DRAKE
Louis Bartolini
With his playing days more than likely behind him, Drake's Louis Bartolini can look back on his track and football career and see a whole trophy cabinet full of most valuable player trophies. With no plans on continuing in athletics next fall at San Francisco City College , Louis will press on academically. In his four years as a Pirate gridiron star, Louis was named football team MVP in his freshman and sophomore years, Most Valuable Back as a junior and Most Valuable Offensive Player his senior year when he was also selected as a second team All-MCAL free safety. As a track standout, he was named the Most Outstanding New Track & Field Athlete as a sophomore and Most Valuable Runner as a junior. While athletics took up much of Louis' time he did manage to get involved in student politics. He is currently serving as senior class president. He also is involved in the Athletes as Allies program at Drake. With a strong foundation established both academically and athletically Louis will most assuredly continue his success at the collegiate level.
Alyssa Suk-Han Lo
If you didn't get a chance to see Drake's Alyssa Suk-Han Lo play water polo you really missed something special. So dominant was Alyssa in the pool that she was twice named the MCAL's Player of the Year and was selected to the first team All-MCAL team all four years. Her talent and 4.24 GPA earned her an athletic scholarship to Stanford University to play water polo for the number two-ranked Cardinal. Alyssa has been a part of the USA National Youth water polo team and has her eye on the 2012 Olympic Games. In 2007 she was one of only 15 players to be selected to travel to Australia and compete against the Australian and Canadian National Youth teams She also excelled on the Pirate swimming team earning team MVP honors in 2005 and 2006. When not in the pool, Alyssa has volunteered at the St. Vincent Dining Hall and has been active in Drake's Save Darfur Club. She also has been giving private water polo lessons hoping to perpetuate Drake's strong showings in the pool.
MARIN CATHOLIC
Maxum Bruschera
Although undecided on where he would like to attend college, the Wildcat's Maxum Bruschera does know one thing and that is that he will continue his superlative lacrosse career. While at Marin Catholic Maxum was twice named first team All-league in lacrosse and is probably headed for a third selection. He was also designated as team captain this season. Maxum matched his accomplishments on the field with his accomplishments in the classroom. He carries a 3.58 GPA, is a lifetime honor roll member and has been on the dean's list for five semesters. Maxum has also been the recipient of several scholar-athlete awards. He is a member of the Associated Student Body and does volunteer work at St. Anthony's Dining Hall, the Novato YMCA and Rec. Inc. His parents echo the sentiments of those at Marin Catholic and the community at-large when they say it is “quite an honor to be recognized for your athleticism, academics and involvement in school and community. It's been our pleasure rooting for you in all aspects.”
Jennifer Durighello
It's probably not surprising that a girl with aspirations to play water polo would be looking to U. C. Santa Cruz and U. C. Santa Barbara as college choices, being close to the water and all. It's also no shock that with a 3.9 GPA and more than 100 hours of community service work under her belt she will probably get her wish. That's the hope for Marin Catholic's reigning homecoming queen Jennifer Durighello. Jennifer received All-League recognition for water polo in both her junior and senior years, being named first-team as a senior. She also received the St. Sebastian Sportsmanship Award as a senior. Not just a one-sport star, she was named team captain of the Wildcat soccer team as a junior and received the coaches award. Active in many school activities, Jennifer was a member of the student council for three years, was a Link Crew leader and was a leader on many class retreats. Her community service hours were split between the YMCA, Meals of Marin, Hospice of Marin and the Marin Abused Women's Center.
NOVATO
Kasey Conklin
A leader in the classroom as well as on the playing field, Kasey Conklin hopes to continue to lead as he pursues a career in medicine or biology next fall in college. Just playing sports was not enough for Kasey, he sought out a leadership role. In his varsity career in golf and basketball he was named captain of both teams. Outside school he found a void for teens in Novato . Not one to sit back and except the situation Kasey founded and served as president of the Teen Steering Committee, designed to coordinate and implement activities for teens in Novato. Kasey's 4.5 GPA has him at the top of his class of 262 at Novato and earned him valedictorian honors. He is a CSF lifetime member and is an AP Scholar with Honor, which acknowledges high achievement on four AP tests by the College Board. Along with his community work with teens Kasey has served as an intern at Kaiser Hospital and been a participant in the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine. He has also been active in his church serving as a group leader for four years and a church lector for three. Kasey hopes to attend Cal , Santa Clara or Harvard.
Kathryn (Kato) Hines
How does this sound? Play some high school soccer, pick up some MVP, All-league and scholar-athlete honors, move on to play some college soccer and get a degree and then move into the business world and maybe run a professional soccer team or any other business. Novato 's Kathryn (Kato) Hines has already passed step one and is on her way to completing the journey. Her varsity soccer career at Novato has netted Kato MVP awards in both her sophomore and junior years, an All-MCAL Honorable Mention award as a sophomore and her 3.5 GPA earned her scholar-athlete awards every season. Next fall Kato will be headed to Chico State University where she plans to play Division II soccer and major in business management. In between soccer games, Kato is active with the Marin Humane Society and was a four-year camp leader for the Marin 4-H. Kato's parents, Dave and Carol, feel it's her big heart that leads to her success. “She never gives up,” they say. “I think that if there is one thing in her life that makes her happy it's sports.”
REDWOOD
Doug Arneson
In his time at Redwood High School , Doug Arneson managed to play four different varsity sports – football, wrestling, baseball and track & field, intern at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center , volunteer at the Aegis Assisted Living Center and carry with him a 4.39 GPA. It's no great shock that he expects a great deal from himself in the future. Doug has set some lofty goals: obtaining a college degree in bioengineering, followed by a post-graduate degree. All the while Doug plans on remaining active athletically in college, at the very least, at the intramural or club level. Based on his high school career you have to like Doug's chances of reaching his goals. During the 2006-07 school year Doug took a senior research class. As part of the class he entered a national science competition (Exploravision) and finished in the top five percent, garnering honorably mention recognition. Awards came his way in sports as well. Doug was named as the captain of the wrestling team this year and also won the coaches' award. Although undecided on where he will go to college, success is right around any and every corner.
Jacqui Snell
A two-sport All-league selection, with a penchant for picking up academic awards like they were so many loose pennies on the street, Redwood's Jacqui Snell will be packing her bags for Georgetown University . At Redwood Jacqui was a National Merit Scholar, a CSF member every semester, a member of the Redwood Honor Society every semester took five AP courses and five Honors courses and attended the Harvard University Summer School Program. The result of all her hard work is a stunning 4.18 GPA. Equally skilled in athletics as she is in academics, Jacqui played three years of varsity basketball and four years of varsity lacrosse. She was named the MCAL player of the year in lacrosse and was also a second team All-leaguer in basketball, where her shot blocking ability became know as “being Jacqueesed.” Jacqui was also a dynamic member of the Model U.N. serving as treasurer before becoming president this year. Active in many community programs, Jacqui has spent most of her time volunteering with Special Olympics where she has coached everything from bocce to floor hockey.
SAN MARIN
Christopher Sangster
This UC Berkeley bound tennis and water polo star is leaving a big hole to fill at San Marin High. For four years Christopher Sangster has been a mainstay of the Mustang's tennis and water polo teams and his shoes are going to be hard to fill. He was voted the MVP of the water polo team in both his junior and senior seasons. He was also the MVP on the tennis squad as a junior. This 4.18 GPA student-athlete took home All-league honors in both sports. Christopher's move to Berkeley will have an equally devastating impact on the San Marin community in general. His volunteerism has been widespread including working for a third grade ELL summer school class working one-on-one with Spanish speakers. He has also earned scouting's highest honor -- Eagle Scout. His Eagle project was building a brick labyrinth in the yard of the St. Francis of Assisi Church . At San Marin Christopher is a seven-semester CSF member and was a volunteer counselor at the Walker Creek Outdoor Education project. Although he doesn't see himself as a Division I athlete, Christopher hopes to participate at the club and intramural levels.
Melanie Gauci
One of three universities is going to hit the lottery next fall. Be it the University of Maryland, Purdue University or Gonzaga University the winner will be thrilled to be receiving San Marin's Melanie Gauci as an undergraduate. Melanie has narrowed her post high school choices to those three institutions and plans to major in biomedical engineering. At San Marin, Melanie was an outstanding basketball and soccer player and team leader. She was named MVP and team captain of the basketball team in both her junior and senior years, receiving All-league recognition. Her love of basketball and soccer has led her to coach both sports at the youth level. When the Mustangs had difficulty finding a freshman basketball coach for summer league she stepped up and took the job. She was an NCS, CIF Scholastic Athlete award winner all four years. Melanie maintains a 4.08 GPA despite a tough workload, which includes Honors English and Spanish and AP Biology, Physics, Statistics, Chemistry and Calculus. Her parents, Ken and Sue, are proudest of the fact that Melanie has been able to be totally committed to her athletics while maintaining her GPA.
SAN RAFAEL
Bradford Chin
Like his counter part, Bailey Tucker of Tomales, Bradford Chin is that rare athlete that plays all three major sports; football, basketball and baseball. He is adept at balancing all three sports while maintaining a 3.19 GPA. His grades have set him on a course toward becoming a doctor in the future. “I plan to attend a four-year university for pre-med followed by graduate school,” Brad says. All the while he has his sights on continuing to play baseball. Although his time was split between the three sports and the classroom, Brad also found time for many hours of volunteer work. He was active with the Marin Community Food Bank, Sunny Hills Services (orphanage) and the Marin Humane Society. At San Rafael , Brad was a member of the Peer Assistance Leadership (PAL) class. In his three years of varsity baseball, Brad was named team MVP and took home All-league recognition. He was also a two-year captain of the team. His parents, Ted and Joanna, are quick to recognize his juggling act with sports, school and community service and commend him for “never sacrificing his grades while participating in sports.”
Kelsey Ripp
If ever there were a quintessential scholar-athlete, it would have to be San Rafael High's Kelsey Ripp. With a 4.68 GPA Kelsey is at the top of her class of 221 students at San Rafael . She has earned seven varsity letters in cross-country and track and field and threw in an eighth in diving. She posted the sixth best time ever by an MCAL runner at the State Meet in 2007 earning her All-State honors in cross-country. 2007 also saw Kelsey become the MCAL mile and 2-mile champion. Not just a face in the crowd, Kelsey was voted Homecoming Queen. He concern for her fellow students well-being is manifested in the Health Club at San Rafael High where she was co-founder and currently serves as co-president. Kelsey's attention to health spills over into the community as well where she volunteers at the Marin Farmers Market and is part of the Healthy Empowered Youth Team. Kelsey is also a gymnastics coach for Gymworld, volunteers at the Marin Humane Society and has spent six years helping with the Italian Street Painting Festival sponsored by Youth in Arts. As yet Kelsey has not chosen a college to attend, but wherever she goes she will be a great catch.
TAMALPAIS
Jay “J.D.” Rieger
The only three-sport athlete at Tamalpais High, Jay “J.D.” Rieger played four years of football, basketball and baseball for the Red-tailed Hawks. J.D. is described by Athletic Director Gene Ng as a “blood and guts” player, meaning he gives everything he has to the game. In J.D.'s case that also meant playing through many injuries during his career. Because of his determination and leadership J.D. has been named captain in every sport he played. J.D. is also an outstanding student as well as giving of himself to the community. He is a 4.0 student whom his teachers describe as exceptional. J.D. volunteers at the Marin Community Clinic where along with his brother and a friend, designed a book drive for their literacy program that netted over 1300 volumes. He has also lent his time to the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society, volunteering for the “Light the Night” program since middle school days. If he isn't playing or practicing baseball at Tam, he is coaching young boys and girls on the little league level.. J.D. has narrowed his college choices to Cal or UC Davis where he plans to play intramural sports.
Katie Schlueter
Katie Schlueter is quite an exceptional person. Katie has a 4.31 GPA and has taken every AP class at Tamalpais High School . She is ranked in the top 10 in her graduating class. Her teachers have described her as a highly motivated student who will always put in extra time and work into her academics. Along with her academic achievements, she is a terrific athlete. She is a four-year member of both the swimming and water polo teams and captained both teams this season. Katie is a three-time All-league selection in water polo being named first team this year. Along with her academics and sports, Katie volunteers her time tutoring students at Tam, helping with the Special Olympics in swimming and assists at the Redwoods Retirement Home. She is also a member of Link Crew helping incoming freshman adapt to high school life. Katie plans to continue her water polo and/or swimming career at the collegiate level. She has not yet finalized her college choice but has in narrowed down to Northwestern, Cal , UC Davis, Pomona , Occidental and Boston College .
TERRA LINDA
John Buccheri
Encouraged by his parents to “swing for the fences both athletically and academically” John Buccheri did just that in his four-year career at Terra Linda High. At home on the baseball field as well as in the pool, John earned six varsity letters in water polo and baseball. During his four varsity years of water polo John was named team captain and received All-league recognition in his junior and senior years. He was named as a scholar-athlete in both sports all four years maintaining a 4.60 GPA. Excelling off the playing fields and pools as well, John is a CSF member, participates in Link Crew and student government and was also a mathlete. Outside school John is a Junior Statesman of America Symposium graduate and is a member of the California Association of Student Leaders. He also volunteers four days a week in the High School and College Career Center and works as a Senior Lifeguard at the Terra Linda Community Center . John hopes to attend one of the UC campuses or USC next year majoring in political science while playing club water polo.
Christina Claiborne
It looks like a quick trip across the Bay next year for swimming and water polo standout Christina Claiborne. At least she won't have to change her wardrobe too dramatically as she trades in her Terra Linda blue and gold for UC Berkeley's slightly different shades of blue and gold. In Christina, Cal will be getting a 4.5 GPA student with seven years of varsity swimming and water polo experience. The Bears will also be getting a student-athlete with an attitude and drive to excel. “Christina has the best attitude of any high school athlete that I have coached in over 30 years,” lauds swimming coach Scott Williams. “Her work ethic is amazing.” At Terra Linda Christina has been All-MCAL in both sports as well as garnering MVP and team captain awards. She intends to pursue both sports at Cal be it at the NCAA level or as a club participant. When not in the pool, Christina found time to be a member of the Associated Student Body, a member of the Student Senate and a three-year participant in the French Honor Society. She has also served as a volunteer coach for the Terra Linda Orcas swim team.
BRANSON
Tommy Ryan
Look out Hoover Tower . Make room on the Farm. Branson's Tommy Ryan is headed to Palo Alto and Stanford University . It's going to be “All Right Now” because this two-time, first team All-MCAL soccer player will surely make an impact when he hits the pitch for the Cardinal next fall. Tommy won't just be bringing his soccer skills to Stanford he will also be bringing a 3.5 GPA and a wealth of volunteerism. At Branson, Tommy served as a junior counselor at the school soccer and basketball camps and a counselor for the making waves program. He also participated in the summer enrichment program for underprivileged youth. Not to be overlooked on Tommy's resume is the fact that he was a part of the back-to-back State Basketball Championship teams. Tommy's athletic and academic career at Branson is exemplary and will no doubt continue at Stanford. “I could not be more proud of Tommy and what an outstanding young man he has become,” his father and soccer coach Tom Ryan says of his son.
Michela Bestwick
It could be passing out sandwiches to the homeless in San Francisco , doing stem cell research at the Buck Institute, heading home a game-winning goal or knocking down a pressure packed free throw with the game on the line. But somewhere, somehow Branson's Michela Bestwick is going to make someone's life better. Although she is holding out for Harvard University , UCLA or Brown could be the recipient of this 3.84 GPA student-athlete. While at Branson Michela was a four-year varsity soccer player playing a large part in the 2007 championship season. She was also a member of the two-time Division V California State Championship girls basketball team, being named to the All-MCAL team this year. Along with her athletic exploits Michela was a member of Branson's math club and participated in the Homeless Sandwiches Program. Michela was also a summer scholar at the Buck Institute in 2007 where she was involved with human embryonic stem cell research. She hopes to continue with her career in math or chemistry in college but will definitely be involved in the sciences.
TOMALES
Bailey Tucker
Tomales' Bailey Tucker stands out as a rarity – a three-major-sport star. Although his passion and favorite sport is baseball, Bailey excelled in football and basketball as well, earning All-league honors in all three sports. As a senior he was named captain in each of the three sports. Sports are not nearly what Bailey is all about. It can be argued that his achievements in the classroom and the community outweigh his formidable athletic achievements. “Bailey has always given his all to be the best in sports and academics,” say his parents. This 3.57 GPA student received Awards of Excellence in World History and Chemistry as a sophomore and continues as a member of CSF. He has been active in student government serving as junior class vice-president before assuming the role of Student Body President this year. Outside of school Bailey has been a valuable volunteer for the Tomales Founders Day activities throughout his high school career. Bailey plans on attending Sacramento State University or College of Marin next year, pursuing his love for baseball and a career in construction management.
Jodie Mazzucchi
There must be more than 24 hours in a day. That is the only possible way to explain how Jodie Mazzucchi accomplished all that she did at Tomales High. For starters, Jodie is a 4.0 student. In her four years at Tomales she accumulated Awards of Excellence in english, world geography, agricultural leadership, world history, chemistry and physics. But don't for one minute think this girl is just a bookworm. She was also a prolific athlete for the Braves. Jodie earned varsity letters in volleyball, basketball and tennis. She won All-league and MVP honors in each of her chosen sports, as well as being selected a North Coast Section Scholar Athlete every year. Jodie has also been an integral part of Tomales High student government, serving for four years. In her senior year alone. Jodie played all three sports, served as senior class president, is president of the FFA, was part of the homecoming court and served on the homecoming float committee and was part of the Sacramento Leadership Experience. Jodie plans to attend Sonoma State University majoring in biology. |
