The graduating class of student/athletes of 2016 from Analy and El Molino High Schools will be remembered for their many accomplishments both on the field and in the classroom.
The athletes selected in this issue were among the best and brightest of their class and all had one thing in common- they represented their school and teams with tremendous talent, dedication and sportsmanship.
Although there were too many seniors to list, we congratulate all of the athletes for their accomplishments and pay tribute to a few with words and pictures. The following is part-2 of a two part series.
(1) Versatility— El Molino’s Josh Wright was as versatile as they come in a sparkling multi-sport career that included key roles on football, wrestling and track teams. A bruising running back, kick returner and defender, Wright was a force on the gridiron. He was a perennial league contender and NCS qualifier on the wrestling mat, and emerged among the top league sprinters and relay men for the Lions in qualifying to the NCS redwood Empire Qualifier meet. (Greg Clementi)
(2) Toughness – Analy’s Isaac Kangas was the face of the Analy defense in three starting seasons as a Tiger’s linebacker, leading the team in tackles each season. The 2015 Defensive Player of the Year, Kangas was also valuable as a running back in short-yardage situations in helping to lead the Tigers to three unbeaten SCL seasons and yearly trips to the NCS playoffs. (Greg Clementi)
(3) Drive – El Mo’s Sam MacDonell will be remembered as one of the top wrestlers in Lion’s history after completing a great four-year run as a multiple league champion and NCS qualifier. Along the way, MacDonell helped lead the Lions to league contention each season. (Greg Clementi)
(4) Talent – Analy’s Schuyler Van Weele was greased lightening with a football in his hands in a stellar career as a big-play slot receiver. Named SCL Specialist of the Year, Van Weele turned in one of the best seasons in the program’s storied history last fall when he hauled in 88 catches for 1,152 yards. His 23 touchdowns helped lead the Tigers to the 2015 NCS title game. (Greg Clementi)
(5) Athleticism – El Molino’s Ryan Fernandez seemed to excel at whatever sport he competed in during a strong multi-year varsity career on football, basketball, baseball and track teams. An inside linebacker with a knack for harassing opposing quarterbacks, he was a First-Team All-Leaguer. On the basketball court he was a steady guard that could shoot and handle the ball. He helped the Lions to a winning season on the baseball team and emerged as a top thrower in discus and shot put events in track. (Greg Clementi)
(6) Productivity – Analy’s Johnny Gomes was at the core of success for varsity football and baseball teams during a distinguished run in both programs, helping each team reach new heights. He was a fierce linebacker with a nose for the ball on defense in helping the Tigers to a pair of SCL titles and deep NCS playoff run. During the spring he was a steady fielder and solid hitter in contributing to the 2016 league title. (Greg Clementi)
(7) Longevity – Analy’s Devon Ogston was a three-year mainstay for the Tigers in a star-studded career as the team’s shortstop, combining steady glove-work with a consistent production at the plate. Ogston’s play and leadership helped lead his teams to league title and yearly trips to the North Coast Section playoffs, including two appearances in the NCS championship game. (Greg Clementi)
(8) Durability – El Mo’s Austin Sani was equally comfortable as a two-way star on the gridiron or steady third baseman on the baseball diamond. A First-team All-League selection at offensive tight end and defensive outside linebacker, Sani was a force on the gridiron. He was also a valuable member of the baseball team, helping the Lions to the NCS playoffs. (Greg Clementi)
(9) Strength – El Mo’s Leo Garza enjoyed a strong multi-year career on varsity football, wrestling, and track teams. Al hard-nosed lineman on both sides of the ball, Garza was a rare First-Team All-League selection on offense and defense. He was a perennial league contender and NCS qualifier on the wrestling mat, and was also among the team’s top discus and shot put throwers in track. (Greg Clementi)
(10) Consistency – Analy’s David Codoni was a big contributor in multiple seasons on varsity basketball and baseball teams, contributing steady play for both programs. A valuable guard off the bench, Codoni was a big asset for the league champion Flying Tigers. He was even better on the baseball diamond as a sure-handed infielder and consistent hitter in helping Analy win the SCL title. (Joe Ellwood)
(11) Determination — El Molino’s Mitchell Fricker was among the most natural athletes of his graduating class, excelling on both sides of the ball in football and as a hard-throwing pitcher and infielder in baseball. Although his senior year was interrupted by injury, his outstanding body of work in both sports earned him the respect of teammates and opponents alike. (Greg Clementi)
(12) Skill – Analy’s Nick Fujii struck fear in the hearts of opponents in a sparkling three-year varsity career on the basketball court, emerging as the team’s best outside shooter. Deadly from the three-point arc, Fujii knocked down a team-leading 62 treys in a stellar senior season. His contributions led the Flying Tigers to an SCL title and earned him league Most Valuable Player honors. (Greg Clementi)
