As the first month of school ends, Oak Park High School’s fall sports teams are starting off strong. Each team is working hard to see results as they begin the 2023-24 season.
Football
Starting the season with a record of 1-1, the varsity team dominated their first home game with Buena with a score of 27-13. Although they lost to Calabasas 28-48, the players are proud of their teamwork and the execution of their plays.
“My favorite moment this season so far is during the Calabasas game when we ran my tackle hook and ladder and I ran the ball 30 yards and couldn’t get taken down,” senior captain Adrian Szabo said. “I put us in a great position for a touchdown and we did the next play.”
As they continue trying to find their identity as a team, they are pleased to see their growth within their teammates and see it transfer onto their Friday night games. As there are high hopes for the rest of the season, the Eagles are ready for their next away game on Sept. 1 against Birmingham.
Cross Country
Racing into another dedicated season, OPHS’ Cross Country just had its annual Pancake Race, which was a great indicator of where all the runners are in the season. Not only was it a time trial, but also a fundraiser where everyone dressed up in costumes and raced a 3k while enjoying some pancakes after their hard work.
“I have high hopes for this season,” junior captain Anika Ravilla said. “We’ve trained so hard over the past few months that now we’re back stronger and faster.”
One of the biggest factors of Cross Country is that it’s like one big supportive family.
“When we’re out there, it’s one of the best feelings in the world as we’re constantly pushing each other and keeping one another motivated,” Ravilla said. “Most people join for the credit but end up staying because it’s like a family.”
With their new and intense training plans, they are ready to see it pay off at their first race on Sept. 2, the Cool Breeze Invitational.
Girls’ Volleyball
As the team plays multiple pre-league games and tournaments, they have held an overall record of 5-4. With many key wins and losses during the games, the girls won against Bishop Diego 3-1 and Calabasas 3-2 and lost to La Reina 3-0, Agoura 3-0 and Notre Dame 3-0. Although there have been losses, the girls push themselves as each point means everything to them.
“I feel motivated and excited for this season since my sophomore year we lost every game, my junior year we went to playoffs and our record right now is the best it’s ever been,” senior captain Mikaela Merillies said. “We have an amazing team and I have so much love for the program.”
The team continues to work hard and reach their full potential before league games because this year they are determined to make it farther in the playoffs. OPHS students, parents and faculty can come to support our Girls’ Volleyball team on Sept. 5 against Immaculate Heart.
Girls’ Golf
With a strong lineup and successful seasons in the past, the team is looking forward to seeing what this season will bring for them. They are already starting off strong by winning every match. The girls had their first league match against Royal with a final score of 303-190. While also winning their non-league matches against West Ranch on Aug. 28-29, with scores of 223-187 and 225-193.
“The season has been great so far and my teammates are amazing,” senior Catherine Cheng said. “I’ll definitely cherish practicing and hanging out with my team since I am a senior.”
Check out their schedule along with their results of another outstanding season.
Girls’ Tennis
Impressively so, the Girls’ Tennis team has moved up to the D1 level and everyone is really excited and eager to defend and maintain this spot. So far, the girls’ have won most of their games, only losing one. The team has also implemented more team bonding activities so everyone can get to know each other better and have fun with one another off the courts.
“My favorite moment this season so far was during our first game when my fellow captains and I got to lead the cheers before we began the game.” senior captain Brooke Herstein said, “and even though it wasn’t perfect, I had so much fun and yelled the loudest I could and it was great getting to rally everyone up, and it was even better that we won and got to share our victory together.”
With their high energy and hopes, the girls’ are excited to dominate the rest of the season. Check their schedule to see the dates for the following games.
Girls’ Flag Football
The Girls’ Flag Football team makes OPHS history after it was approved as a sanctioned sport by CIF earlier this year. Even though it’s a new start for all the players, the Eagles are coming in strong with a win against Agoura 30-0 and a loss against Westlake 6-12.
“We’ve only played a few games and there are definitely some hiccups for us to fix which is expected with a brand new sport,” senior Ema Alikian said. “However our team has improved so much over the past couple of months, so we would probably be unrecognizable and I believe that we will be a menace to all the teams in our league this year.”
With their first big win of the season, the girls’ continue to bond and grow as a team.
“My favorite moment so far is probably going to In-n-out after our big win against Agoura, since the whole team just sat together, talking and sending pictures,” Alikian said. “It was especially fun because a lot of fans came to our game and some were at In-n-out as well so it felt like a real post-football game night out.”
Boys’ Beach Volleyball
As usual, the Boys’ Beach Volleyball team starts off strong with Nikko Songco and Brody Gallagher winning a gold medal in the preseason pairs tournament. Last weekend, the teams participated in their first tournament of the year with all three teams each finishing with a score of 2-1.
“I feel like it’s going pretty well coming from winning our league last season but hoping one of our three teams brings another medal,” senior Ephram Hay said.
The whole team spends multiple hours at the beach waiting to play each of their games, the most enjoyable part for the players is going swimming in the ocean after every match. With high expectations, the team will compete at Marmonte Beach Volleyball League Tournament #2 on Sept. 2.
Water Polo
As OPHS strives to further our aquatics program, water polo has been added to this year’s list of fall sports. They played their first game against Royal on Aug. 30, making school history. Unfortunately, the team had to forfeit because they didn’t have enough players, but it was a great start for the team.
“It was really fun and I don’t think the other team expected us to play so hard, we had some pretty good shots,” senior Hunter Glass said. “If we would’ve had an extra person, we would’ve won!”
Experience is not needed to join the team, so if any OPHS students are interested in water polo, please email [email protected].
Cheer
Along the sidelines of every football game is the cheer team. With the first full year with a new coaching staff, they have been able to improve the team’s skills and techniques from the ground up.
“We’ve been lucky enough to get practice at an all-star gym this summer,” senior captain Madeleine Mora said. “I’m really proud of how hard everyone has worked to get where we are now and I’m really excited for what we’re going to be able to accomplish this season.”
Although it is their “job” as cheerleaders to cheer for football, basketball, soccer, etc., the team really enjoys being able to cheer for their fellow classmates and try to bring the spirit to the crowd, to the players, and to each other at the games.
“It’s always fun getting to watch our football team at home and away games and be able to cheer them on,” Mora said.
Dance
At all of our home football games, rallies and other events, the OPHS Dance team does a phenomenal job of amazing the crowd with their performance. As the audience only sees their final product, they don’t see the practice they put in three days a week to make sure their dance is perfect.
“I absolutely love the dance team because it’s so much fun to bond with the team and make new friends,” sophomore Sophia Holmes said. “Dancing during halftime is absolutely the best, it’s so fun to go out there and show the school what we got and the applause at the end is so incredible to hear how many people enjoy it.”
Marching Band
Along with the Cheer and Dance team, the Marching Band did an astounding job entertaining everyone with their performance during halftime and the music they play throughout the home football games. Although their competitions haven’t started yet, all the players are putting in the work to play the impressive sets they’ve prepared.
“The music and drill is pretty insane, unlike anything we’ve done before in my time,” junior Priya Harry said. “On the bright side, it’s really fun and I know we are going to do well.”
Even though the level of difficulty has increased this year, the team is determined to perform their best at their first competition on Sept. 23, at Thousand Oaks High School.
As the first month of sports comes to an end, all the athletes are persevering through not just school, but their commitments to their teams as well. Check out the athletics website for more information.
