Nado Natterings
A weekly column by David Axelson

11 March 2009 Issue #10

One of the recurring themes in ‘Nado Natterings’ over the dozen years that Your Natterer has been covering Coronado High School sports is the difficult challenge found in beating a good and worthy opponent three times in the same season. This year, the Coronado Girls Soccer Team won the Western League, for the first time ever, and on their way to capturing the conference crown defeated league rival La Jolla twice. The first game was a 3-0 home win and the second was a 2-1 road victory at La Jolla.

The first Coronado vs. La Jolla game was won in such convincing fashion that Islander Head Kiko Medina called the contest, “Probably the best game I’ve seen this team play since I’ve been with the program.” He went on to say, “We knew we had to be a little more physical. Technically we play well, but sometimes we have trouble matching the technical game with the physical game. La Jolla is extremely explosive, so for us to stop them was really amazing.” Medina’s remark regarding physical play proved to be prescient six weeks later.

Coronado, the defending CIF Division IV champion who was bumped up a division due to CIF enrollment standards, waltzed through the beginning rounds of the Division III playoffs. After a first round bye won by virtue of their No. 1 seed, Coronado clipped Southwest High School 5-0 and then pounded Mission Bay 4-0, with both games played at home.

Coming out of the other side of the bracket, No. 2 seed La Jolla had to go into overtime to defeat Cathedral Catholic 3-2. Since the Islanders had defeated La Jolla (final record of 15-3-2) twice in conference competition and Coronado had lost and tied against Cathedral, on paper at least the match up seemed to favor the Islanders (15-6-1).

The finals, played at Valhalla High School, which featured a 4:30 pm start, started poorly for Coronado as the Vikings scored 7:03 into the game. The Islanders looked a little tentative in the early going, but in the view of this reporter, collected themselves and had the better of the play in the final 20 minutes of the first half.

The Islanders seemed rejuvenated after the 10-minute intermission and pressed the attack against La Jolla in the first several minutes of the second half. Then the Islanders pursuit of the Division III title took a sideways turn as the Vikings scored three unanswered goals in a six-minute stretch.

The game was physical throughout, with the Islanders holding their own in the early going. Referees don’t decide a game with a final score of 4-0, but several times overly aggressive play went un-called and the game made a definite turn toward the chippy side in the second half.

With just under 17 minutes left in the game, the Vikings scored their final goal of the day, but to their credit, Coronado continued to battle. With the game clock reflecting less than two minutes remaining to play, the Islanders continued to push forward and in fact had two scoring opportunities near the game’s conclusion. One shot attempt struck the crossbar, while shortly afterwards, the ball was near the foot of an Islander forward, with the goalie out of position and nothing became of the opportunity.

Brian Hiatt-Aleu, the Boys high school varsity coach was at the helm of the team for the finals, as Head Coach Kiko Medina was out of town. Hiatt-Aleu has coached 14 members of the CHS Girls Varsity at the club level. “We probably would rather have played Cathedral,” said Hiatt-Aleu of the championship game. “At halftime I told the girls not to show any frustration or emotion. I really thought we were going to score at the beginning of the second half. The girls’ team is very deep. For the last 10 minutes of the game, I put in the younger girls and gave them a taste of what a big game was like. It was unfortunate. If we could have had the first goal, it could have been different. We had a great corner kick from Mallory Mitchell early and the ball went through the six-yard box and nobody could put it in.”

The finals loss marked the final game for seniors Brianna Baszak, Paige Berube, Mackenzie Coutts, Andrea Davis and Sandy Shepherd, all of whom acquitted themselves well and contributed mightily to the Coronado soccer program over their careers. The 2008-09 Islander roster was dominated by 11 members of the CHS Class of 2011, this year’s sophomore class. In addition, four freshmen dotted the playoff roster and received playing time. Look for the Islanders to re-load and make another title run in 2010.

Boys Soccer Loses in Semi-Finals to Cathedral Catholic 2-1

Late last week the Coronado High School Boys Soccer Team played in the CIF Division III semi-finals at Cathedral Catholic, a game which featured the No. 2 seeded Dons against the No. 3 seeded Islanders. Most involved in the game had the feeling that this was the real championship final, a thought that was proven true in the finals.

“We knew it was a big game and we prepared well,” said Head Coach Brian Hiatt-Aleu. “They (Cathedral) were a little stronger physically and a little quicker. They want to kick and chase and at the end of the first half the score was 0-0. Cathedral went up 1-0 and the (Islander) boys showed poise and didn’t panic. We made a couple of key changes and took some risks. Our goal came on a combination of four or five passes, with the last pass made by Eduardo Sacal to Seth Willey, who scored. Eduardo had a fractured collar bone, taped it up and played in the game. It would have been nice to see the game if everyone was healthy.”

With the game tied 1-1 just 35 seconds into injury time, the game referee made a long distance call, granting Cathedral a corner kick for a foul allegedly committed at the outside corner of the box. In the Coronado player protest that followed, the Hiatt-Aleu had to replace his goalie and the Don’s player converted the penalty kick to end the game.

“If you would have told me at the beginning of the year that we would be 1-1 into injury time in the semi-finals, I wouldn’t have believed you,” said Hiatt-Aleu. “With the quality of the players we have graduated over the past two years, plus the injuries sustained this year, I am very proud of the boys. They played to the best of their abilities throughout the season.”

Cathedral dominated No. 1 seed Southwest 4-1 in the Division III finals, lending credence to the semi-final game between the Dons and the Islanders being for all of the marbles. “I’ve coached a couple of the Cathedral boys in club during the past few years and they had their praises for us,” Hiatt-Aleu added. “It was a much tougher game than they thought it would be.”

On a related soccer note, Hiatt-Aleu said there is a movement growing to add a fifth division to the CIF San Diego Section Soccer Playoffs. “There is so much anger about good teams not making the playoffs.”

Another thought is to place the private schools in their own division at playoff time, because, let’s be honest, many of the schools recruit athletes. “We should all play by the same rules,” Hiatt-Aleu added. “Or there should be a private school league.”

Girls Water Polo Program Announces Honors and Awards

The winter sports banquet season got off to a fast start last week. The Girls Water Polo program held their after-season shindig at the Coronado Recreation Center a scant four days after the varsity members won the CIF Division II title over The Bishop’s School, 12-11 in overtime.

Coach Ian Silverman presented both the JV and the Frosh/Soph/Novice Team awards. Taking the latter squad first, the accolades went to: Team Captain – Kendall Martin; Most Improved Player – Chelsea Somers; Most Valuable Offensive Player – Candyce Day; Most Valuable Defensive Player – Allie McRae; and the Coach’s Award was presented to Kendall Hoshko.

The JV awards were presented to: Team Captain – Brooke Bernardy; Most Improved Player – Kaylee Ginnane; Offensive MVP – Hannah Green; Defensive MVP - Natalie Stringer and Coach’s Award – Rachel Rodriguez.

Head Coach Dave Throop presented the Varsity awards, which went to: Co-Most Improved – Shelby Couture and Colleen Moore; Coach’s Award – Maddie Murphy; Golden Tassle Award presented to team member with the highest grade point average – Alex Adamson; Team Captains – Kathryn Bailey and Adamson; Most Valuable Defensive Player – Hillary Estrada; Most Valuable Offensive Player – Ashley Young; and Team MVP - Alex Adamson.

Congratulations to the players for their awards and to the varsity on a championship season.

Islander Baseball Season Off to Quick Start with Doubleheader Win over Mar Vista

A few short weeks ago, it appeared that the defending CIF Division IV champion Islander Baseball Team would be kicked up into Division III, the same fate the befell both the CHS Boys and Girls Soccer Teams. The CIF apparently recounted institutional noses and the Islanders are back to defend their Division IV title and their Co-Champs status in the Western League, along with Mission Bay.

Saturday the Islanders got their first taste of regular season competition as they hosted Mar Vista, in what turned into a doubleheader victory for the Islanders. Coronado won the first game 7-3 and the nightcap 4-3. “Mar Vista battled,” said Head Coach Sam Ceci of Coronado’s South Bay rivals. “They have improved every year and I think they will finish above .500 for the season and compete for their league title.”

Coronado is loaded with seniors this season. In fact 11 of the 18 roster spots are members of the Class of ’09. More importantly, Ceci characterized the class as “Real quality returners. Pitcher Bryan Crabb is coming back strong and he is a real prospect. He has signed to play at San Diego State. He’ll play the outfield when he isn’t pitching.”

Kyle Couture forms the second half of a potent 1-2 pitching combo and the senior pitched seven innings to earn the victory in the first game of Saturday’s twin bill. “Kyle throws hard and has a good curve ball,” Ceci said. “Bryan and Kyle give us a good 1-2 combination for a two game series. At the plate he has changed his hitting approach a little bit. He was 2-3 in the first game.”

Mason Mills will occupy two of the most important roles on the team, starting shortstop and closer, according to Ceci. “We put him out there to pitch a couple of times in scrimmages and he did well. He throws hard.”

The starting catcher slot will be occupied by either senior Blake Malkemus or junior Sean Masino or perhaps both. “We planned to play Blake in either left or center field,” Ceci explained. “When we have Blake, Keith Englehart and Crabb playing in the outfield, it’s one of our better outfields ever. Masino is one of the most improved kids we have had come through the program, from his freshman year through now. He swings a strong bat, with a little pop. He played travel ball during the summer and in our scrimmages he has hit the ball consistently. He could be in the 6-7-8 hitting slot, with power.”

Justin Parsons, water polo goalie extraordinaire and basketball center now adds third baseman, first baseman and occasional pitcher to his athletic resume. “JP will play third base when Couture is playing first and when Couture pitches, he will play first base,” said Ceci. Another senior is Todd Kelleher, who played third base and left field against Mar Vista, and according to Ceci, “Could be all over the park” on defense. “He’s Mr. Utility. He can play third, second and short if need be and anywhere in the outfield. He’s a pretty savvy kid. He knows how to run the bases.” Kelleher went 2-4 in the first game, driving in two runs and stealing a base from the leadoff spot.

Other seniors who will contribute include John Mikesell, who may see time at both first base and in the outfield. “He’s a big kid (linebacker on the Islander football team) who moves well,” said Ceci. He’s aggressive on the base paths and can pitch run. He’s a good kid and a team guy who is willing to do anything you want. Brian Karamoto has had a sore arm, but he can come in and play second or short. Sean MacDonald, another great kid, plays the outfield. He hit a bomb for a triple against Mar Vista. He will get some time. And Austin Hunter, will pitch and went four and one-half innings in the second game. He works hard and will chew up some innings this year. Stefan Massie blew out his knee and is now our public address announcer. He’s been a great kid in our program.”

The junior class includes Patrick Toomey, who has just come out for baseball after the conclusion of the soccer season, and is a strong candidate for the second base job. “We see some potential with Jack Nicholson,” said Ceci. “He swings the bat and makes good contact. He can play third base or second. Zack Wheeler is a ‘good hands’ infielder and he will play some second base for us late in the game as a defensive replacement. Mechanically he is very good. He works hard and earned his way onto the club. Hunter Ralph is a real good first baseman. He is another guy who will see some time late in the game. Ryan Shepherd and Tyler Hill-Hansen will play in the outfield.”

The sophomore class features Tyler Brownell, “A great hitter who squares up on the ball,” according to Ceci. “We had him hit in the two-hole and he went 1-3 with a walk and an RBI in the first game. In the second game, he moved the runner up both times. He did a lot of things well and he is a potential first baseman. Garrett Smerdon is a good little player and he could be our shortstop of the future. He was Co-MVP of the JV team as a freshman. He can hit. Toby Talampas is a gifted little player who can get people out. He throws his curve for strikes. We may go to him if we get into a jam with our pitching. He also plays shortstop and he is a right-handed hitter who can handle the bat.”

Freshmen Jake Meloche and Austin Denson (younger brother of senior Michael) are both left-handed pitchers with tremendous upside. Meloche and another freshman Harley Ralph (younger brother of junior Hunter) both hit home runs in the JV game Saturday. “We hope to get Jake some innings pitching on the varsity,” Ceci said. Denson and Meloche comprise the 1-2 pitching combo of the future for the Islanders.

The Western League remains much the same, with one change which has Madison replacing Claremont. The early season pick to win the league is Cathedral Catholic, which features seven players who have signed Division I baseball scholarships. Long-time Western League members Coronado, Mission Bay, La Jolla, Point Loma and University City complete the roster.

Ceci knows the Western League is tough again. “Coronado should be able to challenge for the title, but all of the stars have to align for us to beat Cathedral. They are the gorilla in the league. If either Crabb or Couture are on, we can beat them. Last year we beat them in our first league game and held on to win the league. Scoring runs continues to be an issue for us.”

The varsity coaching staff returns intact and features one addition. Ceci is again joined by Assistant Head Coach Jerry Brown, Pitching Coach Chris Blanton and Coach Bill Seager. Chris Barbera moves up from JV to join the varsity coaching staff. Both Blanton and Barbera played in the CHS program.

This week the Islanders leap into their schedule with play in the Bully’s Tournament. Tuesday they host Mission Hills at 3 pm; Thursday they play at La Jolla at 3 pm and Saturday the Coronado varsity hosts San Ysidro at 10:30 am, with the JV playing at 1:30 pm.

Girls Softball Team Downs San Diego 14-3

Proving that you can’t beat fun at the old ballpark, the CHS Girls Softball Team under the direction of Head Coach Tony Isabella dominated San Diego High School in the Islanders’ season opener last week. Coronado was led offensively by Nicole Aguilar, who went 4-4 including a single, two doubles, a triple and four RBIs.

According to Isabella, three pitchers took the mound for Coronado, including Brianna Feist who pitched two scoreless innings, two more scoreless frames came from Kayla Englehart and one inning was pitched by Alanna Pompa, as the Islanders stormed to a 14-3 victory.

This season Isabella will carry 14 players on the varsity roster. Team Captains include Lizzie Nebo, Sandra Cepin, Shannon Julius and Feist. Nebo the Elder is the team’s starting second baseman and is joined by fellow seniors Cepin as the starting first baseman, Laura Zeleniak as the starting right fielder and outfielder Chantal Perez.

The junior class includes starting centerfielder Julius, starting leftfielder Jessica Adair, utility infielder Rachel Bible, Feist who is the No. 1 starting pitcher, and Bailey Haines who plays both second base and catches.

Nebo the Younger, in this case Olivia Nebo, is joined by four sophomores on the varsity and she is the squad’s starting catcher. Englehart is the starting shortstop and also pitches; Pompa will pitch and play the infield and outfield; Anik Ribera plays first, catches and pitches; while Aguilar starts at third base.

“Our team did a lot of work in the off season, including lifting weights,” said Isabella. “Our team was hungry to go out and play and we had a nice beginning to the season.”

Like their baseball counterparts, the CHS Softball Team resides in the Western League, where Cathedral Catholic is the early favorite to win the title. “Cathedral, Point Loma, Clairemont and U.C. are all good. I don’t know how good Mission Bay is going to be,” said Isabella.

This week the Islanders are off, but start playing in earnest March 18^th, when they will host Southwest at 3 pm at Green Field. On the 19^th they play Morse High School in the first game of the Hilltop Tournament.

Track and Field Athletes Participate in Invitational

Head CHS Track and Field Coach George Green filed the following report as a few members of his squad participated in an invitational event last weekend. “Three Islander thinclads got an early start to their season at the inaugural Calvin Christian Small School Invitational.

Sophomore Will Bartsch picked up where he left off last year with a 12-foot effort in the pole vault that appeared to be a foot and a half over the bar. At 12-6 he tried to get on a bigger pole, but couldn’t quite handle it. Look for him to go much higher this season.

Briana Giorgione won the girls pole vault at 8 feet and sophomore Maddie Danielson elected to run in the varsity 300 hurdles rather than the frosh/soph event. Danielson placed second with a time of 51.5 on Calvin Christian’s dirt track.”

College Recruiting Presentation Coming Up

The Islander Sports Foundation is bringing Jack Renkens and his ‘Recruiting Realities’ presentation back to Coronado Monday, March 23^rd at 7:30 pm. There will be no admission fee charged for the presentation, which will be paid for by the ISF and will be held at the Coronado High School Theater.

Parents of Coronado Middle School and Coronado High School athletes and all student-athletes themselves are invited to attend. The community at large, including parents and athletes from Christ Church and Sacred Heart also invited to attend.

Circle the date on your calendar. The presentation, which lasts for a total of roughly 90 minutes, is a no-nonsense, realistic recruiting seminar from a former coach and parent, who knows the topic and presents the recruiting information in an entertaining fashion.