If you were wondering what sport to watch this season, a top choice of yours should be boys Volleyball. Games this year should be extremely entertaining, considering their off-season training has consisted of gym-time for 3 hours every day.

Last year the boys didn’t make it to CIF, but that doesn’t mean that this season will end the same way. In the previous season, the team lost 11 seniors. Coach Hanson says,” This season the team is just rebuilding from the loss (of losing so many seniors).”

Coach Hanson has been coaching Boys Varsity for 11 years and previously before that Girls Varsity for 3 years. With 14 years of experience, he would have a good reason this year to say he feels confident. It might be because of their new training techniques of heavy emphasis on strength and conditioning. His main goal is for the boys to fight and get the superior title, CIF Champions.

To make this team strong, team captains have a big hand. This season we have Senior Captain Chris Van Vuuren and Senior Captain Karlo Cirson.

Captain Chris Van Vuuren previously played Volleyball in a club like other players on the team this year. If his name sounds familiar its probably because you heard his name in soccer this year.

“We have a young team. I am pretty sure if the seniors step up we could place in the upper half of the league,” said Senior Captain Chris Van Vuuren. According to Vuuren, the boys varsity team are the underdog team and will surprise others with their talent.

Some people to watch out for are Senior Captain Chris Van Vuuren, Senior Captain Karlo Cirson, Junior Tom Peters, Junior Johny Quan and Junior Brandon Courtney.

This year the boys are going to give many reasons for people to come watch. It is assured that not only their charming looks but their surprise attacks will attract you and will make you want to see more. Show your support at their first home game on Tuesday, March 9.

Boy’s Golf began this week on March 1st, starting with the Ayala Tournament in Chino Hills. The Barons played well, but failed to place among the top of the many schools of Orange County.

Soon after, Boy’s Varsity went up against Lakewood High at Skylinks Golf Course on Tuesday and at Old Ranch on Thursday, defeating the opposing team twice through their first week.

With a starting record of 2-0 wins, Boy’s Varsity remains optimistic that this season will be the best yet and feel ready to challenge University High at Strawberry Farms on Monday, March 8th.

Junior Varsity however, was not as successful, with 2 loses and zero wins. The Barons battled Canyon High on Tuesday and Wednesday, and unfortunately the Barons fought hard to the finish, narrowing the scores to close margins. Yet in the end, Canyon proved to be victorious against FV on both occasions.

This year’s varsity team line up includes old faces such as Captains Loren Tengan (’10) and Mitchel Char (’10), Jake Christy (’10), and Justin Smith (’11), as well as new players on both Varsity and JV: Andre Vu (’13), Willy Chen (’13), Kevin Kato (’13), and Jordan Char (’13).

Both Coach Keyser and Coach Wilton assure that this year’s team, both JV and Varsity, will easily surpass earlier seasons, earning the Barons a place in the best of the Sunset League. With such a strong start on behalf of Boy’s Varsity, the Barons will without a doubt find success in the coming weeks.

As the rain ended, so did the soccer season. Sadly, the ending wasn’t what FVHS had expected for their infamous soccer teams.

The boys ended their season with the record of 8 wins, 13 losses, and 1 tie overall. The girls ended their season with 9 wins, 9 losses, and 2 ties.

The boys and girls started off their season determined to go to CIF playoffs. While others were probably curled up on the couch drinking hot coco, the boys and girls soccer teams were outside training and practicing vigorously in order to reach that goal.

Coach Spencer was extremely proud of the girls’ year and acknowledged their hard work. “We had a good group of girls this year. They stayed determined and didn’t back down. The defense and keeper especially did a great job.”

Some boys who played exceptionally well were Senior Captain Josh Garcia, Senior Captain Rafael Contreas-Geck, and Freshman Derek Huynen. On the other spectrum, some girls who performed extremely well were Senior Captain Makenna Henry, Senior Jessica Parker, Freshman Madison Gomez, and Freshman Dakota Greggs.

These Barons kept their head up high and didn’t back down, playing the true role of a good sport. This year’s season was exciting, kept the spectators on their feet, and left them with vivid memories of amazing plays, regardless of the score or season outcome.

Through the dunks, shots, rebounds, blocks, and fouls, basketball isn’t much of an easy sport. The season may not have ended the way the Barons would have liked it, but the effort that was
shown in all the games was tremendous.

“I loved my team and I am going to miss all the seniors. I just wish we could have made CIF. Still, it was one of the most fun times I’ve ever had,” says Judd Chamaa (’11).

Coming in halfway into league at 0-4, they had an outstanding win over Esperanza which
put them 1-4, bringing in more spirit and hopes. Yet, they did not qualify for the CIF playoffs.

Senior Nam Pham comforts junior Brandon Moss on the bench, while senior Adam Renth lovingly stares.

“As the season came to a close, the varsity team ended the season with a bang. The Barons,
1 and 8 were determined to win this game. Both Nam and Robbie had stellar games,” says
Michael Perri (’12).

Although the season wasn’t as they wanted it to turn out, it only leaves room for improvement. FVHS has high hopes for next year’s team, considering the many talented underclassmen varsity such as juniors Judd Chamaa, Brandon Moss, and sophomore Nathan Moss.

Their games were fun for everyone and the Baron spirit was there to help the boys.

Narrowly winning by four points against Esperanza, our boys’ basketball team overcame a losing streak and wrapped up the season with a fairytale ending. Chris Gray, the varsity head coach, has been rigorously training the team to enhance their performance on the basketball courts.

Among these players is senior Nam Pham, the team’s most valuable player. Although Nam Pham’s entire high school basketball career is now over, he still cannot seem to wipe off his broad grin.

During an interview, Nam expressed his excitement and joy over his team’s last victory. Pham has been tirelessly practicing since the age of seven, which accounts for his impressive basketball skills and excellent game strategies.

Before his basketball games, Pham soothes his nerves by listening to music, relaxing, and stretching out his muscles. Pham doesn’t eat a lot before the game, and contrary to most athletes, he doesn’t have a big appetite.

Pham was nervous before his last game, but as he got on the basketball court, there was a rush of adrenaline and excitement that seemed to wipe away any lingering nervousness.

Although Pham is undecided on his future career, he has a definite goal: to be a positive influence on others and spread his message “Do what you do and never give up.”

This week, the Baron Banner had a chance to catch up with Fountain Valley’s 4 CIF Southern Section Master’s qualifiers. The four will be wrestling in Temecula this weekend, where the top 9 of each weight will advance to the State Meet.

Jake Castroreale (’10)

Jake is a senior wrestler who placed 1^st in Sunset League and 3^rd in the CIF Inland Division for the 112 lb. weight class.

Baron Banner: So when did you first begin to wrestle?

Jake Castroreale: I was first recruited during PE freshman year. Coach Woodbury set up a mat in the cafeteria and had his best wrestlers duke it out. I thought, My dad was right, wrestling is pretty cool! I’ve been wrestling since then.

BB: What do you attribute your success to?

JC: Working extremely hard at every practice, especially the practices before the CIF tournament.

BB: Who would you say is your inspiration?

JC: My dad. He wrestled in high school and placed in league, so I kind of carry the Castroreale legacy. He’s at most of my matches too.

BB: What’s been the most memorable moment of your wrestling career?

JC: Taking 3^rd at CIF. I wrestled my butt off last weekend.

BB: Do you have any favorite wrestling moves?

JC: Anyone who has watched me wrestle knows my favorite moves are the sweep single leg and the Chicken Wing Arm Bar.

BB: What do you do in your free time?

JC: You mean Sunday? (laughs) I just lay around, eat food, and sleep while my TV is set to Spongebob. I love Spongebob, but I don’t care much for Squidward.

BB: What’s your favorite food?

JC: Definitely ice cream. I love all the flavors, but right now, I could really go for some Chocolate Malted Crunch from Rite Aid. Every time I’m out running and cutting weight, I crave Papa John’s. Is that weird?

BB: Thank your for your time Jake.

JC: My pleasure.

Sean Pitoniak (’10)

Sean Pitoniak is a senior wrestling captain who placed 2^nd at Sunset League and 3^rd in the CIF Inland Division Tournament at the 135 lb. weight class.

Baron Banner: So when did you first start wrestling?

Sean Pitoniak: I first started wrestling in November of my sophomore year after football season. My brother told me that he thought I’d be good at wrestling even though he’d never wrestled. After that, I joined wrestling.

BB: What’s been the most memorable moment of your wrestling career?

SP: Winning in triple overtime to take 3^rd in CIF. It was my first ever triple overtime and it was exhausting, but it made the win that much better.

BB: Who would you say your inspiration has been?

SP: Last summer I met Dan Gable in Iowa, and he was pretty inspirational but my brothers and my dad have been a bigger inspiration. My dad is at all of my matches and my brothers come to as many as they can.

BB: What’s been the key to your success?

SP: Learning from coaches, hard work, and determination.

BB: What’s your favorite move?

SP: (Looks at Jake) I really like the sweep single and Chicken Wing Arm Bar. (laughs) No, I’m kidding. My favorite move is the Crossface Cradle. If I can lock it, my opponent is done.

BB: What do you do in your free time?

SP: I like to hang out with friends and snowboard up in Mammoth. There’s not really a lot of free time during wrestling season.

BB: What’s your favorite food?

SP: I like Chicken Parmesan with a lot of fried rice.

BB: Thanks for your time.

SP: Not a problem.

This week, the Baron Banner had a chance to catch up with Fountain Valley’s 4 CIF Southern Section Master’s qualifiers. The four will be wrestling in Temecula this weekend, where the top 9 of each weight will advance to the State Meet.

Edgar De La Torre (’12)

Edgar is a sophomore wrestler who placed 2^nd in Sunset League and 5^th at the 103 weight class in last week’s CIF Inland Division Meet

Baron Banner: When and why did you first start Wrestling?

Edgar De La Torre: I first started wrestling in the seventh grade through FV’s kid’s club program. My brother was actually the first to try it out. He was the one to get me into it. He used to come home wanting to quit and I’d wonder why. I saw how hard he worked and I wanted to be a part of that.

BB: What has gotten you to this point?

EDT: A lot of hard work and a lot of learning. I’m constantly learning new moves. I like what you get out of wrestling; it’s a lot of work but in the end, it’s worth it.

BB: What would you say your favorite wrestling move is?

EDT: I definitely like double leg take downs and granby rolls.

BB: What’s been the most memorable moment of your wrestling career?

EDT: Placing fifth at last week’s CIF meet. I was pretty excited to get on the wall of fame*. Munching out at the buffet after the Las Vegas classic was also pretty fun. The food was bomb.

BB: What do you like to do in your free time?

EDT: If I’m not cutting weight, I like to eat and get ready to sleep a pound off.

BB: You talk a lot about food. What’s your Favorite Food?

EDT: I like Subway and ice cream, especially Coldstone’s. But not at the same time.

BB: Thanks for your time and good luck!

EDT: Thanks.

Barry Gee (’10)

Barry Gee is a senior wrestler at Fountain Valley. Barry placed 3^rd in Sunset League and 5^th in the Heavyweight class at last week’s CIF Inland Division meet.

Baron Banner: When did you first start Wrestling?

Barry Gee: I first started wrestling in my freshman year, right after football season had ended.

BB: What do you think has gotten you this far?

BG: Definitely coaches. Coach Vasquez pushes me a lot. Hard work too. We’ve all put in a lot of hard work this season, even though it might not look like it (laughs).

BB: Who would you say your inspiration is?

BG: Not to sound cheesy, but Coach Vasquez and Francois McGhie. I’m exactly like Coach Vasquez was in high school, except he was a better wrestler. His senior year he placed in league and then he went on to place 2^nd in CIF. He didn’t make it past Master’s because of an injury, but he managed to defeat a state qualifier before getting injured.

BB: What’s been the most memorable moment of your wrestling career?

BG: Placing fifth in CIF. It wasn’t first, but I was still pretty happy.

BB: What’s your favorite wrestling move?

BG: My favorite move is actually the fat man roll (laughs). I also like to crossface people.

BB: What do you do in your free time?

BG: I eat a lot! I like to kick back and hang out with my friends Fran, Sean, Kyle, and Cory. We like to throw water balloons at people.

BB: Speaking of food, what’s your favorite?

BG: You’re going to need a lot more room on that paper.  Those who know me know that this is a hard question for me to answer. Straight up, I like New York Style Cheesecake best, followed by Buffalo wings at a close second. But they have to be big and juicy with a delicious sauce and ranch dressing.

BB: Thanks for your time!

BG: No problem, but now I’m hungry.

This weekend, Fountain Valley High School will be hosting the Inland Division CIF wrestling tournament, which includes over 40 schools.

Each wrestling weight class will consist of a 32-man bracket; the top 5 wrestlers will advance to the CIF-Southern Section Masters Tournament.

FVHS’ own wrestling team qualified 11 wrestlers for the CIF tournament. Of those 11 wrestlers, four are seeded; that is, expected to place.

Jake Castroreale (‘10) and Cortland Drummond (‘11) are seeded third in their respective weight classes, 112’s and 215’s. Sean Pitoniak (‘10) and Barry Gee (‘10) are seeded fifth in their respective weight classes, 135’s and 285’s.

The wrestling begins at 10:00 AM on Friday.

CIF Qualifiers:

Edgar De La Torre (‘12) at 103’s

Jake Castroreale* (‘10) at 112’s

Cory Porter (‘10) at 119’s

Brian Hoang (‘10) at 125’s

Steele Escobedo (‘13) at 130’s

Sean Pitoniak (‘10) at 135’s

Amir Hotak (‘12) at 140’s

Sean Roberts (‘11) at 152’s

Joey Knaack* (’10) at 171’s

Cortland Drummend* (’11) at 215’s

Barry Gee (’10) at Heavyweights

* Placed first at Sunset League Finals

Photo Credits: Mrs. Dawn Basquez

Girls water polo wrapped up a season of ups and downs with a wild card playoff birth. After beating both Marina and Esperanza, and fighting hard, yet losing against Edison, Newport Harbor, and Los Alamitos, the girls were ready for the pressure of CIF playoffs.

The Lady Barons faced and overcome a lot of adversity this season. The girls went into their Edison game ranked number nine in Orange County, arguably the most competitive area to play water polo at any level. They also lost one of their two senior captains mid-season, and had to struggle through to incorporate a new starter into their lineup.

Luckily the girls are lead by their other senior captain and senior of the month, Danica Fascella. With her leadership, and the girls talented youth, they were able to earn their second straight playoff appearance. Sophomore Kayla Robert and junior Marissa Young have have taken initiative and are now a huge part of the teams success this season.

Tuesday they played Long Beach Millikan and won by a dominating score of 13-1. Robert (’12), Fascella (’10), and Goherring(’11) were all huge parts of the Barons win along with goalie Lindsey Catron(’11).

Wednesday the girls played one of the best teams in the country and the reigning CIF champion, Dos Pueblos. The girls were over matched in talent, but not in competitive spirit as they lost 3-15, but two of their goals came in the final quarter of the game.

When asked about her goals for next season, junior Marissa Young said, “I would like to get to third in league so that we can make it to CIF without having to resort to the wild card round.”

Senior Danica Fascella commented about her thoughts on the season and her final days as a part of the team, “We went from having no coach at the beginning of the season to finishing the season surpassing everyone’s expectations and being the first girls water polo team in the history of FVHS to win a playoff game. I’m extremely proud of all the girls and I am sad that my time with them is up.”

The girls had a great season making Baron history and sharing moments that they will remember for a very long time to come. Good luck next year.