The temperature is steadily decreasing and days are getting shorter; fall sports at FHS are coming to an end. Winter brings five teams across three different sports. The fields at FHS are starting to clear up for boys’ and girls’ soccer tryouts, volleyball nets are being taken down to make way for boys’ and girls’ basketball, and the wrestling team is training in the weight room to prepare for the upcoming season.
Boys varsity soccer is coming off a 10-win, seven-loss and three-tie record, their final loss having occurred in a playoff battle against Los Gatos. Coached by Demba Diallo, they placed second in the league last year after an exciting season. JV soccer, coached by Dennis DeSouza, had a record of six wins and nine losses. They are looking to make another playoff run this season.
“The upcoming season will be really competitive,” FHS junior Shawn Melton, who is on the varsity team, said.
The varsity Girls Soccer team, coached by Payam Hajjarian and Rudy Suarez, had a record of nine wins, six losses and three ties, coming third in the El Camino League. JV Girls Soccer, coached by Leo Flores, had a record of four wins, eight losses and two ties.
Wrestling tracks records individually, and thus each wrestler is looking to prepare themselves to dominate this winter. They are coached by FHS Japanese teacher Erik Duus and FHS Athletic Director Daniel McCune. The wrestling room at FHS was recently demolished to make way for the construction of the field house, so the wrestling team currently practices in the small gym.
The varsity Boys Basketball team is coached by Tony Kikuta, and had an impressive record of 20 wins and six losses last year, placing second in the El Camino league. They won a playoff game against Hollister High School before their season ended in the following game against Leigh High School. JV boys basketball, coached by Doug Fong, had a record of seven wins and 10 losses. Team unity is a big component of success.
“We are going to do great because of team chemistry and experienced players,” FHS junior and power forward Arnav Prasad said.
Girls Varsity Basketball had an even record of 13 wins and 13 losses, placing fourth in the league. Coached by Miguel Castillo, they won a game against Leigh High School in the playoffs. Their season ended with a loss against Alisal High School. JV Girls Basketball, coached by FHS math teacher Devyn Snyder, lost only three times during the regular season.
The winter season starts in November and will roll on all through February. Make sure to stop by and support our Firebirds!
