![“[Building nerf blasters] became this outlet of creativity for me that hasn't been matched by anything else. The process [of] making a build complete to your desire is such a painstakingly difficult process, but I've had to learn from [the skills needed from] soldering to proper painting. There's so many different options for everything, if you think about it, it exists. The best part is [that] if it doesn't exist, you can build it yourself," Ishaan Parate said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DSC_8149-900x604.jpg)
![“When I came into high school, I was ready to be a follower. But DECA was a game changer for me. It helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, and it's played such a major role in who I've become today. To be able to successfully lead a chapter of 150 students, an officer team and be one of the upperclassmen I once really admired is something I'm [really] proud of,” Anvitha Tummala ('21) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2021-07-25-at-9.50.05-AM-900x594.png)
![“I think getting up in the morning and having a sense of purpose [is exciting]. I think without a certain amount of drive, life is kind of obsolete and mundane, and I think having that every single day is what makes each day unique and kind of makes life exciting,” Neymika Jain (12) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Screen-Shot-2017-06-03-at-4.54.16-PM.png)
![“My slogan is ‘slow feet, don’t eat, and I’m hungry.’ You need to run fast to get where you are–you aren't going to get those championships if you aren't fast,” Angel Cervantes (12) said. “I want to do well in school on my tests and in track and win championships for my team. I live by that, [and] I can do that anywhere: in the classroom or on the field.”](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC5146-900x601.jpg)
![“[Volleyball has] taught me how to fall correctly, and another thing it taught is that you don’t have to be the best at something to be good at it. If you just hit the ball in a smart way, then it still scores points and you’re good at it. You could be a background player and still make a much bigger impact on the team than you would think,” Anya Gert (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AnnaGert_JinTuan_HoHPhotoEdited-600x900.jpeg)
![“I'm not nearly there yet, but [my confidence has] definitely been getting better since I was pretty shy and timid coming into Harker my freshman year. I know that there's a lot of people that are really confident in what they do, and I really admire them. Everyone's so driven and that has really pushed me to kind of try to find my own place in high school and be more confident,” Alyssa Huang (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AlyssaHuang_EmilyChen_HoHPhoto-900x749.jpeg)
Spring Sports Preview
Upper School Varsity athletes are swinging, putting, and setting their way through spring sports, which started last month. The teams are setting their sights on success and working hard to emerge as champions in May. This season will highlight Varsity Track & Field, Varsity Swimming, Varsity Lacrosse, Varsity Softball, Varsity Baseball, Varsity Boys’ Tennis, Varsity Boys’ Golf, and Varsity Boys’ Volleyball. Practices, scrimmages, and league games are in full swing, so make sure to come out to support the Eagles!
Varsity Girls Softball
Under the guidance of Head Coach Raul Rios, practice for Varsity Girls Softball officially started February 3rd at the Blackford Campus Baseball Diamond.
The team lost a significant number of members with the graduation of the Class of 2013 and are currently looking at a senior-less season. Some athletes think this might contribute to a stronger bond.
Captains for the team include Vivian Isenberg (11), Sarah Bean (11), and Alisa Wakita (10).
“We had a really successful season last year, and I’m looking forward to this season because it has the potential of being just as strong as the last,” Sarah said. “I hope to make it to CCS again, and hope that we can turn a lot of new players into softball lovers.”
The girls practice daily at the Blackford campus. Their next home game is against Silver Creek High School at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12.
Varsity Girls Lacrosse
The Varsity Girls Lacrosse season, under coach and chemistry teacher Andrew Irvine, is currently underway. The girls began daily practice on Feb. 4 at the Blackford campus, moving to Davis Field after the winter soccer season finished.
Senior Mabel Luo notes that an increase in new freshmen is one of the significant changes to the lacrosse team this year. With about 35-40 people signed up to play, the team has split into JV and Varsity for the first time in the program’s history.
“I’m really looking forward to building up the team,” she said. “It’ll be really fun to get to know all the people who are new to lacrosse.”
The Varsity Girls’ Lacrosse players as of now do not have a captain: the team plans to vote for one within the next few weeks. The team plays Castilleja tomorrow on Davis Field at 4 p.m.
Varsity Boys Baseball
After beginning with some scrimmages to start off the season, the Varsity Baseball team launches into league play this month.
Varsity Baseball plays under Head Coach Mike Delfino, and is led by the sole senior and captain Varun Kamat.
According to Ayush Midha (11), despite the loss of “a great batch of seniors”, the team hopes to do well with the influx of talented freshmen.
“We’re looking to rebuild this year,” Ayush said. “The goal is to make the season a learning experience for the underclassmen and keep it productive for the juniors and seniors.”
The team began practice at Blackford on Feb. 3, and faces Livermore Valley Prep at a home game tomorrow at 4 p.m.
Varsity Boys Volleyball
Despite initially beginning at the Lower School’s Bucknall Campus, the team moved to Blackford for their daily practices and home games.
“I’m really looking forward to having a strong team that will make and do really good in CCS,” Shikhar Dixit (11) said. “I hope to improve as a player and become closer to my fellow volleyball family.”
The boys are led by Head Coach Dan Molin, the Upper School Athletic Director, and Asst. Coach Mike Aitken. Andrew Zhu (12) is the team captain for this season.
“I would like to see us get better every match. Everyone’s working very hard,” Molin said. “I’m very pleased with the dynamic of the group. The kids are having fun; I’m having fun.”
Although the team is smaller, Molin believes that “the quality is still there” and that the team has a chance at contending in CCS.
Varsity Boys’ Volleyball plays Westmont High School tomorrow at 5:45 p.m. in the Blackford gym.
Varsity Swimming
Varsity Swimming started practice at Singh Aquatic Center on Feb. 3, under Head Coach Ronni Gautschi and Asst. Coach Alisha Garcia.
“I think that we have a lot more swimmers this year compared to last year. […] To see the numbers progress is good for me. I am looking forward to seeing the growth in our team as the years progress, ” said Ronni Gautschi.
A major goal for many team members is to get faster times.
Some swimmers this season are water polo players hoping to stay in shape and increase their skills. Freshman Yasemin Narin, who also plays water polo in the fall, wants to “becom[e] faster in the water” and “improve [her] sprint times” this season.
The team will participate in the Small Schools Swim Meet against Pinewood, Priory, Crystal Springs, and Nueva at home on Wednesday, Mar. 12 at 4 p.m.
Varsity Boys Tennis
Late February marked the beginning of practice for the varsity boys’ tennis team. The players practice daily at Blackford under the leadership of Head Coach John Fruterro and Asst. Coach Hanna Pajujen. Kevin Xue (12) is the only senior on the team.
“I’m really looking forward to turning up this season,” Jason Chu (11) said. “Also, showing the entire school how much work we put in […] and how much effort we give in practices.”
Although the team has not yet chosen a captain and only started practice recently, athletes think the season is off to a good start.
“I’d say we’re bonding well,” Edward Tischler (9) said. “But we’re still breaking the ice.”
The team faces Priory today in an away game at 4 p.m.
Varsity Track & Field
Varsity Track & Field members practice at Blackford under Head Coach Brent Woodcock and Asst. Coaches Scott Chisam and Mike Bassoni.
The team captain is Claudia Tischler (12). 42 boys and 14 girls are tentatively on this year’s team, a larger roster than that of any other spring sport.
Sophomore Helen Xie testifies to the track & field team’s dynamic.
“Before, when I did conditioning, I was like ‘should I really [play]?” Helen said. “But now I hang out with several people on the team, and we make stupid jokes and stuff which makes track more bearable.
The track team will compete at St. Francis High School at the St. Francis Invitational on Saturday, Mar. 15 at 8 a.m.
Varsity Boys’ Golf
Competing in tournaments to invitationals and at golf courses to country clubs, the Varsity Boys’ Golf team plans for an active spring season.
The Varsity Boys’ Golf team travels daily to local golf courses for after-school practice. Many players consider Los Lagos Golf Course in San Jose, 10 miles away from the Saratoga to be their home course.
“It’s an individual sport but we work well as a team,” Zarek Drozda (10) said. “The team dynamic is pretty good, and the freshmen came in strong.”
The team is coached by Ie-Chen Cheng, and as of publication has no seniors. Srish Dwivedi and Nikhil Reddy, both juniors, are captains.
Boys’ golf will play at Los Lagos against Crystal Springs Uplands today at 3:30 p.m.
This piece was originally published in the pages of the Winged Post on March 12, 2014
Juhi Gupta is the Multimedia Editor for Harker Aquila. She is a junior and has been part of the journalism program since her freshman year. Her position...
Roshni Pankhaniya is the Sports Editor of the Winged Post. She is a senior and has been previously been a reporter and the Sports Editor for Harker Aquila....