Winter sports teams make it to CIF and beyond
Nathan Hontz and Frankie Fernandez are part of the team that won first place in league and continued into CIF play this season. Photo by Eden Marshall
Many winter sports athletes experienced a season to be proud of as they dominated league play, then advanced to CIF competition, particularly wrestler senior Anna Resco, who made it all the way to the state finals.
Resco reached the wrestling CIF State Championships for the second time but did not finish in the top, ending with third place at the Masters meet, which qualified her to compete at the state championships. Resco shined throughout league play, took third at the Northern Division CIF Championships, and ended up third at the CIF Masters tournaments on her road to the State meet.
In addition to Resco’s amazing season, several other wrestlers also qualified for CIF. The Northern Division Championship was held in February, and ended with Xavier Gonzales in fifth, Trenton Straeck in third, Cael Cooper in sixth, Matthew Macias in eighth, Sean Hall in seventh, Wyatt McKenzie in sixth, and Alex Chavez eighth in their respective divisions. AHS sent a total of seven wrestlers to CIF.
For the second year in a row, Anna Resco represents Atascadero High in the State Wrestling Championships. Photo contributed
The wrestlers were also recognized as Central Section Winter Academic Champions with a team GPA of 3.36. This coaching staff and those student athletes are commended for their continuous drive for excellence both in the classroom and on the field of play. Wrestling coach Mr. Hazelhofer commented about the “great effort it takes to be both a great wrestler and a great student.”
In addition to the AHS wrestlers having a great season, both of the Greyhound soccer teams dominated league play and made it to CIF on Feb. 13.
Despite a rough pre-season for the boys, they kept working together and had a six-game winning streak and placed first in the league. “When we found out we made it to CIF, most of the team was hyped and ready to keep playing,” said Martin Anguiano. Their first CIF game against Dinuba “was crazy because they had a good school and their stadium was pretty big,” according to Anguiano. By the end of the first half, the score was 1-0, Hounds. “The second half was a bit more rough,”Anguiano says. The Dinuba Emperors tied it up, and the game went into overtime. Dinuba ended up getting a point, ending the game at 2-1, Emperors. Even though they boys team’s season was over at that point, they celebrated their accomplishments. “Overall it was a great experience. All I know is that next year we will be back strong and better,” Anguiano said.
The girls soccer team also qualified for CIF by having a successful season of league play. They played Clovis in the first round of CIF, but lost 0-1, giving the Hounds a 14-7 record for their season. Despite a disappointing CIF game, the team can be proud of their season.
In addition to the wrestlers and soccer players, the boys basketball team was also able to secure a spot in the CIF playoffs. They played against Clovis North and also lost their game 102-58 according to MaxPreps. The Clovis North Broncos basketball team overthrew the Greyhounds, ending their chance to continue post season play.