Friday, October 2, 2009

Katherine ZhaoStaff Writer

Student Pass Rate on the Rise

Melody MakifiA&E Editor

Crazy colors, outrageous outfits, fantastic enthusiasm; this can only mean one thing. It’s Homecoming at Valley Christian! With a new twist to the annual Spirit Week, students worked extra hard to make sure they made their class proud. Typical “dress up” points were available however, new additions were made. Points were given in the new categories of game attendance, quad activities and rally spirit. Every year the student body at Valley Christian High School celebrates a week of fun and exciting activities in preparation for the Homecoming football game. During the week the official Homecoming court is announced, along with voting for the Homecoming king and

queen. The Homecoming king and queen will be announced, along with the winners of Spirit Week, during half time of the varsity football game on Saturday.

Spirit Week consisted of five fun dress up days for each class to demonstrate their class spirit. Monday was pajama day where students came to school with robes, slippers, pillows and even footsie pajamas. Tuesday was tie-dye day; students came to school with unique colors and varieties of tie-dye clothing items. From purses, shirts, shorts, headbands and jewelry, the Valley campus was filled with illuminating colors. Wednesday was a new addition to Spirit Week, “white out” which made the week even more exciting. Students and staff

showed off their spirit by dressing in white from head to toe. Following that was “throw back” Thursday where students chose a generation from the past to represent. From the 50s to the 90s, students dressed up in hippie clothes and retro neon colors to celebrate “throw back” Thursday. Friday was “theme day” where students dressed up to show off their class pride. Also introduced, was the school spirit stick, which will be awarded to the winning class. This year, students had a blast with their first chance to show off their VC pride, a bit of a change from years past. Be sure and join the Valley student body for the big game against Mitty on Saturday night!

Valley Christian High School has always prided itself in giving its students the most intensive, rigorous college preparatory programs possible, giving students the best chance at a bright future. With the return of the last round of AP tests, the hard working teachers and staff can honestly say that they are achieving their goal. In the recent years, Valley Christian has attempted to widen its horizons. The makeover of the AP program was started in 2005 when the decision was made to allow more students to take higher-level classes. The AP program offers an excellent chance for students to receive college credit and also to prepare themselves for the more challenging college level classes that they will soon take. In 2005, sixteen AP classes were offered. Three hundred thirty-three students took a total of 664 exams with a 44% pass rate. Of the students who passed the exam, 16% scored a 4 or better. By 2009, the AP program expanded to include 22 classes and 495 students. Those 495 students took 920 exams, 60% of which were passed. 31% of the students passed with a 4 or better, directly reflecting the students’ hard work.

Congratulations to each member of the AP program, both students and teachers. VCHS anticipates another excellent rise in the pass rate during the upcoming round of AP testing.

arriorWWarrior.ValleyChristian.net

Valley

1960-2010Celebrating

The Christian

2009 AP Test Results Welcome Back Spirit

See Page 15

2009 Hall of Fame Inductees

“Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” Ephesians 6:10 Volume 27 Number 1

See Page 7

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Valley Christian Celebrates 50 Years VC Community Rallies Behind Jessica and Family Kaleb Tuttle

Assistant News EditorThe year is 1955... the same year

Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on the bus... a year after Elvis Presley began performing, and five years before The Beatles were even formed. That is the year Dave and Edie Wallace began to put the pieces together of what would become Valley Christian Schools. The vision slowly became reality as teachers left public school jobs to take pay cuts, and students slowly but steadily drifted toward the school. With 33 students, Valley opened in 1960. They doubled in their first year, and by 1965 they had 235 students. Soon they had their first campus change, when they moved to Saratoga. The former owner had designed the campus as a research and development facility, and Valley was blessed to have a

campus that met their needs. However, the early years were not filled entirely with growth. In the early 1980s, the school was in a time of crisis. The staff was undermanned and the future of the school was uncertain. They acquired a new campus, but someone purchased the campus two weeks before school started in 1989. When Dr. Clifford Daugherty came to Valley in 1986, he brought a new and very different perspective with him. His vision for Valley was the Quest for Excellence, a theme he implemented when he first became superintendent. The Skyway campus is a testimony to Dr. Daugherty’s vision and God’s faithfulness. At this 50th Anniversary, Valley Christian celebrates The Legacy of the Past, and The Promise of the Future.

See Jessica Huse Page 2

Tarah Duarte Features Editor

It was the day after the Fray concert, the morning following the sleepover and Sunday - the day for church. And it was also the day that Valley Christian High School 2009 graduate, Jessica Huse, who attended the concert, sleepover and was on her way to attend church, was struck by an oncoming car at the intersection of Blossom Hill and Calpine Drive in San Jose.

Huse was headed to Twin Oaks Church on August 2, after departing the post concert sleepover with her friends and swinging by her dad’s house to quickly get a few things together for church. While attempting to make a left turn from Calpine Drive to Blossom Hill into oncoming the

VPA breaks ground for new Conservatory building See Page 6

Seniors nominees: Dan Gillooley, Austin Mansker, Andrew Luu, Camille Tucker, Lindsay Pund, Mackenzie Beveridge. Junior Prince & Princess: Brandon Hecke and Emily Blaha. Sophomore Prince & Princess: Kevin Callisch & Kaileigh Bautista.

Freshmen Prince & Princess: Brett Hausmann & Lauren Sanchez.

2009 Homecoming Court

2 The Warrior NewsOctober 2, 2009

2009-2010Warrior Staff

Want to advertise in The Warrior? Contact Diann Fugate at

dfugate@vcs.net for information.Note: The Warrior is a nonprofit publication which is published

throughout the school year by the associated student body of Valley Christian High School. Views expressed in The Warrior are those

of the studentwriters and do not necessarily represent the views of the school, staff, and/or its students.

All type and layouts are created in The Warrior newsroom, Room 215. The Warrior is printed at Fricke-Parks Press, Union City, California.

Jon LampkinEditor-in-Chief

STAK Excels Over Summer

Jessica Huse Cont.

Taylor FineAssistant News Editor

Kaleb TuttleAssistant News Editor

Joyce ChenPhoto Editor

Nathan FarrokhianAssistant News Editor

Melody MakhifiCo-A&E Editor

Erica ParkerCo-A&E Editor

Dom TaguinodAssistant A&E Editor

Zayn KirkendollJunior A&E Editor

Joe GarciaSports Editor

Arazue ZadehJunior Sports Editor

Danny HittlerAssistant Sports Editor

Ryan LoweAssistant Sports Editor

Darelle JonesJunior Sports Editor

Tarah DuarteFeatures Editor

Arman ZadehAssistant Features Editor

Tommy ZellnerAssistant Features Editor

Warrior Staff Writers

Claire Karlsson Danny Davis Drake Bloom Hannah Lozinski Katherine Zhao Matt Carroll

Parrul Jandir Shanti Reddy Sonya Shin Steven Howard Taylor Tanton Austin Davis

Chris BrandarizMariam Elassaad

Huse’s green Volkswagen beetle was struck by a Toyota Corolla heading east. The outgoing teenager has been unconscious since the accident.

Huse’s family does not blame anyone for the accident and believes that their daughter must not have seen the oncoming Corolla around the row of cars parked on Blossom Hill.

Geordie Prodis, who is considered a good samaritan by many, was the first to help as he opened the passenger door and felt for a pulse. When Prodis did not feel one, he held Huse’s head up, did chest compressions with the other hand and kept this unknown young woman alive until a police officer arrived. Together, they unbelted Huse and pulled her out of the car until the paramedics came and took her to Valley Medical Center where she has remained unconscious for almost 2 months. In the past several weeks, the bubbly teenager has made slow but steady improvements.

Since the accident, extended family, friends and people the family

Danny Hittler and Taylor Fine

Assistant Sports Editor & Assistant News Editor

Have you ever thought about how fortunate you are, living in the United States, California, and for that matter, attending Valley Christian High School? Have you thought about why you are so fortunate and why people in other countries are not as blessed? Have you ever thought that maybe you should spread your good fortune to the less fortunate? That is what Andrea Stick-el had in mind when she created the STAK Club last year. The club, stand-ing for Saving the African Kids, met on Fridays in Mr. Falkowski’s room. They did many things to make money like T-shirt and bracelet sales, a 50/50 raffle, and a lot of bake sales. How-ever when school was out last May, Stickel and her colleagues did not take the summer off.

On June 27, 2009, a party was held at Treasurer Ronnie Stone’s home, and a minimum entrance dona-tion of $5 was required. By the end of the night, $620 was raised! The party included a BBQ meal, tons of good food and drinks, plus music, dancing, and swimming. Fortunately, the gener-ous members of STAK Club donated all of the necessary supplies for the party. There were also three separate DJs who donated their time to make the party more enjoyable. When in-terviewed about whether her expec-tations were met, Stickel was very optimistic saying,” Yes, even beyond my expectations! We were hoping to raise at least $400, and we were able to raise significantly more than that! And I was actually expecting something to go wrong, considering the large num-ber of high school students we invited. But everything went as planned. When asked why STAK Club would not take a break over the sum-

mer, Stickel responded with, “We wanted to continue our fund raising over the summer; we didn’t want our help to stop just because we were on summer vacation! Not only do the kids need our help, but we are plan-ning a mission trip in February 2010, so there’s no time to waste!” STAK Club still meets on Fridays at lunch in Mr. Falkowski’s room and have big goals set for the future. So far STAK Club has raised over $4,000 in an effort to support a group of 52 children who are orphans due to HIV. They live in Rustenburg, South Africa, in child-led households. Working with an or-ganization called Youth With a Mis-sion, students are helping to build houses for the children, buy food and clothes. If you are interested in finding out more about STAK Club visit their web site at www.freewebs.com/savingtheafricankids.

has never met have rallied together to support the family. An ever-growing Facebook group, titled “Jessica Huse :)” was set up and provides continuous updates as well as support for Huse and her family.

Family and friends are constantly at the hospital and supporters have been bringing dinner as well as coffee in the morning to cut down on hospital expenses for the family. An RV was made available to the family and provides a place for them to rest and shower, while remaining close to Jessica. The eighth period Valley Christian High School Leadership class organized a bake sale for their former classmate, which was held on September 4 and raised over 700 dollars with 100% of the profits going to the Jessica Huse Foundation. Red, white and blue bracelets are also being sold for 2 dollars and have the bible reference Philippians 1:19-26 written on them as well as 10-3-10, the specific times Lisa Huse, Jessica’s mom, has asked people to pray. These bracelets can be found in Mr. Myron Falkowski’s

room 228. While at Valley Christian,

Huse was “very outgoing, very generous, cared for strangers, her family, friends, and herself” according to sophomore Taylor Gonzalez-Reyes, friend of Huse. Gonzalez-Reyes continued by saying that “basically, if you had a bad day, Jessica was there to put a smile back on your face.”

Mr. Falkowski, former teacher of Huse, remembers how much Huse grew as a person from her freshman year to graduation. She grew in confidence as well as boldness. He commented that Huse has a personality that always leaves you feeling better than when you met, “the personality that would draw people to her.” Falkowski would often talk to Huse while she was spending her high school years at VCHS and knows how serious she is about her future and that she wants to live for Jesus in college. Please pray for Jessica and her family as she continues on her road to recovery.

3The WarriorNews October 2, 2009

Club Raises Awareness Over twenty-seven million people worldwide are being enslaved today. This is more people being enslaved currently than four centuries of African American slave trade put together. Slavery is one of

the fastest growing black market trades and is growing faster every day. Soon, slavery and trafficking could surpass arms and drug dealing.

Human trafficking is the trade of people and usually involves legitimate labor activities. It is illegal, and highly dangerous. Children across the globe as young as five years old, and adults over eighteen are being kidnapped and forced into this disgusting ring of human exploitation. Though trafficking and slavery occur more often over seas, an article from ABC news stated, “The FBI estimates that well over 100,000 children and young women are trafficked in America today. They range in age from 9-19, with the average age being 11.” These days, the people responsible are becoming even more advanced, and finding newer and better ways to lure and kidnap innocent people. Ernie Allen, the director of the

With The Importance of Being Earnest completed, Valley Christian Theater sets its sights on the popular dramatic play, The Crucible. The Crucible was originally written by Arthur Miller, and has since been adapted numerous times, the most famous of which is the movie by the same title made in 1996 starring Daniel Day-Lewis and Winona Ryder. The movie opened to fairly positive reviews and was nominated for an Academy Award in Best Adapted Screenplay. Still, many consider the play to be even better than the movie, and are looking forward to Valley Christian’s adaptation. Valley Christian has, in the last few years, boasted several big name productions, including the high profile Les Miserables. But the senior crop from last year is gone, and the new seniors will have to step up this year and carry the load. Playing the lead character of John Proctor will be talented senior Corey Martin. Martin will undoubtedly flourish in the role, though it will be a direct contrast to his role in last year’s You Can’t Take it With You. Vu Tran, Eddie Decker, and Gabe Weitzman will play the other male leads. On the female end however, there was simply too much talent to choose from, so all of the female roles are double cast. Olivia Norman and Tayler James will take turns as Proctor’s volatile and somewhat insane former lover, who was almost solely responsible for the Salem Witch hangings. Rounding out the female leads are Amber Coney and Soraya Davallou, who will take turns as Proctor’s embattled wife. The performance will premiere on October 15, and will play twice on October 17, and every day from October 21_24, including a matinee on October 24. Tickets will be $14 for adults, $12 for seniors and students, and $10 for children. The show is still in early development, but is sure to be another Valley Christian Theater hit thanks to the strength of the show and the talented students.

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children said, “There are many of these kids who are seduced, thinking that they’re going to have economic opportunities, that they’re going to be a model, or that they’re going to be in show business somehow. And then, later, discover themselves in a situation in which they have no control, and they’re slaves. So ... this is a problem that has many faces.”

Mrs. Lindsay Marshall, supervising teacher of the Valley Christian Abolitionist Society said, “This is the movement of a college level issue that should be brought down and made aware to the high school level as well.” And so Valley Christian is taking a stand this year, and making difference. President of this club, Natasha Jha, a devote abolitionist said, “I’ve been trying to save the world since I was born, and making the world a better place through the resources that are given has always been a passion of mine.”

On September 9, 2009, the club had their meeting during lunch and over thirty new members were present with eager attitudes and hearts ready to change the world. One of the main focuses was to spread the word, and let people know what is going on the world. As Christians, these Valley Christian High School students understand that freeing those who are captured is one of their major concerns as Christians. As it says in Isaiah 61:1, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He anointed me to preach the Gospel to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the

blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.”

One organization Valley Christian is trying to help is Project Exodus. As stated on their website, “Project Exodus is a Christian anti-human trafficking organization which seeks to find, rescue, and restore victims of human trafficking throughout the United States and the world and to empower individuals and communities to actively participate in the fight against slavery by becoming modern day abolitionists.”

As a school, Valley Christian is becoming more involved in this serious issue, and is trying to raise awareness among others in the Bay Area. VCHS students are working hard to spread the word, to help free the slaves, and exterminate the violence and unrighteousness of oppression. This is God’s declaration to the world, and Valley Christian is going to bring voice to His written word.

If there are any additional comments or concerns, please feel free to contact the president of the Abolitionist Society Club, Natasha Jha at nikhijah@yahoo.com, or attend their weekly club meetings.

Fact:Over 27 million

people in the world are in slavery

Fact:There is an average

of 1 slave per every 5 miles of land

Erica ParkerA & E Editor

1972 (Queen) Peggy Charon1973 (Queen) Pam Reynolds1974 (Queen) Shannon Fitzgerald1975(Queen) Bonnie Gillam1976(Queen) Tammy Dyer1977(Queen) Cindy Vasquez1978 Queen) Rhonda Goss1979(Queen) Deanna Harris1980(Queen) Anne Juurma

1981(Queen) Grace Dillon1982(Queen) Laurie Barndt(King) Shayne Kintzel1983 (Queen) Laurie Adams(King) Brian Bement1984(Queen) Shelly Sabanovich(King) Todd Bevis1985(Queen) Laura Sutton(King) Scott Welsh1986 (Queen) Gail Arioto(King) Mike Achkar1987(Queen) Janet Pera(King) Jeff Graham1988(Queen) Jill Jackson (King) Joe Jackson1989 (Queen) Lisa Loupe(King) Jim Masters1990(Queen) Gail Ballenger(King) Josh Castellanos

The Crucible Hits the

VC StageKaleb Tuttle

Assistant News Editor

Homecoming Court History 1991 (Queen) Becky Watson1992(Queen) Shannae Castellanos (King) Jason Neff 1993 (Queen) Brenda Thomas(King) Jon Patrick 1994(Queen) Sabina Khan(King) Scott Reeves1995(Queen) Erin Sanchez(King) Joe Arioto1996 (Queen) Lydia Hamilton(King) Marty Mosely1997(Queen) Hailey Bakich (King) Adam Earp1998 (Queen) Mackenzie Wall(King) Daniel Cisneros1999 (Queen) Denae Rowe(King) J.T. Harker2000(Queen) Ashley Graham(King) Conrado Oliveira

2001 (Queen) Elena Basanty(King) Derek Yoder2002(Queen) Sheera Farris(King) Donny Dequine2003(Queen) Rachel Townsend(King) Drew Ramsey 2004(Queen) Amy Syres(King) Daniel Gaul2005 (Queen) Laurie Stribling(King) Brandon Holland2006 (Queen) Lauren Grace(King) Andrew Caine2007(Queen) Gina Portale(King) Tyler Seaman2008 (Queen) Katrina Smith(King) Tim Harris2009Queen and King to be announced October 3, 2009 during the Homecoming festivities.

1983 Fall Homecoming King and Queen Brian Bement and Laurie Adams. According to the yearbook, Bement had plans to attend UCLA

after high school while Adams was hoping to attend Azusa Pacific.

1979 Fall Homecoming Queen Deanna Harris with her escort. According to the yearbook, after winning,

Harris was handed a beautiful bouquet of red roses from her dad.

2007 Fall Homecoming King and Queen Tyler Seaman and Gina Portale. Seaman attends UC Berkeley

while Portale attends SJSU.

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4 The Warrior NewsOctober 2, 2009

Promise ofthe future

By IsabellaI am smart and funny. I wonder what I will be when I grow up. I hear birds chirping. I see myself as a singer, dancer or actor. I want a puppy.I am smart and funny. I pretend to be a singer. I feel happy. I touch the ceiling with my feet. I worry that my parents will lose their jobs. I cry when I get yelled at. I am smart and funny.

I understand that God is powerful. I say Obama will change the world. I dream for a summer vacation. I try to do well in school. I hope to be on the honor roll this year.I am smart and funny.

By CarlyI am CarlyI wonder what’s in natureI hear the rustle of the trees I see little bird’s nests I want to explore I am Carly

I pretend I have wings I feel the breeze I touch the bushy clouds I cry from the pollution I see I am Carly

I understand most thingsI say what I feel I dream of the impossibleI try to make dreams happenI hope for peaceI am Carly

By Madeline I am Madeline BuiI wonder about the futureI hear birds constantlyI see people working all over townI am Madeline BuiI pretend I’m in my own fantasy

I feel excited to see my friendsI touch beautiful flowers that smell like spring I worry about missing schoolI cry when I get hurt or injuredI am Madeline Bui

I understand why I get in troubleI say hello to my friendsI dream about great placesI try to do my best in schoolI hope I do super in classI am Madeline Bui

By Jessica FI am lovely because I look lovely.I wonder how did Mary get to have one of the greatest babies ever?I hear birds chirping in the morning. I see friends and family.I am to be good at math because then, I can tutor little kids.I am lovely because I look lovely.

I pretend to be a dog because I get attention from my owner.I feel great because God loves me.I touch my dog.I worry about everything because I am a worrywart.I cry when I am angry.I am lovely because I look lovely.

I understand my friends.I say I am adorable because I am adorable.I dream crazy things at times,I try to give my best to God.I hope to go too Paris because I would like to speak French with people there.I am lovely because I look lovely.

By MitchellI am creative with LegosI wonder if there is life on other worldsI hear my puppy barkI see the skyI want to be nice to other peopleI am creative with Legos

I pretend with LegosI feel goodI touch my puppyI cry when I am scaredI am creative with Legos

I understand how things workI say things to my cousinI dream of being a starship captainI try my bestI hope for our soldiersI am creative with Legos

Poems from Mrs. Sizemore’s Fourth Grade - Valley Christian Elementary School

By SophieI am Sophie Mason a caring girl.I wonder what I’m going to be when I grow up.I hear wonderful things about being a surgeon.I see also being a lawyer is interesting.I want the world to be a more caring family.I am Sophie Mason a caring girl.

I pretend I am a beautiful fairy.I feel sad when somebody gets hurt.I touch my heart and wish God can help.I worry if someone is disobeying our precious God!I cry and pray for God to give a magic touch.I am Sophie Mason a caring girl.

I understand people don’t know how much they mean to GodI say obey God because it will do you good.I dream of a caring world.I try to make my dreams come true.I hope the world will be a peaceful place.I am Sophie Mason a caring girl.

By KemdallI am awesome, fun.I wonder if I can play football next year.I hear my mom cry for me.I see my mom running towards me.I want to be liked and have a lot of friends.I am awesome, fun.

I pretend I’m a famous football player.I feel happiness inside me.I touch my mother’s hand.I worry if one of my relatives are hurt.I cry for my mom.I am awesome, fun.

I understand my punishment.I say wonderful things about people.I dream that I’m really famous.I try to behave well.I hope no one is hurt.I am awesome, fun.

By KimberlyI am happy to be me I wonder what it’s like in heavenI hear the birds chirpingI see the world in different ways every dayI want to be happy every dayI am happy to be me

I pretend I am a rock starI feel like I can be myself when I’m singing and dancingI touch everything unless I’m told not toI worry about my dad when he goes on a business trip to BostonI cry when I’m sad or hurtI am happy to be me

I understand that I don’t know everythingI say that I love GodI dream that I can fly through the cloudsI try to do well on my testsI hope that I can be the best that I can beI am happy to be me

By LynzieI am an eight year old girl.I wonder what I’ll be when I’m age forty-four.I hear fire truck engines roaring.I see the wind chimes blow.I want to explore the world;And Heaven don’t you know!I am an eight year old girl.

I pretend I am a teacher.I feel left out sometimes to. I touch things around me. I worry often like Grandma’s sometimes do, I cry when I loose someone important;It makes me feel so blue.I am an eight year old girl.

I understand I can’t be everything. I say what is true.I dream about the future.I try not to slide through.I hope I’ll be a good person; And have a true friend too.I am an eight year old girl.

By MarloweI am beautiful because I’m me!I wonder if I can be who I want to be?I hear the birds singing.I see the trees swaying with the breeze.I want to squeeze my whole family with a hug!I’m beautiful because I’m me!

I pretend I’m on a safari, then I’m a princess!I feel happy when my dog licks me on my face!I touch my guinea pig on the back!I worry I will not ace the test.I cry when I break my arms.I’m beautiful because I’m me!

I understand life and the world.I say my prayers!I dream I can fly to the sky!I try to sing well.I hope my dog lives a long time.I’m beautiful because I’m me!

By Jessica SI am Jessica, daughter, granddaughter, sister.I wonder what it will be like in heaven.I hear God speaking to me when I really listen.I see lots of animals going crazy every morning.I want to see God on earth.I am Jessica, daughter, granddaughter, sister.

I pretend I am an airplane flying through the sky.I feel God touching me when I’m sick.I touch things that look and are soft. I worry if I have a lot of things to do.I cry when I’m really happy.I am Jessica, daughter, granddaughter, sister.

I understand God’s word and what he has done for me.I say that God is always with me.I dream everything you can think of.I try to do my best.I hope I will follow God’s commands often.I am Jessica, daughter, granddaughter, sister.

By Jason I am Jason; I am a swimmer and piano player. I wonder about school, swimming, and piano. I hear Jesus talking to me in my heart. I see my friends who I play with. I want Jesus in my heart all my life. I am Jason; I am a swimmer and a piano player. I pretend that I’m playing basketball. I touch the keys of piano every day of the week and Jesus.I worry about being nervous at swim meets. I cry sometimes when I get injured or when my feelings get hurt. I am Jason; I am a swimmer and a piano player. I understand our good days and bad days. I say life is good. I dream about breaking my times in swimming & Jesus.I try my hardest every day.I hope to spread the word of Christ to no believers.I am Jason; I am a swimmer and piano player.

“I AM”

“The Way I See It” from Mrs. Wescott’s Eighth Grade Valley Christian Jr.High School

Becky says.... If I could use two adjec-tives to describe Valley Christian, I would use different and special. I would use dif-ferent because we are not like every other school. We do different things here that most schools can’t. I would use special be-cause we are free to talk about God here without being judged, and at most schools, you can’t.In my opinion, this school has grown and lasted so long because we have truly been blessed. The directors and teachers work hard to make sure everyone gets it and this school is also a blessing to other schools. We have many people praying over this school and it truly shows.Mikaela says...Excellence is evident in the kindness of the teachers and staff. It is also evident in the high standard of teaching and education. I would use the adjective encouraging, as the staff is always encouraging us to do our

best in school, and to do our best keeping a healthy, close relationship with God. I would also use the word beneficial because Valley Christian has an amazing Campus. We can benefit from the sports facilities as we play the sports that we love.Alexis says...I think excellence at VCJH is evident in the way we (as students) are guided into edu-cation, religion, and how we treat people. I know that not every school is as welcoming as we are and we are taught to have respect here, which shows excellence. VCJHS has grown for 50 years because we have kept achieving and have kept going and trying to achieve excellence every year and even-tually we will do that. We always try.Audrey says...I would use the adjectives challenging and fun (to describe VCJHS) because you have to try your very best at everything and our reward is having fun days such as the Jog-a-thon and Spirit Week.

Katelyn says....Excellence is evident through our amazing teachers at VCJHS. They help us succeed and make sure we enjoy school and learn from them. Excellence is also evident in the students. I am amazed everyday at how many talented people walk through these doors. They excel in academics, sports, and the arts inside of school and outside of school.Chris says...Spiritual and well-rounded, VCJHS has an enormous focus on faith with chapel at least once a week and a spiritual retreat for the eighth graders. VCJHS is also very well-rounded; while having a large focus on education, they also have an excellent music and sports program. Victoria says...Valley isn’t just learning, but growing in the Lord and in His word. Valley challeng-es its students. The only way Valley grew and thrived for 50 years was through God.

Maddie says...At Valley Christian, excellence is evident almost everywhere, whether it be our beau-tiful campus or our teachers. There are a wide range of students but everyone ex-ceeds at something, whether it’s sports, art, music, technology, or in the classroom. Valley Christian does a great job at pushing us to the Quest for Excellence.Jesse says...Valley Christian offers prayer at the start of classes and a time to worship every Wednesday, which most school do not have. My friends have offered me faithful-ness and Valley has helped me throughout my experiences through junior high.Aaron says...Valley has lasted because God has made it possible because of the great work it is do-ing to follow God. VCJHS also provides a clean, safe place to educate kids and to al-lows kids to follow Christ,Karen says...Valley is a life-changing experience!

Valley’s Own Celebrity Melody Makhfi

A&E Editor

Yuma Sung is a gifted jazz pia-nist. Mr. Gregoric witnessed the budding of that talent when he taught Sung in the Middle School Jazz Band. Following a stellar high school career, Sung entered the prestigious Manhattan School of Music where he has continued to refine his jazz piano chops; much to the delight of his fans around the world.

Sung recalls, “After I left VCHS, I knew I was heading into a new direction, but I wasn’t really scared by it. I just went along for the ride.” Over the past few years, Sung has composed and arranged big band charts and orchestral pieces. He is currently working on a big band arrangement of a song from Aladdin, and working on a new composition for orchestra.

For fun outside of school, Sung and friends are talking about starting a funk

Warrior.ValleyChristian.net

arts andentertainment

Spotline On:VC Jazz Ensemble

delving deeper With the release of the 13th installment of the series, EA Sports changed the simulation from a more arcade-style, to focus on the real-life side of racing. Shift focuses more on the in-depth part of racing and mainly uses more realistic drifting and drag racing movements to improve upon its last installment. The game changes from the normal formula to a more life-like experience for those who play. Go and get your copy today and experience the thrill of this new game. Need For Speed is available for all gaming consoles.

In the year 2017, humans live in nearly total, full-scale isolation from each other and only communicate with one another through their “surrogates,” (better looking versions of their human operators.) Since no human leaves the house, and the surrogates do everything in the outside world, humans feel no pain that the surrogates may feel or run into on the outside. This

results in harmony and peace since nobody gets hurt. However, all of that suddenly changes when the genius creator of the surrogates is murdered, leading to a string of murders including humans and their surrogates. FBI Agent Greer takes on the job of solving this case with his trusty surrogate.

Heroes, one of America’s most watched and favorite shows, is back again for yet another exciting and action-packed season of superpowers. The series, which started its 4th season on September 21 at 8:00pm, opened with a strong showing and promises to be a very exciting and interesting season. Heroes always provides the nation with unexpected twists and turns, that are never expected. Tune in Mondays on NBC to follow your favorite superhero through the season.

Madden 2010 has raised the bar from the previous editions, adding many new features, as well as upgrading past features like an improvement in the quar-terback system for more realistic pocket play. Along with the play-by-play commentary from leg-endary commentator John Mad-den and others, Madden 2010 brings more of a realistic play

experience to the table. With a slew of brand new and exciting features and game play modes, Madden 2010 is a sure buy for any sports gamer. Pick up Madden at your local electronics retailer.

band. He is also planning to collaborate with a singer-songwriter from Boston.

Sung is the only undergraduate Jazz Composition major at the Manhattan School of Music, but the curriculum isn’t that much different from a jazz performance major. Sung said, “If you’re a voice major, you have to do a lot more - study foreign languages, and dancing, a bit of acting, etc.” The only non-musical course offered at MSM is humanities- the first two years, is all about studying early western literature, philosophy and poetry. For Sung, the Manhattan School of Music is the only place to be. The music program is great, although Sung stated, “ I don’t agree with how or what they teach sometimes, and I think there should be more differentiation between the jazz composition and performance majors. However, you have some of the best players here.” He continued, “If you’re a jazz player, it’s usually pretty easy to find some players, book a room, and just jam.

Madden 2010

First Things First, Kurt Warner’s new book surprises most across the board. The book is an interesting window into Warner and his family’s life. It details not only the way that they approach War-ner’s stardom but other im-portant facets of their life including his re la t ionship with his wife and parenting. When first examining a typical NFL star such as Warner, one might see only the side of the player that encompasses their stardom. Most of the exposure of the players we see, is their play on the field, and in press conferences and social circles off the field. Yet in Warner’s book First Things First, he sheds light on aspects of his life that were previously unseen. Many

highlights of the book include short anecdotes regarding his children and still-growing re-lationship with his wife. War-ner recounts his up and down pathway to NFL stardom. His is a story of perseverance.

After War-ner’s recent Su-per Bowl victory, he started the foundation “First Things First.” Though it may seem as if Warner has been on a bit of a crusade late-ly, he has been fo-cused on spread-ing his message, while still main-taining his own

family based atmosphere. Overall, for parents and sports lovers, First Things First gives an inspiring glimpse into the life and deep faith of Kurt Warner. The trading card sheet in the back of the book is worth the purchase price.

You won’t find an art major, business major, theater major or any other kind of major at this school (you have to go to Columbia, Barnard or NYU for that), but that is what the Manhattan School of Music is for.” Sung also noted, “It’s like we forget sometimes that we are not just musicians; We’re human beings. The people are great though. We all get along, and I don’t think there’s any major tension between jazz and classical players here. In fact, some friends of mine in the jazz department are dating friends of mine from the classical department, including me.”

Sung plans to pursue a graduate degree in the future. He is considering going to film scoring school- probably NYU or somewhere in LA to pursue those dreams. If not, he said, “I’ll either lay low for a while, intern somewhere, study under someone, teach a bit, write and perform a bit, or go on tour with a really big rock/pop/R&B/jazz star.”

On September 20, twenty-two students from the VCHS Jazz Ensemble performed at the 52nd Annual Monterey Jazz Festival, the world’s longest running jazz festival, as well as one of the most prestigious. The VCHS Jazz ensemble was one of only three high school jazz bands invited to perform at this legendary event. Valley placed second at the Monterey Jazz Festival/Next Generation competition that was held last April, earning the invitation to play with the professionals at September’s festival. Performing at the festival were two other high school bands, Los Angeles School of the Arts and Folsom High School. The students received backstage passes for the festival, and hung out backstage at the Wynton Marsalis concert. They were allowed backstage at all of the professional concerts, and some of the students met renowned jazz artists such as Dave Brubeck, Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke and Pete Seeger. They especially enjoyed watching 2009 alumnus Greg Chen perform with legend Wynton Marsalis in the Monterey Jazz Festival All-Star combo.

Need For Speed: Shift Surrogates

Marching BandPage 6

NewVPA

Building Page 6

Alumni Yuma Sung was an integral part of the Jazz Band at VCHS.Sung was an innovative jazz pianist at VCHS.

Heroes

First Things First

6 The Warrior A&EOctober 2, 2009

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News Music DanceTheaterThe band’s first performance is October 3, at the halftime show during Homecoming. The following performances will be on October 10, 17, 23, and 24. The March-ing Band & Color Guard verse for the year is, “You have been raised with Christ. Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.”Col 3:1. For vocals, contact Debbie Templeton, 513-2491. Contact Maribeth Wiens, 513-2415 or at mwiens@vcs.net. The Band website is www.vchsband.net. The office is located in the Lower Gym Building.

Fall Drama # 2: The CrucibleThe performances are on October 15, Oct. 17, Oct. 21-24 @ 7:30 Matinees on Oct. 17 and 24 @2 p.m. Order tickets online at ww.vctheater.net or visit the box office M-F during lunch and after school. $ 14 Adults, $ 12 Senior/Students, $10 dollars for children 10 and under. For more information, contact Cathy McFall, 513-2438 or at cmcfall@vcs.net. The office is located on the fourth floor of the Education Building.

This year, the Conservatory honor program has expanded to include theater, dance, and visual arts students. We now have over 150 Conservatory students participating in the Major/Minor program! Check the web site for dates of meetings and events, and for the application form. It’s not too late to participate. Contact Mrs. Wagner for more information at 513-2469 or vwag-ner@vcs.net. Her office is located in the Lower Gym Building. The Conservatory website is www.valleychristianconserva-tory.org.

This year, VCHS has two dance teams. The Static Dance Team by Miss Sarah Borg, and Charis Dance Company, advised by Mrs. Autumn Mortenson. Emotions Destinations: The student cho-reographed fall dance concert. The show will feature 57 talented VCHS dancers! Destinations will showcase Valley Chris-tian students, who will be choreograph-ing jazz, contemporary, hip hop, ballet, and tap! Dont miss the show! Mark the calendar because performances are Nov. 18,19,20, and 21, 2009.

Taylor FineAssistant News Editor

As Valley Christian Schools continues to strive for excellence and pursues its goal of being one of the best educational institutions in the Bay Area, the ambition to expand is in high demand. Plans are in the making for a new Conservatory building to open in 2011 and will be located between the education building and the football field. The new building will be known as ‘Valley Christian Conservatory Building’ and will be dedicated to the visual and performing arts. Depending on permits for

the new building, Valley Christian hopes to start construction within the next twelve months.

When students first pass through the dramatic glass wall entry they will arrive into what will be the “Student Life Center.” The Student Life center will be used by students and allow them a place to socialize or do homework. The three-story building will also have a chapel building, which will be able to accommodate approximately fifty people. The chapel will hold the nine-foot Steinway Grand piano, which is currently on the first floor of the gym building. The conservatory

building chapel will be open for students to use for their personal use and will also be available for meetings, small concerts, and small group events.

The new building will also contain rehearsal rooms, a rehearsal hall, classrooms, and rooms used for private lessons.

Within the building will be a black box theater. The theater will be a state of the art theater for smaller Valley Christian shows compared to that of the fall play or spring musical.

The new building will also contain a music technology lab, which will

be used for writing and producing music. This evening at 6:30 p.m., 2007

graduate Yuma Sung, who is currently attending the Manhattan School of Music, will be playing the piano during the ground breaking ceremony outside by the flag poles on the Skyway Campus.

Valley Christian Schools Superintendent, Dr. Clifford Daugherty, commented on the new building by saying, “The Conservatory is intended to point to the Ultimate Artist as He continues His creation through VCS’ gifted artists. The arts are the avenue to the soul.”

Visual & Performing Arts News Update. . .

out en masse to support their fellow class-mates for the big games. Most importantly, the focus of our athletic program has never changed. Our coaches are men and women of the highest Christian character intent on teaching life lessons through athletic competition. Stu-dent-athletes are prayed for and prayed with regularly and are encouraged to understand that all their gifts and abilities are gifts from God and should be used to bring honor and glory to the name of Jesus. We are so proud of the rich history of Valley Christian Schools and are so ex-cited to welcome our distinguished alumni to our campus this evening for tonight’s celebration. Please continue to visit often and know our sincere appreciation to all our families for their support of our school over the last fifty years.

Message From VCS K-12 Director of Athletics

Eric Scharrenberg Words of Encouragement

From Coach Jerry Hitchman

http://gowarriors.netAthletics

“This is the day that the Lord has made, I will find joy and gladness in it.” This verse from Psalms 118:24 is just one of many verses that I’ve read recently about “Joy.” This verse fits well with the perspective that Christians should develop as they mature. It’s a perspective of the gratitude of Thanksgiving and the good feeling that the birth of Jesus brings. But, I confess that I have a hard time with the word “joy.” It is difficult for me to really explain what I mean. Think about this with me. The dictionary tells me the definition of “JOY” is: “The emotion ex-cited by the acquisition or expectation of good.” And when I look in the thesaurus for help with the word “JOY” I’m directed to a section on “pleasure” that is about gratification, satisfaction, felicity, bliss, happy, blessed, etc. Maybe my problem is that many times I have associated “joy” with athletics. I can’t imagine grabbing a VC Coach after a big win over St. Francis or Bellarmine and yelling “Oh, I’m so filled with felicity right now!” It’s like that concept of Joy is just “too sweet.” We did a study of Nehemiah at church not long ago and I was a bit surprised when I read in chapter 8 and verse 10 that “…the joy of the Lord is your strength.” I’d heard this verse before and even sung a chorus with those words, but didn’t really equate “joy” with strength. So, as I looked for other verses about joy I began to see something else really new. A good many of these “Joy” verses have to do with trouble and pain. I Peter 4:12-13 says: “Dear friends, don’t be surprised or bewildered when you go through the fiery trials ahead, for this is no strange, unusual thing that is going to happen to you. In-stead, be really glad---because these trials will make you partners with Christ in His suffering, and afterwards you will have the wonderful JOY of sharing His glory in the coming day when it will be displayed.” And there is James 1:2 where it says: “Count it all JOY when you fall into various trials.” I remember when I was preparing for a pre-game chapel that the varsity foot-ball team has before they play. I thought of Hebrews 12----“Since we are surrounded with a great cloud of witnesses….” and the way that verse can be applied to athletes and a contest. It was when I read verse 2 that I continued to think of “JOY” in a different way. It says, as Christians---in any time or activity in our lives---we are to look to Jesus… “…who for the “Joy” set before Him, endured the cross, discount-ing the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” This seems to say that my salvation and for me to be able to share eternity with Jesus was the “JOY” that was set before Him. Is it possible my relationship to Jesus and the Father brings them “JOY?” In I Peter 1:8, I am reminded that “I love Him even though I have never seen Him; and though I don’t see Him, I trust Him; and even now I am happy with the inex-pressible “JOY” that comes from heaven itself.” Let the “Joy of the Lord be your strength!” -Coach Hitch

On behalf of the Valley Christian Schools Athletic Department, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of our guests who are joining us on the Skyway campus for this years Hall of Fame celebration in the year of our 50th anniversary. Our theme for this 50th anniversary year is “Legacy of the Past and Promise of the Future.” We are thrilled this evening to welcome back some of the greatest athletes in the history of Val-ley Christian High School as a part of our celebration. Much has changed on the Val-ley Christian campus in the years since the outstanding athletes being inducted this evening roamed the halls. Obviously, the move to the permanent campus on Skyway Drive is a major difference as is our school’s participation in the West Catholic Athletic League for athletic competition. Valley Christian Schools still offers a comprehen-sive athletic program but now our fifty three teams compete at the highest levels with some of the most prestigious and success-ful high schools on the West Coast in twenty two different sports. Valley Christian teams also compete with distinction at the club level in ice hockey and rugby. The athletic facilities at Valley Christian are now most akin to those you would find on a college campus and Valley Christian athletes, teams and coaches have earned distinction on a local, regional and

national level. Among the many highlights are a baseball team that has been ranked among the top 15 teams in the Nation by USA today for two consecutive years and a national record holder in boys swimming. The entire athletic program was recognized by CalHi Sports as the Division IV athletic school of the year at the conclusion of the 2001-2002 and 2005-2006 school years. Individual athletic teams at Val-ley Christian have earned state and national rankings over the past ten years and have earned league and section championships in Baseball, Football, Boys and Girls Soccer, Boys and Girls Basketball, Boys Volleyball, Girls Track and Field and Girls Swimming. The coaching staff is littered with former professional and collegiate athletes who are outstanding teachers committed to making a difference in the lives of young student ath-letes. Members of the staff routinely serve in leadership roles among their peers and are among the most highly respected men and women in the coaching profession at any level. There are however also many things that are still the same. Current Valley Christian athletes understand that they are part of a big picture and have a unique place in God’s incredible plan for Valley Chris-tian Schools. Our student-athletes still face down the same nervousness on the day of a big game and the student body still comes

“The purpose of the Valley Christian Schools Athletic Hall of Fame is to honor outstanding athletes, coaches, fans, and teams at Valley Christian High School, to give motivation to

current and future athletes, coaches and fans of VCHS, and to make the current and future student body and constituency aware of the history and tradition of Valley

Christian High School. The criteria for entry into the Hall of Fame is to have given an outstanding contribution to VCHS sports programs, and to have a committed Christian

life and character representing of the Valley Christian Schools purpose statement.”

History of Valley Christian High School

Hall of FamePages 8-13

Little Warrior NationPage 14

8 The Warrior AthleticsOctober 2, 2009

1987 CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM

Left to Right: Top Row: Jennifer Bosakowski, Kristen Thiessen, Bev DeKruyf,

Devin Scruggs, Toni Molinro, Larry Ramirez- manager.

Bottom Row: Jill Scharmen, Michele Hymas, Lori Arioto, Robin Best,

Chrissy Male.

Not Pictured: Laura Stehlik

Coach: Larry Nardi

HALL OF FAME‘87 Volleyball Team

9The WarriorAthletics October 2, 2009

HALL OF FAMEDavid Meester ‘94I. Dates Attended VCHS

• 1991-1994

II. Sports Played• Basketball (4 years)• Tennis (4 years)• Volleyball (1 year)• Soccer (1 year)

III. Athletic Achievements Basketball:

• League MVP (1994)• West Coast Classic Holiday tour-

nament, VCHS- Tournament MVP• Record for Most Points in 3 game

tournament (96)• CCS Champions (1993)

Tennis:• # 1 Singles (1994)• Undefeated in League (1994)• Senior Male Athlete of the Year

(1994)• League Champions in Doubles

with Adam Wass (1992)

I. Dates Attended VCHS• 1991-1995

II. Sports Played • Basketball and baseball

III. Athletic Achievements Basketball:

• CCS Champions (92, 95)• Sophomore of the Year (92)• 1st Team All CCS (95)• VCHS and CA state record holder

for most three-pointers in a game (17)

• Division IV Player of the Year (95) Baseball:

• League champions (93, 94, 95)• 1st Team All-League (93, 94, 95)• League MVP (95)• Honorable Mention All-CCS (95)

IV. Favorite VCS Athletic Memories• Winning the CCS championship in

a double overtime game my senior year. (95)

Scott Reeves ‘95

IV. Favorite VCS Athletic Memories• My favorite VCHS memory was

our victory over Pinewood in 1993 to win CCS for basketball.

V. Post High School Accomplishments Played 4 years of Tennis- Calvin College:

• #1 Singles, #1 Doubles player (1998)

• 1st Team All-Conference• Stowe Memorial Sportsmanship

Award• Bere’ Memorial Award (1998,

Bere’ honors top senior, male student-athlete based on athletic ablility, scholastic rank, and char-acter and leadership)

VI. What I’m Doing Now • I now own and operate a Stride

Rite children’s shoe store in Modesto, CA

• I am married and have 2 boys, a 3 year old and a 2 month old.

• Scoring 58 pts and making 17 three-pointers against Silver Creek

V. Post High School Accomplishments Basketball:

• All-Conference (sophomore year, 97, West Valley Junior College)

Baseball:• All-Conference and Team Captain

(Westmont College, 1998-2000)

VI. What I’m Doing Now• Married and living in Sacramento

with 2 cats and a dog. I started my own personal training studio.

VII. Other• Favorite Bible verse- Phil. 4:13• Favorite Coach- Coach Diatte,

Coach Matson and Larry Nardi• Message to current VCS students-

See the big picture…

The Warrior10 October 2, 2009 Athletics

DAVID MEESTER

Sports Played:

Basketball, Tennis

Volleyball, Soccer

SCOTT REEVES

Sports Played: Baseball, Basketball

Bible Verse: “I can do all thing through Christ

who strengthens me.”

Phil. 4:13

MYA MASHAYEKH WILLIAMS

Sports Played: Tennis

Bible Verse: “You will not fear the terror of night,

nor the arrow that flies by day,” Psalm 91:5

Hall of Fame Past InducteesCOACHES:Damon GillilandLarry Nardi

Steve Niedrauer

FANS:Bill BestJon & Kellee MockabeeHenry MeesterDon LeeDon SpringerJudy KellnerLou Miller

ATHLETES:Becky Dyroen-Lancer 1985-1989Brian Diatte 1987 - 1991Brian Krenzin 1981 - 1985Devin Scruggs 1983-1987Greg Miller: 1985 - 1988James Sullivan 1982 - 1986Laura Dequine 1981 - 1984Lyn Averill 1979-1982Josh Castellanos 1987-1991Mark Averill 1977 - 1980Pablo Dillon 1978 - 1982Rob Wylie 1986-1990Ronnie Harris 1984 - 1988Rosanna Dillon 1980-1984Suzannah Bianco 1987-1991Tamara Charon 1980-1983Bill Ramirez 1985-1989Carmen Lindsay 1984-1988

HALL OF FAME

MIKE ROUSE

Sports Played: Baseball, Football

Bible Verse: “So whether you eat

or drink or whatever you do,

do it all for the glory of God.”

1 Corinthians 10:31

KRISTEN ST. CLAIR

Sports Played: Soccer, Basketball, Softball

Bible Verse: “Peace I leave with you; my

peace I give you. I do not give to you as

the world gives. Do not let your hearts be

troubled and do not be afraid.”

John 14:27

DAN VANDER BAAN

Sports Played: Basketball, Football, Volleyball, Waterpolo, Baseball

Bible Verse: “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they

will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31

11The WarriorOctober 2, 2009Athletics

“The purpose of the Valley Christian Schools Athletic Hall of Fame is to honor

outstanding athletes, coaches, fans, and teams at Valley Christian High School,

to give motivation to current and future athletes, coaches and fans of VCHS,

and to make the current and future student body and constituency

aware of the history and tradition of Valley Christian High School.

The criteria for entry into the Hall of Fame is to have given an outstanding

contribution to VCHS sports programs, and to have a committed Christian life

and character representing of the Valley Christian Schools purpose statement.”

Hall of Fame Past Inductees

1987GIRLS

VOLLEYBALL

HALL OF FAME

12The WarriorAthletics October 2, 2009

Mya Mashayekh Williams ‘97

Kristen St.Clair ‘97 I. Dates Attended VCHS:• 1993-1997

II. Sports Played• Varsity Soccer• JV & Varsity Basketball• Varsity Softball

III. Athletic Achievements Soccer:

• 1st Team All-League (1996, 1997)• (BVAL) Blossom Valley League

Defensive MVP• CCS/CIF Honorable Mention• VCHS Senior Athlete of the Year

Club Soccer- Central Valley Mercury (San Jose, CA):

• 1997 United States Youth Soccer(USYSA) National Champions

• 1996 United States Youth Soccer(USYSA) National Champions

• 5-Time USYSA Regional Champions (1993-1997)

• Northern California State ODP Team (1996)

• Northern California State ODP Team (1997)

Basketball:• Varsity- 1st Team All-League (1995)• JV- 1st Team All-League (1994)

IV. Favorite VCS Athletic Memories• My senior year, the VCHS girl’s soc-

cer team advancing to the CCS CIF Semi-Finals for the first time in school history.

V. Post High School Accomplishments • Westmont College (1997-2000),

Soccer• 4-Time NAIA All-American• 2000 Selected to the UMBRO Senior

Bowl All-Star Game/WUSA Profes-sional Combine, Ft. Lauderdale, FL. (Only NAIA player selected to partici-pate)

• 1999 NAIA National Championship• 1999 NAIA National Championship

Tournament Defensive MVP• 1999 NAIA National Championship,

All-Tournament Team• 2000 Westmont College Team MVP• 4-Time NAIA All Region Selection• 4-Time All-League, Golden State

Athletic Conference College Career Records:

• 1st All-time in Goalkeeping Shutouts (40)

I. Dates Attended VCHS:• 1993-1997

II. Sports Played:

• Tennis

III. Athletic Achievements • 2-time San Jose Athlete of the

Week• 52-0 Record

IV. Favorite VCS Athletic Memories• My Mom would bring the

entire team taco bell before practices and after every game. The smell of tacos would en-courage me to play better and faster so we could eat!

HALL OF FAME

V. Post High School Accomplishments • Full-Scholarship to San Jose

State University

VI. What I’m Doing Now • I am a Real Estate agent at Intero,

Willow Glen. • I’m married and just had a baby.

VII. Other • Favorite Bible Verse:

Psalm 91:5• Favorite Coach:

Mr. Kellner because he was always making us laugh.

• 2nd All-time in Goals Against Average (0.62)

• 2nd All-time in Saves (257)• 1st All-time Goalkeeping Minutes

played (6,927) Graduated from Westmont College in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology. Semi Professional:

• Played three seasons for the Silicon Valley Red Devils of the Women’s Premier Soccer League. (WPSL).

VI. What I’m Doing Now • I am currently living in Southern Cali-

fornia. I am the Head Women’s Soccer Coach at California Baptist University in Riverside, California. Prior to being at CBU, I was an assistant coach at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Prior to Milwaukee, I was an assistant at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). Prior to UCSB I spent a year as an assistant coach at Westmont College, my alma mater.

VII. Other • Favorite Bible Verse: John 14:27• Favorite Coach: (1997) VCHS JV

Basketball Coach, Linda Snelgrove. Coach Snelgrove was a good teaching coach on the court and challenged the team to be better students, players, and people everyday.

• Message to VCS Student Athletes: “Live and play to an audience of One”

13The WarriorAthletics October 2, 2009

Mike Rouse ‘98

Dan Vander Baan ‘98

I. Dates Attended VCHS• 1996-1998

II. Sports Played• Baseball• Football

III. Athletic Achievements Baseball:

• BA .414 (1997)• BA .523 (1998)• All State honors as Shortstop (1997,

1998)• All CCS (1998)• Junior of the Year, Blossom Valley (1997)• Senior of the Year (1998)• Northern California-Southern California

All-Star game (1998)• Santa Clara County High School Player

of the Year (Hot Stove; 1998)• San Francisco Giants Scout Team

-Shortstop (1998)• Colorado Rockies Scout Team

-Shortstop (1998) Football:

• First Team All-League, -Quarterback (1997, 1998)

IV. Favorite VCS Athletic Memories• Receiving San Jose Mercury News,

Athlete of the Week.

V. Post High School Accomplishments Cal State Fullerton:

• BA . 395• Team MVP • Most Outstanding Offensive Player

of the Year • Invited to Team USA• All Big-West Conference• Played in College World Series

Played on Team USA, Olympic team BA .414

HALL OF FAME

I. Dates Attended VCHS:• 1994-1998

II. Sports Played:

• Varsity: Basketball (4 Years), Football (1 Year), Volleyball (1 Year), Waterpolo (1 year)

• JV: Baseball (2 Years)

III. Athletic Achievements (7 varsity letters: basketball (4), football, volleyball, water polo) Basketball (Forward):

• Four year varsity starter• All League (1996,1997,1998)• League MVP (B.V.A.L. 1998)• All CCS Honorable Mention (1998)• Member of 1995 CCS Championship

Team, and1996 CCS Runner up• North South High School All Star Basket-

ball Game - Starter Football (Outside Linebacker - Defensive End - Wide Receiver):

• All League (1998)• B.V.A.L Defensive Lineman of the Year

(1998)• Charlie Wedemeyer North South High

School All Star Football Game - Starter Water Polo:

• All League (1997)

IV. Favorite VCS Athletic Memories• Senior year, final football practice of the

season, the day before the Pioneer game - Coach Scharrenberg had the entire team form a circle and lock arms. He stood in the center of the circle and one by one he listed off all the obstacles we’d overcome throughout the year and all that we’d ac-complished throughout the season. After each memory, we all clapped twice and took a step forward. The circle continued to get smaller until we were all standing in the center of the field as a team.

• Freshman year basketball vs. Silver Creek - Scott Reeves had 17 three pointers and 58 points in one game. In the same game, I had 12 points… so I like to say that Scotty & I combined for 70 that game.

V. Post High School Accomplishments • Scholarship Offers: Oregon State (Foot-

ball), Cal Berkely (Football), Azusa Pacific (Football), Cal State Monterey (Basketball), Azusa Pacific (Basketball).

• Varsity Basketball at Calvin College (1998-1999)

• Undergraduate Degree: Calvin College, 2002 - B.A., Business Communications

• Graduate Degree: University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, 2008 - Juris Doctor-ate (J.D.)

• Completed Half Ironman Relay Triathlon (September 2007)

• Completed 1000 mile bike trip along south east coast of Australia (January 2003)

VI. What I’m Doing Now • Married my wife Rebecca in August ‘04.• Graduated from law school in 2008. Accept-

ed a position with a corporate risk manage-ment and liability consulting firm in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

VII. Other • Favorite Bible Verse: Isaiah 40:31• Favorite Coach: Bud Ogden. He was my

basketball coach for 4 years (2 as assis-tant, 2 as head coach). As a freshman and sophomore, Coach Ogden made extra time to work with me on my game individually, which helped me to develop into a better player. As a junior and senior, he helped me develop better leadership skills and he trusted me to lead the team both on and off the floor.

• Message to VCS Student Athletes: First and foremost, have fun. Your time as a student athlete is limited and it will be over before you know it, so enjoy every minute while it lasts. Second, listen to your coaches. You may think that you know more than they do, but trust me, you don’t. Finally, work hard and take pride in the way you conduct your-self both on and off the field. Representing VCHS on the athletic field is a privilege that you should never take for granted.

Major League Baseball:• Drafted by Toronto Blue Jays, 5th round• Traded to Oakland Athletics• Minor League Player of the Year

(Hot Stove)• Ranked 8th, Top prospect- Oakland

Athletics organization• Made Major League Debut in Legendary

Yankee Stadium facing Randy Johnson (and going 3 for 3)

• Traded to Cleveland Indians, Major League utility- Infielder for the season

• Major League Spring Training for the Chicago White Sox

• All-Decade Team, Northwoods League (1999, BA. 381, 42 stolen bases, 91 hits)

• Cape Cod League Champions (Whitecaps, 2000)

• Pacific Coast League Champions, AAA (Sacramento River Cats, 2004)

VI. What I’m Doing Now • Enjoying life with wife Kristen and baby

daughter, Taylor Shay.

VII. Other • Favorite Bible Verse:

1 Corinthians 10:31• Favorite Coach: Ron Washington,

Manager of Texas Rangers. He was very encouraging and showed me how to play the game like a Major Leaguer.

• Message to Current VCS Students: Work harder than the other guy, and you’re never too good for a pat on the back.

14 The Warrior AthleticsOctober 2, 2009

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“The Valley Christian Schools community is built on comprehensive K-12 focus. Our students have the privilege of learning the culture of Warrior athletics as early as Kindergarten - and they learn from the experts. Little Warriors admire their big buddies coming from the “big” campus. Go Warriors!” Gabe Guven Elementary Principal

Little Warrior NationUnited We Stand

“My prayer is not for them

alone. I pray also for those

who w

ill believe in me

through their message,

that all of them m

ay be one, Father, just as you

are in me and I am

in you. M

ay they also be in us so that the w

orld may believe

that you have sent me.”

John 17:20-21

After School Student Enrichm

entSponsored by VCS K-12 A

thletics and Physical Education

Enrollment in Little W

arrior Nation includes:

l A

dmission to a m

inimum

of twelve clinicsl

“Little Warrior N

ation” t-shirtl

Adm

ission to regular season home gam

esl

A behind the scenes look at your favorite Skyway team

l Encouragem

ent from a “Big Buddy”

l A

nd introducing “Kids Night O

ut” (more info to com

e)

Cost: $225.00 for the yearTim

e: 3:15-5:00 pm

Open to all Valley Christian Elem

entary Students.

Please rank your most desired clinic dates 1-15

(1 being the most desired)

____ Sept. 9 Baseball

____ Sept. 14 Baseball

____ Sept. 16 Baseball

____ Sept. 23 Baseball

____ Sept. 28 Baseball____ O

ct. 5 Girls Basketball

____ Oct. 7

Girls Basketball____ O

ct. 12 Boys Basketball

____ Oct. 14

Boys Soccer____ O

ct. 19 Girls Soccer

____ Oct. 21

Girls Basketball____ N

ov. 2 Softball

____ Nov. 4

Softball *____ N

ov. 9 Flag Football

____ Nov. 11

Soccer ____ N

ov. 16 Flag Football

____ Nov. 18

Soccer ____ N

ov. 30 Volleyball

____ Dec. 7

Volleyball____ D

ec. 14 Track & Field

____ Jan. 11 A

quatics at Skyway ____ Jan. 25

Aquatics at Skyway

____ Feb. 1 A

quatics at Skyway ____ Feb. 8

Volleyball____ Feb. 22

Volleyball____ M

ar. 1 Volleyball

____ Mar. 8

Boys Soccer____ M

ar. 15 Boys Soccer

____ Mar. 22

Boys Basketball____ M

ar. 29 Girls Soccer

____ Apr. 12

Girls Soccer____ A

pr. 14 Girls Basketball

____ Apr. 19

Boys Basketball____ A

pr. 21 Football

____ Apr. 26

Football____ A

pr. 28 Football

____ May 3

Boys Basketball____ M

ay 5 Girls Soccer

____ May 10

Football____ M

ay 12 Football

____ May 17

End of Year Celebration (A

ll Little Warrior N

ation Invited)

For more inform

ation please contact Robin Realini, Student Enrichm

ent Supervisor at (408) 559-4400 or rcrealini@

vcs.net.

* Fifth grade science camp

Behind the Scenes Look at your favorite Skyway Team(check the one you’d like to attend)

____ Football:

Fri., Nov. 6th

____ Girl’s Volleyball: Wed., O

ct. 14th ____ Boy’s Soccer:

Sat., Jan. 9th____ Girl’s Soccer:

Sat., Jan. 16th ____ Girl’s Basketball:

Tues., Feb. 2nd

____ Boy’s Basketball: Fri., Feb. 5th ____ Baseball:

Fri., A

pril 16th ____ Softball:

Tues., A

pril 27th ____ A

quatics: Thurs., M

ay 6th

“Little Warrior Nation is an amazingly convenient program right here on our campus. The high school players and coaches make a significant impact on the elementary students. No Saturday games, and engaging sports clinics make it easy to enrich the kids’ schedule.” -Janet Yost, Elementary Parent

Wear

After School Student Enrichment Sponsored by VCS K-12 Athletics and Physical Education Enrollment in Little Warrior Nation includes: * Admission to a minimum of twelve clinics * “Little Warrior Nation” t-shirt * Admission to regular season home games * A behind the scenes look at your favorite Skyway team * Encouragement from a “Big Buddy” * And introducing “Kids Night Out” (more info to come) Cost: $225.00 for the year Time: 3:15-5:00 pm Open to all Valley Christian Elementary Students. For more information please contact: Robin Realini, Student Enrichment Supervisor (408) 559-4400 or rcrealini@vcs.net

Stop by the athletic office or go to http://www.gowarriors.net to purchase Warrior Wear. Stay warm this winter with our new VC Warriors Parka or a Warriors sweatshirt. Stop in and order yours today!

Since its earliest days, Valley Christian Schools’ role in Christian education has been strengthened by the supporters who share an abiding interest in the mission of our school: To provide a nurturing environment offering quality instruction supported by a strong foundation of Christian Values in partnership with parents, equipping students to become leaders to serve God, their families, and to positively impact their communities and the world. Tonight’s dinner and recognition is made possible by the tireless support of the Valley Christian Sports Parent Association (VSPA). VSPA exists to provide physical, emotional, financial and spiritual support to the athletes, coaches and athletic administration at Valley Christian Schools. Donations to the group are accepted with grateful hearts and allow us to continue to pursue excellence in all our endeavors. Such gifts are a wonderful way to express appreciation for Valley Christian’s past legacy and to participate in our shared vision of the promise that lies ahead. God Bless, Eric Scharrenberg Vice President Athletics & Physical Education, Valley Christian Schools

Follow VCHS Athletics

The WarriorMascot

1. Build community between our alumni, coaches, student-athletes, and parent community.

2. Gain exciting up to date information on other Warrior sport teams.

3. Build a base of followers for WarriorMascot that encourages our athletes, parents, and alumni to join.

4. Create a sense of pride amongst our followers that builds school spirit for our athletic program.

To get set up, contact Tyler Mariucci (408-499-4741) or Jeremy Cunningham (408-891-1213).

For the latest results, schedules, directions to away events, rosters, and stories go to http://www.gowarriors.net. Log-on for Valley Christian Schools Chaplain Jerry Hitchman’s weekly Words of Encouragement or to follow your favorite Valley Christian program or VCS alumni.

Warrior.ValleyChristian.netSports

Phelps Who?Joe GarciaSports Editor

Inside the Lines

An Olympian to the left, a World Champion to the right, thousands in the stands cheering, and a T.V. camera pointed directly at him; a typical race for emerg-ing swimming superstar senior, Shayne Fleming While competing at the World Championship Trials in Indianapolis, Indiana, Fleming broke the 18 and under 50-meter freestyle record with an outstanding time of 22.64 seconds. Seventeen year old Fleming grabbed the prestigious title in the preliminary round of the tri-als and finished 16th overall. His time was fast enough to qualify for the event finals, where he finished 16th again. The best swimming from around the world competed in this event, many of which competed in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Among the swimmers in Fleming’s swimming heat were Gold Medalist, Cesar Cielo Filho of Brazil, who almost broke the world record with his 21.30 time in the Olympics. Current world record holder with a time of 20.94, France’s Frederick Bous-quet, also competed in Fleming’s heat, making this race the most competitive race of which he has ever been a part. Upon being asked about the race Fleming responded, “It felt good competing against the best in the world and I hope to one day make it to their level and compete in the Olympics.” Fleming hopes to compete in the 2012 Olym-pics in London.

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Senior Shayne and his brother Casey have been swimming their entire lives.

fleming swimming

The main events that Fleming focuses his at-tention on are the 50 and 100-meter freestyle. In CCS, Fleming claims the swimming title in both the 50 and 100 meter freestyle every year of his high school career. He also claims Valley Christian High School’s records in the 50, 100, and 200-meter freestyle. He is part of the team that owns the Valley Christian High School record in the 200 medley relay and the 400 freestyle relay where he swims freestyle. Since CCS is very competitive in swim-ming, there is no state meet. Fleming has taken the year off from the Valley Christian water polo team to work on his different strokes and become faster in his main events. He played a important part in the rebirth of the water polo program, teaming up with his brother, junior Casey Flem-ing. Fleming is not only a great swimmer, but he is also a great student earning a 4.4 cumulative GPA. This combination of unbelievable swimming talent and terrific grades has almost every top swimming program in the na-tion expressing interest in the high school senior. How-ever, Fleming has not committed to a school. “I have no idea where I want to go, but I would like to remain on the West Coast,” said the emerging superstar. Fleming is arguably one of the best athletes to have been enrolled at Valley Christian Schools and has won Athlete of Year in all 3 of his years. Fleming has just started the beginning stages of a very promising and bright swimming career.

Junior Jerrick Morales stops San Lorenzo’s running game right out of the gate.

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Fleming competed among the best swimmers in the world, such as Michael Phelps.

By the Numbers

136Yards of penalties the Warriors were

charged with against Scotts Valley

15Yards of Penalties the Falcons were

charged with against Valley Christian

Sophomore running back Byron Marshall rushed

for 211 yards on 19 carries and 3 touchdowns against

Scotts Valley last week. Follow-

ing his impressive game run-

ning the ball, Marshall is one of

the San Jose Mercury News’s

athletes to watch this week. He

hopes to lead the Valley Chris-

tian offense to a win against the

tough Mitty Monarchs and their

fast, hard hitting defense. Marshall also plays corner-

back for the Warriors, where he also excels. His broth-

er Cameron, who graduated last year, is now playing

for the Arizona State Sun Devils. Byron is quickly fol-

lowing in his brother’s footsteps because colleges are

already looking to recruit this young star.

1Losses the Girls Volleyball team

has this year

4Number of years the girls Cross Coun-try team will have made state, by

acomplishing this year’s goal

the Hotwire

Warriors Prepare to Face 3-0 MonarchsJon LampkinEditor-in-Chief

Sophomore Byron Marshall flew past the defen-sive line and saw what he runs in best... Daylight. Though daylight might seem to be a running back’s best friend, Marshall ran from it as if it was a night-mare, a bit reminiscent of a runner that the Warriors fielded just last year. The young running back juked past defender after defender, eventually bursting through the goal line and into the end zone. But this one is coming back on a holding penalty. Last Saturday, the Warriors beat the Scotts Valley Falcons, 42-28. Throughout the game, the Warriors’ offense consistently drove down the field, only hitching with a few mental mistakes. The defense, on the other hand, easily sti-fled the Falcons’ running attack, but had a bit more trouble with their pass defense. The defensive backs faced tough match ups due to the size and arm of quarterback Blake Jurich, but still were able to keep his gains relatively small. Most of the Warriors’ challenges on the day, con-sisted of the excessive penalties. The Warriors were plagued with personal foul after personal foul, holding call after holding call, eventually totalling 136 yards in penalties. Despite this, the Warriors still produced excellent numbers. Marshall rushed for over 200 yards. Many believed that the very young Warriors would have a tough time producing a team that could handle the WCAL, though no one will know until their league opener against Mitty. The Mitty Monarchs open the game at 3-0 af-ter beating Los Lomas, Gilroy, and Palo Alto, respectively. Palo Alto still remains the sole team from CCS to make a state bowl game.

to

39Rachel Alvey’s national

collegiate volleyball recruit ranking

The Monarchs also enter the game with a very young team, but have a bit of experience due to some of the sophomores that were on the team last year. Much of the weight of this game, will lie on the backs of the Val-ley Christian defense including seniors Jason Marango, James Yoder, Shane Biglarderi and juniors Chad Hojer, Joseph Jahn and Jamal Rose. The Warriors face three of their toughest league matchups in a row. Bellarmine, St. Francis and Mitty all have have been projected to finish in the top half of the league and all should put up a valiant fight against Valley. Junior quarterback Zach Vaiana added, “League play is going to be very competitive this year, and our team is defi-netly capable of making some noise.”

Girls Volleyball Faces Heart of League

See Page 17Lady Warriors Keep Losses at a Minimum

See Page 17

XC Seeks to Run CCSSee Page 16

16 The Warrior SportsOctober 2, 2009

Frosh Volleyball Starts Off Right

and get to state.” Although both captains Higgins and junior Emily Blaha have been plagued by injuries in previous seasons, both are ready to run great this season and are slowly easing back into the their natural form. Returning runners, sophomores Isabel Garcia, Morgan Lira who won an honorable mention in the Mercury News as athlete of the week, and Bergman’s younger sister, Amy Bergman have all improved over the summer at the cross country team’s summer program and are fighting for the number 1 spot on the team. The boys cross country team has found a newfound spark in seniors Dean Baron and Team Captain Joe Garcia. Baron took a year off after recording the second best time in Valley Christian School history at Crystal Springs. Now his focus is getting back in

2 mile warm-up. 8 mile workout, 40 miles a week; all this work for a 3 mile race. Are these people crazy? No, it’s just cross country.

Led by new head coach Joshua Small, the cross country program is making an name for themselves as one of Valley Christian Schools premiere programs. The girls team finished 16th in the California State Championships Division III last season and hopes to return to state this season for the 4th consecutive time, as well as improving on their second place finish in CCS last year. Although the Lady Warriors lost 3 time CCS Champion, participant in the Footlocker National Championships last season, and Mercury News runner of the year, Jen Bergman, to the University of Arizona, the team looks stronger than ever with 6 of the 7 returning starters. Girls Co-Captain and returning senior, Kendra Higgins said “We all miss Jen but plenty of us are ready to step up

In a world where there is far too much violence, the word “kill” never suggests anything good, unless you are a lady Warrior out to make a mark on the volleyball court. These athletes are looking to serve a season-long ace this year, digging out of a disappointing won/loss record last year. As the Warriors get set for the season, they have been focused on serving their best efforts with quality defense and aggressive attacks. The team started the brand new season with an all-day tournament in Aptos. They then headed back home for a game against Menlo. Next, they faced all -day competition with another tournament at Presentation high school. Finally, the Warriors took home court as Mercy Burlingame came to town; followed by the first two league

In a world where there is far too much violence, the word “kill” never suggests anything good, unless you are a lady Warrior out to make a mark on the volleyball court. These athletes are looking to serve a season long ace this year, digging out of a disappointing win/loss record last year. As we get set for the season, the Warriors have been focused on serving their best efforts with quality defense and aggressive attacks. Last summer, the world saw the excitement of volleyball in Beijing , both on the beach

Cross Country Makes a Run at CCSshape and returning to his dominant self. Another major contributor, Garcia, looks to introduce his track and field mentality and leadership to the boy’s team. Senior boy’s captain Ian Karlsson, the number one runner for the past 3 years, looks to help the team reach the goal of qualifying

for CCS. “This is my last year and I want to do the best I can and hopefully make state as a team, and individually,” K a r l s s o n c o m m e n t e d before the season

started. The boys need to finish at least 4th in WCAL to have a shot at CCS. The team faced their first opponent, Santa Cruz High School, for a practice race on September 5. Both teams won although an official score was not

counted. Coach Jonathan Lee commented on the race by saying, “Our team looks as strong as ever. For the first time ever, both teams have a chance at making state.” One week later, the cross country team competed in the biggest invitational of the year, The Early Bird Invitational. As many as 200 runners were in each race and it was divided by grade and gender. A total of 8 races starting with freshman girls and ending with senior boys combined for 6 hours. Lira finished 2nd and 5th for all girls combined with a great time of 19:14. The Lady Warrior’s own Isabel Garcia also finished high in the standing coming in 12th with a time of 20:41. The boys also ran this same grueling 3 mile race and J. Garcia finished 21st for senior boys and 43rd overall with a time of 17:05. Karlsson also did well with a time of 18:00. This 2009 cross country season should be an exciting one for both the Warriors and Lady Warriors as they look to make state one more time.

Sherri Duarte Consulting

(408)718-6977

games of the season, Presentation and St. Francis, which marked the finish of the first

half of the season. The second part of the season begins with the Milpitas Spikefest-another all-day tournament- that starts play on October 3. The Warriors will finish the season with league games that start at Mitty and will end with St. Francis. The team roster is made up of 4 middle blockers: Mona Batmani and Cassandra Matter are the team’s tallest players both at 5’9. Amy

Flowers and Marisa Walters also anchor that position. The Warriors outside hitters include Michelle Hirano, Breanna Pereira, Mikaela Sprauve, Elizabeth Bujuklian, and Katelyn Harvey. Bujuklian and Harvey are also part of the setter crew alongside Kayla Posada.

Joe Garcia Sports Editor

Ryan LoweAssistant Sports Editor

Freshman Breanna Pereira has had a big impact on the team this season

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The Cross Country team practices regularly to reach their goal of going to CCS.

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Alexandria Lopez shines as the team’s defensive specialist and Carla Koper plays the team’s right side hitter position. Despite

the trials that the freshmen are bound to face, it appears as if the are ready to take

the challenge head on.

17The WarriorSports October 2, 2009

Girls Volleyball Spikes Into ActionArazue M. ZadehJunior Sports Editor

The women volleyball players at Valley Christian High School have been practicing all summer to develop into a strong and unified team. As they face difficult matches ahead, the varsity players are building their team in physical endurance and mental fortitude. The women volleyball players did not take a break this summer. From camp, to conditioning, to open gyms, and exhaustive tryouts, these Lady Warriors worked rigorously to maintain a highly competitive atmosphere. To maintain their conditioning, they worked out for two hours, five days each week, with various Valley Christian girls involved in other sports programs such as basketball and soccer. The main focus of their conditioning was lifting and cardio. In addition to conditioning, these future varsity players were expected to attend a Valley Christian camp and open gyms. The camp was one-week of training and the open gyms were every Wednesday evening. However the real challenge facing the players was the intense six-day tryout the week before the start of school. Every day, the girls would have four hours of rigorous exercise with a thirty-minute break for lunch. During the first two hours of a typical tryout, the

Joyce ChenPhoto Editor

And ace! The Lady Warriors are off to a great start for this year’s tennis season. This year’s team consists of many hardworking girls who are willing to do anything to win. This year’s teams are under new management with a new Varsity coach as well as a new JV coach. The varsity team is under the watchful eye of Cuong Duong. Donny Allen coaches the junior varsity. Cuong previously coached at Los Altos High School and led them to many successes. He states, “I’m really excited about this year’s team. I’m excited to see how we’re going to do in the league. I really enjoy coaching this group of girls, they’re really teachable and are ready for a challenge along with fun matches.” Donny coached the JV boys tennis team here at Valley Christian last year, but this is his first time coaching girls, and he loves it. “I enjoy coaching the girls team very much. Even though they are short on numbers, they all have a great attitude. It’s not disappointing at all that we have a lot of beginners and we don’t seem as solid as other teams but we have improved so much already.” There are many athletic girls on the team this year, and they are all looking forward to a great year with each other. Varsity player Erica Parker stated, “This is only the beginning of the season but I feel as though I have improved greatly with the help of Coach Cuong. He is a great coach, a great mentor, and he is going to help lead our team into the finals this season.” It is Parker’s second year playing for Valley and she plans on playing again her senior year. The girls first match was against Archbishop Mitty High School. Although they did not pull out a win, the girls had great matches against the alway tough Monarchs. The second match was a home

match versus St. Francis, and the scores were close once again, but our lady Warriors did not win. On September 22, 2009, Sacred Heart Cathedral came over and fought it out on the courts. Singles 1 player Joyce Chen won her match with a score of 6-2, 6-1. However, that was the only win for the Warriors as they went down 6-1. The following Thursday, the girls drove to Canada College and played a match against Notre Dame Belmont. Unfortunately they lost but our Lady Warriors gave them a good fight. On September 29, 2009, the varsity tennis players traveled to Wallenberg Park to play against the Presentation High School Panthers. The Warriors pulled off a 4-3 win, singles 1 player Chen, singles 3 player Daniella Holm, Doubles 1 players Katherine Sanine and Janna Oswald, and Doubles 2 players Mandy Chin and Lauren Speers all won their matches. This year’s varsity team captains are seniors Katherine Sanine and Janna Oswald. They have both played 4 years of tennis at Valley Christian, and they are the most eligible captains out there. They both feel that it is going to be a great year with the girls and are looking forward to team bonding, practices, and well earned wins. Oswald stated, “I am very excited to be a leader along with Katherine for our teammates this season. And I am also excited for the relationships I get to make with these great girls. Though we are in a tough league, we are going to work as a team and play our best.” Team chemistry will play a vital role in the team’s success this year. By having a team that gets along well, the team is brought just that much closer to becoming a great team. Girls tennis is going to have a great season this year. They have the players, the skills, and everything else needed to win matches, now it is just time for the girls to execute.

girls would be judged on their endurance and strength while heavy conditioning. Following lunch, the girls would return for an hour and a half of various drills and activities. It all paid off for the three

sophomores, six juniors, and four seniors who made the team. The weekend before school began, these hardworking girls had an very relaxing retreat in Copperopolis at Lake Tulloch. The Lady Warriors went wake boarding, tubing, and bare footing,

followed by times of spiritual bonding. They also set team and individual goals for the upcoming season. The summer proved to be vital for these girls as theyworked individually and as a team to

develop into a hardworking varsity varsity unit,. Coaches Vonda Reed, Robi Georges, and AJ Reed have been training these girls for the upcoming 2009-10 volleyball season. The first preseason

game against Woodside on September 8 proved to be an easy victory for the Valley Warriors. A 3-0 win was an exciting start to a promising season! That Friday, the Warriors suffered a tough loss to Saratoga. However, four days later, the ladies came away with a well-earned 3-0 victory over the Harker Eagles. The following night, at the first home game, the Lady Warriors won an extremely exciting match against the Menlo-Atherton Bears 3-0. Valley Christian’s girls volleyball program is working diligently to continue their winning ways. The five practices a week are proving to be a bit difficult, but definetly worthwhile for these Warriors. Senior Rachel Alvey, Chelsea Shears, and junior Caitlin Brenton are setting a wonderful example for their fellow teammates as hard workers and constant motivators as teamates. Brenton admits that, “This year is going to be difficult, but I have confidence that the team will step up and play our hardest.

No Fault Tennis on Display at Valley Christian This Season

JV Girls Volleyball Attack the NetDominic Taguinod

Assistant A&E Editor As the past girls JV volleyball team grows older and stronger, they hope their hard work pays off by seeing their names on next year’s varsity team roster. In order for that to happen, they have to play hard this season and play defintely without regrets. The previous squad had worked through a troublesome season that came with many ups and downs. Beside the first game of the season against Notre Dame San Jose, which resulted in a 1-2 loss, they had no losses until their ninth match, showing their dominance against other schools. The team entered the Milpitas Spikefest tournament as one of sixteen teams. Their first obstacle was to win their bracket and advance to the playoffs, and of course they passed with flying colors by beating Cupertino, then Amador County, followed by winning the bracket against King City in the finals of Bracket D. They advanced to the tournament playoffs meeting Sacred Heart Cathedral. Unfortunately, they lost in the first round, but they still ended up

in fourth place for the whole tournament, which was outstanding. Little did the JV squad know, they had a grim season coming ahead. A few games later, the season opener came about, with the match up of Valley Christian versus Notre Dame. They lost that game 0-2, but came back in their second game to win against Sacred Heart Prep. Unfortunately they ended up losing the last eight games of the season, several, to teams they had beaten earlier. Though they battled hard in each of the games, they just weren’t able to snag a win. The team this year looks to come back with the fire they had at the beginning of last season, hoping to succeed and improve. One of our star varsity players, Mackenzie Beveridge, commented, “Our JV team looks very good this year, I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if they won almost all of their games. They’re definitely going to make a great varsity squad next year.” Beveridge also harped upon the importance of the lower divisions of high school volleyball in a players career.

Junior Caitlin Brenton spikes a ball right over the heads of opposing Mercy.

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18 The Warrior SportsOctober 2, 2009

JV Football Takes a StandDarelle Jones

Junior Sports Editor A new light is shining on the Junior Varsity team this year as they look to capture the WCAL league title this year. Months of preparation have been invested into achieving the goal. Key players include freshman running back Jared Lawson and quarterback Sean Davis. Even in the midst of summer, the players devoted their time to practicing two hours each day to prepare for the upcoming season. Last year, Byron Marshall was promoted to the Varsity level. Despite his loss, the team still posted a respectable record at the end of the season. Now, Sophomore Davis has high hopes for his team. He is enthusiastic about this season as he missed much of last season due to a mishap in the weight room. In the first non-league game against San Leandro, the Warriors came out with great intensity and put the game away very early. The first half was completely dominated by the Warriors as Davis led the team to it’s first victory. Despite having to perform on both sides of the ball, the

sophomore had an excellent game, scoring on a fifty yard quarterback keeper. Running back, Lawson was the other top scorer, and one of the impact players of the game. In week two the warriors dominated the Menlo Atherton Bears. The Warriors came out of the gates strong, scoring on their first position. Holding on to their lead, the Warriors won 33-0. Last week the Warriors defeated the Scotts Valley Falcons with a last- minute goal line stand. With only seconds remaining, the Falcons were on the one yard line with a first down. The Warriors were able to stop the Falcons on all four downs, and finished the game with a score of 18-13. Though the Warriors had a tough

One of the biggest challenges that any freshmen coach faces is to educate his players on the sport, from just about the ground up. Although some of the players may have played tackle football before, most have not.

Because of the tough league in which Valley Christian competes, after preseason is done, the young Warriors have to dive in headfirst. The young team is required to play against other freshmen teams, some of which had to cut multiple players during try-outs and still have 40 plus players on the team. Though the

Warriors do not have the luxury of having as many players on their team as other WCAL schools, they consistently field excellent teams.

Over the past few years, the freshmen Warriors have had excellent records, and have started off this year strong at 2-0. Despite this good start, the Warriors now will jump into what many consider to be one of the toughest leagues in California, from top to bottom. Both Bellarmine and Serra look to be the cream of the crop this year, although Serra already lost to the perennial powerhouse, De La Salle.

The freshmen team is led by

Jon LampkinEditor-in-Chief

Freshman Prepare for League Play

times putting together a stop earlier in the game, they came through when they needed it the most. The JV football team finished the preseason 3-0, and look forward to a great season in the WCAL. After Archbishop Mitty, the Warriors will face Bellarmine and Saint Francis in the up coming weeks. Mitty, Bellarmine, and Saint Francis mark some of this years hardest opponents.

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The leaves are falling off the trees, the weather is getting colder, and nightfall comes much earlier. This can only mean one thing: Water polo!

Last year, in the 2008-2009 season, the persistent boys Varsity team strived to make CCS. Dante Cavazosante stated at the beginning of the 08-09 season, “We need to set a new standard. Making CCS is our number one goal and we will do whatever we can to get there.” This year, Cavazosante, one of the captains of the boys Varsity team, has a different mind set. “Last year was great. We finished the season with a 4-5 record and accomplished our goal by making CCS,” said Cavazosante. When asked about his goal for this year, he said, “Let’s get to CCS and see how far we can make it from there.” The Varsity team has been training hard to be able to make it through another difficult season of water polo.

The JV Water Polo team, coached by John Langdon, hope to have a successful season. The team consists of sophomores, which could ultimately help their bonding experience. The team hopes to have a better season this year. Coach Langdon helps develop his players into true, experienced water polo players; able to play at the Varsity level when time comes.

Don’t forget about the Lady Warriors representing one of the most gueling sports at Valley Christian. The girls’ Varsity water polo team has been experimenting with new strategies hoping for a positive outcome this season. Head coach Jordan Jensen and assistant coach Kelly Walitsch are training the girls longer and harder this year. The Varsity team consists of three sophomores, three juniors, and four experienced seniors. The Junior Varsity team is coached by Chase Hughes and assisted by Kelsey Hughes.

Splash into Waterpolo

Arman ZadehPhoto-Journalist

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Theadore King snags a chance to catch his breath

Jarrod Lawson flies to the sideline, preparing to score.

Phot

o by

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Head Coach Lance Kilpatrick. Kilpatrick possesses a wealth of coaching experience, and also played for VC years ago. These talents will definitely help Kilpatrick relate to his players both on and off the field, as he seeks to mentor them in the Valley Christian football program.

Valley opens league play with Archbishop Mitty, a challenging task for the Warriors, as the Monarchs also enter the game without a loss. The game this weekend will be an excellent gauge of the teams talent. This will be a very exciting game for the freshman Warriors as it will be their very first game in the WCAL.

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Jarrod Lawson and Austin Davis enjoy a break during practice.

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The JV Warriors prepare to break a huddle.

19The WarriorSports October 2, 2009

“ Warriors are...Red Hot, Red Hot, Red Hot!”

Nathan FarrokhianAssistant News Editor

Fall Sports Rally Gets Kickin’

Cheerleading has always been a sport of commitment, endurance, and strength. The cheerleaders at Valley Chris-tian High School upheld this reputation throughout the summer and continue to ex-perience a sense of unity and school spirit. Summer proved to be a time of struggle, but overall growth, for these Warriors. After the rigorous April tryouts, the team began to come together in unity during practices and camp. Cheer camp brought together various cheer teams from around the county. After performing for other teams, stunting together, and creat-ing routines as a team, the Lady Warriors brought home the first place trophy. Their hope is that the camp victory portends to a victorious future ahead. As if to height-en their exuberance, the camp invited the Valley Christian cheerleaders to the FCC Invitational. Captain Briana Ahmed made enthusiastic comments about her newly formed team. “I love my team so much. We worked really hard and it really shows that our team is super amazing.” In addition to this amazingly triumphant camp, the War-riors further strengthened their team by having biweekly practices. Although there were setbacks that ultimately affected the team as a whole, these cheerleaders found inspiration from within and improved as a unit. As their summer came to a close, their hard work and commitment as a team was obvious and will be evident in future foot-ball games. Currently, the Warrior Cheer team is working diligently and with great pas-sion to make the 50th year at Valley Chris-tian High School the most spirited and en-

The cheer team performs the “lift” on the field.

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Arazue ZadehJunior Sports Editor

As we get back into school, what better way to get students’ blood rushing, eyes popping, and mind dazzling then an exciting fall sports rally! As summer ended, new and re-turning players started to practice on their teams. Cross country, football, tennis, vol-leyball, and water polo all have already begun their seasons and have high hopes of doing well. This rally was a great way to get them pumped for the struggle they must face on the road to success during their respective seasons. At the rally teams supported their sport at the bottom of the stands, cheering

and screaming when their team showed up on the screen during the hysterical player interviews. Students were excited to see the captains playing on the gym floor dur-ing the rally game. Each team had one of their captains blindfolded as they tried to find the object that related to their sport and bring it back to the starting area. The captain who was not blindfolded had to try to direct their visually-impaired part-ner. On top of this, ASB members were

thusiastic yet! With the close of summer, and the commencement of the school year, the Valley cheerleaders continue to work with diligence as they refine their stunts and routines. They practice four times a week: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. These cheerleaders are becom-ing more creative and more intense while practicing their Homecoming routine. A two-minute routine will be performed at Homecoming, with new tricks and flips to impress the thousands of fans attend-ing this historic event. Although he could not give much away about this important dance, senior Taylor Fine did mention that this two-minute routine will feature “stunts that students have never seen before” and incorporate dance moves that will have the crowd excited. Furthermore, JV and Var-sity will perform together at halftime. As the Homecoming date comes closer and closer into view, Valley’s cheerleaders are working harder than ever to assure that their exciting routine will leave the crowd both impressed and excited . Though they have multiple routines, this one is very im-portant. Over the summer, the Valley Christian varsity cheer team enjoyed a camp victory, but continued to practice intensely to prepare for upcoming football games and Homecoming. Homecoming definitely stands out among others as the supreme showcase for the cheerleaders this year. Now that the school year has begun, Valley’s cheerleaders are work-ing harder than ever to show their athletic strength and passion for Valley Christian’s 50th Anniversary Homecoming, preparing it to be the best out of the last 50 years.

moving around the gym and attempting to block the path of the captains with ob-stacles such as mats, blocking pads and even the occasional shove. The football captains eventually won because of the aggressive play of James Yoder. Yoder fought through the obstacle course and took home the victory. The rally was closed with a word of prayer from all the captains. Lindsey Pund led the prayer with sincerity and passion.

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The team captains of each sport join in prayer.

Mikaela Harn & Shaye Locatelli pose for the camera

Senior Ian Karlsson gives the camera a thumbs up.

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The cheer squad always looks to pump up the crowd.

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20 The Warrior SportsOctober 2, 2009

Jack Galante - 2001 graduate, quarterback Galante was credited as the league’s Senior of the Year, the team’s Co-Most Valuable Player, First Team All League, and Second Team All League.

Heath Ferriera - 2001 graduate, fullbackFerriera was named Valley Christian’s Ath-lete of the Year following his senior season. He was a three-year starting fullback for the Warriors.

Gavin Cummings - 2002 graduate, offensive linemanStanding tall at 6 feet and 3 inches, Cum-mings was awarded with All League Sec-tions his senior year.

Matt Castelo - 2004 graduate, linebackerAs a senior, Castelo was credited with 128 tackles, 10 sacks and was named league’s Linebacker of the Year.

Jeff Schweiger - 2004 graduate, defensive endSchweiger was credited with 140 tackles, 37 tackles for loss, 18 quarterback sacks, 15 pass break-ups and four fumble recoveries in 2003.

J.R. Adams - 2005 graduate, running backAdams was an outstanding football player who helped lead the Warriors to the CCS Open Division title, was named High School Athlete of the week, and was voted CCS Football Player of the year in 2004.

Legacy of the Past

1995-2010VALLEY CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL WARRIOR RADIO

5 1 thANNIVERSARY

Alumni Spotlight:

Tyler Mariucci is a highly respected, talented teacher at Valley Christian High School. However, many students do not know about his exciting high school experiences at Valley Christian. Mariucci first came to Valley Christian as a transfer his junior year from St. Francis. Right away he found a place for himself in the quarterback position on the football team. Along with a strong academic career, Mariucci was a strong competitor on the football field. He won several awards as the quarterback for the Warriors, including First Team All League, VCHS Offensive Player of the Year, Team Captain, and Honorable Mention Mercury News Athlete of the Week. It is no wonder Mr. Mariucci had so much success in football: it’s in his blood. With former college and NFL coach, Steve Mariucci as his father, he grew up with superb football knowledge and support. Following graduation, Mariucci attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo on a football scholarship. An unfortunate career-ending injury caused him to move on to a coaching career. When he graduated from Cal Poly, he came back to teach and coach football at his Alma Mater. Students consider Mr. Mariucci to be a fun and knowledgeable teacher and coach. Teaching physical science is a pleasure and joy for Mr. Mariucci as he gets to spend time with students who are eager to learn. As the varsity quarterback and receivers coach, Mariucci is highly respected by his players. Mariucci contributed to Valley Christian football

Tyler Mariucci during his high school years and continues to make a major contribution to the current crop of Valley Christian athletes.

Tommy Zellner Assistant Features Editor

Tyler Mariucci looks sharp in his game day jersey, during his senior year.

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