The boys prepare for post-season after stellar play against Monrovia

The South Pasadena boys soccer team, (8-7-3) overall, recorded a crucial 1-0 shutout of Monrovia on February 9, to secure at least a tie for second place in the Rio Hondo League with one game remaining. The win also enhanced the team’s chances of going to CIF, something they haven’t done for 19 years.

Coming into the Monrovia game, the Tigers were tied record-wise with the Wildcats, who were also 4-3 in league play. Throughout the course of the game, The Tigers proved to be the more dynamic of the two. Neither team scored in the first half, but the Tigers finally pushed through on a late goal by senior Richard Felice, with an assist from sophomore Steven Blackwell. Junior keeper Vitecha Kochaon was instrumental in goal, providing four saves. Prior to the victory, the Tigers played a couple of hard-fought important games against La Cañada and Temple City.

The Tigers lost to La Cañada 1-2, in a similar fashion to their previous meeting with the Spartans in January. After La Cañada scored in the first half, senior co-captain Nick Colt scored off a free kick outside of the box to tie the score. But the Spartans came back with a fluke goal to snag the victory, a disappointing end to the Tigers’ bid for first place in league.

But South Pas bounced back two days later against the Temple City Rams in a 3-1 victory where junior Benjamin Charney scored two first half goals, assisted by Blackwell and junior McKay Hatch. Then, in the second half, Blackwell sealed the game with an incredible free kick from midfield. “Responding to that loss was crucial, because it kept us in the race for second in league,” said Blackwell.

The Tigers play their archrival San Marino Titans today at Roosevelt Field, where they have been especially dominant, boasting an impressive 5-2 record. Going into the match, South Pas has won four of their last five games. The Tigers have already beaten the Titans at their home turf this season, and are very confident they will come out with a similar result at Roosevelt Field this afternoon. “We’ve already beat them, so we just have to take care of business,” said Blackwell.

Victory against La Cañada Spartans seals league title for Tigers

The South Pasadena pool this year has been a historic venue. The boys’ water polo team won league for the first time in nine years by defeating their long-time rival La Cañada. Now the girls’ water polo team is making history by also defeating La Cañada at home and away for the first time in 11 years. This has set them on track to win league for the first time ever.

The Tigers beat La Cañada 10-4, but if one was judging by the first couple minutes of the first quarter, it looked as if it was going to be another close match. The Spartans took a 2-0 lead in the first two minutes of the game, but didn’t score again until the fourth quarter when they desperately scored two more goals to make the final score 10-4. After the game, senior Shelby Gogreve said, “All our hard work is finally paying off and I’m so excited for CIF!”

This was the first year that the girls were ranked in CIF pre-season, so the players and coach knew it was going to be an exciting year. When the season began, the Tigers were seated fourth, right behind Crescenta Valley. Yet early in the season, South Pasadena defeated Crescenta Valley and replacing them as third in CIF. Senior Alex Walker had some positive predictions for CIF this year, saying, “I think were going to easily go farther than we have ever gone before in CIF, and that we have a really good chance of winning.”

With just two games remaining, both of whom have already been defeated by the Tigers, the team cannot contain their excitement. Senior Audrey Kim said, “We have a small team, but a lot of heart.” This mirrors what Coach Robert Echeverra said about his team: “We are very versatile, and every player can do well in any position. I can count on everyone to hold their own.”

Winter Olympics

Tomorrow the Winter Olympics begin in Vancouver. I’ve always enjoyed the Olympics, and I know I’m not alone. It’s entertaining to watch and fun to converse about with friends since almost everyone takes part in this international affair.

Yet, I have to admit that some of the events are a little dated. I realize how long the Olympic Games have been going on and that they are major, international traditions, but sports evolve and develop, and so should the Olympics.

Curling? First off, it’s not even that intriguing of a game. Some call this game “chess on ice”. That’s a good description, because it is BORING. Each team has four players, and they sweep the ice using brooms to allow heavy, polished, granite stones to glide along to a target. Each team carries 16 stones, and the purpose is to deliver all the stones to the opponents’ “house.” Maybe the first couple plays are entertaining, but after a couple broom swipes, I’d be heading home.

It’s just that there are so many new and more exciting, sports that would attract a bigger audience. Curling was probably exciting to watch fifty years ago. Now don’t get me wrong, a lot of the events in the Winter Olympics have me on the edge of my seat and hooked for more. I love watching ski jumps and the half pipe for snowboarders, and any sort of freestyle event. I also reluctantly admit that figure skating is a favorite of mine. It just takes so much skill … you’ve got to appreciate it. So most of the events are captivating. I just feel that a couple should be replaced.

One last complaint is how there seems to be quite a few more skiing events than snowboarding. Since snowboarding has taken over skiing in popularity, they should at least have the same amount of events. It seems unfair that just because skiing was invented before snowboarding, it has more events for all the Olympics.

The Tigers overcome sloppy start with win against TC Rams

After riding a five-game losing streak into the beginning of the season, the girls basketball team have catapulted themselves from defeat into 3rd place in the Rio Hondo League with a record of 5-4.

The dramatic turn-around revitalized the team’s hope of qualifying for CIF, a feat that seemed unlikely in the beginning of the season. At the start of their winter campaign, the girls suffered losses to La Cañada and Blair instantly dropping their record to 0-2. “Starting with two losses was depressing, but we got back up,” junior captain Kelsey Lee said. “We didn’t have anything to lose,” she added.

On Tuesday, the Tigers came one step closer to qualifying for CIF with a 54-42 victory over Monrovia, avenging a loss to the Wildcats earlier in the season. Lee led the team with 13 points in the game. If the girls can defeat San Marino today, it will propel them into the CIF.

“They’re always tough and they’ve been playing well, which is a concern,” head coach Ralph Punaro said of San Marino. “If we play them like we did against Monrovia we have a good shot,” he added.

The girls ended the first round of league with a victory against San Marino, which set the tone for a second round of success. Another victory followed, with the Tigers defeating the Titans 56-49. Despite a heartbreaking loss against La Cañada, a favorite to win the Rio Hondo league title, the Tigers managed a sizable victory against Temple City, winning 53-27. Senior captain Kimberly Hu currently leads the team in rebounds averaging 4.6 per game.

The Tigers will face San Marino today at 7:00, which will close the second round of the season. Because the girls already have a Titan victory under their belts, they approach tonight’s game with confidence. “We are confident that we will smash San Marino and make it onto CIF breaking the curse of losing in the first round along the way,” Hu said.

Senior Naoni Padilla can often be spotted treading water in front of the goal post, blocking shots using her long arms, incredible reflexes, and excellent goal-tending skills. The delicate balance required to stay afloat and reach for incoming shots has been perfected by her three-year stint on varsity.

Padilla only started playing at the suggestions of her friends. But despite a modest start, Padilla continuously worked hard during the off-season, honing her skills with her club water polo team and eventually earning a starting spot her junior year.
Her hard work was recognized last year, when Head Coach Robert Echeverria awarded her the “Coach’s Award” for her excellence as a team player. After her teammate moved, she had the opportunity to play first string, and more than filled the shoes of her predecessor.

This season, Padilla has been vital in buoying the team toward an elusive league title that for eleven years has been out of reach.

As for her future, Padilla plans to continue playing competitive water polo well into her college career. Her strong athletic abilities and impressive résumé have already made her a prospect for several colleges.

With trademark yellow shoes and shining golden headgear, senior Sam Wagner stands out among his teammates as a second year varsity captain. Wagner’s wrestling career has been a legend ever since his early years. Affectionately dubbed “B-Wagg”, Sam inspires his teammates to excel, earning many compliments from his coaches.Coach Al Shuton says Wagner has an amazing work ethic, is a natural born leader, and is one of the hardest working kids he has ever worked with.

While wrestling is a significant part of Wagner’s fining qualities to the captain. In order to stay in shape during off-season, Wagner joined the US Paintball League, and enjoys the thrill and anticipation while on the “field of fire.” His impressive grades and fascinating extra-curricular talents make him a perfect prospect for colleges such as Pomona and Berkeley. He is interested in wrestling after high school, and possibly becoming an engineer.

His unwavering dedication in all areas of his life allows Wagner to be a top competitor and true role model. At one point, while trying to drop a weight class in order to compete in an upcoming duel, Wagner forced himself to run nine miles a day, sticking to a strict diet which allowed him little freedom. “The feeling that I get when my hand is raised at the end of the match justifies all of the back breaking agony and intense training that I go through.”

If the South Pasadena Wrestling Team was looking for redemption in last Saturday’s Rio Hondo league finals, then they must have gone home happy.

After suffering a heartbreaking loss to Monrovia and an unexpected defeat at the hands of La Cañada, the Tigers had to settle for a disappointing 2-2 record and third place finish in league. A determined South Pas squad entered league finals set on avenging these tough losses, and left with eight league champions.

On January 21, the Tigers clashed with the Wildcats in a tight 40-33 duel. South Pas battled back from an 18-point deficit to tie it after 125-pound senior Chris Nuñez, 130-pound junior Nick Benzoni, and 135-pound Sebastian Shipley all pinned their opponents. After senior co-captain Sam Wagner pinned his 145-pound challenger, the Tigers suffered a winning drought that would last the rest of the meet, as co-captain Grayson Kopperud earned their last six points by default. This defeat put the league title out of the Tigers’ reach, and left the South Pas squad exhausted going into what would prove to be a disastrous 41-28 loss against the Spartans.

This match, an away meet at La Cañada, was a close 29-28 in favor of the Spartans with three matches still to go. Pins from Nuñez, Kopperud, 112-pound sophomore Sean Ehrlich, and 171-pound Sean Ishikawa, kept the Tigers within one point. Unfortunately, South Pas dropped the next three duels, forfeiting 18 points and the victory to La Cañada.

Last Tuesday’s match versus Temple City ended in a decisive 69-12 Tiger victory. The Tigers slaughtered the Rams, with six wins from forfeits and six from duels. “We looked good, and made very few mistakes with the exception of the two losses,” said Coach Al Shuton after the match.

South Pasadena outmatched every other school at league finals, with 119-pound sophomore Bennet Kopperud, 145-pound junior Adam Ismail 150-pound senior co-captain Macon England, Ehrlich, Nuñez, Shipley, Wagner, and Grayson Kopperud all emerging as league champs for their respective weight classes. Ishikawa, who placed 2nd in the 170-pound weight class, along with third place finishers 135-pound Benzoni and 191-pound Patrick Fu, will join the league champs at CIF.

The girls await CIF qualification, to be determined by Spartans

After an injury-plagued season, the girls soccer heads into their final league game in third place, fighting for a spot in the playoffs.

South Pasadena is coming off a disappointing loss to Monrovia, 0-1, a team they beat the previous week 2-1. This upset puts South Pasadena in a tough spot, as they head into their final league game against first-place San Marino. The Tigers (5-4) can secure a spot in the playoffs with a win over the top-ranked Titans. However, if they lose, Monrovia will have the opportunity to capture the last playoff spot with a win over second-place La Cañada.

At the beginning of the season, most people did not expect the Tigers to wind up in the difficult spot that they are in now, but injuries have weighed down the talented team. The Tigers lost all-league junior forward Tara Aalem to a torn ACL and a broken kneecap in the first game of the season. Returning varsity midfielder, junior Alex Nomura, also suffered a season-ending injury. Nomura tore a ligament in her shin on February 1st against Monrovia, putting her on crutches. The Tigers won the game but lost a valuable player. Both players have had successful surgeries performed on their legs, and should be ready to play next season.

“We had high hopes for our season, but after a couple surgeries, shin splints, bad ankles, and pulled muscles, we fell short of reaching our initial goal. But we have worked hard all season despite the injuries, and I hope we get rewarded with a playoff spot after all the hard work and blood we put in,” said junior midfielder Carson Guzowski.
Although San Marino has proven themselves a strong team this season, the Tigers feel confident they can defeat the Titans.

Freshman forward Jessica Moog said, “I think we are more motivated than ever before, and I hope that will be enough to win our final game and give us the confidence to do well in playoffs.”

Despite strong showing in second round, hopes of CIF appearance fade as season closes

The Tigers took it to the Rio Hondo League courts, sporting a 3-6 record during their season, a record that reflects a season where South Pasadena’s groove was not found until it was too late.

South Pasadena faced the Titans on January 22, in San Marino. The game was played neck and neck nearly all the way through, until San Marino gained a nine point advantage in the beginning of the fourth quarter. But the Tigers were unwilling to take a loss from the Titans. “Eddie took a steal, and turned the game,” said senior Jaron Musmann on senior Eddie Kim’s steal from a Titan to take the ball down court and score. The game continued to go the Tigers’ way, ending when senior Damion Moses took a pass from Musmann to score the game-winning shot, spelling a 56-53 victory for South Pasadena. The win, particularly the final push at the end, represented the growth of the team as a whole. “We learned about each other over the course of that game,” said senior captain Kevin Kohler.

In the wake of such a satisfying victory, though, came a pair of dissatisfying defeats. One came at the hands of the Vikings, whom the Tigers lost to 57-67 at Blair High School. Far more demoralizing was the match last Friday, February 5, against Temple City, a team the Tigers had beaten 61-50 when they met at South Pasadena several weeks prior. The story of the Rams’ legendary strength when playing in their home court had reached Tiger ears, and the Rams delivered on their reputation. “It was disheartening to play against a team that was on fire,” said Kohler. “Temple City was ready.”

After the Tigers’ victory over Monrovia 61-54 follows their final bout, set to be against the San Marino Titans yet again. The Titans who have yet to win a game in league and boys basketball has no intention of keeping San Marino from obtaining a perfect no-win record. “I hope for the same intensity,” said Moses. “We’ll give everybody a show.”
The Tigers host San Marino today at 7:00 p.m.

Galactic Suite Space Resort to open in 2012

Imagine paying 4.4 million dollars for a three-night stay at a hotel. Now, before you make any judgments, let me add that it takes three days round trip to get there, and your stay is preceded by an two-month training course on a tropical island. I am sure the reader is probably curious as to what kind of hotel would designate such requirements, but the Galactic Suite Space Resort isn’t just any hotel. If the name hasn’t given it away already, this said resort, scheduled to open in 2012, is planned to orbit Earth. That’s right – a hotel in space. Guests would orbit around the world once every 80 minutes, and see the sun rise 15 times a day. Of course, the word “day” here becomes irrelevant – it’s confusing to even think about, I know.

Upon hearing this news, one would probably have many questions to ask. Who would pay for this? Is it safe? And how will they use the bathroom? Well, 43 very, very rich people have already booked a stay, and a further 200 have expressed interest. Regarding the fearful travelers, company director Xavier Claramunt has made sure that no guest will feel unsafe, as he plans to keep each hotel pod docked to a mothering station. “With this we create in the tourist a confidence that he hasn’t been abandoned,” tells Claramunt. As for the defecation processes, let’s just say that they already have it figured out – but far more glamorous is their proposed space spa. In it guests will be allowed to play with a 20-liter bubble of water as it divides, tickles, and cleans. Think of a giant, spherical lava lamp – with soap.

The doubtful traveler might also be concerned with boredom. Sure, space may seem incredibly exciting, but after three days, floating around and playing with bubbles might get a little boring. Your favorite board games – Connect Four, Jenga, and Mouse Trap – would all be useless in zero-gravity, while Hungry Hungry Hippos – my personal favorite – would likewise be a complete and total disaster.

So with these options unavailable, what will the space travelers do to pass the time? The aforementioned earth orbit and sunrise statistics would doubtless make way for some spectacular sights, which is why the Galactic Suite Space Resort is set to include in-flight video cameras, so you can capture your favorite views and send them home to your loved ones. Phones will also be available. And if you ever get tired of floating, you can always just stick to the walls using your Velcro suit.

Of course, there are other, more important things we may need to worry about. The excitement that comes with the idea of having a hotel in space dies down after considering the reality of the situation: Should we really make multi-billion dollar advances in space while we still have more important issues lingering back home? The $3 billion received from an anonymous space enthusiast, some may complain, might have been better off being spent towards the fight against poverty or the promotion of world peace. Needless to say, the carbon footprint of this project would be of unprecedented magnitude.

These issues, among others, should no doubt be kept in mind during the development of this space project, and should cause Mr. Claramunt to maybe think twice about how he intends to carry out his plans. One thing is for certain, however: The Galactic Suite Space Resort is, without a doubt, on track to be the most ambitious, unique, and spectacular vacationing experience on Earth.

Oh, wait…