. FT: 6-11. 3-pointers: dota on Tuesday and host Chowchilla on Wednesday. took the show on the road and competed in the Bret 9-23 (Acker-James 5, Quinn 1, Fryer 2, Kari 1). Total fouls: 16. Fouled It will then play at the Buhach Tournament Friday and Harte Tournament beginning on Tursday. out: None. Saturday, beginning at 3:45 p.m. Friday and then 10 Tey opened the tournament with a 60-43 win over a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. Millennium. Acker-James scored 18 points on 7-of-20 MCHS 15 18 11 12 - 56 CAL 18 15 9 26 - 68 shooting and logged 6 assists and 8 steals, while Jaq MCHS: Devon Acker-James 26, Carson Arebalo 8, Jaq Quinn 6, Jon- Freshman team victorious Quinn added 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting to go along athan Knobles 4, Will Harris 4, Travis Breemer 4, Leo Kari 2, Matthew Te MCHS freshmen boys hoops team went on the with 8 rebounds. Fryer 2. FG: 22-57. FT: 7-14. 3-pointers: 5-27 (Acker-James 2, Quinn 1, road and defeated Turlock Christian 59-48 last Tuesday. Te Grizzlies were locked in defensively, recording 11 Knobles 1, Breemer 1). Total fouls: 15. Fouled out: Acker-James. Lance Dondero shot 6-of-6 from downtown and led steals. Te team also only turned the ball over 9 times the way for MCHS with 24 points. and only commited 7 fouls. JV team edged by Firebaugh Te freshman team is now 3-0 and will compete in a MCHS then played Dixon and fell in a close game, 66- It was a tough night all around for the MCHS hoops tournament in Delhi over the weekend. Wrestlers wrap up busy week on mats It was a busy week for the Mariposa County High Out of the matches that were held, however, MCHS “She was in it the whole time entering the third round School wrestling team. won the majority. down 1-0,” coach Seymour said. “Jade kept her down Te Grizzlies traveled to a three-way dual in Living- “I feel we did well against Ripon,” Seymour said. “We the whole second round, working for a pin, but could ston last Tuesday. Te Grizzlies defeated Atwater and outperformed them but lost due to holes in our lineup not turn her.” lost to Livingston and Merced. with illness and injury.” In the third the opponent kept Jade from geting up “We were able to hold our own and do very well and out and was able to turn Jade for three points. against Atwater and Livingston,” said MCHS coach Jade Seymour shines It was held at San Leandro High School. Scot Seymour. “Against Merced, we wrestled hard On Saturday, Dec. 9, MCHS’s girls team competed at Te Roger Briones Girls Wrestling Tournament is one against a very talented team. Merced showed us how the 18th annual Roger Briones Girls Wrestling Tourna- of the oldest, largest and most competitive girls wres- much work we have to do.” ment "but the team was only comprised of one wrestling tournaments in Northern California, if not the state MCHS heavyweight Nick Congdon dislocated his tler from MCHS. of California. Last year’s tournament had wrestlers from knee against Merced, forcing him out of action for the Jade Seymour was the only one who wrestled. All the over 40 top high school teams, including four of the top rest of the week. Seymour said Congdon will be out other girls could not atend or are not eligible yet to 10 girls teams in the California Interscholastic Federa- close to a month. compete. tion state tournament, several CIF-Section champion “He just came down on it wrong,” Seymour said. Seymour went 3-2 overall and took fourth out of 19 teams, as well as each of the top six teams in NCS. Te team as a whole was hampered through the week, wrestlers. with several team members batling injury or illness. “Amazing for a freshman to do,” said coach Seymour, Next up “We are very much hindered by illness right now, her father. “I was very pleased with her performance.” MCHS was set to host Yosemite High School in a which makes it hard to keep a consistent lineup,” Sey- She pinned all three opponents who she defeated, in- match on Tuesday. Te varsity team will then compete mour said. cluding the ffh seed and a senior, who was a Masters at the Morningstar Invitational Tournament in Los Te grapplers traveled to Ripon the following day, Tournament qualifer from Ripon. She lost to the frst Banos beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday. Te girls and ju- but lost the match 48-29 due to forfeits at a few of the seed from Rodriquez by a pin in the quarter fnals. She nior varsity boys teams will compete at a tournament in weight classes. lost the third place match 4-0. Pacheco, also kicking of at 9 a.m. that morning. Mariposa Gazette • Thursday, December 13, 2018 www.mariposagazette.com Page B3 LEADER From Page B1

to improve and to raise my basketball IQ.” Appling, a 5-foot-10 senior, now says her “next goal” is to reach the 2,000 point plateau. She said she has been in contact with college coaches in Merced and Fresno and “their number one goal” is to help her play college athletics. “Early on, Milea knew about Shea and came and watcher her,” DeSandres said, noting that Appling set out to beat the record one day. “She’s been engulfed in high competition her entire life,” DeSandres said. “Tere’s probably a chance she’ll reach that 2,000 point mark.” DeSandres said both Williams and Appling are gifed athletes, but said that Williams was a beter perimeter shooter, while Appling “is a true slasher.” One thing Appling is certain to slash the rest of the season is the hearts of her opponents ( and possibly even that 2,000 point mark. Plenty of honors Here are a few of Appling’s greatest accomplishments: • As a junior, the guard/forward led MCHS to the Southern League championship and deep into the post- season while averaging 19.8 points, 11.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 3.8 steals and 1 block per game. Te next leading scorer for the Grizzlies averaged 7.5 points per game. • Has been a Southern League Most Valuable Player and All-League selection. • Appling was named a MaxPreps All State Division 5 Second Team honoree in basketball. • She has been named to the Merced Sun Star’s All-Ar- ea First Team and the Modesto Bee’s All-District Small Schools Team. • Coach Trace DeSandres has said she could go down as the best MCHS girls basketball player ever. Award banquet set Te Mariposa County High School Grizzlies football banquet is Sunday, Dec. 16 at 1:30 p.m. at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds. It is hosted by the Mariposa Lions Club and Mariposa Grizzlies Quarterback Club. Community members are invited. Food will be provided, and the Lions Club will be asking for donations. Photo by Matt Johnson Players from the varsity and junior varsity levels will There’s no question Milea Appling (shown attempting a shot last season) is one of the greatest talents in MCHS girls be honored with team awards. basketball history. She set a new scoring mark last week and helped MCHS to a big win over favored El Capitan. Wichmann slated for KRYZ Grizzly girls pull road upset over El Capitan Mariposa’s Cody Wichmann will be featured on Coach Trace DeSandres was in a good mood last an upcoming radio broadcast. He is a football player Wednesday evening. ‘We defnitely took a step in the for the Dallas Cowboys. (See related story.) Tat’s because his Mariposa County High School Wichmann’s interview with Gazete sportswriter girls basketball team won a 55-46 road matchup over Mat Johnson will air on KRYZ 98.5FM Saturday, right direction with the upset.’ Dec. 15 from 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Johnson’s show the El Capitan Gauchos, a much bigger school. —Trace DeSandres is entitled “Mariposa Sports Talk.” “We played quite a game,” said DeSandres. “El Cap is Wichmann will discuss a number of topics. a super quick team that presses the entire game. We def- MCHS 18 12 11 14 - 55 “To get a guest as accomplished as Cody on the nitely took a step in the right direction with the upset.” EL CAP 6 17 9 14 - 46 show is a huge thrill for me,” said Johnson. “I love Milea Appling played one of her best games as a Griz- MCHS: Milea Appling 30, Lily Heavner 7, Alex Williams 7, Taylor Vegely talking football, and so to chat with an NFL player zly, with 30 points and 17 rebounds. She surpassed 6, Anne Fiester 3, Katie Vick 2. FG: 18-39. FT: 18-28. 3-pointers: 1-3. Total was a neat experience.” Shea Williams as the all-time leading scorer in MCHS fouls: 13. Fouled out: None. Te show features local and national sports dis- girls basketball history. (See related story.) cussions, occasionally with guests from the commu- MCHS fnished with 12 assists, 10 steals and 32 re- JV team falls nity or special guests ( such as Wichmann ( who bounds. In addition to Appling’s strong rebounding, Te MCHS junior varsity team was knocked of 26- phone in. Te show also streams online at www.kryz- Lily Heavner and Katie Vick added 6 apiece. Appling 24 as it missed a shot near the fnal buzzer on Wednes- radio.org. It is replayed on Monday at 7:30 p.m. day evening at El Capitan. Ofen the show revolves around coaches and ath- led MCHS in assists with 6 and steals with 5. “El Capitan is very quick and skilled,” said MCHS Te victory was the third straight for Mariposa. letes from Mariposa County High School, some of JV coach Al Brondolo. “I’m proud of our young ladies. whom appear as guests. MCHS is now 5-1 this season and is set to open the Tey played defense and played hard. We lef points on “We try to put a strong emphasis on their accom- Hilmar Tournament this Tursday at 8:30 p.m. Te the ground as we missed some free throws. But I’m ex- plishments,” Johnson said. tournament concludes Saturday. cited to see their energy level is high. If we keep that For more information, visit www.kryzradio.org/ MCHS will then host Stone Ridge Christian on Dec. energy level through the season, we’ll be fne.” contact.html or email Johnson at mat@mariposag- 21 at 5 p.m. Te JV girls are now 2-1 this season. azete.com. TRIPPED front of their goal has to be our next step. When we er atack and looked very much like an American col- From Page B1 pressed them while they were pinned back we looked lege team. Despite our difculties, we looked at times very good.” like the Spanish women’s team who just won the U17 MCHS had a number of players who completed over World Cup last week. We know that with all of our hard the last 20 minutes of the game, pinpointing standouts 80 percent of their passes, including: Taylor Jones, Syl- work, we will have to improve in key moments to beat such as freshman Autumn Stock and sophomore Mar- vie Amstutz, Lupin Amstutz (completed over 25 passes a team like Yosemite, but, based on what we saw from garet Wall. in the frst half and had a goal in the second) and Ava evaluating the flm and the feeling of optimism the team “Yosemite has a JV and we do not, so our new play- Dunlavey. has, the future is bright.” ers were playing their backup varsity and holding their “One thing I really appreciate about this team is their MCHS moved to 1-1 this season and was set to open own,” Finney said. “All in all, it was a good learning willingness to learn. Our goal is to always be the protag- league play by traveling to Delhi on Dec. 11 and then experience. Yosemite is quite good, but we have to be onist in the games, and that is difcult against a team hosting Denair on Dec. 12. Te Lady Grizzlies will then happy with our passing ability and control of the ball; who is looking to complete one or two passes max and play at Ripon Christian on Dec. 17 and will host Ores- establishing consisted atacks into the fnal third in score,” Finney said. “Tey were very good on the count- timba on Dec. 20. WICHMANN joking around,” Wichmann said. From Page B1 All things considered, Wichmann said he is “a bit more” loose than most players. “Most guys don’t get too nervous,” Wichmann said. “We’ll still come in as an ofensive line and get a lif in, “Tere are always going to be a litle bit of nerves going usually midday afer leting everybody sleep in,” Wich- through you, but for the most part, afer you’ve been do- mann said. “So Monday is relaxed. We’ll also watch flm ing it a litle while, the nerves are nothing to worry about. for a short time to get a jump start on the week, for our If you know all your assignments and prepare the way you next opponent.” should have, you should have nothing to worry about.” Players who are “banged up” from the on-feld war- fare that occurred the day prior will receive treatment, Importance of nutrition Wichmann said. “Nutrition is obviously a big part of playing football As the calendar fips deeper into the season, teams Cody Wichmann and keeping your body healthy,” Wichmann said. will sometimes be given Tuesdays of as well to keep Wichmann said teams do provide “most of” the meals players fresh. mann said. for athletes. But on normal Tuesdays, the players arrive later in “Te only meal nobody takes advantage of is dinner, the day and ft in another lifing session. Late week and that’s usually because we get out sooner than din- Wichmann said the team will usually have yoga in- Friday is a short day, and players are done by about ner,” Wichmann said. “Breakfast and lunch are always structors provide a class “for the guys who want to take 1 p.m. available. Probably 99 percent of the players will get advantage of that.” “We’re out of there prety fast,” Wichmann said. their meals at the facility.” “Tey put us through a good stretch period for about Tere is another weight lifing session in the morn- One other thing he noted is that teams will provide 30 minutes,” Wichmann said. ing and there is yet another walk-through, with a short nutritious meal plans to players who request it. He said there are meetings late in the day on Tues- practice to follow. “As far as my nutrition goes, I tend to eat fairly days to game plan, and a “low key” walk-through of the Saturday is even shorter than Friday, with a fnal walk- healthy,” Wichmann said. “I have my cheat days. It’s team’s gameplan. through and any modifcations to the game plan. not like I have to eat vegetables and protein all day. But “By this time you should be well prepared for your there is defnitely some thought throughout the week of Midweek opponent and touching up the details,” Wichmann said. what you put into your body.” Wichmann said Wednesdays and Tursdays are sim- He said the team requires its players to stay in a hotel, Wichmann said his breakfast routine is four eggs and ilar, as both “are two long days” in which he wakes up whether it’s a home game or a road contest. a cup of oatmeal with blueberries. around 5:30 a.m. to get to the training facility. “Players have to report to the hotel to stay overnight,” “Tat’s just my thing,” Wichmann said. “It gives me the “I like to get in the hot tub to get my body loose to Wichmann said. energy I need to get through practice and stuf like that.” prepare for practice later that day,” Wichmann said. “I’ll get in the hot tub for 10 or 15 minutes.” Nothing like gameday Excitement in the building Meetings start around 7:30 a.m. and Wichmann man- Sunday morning’s routine depends on what time the Wichmann said the mood among the Cowboys is ages to squeeze breakfast in prior to that. game is slated for. high right now, as the team has played well of late and Meetings last for a few hours and then the team goes If it is an evening game, there will usually be one fnal looks as though it will make the playofs. through another walk-through. Ten an ofcial practice walkthrough on Sunday morning. “Tere is defnitely some excitement,” Wichmann session is held following the walk-through. “It’s more time to focus on the task at hand and get said. “At the end of the day, everyone knows each week “Te tempo here in Dallas, practice is tough,” Wich- your mind right,” Wichmann said. that the game that week is the biggest one of the season. mann said. “It’s prety much full-speed. It’s awesome to Wichmann said every player has their own way of pre- ... Everyone is very concentrated and they really have get that kind of experience and it prepares you for the paring for the game while in the lockerroom. this week in mind.” games.” “Some guys are very locked in and don’t really talk Wichmann is hoping to be part of the excitement on Afer practice, players who need it receive treatment. to other people. Tey’re just focused on the game and the Cowboys for a long time to come (and taking care “Some guys will stay in and watch some flm,” Wich- that’s it. Other guys are more loose and are talking and of his body is a big part of whether he’ll succeed. Page B1 • Mariposa Gazette Thursday, December 20, 2018

‘I always turn to the sports section frst. The sports page records people’s accomplishments.’ —Chief Justice Earl Warren Merced College ponders soccer return Soccer players in Maripo- sa County will want to take notice of an initiative starting up in Merced. Fifeen years afer cuting ties with its soccer programs, Merced College has taken a major step toward their return. Due to overwhelming interest by both students and the community, Super- intendent/President Chris Vitelli and Academic Sen- ate President Julie Clark announced the formation of a Soccer Program Task Force. Te purpose of the task force is to explore the fea- sibility and develop an action plan for the creation of a new athletic soccer program. Title IX regulations require institutions of higher education to respond to the interests of the community and students when considering athletic teams/ programs. Over the past several years, the college has col- lected survey data through the student application process. In a soccer-rich area like Merced, a number of students indicated strong Photo by Matt Johnson interest in participating in a Patricia Flanagan of MCHS (top) stepped into the 106-pound weight class last week and earned important points for the Grizzly grapplers. soccer program. “I think it’s a great idea,” Merced College student Allison Melander said. “I know the whole campus Burgess, others stem Yosemite really enjoys it, especially in this community. Grow- ing up in Atwater, soccer is a big deal, so having it back on campus will be a great tide to earn big win on the mats thing for students and staf By MATT JOHNSON points in a win, was huge. to participate in and watch.” Assistant Editor “We would have lost six points there, but instead we won three,” Te Soccer Program Task Seymour said. “Tat changes the whole night there.” Force will be co-chaired When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Even in some of the matches MCHS lost, they were able to compete by Dr. Scot McCall and Several wrestlers from Mariposa County High School dug deep and and not get pinned, preventing Yosemite from earning big chunks of Dr. Michael McCandless. batled through illness or other tough situations to help the Grizzlies points. Together, they will forge earn a 45-27 win over Yosemite High School on Tuesday, Dec. 11. “Bryce Norris ran into an excellent, well seasoned wrestler and the task force in the Spring “A lot of our guys went out there not feeling well, but gave it their looked phenomenal there. And Bryce was giving up 10 pounds,” Sey- 2019 term to discuss the all,” said MCHS co-coach Scot Seymour. mour said. “Everyone did what they had to do, and in the end, we next steps in develop- One of the key matches during the evening came from MCHS’s pulled of the win.” ing a competitive men’s Brock Burgess at 160 pounds. Another one of the best matches of the night was Lonnie Breshears’ and women’s soccer pro- Burgess was batling hard in the third round but was on the verge of victory by pin for Mariposa. gram. Te task force will being pinned. “He didn’t get baited into a schoolyard fght,” said co-coach Jerry be comprised of faculty, “I was just about to give up,” Burgess said. “I was just waiting for the Lura. “Lonnie stuck with it, kept his head in the game, and that’s one administration, classifed ref to call the pin.” of the most important things we want to teach these guys, is how to professionals, students and Tat was when he saw an opening. endure those situations with the right atitude and approach. Tat was community members. “Right when he got me in that position I knew I was going to have good and exciting.” “Tis is an exciting time to take his leg and fip him over me,” Burgess said. “It was going to to explore the potential of be risky. I almost pinned myself trying to do it. But then I got him. I Results a program that is of interest looked up and saw my dad cheering and the crowd (as well).” 106: Patricia Flanagan (MCHS) won 3-0 over Brayden Craig (YOS) to both students and the Heading into that match, MCHS was only leading the overall match 113: Steven Bahe (MCHS) won 6-0 over Jimmy McCurry (YOS) community,” McCandless 21-18. Te win was paramount in helping to stall Yosemite’s momen- 120: Paul Gomes (MCHS) lost 3-0 to Clint Willoughry (YOS) said. tum and give MCHS some breathing room. 126: MCHS lost 6-0 by forfeit Many students from Mar- “Tat was defnitely a point where all of a sudden I felt we were in it. 132: Joseph Williams (MCHS) won 6-0 over Parker Elliot (YOS) iposa atend Merced for We’ve got it now,” said Seymour. “Tat match could have gone either 138: Logan Stone (MCHS) won 6-0 over Logan Mount (YOS) higher education. If Mer- way. Tat was nice.” 145: Bryce Norris (MCHS) lost 3-0 to Diego Combs (YOS) ced College began a soccer Another important match was Patricia Flanagan at 106 pounds for 152: Ethan King (MCHS) lost 6-0 to Nicholas Gwynn (YOS) program, it would be one Mariposa. Te Grizzlies didn’t have other options to fll that weight more option for talented class, so Flanagan being able to not only wrestle, but to earn three See MATS on Page B-4 soccer athletes in the area. Wichmann just shootin’ the breeze NFL player from area shares his thoughts on variety of topics, including advice for youth By MATT JOHNSON it shows how much leader,” Wichmann said. “Tat’s really it.” Assistant Editor Jerry Jones loves his Cowboys.” Q: Do NFL players actually pay atention to reports in Editor’s note: Tis is a follow up interview with Cody the media, whether it’s talk shows or newspaper reports? Wichmann, National Football League ofensive lineman Q: What advice A: “I tend not to watch too much SportsCenter and for the Dallas Cowboys. He is currently on the practice would you give to all that stuf, because most of the time & I don’t want squad of the Cowboys. Wichmann graduated fom Mari- aspiring youth ath- to say all the time & but if you’re on SportsCenter, or posa County High School. He has also played for two oth- letes? in the newspaper, it might be for something negative,” er NFL fanchises, the St. Louis Rams and the Tennessee A: “As far as college Wichmann said. “Tere are defnitely guys who are Titans. Last week featured a look at Wichmann’s training and NFL and how checking SportsCenter, but in the NFL we’re taught to regimen and weekly schedule. that goes, a college not listen to the outside noise.” scout looks at how Wichmann said if a team drops a game in the NFL, Q: What’s it like playing on “America’s Team?” well you play foot- fans and media pundits can “tend to think it’s the end of A: “It’s been great,” Cody Wichmann said. “I couldn’t ball, obviously, but the world” for the team. have asked for more. Te team and the city, it’s been also so much more “In the NFL, it’s very tough to go a season without special. Tis program has a good thing going. Te staf, than that,” Wich- losing a game,” Wichmann said. “Nobody in the facili- Cody Wichmann ty is pressing the panic buton if you do lose a game or the owners, everyone is diehard Dallas football. Te mann said. “Tey something bad happens. I think that’s the view of most fans around here are the same.” look at your grades. If they get to meet you, they’ll ana- NFL players. You can’t listen to the outside noise, too lyze your personality. Tere is a lot more that goes into much. Hometown articles are positive, though.” Q: What is it like playing for an owner like Jerry Jones, it than being a great football player. Tey’ll ask about who isn’t afraid to spend money? your work ethic.” Q: You had to be pleased to see your alma mater, A: “Having been around a couple teams now, when I Wichmann said if an athlete thinks their work ethic Fresno State University, win the Mountain West Con- got here in Dallas, my frst day at the practice facility, I might not be as good as others who are trying to play ference football title, against Boise State? was shocked. I was amazed at how nice their facility was collegiately, it might require “grinding just a litle bit A: “Oh, heck yeah, I was,” Wichmann said. “Really and the amount of money Jerry Jones is puting into more.” proud of them. Tere are plenty of Boise State players the program,” Wichmann said. “Tere is so much care “At the end of the day it’s about being a good human on the Cowboys, so I was prety happy.” and money put into this for the Dallas Cowboys, and being. You’ve got to do stuf for other people and be a Fresno State won 19-16 in overtime, on the road. Page B2 www.mariposagazette.com Mariposa Gazette • Thursday, December 20, 2018 Grizzly greatness: Gridders lauded for achievements at annual awards banquet By MATT JOHNSON Assistant Editor

It’s always fun to look back and appreciate accomplishments. Tat’s exactly what the Mariposa County High School football program did on Sunday. Several players were honored at the 2018 Grizzlies football awards banquet, held at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds. Varsity head coach Robert Stit and junior varsity head coach Don Stein presented their top athletes with plaques. Te varsity Most Valu- able Player was Ryan Leonard, who played linebacker, ofensive line and even fullback. Leon- ard was also the Out- standing Linebacker and Hammer Award Winner, for the hardest hiter. Leonard led the team and Southern League with 147 tackles, which was 16 per game. Stit praised Leonard, calling him “one of the best linebackers I have ever coached.” Te junior varsity MVP Photos by Matt Johnson was quarterback/safety MCHS football MVP Ryan Leonard (second from left) gives head coach Robert Stitt (far left) a gift on behalf of the entire team at the end of the Wyat Green. Green was Grizzly annual awards banquet. Looking on, from left, are JC Davies, Charlie Williams, Gabe Katz, Brock Burgess, Gauge Butler, Jake Swift and Larry also the winner of the Cullens. Awards were given to the top varsity and JV players. Grizzly Pride Award and Lane Holt. for 298 yards and 3 plary character and com- Swif, who stepped in Player was JV kicker Nate was the JV team’s Ofen- Te Outstanding Var- touchdowns. Tyler Rich- mitment to teammates, as quarterback afer the Kunz. sive Player of the Year. sity Ofensive Lineman ards received Outstand- school and community. team’s starter, Colton Te event was well at- Te JV team’s Defen- was Jaq Quinn, who was ing JV Wide Receiver Te Most Inspirational Weidner, moved to a dif- tended and food was pro- sive Player of the Year a three-year starter at lef recognition. Player was junior varsity ferent school. vided by volunteers from was Lane Holt. tackle. He led the team in Te Tommy Holt Me- running back Bodie Ro- Te Most Improved the local Lions Club, Te Outstanding Var- “pancake” blocks. morial Award was giv- driguez. Player was JV running which provided cheese- sity Running Back was Te Outstanding JV en to varsity linebacker Te award is issued to back Ivan Morales. burgers, beans, drinks JC Davies, who moved Ofensive Lineman was Charlie Williams. Tis the player who displayed Te Top Special Teams and dessert. to that position afer Jacob House. award honors former the most heart and pas- playing as a wideout the Te Outstanding Var- Grizzly great Tommy sion for the game, as well previous season. Davies sity Defensive Back was Holt, who embodied as leadership and work missed three games but Larry Cullens, while the pride, hard work and de- ethic. still posted strong num- Outstanding JV Defen- termination. Rodriguez also was bers, leading the team in sive Back was Andres Varsity cornerback named the JV team’s Out- rushing yards with 368 Ibarra. Cullens led the Gauge Butler was award- standing Linebacker. yards. He rushed for 4.9 varsity defensive backs ed the Quarterback Te Quarterback yards per carry. HE with 50 tackles and 24 Club Award and Grizzly Club’s Unsung Hero was T PROS Te Outstanding Var- solo tackles. He also had Pride Award. Te Grizzly JV cornerback Ibarra. sity Defensive Lineman 1 interception, 1 caused Pride Award is given by Tis player did not nec- Services-Supplies-Solutions was Colton Hopman, fumble and 1 fumble re- coaches to the player that essarily receive the same who led the d-line with covery. displayed outstanding atention as others on the 36 tackles and had 3 Te Outstanding Var- sportsmanship, leader- team, but was valuable to SATELLITE & HDTV sacks. sity Wide Receiver was ship and school pride on the team’s success. “The Home Theater Experts” Te Outstanding JV Johnathan Chapman, and of the feld. Tese Te Next Man Up was Defensive Lineman was who had 28 receptions players also have exem- varsity quarterback Jake Mariposa TV • Competitively Priced HDTVs • Satellite Sales • New Construction Wiring • Custom Home Theater Systems Serving Mariposa Since 1970 (209) 966-2554 Corner of 8th St. and Hwy 140 • By Jantz Bakery PROPANE

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FG: 24-60. FT: 8-12. 3-pointers: 9 (Fryer 3, as the Grizzlies defeated Chowchilla Kari 5, Arebalo 1). Total fouls: 8. Fouled out: None. 65-44. Devon Acker-James (29 points) MCHS 16 13 21 18 - 68 and Leo Kari (21) formed this monster, MEND 8 24 14 6 - 52 combining for 50 points. MCHS: Devon Acker-James 18, Jaq Quinn 17, Acker-James was efcient, scoring his Johnathon Knobles 10, Matthew Fryer 8, Will points on 11-of-17 shooting. He also Harris 7, Leo Kari 4, Cody Truchsess 2, Carson helped the Griz get of to a quick start, Arebalo 2. FG: 27-53. FT: 8-18. 3-pointers: 6-18 (Acker-James 2, Knobles 2, Fryer 2). Total fouls: scoring 15 of his points in the frst quarter. 9. Fouled out: None. “I wanted us to set the pace early and play our style of basketball,” said MCHS JV team update coach Pierce Chaney. “I think this is the Te MCHS junior varsity boys hoops frst game we’ve actually done that.” team had a tough week. Kari, meanwhile, was especially dan- gerous from the outside, making fve Te Grizzlies lost 64-52 at home shots from behind the arc. against Chowchilla, and 68-61 on the “Leo had a poor frst few possessions road at Mendota. with the ball,” Chaney said. “I told him “Mendota was really in your face,” said that if you’re going to make a decision, MCHS coach Seth Blessing. “We didn’t do it. Whatever it is, whether it’s good play our best game. We’re learning that we or bad, live with that decision. But you need to block out defensively and help a can’t be thinking about what you’re go- lot quicker on defense. Ten on ofense ing to do in the middle of a play. It was we were rushed and throwing bad passes.” mainly about transition ofense. I think Against Chowchilla, MCHS kept the it helped him and gave him some conf- game close until the fnal moments, dence to just play basketball.” when Chowchilla pulled away. Kari agreed, saying he was “over-think- “Chowchilla was a big team,” Blessing ing everything” and “playing rushed.” said. “For us to keep in it with them like “I thought coach was going to take that was great. ... It was frustrating be- me out, but he told me to play free,” cause we could have won, but I saw great Kari said. “Afer that I started fnding a things from everybody.” rhythm, going to open spots and taking Te JV team followed those losses up shots I knew I could make.” by competing in a tournament at Bu- Kari was also pleased with how quickly hach over the weekend, winning one the team got out of the gates, so to speak. game and dropping two. “In past games we just haven’t been MCHS started of by defeating Atwa- hot to start out,” Kari said. “Coach always says to come out with fourth quarter 52-47. ter intensity in the frst.” Isaiah Lura-Holmes led with 14 Te Grizzlies were also locked in de- points, while Kannon Gibson tacked fensively, forcing 13 turnovers. on 12 points and Hunter Dreyer had 6 MCHS is now 6-3 and was set to play points. at Bret Harte on Saturday, at 5 p.m. Tey “Almost everyone scored so that was great,” said Blessing. “We played really will then play at a tournament in Men- Photo by Matt Johnson dota beginning the day afer Christmas. good defense, creating a lot of turnovers MCHS’s Alex Keiser (with ball) attacks the teeth of the Chowchilla defense during Mar- and geting a lot of rebounds.” iposa’s big win last week. Game notes: MCHS athletic director Mariposa went on to lose to Buhach Trace DeSandres shared a lighthearted 54-39. moment with Kari at halfime. As the Gibson led the Grizzlies with 10 Grizzlies were warming up for the second points, while Christian Stockwell and half, Kari told DeSandres he would make Spencer Baumann had 8 points apiece, a lef-handed 3-pointer. DeSandres, followed by Trevor McClard with 5 though, asked for the ball himself, and points. drained two shots & with no hesitation MCHS then went on to lose to Mer- & from the right corner. Ten he walked ced 64-42, with Baumann pacing the back to the bench he was siting on. Grizzlies with 11 points. Gibson added 9 points and Raymond MCHS blows by Mendota Hartgraves had 5 points. Te night prior to MCHS’s game Gibson was named an All-Tourna- against Chowchilla, the Grizzlies easily defeated Mendota, 68-52 on the road. ment player. It was a balanced scoring atack by the Te JV team is now 2-8 and will play Grizzlies, who received 18 points from at Bret Harte on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. It Acker-James, with Jaq Quinn posting 17 will also begin play at a tournament in points on 8-of-10 shooting. Johnathon Mendota the day afer Christmas. Times Knobles added 10 points and Mathew are to be announced. Vick, Appling pave way as Griz win Hilmar tourney Appling sets single game scoring mark with 45 If the Mariposa County High School of-19 from the free throw line. girls basketball team keeps up its level of “I know that both Milea and Shea play the rest of the season, it’s going to Williams have scored 36 in a game and be scary come playof time. I believe Mel Rodrigues had 38 back in Te Lady Grizzlies won the Hilmar 1980, but I am prety sure no female bas- Tournament over the ketball player has scored more than the weekend, defeating Hil- 45 Milea got in the game,” mar, Summerville and DeSandres said. John C. Fremont Healthcare District Johansen along the MCHS returns home to way, and improving to play Friday against Stone 8-1 this season. Milea Ridge Christian, with a 5 Appling was named the tournament’s p.m. varsity tipof and 3 p.m. FOCUS ON HEALTH Most Valuable Player, junior varsity tipof against while Katie Vick was Yosemite. named an all-tourna- MCHS then plays at Bret World AIDS Day ment selection. Harte on Saturday, with the World AIDS Day is held on December 1st each year and is an opportunity for people MCHS kicked of JV’s at 11 a.m. and varsity at worldwide to unite in the fght against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV the tournament on 12:30 p.m. MCHS then re- and to commemorate people who have died. World AIDS Day is important because it Tursday by crush- turns home to host Livingston reminds the public and Government that HIV has not gone away – there is still a vital ing Hilmar 47-20. on Dec. 27, with a JV start time need to raise money, increase awareness, fght prejudice and improve education. Te Grizzlies held of 1 p.m. and varsity tipof of This year’s theme for World AIDS Day, which will be marking its 30th anniversary on the Yellowjackets to 8-of-42 shooting. 2:30 p.m. December 1st, will be “Know your status”. Appling posted 20 points, while Vick, Finally, the Grizzlies play at home on HIV testing is essential for expanding treatment and ensuring that all people living with Lily Heavner and Alex Williams posted Dec. 28 against Ceres, with JV at 3:30 HIV can lead healthy and productive lives. Stigma and discrimination still deters people 6 points apiece. p.m. and varsity at 5 p.m. from taking an HIV test, and accessing care. The good news is that there are many On Friday, MCHS followed that up new ways of expanding access to HIV testing. Self-testing, community-based testing by demolishing the Summerville Bears MCHS 13 15 15 4 - 47 and multi-disease testing are all helping people to know their HIV status. Hilmar 4 4 7 5 - 20 48-18. Appling posted 16 points and 9 Join us this World AIDS Day in raising awareness about the importance of rebounds. MCHS: Milea Appling 20, Katie Vick 6, Lily Heavner 6, Alex Williams 6, Anne Fiester 4, Taylor knowing one’s status and calling for the removal of all barriers to accessing Te big matchup came on Saturday in Vegely 3, Jade Meisner 2. Leading rebounders: the championship game against Johan- Appling 7, Vick 5, Heavner 4. Assists: Appling 5. HIV care and testing. sen, which is a Division 2 team out of Blocks: Williams 3. Steals: Kylie Ward 5. U=U means “Undetectable = Untransmittable” Modesto, which entered the game 8-1. MCHS won 65-55. SUMM 6 2 4 6 - 18 People living with HIV who take their medication as prescribed and have an “We played the best half of the year MCHS 10 10 15 13 - 48 undetectable viral load, stay healthy and have effectively no risk of transmitting MCHS: Milea Appling 16, Katie Vick 8, Anne Fi- HIV to their sexual partners. and went in with a 40-20 halfime lead,” ester 7, Lily Heavner 7, Jade Meisner 4, Kylie said MCHS coach Trace DeSandres. Ward 4, Alex Williams 2. Leading rebounders: Ap- Ask your John C Fremont Healthcare District Provider for a HIV test at your next However, Johansen stormed back and pling 9, Heavner 9, Meisner 4, Williams 4. Assists: appointment or Call the Mariposa County Health Department for a testing appointment, cut the lead to seven with four minutes Heavner 3, Ward 2. Blocks: Williams 8. Steals: Ward 4. (209) 966-3689. to go in the fourth. This information is from UNAIDS, “We fnally gained back the momen- JOHA 7 13 16 19 - 55 Please visit their website, www.unaids.org for more information tum and held on to win,” DeSandres said. MCHS 16 24 13 12 - 65 Appling had a career high & and what MCHS: Milea Appling 45, Lily Heavner 6, Alex Wil- Question or topic / submit to: Tara Wilson, [email protected] DeSandres said he believes is a single liams 6, Kylie Ward 4, Anne Fiester 2, Katie Vick game scoring record & with 45 points. 2. Leading rebounders: Appling 8, Vick 5. Assists: Or mail to JCFHD, P.O. Box 216, Mariposa, CA 95338 She was 15-of-23 from the foor and 15- Heavner 4. Blocks: Appling 6, Williams: 5, Ward 3. Page B4 www.mariposagazette.com Mariposa Gazette • Thursday, December 20, 2018

Photo by Matt Johnson Wrestlers from Maripo- sa County High School cheer after a teammate notched a victory against Yosemite High School last week. MCHS defeated Yosemite despite having several wrestlers battling illness and other obstacles during the evening. Visible in the front row are Jade Seymour (right) and Lonnie Breshears (second from right). The team then went on to compete at tournaments on the road over the weekend, with a handful of Grizzlies recording standout performances. The next matches for the Grizzlies will be for the girls on the team, at the Bulldog Classic in Turlock this Saturday.

MATS Exhibition match: Elisa Beas (MCHS) won 6-0 over “It was a very humbling experience,” added Lura. From Page B1 Kaele Mohulat (YOS) Te junior varsity boys competed in a separate tournament in Pacheco. 160: Brock Burgess (MCHS) won 6-0 over Ernest MCHS competes at weekend tourneys Of the junior varsity boys, Travis Gowdy took frst Jimenez (YOS) Te Grizzlies got right back on the mats over the week- place in his weight class, while Joshua Johnson took sec- 170: Lane Holt (MCHS) lost 3-0 to Justin Micallef end, with the varsity boys competing in the Morningstar ond place and Joey Williams took third place in their re- (YOS) Invitational in Los Banos. spective classes. 182: Travis Gowdy (MCHS) won 6-0 over Michael It was a difcult competition for the Grizzlies, who On the girls varsity side, Elisa Beas had a strong week- Silva (YOS) won just three matches all day long, with Gage Mogel- end, winning all fve matches and taking frst place in her 195: Kyle Young (MCHS) lost 6-0 to Oguzhan Jumay- berg, Gauge Butler and Kyle Young winning a match weight class at a girls tournament in Pacheco. Skylee Bond er (YOS) apiece. also took frst, going undefeated in her weight class. 220: Lonnie Breshears (MCHS) won 6-0 over Troy “Te tournament has goten tough. It’s very hard,” said Te next competition for MCHS will be a girls tourna- Fite (YOS) Seymour, noting that several large Central Valley schools ment, the Bulldog Classic, starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday Hvy: MCHS won 6-0 by forfeit compete in it. in Turlock. Grapplers get gift Volleyball, hoop open gyms set An opportunity to be active is right around the corner. As reported in last week’s Gazete, Mariposa Coun- ty Parks and Recreation ofcials are organizing adult coed volleyball and adult men’s basketball in the Mar- iposa County High School gymnasium, every Sunday in January from noon to 4 p.m., starting Jan. 6. Volleyball will be scheduled from noon to 2 p.m. and basketball will follow from 2-4 p.m. Tere will be a $3 admission, and it will be open gym, not team based. Te hope for parks and rec ofcials is to see whether there is enough interest and atendance at the open gym sessions to form leagues for both volleyball and basketball. Tat will be determined in the not-far-away future. Te Parks and Recreation ofce is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call (209) 966-2498 to ask questions.

Bob’s BASEBALL Tours Attend games in New York See games See Midwest (Yankees & Mets), Boston, in Phoenix baseball in Pittsburgh & Cincinnati. & Denver, Kansas City, Also Pro Football, Baseball in addition St. Louis, Chicago & Basketball Halls of Fame. to Grand Canyon. (Cubs & Sox) Guided tour June 24-28 & Minnesota. of New York City & Boston. $1,195/person* July 31-Aug. 4 May 25-June 2 $1,295/person* Photo by Matt Johnson $2,150/person* Sierra Tel donated $500 to the Mariposa County High School wrestling program at the start of this season. Shown, *Prices based on double hotel occupancy from left, are MCHS co-coach Jerry Lura, Gage Mogelberg, Tyler Katz, Ryan Simmons and Sierra Tel representative Coach bus tours. Good game tickets. Quality hotels. Greg Andreas. The money will help cover the costs of MCHS competing in tournaments around the region, which Free brochure: 507.217.1326 can be expensive to enter. MATT’S MUSINGS If you have never been to a wrestling match, start now We have railroad ties, poly visqueen & straw wattles When I frst started out as a sportswriter, I was and other objects to smash their opponents with. Just (for erosion), and beautiful cedar (think DECKS) to help quickly pained by something that dawned on me. kidding. But really, think how many tickets that would you spruce up your projects! Plus, We Deliver! How was I going to write about wrestling? sell. I hadn’t wrestled. I All kidding aside, I’ve enjoyed wrestling because was a basketball and I’ve observed the amount of blood, sweat and tears www.yosemitefallslumber.com football guy. that goes into it. Te frst time I ever I’m not sure any other sport can boast the determi- covered wrestling, I nation required from its athletes that wrestling can. (Next to Sierra Telephone Company) was dreading it. I didn’t Tink about not just the physical toll that an entire • Monday - Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. • know anything about season would take, but the mental toll as well. (559) 642-6210 • Fax: (559) 642-6212 the sport. Tese kids get out there, in front of their peers, Email us your building needs to: [email protected] I Googled how the families and friends and try to pin their opponent. scoring worked, what When they lose, they lose as an individual. It’s not like the diferent maneuvers basketball or football when defciencies of players can were called and basically Matt Johnson be hidden among the entire group. I looked up anything I It’s also an interesting sport because from time to could in order to educate myself. time, girls and boys will square of with each other. In Even afer that, I still didn’t really know what I was fact, one of MCHS’s girls just defeated a male oppo- doing. And that was okay. I was a rookie sportswriter, nent the other day. What other sport can you say that and I was going to make mistakes. Tat sounds bad, about? but it’s the way it is. I was cuting my teeth when it I also enjoy the family aspect of wrestling. Tese came to the sport. athletes are truly like a family. Tey batle each other One of the biggest turning points, for me, came in practice and then cheer one another on during the when I sat next to a coach from a small farm school matches. in Idaho and soaked up his knowledge throughout an One thing I like about the coaches from MCHS entire tournament. ' Scot Seymour and Jerry Lura ' is before every He was gracious enough to let me sit next to him for home match, they will take a few moments to explain every match because he knew I wanted to learn more the rules of wrestling to those in atendance. about the sport. It’s a small thing, but it gives those who don’t know I still don’t know everything about the sport. I’ll anything about the sport a small idea of how it works. admit it. If you haven’t been to a wrestling match before, I’d But half the batle is showing up. It’s talking to the encourage you to give it a try. Sit next to someone coaches and the athletes and learning from them. who knows the sport, if possible. One thing I can say is that I’ve truly grown to enjoy It will open your eyes to how interesting the sport the sport. It’s not my favorite sport, sure. Tat would can be. either be football or basketball. And I still think that high school wrestling should Mat Johnson is assistant editor of the Gazete and can be like the WWE, where wrestlers can pull out chairs be reached at [email protected]. Mariposa Gazette • Thursday, December 20, 2018 www.mariposagazette.com Page B5 Girls soccer team off to strong start in league By MATT JOHNSON Assistant Editor

It’s been a good start in league play for the Mariposa County High School Griz- zlies girls soccer team. MCHS tied with an old foe, the Ripon Christian Knights, on Monday, 0-0. Days earlier, the girls defeated the Denair Coyotes 3-0 in Mariposa last Wednesday, controlling the game entire- ly and only allowing one shot on goal. Te Grizzlies got on the board early when Susie Gomes scored in the 13th minute of of a defection. Izamary Mar- quez then extended the lead with a wide open shot in the 20th minute, from about 30 yards out. “Izamary played really well,” said MCHS coach Adam Finney. “Izamary was clutch for us today. Izamary is such a threat, and she likes to score. It just opens up things.” Marquez played goalkeeper for the team last season and has transitioned to an atacking role this year. Finney said he Teammates swarm MCHS’s Susie Gomes has been pleased with her performance, after she scored a goal against Denair last as she has taken pressure of of Ava Dun- week in a game played in Mariposa. lavey, one of the team’s other primary scorers. Te Grizzlies headed into halfime ‘Izamary was clutch with the 2-0 lead, and Lupin Amstutz gave them even more of a cushion when for us today. Izamary she scored in the 55th minute on a penalty kick. is such a threat...’ MCHS is now 3-1-1 (2-0-1 in South- —Adam Finney ern League) and will play at home against Orestimba on Tursday at 3 p.m. before taking a few weeks of for the holidays. ished more precisely and if not for the heart and efort of their centerback and MCHS shuts out Delhi keeper, who both made at least fve in- A day prior to the match against De- credible plays to prevent goals.” nair, MCHS defeated Delhi on the road, “We have to be happy starting of the 4-0. Scorers included Noe Paterson, league schedule with a win,” Finney add- Ruby Yager, Dunlavey and Amstutz. ed. Finney said the ball “was moving con- Finney said the “outstanding players” sistently the entire night” and the Griz- for the game was the entire midfeld. zlies created well over 25 “good chances.” “Tey were lef open and thus carried “We passed the ball a ton. We had over the ball throughout the game,” Finney 90 percent possession and held them said. “Because we did not fnish so well to zero shots on the night,” said Finney. they had to run a lot, as Delhi’s clearanc- Photos by Matt Johnson “Tey defended with a lot of heart and es were prety long and accurate. Ava, Lu- Izamary Marquez of MCHS winds up for a shot against Denair last week. Marquez the score probably could have been into pin and Jasmine (Lopez) put in a ton of scored in the 20th minute to help her team. the double digits if we would have fn- work.” ‘Sports Talk’ airs Saturday, Monday For the latest in local and national Monday at 7:30 p.m. sports headlines, listen to “Mariposa Te show is hosted by Gazete sports- Sports Talk” on KRYZ Radio, 98.5 FM. writer, Mat Johnson. A strong focus Te show features local and national of the show is the local coaches and sports discussions, occasionally with athletes from Mariposa County High guests from the community or special School, some of whom appear as guests. guests who phone in. It airs on Satur- KRYZ is a nonproft station. For days from 10:30-11 a.m. on KRYZ, 98.5 more information, visit www.kryzradio. LPFM. Te show also streams online org/ contact.html or email Johnson at at www.kryzradio.org. It is replayed on [email protected].

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5094 JESSIE STREET Photo by Matt Johnson Suite A, Mariposa Jaden Dubois of MCHS looks for an open teammate to throw in to. Behind Stage Stop Mini Mart (Ground Floor) 209-966-3777 OPEN Soccer boys earn comeback TUES - FRI 10 A.M. ‘TIL 6 P.M. SAT. 10 A.M. ‘TIL 5 P.M. We will Meet or Beat any win against Ripon Christian Locally Advertised Gun Price! Prices good while supplies last. Road wins are hard to come by, but the Mariposa County High School boys soccer team put a licking on a rival on Monday evening, defeating league rival the Ripon Christian Knights 6-3. GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE Multiple AR-15’s in Stock MCHS fell behind 2-0 but rallied quickly, striking back with three goals of its own in the frst half, and scoring three more in the second half. Cael Harry led MCHS with two goals, while August Dormer, Ramiro Marquez Robbie Stark and Alex Kunz each had goals of their own to form a balanced atack. Starting At MCHS is now 3-3 (2-1 in the Southern League) and will host Orestimba on $ 00 Tursday at 5 p.m. While799 Supplies Last MCHS defeats Denair, falls to Delhi Te week prior to the game at Ripon Christian, MCHS split a pair of games with Extensive variety of pistols and long guns available in store. league foes. MCHS defeated the Denair Coyotes 1-0 at home on Dec. 12. Harry scored the lone goal in the game. Te day prior, MCHS fell 2-1 to the Delhi Hawks, with Nate Kunz scoring the only goal for Mariposa. “It was a really close game,” said MCHS coach Miguel Ramirez. MCHS took a 1-0 lead on the goal from Kunz, but gave up a goal on a penalty kick and another goal later in the second half. NEED CASH? WE BUY USED GUNS & COLLECTIONS - CALL FOR DETAILS “I think I did a bad job with our substitutions,” said Ramirez. “We had plenty of Archery Supplies & Equipment • No Interest Layaway chances to put the game away in the frst half, but we didn’t put it in the back of the net.” Certified Firearms & CCW Training Available • Call for Details