Quote of the week
On the new SHS-themed websites: “I think the blogs are a great way to make jokes about how unique Saratoga is, but it’s important not to be cocky about it. As long as it remains a joke, I'll be a fan.” — 2011 alumnus Nick Renda
sports
School repeals controversial pass-fail grading policy affecting sports, cheer and band
By Dylan Jew and Brandon Judoprasetijo | December 1, 2011
At the start of first semester, students found out that they would be graded on a pass-fail system for team sports, cheer and band. This system was enacted because the majority of the sports team coaches and supervisors do not have proper credentials in physical education, the state standard for assigning a letter grade in physical education.
Girls’ tennis places second at NorCals and CCS; Monta Vista edges out Falcons twice
By Amy Jan and Karen Sung | November 21, 2011
Reaching the finals of the NorCals tournament on Nov. 19, the girls’ tennis team lost for the fourth time this season to rival Monta Vista, but this time they were close—so close—to victory.
Dreams become reality: Soccer team believes it can win it all this year
By Rohan Rajeev | December 14, 2011“This is our year.”
Coaches say it all the time in many sports themed movies during the climax, when they rally their players to finally win the championship game they had worked so hard for. It always seems cliché to say.
Kelly Leslie: A girl's passion for ice hockey
By Amy Jan | November 15, 2011Senior Kelly Leslie loves ice hockey and is one of the top female players in the area. But starting this year, she ran into a problem: There weren’t enough girls in San Jose to make a 19 and under team.
That’s why every other week, Leslie must fly down to Anaheim and practice 17 hours with the Anaheim Lady Ducks 19U AAA.
Sophomore finds thrill in dirt biking
By Nikil Ramanathan | November 15, 2011Dirt biking doesn’t even resemble a leisurely bike ride in the park. Just ask sophomore Eric Ferguson and his close friend sophomore Eric Ringsrud.
Wrestling: Small team to take on big challenges ahead
By Brandon Judoprasetijo | November 14, 2011Boys of varying sizes and builds walked into the wrestling room on Oct. 31 all ready to hit the mat once again and wrestle after being away for six months. This year, the team will be under the direction of coach Joe Pele, who started coaching the Falcons last year.
Pele has high expectations after seeing what the team had to offer last year.
“Last year was our first year together, and that is always a challenge for coaches and wrestlers,” Pele said. “The greatest strength was the courage displayed by the Falcon wrestlers each and every time they stepped on the mat.”
Field hockey defeats top opponents
By Cristina Curcelli and Sarah Finley | November 2, 2011Last week was eventful for the girls field hockey team. The team beat two top teams, Presentation on Oct. 12 and Saint Francis on Oct. 14, putting them in a good position for the rest of the season.
The Falcons won the game against Presentation 2-1. Juniors Jenni Miller and Courtney Ruppel scored.
According to Coach Leaf Huynh, though, the players did not get their usual warm-up in before game against Presentation, which affected how the team played in the game.
Girls' volleyball shows promise in spite of losses
By Sierra Smith | November 5, 2011Despite a few tough losses as of Oct. 24, the girls’ volleyball team demonstrates great potential and determination. What viewers can’t see from the scoreboard is the effort the players put into every game.
Girls' tennis: Major CCS changes unnecessary near end of season
By Evaline Ju | October 28, 2011
As every sports team nears the end of the regular season and prepares for CCS, it seeks to perfect its starting lineup and the strategies it has been practicing. Yet everything will change for the girls’ tennis team in preparation for the CCS playoffs beginning on Nov. 9, less than three weeks away.
Girls' Tennis takes fifth at Peachtree tournament
By Evaline Ju | September 15, 2011Not as good as last year, but good enough.
