Los Alamitos High School Choir Director David Moellenkamp was recently awarded the 2016 Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Award. Moellenkamp joins 13 other teachers from across the country who were selected from a pool of nominees received through the Kennedy Center’s website.
“Mr. Moellenkamp is a brilliant teacher who takes advantage of every second to improve the lives of his students,” said Los Alamitos Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Sherry Kropp. “His love of music and teaching inspires hundreds of young people, every year, to join his program and become an integral member of the choir family. He is simply extraordinary.”
Moellenkamp was nominated by former student Ryan Rusin, who’s submission essay said in part, “He forever is an imprint on my life, making me realize the possibility to make that imprint onto someone else, which is truly far greater than any other lesson I’ve ever learned in my educational career.”
As part of his recognition, Moellenkamp will receive a $10,000 grant and will be showcased on a website dedicated to inspirational teachers.
“In high school, when I didn’t make the basketball team, I thought my life was over,” said Moellenkamp in accepting the award. “The choir teacher saw me sitting alone at lunch and said that he had a part in the musical for me to play.”
“This opportunity transformed me from a shy kid to a confident person. I knew that I had no other option than becoming a teacher myself, so I could provide similar opportunities for kids,” he added.
The Kennedy Center/Sondheim awards were created by the Kennedy Center to honor Stephen Sondheim’s 80th birthday in 2010. Sondheim is the winner of the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in Theatre and he has received more Tonys than any other composer. To date, 61 awards and $610,000 in grants have been awarded.
The award is open to any teacher who has taught in a K-12 school, college or university in the United States.
Teachers of all grade levels and subject areas are eligible. A panel of judges reviews a pool of nominations and selects the recipients based on the power and quality of the nomination from their former students.
Moellenkamp oversees eight choirs and more than 400 students as Los Al’s choir director. He will continue helping his students reach their potential when he leads a group of 120 performers from the school’s mixed advanced choir, SoundFX, and the advanced women’s choir, Soundtrax, to both compete for their third straight national titles at the Grand Ol’ Opry in Nashville on March 30 through April 3.
For more information about the Los Alamitos High School Choir program, go to www.losalamitoschoir.com or to the program’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/LosAlamitosShowChoir .
Los Al Choir Director receives award
Cypress City Council seeking commissioners
The Cypress City Council recently announced its annual Commissioner recruitment. Registered voters residing in Cypress who are interested in serving on the City Council’s Recreation and Community Services Commission or Senior Citizens Commission are encouraged to apply by April 29.
Applications are available on the City’s website (www.ci.cypress.ca.us) or from the City Clerk’s office. Commissioner interviews will be conducted by the City Council and appointments will be made in June. Commissioners serve a four year term that begins July 1.
“Serving on a City commission is an outstanding way to become more involved in our wonderful community. As a former Recreation and Community Services and Senior Citizens Commissioner, I encourage all residents interested in serving to apply,” stated Mayor Mariellen Yarc.
Recreation and Community Services Commission
The Recreation and Community Services Commission currently has two openings. The Recreation and Community Services Commission advises the City Council on parks acquisition, development, and maintenance. The Commission meets once a month, on the third Tuesday, at 7 p.m. at the Cypress Community Center.
Senior Citizens Commission
The Senior Citizens Commission currently has two openings. The Senior Citizens Commission advises the City Council on the concerns of senior citizens, including recreational opportunities, social services and affordable housing. The Commission meets once a month, on the second Wednesday, at 3 p.m. at the Cypress Senior Citizens Center.
The City of Cypress Boards, Commissions and Committees Policy Manual is also available on the City’s website.
The deadline to submit applications is Friday, April 29 at 5 p.m. For more information, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 714-229-6683.
‘Teamsters’ takes over for Los Al City workers
The union representing Los Alamitos City Staff officially changed hands last week at Los Al’s monthly city council meeting.
Teamsters Local 911 was officially named the union representative for approximately 19 Los Al city employees on March 21 following a unanimous 5-0 vote to decertify City Employee Association (CEA), which is Los Al employees’ former representation.
Although this formal change occurred last week, a few councilmembers believed the organization held that role already.
“I thought Teamsters was representing them all along,” said Los Alamitos Councilmember Dean Grose. While the decertification was up for discussion, both Grose and councilmember Troy Edgar expressed they’ve only dealt with a Teamster representative on any union issue in the past, which is why the official change surprised them.
The source of the confusion during the meeting stemmed from the old union representation.
For over the past couple years, Teamsters Local 911 was representing Los Al’s now former union CEA on a consulting basis, explained Jason Al-Imam, Los Al’s Administrative Services Director, at the meeting.
On Feb. 18, CEA submitted a Decertification Petition to no longer represent Los Al City workers. That began the process for the change and Los Al’s City Council authorized the petition last week, which made it official.
The change looks to be a good fit as city staff expressed employees already had a working relationship with union leaders.
Teamsters will now be in charge of representing city employees for purposes of wages, hours, and terms and conditions of employment.
The positions now represented by Teamsters are: Accountant, Assistant Planner, Associate Planner, Building Official, Code Enforcement Office, Department Secretary, Finance Assistant, Maintenance Foreman, Maintenance Worker, Master Mechanic, Mechanic, Planning Aide, Receptionist, Records Clerk, Records Specialist, Recreation Coordinator, Secretary, Senior Finance Assistant, Senior Maintenance Worker.
New officer joins Los Al PD
Officer Nicholas LaCarra is a young man with a solid life plan. LaCarra grew up within the Los Al community, attending school within the LAUSD system, where he was a Student Athletic Trainer in high school and a Police Explorer from 2006 to 2009, achieving the rank of Corporal.
LaCarra joined the United States Marine Corps in 2009, where he served as a machine gunner, an I.E.D. Dog Handler and a Scout Sniper until his Honorable Discharge in 2015.
LaCarra promptly enrolled in the Golden West Criminal Justice Training Academy, from which he graduated last Friday.
On Monday, March 21, which was the very next day, Mayor Richard Murphy administered the Oath of Allegiance to Officer LaCarra.
Los Alamitos is fortunate to add Officer LaCarra to its ranks, and Chief Eric R. Nunez, along with the Los Alamitos Police Department, welcome him to the agency.
Plenty of fun at Rossmoor‘s Communtiy Festival
The 2016 Rossmoor Community Festival will be held on Sunday May 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Rush Park located at 3021 Blume Drive in Rossmoor. The Rossmoor Homeowners Association and Rossmoor Community Services District are hosting this annual event.
For the kids, there will be large and small bounce houses, including “Cars” the movie slide, inflatable rock wall, extreme obstacle course, and the Euro Bungee Trampoline. For the younger ones there will be a petting zoo, a trackless train and pony rides. All day ride and game wristbands will be on sale.
Orange County Fire Department will have an engine there and information about fire safety. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department brings their vehicles and provides safety tips for everyone.
This year’s entertainment line- up includes “Mosaic Music” Band, which was such a big hit last year they are returning for a repeat performance. Mosaic Music consists of seven members including two lead female vocalists. Esencia Flamenca Dance Company performers is a new edition to the entertainment program. Hopkinson School 4th and 5th grade Husky Chorus – performing will include approx. 60 children from one of the local elementary schools. On Stage Dance Center Performers – part of the entertainment program for the past few years and a festival sponsor. The Youth Center band and string players- approximately 20 members strong, these two groups of young performers will delight all. “Forever Young” Band -this not so young group will be an inspiration to us all. FOREVER YOUNG is–America’s Oldest Act of Professional Entertainers. More information is available on the website.
The Car Show gets larger every year. Plan to spend some time looking at all the amazing entries. Car Show Trophy presentations start at 2:30 p.m.
At 3 p.m. the Dog Parade will begin. Small and large dog categories will compete for best in show and for best costumes and tricks. Prizes and treats will be awarded. Sign up for the Car Show and Dog parade is available on line prior to the event. Dog Parade entry on site from noon to 3 p.m. There is no entry fee for this event.Attendees can also look forward to a great variety of food vendors and truck. For more information regarding the festival, go to RossmoorFestival.com, call 562-799-1401 or send an email to info@rossmoorfestival.com.
Griffins roll into break with scrappy win over Cypress
After a grueling early tournament schedule, the Los Alamitos had one last tough challenge before heading into a spring break and needed rest before the Carew Classic Tournament in April. The Griffins hosted Cypress, in a matchup of two top 10 teams in the CIF-SS Division 1 rankings.
Los Alamitos was ranked No. 2 in the division, with Cypress at No. 6, the two highest ranked Orange County teams. As expected, defense was the anchor for both team, but it was the Griffins who were able to plate single runs in the late innings to take a 3-1 win over the Centurions.
Earlier in the week, the Griffins had held off Gahr High, the No. 3 ranked team in Division 3, so Griffin coach Rob Weil was certainly pleased his team was able to grab two more quality wins, as they head into a break.
“We came out this week against two quality teams and took care of business,” Weil said.
Weil admitted that pitcher Ryan Denhart didn’t quite have her A-Game, but she was pretty good. She pitched six innings, with just four hits allowed, one run and seven strikeouts. She improved her record to 10-0 with the win.
After the Griffins took a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the fifth, the Centurions were able to cut the lead to 2-1 in the top of the sixth. Senior outfielder Marissa Wightman drew a walk and advanced to second on a fielder’s choice, when she beat out a throw to second on a bunt by senior shortstop Paige Hallam.
Denhart was able to get a pop up and a strikeout to get two outs, but Maddy Byrd was able to single up the middle to drive in Wightman for Cypress’ run.
Los Alamitos threatened in the bottom of the sixth, but the Centurion defense held.
In the fourth inning, the Griffins had the bases loaded but Hallam made a lunging grab of a liner towards left, that ended the threat. Paige Austin came on to pitch for the Griffins in the top of the seventh and set the side down in order to end the game.
The Griffins were led by senior shortstop Mary Iakopo, who was 2 for 3 with a double, triple and RBI. Andrea Gonzalez had a hit and RBI. Ariana Belarde, Caitlin Ladd and Jade Loe each scored a run for the Griffins.
For the Centurions, Byrd was 2 for 2 with the RBI and Wightman had a single and a run scored. Pitcher Olivia McWhorter was steady, as was the defense behind her. She went six innings, scattering six hits with three strikeouts. While disappointed with the loss, Cypress coach Kevin Dull was also encouraged by the team’s effort, given the quality of team and pitcher they were facing.
“The fact that our girls hung in there and were able to keep in competitive, I’m real proud of them,” Dull said.
The Griffins improved to 12-1 with the win. Cypress opened the season 6-0 before hitting some bumps. They were 8-4 after the Los Alamitos game, but are looking like they will be a tough team to beat in the division.
The Griffins won the Sunset League last year, while the Centurions took second in the Empire League, behind Pacifica, which was the No. 2 team in the rankings at the end of last year. Both Cypress and Los Alamitos will participate in the Carew Classic. Los Alamitos will open against El Toro on April 6, while Cypress will open against Lakewood, also on April 6.
Tennis team competes in All-American tourney
Los Alamitos Boys Varsity Tennis competed in the prestigious 17th Annual All-American Invitational Tennis Tournament hosted in Corona Del Mar on March 25-26. This tournament recognizes the most outstanding high school tennis players and teams throughout the USA. Los Alamitos finished as Consolation Champs and Senior Team Captain, Riley Smith was recognized as an All-American player and selected to the All-Tournament Team. From left to right are Coach Brian Collison, Danny Jeong, Sean McCann, Nick Vogt, Riley Smith (co-captain), Ethan Kolsky (co-captain), Luke Moorhead, Andrew Wakamoto, Colter Smith, Coach Jordan Bridge (not pictured: Michael Sanger, Danny Lassos and Karsten Stouffer)
Nine current Griffins from the same family
It’s not unheard of for a couple that have three children to end up with nine grandchildren – except when the grandkids are only three years apart. Such is the case for Donn and Sharon Loe, who have been Seal Beach residents since 1965.
All three of the Loe’s children attended Los Alamitos High School and continue to live locally. And, now, all nine grandchildren are currently Griffins- one freshman, three sophomores, four juniors and one senior. How is this possible? Two sets of triplets certainly make it easier to understand.
Perhaps it helped that Sharon, who was waiting for grandkids who were not forthcoming, asked her Bible study group to pray for grandchildren. It appears to have worked, as all nine were born between Feb. 28, 1998 and March 27, 2001.
The Loe’s eldest son, David, who also lives in Seal Beach, has identical twin sons, Denzill and Dylan, and a triplet daughter Alexis who are juniors. Their daughter, Teri , lives in Rossmoor and has a son Harrison, who is a junior and a daughter Lauren, who is a freshman. The youngest son, Gary, lives in Los Alamitos and has a daughter, Jade, who is a senior, as well as triplets, sons Jack, Julian and daughter Jazzmyn, who are sophomores.
All of the grandchildren are active at Los Al, participating in golf, lacrosse, softball and choir – and the eldest grandchild, Jade, recently accepted a softball scholarship to California State University, Dominguez Hills.
Donn and Sharon, who love to travel, have taken their grandchildren on many trips, seeing countries such as France, New Zealand, and Italy in 2008, when they gathered all of their children and grandchildren to celebrate their 50th anniversary.
So, in the end, the moral of the story? Be careful what Grandma prays for!
Cypress Senior Center hosts open house luncheon
The Cypress Senior Center held an Open House luncheon on Tuesday, March 22 sponsored by Community SeniorServ. The event was a big success with 100 meals served. In addition to a healthy lunch, the seniors were also treated to live music performed by Tony Lopez. Cypress Mayor Mariellen Yarc and Council Member Stacy Berry joined in on the fun and helped hand out the event door prizes.
Earlier that day, Mayor Yarc also participated in Mayors for Meals Day by delivering meals to the homes of Linda Lau and Allen Thunselle of Cypress who are participants in the Meals On Wheels program sponsored by Community SeniorServ. Mayor Yarc joined mayors across the country to show her support for the community’s homebound and hungry seniors. Community SeniorServ is the largest Meals on Wheels and senior nutrition provider in Orange County and the State of California.
For more information about the lunch program or other Senior Center events, please contact 714-229-2005. For information about City news and events, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityofcypress or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/City_of_Cypress.
Woman’s Club presents self-defense lecture
Jennifer Lester, also known as “Stun Gun Jen,” will be the guest speaker at the Wednesday, April 6, 2016 Woman’s Club of Cypress (WCC) meeting to be held at the Cypress Community Center (5700 Orange Avenue).
The program begins at 10:45 a.m. Lester is an independent Damsel Director with Damsel in Defense, a direct sales company launched in 2011 that specializes in educating and equipping individuals with non-lethal personal safety products. With 12 years of experience as a 9-1-1 dispatcher, safety and protection have been a major part of Lester’s life.
Lester is personally aware of the trauma that results when women are not properly able to defend themselves. Her daughter was twice the victim of a sexual assault.
Now Jennifer is on a mission to make certain that no one else suffers at the hands of a predator. Her goal in giving these presentations is that every member of the audience will learn at least one tip to better protect themselves in life-threatening situations.
The WCC invites anyone in the community interested in learning personal safety tips to attend this event. For more information, please contact Veena Narain at v_narain@yahoo.com or 714-236-0173.
St. Hedwig awarded $2,000 scholarship
St. Hedwig Catholic School Assistant Principal Erin Rucker accepted a $2000 scholarship check on behalf of the school. The check was presented by John Coughlin from the Knights of Columbus Council 5568 – Los Alamitos will be awarded at 8th Grade Recognition Night on June 9.
The Knights of Columbus Council 5568 – Los Alamitos was established in 1964 and currently has over 130 members. Knights sponsor family events such as the St. Hedwig Family night at the Angel game, St. Hedwig picnic, dining under the stars, and children’s Christmas party. Membership is open to men over the age of 18 who are practicing Catholics. For more information please call the Rectory office at 562-296-9000.
Oak students make Honor Choir
Eighteen Oak Middle School Choir students were selected to participate in this year’s American Choral Directors Association’s Western Division Honor Choir. Students auditioned and were selected from five states (California, Hawaii, Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico) to perform with the Junior High Honor Choir or the Treble Honor Choir. Students arrived in Pasadena and endured a rigorous schedule of rehearsals for two and a half days, which culminated with a concert at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on Saturday, Feb, 27. Pictured are most of the 7th and 8th grade attendees from Oak Middle School along with Oak teacher/choir director, Mrs. Rachelle Randeen.
Banners of Honor upgrade arriving
A program honoring veterans that started about six years ago has revitalized with a new design for its commemorative banners.
Banners of Honor Inc., the organization behind the program, brought an example of its new banner design to the Los Alamitos City Council meeting on Monday, March 21. At the meeting, a permit that opened the door for the renewal of the program was authorized by the city council. A modification to an encroachment permit, first authorized when the program started in 2010, was approved and gives Banners of Honor a green light to move ahead with finding sponsors and installing the new banners.
Nearly 150 banners currently hang on street poles throughout Los Al and the Joint Forces Training Base that were installed when the banner program first started.
Those banners were privately funded and installed on various poles on Katella Ave. and Lexington Dr. Several of those banners have weathered, torn or even fallen off since then, which is why a renewal to the program has come about.
Nancy Karmelich, President of Banners of Honors Inc., said the new banners will be available for sponsorship. Residents can expect the new ones to go up around July or August of this year after Karmelich seeks sponsors.
Sponsors will be able to choose the word printed on the banner and have the choice of including their name on it also.
Karmelich said a website for the program was currently being built but those interested can look out for the website www.bannersofhonor.com in the near future.
Community Support Campaign kicking off
In their quest to raise more than $150,000 in one month, The Youth Center kicks-off their 19th annual Community Support Campaign with Randy Scott and his band performing live on Tuesday, April 30 at 6 p.m. at the Affliction headquarters in Seal Beach. Campaigners will enjoy food and libations served by A Taste of Seal Beach and several other restaurants while supporting the mission of keeping kids safe in the community.
Chairman and Seal Beach Police Chief Joe Stilinovich is leading 16 teams of more than 100 campaigners during April as they drum up the bulk of funds for the entire year and beyond to support of the award-winning nonprofit’s on-going programs and activities.
Campaigners and donations are needed to help secure the future of the Youth Center’s programs including their After-School Program, Elementary School Music Program, a drunk-driving determent bi-annual event, Leadership Academy and their Summer Camps. Children and families from all local communities stand to benefit from this year’s campaign.
Recently nearly 50 children of various ages were surveyed on what they specifically liked about coming to the Youth Center’s After School Program. Many children said they really liked the staff who makes them feel like they matter and they loved having a quiet place to do homework, play sports and do activities and the freedom to choose what they would like to do. Children said they look forward to coming to the After School Program every day. They also shared that without the program they’d either sit at home by themselves or hang out at local shops or around the neighborhood. One 11-year-old girl said, “I would have a very long walk home to Seal Beach because both my parents work and cannot pick me up.”
Local kids being on the streets is something that is unacceptable especially for Chief Stilinovich, who said keeping the Youth Center open is vital to public safety within the community.
“When many of us were young we had two rules: come home when the street lights come on and don’t talk to a guy in a van. It was pretty simple for the parents and kids,” said Chief Joe. “Today we don’t live in that world and the gap time between when kids get out of school until the time many parents come home from work is particularly dangerous. The after school program ensures that children are in a safe environment and protects them from potential bad decisions.”
“The Youth Center has put together a spectacular team of community leaders who have banned together to support our children,” he continued.
Part of the team in keeping kids safe also involves the many campaign volunteers who give their time to help raise funds to benefit local children at the Youth Center.
“We are here for the kids,” said Youth Center Executive Director Lina Lumme. “We want them to thrive, not be lost, in our community, and our campaign helps us keep the doors open for them. Campaigners and donors are key in helping us to do that.”
Future campaign mixers will be held in Los Alamitos at the Brew Kitchen House on Tuesday, April 12 at 6 p.m. and at Griffins Grill on Tuesday, April 19 at 6 p.m., with the finale celebration Afterglow Party on Saturday, April 30 at 6:30 p.m. at the Youth Center just following A Night Among the Stars youth philanthropic awards ceremony.
If you are interested in campaigning or donating to the Youth Center, please contact Executive Director Lina Lumme or Programs and Operations Manager Julie Rubin at 562-493-4043 or visit the website at www.theyouthcenter.org.
Los Al Cheer teams clinch National Championships
The Los Al Varsity and Junior Varsity Cheer teams competed in the USA Nationals Spirit High School Cheerleading Championship in Anaheim over the weekend of March 18-20. Los Al’s JV Cheer team competed in the JV Cheer Advanced Division and received top marks in the preliminary round on Friday night. On Sunday, they clinched the National Championship by hitting a perfect routine in the finals.
Los Al’s Varsity Cheer team competed in the Small Varsity Cheer Advanced Division on Saturday afternoon in the prelims and came through in the top spot. On Sunday they dominated the field and took home another National Championship. These two cheer teams, along with the nationally ranked Varsity and JV Song teams, provide support for all the athletic teams at Los Alamitos High School. These spirit leaders cheer on Griffins, have a rigorous competition schedule, and dedicate many hours to providing community service throughout the area. Their hard work has paid off.
Pictured from left to right, front row-Tiana Tom, Kelly Cuilty, Sydney Reyes. Seconnd row-Katie Livingston, Savy Sickel, Ashten Fitzgerald, Krista Hayakawa, Jessie Galletti, Taryn Lee, Emily Olcomendy, McKenna Reutershan, Morgan Parsons, Kaitlin Lockridge, Cierra Sorenson. Third row-Claire Brandenberger, Valerie Kerzie, Caylin Cannady, Emily Lorenz, Alexa Gomberg, Alyssa Ochoa, Alex Stricklen, Mikayla Suffel, Kimiye Makiyama, Kaylene Iriye, Amanda Wong, Sophia Papini, Angelina Correia4th row-Serenity Bonilla, Katie Manning, Natalie Walker, Samantha Simon, Haily Smith, Madison Troxel, Alison Hughes.
American Legion receives donation
American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 716 members have been sending care packages overseas to deployed soldiers for quite some time now. The soldiers they’ve sent packages to are from the aviation unit at the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos making them family for some. Recently, the National Security Chairwoman of Unit 716 was presented with a check from the Sons of the American Legion for a $1,000. It cost about $40 to fill and ship one box overseas so the donation is quite the uplift for their cause. The American Legion Riders and Post 716 both donated to the cause as well. Pictured from left to right are Cindy Mayfield Auxiliary President, Chris Neiffer Son’s Commander, Linda Jefferson National Security, Ron Mag Son’s 1st Vice, Doug Baker Finance Officer, Sharon Starr National Security & Public Relations, back Tom Brown Son’s Past Commander.
Six ‘Superior’ scores for Los Al
Los Alamitos Intermediate Drama students competed at the Fullerton College High School Theatre Festival this past weekend on March 18 and 19. The festival started in 1981 and has since grown to be one of the most prestigious and competitive in Orange County. Moreover, the size and scope of competition levels make the FJC High School Theatre Festival one of the most accessible in California. In the recent years, between 1,500 and 2,000 students have participated annually in a wide range of dramatic and theatre arts skills competitions that require upwards of 150 judges to adjudicate.
This year, 61 schools competed in a variety of categories over the two days. This was the first time Los Al High School Intermediate Drama students competed, and they produced excellent scores. Milica Vrzic made it to finals in Contemporary Dramatic Monologue, placing her in the top 10 out of over 150 monologues performed. Six students received scores of “superior” in the category they competed. They include:
• Milica Vrzic- Contemporary dramatic monologue
• Melanie Tanaka- contemporary dramatic monologue
• Tigre Ferguson- Classical Dramatic Monologue
• Kaylee (Jaq) McKay- Classical Humorous monologue
• Ahmad (Ari) Ishqair and Owen Marubayashi- Contemporary dramatic ensemble
• Rylee Burchett, Greg Johnson, Josh Michaels- Contemporary comic ensemble
Los Al students gave successful performances in all other categories as well. They represented Los Al with dignity, maturity, and confidence. They were incredibly supportive of their fellow teammates as well as showing excellent character in supporting other schools.
Under the direction of Drama Teacher, Mrs. Stacy Castiglione, the Los Alamitos Drama Department has grown in its size, number of productions, and number of students earning accolades for their achievements.
The Los Alamitos High School Drama Department will be performing a production of Ian Wooldridge’s adaptation of George Orwell’s Animal Farm. Performances are April 21, 22, and 23 in the Los Alamitos Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $12 pre-sale and $15 at the door. Please visit losaldrama.org for more information.
Griffins lead early but lose to Poly
The Los Alamitos High boys basketball team had a solid start but eventually faded in a 56-39 loss to Long Beach Poly in the CIF State Division II Regional Semifinals, last week at Los Alamitos High.
The Griffins led 28-26 at halftime and trailed just 39-36 at the end of the third quarter. But the run the Jackrabbits began in the third quarter continued into the fourth, as the Griffins went cold from the outside.
Trying to drive the ball and work from the inside played right into the size of the Poly defense, as they disrupted any inside attempt by the Griffins. In the end, Los Alamitos coach Eddie Courtemarche said his team just seemed to run out of gas.
“I was really proud of the way we competed with them, especially in the first half,” Courtemarche said.
The Griffins had 16 points from Eyassu Worku, as well as 10 each from Jacob Eyman and Pepe Garcia. But in the second half, when the Griffins began to struggle with their outside shots, the Poly defense collapsed on the inside.
Long Beach had 16 points each from Drew Buggs and Zafir Williams. They hit a three pointer early in the fourth that extended their lead to 44-36.
Long Beach blocked two shot attempts on defense, then drew a foul on the offensive end. After another defensive stop, the Jackrabbits got a fast-break basket that pushed the lead to 48-36, with 4:39 left in the game.
The Griffins could not regain any momentum and Poly slowly put the game away. The loss ended the season for the Griffins and saw the end of the high school career for Worku. Worku has been the standout player among a talented group and Courtemarche called him a once-in-a-lifetime player.
“He does it all, and the way he prepares himself and the responsibility and pressure that he shoulders for this team, game in and game out, if very very commendable,” Courtemarche said of Worku.
Fall AYSO registration opens up this week
Soccer registration starts this week as American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) prepares teams for this Fall season.
Soccer is among one of the most popular youth sports, and AYSO Region 159 in Los Alamitos is one of the largest soccer groups in the area, hosting nearly 2,000 players last season. The 100 percent volunteer, non-profit group offers soccer programs for all levels of players, from recreational through competitive or club teams. AYSO offers balanced teams for boys and girls from ages 5 through 18.
To register for Fall recreational soccer, go to www.ayso159.org and click on registration. Bring completed registration form to Good Shepard Presbyterian Church, 11600 Los Alamitos Blvd., on April 9 between 1 and 5 p.m. Registration fees are $145.
Players looking for more competitive soccer are welcome to tryout for AYSO Extra teams. Extra offers increased player development with experienced trainers and plays matches against teams in North Orange County. Registration is now open for tryouts for the fall 2016 Season for U9 – U14 boys and girls. For more information about tryouts, visit www.ayso159.org/extra/.
Los Al track leads State and Nation
The Los Alamitos H.S. Boys 1600 Sprint Medley Relay (SMR) mirrored their 2015 performance by becoming the California and National leaders last Friday night at the California Relays.
The boy’s 1600 SMR team of senior Jacob Gasser, Junior Jose Rubio, and seniors Holden Edmondson and Thomas Heib combined to set a new California Relays record of 3:28.64. Their time is just off their 2015 Nation leading time of 3:27.64.
The girl’s team of seniors Anijah Green, Jahnia Green, Ashley Willingham and sophomore Bronson Ledgard won their event in a time of 4:08.20, off their 2015 Nation leading pace of 3:58.63, to become the # 2 California and the # 4 USA team.
Other event winners at the meet included:?
• Sophomore Brandon Bandley in the boys 800m with a time of 2:01.03
• Senior Andrew Fowler in the boys pole vault with a clearance of 14’-0”
• Senior Thomas Heib in the boys 1600m with a time of 4:18.78?
• Senior Ashley Willingham in the girls 400m with a time of :55.79
Additionally, at the Laguna Trophy Invitiational at Laguna Beach HS, sophomore Faimalie Sale set a new Frosh/Soph School Record in the girls discus with a throw of 128’-3”. Earlier in the week Faimalie broke the high school’s Frosh/Soph Shot Put Record with a mark of 40’-8.25”.
The Griffins begin their league schedule with a dual meet against Edison HS at the Los Al Track on Thursday, March 24.