Saddleback High School - Caparral Yearbook (Santa Ana, CA)

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Undefeated by Lisa Wood The winning teams in football and basketball are showered with glory and attention, while other teams are left in the shadows. Those other not so prosperous teams continue to strive, hoping that someday they too will be amongst the recognizable stars. Every participant in an interscho- lastic sport, whether a talented natural or a heartful bench- warmer, puts in a great deal of time and effort, gaining exper- iences that make the final score secondary. Although Orange County is the breeding home of superior prep athletes, the underdogs who main- tain a winning attitude don ' t find the challenge defeating. When I run, I experience a feeling of free- dom, a feeling that nothing else can bring. Although other schools have tough competitors, I perse- vere because I want to discover my own potentials, commented runner Larry Silva. Each sporting event brings new experiences, friendships, goals, and most im- portantly, a personal feeling of ac- complishment. The experiences that an athlete encounters become a valued part of his school days, and are fondly looked upon. It is a great exper- ience to see yourself or a team- mate progress throughout a sea- son, and before you know it, you can look back on those first exper- iences and honestly laugh, said Sherman Liao, a varsity badmin- ton player. Along with experience and com- petition come friendships. Long, 86 Undefeared Arhleres

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Increased conditioning shapes up swim skills by Lisa Wood We have always stuck together, through thick and thin. Although we ' re not the best team in our league, we ' re all satisfied and con- tent with our own accomplish- ments. This was the attitude, as ex- pressed by breast stroke swimmer Michele Mulligan, that made swim- ming an enjoyable feat. Having only a few experienced swimmers, the new aquatic coaches, Ms. Smith and Ms. O ' Toole decided Along with our new coaches, and an increase of conditioning and en- couragement, our young swim team will surely prosper. — Captain Mary Irvine to concentrate on the younger swim- mers in hopes of building a success- ful program for the future. Senior Chris Magill and freshman Mary Irvine led the teams not only in talent and experience, but also in dedication and inspiration. Although the swim teams didn ' t have many members, they were win- ners when it came to having fun. We work together, having as much fun as possible without worrying if we ' re going to win our meets or not, said Mary Irvine. When you look back at your first race, and compare times, you feel like you ' ve really accomplished something, added varsity butter- flier Jane Green. Steve Trezise summed up the sea- son by saying, I have gotten in shape, improved my swim skills, and made lots of valuable friends! V Perched on the edge of victory, captain Chris Magill is on his way to yet another personal re- cord. Chris proved to be a competitive swimmer, his best event being the one-hundred butterfly. 4r Four year varsity member Michele Mulli- gan picks up her pace in hopes of winning her event, the one-hundred meter breaststroke. ♦ Freshman varsity swimmer Mary Irvine kicks her way through the water. Such exercises, including morning weight training, helped Mary towards her goal — C.I.F. Frosh soph swimmer Steve Trezise practices his favorite stroke, backstroke. Steve is a future prospect as a competitive varsity swimmer. Spring Sports 85

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Athletes grueling practices, endured to- gether, not only bring improve- ment and progress, but a close- ness amongst the teammates. Being in sports has not only brought me friends from my own teams, but also many friendships with the opposing schools, said soccer player Sylvia Castro. It is these friends who, together, ex- perience the thrills of victory and the agonies of defeat. In the face of adversity, the member of a winless team pos- sesses a special inner drive, a yearning for self-satisfaction. He must forget the past scores, real- ize he has done his best, and pre- pare himself for the next game. He must remember that he is there because of his love for the sport, and that the results are secon- dary. When a player ' s team is down by twenty points, the score is less important if he enjoys the play itself. Sure I love to win, but playing is more important, says varsity basketball player Heather Webb. Although the cheers and ap- plause of the crowd aren ' t a part of a weaker team ' s atmosphere, the athletes persevere. Parents and coaches give them the cour- age and confidence to go on. Scores, statistics, and rankings become meaningless when the athlete remains unbeaten in his positive attitude, inner drive, and self-satisfaction. The responsibility to perform his best is one he owes himself and is the primary force behind the ' undefeated ' athlete.v by Lisa Wood Sporrs Feature 87