Permanent MVP trophy initiated

Rio Rico athletes dropped that sweaty gridiron and track look Wednesday to put on their finest for the annual Fall Sports Awards Night. In addition to the usual speeches and awards, Football coach Mitch Crossley introduced a new tradition to Hawks athletics, a permanent Most Valuable Player trophy, to be engraved with the name of each year’s MVP. He named Steve Morales this year’s MVP. “Steve scored all the big scores we needed and did everything we asked him �“ wide receiver, quarterback, running back. He punted for us and made the extra points.”

Morales was a quiet kid, Crossley said. “He was just electrifying to watch. He’s going to be a tough guy to replace. When he got the ball in space he could score on his own.

“The thing about Steve is he is a kid who got into trouble at another school and came here and changed his life around. He made some big strides in his personal life and it turns out he had an outstanding year. I think he’s going to go on to play college football.”

Turn it around

Crossley is new this season, the third coach in as many years, and is trying to turn the team around. The Hawks won their first game in three years this season. “I think we’ve made some improvements. There’s been a lot of things we’re trying to do. It’s not an overnight turnaround.”

The team is improving, Crossley said. “I’ve never coached a nicer bunch of kids. I’ve coached meaner, tougher kids, but this is the nicest bunch of kids. They’re polite, they’re well-mannered. They have fun with each other. They Like each other. It’s a good group. We didn’t have any real problems.”

Overall, Crossley said the team made some strides and improved in a lot of ways. “I think the kids were too easy-going. There was good and bad, highs and lows.”

Crossley commented on players as he presented the football awards: “Steve Morales (MVP) is an outstanding athlete; Miguel Perez (Outstanding Offensive Player) just ran it; Aerial ‘Sumo’ Andrade (Coaches Award) is a great guy; and Zachary Sbragia (Most Improved) stuck with it and made strides.” Michael Baluyot was not present to receive the Outstanding Defensive Player award.

Other sports

In the other sports, Coach Eddie Rodriguez, stepping up from JV to take the head coach slot this season, commented on volleyball players. “Gladymar Echeverria (Coaches Award) has a great spirit; Karla Cota (Team Captain Award) has the heart of somebody six foot five; and Celina Alvarez (Coaches Award) kept the energy up.”

In cross country, head coach Roger Bristow said choosing the recipients was hard, so he asked the team to vote. He commented on their choices. “Jose Luis Munoz (Most Valuable Runner) If he gets beat, the kid who beat him is in good company; Matt Diaz (Most Improved Runner) He had a hard spot on the team to fill; Alejandro Valencia (Coaches Award) He’s going to make waves; Aeoleone Bristow (Most Valuable Runner) It’s obvious but hard to give. She’s truly deserving; Daniela Alvarez (Most Improved Runner) She’s the bright light of the team; and Michelle Guayante (Coaches Award) Put in a lot of hard work this season.”

Spirit Line coach Heidi Zelk gave Most Improved awards to Jocelyn Salazar and Claudia Felten; Athletic Trainer Maritza Rodriquez presented the Outstanding Student Athletic Trainer award to Kim Reyes; Doug Brewington presented the JV football MVP award to Chris Guevarra; JV volleyball coach Nancy Ayon presented the Coaches Award to Angela Montano; frosh volleyball coach Heidi Lukow presented the Coaches Award to Laurel Fish; and Athletic Director David Verdugo was master or ceremonies for the event.

Rio Rico

There were a few improvements and changes during the fall season, Verdugo said. Rio Rico brought Crossley out of California as head football coach and Eddie Rodriguez up from JV as volleyball coach.

Construction was completed on new bleachers and practice fields. “They’re now just getting into the practice facilities,” Verdugo said. Soccer and everybody else can use it. It’s a great facility.”

Winning a first football game against Verrado was a highlight, Verdugo said. “Another highlight is Aeo Bristow winning her second state championship. We were looking forward to winning the team championship, but one of our boys had an injury. One of our top runners had an ankle injury. We came close, and I’m so proud.

“We’re proud of our kids and staff this year and, hopefully, we’ll move forward next year,” Verdugo said.

School spirit is good, Verdugo said. “Hawk Pride is up there. In other things, our band does well. They won so many awards this year. We have an outstanding band and outstanding coaching staff.”