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The boy’s volleyball team made the drive to San Luis Obispo more than worth it this weekend, winning the Gold Division of the 11th Annual SLO Town Tourney for the second year in a row! Despite some poor play on Friday, the Tartans won their pool and earned a berth in the Gold Division. On Saturday they faced tougher competition and rose to the challenge, defeating division II Arroyo Grande and division I California High School from San Ramon. Their strong play on Saturday morning earned them a first round bye as the number one seed heading into the playoffs. This momentum carried the team through their first two playoff games and into the finals. Entering the finals the Tartans had to keep in mind what it took to win the tournament in 2009; an improbable comeback victory from being down 13-2 with no timeouts left was what it required in 2009. They expected the same type of battle this year but they could not have been more wrong. They started the game with a 6-1 lead, displaying the same consistent and steady play that had made them successful earlier in the day. Never looking back and never giving up the lead, the mighty Tartans defeated division I Bullard high school from Fresno by a score of 25-18, earning their second Gold Division Championship at the SLO Town Tourney. Earning All-Tournament honors were seniors Kevin Wang and Woody Quinn. Senior Kory Kiraly was named tournament MVP. Team members include sophomores Oliver DeCarion and Nick Adams, juniors Arya Amirhekmat, Zach Stoddard, and Mike Jones, and seniors Alex Fragapane, Kevin Wang, Kory Kiraly, and Woody Quinn. |  | 3/15/2010 9:25 AM | Boys Varsity Volleyball | Yes | Upper | |
The Girls’ Varsity Soccer Team advances to the CIF-SS Girls’ Division 6 Semifinals after a thrilling double overtime, sudden death victory over hosts Santa Paula before a raucous, partisan crowd. The Tartans dominated the action for most of the match producing an abundance of shots and forcing Santa Paula goalkeeper Glory Cruz into making 23 saves. While forwards Chelsie Churchill and Amy Gutierrez were imposing their will on the Cardinal back four, Olivia Collins and Natalie Barbaresi were controlling the Santa Paula forwards and McKenna Marmelstein dominated the aerial duels in the midfield. However, the Cardinals were up to every challenge from the visiting team as they played a stifling physical defense that seemed to throw the Tartans off their rhythm and slowed down their attack.
In the second half, both teams turned up the heat and the crowd noise also ramped up as the home throng made their presence felt which seemed to rattle the young Tartans. Sophomore Katie Donahue, the teams’ leading scorer who was jostled, harassed and battered for most of the match, was shown a yellow card for aggressively defending herself. This would actually turn out to be a blessing in disguise for the Tartans.
With Donahue on the bench, the Tartans battled to regain their lost momentum and took the initiative. Churchill continued to get behind her defenders while Gutierrez and freshmen Stefanie Brunswick and Allie Frost took turns pressuring the Cardinal defense. With just a few minutes remaining in regulation, Gutierrez hit a terrific shot to the far post that hit the crossbar and Frost was unable to put in the rebound.
The Tartans also had some very tense moments as well in the final ten minutes. As the Cardinals pressed forward, the Tartans committed a silly foul at the top of the penalty area and the hosts were awarded a dangerous free kick. Fortunately, their attempt sputtered harmlessly over the crossbar. In the final minute of play, GK Erika Page chased down an errant Cardinal shot only to have her momentum carry her out of the penalty box giving Santa Paula a free kick less than 25 yards from the Tartan goal. After a miss wide, mercifully, the final whistle blew and put both teams into the overtime period.
CIF-SS playoffs utilize two ten-minute, sudden death overtime periods and then penalty kicks in order to settle tie games after regulation. During the first overtime, the Tartans put the Cardinals under tremendous pressure and did not allow them to mount any sort of attack. Donahue, who came back into the match with two minutes remaining in the game after sitting out for almost thirty minutes after her yellow card, seemed to have fresh legs as she chased down and ran past the hapless Cardinal defense. The score remained 0-0 after the 1st overtime.
In the second overtime, Allie Frost was to be brought on as a substitute for the hard working Gutierrez. Coach Johnny Marmelstein looked Frost in the eyes just before she entered the game and said, “One act of bravery and courage will win this game for us, Allie!” Those words would be prophetic. With less than six minutes remaining in the second overtime, the renewed Donahue easily beat her defender and ran towards to end line before sending an amazing cross to a streaking Allie Frost who clinically and calmly finished her opportunity and sent the Tartan faithful into pandemonium and the team to the semifinals!
Santa Paula finishes their season at 14-5-4 while St. Margaret’s improves to 21-5-1. Sophomore forward Chelsie Churchill earned the game ball for her unselfish play and tremendous work ethic! The Tartans advance to the CIF-SS Semifinals next Tuesday in Lancaster against the three-time defending CIF Champions, Desert Christian. Go Tartans! |  | 2/27/2010 6:58 AM | All Sports | Yes | Upper | |
The Boys Soccer team advanced to the second round of CIF Playoffs by beating CAMS 5-1. The five goals were scored by Fernando Almejo, David Field, Jon Gencarella, Cole Gennrich and Brian Vail were the players that scored. The team plays Tuesday February 23 at home at 3:00 pm against La Sierra Academy.
The Girls Soccer team advanced to the second round by beating Riverside Christian. Although the team did not play their best they stilled managed to win 3-0. Goalie Erika Page had seven saves and recorded the seventeenth shutout of the season. The Girls will play Schurr High School on Wednesday February 24 at home at 3:00 pm.
Go Tartans |  | 2/23/2010 12:01 PM | All Sports | Yes | Upper | |
The Girls Basketball and Girls Soccer teams finished league undefeated. They earned fifth and fourth seeds respectively in the CIF playoffs. The Girls Basketball team (20-2 overall) have a bye in the first round of playoffs. The girls will play the winner of Saddleback Valley Christian and New Roads at home on Saturday Feb. 20th at 7:00pm. The Girls Soccer team (18-4-1 overall) will play the winner of Wednesday’s wild card game between Loma Linda Academy and Riverside Christian on Friday Feb. 19 at 3:00 pm at home.
The Boys Basketball and Boys Soccer teams also made it to the playoffs. The basketball team tied for third an earned an at-large berth to the playoffs. They play Wednesday Feb. 17 at Silver Valley HS at 7:00 pm. If they win they will play on Friday Feb. 19 at 7:00 pm at home. The Boys Soccer team finished second in league and will play CAMS on Thursday Feb. 18 at 3:00 pm at home.
We hope to see you all out there supporting the Tartans during the playoffs.
|  | 2/18/2010 12:42 PM | All Sports | Yes | Upper | |
St. Margaret’s Episcopal School today announced the appointment of Assistant Head Football Coach Rod Baltau to Head Football Coach. Coach Baltau brings extensive high school football experience both as a coach and player, and has coached at St. Margaret’s since 2007.
In a team meeting this afternoon, Director of Athletics Susie Maga announced the news to the team players and coaching staff who erupted into spontaneous cheers, table pounding and applause for their new coach.
Coach Baltau addressed his team for the first time as Head Coach and said, “Staying at St. Margaret’s and accepting this position was an easy decision for me. I don’t want to be anywhere else. This was my first choice; my only choice.” Several team members responded by shouting, “We love you.” Coach Baltau answered, “I love you guys, too.”
Coach Baltau has been an important factor in the Tartans unprecedented success in the last few years that includes four back-to-back CIF Championships (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009), a 2008 CIF State Championship and the longest winning streak in Orange County history, 44-0 (2006-2009). He has served as offensive line coach, defensive end coach, wide receiver coach and quarterback coach in his tenure with the Tartans. Previously, he was the quarterback coach for Canyon High School in Canyon Country, Calif., working with Coach Harry Welch, when the team won the CIF Southern Section title and the CIF Division I State Championship in 2006. Baltau came to St. Margaret’s from Canyon with Coach Welch in 2007.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rod in this new role at St. Margaret’s. He’s an experienced coach with vast knowledge of the game and proven success,” said Maga. “He will maintain stability and continuity within the program. He is enthusiastic about the position, knows our student-athletes well and has earned their respect.
“We share a deep commitment to continue the achievement and reputation that this program has worked so hard to build. He cares not only about the team’s success on the field, but as much about who these young men are off the field. That outlook is extremely important to us as well.”
Headmaster Marcus D. Hurlbut said, “Of paramount importance to us is that Rod understands and embraces the role and philosophy of the Athletic Program at St. Margaret’s. Football is a significant part of our national culture and a rallying point in the life of any school community, ours included. Its core role at St. Margaret’s, however, is instilling in these young men a solid foundation of integrity, sportsmanship, teamwork, achievement and mutual respect as we work to prepare them for healthy and productive lives of learning, leadership and service in the 21st century.”
Football has been an important part of Baltau’s life beginning in high school and through college. He played quarterback on the 46-game winning streak team at Canyon High School in the 1980s and went on to earn a full football scholarship to the University of Texas, El Paso.
“I have never felt so much a part of a community as I do here at St. Margaret’s. I have met so many good people and feel great support from everyone here,” Coach Baltau said after the announcement. “I believe in St. Margaret’s and our shared mission, and I believe in what athletics and football teach a young person about life—there are many lessons to be learned on an athletic field. We are focused on our players being strong students, responsible and contributing citizens and good people, first.”
Looking forward, Coach Baltau said you can expect more of the same from the Tartans. “We’re going to continue the program with not much change. There are so many great things already in place. We plan to continue to out work, out hustle and out prepare. The wins will take care of themselves.”
Coach Baltau takes over the head job from Harry Welch who coached the Tartans from 2007-2009, announcing last week that he will join Santa Margarita High School as Head Football Coach. Baltau said of his predecessor, “I want to thank Harry Welch for bringing me to St. Margaret’s. I would not be here if it weren’t for him. I owe him much gratitude and I wish him all the best at Santa Margarita.”
Prior to his coaching career, Baltau spent many years in the aviation industry working with commercial jet aircraft engines holding various supervisory and managerial positions. He is a California native and lives in San Juan Capistrano, Calif. |  | 1/25/2010 3:10 PM | Varsity Football | Yes | Upper | |
This morning Coach Harry Welch informed us of his intent to leave his position as Head Football Coach at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School, and we understand from reports that he has accepted a similar position with Santa Margarita Catholic High School.
We are saddened by this news as it was our every hope that Harry would remain at St. Margaret’s as our Head Football Coach, a desire we made very clear to him. We do, however, understand that his incredible success and superb coaching talents make him an extremely desirable candidate for many schools, and we respect Harry’s decision to move on.
We cannot underscore enough the many valuable contributions Harry has made to our students, our football program, and our entire school community as Head Football Coach since 2007. He leaves a lasting legacy at St. Margaret’s; we are forever grateful and we wish Harry the very best.
While a chapter is ending here, we know that Harry will continue his impressive record of success at Santa Margarita. We congratulate them, and we’re happy for their community and for what Harry will bring to an already stellar football program. | | 1/21/2010 2:31 PM | All Sports | Yes | Upper | |
After winning their home opener against Fairmont Prep, the Girls’ Varsity Basketball team began the Liberty Christian Tournament hoping to win it for the second straight year. The team was not tested much in their first and second round games against Lennox Academy and Woodland Christian but it was a great opportunity for all the girls to get needed game experience, especially the three freshman and three sophomores on the team. Arreanna Marko started her varsity career with an outstanding tournament grabbing 16 rebounds in the first two games while also playing aggressive defense. Esmeralda Chaidez stepped into her starting role and came up strong with 15 rebounds in the first game and coming up with several key plays in the championship game.
Going into the final game against Western Christian the team knew their opponent would be tougher than their previous two and it was a rematch of the championship game last year. It was a tough battle throughout the first half as Western came out hot from the outside hitting four three pointers. The Tartans held on and went into the half leading due to the great first half play by Kayla Moritzky. She matched Westerns outside shooting shot for shot, scoring 17 first half points. To start the second half the girls came out blazing as Jenny Tedori scored 8 third quarter points matched by the 8 scored by Claire Hosinski. Bernie Luna was outstanding on defense in the second half as she forced several jump balls and came up with 3 steals.
As the Tartans continued to push the ball it also pushed the lead to 20 by the end of the third quarter and went on to a 62-34 victory. Kayla Moritzky ended the game with a team high 25 points, 8 assists and 8 steals earning the Most Valuable Player award for the tournament. Claire Hosinski was awarded All Tournament honors as she finished the game with 14 points, 15 rebounds and 6 blocks. It was an excellent team effort for the entire tournament as the team now moves on to non- league opponents; Laguna Beach, Saddleback Valley Christian and Godinez in the upcoming week. |  | 12/14/2009 9:03 AM | Girls Varsity Basketball | No | Upper | |
For St. Margaret’s Tartans Football, new records are something that seem destined. In a hard-fought battle plagued by heavy rain and muddy conditions, the Tartans Football Team prevailed to win its fourth straight CIF Championship against Ontario Christian High School on the Knights’ field in Ontario. With the Tartans win tonight, the Tartans set a new record as the first football team in Orange County history to win four straight CIF Championships, and join only two other teams who have won four straight in all of California (CIF)–Temple City, 1969-1973, and St. Bonaventure, 1999-2002. The Tartans already hold the record for the longest winning streak in the history of Orange County high school football, 44-0, 2006-2009.
The Tartans defeated the Knights 12-6 in a dramatic East Valley Division final in front of packed stands of the Tartans’ faithful. While the Tartans never trailed at any point in the game, the rain and rough field conditions appeared to be a significant factor for both teams. At the half, the Tartans went into the locker room with a 6-0 lead. In the second half, however, the Knights stopped the Tartans first drive and answered with a touchdown of their own. After a blocked extra point the game was tied, 6-6. The Tartans answered back with another touchdown drive to bring the game to 12-6. A series of slippery turnovers held both teams in the final quarter until the Tartans drove inside the Knights’ 10 with less than a minute to play. As the final seconds ticked off the clock, the Tartans’ fans erupted as the Championship, and new record, was inevitable.
In celebration of their victory, Tartans players, one after another, slid across the muddy 50-yard-line on their stomachs. A thrilling sight that will be a cherished memory of tonight’s historic game.
To read the full game recap from The Orange County Register, click here.
Congratulations Tartans! |  | 12/13/2009 12:17 AM | Varsity Football | Yes | Upper | |
The St. Margaret’s Football team has once again proved that they are a dominant force in the East Valley Division of CIF. Even though the Tartans had to drive 7 hours and play in 22 degree temperatures, they still beat Bishop Union HS 47-6 to advance to the CIF Finals for the 4th year in a row. The Tartans are trying to set an Orange County record for the most consecutive CIF Football Championships. There are only two other schools who have won four in a row, Temple City from 1969-1973 and St. Bonaventure from 1999- 2002. The Tartans will face Ontario Christian on Saturday December 12th. Time and location are to be determined. The team faced Ontario Christian earlier in the season winning 42-0. The Lancers are a much different team now and have added nine players, 3 of which are starters. The Tartans will see a more complete team than they did in October which should add to the excitement of the game.
To read the Orange County Register article, “Hot St. Margaret’s Can’t Be Cooled Off, Storms Into Finals,” click here.
The Booster Club would like to offer a Rooter Bus for the students. Students please stop by Mrs. Fincher’s office or email her at jill.fincher@smes.org to reserve your spot. The seats will be given on a first come first served basis.
We will begin selling tickets for the game on Wednesday, December 9th in the Athletic Office. The cost is $9.00 for an adult and $5.00 for a student. Cash or Check only. You may also purchase tickets at the game.
Go Tartans!
|  | 12/9/2009 4:35 PM | Varsity Football | Yes | Upper | | On Monday, St. Margaret’s Girls Tennis defeated Rio Mesa 12-6 to repeat as 2009 CIF Champions. This was a tough match that came down to the end. From the beginning, Rio Mesa of Oxnard came ready to play. There was no question as to their seat in the CIF Finals. Rio Mesa jumped to an early lead of 4-1 with five sets on the books. Tartans Freshman Zoe Oedekerk was playing the sixth set, trailing 1-4. The Tartan nerves were extremely high until Oedekerk fought back to win the set 7-5, helping her team finish round one 2-4. With the spark from Oedekerk, the reigning CIF Champions settled down and proved why they would persevere to be back to back CIF Champions. After a hard fought loss to the number-one singles player, Melanie Hess took a 4-1 lead over the number two singles player and was able to finish at 6-4. Tartan number one doubles team, Hayley Miller and Hannah Hess, won their second round match 6-1. Miller and Hess went 3-0 on the day only dropping 3 games.
Another big time performance came in the second round when doubles team Katie Fragapane and Michelle Brooks battled Rio Mesa’s number-one doubles team. They won in a tiebreak, 7-6. This started a 5-set winning streak to put the Tartans up 7-5 after two rounds. Going into the third round, the Tartans were looking for at least a tie, hoping to win by games. However, a huge upset by doubles team, Hannah Hurr and Maddie Gottlieb, and another upset from Freshman Zoe Oedekerk, fueled a lopsided victory. Hurr and Gottlieb played great tennis against Rio Mesa’s number-one doubles team and won 6-3. The Tartans were on a roll and Tiffany Chen played outstandingly to beat the number-one singles 6-2. In dramatic fashion, with all eyes on the court, Oedekerk played her third set almost flawlessly. She beat the hard-hitting number-two singles to win 6-4. The Lady Tartans rushed the court, celebrating their 12-6 win and became back to back CIF Champions!
The St. Margaret’s Girls Varsity Tennis team began the season with seven returning players from last year’s Championship team. After finishing last season with an outstanding run of 24 wins and no losses, the team was unsure how they would fare without the four key players from last year. Strong pre-season wins over Mater Dei, Trabuco Hills and Tesoro, however, gave the team confidence. At the end of September, the Tartans once again proved that they were Championship contenders by winning the Sage Hill Invitational Tournament. Strong senior leadership from Melanie Hess, Hanna Hurr and Hayley Miller kept this team striving.
Another key player in this program’s success is Coach Rick Trager. Coach Trager came to St. Margaret’s three years ago guiding both the girls and boys tennis teams through outstanding success. Coach Trager has been coaching for over 25 years having much success with the Tartans. His first year with the girls team, he reached the CIF semifinals and finished second in league. In 2008, he won league and brought home the tennis program’s second CIF title in school history. This season, Coach Trager continued his winning ways completing the year with a 26 match winning streak reaching a total of 50 in a row, a league title and another CIF Championship.
Congratulations to the Girls Tennis Team on an excellent season! To read a story about the team’s victory in The Orange County Register : http://www.ocvarsity.com/sports/margaret-18349-undefeated-victory.html
For more Tartan Tennis, come and cheer on the doubles team, Hayley Miller and Tiffany Cheng, at Seal Beach Tennis Center as they compete in the CIF Individuals on December 3. |  | 12/1/2009 9:14 AM | Girls Varsity Tennis | Yes | Upper | | It was a history making day for the girls cross country team at the CIF Finals on Saturday. The team ran their best race of the season and brought home a runner-up plaque which is the first time in SMES history a cross country team has finished that high at the finals. Leading the charge was junior, Sarah Paddon, who had her best race of the year, finishing in 16th overall in a time of 20:03 ranking her third all-time for St. Margaret’s on the Mt. SAC course. McCaully Patch ran a strong second for the Tartans with a 20:46 clocking for the 3 mile course. Freshman, Alexis Leon was third for the Tartans in her best race of the year setting the St. Margaret’s freshman record on that course with a time of 20:57. Rounding out the top five were sophomore, Katie Keith and senior, Patricia Kharazmi. Katie stepped up big to help secure second place for the team. Patricia has been solid all year and didn’t let up for this race, running her best race of the season. Also running strong races were freshman, Kelsey Patch and Daniella Salazar. The boys and girls teams travel to Fresno for the State Championships this Saturday. It’s been a great year for both teams. |  | 11/23/2009 5:54 PM | Cross Country | Yes | Upper | | All season long the Mountain 'A' volleyball team was told they were one of the best and that they would have an opportunity to be the best. The Tartans took advantage of that opportunity on Thursday night as they defeated St. Hedwig of Los Alamitos in two straight games to win the Parochial Athletic League Championships. In order to get to the finals the team won an amazing semifinal match two days prior against a much taller team from St. Simon and Jude. In that match the team had to learn to fight and stay composed in order to win. Against St. Simon and Jude the Tartans suffered a quick first game loss by a score of 25-10. Never giving up, the team came back strong to win the second game 25-19 and then took the third and deciding game by a score of 15-11. The girls learned from the experience in the semifinals and took that momentum into Thursday night's match. Seventh grader Lindsay Jacobs started the match strong from the service line and got the Tartans out to a quick 4-0 lead. Strong defense and consistent serving helped to keep St. Hedwig from playing their normal game and gave the Tartans a 25-15 in the first game. In the second game, St. Hedwig's started off well, scoring the first few point of the game. With no hesiation, the Tartans sided out and took control of the second game. Again, great defense and aggressive play led the team to a 25-12 victory and their first P.A.L. championship.
Congratulations to the Mountain 'A' team on a great win and an undefeated season of 14-0. Team members include: 7th graders Gabby Axelson, Jenny Morton, Franci Holte, Emily Miller, Lindsay Jacobs, and Peighton McRobie and 8th graders Lauren Burke, Hannah Hunsaker, Brianna Daboub, Harley Olvera, and Julianna Coleman.
|  | 11/20/2009 10:46 AM | MS Girls Volleyball | Yes | Middle | |
The Tartan tennis team has earned the number one seed in the Division IV CIF playoffs. The playoffs begin Thursday November 12th with the Tartans playing the winner of Bellflower vs. Citrus Valley. The match will be at home beginning at 2:00pm. If they win that match they will play again on Saturday, November 14th. The team won the Academy League for the second year in a row. They have compiled an outstanding 45-0 win/loss record and are currently ranked #4 in Orange County. The team had an amazing showing at the Academy League Individuals. Freshman Zoe Oedekerk won the singles title while Halley Miller and Tiffany Cheng won the doubles. Haley and Tiffany played our own doubles team of Melanie Hess and Hanna Hess. The Tartans took home first and second in doubles.
The girl’s volleyball team is ranked second in the Division IV playoffs. They defeated Aquinas in their first round match 25-13, 25-15, 25-17. They will play again on Thursday, November 12th. This is the Tartans 12th league title in the last 14 years. The Tartans are led by senior captains Savannah Holte and Jordan Hopper. |  | 11/13/2009 8:12 AM | All Sports | Yes | Upper | | The boys and girls cross country teams competed at the Orange County Championships last Saturday and showed why both teams are two of the best in the country for Division 5. The girls team ran very well as a team despite having several runners bouncing back from illness. McCaully Patch and Patricia Kharazmi were the front runners for the Tartans while newcomers, Alexis Leon and Emily Venable ran great times in their first race of the season. They earned themselves a coveted spot on the varsity team. The girls are currently ranked fourth in CIF SS for Division 5.
On the boys side, they put together one of their best team efforts of the year with the top five runners all finishing under 18 minutes for three miles. They also finished fifth as a team competing against teams in Divisions Three, Four and Five. By far the best ever finish in the championships for a St. Margaret’s team. Three of the standouts for the Tartans were freshman, Brandon Price who broke legend Ryan Downey’s freshman record on that course, with a time of 17:21. His time broke the old mark, set in 1994 by 14 seconds. Spencer Corwin also put in one of his best efforts breaking into the top ten St. Margaret’s runners all-time on that course, putting himself as the fourth fastest ever, with a time of 16:37. Finally, Billy Gaudreau, finished sixth overall in the varsity race with a time of 16:07, which not only put him in third all-time but also broke the sophomore record for a Tartan runner by one minute. Billy also put his name in the record books by earning a place on the all-county team for sophomores by finishing as the sixth fastest sophomore at the championships. That’s all divisions, one through five. Currently the boys are ranked sixth in a very strong southern section and seventh in the state for Division Five. Look for this team to make some noise at the state meet in November. |  | 10/22/2009 2:18 PM | Cross Country | Yes | Upper | |
Our very own 2008 Tartan CIF Tennis Championship Team has continued its winning ways by capturing the Crown at the Sage Hill Invitational Tournament. The tournament format is a round robin that included Sage Hill, JSERRA, Bishop Gorman from Nevada, Capo Valley Christian and SMES. Sage Hill is ranked 2nd in CIF and Bishop Gorman is ranked #1 in the state of Nevada.
The tournament win was a team effort but five of the Tartans were named to the All-Tournament Team. They are: Tiffany Chang, Melanie Hess, Maddy Gottlieb, Hannah Hurr, and freshman Zoe Oedekerk.
The Tartans are ranked 5th in Orange County and #1 in Division IV of CIF. They are currently 36 – 0 and begin league play on Tuesday September 29th at Brethren Christian. |  | 9/29/2009 4:08 PM | Girls Varsity Tennis | Yes | Upper | |
Your Tartan Volleyball team started off the season with a bang. Playing, for the first time, in the Pasadena Poly Tournament, the team took home the title. The Tartans swept through all of their opponents not dropping a game the entire day. They started off pool play beating Paraclete HS 25-20, 25-19. Savannah Holte had 11 kills, Jordan Hopper had 3 aces and 5 digs while Ali Robinson added 2 kills and 3 blocks. They beat Flintridge Prep in the second game of pool play 25-19, 25-13. Once again the Tartans were led by Holte who had 11 kills and 2 aces. Hopper had 5 kills and 6 digs and Middle Blocker Erika Page had a solid match with 2 aces, 3 kills and 4 digs. To complete pool play the Tartans defeated Western Christian 25-13, 25-17. Hopper had a tournament high 7 aces in the match and Robinson led with 6 kills and 3 blocks.
The Tartans faced Windward of Los Angeles in the Semi-finals of the tournament. The scores of this best out of 3 match was 25-20, 25-22. After being down early the team started playing better with consistent play from all of the team members. Holte had 10 kills and 4 digs, Hopper had 7 kills and 4 digs, while Middle Blocker duo, Robinson and Page added 5 kills each. The Tartans then faced tournament host Pasadena Poly in the final. The match started off easy for the Tartans where they stretched their lead to 10 – 2, but the Panthers fought back and brought the score to 16-14 before the Tartans woke up again. The first game ended at 25-18. The second game the team played more consistent and won 25-18 as well. Holte had 11 kills and 6 digs, Hopper had 7 kills and 7 digs while Robinson added 4 kills and 4 blocks. Libero Brooke Grogan played great all day finishing with a total of 26 digs. Setter Emily Moore played outstanding and was even an offensive threat with 8 kills on the day. Jordan Hopper and Emily Moore were named to the All-Tournament Team while senior Savannah Holte was named Tournament MVP.
The Tartans have a big week ahead with two home games on Monday and Tuesday and then their second and final tournament on Friday and Saturday at the Orange County Championships. We hope to see you at the games. |  | 9/13/2009 9:33 PM | Girls Varsity Volleyball | Yes | Upper | |
The boys’ volleyball season finally came to end last week. Competing in the first ever State Regional Championship, the Tartans fell to Francis Parker of San Diego in three straight games. The loss was only the fifth of the season for the Tartans who accumulated an impressive 18-5 overall record, with all but one loss coming from higher division teams. The 2009 season was the longest ever for the boys’ volleyball program and even early on they proved why they would be one of the top teams in the division. In March, the team competed in and won the SLO Town Tourney, a Division II tourney held at San Luis Obispo High. Earning All-Tournament honors were Harley Frost, Kory Kiraly, and Woody Quinn (MVP). Over the next two months the Tartans proved time and time again to be one of the best, storming through division play and winning 13 matches in a row, including going undefeated in league play and winning the Chadwick Tourney. At this tournament, juniors Woody Quinn and Kory Kiraly (MVP) were named to the All-Tournament team. The teams’ stellar play continued in the playoffs as the Tartans rolled through their first four opponents without dropping a game. In the CIF Finals the Tartans faced a tough Salesian team and eventually dropped the match in four games, with the first three being very close. Congratulations to the team on an amazing season and what will hopefully becoming a winning tradition for the boys’ volleyball program. The following players earned All-League and All-CIF honors: Woody Quinn: Co-MVP of the Academy League and 1st Team All-CIF, Kory Kiraly: 1st Team All-League and 1st Team All-CIF, Harley Frost: 1st Team All-League and 1st Team All-CIF, Kristian Kiraly: 2nd Team All-League and 3rd Team All-CIF, Kevin Wang: 2nd Team All-League, and Alex Fragapane: 2nd Team All-League. |  | 6/15/2009 10:58 AM | Boys Varsity Volleyball | Yes | Upper | |
The St. Margaret's track and field season came to an end this past Saturday at the CIF Southern Section Finals at Cerritos College. St. Margaret's lone competitor, senior, Jose Nevarez, concluded his stellar career by finishing forth in the 800m run. Jose’s time of 1:56.87 was his personal best and set the school record, which he had broken and set four times previously this season. Jose leaves behind quite a legacy in the 800m having demolished the previous school record by more than four seconds (2:01.67 by Smith in 2004) in his high school career. In addition, Jose has impacted the SMES record books in other events as well. This season he sprinted to second place on the all time 400m list (51.39) and was a member of the 4 x 100 team of 2007 (44.85), which is first on the all time list. Jose will be attending Lewis and Clark College, in Portland, Oregon where he will be competing on their cross country and track and field teams. Jose’s leadership and competitive spirit will be sorely missed here at SMES next year. |  | 5/27/2009 11:51 AM | Track&Field | Yes | Upper | |
The boys volleyball team travelled to Montebello on Friday and won their quarterfinal match against Cantwell Sacred Heart in 3 straight games. Starting off strong, the Tartans won the first game by a score of 25-13. Cantwell came back strong in the second game, using the home court advantage and a very excited crowd to keep the game close. Not to be outdone, the Tartans finished the game strong and eventually won 25-21. Using the momentum gained in the second game, Cantwell started off the third game by playing their best volleyball of the night and taking an early lead. The game was back and forth all the way to the very end, with Cantwell having three different opportunities to win the game. Never quitting, the Tartans fought off every game point to win a thrilling third game by a score of 29-27. The win was the 16th straight for the team, who will now play Flintridge Prep in the CIF semifinals at home on Wednesday, May 27 at 7 PM. Come support the Tartans on the road to the CIF finals!! |  | 5/23/2009 1:03 PM | Boys Varsity Volleyball | Yes | Upper | |
Sophomore Jessie Warren competed in the Div. III CIF Championships Tuesday, May 12th at Claremont McKenna College. There were 15 divers that she competed against and she was one of only three underclassman in the group. Jessie has been a long time gymnast but just started diving about a 16 months ago.
Jessie also placed first during the Academy League meet. There were other Tartan swimmers who won league championships as well. Cameron Price finished first in both the 200 free and 500 free races. Carina Prynn was the league champion in the 100 Breast. Both Cameron and Carina will be top contenders at the Division III CIF meet held this Thursday, May 14th at Mount San Antonio College. Cameron will compete in the 200 IM and 500 free, Carina will compete in the 100 Breast, and Freshman Mary Ahearn will compete in the 200 IM & 100 butterfly.
Congratulations to Jessie and all the Tartan Swimmers! |  | 5/13/2009 1:10 PM | All Sports | Yes | Upper | |
Anna Maria Carabini
St. Margaret's
One of the senior captains, Carabini is headed to play Division I lacrosse at St. Mary's next year, according to Coach Summer Crabtree.
"She is an outstanding leader on our team," Crabtree said. "Anna Maria plays defensive wing but has made large contributions on the attacking end as of late. In the past four games she scored 13 goals, had one assist, had five draw controls, and scooped up 10 groundballs
"She is one of the most talented and enthusiastic players in Orange County. She is always willing to help out a teammate or even a competitor." |  | 5/6/2009 10:38 AM | Girls Varsity Lacrosse | Yes | Upper | |
The 2009 Girls lacrosse team has worked incredibly hard this season. In beating JSerra this past Friday, they finished league play with a strong 9-0 record securing a #7 overall bid for the playoffs. They will play the #10 seed, Laguna Hills High School tomorrow afternoon at St. Margarets 3:30. They strive to improve with every game and they have strong goals and passion heading into the US Lacrosse Southern Section playoffs.
The 2009 Boy’s lacrosse team had a tough early league start losing to both JSerra and Santa Margarita in overtime. At the conclusion of the second half of league play, the boys defeated both JSerra and Santa Margarita by five goals each. They have secured a three way tie for the Trinity League title and the higher seed entering the playoffs. They are coming off a five game win streak and are very confident going into tomorrow night’s US Lacrosse Southern Section playoff game against Northwood High at St. Margarets at 5:30 |  | 5/5/2009 9:20 AM | All Sports | Yes | Upper | |
The greatest vollyball player in the game’s history has another accolade to put on his mantleplace: U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame member.
San Clemente’s Karch Kiraly, with three Olympic gold medals, more career victories, prize money and awards than any other beach volleyball player was voted into the Olympic Hall of Fame last month, the hall announced Tuesday.
Kiraly will be part of a stellar group inducted June 19 in Chicago. Kiraly was selected along with boxer Oscar De La Hoya, ice skater Brian Boitano, former Dream Team member and NBA superstar David Robinson, marathoner Joan Benoit Samuelson, swimmer Amy Van Dyken and the 1996 women’s gymnastics team.
Kiraly’s almost 30-year career ended last season.He currently coaches the St. Margaret’s school volleyball team in San Juan Capistrano and runs the Kiraly Academy. He also began the U.S. Open of Beach Volleyball last summer.
“We at the AVP could not be prouder of Karch,” said Leonard Armato, commissioner and CEO of the AVP Crocs Tour. “Karch has been a great ambassador for the sport of beach volleyball and he deeply deserves this honor. He truly represents the spirit of the Olympic Movement.”
-OCRegister
Thank you to all of you who voted for Karch - we appreciate all your support. | | 4/22/2009 1:24 PM | All Sports | | Upper | | | | 4/22/2009 1:24 PM | Girls Varsity Golf | | Upper | |
The St. Margaret's volleyball team had a great weekend at the Dave Mohs OC Championships. They won their first two matches in pool play on Friday and then met the number one seed Saturday morning. Notre Dame Prep was State Champions in Arizona last year and were a much larger team than the fighting Tartans. St. Margaret's played excellent defense to shock the number one seed and win 25-23, 25-23. The girls notched 25 digs in the two games. Here are the stats from the game: Jordan Hopper 5 kills and 6 digs, Savannah Holte 7 kills and 5 digs and Christina Hart 6 kills and 6 digs. Setter Alyssa Hopper had 20 assists. Steady and consistent play frustrated ND and gave the Tartans a win.
With winning the pool the Tartans were placed in a playoff bracket with the other first and second place pool play finishers from the tournament. The Tartans faced Simi Valley High School who was the second place finisher from their pool. With starting middle blocker, Christina Hart gone for a soccer game, sophomore Erica Page stepped up for the squad. In her debut as MB, Erica tallied 8 kills and a solo block. Strong defense and passing also frustrated Simi but they managed to hold on to the victory in three games 17-25, 25-23, 10-15. Savannah Holte had a great match with 9 kills and 9 digs. Freshman Emily Moore also played well adding 3 kills, 2 digs, a solo block and an assist. Jane McGraw had 4 digs. |  | 4/22/2009 1:24 PM | Girls Varsity Volleyball | | Upper | |
Come Friday night to watch the Tartan Football Team play Whittier Christian. The Heralds are currently 2-1 with wins over Cochrane HS in Canada and Savanna HS from Anaheim. Whittier Christian is currently ranked 9th in the Mid-Valley Division and the Tartans are ranked number one in the East Valley Division. Last year the Tartans beat the Heralds 35-19.
Tartan Field 7:00 PM Kick- Off Friday September 26 |  | 4/22/2009 1:24 PM | Varsity Football | | Upper | |
The girls Tennis program has started off the season exceptionally well. They are currently 6-0 winning all matches against opponents in higher divisions. A few of their big wins came against Laguna Beach HS (10-8), JSERRA (14-4) and Santa Margarita (11-7). Santa Margarita is ranked 10th in the CIF polls for Division 1. SMES is ranked number one in Division 4 and for the first time in program history the OC Register has ranked us 6th in the County. This is a top 10 list that the OC Register sports department ranks for all the schools, no matter what division, in Orange County.
The Tartans are led by two tough doubles teams in Mary-Rachel Walsh/Alli Davis and Haley Miller/Hannah Hess. The team starts league play this week by playing Oxford Academy at home on Tuesday Oct. 7th at 3:15. The Tartans have not won league since 2005 due to cross town rival Sage Hill. In an earlier tournament match the Tartans beat Sage Hill 6-3.
Come watch these outstanding ladies in action! | | 4/22/2009 1:24 PM | All Sports | | Upper | | The girls tennis team is off to a great start. Check out this great article on OCVarsity.
| | 4/22/2009 1:24 PM | Girls Varsity Tennis | | Upper | |
Player of the Week
Allie Davis and Mary Rachel Walsh
St. Margaret's High School
The senior duo captured the momentum in a showdown with Academy League rival Sage Hill by sweeping their doubles matches.
The wins propelled the Tartans to a 10-8 victory over the Lightning on Friday at the Balboa Bay country club and put their team in prime position to win the league title. | | 4/22/2009 1:24 PM | Girls Varsity Tennis | | Upper | | Our own Coach Welch was interviewed by Paul J. Higgins of AIM Sports. This is a great interview that really captures the essence of Coach Welch and St. Margaret's. It is a two part interview so make sure that you see it all.
Go Tartans!
| | 4/22/2009 1:24 PM | Varsity Football | | Upper | | |  | 4/22/2009 1:24 PM | Varsity Football | | Upper | |
The St. Margaret’s Tennis team earned the number one seed in Division IV and will begin match play on Thursday November 13th. They will play the winner of a “Wild Card” match that will be played Tuesday against Mayfair and Lancaster. The Tartans will play at home (Rancho San Clemente Racquet Club) on Thursday at 3:00. To see the entire bracket please click on the link below.
http://athletics.smes.org/docs/gtennis.pdf
The Tartan Volleyball team received a bye in their first round match and will begin playoffs on Thursday November 13th. The team will play the winner of Ontario Christian and Providence at home on Thursday at 7:00 PM. To see the entire bracket please click on the link below.
http://athletics.smes.org/docs/gvball.pdf
|  | 4/22/2009 1:24 PM | Girls Varsity Tennis | | Upper | |
Both of the Tartan cross country teams are ranked in the top ten in the state for division five. The latest rankings have the boy’s team ranked ninth in the state and the girl’s team has jumped from tenth to third in the state. It has been a great season for both of the Tartan cross country teams. It started way back in June with our summer training. We had a record turnout with a lot of new faces eager to test themselves. The racing season started in early September and both teams got off to a strong start. The boy’s team started off the season with a lot of new faces and experience levels but soon got their racing legs under them and made other league teams stand up and notice that they were ready to compete for a league title.
As the season progressed they rounded into shape and earned a second place finish at league finals as well as an 8th place ranking in CIF southern section. The experts also notice their talent level and ranked them 9th in the state for division five. The boys finished second in their heat at the CIF Prelims which earned them a spot in the finals giving them a chance to qualify for state finals in Fresno over Thanksgiving weekend.
On the girls side two of our top five runners graduated leaving a bit of a gap to fill. It was quickly filled by a group of freshmen and newcomers to the sport. They all worked very hard and the girl’s team didn’t miss a beat. Tasha Pavlovich started the year breaking the school record at the Woodbridge course running a time of 18:48 for three miles. She also went on to break several other school records throughout the year making her one of the top runners in St. Margaret’s cross country history. The girls won their second consecutive league title (third in four years) and went on to finish second at the CIF prelims qualifying them for CIF finals. This will give them a great chance to go to the state finals in Fresno for the fourth consecutive year. The coaches are very proud of both teams’ attitude and effort and look forward to a great future. |  | 4/22/2009 1:24 PM | Cross Country | | Upper | |
The girls tennis team is in the CIF Finals on Monday November 24th at 1:30 at Claremont Tennis Club in Claremont, California. The County’s 3rd ranked team and the Division IV #1 seed will face league rival Sage Hill. This will be the fourth meeting of the two top seeded squads. They first met in Sage Hill’s tournament where the Tartans defeated Sage 6-3.
In league play on October 23rd the Tartans also won in a very close match 10-8. Just six days later they faced again with the Tartans coming up victorious at 14-4. Sage Hill is seeded second in the division where they had easy wins over South Hills, Oxnard, Cajon HS, and Walnut High School. This will surely be an exciting match. Come support the Tennis team on Monday.
Go Tartans! |  | 4/22/2009 1:24 PM | Girls Varsity Tennis | | Upper | |
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The Tartans drove to Yucca Valley for a hard fought CIF Quarter-Final game on Friday November 28th. The first half proved to be a defensive battle with both teams stopping each other on the 1 yard line. The Tartans struck first, in the second quarter, when David Mothander connected a 67 yard pass to J.T. Carpenter. Mothander than threw to Alex Brolick for a 15 yard catch that landed him in the endzone.
Matthew Duenes who ran for 150 yards on the night had an outstanding run for 48 yards towards the end of the second quarter. This set up a one yard sneak by Mothander for the second touchdown of the night.
In the second half the Trojans of Yucca Valley fought back and scored on a 25-yard pass into the end zone. But, the Tartans answered in the fourth quarter with a 23-yard field goal from Mothander.
The Tartans win streak is now at 40 and they hope to reach Mission Viejoʼs mark of 41 in a row this Friday night, December 5th. The Tartans will play host to Maranatha of Pasadena. Maranatha beat Big Bear 23-22 in overtime.
The Tartans will play at home at 7:30 PM on Friday December 5th. | | | 4/22/2009 1:24 PM | Varsity Football | Yes | Upper | |
Senior Quarterback David Mothander has been named as the OC Register's Scholar-Athlete of the week for the week of December 1st. Congratulations David! Click Here for OCvarsity.com Article. |  | 4/22/2009 1:24 PM | Varsity Football | No | Upper | |
Tonight SMES plays Maranatha High School in the East Valley CIF Semi final game. In 2006 the Tartans beat the Minuetemen 21-20 in overtime to clinch the first 11 man CIF Championship in football. Last year the Tartans beat them twice; out scoring them 109-21 in a non-league game and in the playoffs. The Minuetmen were minus their QB Matt Schiltz (broken femur) who has verbally committed to Kansas State a D1 college program so the defense will be tested more tonight than perhaps any game this year.
This year the team has scored more than 600 points in 12 games and only allowed 59 points, that is less than 5 points a game. Last week against Yucca Valley a school more than 4X the size of St. Margaret's with 1,700 students, played the most physical football probably ever. The Tartans defense faced an O line that averaged 275 pounds, with 2 players at 295 each.
If the Tartans can win tonight it would put them not only in the small school finals next Friday night, they would tie the longest winning streak in the county at 41 games held by Mission Viejo High School. Currently the Tartans are ranked #1 in the state by CIF for the small school division, which means there is a good chance of them being selected in the small school state championship bowl game, which will be on 12/19. This is the first time in CIF history there is small school bowl championship game.
Come support the Football team tonight at 7:30 PM on the Tartan Field. |  | 4/22/2009 1:24 PM | Varsity Football | Yes | Upper | |
It took 2 overtimes and a shoot out to decide the Linfield Chrisitian Tournament Final, but the Tartans pulled out victorious, claiming the Championship.
Aaron Victorson stumped a shooter in the penalty round to seal the victory for the Tartans after Colin Shaffer cleanly finished his penalty attempt to set it at 5-4.
The Tartans' defense was stellar all tournament only allowing 4 scores over four matches. Sophmore Colin Shaffer earned tournament defensive MVP and Senior goaltender Aaron Victorson was named to the All Tournament team.
Brian Vail was man of the match for all of the tournament contributing 8 goals including a game winner with a minute left to play against Saddleback Valley and the two goals in regulation in the final.
Freshmen Cole Gennrich and David Field played tough in the middle. Field earned All Tournament honors for his efforts.
The Tartans continue thier pre-season schedule this Tuesday against Ontario Christian at Rancho Capistrano at 3:15pm.
|  | 4/22/2009 1:24 PM | Boys Varsity Soccer | Yes | Upper | |
The Tartans are the CIF East Valley Division Champions after they defeated Twentynine Palms 17-3. But there is more football action as the mighty Tartans earned a ticket to the CIF State Bowl game. The Tartans will face Hamilton Union High School representing the Northern Section of CIF on Friday, December 19th at 4:30 PM at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA. Tickets are $15.00 for an adult and $8.00 for children/students/and seniors. Tickets can be purchased in the Tartan Athletic Office starting Tuesday, December 16th. |  | 4/22/2009 1:24 PM | Varsity Football | Yes | Upper | | The Girls’ Varsity Basketball team began its season with a tough loss against Fairmont Prep and looked ahead and saw it had 7 games in a 10 day span—wow—this could be rough beginning for this young team! The first few games of the Liberty Christian Tournament didn’t pose too much of a problem as the entire team was able to get quality minutes and each player posted numbers in the scorebook.
The team then faced Orangewood Academy, a more athletic team then the others, but the Tartans battled hard and came away with the victory. Freshmen Jenny Tedori made a statement in the game with sixteen points and nine steals. Each game the young freshmen on the team were getting more confidence and those who joined from their fall sports were getting their rhythm back on the court.
The Tartans had earned their place in the championship game against a sharp shooting, faced paced Western Christian team. Western got out to an early lead and kept the Tartan on their heels most of the first half. A late first half surge by the Tartans cut the lead to six at halftime and the girls were determined to come out strong in the second half. Two long bombs by Western to open the second half gave them an eleven point lead once again but the Tartans responded with their own great shooting by Kayla Moritzky and Jen Tedori. Claire Hosinski was huge on the boards grabbing seventeen rebounds and coming up with ten important second half points. Ali Robinson played a key defensive role in the one- three- one while Evelyn Morfin made a key defensive play in the fourth quarter to break the game open and the Tartans never looked back from there to bring home the championship trophy.
Kayla Moritzky was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament and Claire Hosinski earned All Tournament honors for her play throughout the week. The team with play Laguna Beach, Godinez and Saddleback Valley Christian before taking a few days off for the Christmas break –a well deserved few days off for all! |  | 4/22/2009 1:24 PM | Girls Varsity Basketball | No | Upper | |
On Friday the 16th we will have six teams traveling to Oxford Academy. The Boy’s Varsity Basketball team, who has a record of 8-6 with a league record of 2-1, will be taking on an Oxford team that is 0-2 in league play. Despite the record, this will be no easy task being the visiting school. The boy’s JV Basketball team will be challenged by an Oxford team that is 1-1 in league play.
The Girl’s Varsity Basketball team has compiled an impressive 13-3 overall record including a big league win against Brethren 50-45 and are currently 3-0 in league play. They will be tested without Kayla Moritzky against Oxford’s girls who are 2-0 in league. The JV girls will take their 1-3 league record against Oxford’s 0-1 league record.
The Girl’s Varsity Soccer team who is 9-5 overall and 3-0 in league has outscored their league opponents 15-0 in the last three games. Oxford’s girls are 1-0 in league so this is a big game for league standings. The JV girls are 2-0 in league play and recently defeated Brethren Christian 1-0 to put them at 2-0 in league. The Oxford JV girls are 0-1.
Boy’s Soccer is 9-2-1 overall and 2-1 in league including a loss against Sage Hill 1-0 that was ended early due to fog. They are coming off a big league victory over Brethren Christian 4-0. Oxford’s boys are 2-0 in league which makes this a crucial game for both teams in league play. The JV boys are 1-1-2 overall with a big win over league opponent Brethren Christian 2-1 and Oxford’s JV boys have played no league games. |  | 4/22/2009 1:24 PM | All Sports | Yes | Upper | |
January 20, 2009, a day in history for all to remember: the City Council of San Juan Capistrano honored the Tartans for their year like no other. The achievements and honors included: victors in the inaugural C.I.F. Small School State Championship, the first C.I.F. state championship in the history of San Juan Capistrano, C.I.F. Champions for the third consecutive year, Academy League Champions for the sixth consecutive year, state of California's longest winning streak (43 consecutive victories), Orange County's longest winning streak ever, the fifth longest winning streak in the United States, third consecutive undefeated season, the first team in Orange County history to go 15-0, the number one scoring team in the state, the highest scoring team in Orange County history, the number one scoring defense in the state.
David Mothander was the Academy League's Kicker of the Year, CIF Offensive Player of the Year, All State, and All American.
Alex Brolick was the Academy League's Defensive Most Valuable Player, CIF Co-Defensive Player of the Year, and All State.
Jeremy Baileys was All Academy League, CIF Co-Defensive Player of the Year, and All State.
John Murayama was the Academy League's Offensive Most Valuable Player, and All CIF.
Chasen Smith was the Academy League's Lineman of the Year, All CIF, and All State.
Colfax Selby was All Academy League, All CIF and All State.
Mack Santora was All Academy League and All State.
Freddie Valencia was All Academy League and All CIF.
Jeff Askin was All Academy League and All CIF.
JT Carpenter was All Academy League and All CIF.
Michael Schmall was All Academy League and All CIF.
Chris Adams was All Academy League and All CIF.
Will Findiesen, Leo Garcia, Austin Holden and Connor McClure were also All Academy League.
Coach Harry Welch was the Academy League, the CIF, and the State Coach of the Year.
| | 4/22/2009 1:24 PM | Varsity Football | Yes | Upper | |
Four years after its creation the SMES wrestling team has captured the runner up position in the newly created Alpha League. But what led up to this exceptional accomplishment? The team’s dedication, love, hard work and phenomenal coaching gave the team the edge needed to be a CIF worthy competitor.
In its first year the SMES wrestling team was a noncompeting team focused on sharpening its technique and learning the exciting sport of wrestling. Since then the team has been unstoppable with three consecutive winning seasons. SMES wrestlers have continuously upheld good sportsmanship and have shown great athletic abilities on and off the mat. Everyday this season the wrestlers have been dedicated to their sport becoming better wrestlers everyday.
With new talent coming from the freshman class, and leadership from the seniors, this team has a strong foundation rooted in its desire to be the best program it can be. Last Wednesday the wrestlers had their most impressive performance to date. They competed with a high level of ferocity that allowed them to win eight medal rounds, four of them Individual League Championship. Noteworthy wrestlers include Andrew Balcof (125lbs) a sophomore, who had two matches where he crushed his opponents with first round pins despite a vertebrae injury that left him unable to train for three weeks prior to the event.
Another outstanding young man who placed first was senior Rowley Rice (135lbs), with one pin and a nail biting third round victory. The most exciting win of the day came from Stefan Toubia (215lbs), a senior who showed his intimidating and far stronger opponent that no matter the situation technique and the will to win always perseveres. Senior, Cole Saladino (152lbs) our final league champion, had the hardest match of the day due to his inconvenient epistaxis (bloody nose) that looked like something out of a “slasher” movie. Wrestlers who placed second in League include Will Travis (130lbs), Chris Guichet (140lbs), Alex Hope (171lbs) and Jose Nevarez (145lbs).
The Tartans wrestlers that medaled for their respective weights will look to continue wrestling for individual post-season achievements in two weeks at the CIF individual Championships at John Glenn HS in Norwalk, CA February 20th and February 21st. Look for the Tartan wrestlers to be making more news in the days and years ahead. |  | 4/22/2009 1:24 PM | Wrestling | Yes | Upper | |
All five of the Winter sports had outstanding seasons. We had 3 League Championships and two runner-up finishes. Playoffs begin this week and we would love to have you come out and support the Tartans. The Boys basketball team, who is seeded eighth in Division VA, will play host to Avalon High School, Wednesday February 18 at 7:00 pm in the Pasternack Field House. If they win they will play again on Friday, opponent and site yet to be determined. The Girls soccer team finished the regular season as Academy League Champions and start playoffs seeded fourth in Division VI. They play Citrus Hill High School Thursday February 19 at 3:15 pm on the Tartan Field. The Boys soccer team was also Academy League Champions and head into playoffs as the third seeded team in Division VII. They play Friday February 20 at 5:30 pm against Pilgrim High School at home. Our wrestling team is sending four wrestlers to compete in the CIF Individuals at John Glen HS in Norwalk on Friday February 20th as well. To round out the winter teams the Girls Basketball team, who is seeded eighth in Division VA earned a first round bye and will begin play on Saturday February 21st. The team will face the winner of New Roads vs. Riverside Christian at 7:30 pm in the Pasternack Field House.
This is an exciting time for Tartan athletics - Come be a part of it! |  | 4/22/2009 1:24 PM | All Sports | Yes | Upper | |
This past week has been very busy for the Winter sports teams. The wrestling team sent five wrestlers to the CIF Individuals. Jacob Garret, Rowly Rice, Cole Saladino, Stefan Toubia and Nick Tsutsui all competed. This first time experience was a great experience for the team. Senior Nick Tsutsui was the first wrestler for St. Margaret’s to ever set foot on a CIF mat, and was also the first ever to win a bout in CIF individual competition.
Nick went on winning two of his four matches of the day, and just barely missed the mark to move on to the medal rounds, losing a match in the third round of consolation. Senior Stefan Toubia wrestled an amazing first round bout pummeling his opponent for three periods and winning the match with a large margin in points. Stefan managed to get the second farthest when he was beaten in the later rounds of the consolation.
Boys Basketball reached the second round of CIF and played Siera Canyon at home. The boys put up a tough fight but fell short 46-49. The Girls Basketball team reached the quarterfinals after beating Riverside Christian 56-45. The team came up against the number one seed, Bell-Jeff, and lost.
Boys soccer traveled for their second round game to St. Monica. It was a tough fight but the Tartans won 2-0. Next up for the team is a quarterfinal match against Avalon at Avalon on Friday February 26.
The Girls soccer team had an outstanding win in their quarterfinal match beating Calvary Murrieta 1-0. In the first few minutes of the game, Murrieta’s goal keeper earned a red card which caused the Lancers to play a man down the rest of the game. In the middle of the second half freshman, Chelsie Churchill, drew a foul and McCally Patch took advantage of the penalty and kicked a beautiful shot into the upper right corner of the goal. The Tartans will travel to San Jacinto, the number one seed in the Division, in the semifinal match Tuesday March 3rd. |  | 4/22/2009 1:24 PM | All Sports | Yes | Upper | |
February 20th, St Margaret's wrestling team traveled up to John Glenn High School to compete in the CIF individuals’ tournament. Six wrestlers had the opportunity to compete Friday, at the first CIF tournament St. Margaret's four-year-old team has ever competed in. Seniors Nick Tsutsui, Stefan Toubia, Cole Saladino, and Rowley Rice, along with junior Alex Hope, and freshman sensation Jacob Garrett were all given the opportunity to wrestle. Senior Nick Tsutsui was the first wrestler for St. Margaret’s to ever set foot on at CIF mat, and was also the first ever to win a bout in CIF individual competition. Nick went on winning two of his four matches in the day, and just barely missed the mark to move on to the medal rounds losing a match in the third round of consolation. Senior Stefan Toubia wrestled an amazing first round bout pummeling his opponent for three periods and winning the match with a large margin in points. Stefan managed to get the second farthest when he was beaten in the later rounds of the consolation.
Senior, Captain Rowley Rice had a tough draw early on wrestling a top seeded wrestler in the first round but battled back in his second match, which would have gone into overtime, and possibly earning him a victory, if it weren’t for the referee prematurely calling points. The two point takedown that was awarded to Rowley’s opponent should have been given to Rowley but were then waived off and given to his opponent, making the score uneven and pushing Rowley away from a possible win.
Junior Alex Hope was battling the flu which led to him being unable to take the mat and forced to forfeit his bouts on the day.
Freshmen Jacob Garrett was the youngest St. Margaret’s wrestler to compete that day, making it to the second round before being eliminated. With the way he has wrestled this season it’s certain that he has a promising future with the sport of Grappling. The team went into the day not knowing what was going to come out of it. But overall even if the wrestlers did not make it as far as they might have wanted, they went home knowing that they wrestled their hardest. | | 4/22/2009 1:24 PM | Wrestling | No | Upper | | On Saturday, the Tartan boys’ volleyball team showed what they can do by winning the SLO Town Tourney; a tournament with mainly Division II teams that is hosted by San Luis Obispo High. Despite a slow start in pool play, the team rallied to take first in their pool with an overall record of 4-2. In the playoffs, the Tartans beat Madera from Fresno, only to face a San Luis Obispo team which beat SMES in a Friday night match in 4 games. The Tartans came alive against San Luis, defeating the Tigers 25-14 and being led at the net by freshmen middle blocker Nick Adams, who shut down their offense with 3 blocks in one game. Building off that momentum, the Tartans defeated Rio Mesa in the semifinals by a score of 25-18. In the finals, the Tartans faced division I California High School from northern California. Visibly tired, the Tartans found themselves down 12-3 with no timeouts left. Steady serving, consistent passing, and smart hitting allowed the Tartans to fight their way back into the game, storming back to tie it up 18-18. Never looking back, the mighty Tartans continued to roll, finishing off their unbelievable comeback and defeating California by a final score of 25-23, ending the game by outscoring the opposition 22-11. The win was the true definition of a team effort, as all nine players contributed to the victory. Named to the all-tournament team were senior Harley Frost, who tallied 27 kills on the day and junior Kory Kiraly, who dished out 103 assists and kept the offense rolling. Junior Woody Quinn was named tournament MVP and led the Tartan offense by totaling 36 kills for the day. The Tartans look to continue their stellar play at home this week, facing division I JSerra on Tuesday at 5 pm and Tarbut V’ Torah on Thursday at 5 pm. |  | 4/22/2009 1:24 PM | Boys Varsity Volleyball | Yes | Upper | |
The winners of the Annual CIF Southern Section Academic Awards program have been announced. The team awards, based on a cumulative grade point average, are awarded in 22 sports. To be considered, teams must have a minimum 3.0 GPA average (4.0 scale) in college-prep courses in the first semester of the 2008-2009 school year. The highest team GPA in each sport determines the winner. Schools are divided into two enrollment categories, 1500 and above and 1499 and below. The team with the highest GPA in each enrollment category for each sport is the winner.
Your St. Margaret’s Tartans have three teams that earned this prestigious honor. The three teams are: The Girls’ Swim Team which led all schools with a team GPA of 3.905, the Boys’ Soccer team with a 3.792 GPA and our Football team with a GPA of 3.611. It is also remarkable how successful these teams did in competition as well. The Boys’ Soccer team reached the semi-finals of the CIF playoffs and the Football team was CIF and State Champions. Other notable teams are our Boys Volleyball team whom came in second behind league opponent Whitney, with a 3.603 GPA. The Wrestling Team, who won this award the past two years, placed third this year with a 3.352 GPA. Baseball came in fourth, Girls Track and Field and Girls Volleyball both placed fifth in their respective sports.
Congratulations to our incredible student-athletes. Once again, you have made us proud.
| | 4/22/2009 1:24 PM | All Sports | Yes | Upper | |
On Saturday the boys volleyball team won the Chadwick Invitational Tournament, played at Chadwick High School in Palos Verdes. This is the second tournament title for the Tartans this season and the second consecutive year that they have won the Chadwick Invitational. A strong start to the day allowed the team to take 1st in pool play with a record of 5-1. In the semifinals, the Tartans took care of North High School from Torrance, a division IV team, by a score of 25-19. In the finals, the Tartans faced El Segundo, the 6th ranked team from division IV, with whom the Tartans had split with in pool play earlier in the day. Consistent passing and a key block from Kevin Wang near the end of the match made for an exciting final as the Tartans pulled out the victory defeating El Segundo 25-23. Junior Woody Quinn was named to the All-Tournament team while fellow Junior Kory Kiraly was named tournament MVP. Congratulations on another great weekend!! Come cheer on the Tartans as they play at Sage Hill on Tuesday at 5:30 pm for an important league match. |  | 4/22/2009 1:24 PM | Boys Varsity Volleyball | Yes | Upper |
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