NPHS fall sports teams near the season’s finish line
Whether they are wielding a tennis racket, running through windy trails or scoring a touchdown, student athletes on Newbury Park High School’s campus have worked hard alongside their teammates and coaches during this fall sports season. Teams fought hard within their respective leagues, and some advanced to CIF tournaments. While success cannot be quantified by games won and points scored alone, all of NPHS’ fall sports teams created memories built on a foundation of trust, friendship and grit.
Cheer – As the football team travels from high school to high school, they would be incomplete without the NPHS varsity cheer squad to encourage an energetic crowd. Sierra Spence, senior, is one of the team captains and has enjoyed her years on the cheer team. Whether watching over her younger teammates or learning new stunts, Spence always keeps one thing in mind: “Remember to have fun and enjoy cheering because before you know it, it’s over,” Spence said. The cheer team accompanied the football team to San Clemente High School for CIF Championships.
Boys’ Water Polo – While adapting to a new coach and overcoming any obstacles that presented themselves, Boys’ Varsity Water Polo worked together this season to secure seven wins and 13 losses. Sebastian Laubner, junior, particularly enjoyed their tournament in Malibu and appreciates the team’s progress this season. “We definitely improved a lot from last season…[and] in the pre-season aspect…before the league games started, we were doing way better,” Laubner said.
Flag Football – Making it to round two of CIF Playoffs, Girls’ Varsity Flag Football had a successful season. Growing as a team with each game, the team had a total of 14 wins and seven losses. Madison Fishman-Edmonds, freshman, enjoyed her first season and quickly learned the ropes of the sport. “As the season went on, I just grew close to so many of the girls and also the seniors. It was just a really good environment,” Fishman-Edmonds said.
Cross Country – Cross Country season continues, with the team preparing for CIF Prelims on Saturday, Nov. 16. As a freshman on varsity, Ella Muskat has learned many valuable lessons since she joined the team and began training over the summer. Muskat appreciates the positive mindset that is needed to push through each race. “If you’re negative and nervous about a race, then it’s harder,” Muskat said. Though it is sometimes difficult to be on such an intense team as a freshman, Muskat feels it has prepared her for post-season training and races. “Sometimes at [varsity] meets, it feels hard because the whole team isn’t there, and it’s just some of the team. And so it feels…different from other meets, but a positive is that the meets prepare you more, I feel like… for postseason,” Muskat said.
Girls’ Volleyball – After defeating El Dorado with a score of 3-1 and advancing to CIF Playoffs for the first time since 1987, Girls’ Volleyball had an excellent season, working together since tryouts over the summer. Pushing through any losses and always operating as a unit, player Vivian Falt, junior, feels the team accomplished their goal of always being energized and together. “We also wanted to be there for each other and be a family and be able to communicate,” Falt said. It is important to work together, and Falt works to improve the team not just by herself. “You’re out there on the court together all the time, at practice every day…we’ve been with these girls since July, every day, and so I think it’s really special the bonds that are made,” Falt said.
Girls’ Tennis – Girls’ tennis wrapped up their season in late October, ranking 5th in the Marmonte League. Sophie Lee, senior and varsity team captain, completed her final season with fond memories of her team’s growth this year. “We did a little better than last year. We didn’t win a ton, but we had a lot of fun,” Lee said. As a team captain, Lee embraced new responsibilities this season. “It’s definitely different, we organize more team bonding and there’s more to do that’s not just about tennis… just leading the younger players and showing [them] what to do,” Lee said.
Girls’ Golf – After a loss against Thousand Oaks High School, Girls’ Golf culminated their season ranked 6th in the Marmonte League. Kambria Mastro, junior and varsity golf player, took on a mentorship role and focused on helping her underclassmen teammates learn the mechanics of golf. “I help them with their swing and their putting stroke… I definitely helped them with that during tryouts and whenever we had our practices,” Mastro said.
Tackle Football – Advancing to the second round of the CIF Southern Section Championships with an 11-0 winning streak, NPHS’ Varsity Football team hopes to continue to dominate the field through the tournament. Teamwork, determination, grit and discipline have gotten them to this point. Wide receiver Beau Smigiel, junior, chooses to focus on each game as they come with a positive mindset. “[It’s like] we’re 1-0 every week, we’re focused on the next opponent and are very excited about it,” Smigiel said. Smigiel is habitual in preparing himself for each game, even more so while competing in the state playoff games. “I always stay calm and just pray to God to make sure I’m the best me,” Smigiel said. NPHS football faces off against San Clemente High School in round two of CIF playoffs on Friday, Nov. 15.
