“I’ve been playing baseball since I was five,” says senior Jesse Moore. Jesse is the pitcher for Missions Bay's varsity baseball team. He has been playing baseball in Mission Bay for four years.
This pitcher threw a 1-hitter against Point Loma on April 30 leading Mission Bay to defeat; they won 10-1. “What inspired me to play baseball was the ultimate thrill of winning,” Jesse commens. He had also played football in his freshman and sophomore year at Mission Bay.
Other than being a baseball jock, he has a great GPA of 3.6 with classes of pre counseling, drama, English, and athletics. For his hard work he was given a baseball scholarship to the University of Hawaii. “He will buy me a ticket to Hawaii to go watch him play baseball and has promised me season tickets to a pro team if he gets drafted,” says Mr. Mike Baum.
Out of baseball life, Jesse likes to hangout with his friends, go to the movies, and fishing.
Athlete of the Week, April 14
Jessica Stars in Soccer
Jessica Diaz was a starter on the varsity girls' soccer team. The attacking forward has tremendous ball skills and is a very hard worker. Jessica is also full of determination. This freshman was a big help both offensively and defensively with 15 goals and 11 assists.
Jessica has been playing soccer since she was five years old and currently plays club soccer for Nott’s Forest. Playing soccer year round is very time consuming for Jessica, but she still finds time to hit the books and maintain a 3.0 grade point average.
She is currently taking advanced math with Mr. Gualter Moura, world history with Mr. Sam Sample, advanced physics with Mr. George Zilinsky, and physical education with Mr. Jorge Palacios.
This year Jessica was announced First Team, Central League in the Union-Tribune for 2007-2008 soccer season. First team means that she is one out of 11 girls that are the best in Central League.
“I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished my freshman year and can’t wait to see what the future has in store for me,” states Jessica.
Maurice McKinney is a very successful junior here at Mission Bay High. Maurice is in the varsity basketball team and has been playing basketball since he was five. He plays as shooting guard. Even though he as demonstrated that he’s outstanding on the court he has also proved that he can maintain a 3.5 GPA.
Maurice is currently taking chemistry with Dr. Susan Weinshanker, art with Ms. Diane Parrish, English with Mrs. Penny Lewis and biology with Mrs. Sara Watts. Maurice does plan to have a career in basketball after high school. “I love the sport,” he says.
His Biology teacher Mrs. Watts comments, “He’s a exceptional student and works hard. He plays basketball well for a short-stature person. He has a pleasing personality and is very determined to be successful, loyal Buc.”
Sophomore Erin Planert plays three varsity sports here at Mission Bay: softball, soccer, and field hockey. Erin has been playing both soccer and softball for seven years and is enjoying her first year of playing field hockey. Erin states she is more passionate about softball and soccer, but she loves field hockey as well.
“The best part about playing is being with the girls and having fun, and just giving it your all when you have nothing left,” states Erin. She has won rookie of the year in all three sports and continues to become a better player every time she plays.
Erin’s current schedule is first period world history with Mr. Joseph Panian, second period intermediate algebra with Mr. Steve Henson, third period computers with Mr. Joe Benitez, and fourth period athletics with Mr. Kristian Auer. Erin’s motivation to maintain a decent GPA is on account of her sports, she says.
Erin doesn’t plan to have a future career in sports, but would like to play in college. Right now Erin feels it is all about having fun and loving the game.
Athlete of the Week, December 3, 2007
José Excels in Soccer, Water Polo
Mission Bay High School star water polo goalie José Davila is one of three Davilas left at Mission Bay. Older brother Obed graduated with the Class of 2007, and was a great contribution to boys’ water polo.
José Davila is a junior and has played water polo since his freshman year. Last year he played varsity soccer where he also goalies. “Both water polo and soccer are equally demanding they both take hard work and dedication,” he says.
The Bucs at Mission Bay aren’t doing their best to show spirit for our boys’ water polo and soccer. “The crowds are empty at both games. I would like to see more people showing spirit at the games.” José adds.
As a student athlete José does a great job at balancing sports and school. “The sports do not interfere with school. I prevent it from happening by finishing my work in class.” José is preparing for his next year. “I plan on going to a four-year college and contiuing playing water polo.” says José.
He shows great support for the girls’ water polo team before, during, and after the games because he and the other water polo teammates love watching the sport and showing support to the Lady Bucs.
José is currently taking Art 2 with Ms. Diane Parrish, Us History with Mr. Kirk LaRowe, French 4 with Ms. Jacqueline Coulon, and athletics with Coach Joe Panian.
Outside of school, José likes to hang out with his friends and family, go swimming and play more water polo for fun.
Students would describe José has energetic, fun, helpful, caring, and a joy to be around. Some students would also say his as athletic and passionate about the sports he plays. “José is amazing, the greatest goalie I have seen. He would do anything to stop that ball!” says Mackenzie Hudgins.
José is very passionate about the sports he plays, and he is always putting smiles on people faces. José is on his way to do great things with his life.
Athlete of the Week, October 22, 2007
Buc Becca Aims for Excellence
All her hard work is about to pay off. Senior Becca James is currently captain of three sports teams at Mission Bay High: soccer, field hockey and softball. She ended her junior year with a 4.25 GPA and is looking to improve.
Becca is a represenative of many different clubs such as National Honors Society, Link Crew, Goal Oriented Young Women, 3-Point Play and ASB.
She is prepared to make her senior year unforgettable. This senior’s biggest goal is to take the lessons she learned from all aspects of her high school years and use it to create a positive, lifestyle for her future.
Outside of school, she likes to go shopping and snowboarding, Becca loves excitement, so anything with an adrenalin rush will grab her attention. She loves her family, her friends and her boyfriend because they are very supportive and a big part of her life.
Becca is currently taking IB English with Mr. Nathan Sheehy, IB History with Mr. Joe Panian, athletics with Coach Auer, and ASB with Mr. Emmitt Dodd.
Mr. Dodd proudly states, “Becca is a young lady with unlimited potential.” Athletics teacher Coach Auer says, “As a student Becca is a hard worker, a leader, a very organized person. She is very focused and she makes positive contributions to the class room.” He also says as a person she is very compassionate, fun, intelligent and has the ability to make the people around her better people.
She is entertained by any kind of sporting event and enjoys all genres of music. Having ambitions, being happy and respect are very important to her. This student loves to see people smile.
Becca James proudly states, “I am looking forward to see what life has to offer me and what I can give back. I was born to make a difference.”and from 2006-07 school year:
Athlete of the Week, May 29, 2007
Tennis is the name of the game
Chris Barrera, senior, is a varsity tennis player for MBHS. As a first year player, Chris states his motivation: “I played tennis because I have always been a fan of the game and wanted to learn.” As a tennis player, he maintains a GPA of 4.25.
He has accomplished great things as a student athlete. This year the team had a new coach. “I really like the new coach, and he is really encouraging to his player so it really help a lot.” He offers a piece of advice for anyone who wants to play: “Join fourth period PE because being with the coach helps you get better, other than after-school practice.” Next year Chris will be attending UCSD where he will be continuing his education and taking up a career in medicine.
Athlete of the Week, May 21, 2007
Tristin Trumps the Opposition!
Tristin Allmond, senior and second year boys’ volleyball veteran for MBHS takes the prized honor of being Mission Bay’s Athlete of the Week.
An avid player, Tristin love for the game came from competitive outings with family. “At the age of seven I played volleyball at the beach with my father.”
Since last year MBHS was unable to have a boys’ volleyball team due to lack of boys’ participation Tristan’s excitement was overflowing when he first heard the news that there would be a team for 06/07.
As the season went on facing their toughest opponent, Point Loma, Tristin said, “it was a battle back and forth, but we finish on top.”
As far as academics go, Tristin stands steady at a 3.3 GPA, with a schedule of government, statistics, graphic communications, and athletics.
Since this is Tristin’s last year as a Buc, he offers some advice to the new and up and coming players,” to try it and not put it down, and it is so much fun and it is a lot harder then it looks.”
With passion and just a complete love for the game, it is probably sure to say Tristin Allmond will miss playing. But MBHS is sure he will have even more passionate endeavors in the future.
Athlete of the Week
Buccaneer: Badminton All-Star!
Tu-Uyen Tran is a junior badminton player with great talents. Tu-Uyen is not only good at playing singles but also she puts in great team effort when playing doubles with partner Thao Hua. Thao states,“ I am honored to be given the privileged to play with Tu-Uyne. She’s truly a great person and a partner.”
Tu-Uyen stays motivated and maintains 4.4 GPA with a full schedule of IB classes. Her game motivation is following in the footsteps of her sibling. “ My sister played, and I wanted to test it out, and see how it worked out for me.”
Not only the website athlete of the week for MBHS, Tu-Uyen has been honored by The San Diego Union- Tribune on May 1, as their Athlete of the Week after dominating in the Serra invitational and making her singles record 12-0.
With goals set ahead Tu-Uyen hopes to go to CIF and win. As the games continue, Tu-Uyen with the highest hopes, see her goals of winning is not far away.
Athlete of the Week, April 30, 2007
Catch Him If You Can
Senior Ralph Till is an all around athlete. Ralph is involved in a total of three sports here at Mission Bay: cross country, soccer, and track.
He along with the rest of the Mission Bay track team recently competed in the First Annual Mission Hills Grizzly Invitational Relays at San Marcos this past Saturday.
Ralph competed in the middle distance medley relay, the invitational 800 meter relay, and the 4x400 meter relay. His team went on to win first in the middle distance relay where he ran 800 meters at first leg. What does he enjoy about running track? “I like how everybody is doing different events, but we are all on the same team and cheering for each other.”
Ralph indentifies his most proud moment this season, saying, “I was especially pleased at the Scripps Ranch meet where I got two times posted in the newspaper—the 1600 meter and the 800 meter.”
He plans to attend UC Berkeley for both academics and athletics, continuing to run at the college level.
When asked if there was anything else he would like others student to know, Ralph said excitedly, “I think more people need to run Cross Country. It is a great, fun and competitive sport that is also good training for other sports. Also, it will keep you healthy and teach you the importance of hard work. Go Bucs!”
April 16, 2007
Francisco Valdez: Most Valuable Player
Francisco Valdez, junior, and #13 on the Mission Bay High varsity baseball team, was named Most Valuable Player at the 57th Annual Lion’s Tournament over Spring Break. This took place Thursday after the Bucs reigned supreme over Rancho Buena Vista 5-3 to gain the title of Premier Division champs.
Playing well, Francisco states, “is something that everybody can have it if they work hard. It does feel great though to be recognized.” As with every great player there is a motivator: “My parents, primarily my father, because he played baseball when young and has always loved the game. I wanted to follow in his footsteps.”
Francisco is currently holding a 3.0 grade point average. In the future Francisco will take whatever comes, whether it is a college scholarship or being drafted into the majors. Coach Farrar states, “ If Francisco keeps doing what he doing and staying consisted he will get that scholarship or draft.”
In games to come we will see if Francisco stays consistent and stands up to the award of MVP. But as of now, this consistent and vital member of the team holds only one thought: to do the best he can while never losing the love he holds for the game.
April 9, 2007
“Pitcher’s Got a Big…”
Desiree Timothy, Senior pitcher for the MBHS varsity softball team, shows what true dedication results in as the team’s season heads in. Playing a key role in the game itself, Desiree shares about her passion and ability with great humility. Having played for much of her life, she shares of her goals: “I practice 100 percent in order to better my game. Seeing if I can step up my game and strive to improve is a large motivation for me playing.” She feels great to be nominated saying, “It’s nice to be recognized for the work that I put forth on the field.”
With hard work and dedication Desiree has plans to further her softball career at SDSU (San Diego State University) where she was accepted for fall 2007 enrollment. As of now, academically she has proven herself tenfold, maintaining a 3.5 GPA while taking honors courses and focusing on softball.
Doing a mediocre job has never been an option for this striving competitor. Desiree has shown over the years at MBHS that dedication is the key. And although her time here is almost up, with the arrival of graduation, Desiree Timothy is determined to finish the year strong.
March 26, 2007
The Lady in the Water
Meli Saili, sophomore, a well known surf team member made history for Mission Bay High about two weeks ago. She won the woman’s long boarding event Sunday March 11 at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas against Coronado.This has not been the first time Mission Bay had a finalist in this event. Nadia Ramos was the first to make it to the finals, while Meli was the first finalist to take home the first place prize.
Don’t let her fool you. This is not the only activity she is involved in. Meli also plays on the JV volleyball and softball team, and on the varsity soccer and water polo teams.
Meli has been surfing for two and a half years, and this year was her very first time on a surf team. When asked if it was difficult winning the competition, Meli stated, “I guess all I could do was go out there and show them what I could do.” She also commented, “It feels so good” `winning the long boarding competition.
March 19, 2007
Nick Croce, Catcher—and Hitter
Nominated by Coach Greg Farrar, junior Nick Croce, catcher for MBHS varsity baseball team, has been selected as Mission Bay’s Athlete of the Week.
Nick has shown great skills at what he does, not only in the position of catcher, but with the bat as well. During Tuesday’s game vs. Escondido he had three RBI’s (runners batted in), a double and a triple. He truly showed what it means to have goals and to be determined enough to fulfill those goals (in the prior game he suffered from a thumb injury).
Nick stays motivated, he says, by “my mom, because she supports me throughout all these years.” Nick says his goal for the game of baseball “is to be able to get looked at by scouts and winning CIF the next two years.”
With high hopes Nick wants to further his goals of playing for college and hopefully be drafted into the majors one day. With such a positive start to his junior year season, Nick Croce is beginning to look a lot like a future draft pick. Could he join the ranks of other Mission Bay High first rounders, 2004’s Matt Bush and 2005’s Henry Sanchez? It is a bold assumption to make, seeing it is only his junior year, but from what we are seeing out of him now it is not out of the question.
March 12, 2007
Avery Petty, A True Team Player
Avery Petty, 18, senior forward for Mission Bay High basketball team, he has played basketball since the age of 2, but for all four years of high school for the Bucs.
Avery states his motivation: “My dad is my motivation. He had the talent and did not follow through with his talent, and I want to finish what he started and go all the way.” While in games Avery goes in with the mindset of playing the best defense and keeps his average of six points a game or more. Recently this squad has made history-winning a CIF title. Avery says, “ [It] feels good to be apart of Mission Bay CIF history.” With his current GPA of a 3.17, Avery puts his hopes in to going to BYU or Tennessee, and with such determination to succeed, it is likely that we will be seeing and hearing a lot more on Avery Petty, the young, determined athlete.