Servite | OC Catholic

EPISODE #116
CATHOLIC SPORTS VIEW: GUESTS ARE DAN O’DELL AND TROY THOMAS

Each week, Bob Gibson interviews coaches and players throughout the various Catholic high schools in Orange County.

This week on CSV we visit with Dan O’Dell as he gets the Mater Dei girls volleyball program ready to navigate the stacked Division 1 playoffs. Then, we’ll check-in with Servite football coach Troy Thomas who is enduring a tough season one year after playing in the CIF championship game. Plus, we’ve got your scores and updated standings!

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MOMENTS IN OUR JOURNEY

It was an epic Saturday night (Oct. 23) battle on the gridiron as Mater Dei faced Servite, with the Monarchs coming out on top 46-37.

THE RETURN TO SPORTS

For the first time in two years, back to school also means back to sports as Diocese of Orange Catholic high schools return to a regular schedule of athletic competition during the 2021-22 academic year.

Athletes who compete in fall sports, including football, boys water polo, girls volleyball, girls golf, cross country and girls tennis, are excited to be back in action during their standard time frame. With the spread of Covid-19 still a top-of-mind concern, school athletics staff members are adhering to many similar protocols they put in place last year in an effort to keep the seasons progressing safely.

“We’re trying to be as normal as we possibly can, but also as safe as we’re supposed to be,” said Servite High School Athletic Director, Alan Clinton.

Clinton stated that the experience of returning to sports last spring has been crucial as the coaches and staff prepare for the start of the fall season. The wearing of masks during team bus rides and in film rooms, as well as sanitation practices for water distribution, are just a few of the protocols the Friars are continuing to use.

Servite also juggles the use of multiple venues, such as playing football at both the Santa Ana Bowl and Lebard Stadium at Orange Coast College. With varying requirements, Clinton said that cooperation and teamwork are keeping the athletic contests safe and successful.

“We’re very well prepared for that, and we are used to it because we don’t have our own venue for [football],” said Clinton. “Everyone is willing to do whatever it takes to make sure that we have what we could call a normal season and normal year.”

Santa Margarita Catholic High School is also keeping up athletics protocols from last spring, including social distancing where possible, practice cohorts and virtual meetings, all in the name of mitigating any quarantine situations.

“We’re adapting to any changes that arise,” said Santa Margarita Athletic Director, Annie Garrett. “We’re doing whatever we need to do to keep everyone safe.”

Santa Margarita opened their football season on August 20 at the brand new Saddleback College Stadium, where 5,000 fans were on hand as the Eagles defeated San Juan Hills 38-14.

“It was an amazing environment for our kids to be in front of a larger crowd,” said Garrett.

Indoor sports, such as girls volleyball, are still limited to less than 1000 spectators, and those on the sidelines must wear masks. Direction from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is still continually in flux, but with everyone from coaches and staff to parents and student athletes all on the same page, flexibility remains key.

“Everyone is working really well together and doing what we can to provide a safe environment for our kids so these activities can still go on and we can keep moving forward,” said Garrett.

Both athletic directors cite strong participation numbers across all sports, which is bringing school spirit back to the high school campuses.

“I think everyone is so excited for all events, whether it’s sports activities or other social events that we are providing on campus,” said Garrett. “All the kids starting to feel normal again.”

“Every day is a new day and something could pop up, but that’s okay,” said Clinton. “We will take those challenges on. We’re here to create memories for these student athletes, and we’re able to do that. We’re getting some normalness back to our lives, and I think that’s huge.”

ON THE RISE

Prior to saying goodbye to the Class of 2021, several senior high school athletes were recognized this spring for their commitments to play college athletics.

At Santa Margarita Catholic High School, eight athletes across six sports signed collegiate letters of intent.

From the gridiron, Roman Sergi will be playing football for Wheaton College in Illinois, and Keanu Rebuldela-Kama is headed to the United States Military Academy at West Point.

The Eagles also saw two from their baseball program make commitments. Spencer Johnson committed to George Fox University, and Matt Flaharty will be playing at the University of Utah.

McKenna Bradley signed with UC Santa Barbara for track and field. Maya Robilio will be golfing for Sacred Heart University. Miles Fujimoto committed to Chapman University for swimming, and Kai Solomon will be playing lacrosse for Tufts University.

“These student athletes have persevered through so much, remained upbeat and positive and have weathered one of the craziest storms,” said former Santa Margarita Assistant Athletic Director, Sean Zeitler. “We are just so proud of them and their families and look forward to seeing what they do in the future.”

From Mater Dei High School, Sebastian Guzman is headed to Washington University in St. Louis for baseball, and teammate Brenden Morris committed to Colorado Mesa University. Soccer players Ceanna Doria and Abigail Hampton have both signed with Southern Methodist University (SMU). Golfer Lauren Calvillo signed with Trinity College. Nick Hoffmeyer will be playing volleyball for Concordia University Irvine. Cheerleaders Kaitlyn Bujajowski and Angelique Vasquez are headed to Rutgers University and Morehead State University, respectively. Samantha Sloan committed to Chapman University for track and field, and Tait Vigeland will be running cross country for the University of Portland.

JSerra Catholic High School saw 11 of their senior athletes make college commitments. Addison Barrette will be playing rugby for the University of Arizona. Women’s lacrosse player Shelby Blanchart will be attending Western New England University, and men’s lacrosse player Jacob Bledsoe signed with Calvin University.

From the soccer pitch, Max Carvalho committed to UC San Diego, and Connor Walcott is headed to the United States Naval Academy. Ashley Craig will be playing sand volleyball for DeSales University. Tennis player Kaley Houshmand signed with Westmont College. Fencer Sarah Lacson is headed to Cornell University. Jeff Muller will be playing water polo for LMU. Alex Stein signed to play basketball for Bethesda University, and golfer Heejo Hyun is headed to Emory University.

“These student athletes have risen beyond our expectations and driven themselves to thrive, when the message heard from many directions has been to survive,” said JSerra Athletic Director, Chris Ledyard. “And thrive is what they have done.”

At Rosary Academy, five athletes signed letters of intent to play at the collegiate level. Water polo players Alexys Puche is headed to Whittier College, Mia Solorzano committed to LMU and Nicole Salerno signed with Iona College. Lacrosse player Alli Mitts is also headed to Whittier College and soccer player Kate Goggins will play for Boston College.

Servite High School recognized 12 of their senior athletes who made college commitments. From the baseball diamond, Carlos Rodriguez is headed to Northern Vermont University, and PJ Wendler will play for Claremont McKenna. Football running back Kyle Bandy signed with the University of La Verne, and defensive end Ben Florentine committed to the University of Wyoming.

Three athletes from the Friars’ soccer program made commitments including Denzel Barrientos, who will play for Hope International University, while Jesus Melgoza, is headed to LMU and Justin Nodarse signed with Concordia University Irvine.

Three of Servite’s volleyball athletes committed to continue their playing careers. Matthew Albano committed to Hiram College, Colin Ryan committed to UC Merced and Peter Selcho signed with UC San Diego.

Rounding out the Friars’ signing group is basketball player Andrew Cook who is headed to Carroll College and lacrosse player Bryton Hickok who signed with the University of Tampa.

We couldn’t be prouder of this group of young men,” said Servite Athletic Director, Alan Clinton. “In a year that brought so many twists and turns, each of these talented student athletes overcame the obstacles in front of them and achieved their dream of playing at the next level, a feat that was made even harder by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grit and determination they showed is inspiring. On behalf of the Servite Athletic department, we wish them the best of luck as they take the next steps in becoming the men God called them to be.”

MATER DEI, ROSARY, SERVITE STUDENTS SIGN UP

November 11, 2020, marked the first day of the 2020-2021 school year when high school athletes could make their college commitments official. In response to Covid-19 safety protocols, Orange County Catholic high schools celebrated their senior athletes in a variety of safe formats, including Mater Dei High School, where three separate National Signing Day ceremonies took place on campus to honor 30 of their senior Monarchs.

There were four players from the school’s baseball program who committed to playing at the next level. Drew Porter will be headed to California State University, Northridge. Alonzo Tredwell will play for UCLA, and both Skye Selinsky and AJ Valle committed to Columbia University.

From the softball diamond, Natalie Marshall committed to University of Kansas, and Morgan McConnell signed with University of North Dakota.

Six Monarchs from across Mater Dei’s boys and girls basketball programs made their college commitments. Harry Hornery will play for USC. Nick Davidson is headed to University of Nevada, Reno. Wilhelm Breidenbach signed with University of Nebraska. Brooke Demetre committed to Stanford University. Maeaali’l Amosa will play for Pepperdine University, and Alyssa Durazo-Frescas signed with University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

The Mater Dei volleyball programs saw seven senior athletes commit to continuing their playing careers. Zaria Henderson is headed to University of California, San Diego. Cadence Gronski will play for Santa Clara University. Isabella Lesage signed with Northwestern University. Lauryn Sweeney will play for Fordham University. Josh Rosenblum signed with California State University, Long Beach, and Colby Bennett and Rachel Blair committed to the beach volleyball programs at USC and Concordia University, respectively.

From the pool, swimmer Kailia Utley committed to Vanderbilt University, and swimmer Lizzie Mackowiak is headed to University of Arizona. Water polo player Grant Loth signed with UCLA, and teammate Clay Kaneko committed to Pepperdine University. From the girls water polo program, Casey Coppock will play for University of California, Santa Barbara, and Janna Tauscher signed with University of California, Berkeley.

Three soccer players made college commitments, including Megan Hogate who will play for University of Texas. Faith Nguyen is headed to UCLA, and Connor Place signed with University of California, San Diego.

Additionally, golfer Ryder Henares will continue his playing career at Loyola Marymount University, and tennis player Grace McSkimming is headed to Sacramento State University.

“It was such a pleasure to see our athletes enjoying Signing Day,” says Mater Dei Athletic Director, Amanda Waters. “It was a safe and fun event, and our families were truly grateful we could give them this experience. All three sessions were worth it to see their smiling faces and the emotion from the parents on this special day.”

Rosary Academy saw two of their water polo players make college commitments. Lauren Woolley will play for San Jose State University, and Veralie Naranjo signed with Biola University.

“I am so proud and happy to see Lauren committing to continue her academic and water polo career at SJSU,” says Rosary head water polo coach Rory Bevins of Woolley. “I know she will continue to do great things and look forward to seeing her grow as a person.”

Of Naranjo, Bevins says, “I am very excited for Veralie committing to continue her water polo and academic career at Biola. She will do great things at the next level, and I am so excited to see what she does in the future.”

Servite High School celebrated three of their senior athletes as they made college commitments. Golfer Benjamin Hong is headed to Boston College, and his teammate William Sung signed with Columbia University.

“They are what Servite is all about,” says Servite head golf coach, Dane Jako, “not just great players, but also great teammates, students and men.”

And Servite pitcher Brady Childs will play baseball for Drury University.

“Brady has displayed a great work ethic and has proven to be a great teammate during his time at Servite,” said Friars head baseball coach, Shawn Gilbert. “We look forward to watching Brady further develop as a pitcher and an individual at the next level.” 

MOVING UP IN THE WORLD

In another round of signing ceremonies that saw high school seniors commit to playing college athletics, both Santa Margarita Catholic High School and Servite High School celebrated their student athletes.

Servite recognized 11 athletes make college commitments across four sports, including eight players from the school’s football program.

Two-year varsity letterman and tight end Ender Aguilar will be continuing his playing career for University of California, Berkeley. First Team All-Trinity League wide receiver Zedakiah Centers will be playing for Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Linebacker and defensive end Luca de Lancellotti signed with Trinity College. 

Third Team All-County long snapper Jacob Garcia is headed to Utah State University. Offensive lineman and three-year varsity letterman Robert Krebs signed with Columbia University. Fellow offensive lineman Jeminai Leuta-Ulu will continue his playing career at UNLV. The 2nd Team All-Trinity League selection is also a CIF-placing discus thrower for Servite’s track and field team.

Three-year varsity letterman and two-time All-Trinity League selection Nicholas Martinez will be playing for Kansas State University. Tight end and three-year varsity letterman Jake Overman signed with Oregon State University. 

From the links, Servite golfer Diego Gonzalez will be continuing his golfing career for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. 

Three-year varsity letterman Brian Rusnak from Servite’s lacrosse team is headed to Arcadia University. 

Guillermo Ocasio, a four-year varsity starter for Servite’s water polo team, has signed with UCLA. The 2018 CIF Player of the Year is also a member of the school’s 2018 CIF Division 3 championship team. 

“We are incredibly proud of these talented young men for everything they have accomplished in their academic and athletic careers thus far,” says Servite Athletic Director, Alan Clinton. “We look forward to continuing to watch them succeed at the next level.”

Santa Margarita celebrated seven of their athletes as they committed to play college athletics.

Katelyn Yunker will run cross country and track for the University of San Diego. The four-year program participant is a member of the school’s CIF championship team.

Current Trinity League 300-meter hurdle titleholder Michael Ventura has committed to run for Cal Poly Pomona’s track and field team.

Distance runner and four-time CIF finals qualifier Tamara Hirschman will be joining Colorado Mesa University’s cross country and track and field teams. 

From the tennis court, Amelia Kitts has committed to Biola University. The senior captain is also a three-time Trinity League champion.

Three-year varsity letterman Michael Mira will continue his baseball career at Concordia University. The third baseman is a member of the school’s 2019 CIF Championship team.

From the Eagles’ football team, Jason Schillig has committed to the University of Chicago, and Nick Barcelos is headed to the University of Nevada as a preferred walk-on.

“I am so proud of our student athletes at Santa Margarita Catholic High School,” says Santa Margarita Athletic Director, Annie Mai-Garrett. “Every year these signing day events showcase the best of the best of our student athletes, and their success and accolades throughout their high school careers are incredible to witness.” 

STEPPING UP TO THE PLATE

The Mid-American conference is pretty much the way it reads, a collection of colleges located in the heart of the U.S. and stocked with students who are primarily from the region.

The MAC athletic programs are no different. Rosters are almost exclusively filled with athletes from the Midwest.

Occasionally, the local talent can’t fulfill all the needs of the sports teams, forcing coaches to look beyond their usual boundaries.

Ball State baseball coach Rich Maloney tends to look further than others.

After two of his outfielders who hit at the top of the batting order graduated in 2018, Maloney was desperate for replacements.

Maloney reached out to his connections 2,000 miles away at Cypress College and the coaches there were confident they had the perfect fit in Aaron Simpson, a former two-sport star at Servite who not only made a habit of filling voids, but rising beyond expectations in the process.

Simpson, meanwhile, never expected to continue his college career in Muncie, Indiana, but was also getting anxious. He firmly believed that he had the ability to help a team win at the Division I level.

Turns out, Maloney and Simpson both had good instincts.

Simpson arrived at Ball State last season and immediately established himself as the team’s leadoff hitter, starting every game in center field. He finished second on the team with a .321 batting average, and first in steals (14) and on-base percentage (.422).

The highlight of his first season came when he slammed a sixth-inning two-run homer in the semifinals of the MAC tournament, giving the Cardinals the lead in an eventual 8-7 victory.

“That’s how you win,” Maloney told the Ball State Daily News last month. “You win when people step up and do some things that you had hoped they would do, but it was unproven, so you didn’t know if they would do it.”

Of course, stepping in and immediately helping his team win is nothing new to Simpson.

After receiving limited playing time his first two seasons on the Servite varsity football team, Simpson opened his senior season in the fall of 2015 by catching six passes for 235 yards and two touchdowns in a 45-7 victory against Fountain Valley.

Three weeks later, he was called upon as an emergency fill-in at quarterback against Edison and calmly threw a touchdown pass and ran for the game-winning score in the 21-14 victory.

He showed his excellence and versatility as a three-year starter on the Friars baseball diamond as well.

Simpson led the team in hits, runs and RBIs as a senior in 2016.

He also threw 10 1/3 scoreless innings on the mound with 11 strikeouts.

Simpson initially played baseball for the University of San Diego as a freshman, but opted to transfer back to the junior-college level as a sophomore in hopes gaining attention from Division I recruiters.

Simpson hit .297 with 24 RBIs and a team-high 10 stolen bases in his only season at Cypress College, earning first-team All-Orange Empire Conference honors.

Those numbers, along with strong recommendations from others, was enough to convince Maloney to give Simpson a shot.

“When we can find somebody to help us right off the bat, it’s a no-brainer,” Maloney said.

Simpson began his senior season with the Cardinals on Feb. 14.

For the first time in the several years, he doesn’t have to worry about proving himself.

EPISODE #105
CATHOLIC SPORTS VIEW: GUESTS ARE MARTY DUGARD AND TROY THOMAS

Host Bob Gibson interviews coaches and players throughout the various Catholic high schools in Orange County. His Twitter handle is: @catholicsv

Today’s guests are:

Marty Dugard (head cross country coach at J Serra Catholic High School);
Troy Thomas (head football coach at Servite High School)

Originally broadcast on 12/7/19

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EPISODE #102
CATHOLIC SPORTS VIEW: GUESTS ARE STEVE FRYER AND ANDY COFFMAN

Host Bob Gibson interviews coaches and players throughout the various Catholic high schools in Orange County. His Twitter handle is: @catholicsv

Today’s guests are:

Steve Fryer (Orange County Register);
Andy Coffman (head water polo coach at Servite High School)

Originally broadcast on 10/19/19

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EPISODE #96
CATHOLIC SPORTS VIEW: GUEST IS MICHAEL BRENNAN, PRINCIPAL AT SERVITE HIGH SCHOOL

Host Bob Gibson interviews coaches and players throughout the various Catholic high schools in Orange County. His Twitter handle is: @catholicsv

On today’s episode, Bob is on location at Servite High School in Anaheim!

Today’s guest is:

Michael Brennan (Principal at Servite high school and the president of the Trinity League);

Originally broadcast on 8/31/19

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