Poly pathways, sports, and clubs showed off their accomplishments so far in the year for potential incoming freshman on Wednesday, November 20 at Poly.
Tag: sports
-
Badminton Defeats Major Competitors
On March 2 Poly’s Badminton team defeated Cabrillo High School in close contest advancing to 2-0 on the season. The final score of the game was 12-9. The Jackrabbits are off to a incredible start this year winning against the two best teams in Moore league, Lakewood and Cabrillo. “Lakewood and Cabrillo are the schools to reckon with, the beginning of our season is a quick baptism by fire,” said Coach Steven Meckna.
There was an intense nailbiter at Cabrillo for the Poly squad. In one of the first matches of the night,senior Eric Shu, the team captain, suffered a leg cramp. Even with this injury, he “managed to win three out of his four matches, even though being partly disabled, a very heroic effort that night from Eric,” said Coach Meckna.
Shu described what helped him overcome the injury, “My teammates, they motivate me, so I really wanted to motive them back.” It was a group effort win against such a tough Cabrillo squad.
Junior Fei Law said, “We’re more determined to fight and win and improve each other.”
As senior Cassandra Mullen put it. “There isn’t one person who’s like picking everyone up, we all pick each other up.” The Jackrabbits next game is against Compton High School, then they have a bye week, and then are off to face Jordan at Jordan High School.
-
Girls Basketball Wins 120th CIF Championship
On Saturday March 4, Poly’s girl basketball team once again won the CIF Southern Section Open Division girls basketball championship.
This marked the 120th CIF title for the School. The girls hadn’t won the CIF crown since
2010. This was also the first Open Division title that the program has won.
This was not a typical game for the Jackrabbits as they headed into halftime down 36-32. Most of the season the Jackrabbits steamrolled their opponents, but were ready to make adjustments when
necessary. “When it’s money time, it’s money time, and that’s when you need your big three.”
said coach Buggs.
Ayanna Clark, Jasmine Jones, and Danae Miller lead the Jackrabbits in scoring on the
night. Clark had 20 points, Jones had 14 and Miller had 12.
For years, the girls basketball team has maintained a strong reputation. With countless CIF Championships, it seems that the program will only go on up from this point.
-
Signing Day: Poly Players Commit
Signing day finally arrived on Wednesday, February 1 and the student athletes were ecstatic to continue their athletic journey. On this day, athletes committed to colleges, officially signing and agreeing to pursue their sport on to the next level.The gym was packed with eager family members and students who wanted to support their fellow Jackrabbits. Poly junior Sara Rubinelli, who attended the event, explained: “It was an amazing experience watching kids I’ve grown up playing soccer with officially commit to the college of their choice.”
Families and friends have displayed their continual and endless support for their athletes on and off the field. The crowds cheering for each soon-to-be collegiate player clearly demonstrated how close the Poly community really is.
There was a herd of Jackrabbits that signed on to play sports at the Collegiate level on Wednesday, February 1. Many of the student athletes sat eagerly to sign their papers to officially announce their collegiate careers. The four years that Poly provides is crucial for any student or athlete to become the best person they can be.
Poly High School’s positive, rigorous environment prepared each and every athlete to become the person they were sitting behind the signing table. Senior, Lauren Fillipow stated, “Poly has prepared me by showing me what a family is like, how they always support each other, and how a team should work.” Fillipow signed with Southern Oregon University to continue pursuing her passion for cross country.
Choosing what college to commit and sign for is an integral step in a student athlete’s journey. The athletes carefully determined which college was best for them and their future. College is often pictured as this terrifying unknown, but these student athletes are confident in their decisions. Senior, Luz Lopez said, “I just didn’t get the same feeling that I got when committing to Marymount… of course I’ll be playing college ball.” Lopez has signedwithMarymountCalifornia University to compete at college level soccer as a goalkeeper.
Consistency and motivation provided these athletes with an array of endless opportunities. Twenty-seven Jackrabbits signed to continue doing what they love after their four years of Poly athletics. Overall, it was an inspiring day for the whole Poly community.
-
Ayanna Clark Named McDonald’s All-American
The biggest stage for any senior high school basketball player in the United States is the Mcdonald’s All-American Game in Chicago, Illinois. Poly is blessed to have girls’ basketball player Ayanna Clark inducted into the game, and boys’ basketball players Zafir Williams and Myles Johnson have been nominated.
For Ayanna Clark and other players inducted into this year’s 40th annual Mcdonald’s All-American Game on March 29, this is a dream come true. For this game, the top 600 best players in the nation are nominated, then around 30 are chosen to be able to play. With thousands if not millions of high school basketball players in the country, chances for any player being inducted is slim. However, Ayanna is the fifth girls basketball player from Long Beach Poly to be named for the big event.
On January 31, Clark was given a ceremony during lunch where she was named as an All-American and also received her all-american jersey. After being awarded, she thanked everyone, “I just want to thank
my coaches and my teammates and everyone else who’s been there for me” Clark said.
Her varsity coach, Carl Buggs, also had some words to say. “I’m just so proud of her and what she’s done the past four years. Now she is rewarded, great job. Love you girl!”
Clark is committed to USC and looks forward to playing on the next level. She has been a force to reckon with in high school, and it seems that it will be the same thing in high school. Many Mcdonald’s All-Americans end up playing pro-ball in their future, and we will see if this is the same case with Clark.
Nominee: Myles Johnson
Myles Johnson also known as “Myles The Monster” is a senior basketball player at Long Beach Poly High School. Myles’ effort and passion for the game has ended in great results, one of them being that he has been nominated to play in the All American 2017 McDonald’s High School Basketball. Myles is a dedicated player that has grown up playing basketball and having great influences.
Nominee: Zafir Williams
When Myles got nominated he said he felt honored to be nominated and it felt good to be chosen from the wide variety of other high school students that there are all over the nation. His goal is to pursue becoming an NBA player like one of his family members. He has many opportunities to enter colleges. Johnson explained, “Colleges contact me all the time.” He has received offers from many competitive colleges such as Yale, Princeton, Cornell, UC Davis, and UC Irvine.
-
Boys Basketball
On Saturday, February 4, the Long Beach Poly boys basketball team played Orange Lutheran at the Nike Extravaganza at Mater Dei High. Poly won the game with a score of 72 – 49.
Poly’s senior guard, Jeremiah Sadler, made a total of 26 points throughout the game. Sadler was 9 of 16 from the field, including an impressive 5 out of 9 from 3 point range. Sadler scored 16 of those just in the first half, and made 4 out of those 5 three pointers in just the first 16 minutes of the game.
The first quarter ended with Poly leading 27 – 11. Out of those 27 points, 13 were made by Jeremiah Sadler. Senior Myles Johnson added 13 points with 15 rebounds and senior Zafir Williams added another 11 more points and 12 rebounds.
This game Jeremiah Sadler showed off his skills because this game was really important to him. He recently had surgery and couldn’t do anything related to basketball for 7 months. Jeremiah is just now getting back to playing basketball and adjusting to practicing and being on the court again.
Poly’s next game is Thursday, February 9 at Long Beach Polytechnic High School vs. Compton.
-
Girls Basketball
The Poly Jackrabbits girls basketball team won a home conference game by a score of 76- 33 against Millikan on February 1.
The girls started off the game well, with the first quarter score being 26-8. The more games the girls have played, the more used to things they are. Their competitive side always gives them the advantage. Varsity team player, Makauaenalahni Diamond Salevao, said it best when she stated, “It was a good game. It was a little more competitive, I feel like I could have played better.”
It seems no matter how great the Lady Jackrabbits play, they always
feel the need for improvement. They stay hard on themselves and practice just as hard. With an overall record of 20-3, that hard work is definitely paying off.
On the February 7, they played the Cabrillo Jaguars and the Jackrabbits ended up winning once again. There was nothing for them to worry about, as they ended the game with a score of 86-16.
On Thursday, February 9, they will play yet another game against Compton. They have so much going on that when Makauaenalahni Diamond Salevao was interviewed, she was unclear on which game was which. As far as she’s concerned, “All the games are competitive, hard, and still very fun.”
-
Is Marching Band A Sport?
- Yes, Marching Band Belongs on the Field
According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a sport is “a physical activity (such as hunting, fishing, running, swimming, etc.) that is done for enjoyment.” By that definition, marching band is as much a sport as football.
Many people view marching band as the activity done by musicians who aren’t physically fit enough to play soccer, baseball, or run cross-country. Although that is often true, marching band is in fact a physically trying activity.
Two weeks before the school year even starts, the marching band is at school rehearsing for six hours each day learning drill, memorizing music, and practicing technique.
Marching band is a complex sport that involves breaking down music into pieces and arranging it to constantly changing formations. Coupled with some heavy instruments such as the tenor saxophone, baritone, and sousaphone, marching band is serious physical activity. If you believe marching band isn’t difficult enough to be a sport, you are very wrong.
People will often argue that since marching band is not competitive, it can’t possibly be a sport, but, although this may be surprising, marching band is a competitive sport. The Long Beach Poly Marching Unit participated in four competitions within their league, and placed eighth within its division (4A) of the Southern California Judging Association (SCJA).
Some people contend that marching band is not a sport, but instead is an athletic event, which, when thought about, is a rather circular argument. Sports are events where athletes compete, and an athletic event is an event where athletes compete. So, arguing a difference is illogical.
Marching band requires skill and a certain level of physical fitness in order to succeed, just like any other sport. It has rules and regulations that have to be followed and traditions that are faithfully practiced by members. Although marching band obviously doesn’t have the physical contact aspect like soccer, hockey, and football, it does call for the same dedication and practice.
Marching band in many respects is more labor intensive than some sports that are regularly covered on the sports page of the High Life, such as golf. Members of marching band receive physical education credits like other sports, so there is no good reason marching band shouldn’t be labeled a sport.
No, They Should Stay in the Stands
Marching band is a classic icon at high schools, playing pieces during Friday-night football games and competing in weekend band tournaments. They provide an important vibe to the high school atmosphere. There are many people who voice opinions stating that marching band should be considered a sport. I, however, disagree and think marching band does not constitute a sport.
My criteria for a sport is a competition focused on athletic ability that has impartial scoring to determine a winner. This rules out activities such as math team or competitive fishing.
Marching band’s main focus is playing instruments together, and is an act of showmanship. For sports, the main focus is to compete against others and be the best. Marching band’s focus is to support the football team, provide encouragement for the crowd at games, and represent the school at public events like parades.
There are a number of activities that require physical strength to participate in, but not all these are considered sports.
There are a number of activities that require coordination and hand-eye coordination to excel at such as brain surgery and cutting vegetables, and, incidentally, marching while playing an instrument.
I am not denying the hard work required to be in a marching band. Marching bands practice for more hours than some sports and is very demanding, but it is a performing art, not a sport.
Marching band has competitions and involves scoring and beating other teams. However, this alone does not constitute it as a sport. Spelling bees are scored competitions with winners, but are not a sport.
There is a difference between sports and athletic events. I am not denying that some athletic competitions require more physical strength than sports, such as gymnastics and cheerleading, but they still do not constitute as sports. Marching band has judges who critique technique and musicality, but who do not enforce rules. This is similar to other music competitions where judges base the winner on who they like better, rather than simply who does the best.
Marching band is not a sport. This does not detract from the intense physical components of being in the marching band, but it simply does not count as a sport.
-
Jackrabbits Sign Off: 2015 Signing Day
Ckelana Caesar
University of Louisiana, Monroe
Ckelana Caesar is a proud recruit from Poly who signed with ULM for her soccer skills. She has shown her passion for soccer out on the field alongside her teammates both at the school and club level. “I love my sport because when I’m playing it, nothing else seems to matter. I’m passionate about my sport because there’s nothing better than playing on a field with a group of girls that you would do anything for,” said Caesar. Poly has helped her mature into a better player and has also instilled in her a sense of school pride. “Unlike club soccer, high school soccer is a short, fast season. And within that time you have to build chemistry with people you might have just met that year. Playing soccer with Poly written across your chest is no greater joy,” said Caesar. She is excited to begin a new chapter in her life this coming fall. ”I’m excited to finally get out of Long Beach to get out and explore. I’m excited for all the new experiences, academic challenges, and physical challenges ULM will bring me.”
Sydney Ellis
University of San Francisco
Sydney Ellis is another soccer recruit from Poly prepared to head off to USF this fall. As her favorite pastime and relief of her intense competitive side, soccer has been a lifelong passion for her. “Soccer has been a fun hobby from the beginning. It was usually the way I made friends especially coming to Poly where I really didn’t know anyone. I’m a true competitor so coming to Poly with all the competition helped push me to become better player,” said Ellis. USF fits all Ellis needs to thrive for her next four years. “I chose USF because it gave me an opportunity to leave home but still stay in California. It also wasn’t too small. I love the weather up north and the coach was the right style for the player I am,” said Ellis. With excitement and success in her near future, Ellis is ready to take her skills to the next level. “I’m just excited for the experience of being able to play Division One soccer. I’m also excited to meet new people and experience the beginning stages of life on my own.”
Imani McDonald
California State University, Long Beach
A star soccer player here at Poly, Imani McDonald is ready to advance her skills at CSULB. McDonald has been playing soccer at Poly for her entire high school career and enjoys every minute of it. “I love my sport because it has given me an outlet from every day situations. It’s also been a place for me to meet new people and create friendships that’ll last my lifetime,” said McDonald. She is brimming with school spirit, proudly representing Poly and its soccer program. “It gave me more pride to wear my school’s logo and letters across my chest every chance I get,” said McDonald. Basing her decision on the school’s size, spirit and the quality and competitiveness of its soccer program, McDonald ultimately signed on to play with Long Beach State. She is prepared to take a huge step in her soccer and school career next year. “I am
excited to see what the future has in store for me at Long Beach State athletically as well as academically.”
Johnathan “Chief” Coleman
Bucknell University
Johnathan “Chief” Coleman is a proud water polo recruit from Poly who signed with Bucknell University. Possessing a strong passion for his sport, Coleman feels a sense of peace every time he jumps into the pool. “The water is relaxing, and whether or not I have a bad day, the water will just calm my senses and focus me,” said Coleman. The Poly program is one of many aspects that pushed him even further in his athletic career. “I believe my coaches always challenged me to be the best that I could be when I was doing good or bad reminding me of what I was capable of and not to stop working,” said Coleman. Bucknell seems to be the perfect place for Coleman to spend the next four years of his life. “I wanted to be far from home, be at a college where I could get to know my professors, and [Bucknell is] a top 20 team in the nation,” said Coleman. He cannot wait to gain new connections and see a whole new lifestyle out of his comfort zone.
Cassandra Lew
Sacred Heart University
Cassandra Lew committed with Sacred Heart University for her volleyball skills her junior year. Lew believes that she has gained so much from playing the sport that she loves. “I love volleyball because through it I can do so many things. The sport itself is fun and a great stress reliever, but it’s also a way for me to meet new people, go to a great school among other things,” said Lew. Through her progress in both her school and club teams, Lew found that Sacred Heart was a great fit for her. “Sacred Heart filled all of my school requirements. I wanted to go to a D1 school that had a good volleyball program. I also wanted to be able to explore somewhere new and Sacred Heart being only an hour away from New York City was the perfect place for me to do that,” said Lew. With much anticipation and excitement, Lew is ready to dive into a whole new athletic experience. “I’m excited to put on that Sacred Heart jersey and show those East Coast players how Cali kids play volleyball.”
Izak Epstein
Yale University
Izak Epstein is one of the twenty-five students at Poly who formally signed with their college of choice the first week of February. Epstein, a rower, will be attending Yale University this coming fall. His love of rowing stems from its competitiveness. “I love rowing because you are surrounded with people that will do whatever it takes to be the best,” said Epstein. He chose Yale because he felt that it had a big impact on him as a whole. “After all my official visits, the only place that I truly felt sad leaving was Yale, and that told me where I wanted to spend the next 4 years,” said Epstein, whose future is looking very bright. “Academics and social life aside, I am looking forward to rowing at Yale because rowing isn’t too popular on the West Coast but in the Ivy League it’s pretty much the only sport these schools are good at, so it will be fun to be a more valued [player] on campus.”
Erin Williams
Loyola Marymount University
Erin Williams is a volleyball extraordinaire who recently signed with Loyola Marymount University. She believes that Poly helped to strengthen her love for volleyball even further. “The support Poly gives me in our games made me love the sport even more and helped me get better at my game.” Williams loves volleyball because she likes how competitive and cutthroat the sport is. She plays not only at the school level, but also with her traveling club team. She is looking forward to college life and being independent in the near future. “I’m excited to be on my own and become more independent.”
Selena Cuara
California State University, Los Angeles
Selena Cuara has been playing soccer for almost a decade and has grown fond of it over the years, recently committing to CSULA for this coming fall. “Soccer is really fun because there’s a lot of competition and talent,” said Cuara. She states that the recruitment process began when the CSULA coach came to watch her at a game, in which she scored three goals. Her stellar performance impressed the coach, for she is now gearing up to be a Golden Eagle this fall. Cuara chose CSULA because of its acclaimed criminal justice and forensic science programs. “I’m really excited to be a part of [these] programs and to continue playing soccer.”
Clare Leonard
Amherst College
Clare Leonard is a swimmer who recently signed with Amherst College, a private liberal arts institution in Massachusetts. She enjoys being on her school and club swim teams because the sport is something she excels at. “I’ve never really been good at anything on land. Swimming
is something that I feel good about and that helps me stay fit, and that I can do for the rest of my life,” said Leonard. She chose Amherst based on academics but believes that it will also be a great opportunity for her to make new experiences. “I’m really excited to go to the other side of the country and experience something different from Southern California. I am also excited to learn in such an outstanding academic environment, and to be a part of the swim team there. Everyone I met at Amherst seemed so enthusiastic about their studies and their sports.”
Kanya Bell
San Jose State University
Kanya Bell is a football player who recently signed with San Jose State this past week. Bell is dedicated to football and believes it is a sport that can give him something in return. “I think football can get me far in life and it’s something I enjoy playing,” said Bell. On top of the support that Poly gives, Bell believes Poly has truly shaped him into an amazing athlete. “Poly is always on top of things and it is always pushing me to my limit,” said Bell. He is most excited for college life in the future. “I’m looking forward to the experience and opportunity to live my life.”
Johnnie Rucker
Sacramento State University
Johnnie Rucker will be playing football for Sacramento State University this coming fall. “Out of the two offers I had, I felt Sacramento State was the best fit for me,” said Rucker. “I’m really excited for the whole college lifestyle.” Rucker is a member of the esteemed Poly football program, which has amassed numerous awards throughout his high school career. When asked how the school influenced his experience with sports, he said that Poly was the reason for much of his success on the high school stage. “I can’t imagine [my] life without football. Poly is the best school for sports. That alone made me a better player.”
Jordan Dallas
Weber State University
Another key player on Poly’s award-winning basketball team, Jordan Dallas is signed on to attend Weber State University this fall. He is currently ranked 37th in the nation on the MaxPreps website. Standing at a tall six-foot nine, Dallas is very excited for the opportunity to play collegiate basketball, for he has high aspirations in the future. “Weber State was the best fit for me. In a year or so, I think I could be a big time player,” said Dallas. The super-shot blocker is grateful for the Poly basketball program because it helped him develop a good work ethic. “Poly taught me hard work pays off,” said Dallas.
Paul Estrada
Utah Valley University
Paul Estrada will be taking his baseball skills further at Utah Valley University this coming fall. When he was making the decision, Estrada stressed the importance of going out of state for his undergraduate studies. “I wanted to experience life away from home a different state and a good scholarship. Those are some of the reasons I chose UVU,” said Estrada. He attributes much of his success to his family. “The support from my parents and family has really boosted my self- esteem and it has kept me going ever since I have started playing the sport,” said Estrada. Looking forward to his future, Estrada plans on playing all four years at Utah Valley, hoping to make it to the draft soon afterwards.
Joseph Wicker
Arizona State University
Long Beach Poly’s defensive end Joseph “JoJo” Wicker recently announced his commitment to Arizona State University this coming fall. His long and hard work on the Poly football team is a testament to his love and loyalty to the sport, seeing as he played for all his four years. All his hard work and dedication has now paid off. Wicker’s decision in choosing ASU was based on the great experience he had on his official campus visit. The positive vibes of the school also persuaded Wicker to considering becoming a Sun Devil. ”I’m excited to leave high school and start college,” said Wicker.
Iman Marshall
University of Southern California
One of the most sought-after recruits in the nation, cornerback Iman “Biggie” Marshall ultimately decided to carry on his football career at the University of Southern California, receiving offers from schools like Stanford, UCLA and Florida State. Football has instilled key morals and values in Marshall. He believes that Poly gave him the experience to play with wonderful people and be a part of an accomplished program. “I’m more excited to play football at the college level and [for] everything it has to offer for me,” said Marshall. Look forward to seeing him in the NFL Draft in the near future.
Chris Taliu
Lindenwood University
Long Beach Poly’s offensive linemen Chris Taliu officially announced his commitment to Lindenwood University in the state of Missouri. Many were under the impression that his commitment would be for a football scholarship, but much to everyone’s surprise, he was recruited for rugby, being the first Poly student to do so. Rugby has had a huge impact on his Samoan culture and it gives his family something to be proud of. The mentality and pride that Poly has gives Taliu a competitive edge when he plays. Lindenwood is currently in the top ten schools for rugby and it offers a great variety of programs. Taliu is most excited to use college as a way to spark change in his family and set the trajectory for his bright future.
Kimball Leituala
California State University, Long Beach
Staying close to home, Kimball Leituala has decided to follow through with his passion for volleyball at Long Beach State. Originally from Western Samoa, his favorite sport has always been volleyball, for it is one that is commonly associated with Samoan culture. His commitment to CSULB was an easy decision for Kimball because one of his main requirements was to stay
close to home. He is extremely excited to go off to college and perform at a higher level, improving upon his volleyball skills as a 49’er this fall.
Omari Lyles
Humboldt State University
Long Beach Poly’s inside linebacker Omari Lyles has made a name for himself on the high school level and is looking forward to improving his skills at Humboldt State University this coming fall. His love for football is not for the high-status and glamour, but for the life lessons that experienced coaches and multiple games that helped shape him into a respectable young man. Lyles’s interest in football was strengthened by the traditions of the Poly football program. The Poly tradition was taught to him by his dad, who is was part of the Class of 1985. He is most excited to take his skills to the next level and compete with other talented athletes at Humboldt State, but he is also looking forward to representing Poly at the collegiate level.