2011 Salesian Mustangs Track & Field Team
headed to CIF Southern Section Division IV
Track & Field Prelims @ Carpinteria High School
What a year it has been for the Salesian Mustangs Track & Field team I've been coaching for the past 3 years. This year we've had a PR of 45.82 in the 4x100m relay from our previous best of 46.64 in 2010 and a 46.94 when we first made our presence know at the 2009 CIF Southern Section Div 4 Track Prelims. We are also having the largest group of athletes from Salesian HS contend in more events then ever in years. We will be moving forward to compete in the 4x100 relay, 100m, 200m, Long Jump, Shot Put, Discus and more. Our goal is to cut our relay time by 1 - 3 seconds in an attempt to compete at CIF finals. This year we also have the honor of holding the Santa Fe League Champions title which is unknown in the sport of Track & Field at Salesian HS. The Mustangs hold league, CIF and State titles in several sports but until now this is the first time that we can say we are the league champions. One of the many achievements that we had this year was beating Verben Dei during league competition which we had struggled to beat the previous two seasons. We hope to build upon this success after our season is over by taking the claiming the league title again and increasing our presence at CIF competition. Our Junior Varsity team gives us a lot of hope in accomplishing this task with the success this team had as well. Our 4x100 relay team consisted of two returning athletes Nicholas Aguilar and Christian Vega, while our additions were Francisco Ascencio a who became a part of the relay and Jihad Vercher who joined track for the first time this year. Our best performance in the Shot Put came from the addition of Keith Gonzalez and Steven Arellano who place 1st in the Discus. Anthony Basquez and Robert Gonzalez had an awesome year as well making their marks during league to help us win in the throws event. Jonathan Zepeda had an amazing PR of 106 plus feet in the Discus while Nolan Sandoval also had an amazing PR Best throwing over 90 feet in the Discus event as well as claiming the 2nd place spot in Junior Varsity Finals.
2011 Salesian Mustangs Track & Field Team
This is my third season working with Track & Field at Salesian HS and I am faced with a very fresh new team and only four returning athletes. Most of the boys training with me and competing this year are freshman. Nicholas Aguilar standing in the middle and dressed in white is in his third season and hopes to break both of his previous years PR in the 100m and the 200m event. This year he plans and also competing in the 400m event and most of this years preseason training has been focused on insuring his success as well as the rest of the teams success in there events. Several new Shot Put and Discus Throwers plan on breaking our known best thrower 3 seasons ago Richard Avitia who is now pursuing a degree in college.
Salesian Mustangs Track Team Still Undefeated 2010!
It has been quite a successful track season so far for the Mustangs this year. We have built up from the previous season when we made great strides winning 2 out of 4 meets in 2009. This year we continued to improve on last years perfomance. So far undefeated as we beat St.Anthony's early in the season as we did last year and beat Bell-Jeff just as we did this last year also. The greatest accomplishment made this year was defeating St.Genevieve whom we lost to last year. The final score against St.Gens was a winning score of 68 - 50. I'm sure this came as a suprise to St.Gens considering we did not compete in certain events. Are focus as I had told the team to dominate in 8 out of 15 events to ensure a victory.
2010 Salesian Track Team
Last year St.Gens had defeated the Mustangs 70 to 56 but this year that was reversed by a win 68 -50. The Mustangs dominated by winning immediately in teh 4x100 with the team consisting of returner Nick Aguilar and the addition of Tyquion Ballard, Christian Vega and Joey Pelaez.
The Distance team continued this lead by dominating in their event taking 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the 1600m event. The addition of Joey Pelaez in the Long Jump and the Triple Jump winning 1st place in both events.
In the meantime the Mustangs Throws team dominated by taking 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the Shot Put. Taking 1st as a newcomer to track was Eric Zepeda whom also played goalie for the now 2010 CIF State Champions Soccer team. In second came Mike Cruz whom also competed for the first time in his school career and third was taken by Jorge Martinez both of whom were lineman for the 2009 10-3 Mustangs football team.
Christian Vega took 1st while Tyquion Ballard took 3rd place in the 100m event.
Vega won the event with an improved time of 11.69 from his previous best of 11.89 back in January. Tyquion had a PR of 11.97 which he hopes to improve by the middle of April when he competes against Verb. Vega also claimed the 1st place spot in the 200m event which helped add to the success of the meet against St.Gens.
Go Mustangs!
"Learning From the Greats"
Last year I started coaching Track & Field at Bishop Mora Salesian HS and was able to coach the 4x100 team to the CIF Semi-Finals and also the 2009 Throws MVP of the Santa Fe League, Richard Avitia. This year I hope to improve on that by helping the team win its first Santa Fe League Championships as well as prepare some of the athletes to be faster for this years football season. Returning Sprinters Aaron Guevara and Adrian Barragan hope to improve much on their performance. A new member to the Sprints team Christian Vega is already showing promise early in the pre-season as well as another returning athlete Nick Aguilar.
I have made an effort as I did last year to learn from as many successful coaches and athletes as I can before the beginning league meets by attending as multiple Track & Field clinics. I've had the pleasure of learning
from two great athletes and coaches which. To my left is Ian Waltz whom was a 2008 Olympic Trials Champion and Willie Banks whom held the world record in 1985 in the Triple Jump with an outstanding performance of 19.97m which was held for about
Ian Waltz (2008 Beijing Olympic Trials Champ), Me and
Willie Banks (1985 Triple Jump World Record Holder )
10 years. I also had the pleasure of learning some pointers from new Head Track Coach Mike Maynard of UCLA. He discussed many important aspects of technique work for working with throwers. I also had the pleasure of meeting a Coach Ugo Albarracin of Columbia whom has come to the states to learn the training systems used by US coaches in various Track & Field events.
I will also be attending several Youth Track & Field clinics in an effort to learn more about coaching younger athletes in hopes of encouraging participation of young middle school children in both physical fitness and the world of track and field.
Mustangs Continue to Fight for the CIF Southern Section Division Championship....
(12/01/09)
Head Football Coach Roddy Hiatt has brung it to the house. Many victories continue and many teams have left Salesian defeated. The Mustangs remained undefeated at home throughtout the season. With a win over the once undefeated St.Genevieve Valiants the Mustangs took the Santa Fe Leage Champion title. The conquest for the Division Championship continues as the Mustangs claim another win in the 1st round of playoffs against Animo Leadership whom was shut out 21 - 0. 
The Mojave Football team arrived to Salesian expecting to win in the second round. Mojave fans shouted out mockery to the Mustangs of Salesian as they trailed during the first quarter.
Mojaves best rushes came from Johnson #8 who carried the ball for 146 yards total but that would soon come to an end as Salesian football athletes continously pounded him. Mojave seemed hopeful for the away fans as they scored a touchdown to take the lead but soon after Tyquion Ballard #2 scored a TD punt return to take the lead 7 - 6 with 2:04 left in the 1st quarter. By the 3rd quarter the Salesian stampede put #8 out of commision and no one else was able to perform at his level as #6 and #28 of Mojave averaged 5 yards per carry but not enough to win the game.
With 1:30 left in the 3rd qtr Mojave took the lead of 22 - 10 over Salesian.
Late in the 4th qtr Mojave took a 28 to 20 lead over the Salesian Mustangs. Mojave fans rejoiced as they assumed the game to be over but Salesian quickly pulled out an arsenal of passes and rushes to tie the game up late in the 4th quarter. A minute and 9 seconds remained for the game to end but QB Frank Beltran #12 threw a deep pass to Gilbert Dominguez #6 to get the touchdown that would soon tie up the game 28 - 28. The game was tied with a 2-point conversion by a TD pass to Mike Mora #36 from Frank Beltran #12.
Winning a coin toss to start in overtime again the combination of Mora #36 and Frank Beltran #12 took the Salesian Mustangs to a position to score. That would soon lead the Mustangs to re-take the lead and win the game 35 - 28 in overtime with a touchdown rush by Josh Williams #27.
Salesian Mustangs Lays the Hammer in 4th Quarter..
(11/06/09)
Homecoming was all well for the Salesian Mustang Football team as the clinched a play-off spot for the first time since 2006 with their 17-6 victory over Bell-Jeff Friday night. The Mustang’s defense put up another remarkable performance allowing only 6 points and averaging just 8.2 points allowed per game this season. The defense was led by linebackers Michael Mora and Gilbert Dominguez who were not allowing the Bell Jeff offense progress down field without a fight. Running back Tyquion Ballard had another dynamic game as he ran for 78 yards and a touchdown, only running the ball nine times. Junior Andrew Romero had an electrifying offensive performance running all over the Guard’s defensive for 176 yards and a touchdown.
Read More!
Salesian Mustangs Shut Out St. Anthony's 26 - 0 at Their Home-Coming!
(10/30/09)
After their overtime loss last year against the St. Anthony’s Saints, the Salesian Mustangs dominantly shut out their opponent In a Santa Fe League victory. Quarterback Frank Beltran and receiver Tyquon Ballard facilitated their offense’s success by completing passes and running the ball effectively. Frank Beltran threw for 105 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Tyquon Ballard ran for 120 yards, 2 touchdowns, and had 1 interception on defense. Running Back Andrew Romero also had an impressive rushing game totaling 120 yards. Read More!
Mustangs Stampede Gives Bosco Tech and Education On Winning Football
(10/03/09)
This week the Salesian Mustangs played Bosco Tech in a Saturday afternoon Salesian show down. Salesian (3-1) played in their second away game of the season at Bosco Tech (3-0) where the Tigers had been perfect all season on their new turf field. This didn’t seem to phase the Mustangs as they were dominant on both sides of the ball. The Mustangs’ explosive offense was led by quarterback Frank Beltran who threw for 172 yards and two touchdowns. Tyquion Ballard ran for 135 yards and had an interception, which he returned for a 44 yard touchdown. Junior sensation Gregory Castillo had a receiving touchdown and two interceptions, one for an incredible 103 yard return for a touchdown. Junior Michael Lim also had a receiving touchdown which is already his third of the season. Their dynamic defense was led by junior line backers Brandon Garcia and Michael Mora who held the Tigers to a season low 14 points. Devon Moreland added another sack to his season high of 8 sacks. The Salesian Mustangs start their season 4-1 for the first time in over 6 years; with their 30-14 victory against Bosco Tech. Salesian continues to stampede over their opponents as they continue on their journey to the CIF Championship. Their next match-up is against Mary Star of the Sea as they continue their four game road trip. Be sure to stay updated on the Mustangs’ season and don’t be shocked when you “Feel the Power of the Stampede.”
Mustangs Stampede Over Undefeated Winward Wildcats
(9/25/09)
Windward Wildcats arrived at Salesian undefeated and expecting another win to add to their 2 - 0 season. They did not expect to suffer a loss after laying blows on Riverside Christian with a 51 - 6 score and a 81 -12 victory over Ribet Academy. One of the Wildcat coaches could be seen dancing as the Mustangs chanted as they prepared to get on the field and play football.
TheWildcats began a great drive of runs with their RB #22 but having scored only one touchdown to gain a lead. Soon after Salesian Kicker Miguel Rodriguez slammed in his first kick to put 3 points on the board.
After the field goal key players Michael Lim and Evan Bracken put in there own touchdowns. Andrew Romero also put up his own touchdown for the season giving the Mustangs a dominating lead for which Windward High had no answer. Serving on the defense Michael Lim took two interceptions killing hopes of a touchdown away from the Wildcats. The game ended with a 34 - 7 victory taking the Mustangs into their third victory of the season.
Now the Mustangs look foward to take this dominating performance and win the first away game at Bosco Tech to continue their road to the CIF Championships and forward to State.
Mustangs Shut Down Marshall Fundamental Eagles with a 34 - 0 Victory!
(9/11/09)
Excited to play after having a dominating performance the previous week, the Mustangs hoped to repeat with a high score and a shut out. Those dreams were answered by an impressive show of force both on the defensive and offensive sides of the field for the Mustangs. The Eagles didn't seem to know what to do causing them to get penalized atleast 7 times for delay of game. At some point in the game the Eagles rallying to put some points on the board attempted an onside kick or so it seemed. Gilbert Dominguez #6 immediately picked up the ball as it bounced and that lead to another touchdown.
The Mustangs started with a low score in the 1st half only 10 points to end it and assuring no score for the Eagles. Once the second half started they were determined to add more points. Adding 24 points and still keeping Marshall Fundamental scoreless the Mustangs won 34 - 0.
Salesian Mustangs Dominate in Pre-Season Opener Against Bishop Diego Cardinals (9/4/2009)
The Junior Varsity started of with a stampeding victory at home against the away team Bishop Diego Cardinals. Although many Cardinals fans were hopeful that they had come to the Salesian Mustangs Keegan Stadium to win, they were soon surprised and silenced by the Mustangs. A dominating performance was shown by both offensive and defensive players.
Under Head JV Coach Ivan Alvarado the Mustangs inflicted a dominating win of 49 - 7 over the Cardinals team watch.
Cantwell Cardinals coaches watched as the Mustangs laid fury on another Cardinals team.
The Cardinals of Bishop Diego and their fans remained hopeful as their varsity team walked on to the field but the dominating Mustangs would soon impose it's will on them, too.
In the first five minutes of the game the Mustangs varsity team immediately scored 14 points on the board. Many returning veterans like Gilbert Dominguez ( #6 ) played a key role in putting points on the board both offensively and defensively. The Varsity team walked proudly into the lockerroom after a dominating 35 - 0 lead in the first half as Head Varsity Coach Roddy Hiatt had promised. The previous year the Salesian Mustangs had suffered a horrible season of 1 win to 9 losses having only won the third game of the season. Coach Roddy Hiatt brung in a positive and excellent coaching plan to help turn over this football program.
The Mustangs were not done scoring after the first half. The score board continued to increase in numbers after many key players rushed for yards and pass completions continued. The game ended with a 49 - 6 victory. One notable player who has recently entered the Mustangs football roster Michael Mora scored a touchdown deep in the in-zone under great coverage. Two Cardinals went for the ball as it flew into the the in-zone but TE Mike Mora came up with the ball.
Salesian Mustangs Varsity
Being part of this team has been exciting. Losing several senior players after graduation we started rebuilding the team. Here you see what the new Varsity Mustangs football team looks like. After the hire of new Head Football Coach Roddy Hiatt, several kids came out to watch the team getting practice going. The excitement to join football was immediate. Many kids who did not play last year decided to join this year. Many key players like Andrew Romero, Javier Ramirez, Deion Early and Gilbert Dominguez from last season also decided to stay and continue to play football. Ofcourse the named key players are only a few mentionables. Players from other schools soon heard about the great practices we've been having and started to inquire on how they can join the football team. Ofcourse being a private school doesn't make the decision real easy, but the drive to want to be a part of this team motivated them to enroll at Salesian High School in the middle of Boyle Heights. One of my star Track & Field runners Adrian Barragan who competed in the 4 x 100 making as far as the CIF Semi-Finals also decided to join the stampede onto the field. New players like Tyquion Ballard and Evan Bracken have also added greatness to the offense and defense positions. Pedro Ortiz who had played football previously but not last season also decided to help the program by taking a spot in the Mustang line formation. Only weeks remain before the month of September when the football season kicks-off on September 4 against Bishop Diego. Coach Jackson has brung a great package of football plays for our offense to add to a program that is already looking tough for the competition to handle. Our offensive options are numerous and our defense looks like they will be crushing the competition. A schedule of all our games can be followed here --> Salesian Mustangs. All of the coaching staff has a positive attitude about this season and that has transfered over to all the Mustangs. Principal Sam Robles is also excited to see how the football team will perform and we all await as we prepare to play one game at a time on our path to the CIF Divisional Championships.