Santiago High School is most well known for its athletics program, which includes football, sideline cheer, cross country, lacrosse, hip-hop baseball, and swimming. This season, however, is all about winter sports, with sports ranging from wrestling to basketball.
We have asked many student-athletes what they enjoy the most about these winter sports.

Girls Wrestling

“It’s fun and it’s a supportive environment. I am friends with everyone on the team, and I love it so much. I like that it gets you involved in the school.” – Giselle Paxton (10)

“I like releasing my stress onto my opponents.” – Rosie Ruiz (9)

Competition is a big factor that revolves around girls’ wrestling, as all the girls on the wrestling team compete on the varsity level. With intense practices and strict training, it is good to stay in wrestling in general.

Boys Wrestling

“I think what makes wrestling worthwhile is the people. Um, I think the people you meet in wrestling are some friends you’ll make for a lifetime.” – Kai Vasconcelos (9) 

“Connection with my teammates is an essential part of the sport. Friendship and getting to know everybody.” – Joss Hua (10)

Wrestling is a popular competitive sport at Santiago, with boys competing on JV or varsity.

Girls Soccer

Girls’ soccer is considered a popular sport, with girls’ soccer winning a championship last year. Many girls in Santiago enjoy the game’s fast pace, teammates, and intensity. Santiago’s varsity girls’ soccer league hasn’t missed a tournament or championship game since 2006-2007. Since then, they have appeared in multiple championships and only placed second place twice. With new arrivals and many expectations from last season’s winning, many students and players are excited for the new season.

“I enjoy seeing and playing with my friends because some of the closest people I know are on my team and they make practice so much more fun. I’m more than grateful that I get to see them as much as I do because of soccer.” – Hayley Gelzleichter, defense (10)

“Probably the competition because you feel more rewarded because of how hard it is.” – Morgan Bradley, center-back (10)

Boys Soccer

Boys’ soccer is highly competitive, and teammates must communicate well to win. There is also the required training and pushing each other to be their best.

“What I like the most about soccer is the team part of it. I like the coordination it takes and how we can push each other in so many different ways. I just love it so much.” – Drew Eastridge, center-forward (10)

“The constant conditioning and the need for good chemistry between teammates is vital to the sport.” – Javier-Beeler Moreno, goal-keeper (10)

Boys Basketball

Boys basketball is an exciting sport to watch. To win, it is all about communication and teamwork.

“I love spending time with my teammates and going to away games. I have a good relationship with my teammates overall and I love the thrill of it.” – Ayden Bell, forward (10)

“What I like the most about my sport is I can escape my problems and I’m taught lessons through this experience.” – Kian Asadinik, point guard (10)

Other Commentary

What sport are people, outside of the players, most excited about this winter?

“I’m most excited for girls’ and boys’ soccer because I grew up attending their games. Soccer is a part of my culture and I have plenty of soccer players in my classes, and it excites me to see them play and score some goals!” – Ms. Siordia, AVID & Math 2 teacher.

“Ooh, such a great question!” she says, excitedly. “I’m excited to see wrestling since I have girls’ and boys’ wrestling students. I love seeing my former students from elementary compete.” – Ms. Zack, Math 2 teacher.

“Winter sports? You know…” he says, deep in thought. “Senior night. Because I get to call out all the names of the senior boys soccer players.” – Sr. Lane, Spanish teacher.

All in all, we are all very excited to see everyone compete in their winter sport. After the winter sports season concludes, the spring sports will begin – sports such as swimming, softball, stunt cheer, track & field, baseball, and more are to come to Santiago in the spring for competition. GO SHARKS!