Nado Natterings
A weekly column by David Axelson

Nado Natterings
by David Axelson, Chief Executive Officer
The Islander Sports Foundation

21 Feb 2007 Issue #7

Winter sports teams have been traditionally strong at Coronado High School through the years and the just completed 2006-07 regular season was no exception. All five Islander teams made the playoffs and one of the clubs, the CHS Girls Water Polo Team, had strong showings in its first two rounds of post season play last week.

With 16 teams qualifying for the CIF Division II playoffs and Coronado receiving the No. 1 seed, the Islanders drew Mar Vista in the first round of play. Coronado dispatched the Mariners 23-2, which means Coronado scored roughly every 45 seconds during the contest. Freshman Ashley Young led the way for the Islanders with four goals, while Maggie Sosnowski and Katie Estrada scored three each. Five Coronado players scored twice, a list which included Carly Hoshko, Molly Patrick, Hannah Sebenaler, Hillary Estrada and Kathryn Bailey. Lauren Corcoran scored once in the game.

Typically for Coronado in the playoffs, the first round game is a blowout, while the quarter-finals are a little more serious with roughly a 2-1 scoring margin in favor of the Islanders. Then the semis and finals are normally tough games. This year the one-sided games extended into the quarter-final round as the Islanders unloaded on Valhalla 17-0.

Before you feel sorry for the Norsemen, consider that Coronado Head Coach Dave Throop played three goalies in the contest, including JV starter Colleen Moore who played the final quarter. “It’s unusual to have a shutout with three goalies,” Throop said. “It was nice for Colleen to have the opportunity.”

Other than two Islander players who had nagging injuries, the entire Coronado roster played against Valhalla. Danielle Goldblatt and Katie Estrada led the way with three tallies each, followed by three Islanders with a pair of goals each Alana Burgess, Sebenaler and Sosnowski. Sabrina Anonas, Hillary Estrada, Hoshko, Patrick and Corcoran all scored once each.

When asked about the one-sided scores in the second round, Throop said that it was a combination of teams in the San Diego Section being down a little bit this season, and the array of talent on the Coronado squad. “Since the inauguration of water polo in San Diego, the depth of talent on this team is the best that San Diego has ever had,” said Throop. Our first nine players could start for any team in San Diego and several of the other coaches agree.”

Tuesday the Islanders take on University City in the semi-finals at 5:45 pm at the La Jolla Coggan Family Pool. The Centurions squeezed by Mt. Carmel 10-9 in overtime Saturday to earn the right to face the Islanders. Barring an upset on either side of the Division II bracket, expect another Coronado vs. Bishop’s showdown in the final, scheduled for Saturday at 5 pm, at the Coggan Pool.

Boys Soccer Squad Earns No. 2 Seed in Division III

It was an up-and-down week for the Islander Boys Soccer Team as they lost their showdown with Clairemont 2-1 Thursday. But they held on to win the Central League title on the strength of their 8-1-1 record in conference play. The Chieftains finished with a record of 6-0-4.

“We were really, really nervous for the most part during the game,” said Head Coach Brian Hiatt-Aleu. “I haven’t seen them like that for a few years. We didn’t finish our scoring opportunities at all and we seemed a little on edge for the whole game. At the end we got caught and made some mistakes that hurt us. Good teams will punish you when you make mistakes and you don’t finish your opportunities. It’s never good to lose, but maybe it’s a little blessing in disguise.”

Friday afternoon, the Islanders traveled to Christian to play a game originally scheduled for Tuesday, when only one referee showed up for the contest. Coronado, apparently unfazed by this turn of events, went on to win 3-0, on a goal from Charlie Wood and two scores from Nick Hamilton. Christian Herrera supplied assists on both goals by Hamilton and goalie Jeffery Bucklew was credited with the shutout. With a 3-0 lead in the first 20 minutes of the game, Hiatt-Aleu was able to find playing time for the entire team in the regular season finale.

Saturday’s CIF playoff seeding announcement found Coronado ranked No. 2 in Division III, due in large part to their strength of schedule and a fine 21-3-2 overall record. “Before we lost to Clairemont Thursday, I thought we deserved a No. 1 or a 2,” Hiatt-Aleu noted. “All in all, we got a little bit lucky.” The No. 1 seed is Cathedral Catholic, with St. Augustine slotted in the No. 3 slot and Valhalla at No. 4.

As the No. 2 seed, the Islanders received a first round bye and they will host the winner of the El Capitan vs. Central Union game, a contest to be played in El Centro. Based on their record of 17-3-3, Hiatt-Aleu is expecting to face Central Union in the quarter-finals. Coronado will host the Division III quarter finals Friday at 6 pm.

Islander Girls Soccer Earns Division III 5th Seed

As a coach, you always like to see your team finish the year on a positive note as they enter the playoffs. Based on the results of his team’s last three games, CHS Head Girls Soccer Coach Kiko Medina must be ecstatic. A 2-2 tie with Division III No. 1 seed Cathedral Catholic was followed by a 2-1 victory over Scripps Ranch. Last week’s lone game was a 3-0 shutout of University City.

“We’re on a good streak right now, which is perfect timing for the CIFs,” said Medina. “I hope we can keep it going for a few more weeks.”

In the U.C. game, the Coronado goals were scored by Leah Hatheway, Kelly Walsh and Colleen Burns, while goalies Lauren Shuffett and Kaitlyn Mehrwerth shared credit for the shutout. Medina noted the fine play of his back three defenders Courtney Ryan, Rosie Harris and Callie Caldwell in the U.C. game. “The have figured it out in the back and that has made a huge difference for us. We are able to push forward a little more and they are showing that they understand the game and each other a little more.”

Seemingly earning a No. 5 seed with a 9-9-1 overall record would be considered to be a plus, but Medina noted that fellow Western League member OLP earned the No. 4 seed, while finishing behind both Coronado and La Jolla in the conference standings.

As the No. 5 seed, Coronado will host Santana High School Wednesday at 6 pm. If the Islanders win, they will have a chance to avenge their seeding slight as they would play OLP Saturday in the quarter-finals. At press time, the site of the quarter-final game had been narrowed down to either La Jolla or Cathedral Catholic.

Girls Basketball Shares Central League Title with Crawford

While Coronado was polishing off Hoover 48-30 behind 17 points from Bria Phillips and eight points from Angela Strohbeck last Tuesday, Crawford was losing 61-59 to Madison. The combination of those results meant that the Islanders had earned no less than a tie for the Central League crown, heading into their road match up with the Colts Friday evening.

Unfortunately for Coronado, the best they could do was share the title with Crawford, as they fell in their final regular season game to the Colts by the score of 52-38. Coronado’s Big Three which includes Tiffany Depfer, Phillips and center Arrielle Luna all found themselves in early foul trouble, and spent much of the first half on the bench in close proximity to Head Coach Toler Goodwin.

“They came out at home with a lot of energy and we didn’t take care of the ball or get decent shot opportunities,” said Goodwin of the game. “We had a one point deficit at the end of the first quarter, which turned into 11 at the half. We made a couple of runs at them and they were able to respond. We wanted to win the league title outright.”

“Tiffany took the loss hard because she thought she didn’t play well against Crawford,” said Goodwin of his junior point guard. “When you recognize when you do things well and don’t do them well, it will help you become a better player. Tiffany has showed a lot of growth this season.”

It should be noted that Coronado defeated Crawford twice this season, the first time in a holiday tournament, with the second victory coming in the first round of Central League play.

All of this activity came produced a No. 8 seed in the CIF Division IV playoffs, meaning the Islanders will host No. 9 Canyon Crest Tuesday evening (Feb. 20) at 7 pm. According to Goodwin, the teams should know each other. “We played them last year in the exact same position, the 8 vs. 9 game. They were our pre-season scrimmage this year. Both teams should be significantly different now due to the growth and maturity we have experienced during the season.”

Goodwin then outlined the keys to success for Coronado in the playoffs. “The two things we have to do well Tuesday, or however long we are in the playoffs, are to play good, solid defense and we have to play a good team offensive game. We need contributions from everybody to be successful.”

If the Islanders (16-11) hold off Canyon Crest (7-16) Tuesday, they will take to the road and play No. 1 seed La Jolla Country Day Friday evening.

Boys Basketball Falls to Hoover and Crawford

Frequently in sports there are two sides to a story. Last week the CHS Boys Basketball Team lost to Hoover 80-41 and at Crawford 84-43. On the flip side of this tale, Hoover emerged from the seeding determinations with a No. 3 seed in Division II and Crawford is the No. 1 seed in Division III. Both programs feature two or more players who will compete at the Division I level in college next season.

“I was proud of the kids Friday night,” said Head Coach Sandy Dillon. “The competed real hard. If we could have hit a couple of shots in the first half, we could have made them sweat. Our games with Crawford were the only two times Tyrone Shelley was held to less than 30 points (16 earlier in the season, 28 Friday night).”

The Islanders regular season record (13-11 overall) earned them the No. 10 seed. Coronado will travel to No. 7 seed Santa Fe Christian for a 7 pm game Wednesday evening.

“We play well there (at Santa Fe Christian) and we are the same size and match up with them,” said Dillon. “The other day at practice I spent 15 or 20 minutes talking about earning one more win. With all of the injuries we have had, to have a winning record is amazing.”

Track and Cross Country Teams Hold Fundraiser for New Uniforms

A reminder that the CHS Track Team and the CHS Cross Country Team are holding a joint Fun‘Raiser Thursday, Feb. 22 from 4-9 pm. The goal is to raise enough money to purchase new uniforms in time for the team’s dual meet season in mid-March.

Coronado’s La Salsa Restaurant will donate 20 percent from each diner’s bill that evening only, if you bring a Fun’Raiser flyer to their establishment. More eaters at La Salsa translates into more money for uniforms. The discount form may be downloaded from www.IslanderSportsFoundation.com.

The CHS Boys and Girls Track Teams feature some of the top athletes in the county again this year, so let’s make sure they are well-dressed during their competition. Please contact Susan Enowitz at 522-7960 or Shannon Player at 435-1764 if you have questions.

CHS Cheerleading Squad Headed to West Coast Nationals

Most people aren’t aware that there are really two seasons for the CHS Cheerleaders. The first and most visible is when they cheer at the football and basketball games. The second is the competition season, when the squad performs routines which are scored by a panel of judges. It’s a less dramatic version of the movie “Bring It On.”

Ten days ago at the last home CHS Girls/Boys Basketball doubleheader of the season, the cheerleading squad performed one of their routines at the halftime of the boys’ game, and they are really quite good.

Saturday and Sunday of this week (Feb. 24-25) the team will be competing in the conflictingly-titled West Coast Nationals at the I Pay One Arena in San Diego. Coronado will compete in Senior Varsity Co-ed Cheerleading competition, Level Three. The Level Three group will begin competition at 4:40 pm on Saturday.

This is a great opportunity for the Coronado community to support the Islander cheerleaders in a major competition being held close to home.

Business Advisory for CHS Sports Sponsorships

Recently there has been an increase in the number of solicitations of Coronado businesses from sports publication companies. These firms claim they will publish calendars or posters that feature Coronado High School sports teams and vaguely promise that the publications will financially benefit the school or the team.

In fact, the promised publications are often never produced and all advertising revenue remains with the company.

Within the past couple of weeks, several Coronado businesses have been contacted by an Illinois-based firm regarding a football poster. This company has never made a financial contribution to either the football program or the Islander athletic department.

There are legitimate publications and events that are annual fundraisers for Islander sports teams. The football team produces a high-quality souvenir game program that benefits that program. The boys’ water polo team has for many years printed a calendar that features Islander players, which helps defray costs associated with that sport. The Islander Sports Foundation has been actively involved in the annual July 4^th 15K Run/5K Walk for many years, an event which directly benefits the foundation and our member teams.

On occasion, one of the high school sports teams will conduct a short-term fundraising event to achieve a specific purpose, such as purchasing uniforms (see above) or equipment. If you are in doubt regarding the legitimacy of a solicitation for funds for a Coronado High School or Coronado Middle School sports team, please contact the Islander Sports Foundation and we will help answer any questions you may have.

There are too many legitimate requests made of the Coronado business community, to have money taken from our town and our merchants by phony companies soliciting for questionable projects.

Please contact me at 435-1343 or via E-mail at Ax@san.rr.com with your sports sponsorship questions.

Schottenheimer Dismissal and Turner Hiring

At press time, it appeared that the San Diego Chargers were closing in on their former Offensive Coordinator Norv Turner as their new head coach for the 2007 season and beyond. Turner is a solid, if unspectacular choice. In a previous stint in San Diego, he installed the offensive system still in use by the Chargers.

But the real interesting news regarding the Chargers was the revelation by “San Diego Union-Tribune” writer Jim Trotter that former coach Marty Schottenheimer turned into the incarnation of Niccolo Machiavelli (politician, statesman, author 1469-1527) and engineered his own firing.

Schottenheimer apparently backed Team President Dean Spanos into an inescapable administrative conundrum. In the process, he beat the Spanos family out of the $4 million left on his contract. If that is true, I would suggest that the 63-year old Schottenheimer is wasting his considerable talent on coaching. He should instead be U.S. Secretary of State or perhaps more meaningfully, the Commissioner of Baseball. Separating Alex Spanos and Dean Spanos from $4 million is quite an achievement. Neither member of the father/son ownership group just fell off a passing turnip truck.

Your Natterer is of the opinion that Schottenheimer should have been relieved of his duties at the conclusion of last season. For whatever reason, Martyball doesn’t succeed in the playoffs and hasn’t for years. Accept it, move on, and bring someone else in to allow the Chargers a chance at the title. A 14-2 regular season record is nice, but capturing the NFL Championship is any club’s one true goal and I personally don’t believe Schottenheimer was the guy to get it done.

If the relationship between Coach Schottenheimer and General Manager A.J. Smith was as bad as has been written, then Spanos was forced to choose between the two. Good coaches are hard to find, but GM’s with a talent for scouting, signing and retaining top flight players are almost impossible to find. Add in a nearly total defection of the 2006 coaching staff to other NFL teams and there was no guarantee that 2007 would end with the Chargers wearing championship rings.

It should be pointed out that the Spanos family has now let two damaging GM/Coach feuds erupt on their ownership watch. GM Bobby Beathard and Head Coach Bobby Ross went toe-to-toe in Round I, while Schottenheimer and Smith punched it out in Round II. Let’s hope that Round III is saved for a post Super Bowl victory bash somewhere in the distant future.

Interestingly, the conventional wisdom was that Smith would pursue a defensively minded coaching candidate for the Chargers. Since five of the six interviewed candidates were defensive coordinators with other NFL teams, that would seem to be the way to bet. But like star Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson, Smith reversed direction and hired Turner. Let’s hope that hiring Turner, regardless of the behind the scenes shenanigans that led to Schottenheimer’s dismissal, is the right call for the Chargers.