A busy spring continues for Escalon High athletes, many taking part in more than one sport as competition is being crammed in to a short time period. Here is a wrap of some of the sports happening this past week.
TRACK AND FIELD
On the road for a dual meet on April 21, Escalon came up just a bit short against their opponents from Sierra.
“We just ran two sections, varsity girls and varsity boys, as both teams had a difficult time fielding three athletes per event,” said head coach Carrie Nash. “Sierra’s varsity girls beat Escalon 61-53 and their varsity boys beat Escalon 76-34.”
Following are some of the more notable performances from Cougar competitors.
Girls
Freshman Katelyn Rodriquez was 2nd in the 100m hurdles 20.28; Ryan Walker was 1st in the 1600m (7:28), Samantha Torres 2nd, and Julie Avila 3rd; Freshman Cali Granis was 2nd in the 100m (13.7); Ryan Walker and Samantha Torres were 1st and 2nd in the 800m; Rachel Farley 1st in high jump (4'2") 2nd in long jump (12' 3.75").
Also, Alexis Barron 1st in the triple jump (26' 2.75"), Alexis White 2nd (26' 2") and Belen Lechuga 3rd (26" 1.75"); Kim Abney was 3rd in the long jump 12" 1.75"; Haylee Barajas 1st in Discus (69' 6"), Emma Bracco 2nd (68'1") 3rd Anya Peeples (55' 11"); Haylee Barajas 2nd shot put (28' 9"), Cesi Rodriguez 3rd (27'2").
Boys
Senior Brandon Granda 2nd in 100m (12.10) and 1st in the 200m 24.76, 2nd in long jump (18' .25"); Freshman Ian Armstrong 4th in the 100m (12.6) and 4th in the 200m (26.16); Owen Nash 1st in the high jump (5'4"); Preston Ball 1st in shot put (37'2") and 2nd in discus 100'1".
Also, Brent Beary 2nd shot put (35'); Casey Vassallo 3rd shot put (32' 11.5"); Stephen Percy 1st discus (101'11"); Chase Pacheco 3rd discus (84'10").
“Brandon Granda had a great day. Not only did he place in all three of his individual events, but he also ran an impressive lead leg of the 4x400. This is his first year doing track and he’s a real gamer,” said Nash.
The Cougars next take on Oakdale, as they are competing in the Valley Oak League this spring along with all the Escalon teams.
BOYS GOLF
The week of April 19 the golf boys had two matches; the first was Monday, April 19 at Oakdale Golf and Country Club’s par 36 course against Weston Ranch.
“The VOL school was unable to field a team of five players resulting in a forfeit win for the Cougars,” said co-coach Vern Millard.
The Escalon team played but struggled resulting in a team score of 247 with Bryce McKenzie shooting 44, Jaden Schrotenboer 47, Timothy McNeil 49, Jacob Dugo 51, Ben Millard 56 and Austin Schweichert 61.
“Due to limited course access all schools scheduled to play at Oakdale High School also played that day with team scores used as results against Oakdale,” explained Millard. “Oakdale shot an impressive team score of 207 versus Escalon’s 247 resulting in the team’s first loss of the season.”
On Wednesday, April 21 the Escalon boys golf team played a home match at Escalon’s par 31 golf course against Kimball, a VOL school from Tracy. The Cougars were able to put the Monday loss behind them with strong play from all players resulting in a team win 173 to 197. They were led by Kaden Schrotenboer’s impressive 32, Ben Millard contributed with a personal best 33, Timothy McNeil 35, Bryce McKenzie 36, and securing the win from the anchor position was Jacob Dugo at 37 with the team’s sixth score of 49 by Zack Valencia.
“The young Cougar team with no senior players is proving to be resilient and improving with each win and loss against Valley Oak League opponents,” said Millard. “It should be noted for the first time this season their hard work has paid off with the five (scoring) Cougars shooting in the thirties.”
GIRLS TENNIS
Taking on Weston Ranch on April 20, Escalon cruised to a win, 6-1 over their opponents in girls tennis play.
The Lady Cougars were paced by singles wins from Madelyn Page, 6-1, 6-2; Maddie Faria, 6-0, 6-1; Isabella Nalbandian, 6-0, 6-2; and Rylie Lattig, 6-2, 6-0.
In doubles, Lily McCracken and Ella Adams were 6-0, 6-1 winners, with Sophia Martin and Mikayla Wentzell teaming for a 4-6, 6-1, 10-7 win. Only loss of the afternoon came for doubles pair Laura Thompson and Faith Reyes, battling in a 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 match.
Thursday against Sierra, it was a 3-2 decision for the Timberwolves. McCracken took a 6-1, 7-5 win at number three singles while Page and Faria took losses in singles play. Adams and Wentzel teamed for a 6-2, 6-3 doubles win, with Thompson and Reyes falling in the other doubles match.
