![“[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)
Boys tennis wins matchup against Aragon High
A Harker tennis player prepares to hit the ball during the team’s match yesterday. They won 5-2.
March 10, 2016
Boys tennis defeated Aragon 5-2 yesterday at the Santa Clara Tennis Center.
Ronak Baldua (12) and David Wen (10) won their singles match. Randy Zhao (10) and Anjay Saklecha (9), Neil Bai (10) and Aman Ahluwalia (10) and Swapnil Garg (10) and Kai Franz (9) won their doubles matches.
Team captain Ronak Baldua reflected on the team’s performance as well as its goals for the future.
“Our team played very well today,” Ronak said. “We had some good battles like Kai and Swapnil and Randy and Anjay. I think it was good because Aragon usually finishes at the top of their league and to come out with a win against a solid team like Aragon will install a lot of confidence within the team. We’re all still working on ourselves as players, getting more comfortable and gelling together more as a team.”
Team coach John Fruttero also emphasized team cohesion as an important development.
“The main development I’m looking for in matches and training is spirit, camaraderie, teamwork and full engagement is at the top of the pyramid for me,” Fruttero said. “If a kid can get to the point of being fully engaged in practice and in every match he plays, regardless of whether he is winning or losing, when it matters the most, he’ll develop the ultimate skill of poise.”
Aman commented on factors which helped with the team’s success in doubles matches.
“As partners we have to be able to laugh together sometimes in between points,” Aman said. “Even if you win or lose, it’s good to always keep a positive spirit out there. In general, I think for the team, keeping us in a happy mood is important.”
The team has a 4-2 record and has an away game next week on Tuesday against Priory.
