F.A.N. to host Spirit of Sport banquet
The Madera F.A.N. will host its annual Spirit of Sport banquet to honor middle school and high school student/athletes Monday at the Madera South High School cafeteria, beginning at 5 p.m.
Both Madera and Madera South high schools will honor a coach with a Most Inspirational Coach award. The Madera F.A.N. will honor a student from each high school with the Kenny Taylor Athlete of Integrity Award.
Spirit of Sport/Most Inspirational Coach honorees
Madera Coyotes
Coaches- Russ Stanford (cross country), David Lozano (girls basketball) and Judy Shaubach (softball)
Madera South Stallions
Coaches- Travis McEowen (girls volleyball), Enrique Garcia (boys soccer), Steve Guglielmana (boys Volleyball)
Thomas Jefferson Middle School
Fall- Natasha Griffin and Benji Molina
Winter- Alexiah Gonzalez and Isaiah Pinto
Spring- Leah Resendez and Eduardo Enriquez
Coaches- Angel Guillen and Jose Hordaz (girls volleyball), Juan Carillo (soccer) and Luis Flores (baseball).
Martin Luther King Middle School
Fall- Zoe Guzman and Gabriel Garza
Winter- Alannah De La Cruz and Daniel Valdez
Spring- Bianca Scott and Jesus Perez
Coaches- Alex Fierros (cross country), Paul Adams (boys basketball) and Sky Fierro (track and field)
Desmond Middle School
Fall- Savanna Rivera and Erik Cervantes
Winter- Jocelyn Mendez and Estevan Medina
Spring- Vanessa Rivera and Xavier Cantu
Coaches- Latoya Schoals (girls volleyball), Jode Bishop (wrestling) and Kathryn Van Loon (boys volleyball)
Madera F.A.N. Spirit of Sport nominees
Fall Male Spirit of Sport
Robert Niino
Grade: 12. GPA: 3.98
Sports: Water polo, (4 years); Swimming, (4 years)
Volunteer Work: Boy Scouts, Eagle Scout, Boy of the Month, Senior Class Vice President, ASB Spirt Commissioner, Link Crew Leader, CSF Member
Coach Rick Martines’ comments: Robby’s positive attitude and work ethics earned him the team captain title for the water polo team. He received second-team Al-CMAC in 2017. This year, he made First-team All-CMAC and he was recognized as an honorable mention of CIF Central-Section Division III All-Valley Men’s Water Polo Team. Out of the pool, he has held a GPA of 3.98, while also holding a part-time job. He has been active in numerous organizations and will be attending Washington and Jefferson College in Pennsylvania on an academic scholarship playing water polo.
Fall Female Spirit of Sport
Alizae Vasquez
Grade: 11. GPA: 3.30
Sports: Girls Volleyball (3), Softball (1)
Volunteer Work: 2014-2016 - Peer Helper, 2017-2019 - Treasurer of 2020 Club; Church Volunteer; 2017-2018 - Blue Crew member.
Coach Meghan Haas’ comment: Alizae is a three-year program player and is ecstatic about the upcoming volleyball season. Despite not having a starting role on the varsity team last year, she was a vital member of our squad and constantly demonstrated a “team-first” mentality. Standing on the sideline, actively cheering on her teammates was a tough position for her, but she never let her lack of court time affect her enthusiasm or passion for her team’s success. She was eager to make a difference and desperate, in the best way possible, to improve upon her weaknesses to earn herself some playing time. She brought a positive attitude to practice every day and never, ever put herself above her team.
Winter Male Spirit of Sport
Oscar Ruiz
Grade: 12. GPA: 2.71
Sports: Water polo (3); Wrestling (3)
Volunteer Work: Volunteer MULES coach at Washington, MULES referee, church activities
Coach Joe Romine’s comments: Oscar Ruiz demonstrates what any coach would like to have as an athlete. He is hard-working, coachable, well-liked by his teammates, dedicated, puts in extra time, dependable, good student, a leader and he wins. Oscar is a three-year varsity letter winner in wrestling and a three-year varsity letter winner in water polo. Oscar was on top in several categories on the wrestling leader board. He was also a CMAC All-League selection in wrestling. It is Oscar’s off the mat success that sets him apart. He is a true friend to everyone and has never been known to let anyone close to him be let down. Oscar excels in the classroom and also volunteers his time in various activities. It has been my pleasure to know him and coach him.
Winter Female Spirit of Sport
Catherine Figueroa
Grade: 10. GPA: 3.20
Sport: Basketball (2)
School Involvement/Volunteer Work: Lil Coyotes (2 years); CVYL Basketball Tournament scorekeeper (2 years); MHS GIrls Basketball JV/Frosh Tournament Scorekeeper (2 years); 2019 Madera Unified Basketball Team Partner; Valley State Prison Family Night Volunteer; 2018 Valley Children’s Hospital wheelchair game participant
Coach Jason Smith’s comments: Cathy covers all the bases of pursuing victory with honor.
Respect: She shows respect for everyone on her team with her everyday actions. Responsibility: Good student, excellent team mate, coachable player, and a role model to those younger than her. Fairness: She encourages everyone, plays hard and within the rules, attends all classes and practices daily, Caring: She is a genuine people pleaser. She wants her team, teammates and friends to all be successful. Citizenship: Cat helps with anything and everything she can. She attends and assists at all Lil Coyote events, at youth tournaments and camps. She is an example to those younger and older than herself. Catherine has been playing basketball in our program since she was in fifth grade.Her overall dedication to her team and to her skill development led her to win the Miss Coyote Basketball Award in her sophomore year. She is the only sophomore to win the award in the past 11 years at Madera High School at the varsity level. Her dedication to her skills and team is outweighed by her dedication to her academic progress, making her the quintessential student athlete.
Spring Male Spirit of Sport
Alek Trukki
Grade: 11. GPA: 3.54
Sports: Baseball (3 years), Basketball (3 year)
Volunteer Work/ Community service: Coyote baseball youth camp; Madera parks and rec youth baseball camp; Madera Babe Ruth tryout volunteer; Bully awareness program for grades 1-5 at Our Lady of Victory school; Made sack lunches for Catholic Charities for eight years with Our Lady of Victory; Parochial Athletic League referee; Madera Coyote basketball Little Coyotes; MAD Net summer camp for underprivileged kids with the Madera Police Department; MPAKT Program with the Madera Police Department; Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Coach Andy Underwood’s comments: Alek is the perfect example of what we would want every student athlete to be like. He is dedicated to the classroom, the baseball team, his teammates, our community and his family. He is a leader by example and has gained the respect of everyone in the baseball program through his attitude and effort. He currently holds a 3.54 GPA and is setting his future up for success. His daily effort is second to nobody in our program and he is always doing the right things. Alek is trustworthy, honest and can always be depended on to get the job done correctly. Alek has had success and failure on the baseball field, but has remained the same positive and hard working person throughout. He has never demonstrated any poor body language towards coaches or teammates and has never questioned and coaches decision.
Spring Female Spirit of Sport
Nicole Gibbs
Grade: 12. GPA: 3.36
Sports: Girls Water polo (4) Girls Swim (4 )
Volunteer Work: Raking lawns for people in need; Serving food at a homeless shelters; charity fundraisers
Coach Erik Baymiller’s comments: Nicole is an incredible individual. Her freshman year, she had to experience something nobody should have to, especially as a happy kid excited about starting her high school career. Her mother’s battle with a terminal illness resided in her. Where so many other young minds in heartbreaking situations would lash out, bottle up emotion or make unwise decisions, Nicole made the conscious choice to not let this unfortunate situation to be a reason for her to be a lesser person, to quit or to fail. Nicole channeled her energy and emotion into aquatics as she continues to this day. Using her energy and putting countless hours in the pool, she has become a Madera High school record holder in all three relays, as well as being a Back-to-Back Valley Champion. She is truly an elite swimmer, and a pretty darn good water polo goalie, although she doesn’t like to admit it. In her spare time, Nicole surrounds herself with wonderful people and good influences. She has outstanding morals, character and requires the same of the people around her. She has not only turned out to be an incredible person, friend and high level athlete, she has turned out to be a source of inspiration for myself and those in our program. She is a shining example that our futures are in our own hands.
Fall Female Spirit of Sport
Aleecia Rosel
Grade: 12. GPA: 3.6
Athletics: 12-time varsity letter winner — 4 years volleyball, 4 years basketball, 4 years softball; 2nd Team All League- 4 times; 1st Team All League- 2 times; Captain- 6 times; Athlete of the Month- 6 times; Volleyball Div. III Central Section Runner-Ups- 2018; Volleyball Div. V State Nor Cal Semi-finalist- 2018; Girls Volleyball Iron Athlete; Stockton Classic Tournament MVP-2018; All-Madera Tribune Most Valuable Player for volleyball and basketball.
Classroom: 4.0 Award- 2 years; Block S Club- 4 years; Senior Class Club; refereed for MULES-4 years; Little Stallions- 4 years
Volunteer work: Volunteers at the local animal shelter in free time; Plays travel AAU basketball and travel softball; has taken 4 Honors/AP classes.
Future plans: Attend Fresno City to play basketball and then transfer to a four-year university. Career goals are to become a psychologist or study sports medicine.
Coach Travis McEowen’s comments: Aleecia Rosel is a very skilled volleyball player who led our team in many statistical categories in both offense and defense. Not only did she blossom into a great talent skillwise, she also was a leader on and off the court. Aleecia took extra care in helping teammates resolve issues that were not always volleyball related. She took pride in always doing what was best for her team and always put her team first. The coaching staff is so proud of who Aleecia became in not only as a volleyball athlete, but also a mature and confident woman with CLASS. Aleecia Rosel truly pursues victory with honor.
Fall Male Spirit of Sport
Dallas Hansen
Grade: 12. GPA: 3.89
Athletics: Football- 4 years, team captain; volleyball- 3 years; Madera All Tribune team for football- two years; Selected Madera South Athlete of the Month – 2 times; All League running back- 2nd team.
Classroom: Guitar Club; Scholar Athlete- 4 years; Red Ribbon Rally at Chavez- 2 years; Read Across America-1 year; 4.0 Award- 2 years; Leo Club member; Eagle Scout; Grape harvesting at Humanitarian Aid Vineyard; Lions Club Speech contest winner; three AP classes.
Future plans: Mission for Church for two years and then attend Utah State University to study Aerospace Engineering to become a pilot.
Coach Matt Johnson’s comments: Dallas is reliable, dedicated and eternally upbeat. His ability to lead and calm angry or frustrated teammates is unparalleled, and it is because of his excellence in this area that he was selected by his peers to be a team captain. Dallas multitasks effectively and is able to handle any high-volume workload. Dallas is a hardworking, top-performing student athlete and he has my highest recommendation.
Winter Female Spirit of Sport
Savaanah Garcia
Grade: 12. GPA: 4.19.
Athletics: Softball- 4 years; cross country- 2 years; tennis- 2 years; track- 1 year, Soccer- 1 year; Most Valuable Runner, cross country; First Team All League – 4 years (softball); Scholar Athlete – 4.0 Award-4 years; Defensive Player of the Year for softball- 1 year; Offensive Player of the Year for softball- 1 year; ESPN All Valley Team- softball; Athlete of the Month- 4 times; All Around Player of the Year- softball; Dynamic Duo Award- Tennis.
Academics: Leadership- 4 years; CSF- 4 years; Key Club- 4 years; Block S- 4 years; five honors or AP classes; Madera Little League- help run softball clinics- 3 years; Leo Club-Fundraise for kids in need- 2 years; MSHS Cross Country- provided socks for homeless shelter and organized and helped at elementary school XC meets.
Future plans: Attend Drexel University in Pennsylvania on a softball scholarship while exploring educational interests.
Coach Ramon Delgadillo’s comments: Savaanah was one of my captains on the soccer team. Even though she didn’t have experiences in soccer and it was her first year playing, she embraced the challenge to became one of my leaders. She had dedication, enthusiasm and hard work on the field and off the field. Savaanah was a very important leader to help with continuing the standards of her teammates.
Winter Male Spirit of Sport
Christian Garcia
Grade: 12. GPA: 3.21
Athletics: Soccer- 4 years; First Team All League- 2 years; 2nd Team All League – 2 years; Athlete of the Month- 2 times; All Madera Tribune Team- 4 years, Madera Tribune MVP- 2 years; Captain- 2 years; CIF Central Section Div. III Champions 2019; CIF Nor Cal State Div. III Champions 2019
Volunteer work: VFW support- put flags up at the Courthouse park- 2 years; refereed at Mules soccer games- 4 years; participated in clinics for Middle school
Future plans: Attend Azusa Pacific University to play soccer and study Kinesiology to become a Physical Therapist.
Coach Enrique Garcia’s comments: Christian has become one of our program’s most recognized student-athletes. But this is not the only thing that describes Christian. His respect, not only to his school and team, but also to his opponents and refs, his community care, his selflessness and humbling nature, his love and commitment to his school and town are some characteristics as why people are drawn to him. He is a student/athlete that represents what we are trying to build at Madera South.
Spring Female Spirit of Sport
Aunika Bull
Grade: 12. GPA: 4.22
Athletics: Water polo- 4 years; swimming- 4 years; Qualified for Valley Championships- 4 years; Most Dedicated Swimmer- 1 year; Athlete of the Month- 1 time.
Classroom: Vocalist for MSHS Jazz Band- 4 years; Choir – 4 years; Drama- 2 years Performed in: Once on this Island, Almost Maine, and Little Shop of Horrors; Upward Bound- 4 years; Honor Society for Music- Performed at Clovis North Festival -1 year; Honor Choir competed at Regionals in November 2018 and then competed at All State in March 2019.
Future plans: Attend Fresno State University as a Music/Vocals major
Coach Rich Petzinger’s comments: Aunika Bull is a highly organized, hardworking and creative person. I have known Aunika for five years. Aunika has been one of my best swimmers and water polo players all four years of high school. Aunika strives to be the best student/athlete she can be. Her attitude is infectious and those around her strive to be better because of the example she sets. Aunika has great work ethic and is constantly looking to improve herself as a student and a person. She is very compassionate and respectful to others because she is always concerned about those around her. Aunika has great drive which seems to come from a strong family dynamic. Her mom and dad are both strong in her life.
Spring Male Spirit of Sport
Niko Olivera
Grade: 12. GPA: 2.8
Athletics: Football -2 years, track and field- 2 years (100m, 200m, 4x100, 4x400, long jump); Athlete of the Month- 2 times; Football Impact Player; Track MVP.
Classroom: FFA- 3 years; Block S- 2 years; Red Ribbon Week Rallies at elementary schools- 2 years
Future plans: Attend West Hills Community College to play football and get his welding certificate. Then transfer to a four-year college.
Coach Eloy Quintana Montoya’s comments: Niko Olivera is a very hard working young man. He is always willing to help others and is always encouraging his teammates to do their best. He is a great leader and genuinely a great person. He is always stepping up when the team needs him. Every team needs a Niko Olivera to be the example of a great teammate.
Previous Spirit of Sport Athlete of Integrity nominees
Madera High School
2018
Cade Sherrod, Alejandra Lara, Seth Valencia, Elias Garcia, Amanda Sordi, Brian Hefner and Lola Gill.
2017
Matthew Ylarregui, Jessica Diaz, Mario Moreno, Samantha Valencia, Tyler Mallonee
and Priscilla Torres.
2016
Eric Niino, Kinsey Kerby, Vincente Frutis, Creona Harshaw, Caleb Pursell and Morgan Grisby.
2015
George Martin, Flora Flores, Nathaniel Nelson, Angelica Hernandez, Tristen Alvarez and Kylie Gill.
2014
Julian Martinez, Cassie Vera, Daniel Ruiz, Elizabeth Tornero, Robert Espinoza and Mariah Davis.
Kenny Taylor Athlete of Integrity award winners: 2018-Seth Valencia, 2017-Samantha Valencia, 2016-Creona Harshaw, 2015-Nathaniel Nelson, 2014-Mariah Davis
Madera South High School
2018
Veronica Ortega, Seth Garcia, Junior Segura, Destiny Pursell, A.J. Martinez and Matt Estrada.
2017
Elizabeth Sorenson, Miguel Villar, Gigi Gutierrez, Mark Davila, Alexis Garcia and Jiovanni Saavedra.
2016
Lalo Herrera, Dominique Andres, Bryan Orozco, Kim Montoya, Angel Barriga and Jonnie Montano.
2015
Juan Macias, Jocelyn Salazar, Julian Zertuche, Katie Johnson, Quinn Shippey and Cynthia Pinto-Cabrera.
2014
Jonnie Montano, Moses Salinas, Katie Johnson, ulian Zertuche, Cynthia Pinto-Cabrera and Godofredo Juarez.
Kenny Taylor Athlete of Integrity award winners: 2018-Veronica Ortega, 2017-Miguel Villar, 2016-Lalo Herrera, 2015-Katie Johnson, 2014-Godofredo Juarez
