Hello Mustangs, Alumni, Families, and Salesian Supporters,
Welcome to the 2020-21 School Year! Even though this is a challenging time for us and student-athletes across the nation, I assure you we are working hard to provide a safe and competitive athletics program for this school year.
Last school year, I challenged all of our athletics programs to implement the three Ds of a Mustang student-athlete; Dedication, Determination, and Discipline.
As for the 2019-2020 sports season, our fall and winter programs implemented the three Ds with outstanding results. In the fall, our varsity Cross Country program secured the Camino Real League Championship. Our Football program began the rebuilding process under first-year head coach Anthony Atkins and excelled in each game until the end. In the winter, the two student-athletes’ in soccer program secured spots on the 1st team for All-CIF and the Del Rey MVP. Even though the spring season was cut short, our programs were on a path to success. Baseball was off to a 5-3 start. The track program grew to a 40 person team and was looking to make some noise in the Camino Real League. Volleyball was about to start their league season under first-year coach, Joe Rios, and the golf team had just captured their third consecutive victory of over rival, Cathedral. These accomplishments in the 2019-2020 school year, could not have been possible if our student-athletes did not apply Dedication, Determination, and Discipline to their sport.
However, the biggest accomplishment of the 2019-2020 season came from our Mustang basketball program. The team of seven led under the direction of coach Jack Mai, captured their third consecutive Santa Fe League title and were crowned the CIF Southern Section 3AA Champion. “The Magnificent Seven,” hoisted the schools’ 16th CIF Championship banner and first-ever in basketball. The team produced six Santa Fe All-League members in addition to the League MVP, and two spots on the ALL CIF team for Division 3AA.
As we begin the 2020-21 sports seasons, our motto for this year is Perseverance. Yes, there are a lot of unknowns with regards to athletics and many things for that matter; however, a Mustang student-athlete never gives up; he exudes grit. A Mustang student-athlete can control the factors he only has control of and must continue to push forward through the thick and thin. A Mustang student-athlete will always give his best effort and settle for nothing less until he crosses that finish line. British politician and writer Benjamin Disraeli said, “Through perseverance, many people win success out of what seemed destined to be certain failure.” As I mentioned, there are many unknowns; however, keep your heads up, do well in your studies, work hard in your Zoom team meetings, and take care of yourself mentally and physically. WE WILL BE BACK, and WE WILL BE STRONGER as long as we all Persevere!
Welcome to the 2020-21 Athletics Season.
Best Regards,
Mr. Tommy V. Loera Jr. ’04, CAA
Athletic Director
