Page 18 • POM: Matt Wilcox • Track hits the ground running El Gato • Friday,Sports March 27, 2015 • Los Gatos High School • elgatonews.com POM: Matthew Wilcox Spring training begins by Liat Rubin to maintain a positive outlook and successful by Rowyn van Miltenburg Editor-in-Chief career. National Editor Senior Matt Wilcox is the kind of guy whose Although he chose to continue his baseball As of mid-February, Spring Training is in full athletic achievements have been so grand that career through his enrollment in the United swing. Players and coaches have flocked to Arizona they were broadcast on the morning announce- States Naval Academy, Willie stresses that and Florida to prepare for the upcoming 2015 base- ments and in the local newspaper. Beyond the he likes both sports equally. He chose baseball ball season. Spring Training is a chance for fans statistics that make up the baseball and football over football simply due to the fact that his to see their team train in a more intimate (and, star that is Wilcox, or Willie to his friends, is a strongest talents lie in baseball, and that his most likely, warmer) stadium before the regular dedicated teammate, caring friend, and intelli- size and physique are not suitable for college season begins. gent student. football. In fact, Willie’s favorite sports memory Coming off their third World Series win in the Wilcox, by nature, is very competitive. This is winning CCS football during his junior year. past five years, the San Francisco Giants returned competitiveness has pushed him to succeed aca- His decision to join the navy was not an to Scottsdale, AZ, to practice and play in the demically. His well-earned high grades helped easy one, and the process of actually doing so Cactus League. The Cactus League is Arizona’s him gain entrance into the United States Naval was, in Willie’s words, “not chill.” Although Spring Training League and is made up of 15 Major Academy in Annapolis, Maryland next fall. he was indecisive at first, Willy is happy with his League teams, which are all situated in the Phoe- courtesy wikimedia commons His natural competitiveness has also played decision. In the end, he says that the decision nix metropolitan area for pre-season. The other playing for the White Sox, Ferrell struck out a large role in his passion and excellence in ath- simply “felt right.” The application process, 15 teams play in the Grapefruit League spread against Giants’ closer Jean Machi. After, Ferrell letics. Willie began playing sports at age four, however, was not that simple. After deciding throughout Florida. was immediately traded from the White Sox to launching what would be a long and success- he wanted to apply, Willie wrote an essay, filled Catchers and pitchers reported to practice as San Francisco to catch for Machi. ful athletic career. He plays both football and out an application, was interviewed, received a early as Feb. 19, with the first full-team practices While Ferrell’s main goal was to raise money baseball and has participated in both sports on nomination from a state representative, passed starting around Feb. 24. Practices are open to the for charity, he did admit he had other motives for LGHS varsity teams. In football, Willie enjoys multiple medical tests, and signed many doc- public, so fans have an opportunity to see their participating in this record-breaking feat. “That’s playing wide receiver and cornerback. In baseball uments before finally being admitted into the favorite players before games start. kind of what the goal of today is -- I’m hoping Willie commands the field and leads his team- highly-exclusive academy. The beauty of Spring Training is that fans get to land with a club.” He added, “A lot of these mates at shortstop. Willie is happy to be joining the navy, a chance to be up close to players in small venues. clubs are really looking for a clubhouse presence Although he is serious when necessary, Willie and excited to play baseball with his future For example, the Giants’ Scottsdale Stadium holds -- you know, a 47-year-old journeyman to provide is well known for his fun and likeable demeanor. teammates. Although he is going into the around 12,000 fans, compared to the over 41,000- the orphans.” It is for this reason that he enjoys the fact that academy undeclared, Willy is interested in person capacity at their regular season stadium, While most were supportive, some criticized sports offer him both an athletic and social outlet, the sciences, and states Hammiverse and it’s AT&T Park. Ferrell for these antics, such as former football a space where he “doesn’t have to be so serious “YOUniverse of ideas” as his favorite source for These Spring Training games tend to focus coach John Madden. Madden explained, “I hate all the time.” all things biology. more on practice and getting back into the swing it. That’s a lack of respect. That’s a lack of respect Willie loves baseball, but laments that it is Matt Wilcox, or Willie, is a standout athlete of things than winning games. Exemplifying the for the game and a [lack of] respect for what a sport “focused on failure,” a characteristic and student. Although he is unsure of what it lighthearted atmosphere of Spring Training games, players have to do to get where they are.” Even difficult for someone of his competitive nature. might entail, Willie is optimistic about his future on Mar. 13, comedian Will Ferrell took part in a though some were not supportive, others praised He does, however, believe that although failure and approaches it with the same diligence, charity event where he played ten positions for Ferrell for raising an estimated one million dollars is “hard to deal with, it is important to help you passion, and confidence he has displayed ten teams in one day. cancer research. grow.” His belief that “you learn more from your throughout his life. Stated succinctly yet While bringing comedy to the field, Ferrell Although Spring Training can be lighthearted, failures than your successes” has allowed him truthfully, he said, “I’m ready to do my part.” also raised an estimated one million dollars for the main goal is to get players in shape and ready two charities, Cancer for College and Stand Up for the upcoming season. Throughout March, to Cancer. He coached third base for the Chicago teams will play within their leagues as they pre- Cubs, holding up signs that read, “Don’t steal” pare for Opening Day, which will be Mon. Apr. 6 and “Remember these games don’t count.” While for the Giants. Quakes open new stadium by Madeline Hagar Sports Editor After much anticipation and several seasons playing in the smaller Buckshaw Stadium, San Jose Earthquake fans will be happy to know Avaya Stadium is now the official home of the Quakes. The local Major League Soccer team had its very first pre-season game in the stadium on Feb. 28 against major rivals, the LA Galaxy. The Quakes courtesy M. Wilcox opened strong, beating the Galaxy 3-2. After only one game in the new stadium, defender Marvell Wynne already felt at home, stating, “It’s a very fast pitch and a great surface. That might catch saved Goodson’s shot, but could not prevent the Girls lax is off to a hot start some guys off guard, but not us. We’re going to rebound, which Ty Harden slotted in behind him. by Montana Fowler come out there, we are going to ping the ball Harry Shipp uplifted the Fire’ spirit with a Editor-in-Chief around using one touch to pass the ball into space. sneaky run behind the Quakes’ defense in the With new coach Susanna Wilcox leading the This is going to be quite a fortress for us.” 29th minute. Joevin Jones played a sharp pass girls’ lacrosse team, the players are optimistic about On Sun., March 22, the Quakes played Chicago through to Shipp, who calmly touched the ball the strength their new leader has brought to the Fire in the inaugural match at Avaya Stadium. This past the San Jose goalie, David Bingham, for a team. Especially in comparison to their record two game marked the first ever MLS regular game of the goal. The final score was 2-1 to the San Jose years ago with no wins, the team is doing well in season for Quakes in their new home. The stadium Earthquakes. After only one game, it is already the first few games of the season. shook as the 18,000 fans in attendance cheered clear that Avaya Stadium will be a stadium full The team lost to Mitty 11-16, Saint Francis 8-15, for the Quakes. People piled into the stadium with of passion and energy for years to come as the and then Sacred Heart 11-16. However, they won excitement written on their faces. Every fan in Earthquakes continue to defend their fortress. The against Notre Dame 18-5. Then they lost to Saint attendance received a complimentary team scarf, Earthquakes are finally home and just starting Francis and Mitty again, 7-16 and 11-16, respec- which they waved in the air throughout the match their next chapter. tively. On Thurs., March 12 they creamed Prospect to declare their passion for the game. Did you miss the opening match? Want to see 19-0 at home. Junior Emma Shahabi commented, photos M. Fowler Within the first five minutes of the match, the Quakes in action in their new home? Are you “That game was really fun, because our coach team.