On Friday Jan. 15, St. Margaret’s parents, students, teachers and honored guests gathered in the Pasternack Field House to celebrate the four- time CIF Championship Tartan football team. Athletic Director Susie Maga greeted those in attendance, including California State Senator Mimi Walters; San Juan Capistrano Mayor Dr. Londres Uso; The Right Reverend J. Jon Bruno, Bishop Diocesan of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles and Chairman of the Board of Trustees; and a representative from United States Congressman Ken Calvert’s office.

The celebration focused on the culmination of impressive statistics that the football program has achieved since 2006: The Tartan football team is the only team in Orange County history to win four consecutive CIF Championships. The team also holds the longest winning streak in Orange County history, with 44 consecutive wins 2006-2009. This year’s defensive players allowed their opponents to score, on average, only one touchdown a game, a feat Mrs. Maga described as “crazy good.” During these past four years, the St. Margaret’s football program has produced 60 All-League Players, 13 League Most Valuable players, 32 All-CIF Players and 9 CIF Most Valuable players.

Although the accolades have been numerous, this celebration was not solely focused on football accomplishments, but also on how the program has brought the St. Margaret’s community together. Headmaster Marcus Hurlbut reflected on how our football games have changed Friday nights. “There is really no sport that brings us together like the sport of football. It is hard to quantify what this means, but you have done a remarkable job bringing us together,” he said. Mr. Hurlbut provided special recognition to the seniors on this year’s team. As Mrs. Maga introduced the 28 Varsity players, each player jogged through a walkway formed by the cheerleaders while the crowd of students, parents, faculty, staff and guests applauded. Mrs. Maga also recognized the Junior Varsity team, congratulating them on their perfect season—the first time any JV football team has gone undefeated in the school’s history.

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The Tartan players learn values on the field that will help them throughout their lives, and the importance of this was recognized by each speaker and honored guest. Mrs. Maga and other distinguished speakers emphasized the effect of the football team’s success beyond the campus borders. San Juan Capistrano Mayor Uso, parent of Lonnie Uso (Class of 1989), commented that being invited to celebrate historic Tartan athletic achievements “is becoming a habit—a really good habit.” He told the football players, “I am so proud of what you have done. You have brought fame to this little city. We have the mission, we have the swallows, and we have the Tartans.”

The Honorable Senator Walters, proud St. Margaret’s parent of Katherine, Caroline, D.J. and Tristan, recognized how the football program has instilled positive qualities in each of the players, including her son, D.J. Before presenting Coach Harry Welch with a certificate, Senator Walters congratulated the Varsity team and said that she was impressed by the coaching staff’s “unbelievable” dedication. “They teach the players respect and kindness, and values they carry for the rest of their lives.”

Another speaker to address the lifelong effects of team sports was The Right Reverend J. Jon Bruno representing the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles and St. Margaret’s Episcopal School’s Board of Trustees. The Rev. Bruno said, “It’s exemplary to see the discipline we’ve seen. Discipline is one of the most important things in life.” Players on team sports develop camaraderie, he said. “You know who can back you up and who is worth trusting.” He expressed pride for all of the banners hanging in Pasternack Field House since each Championship team, whether golf, tennis, or football, exemplifies what it means to be in an Episcopal community. Each Championship meant teammates supported one another.

Coach Welch, who was recognized as the CIF Coach of the Year, and The Los Angeles Daily News Coach of the Decade, thanked all who had contributed to the program’s success. “I am so proud of the young men who allowed me to come into their lives,” Coach Welch said. “Every single team that represented you this fall was Champions. We are all St. Margaret’s together.”

Congratulations to the 2009—2010 Varsity team, including seniors: League and CIF Defensive Lineman Freddy Valencia (#65), All-CIF Defensive End Will Findiesen (#70), All CIF Lineman Connor McClure (#76), All League Linebacker Leo Garcia (#56), First Team All-Academy League and All CIF Defensive back Chris Adams (#21), All CIF Corner Back and interception leader for the Small School Division Fernando Almejo (#9), All League and All CIF Defensive End Adam Miyawaki (#44), All League and All CIF Wide Receiver, John Carpenter (#35) the leader in scoring and rushing yards for the entire East Valley Division and the Academy League Offensive MVP and the CIF Offensive Player of the Year John Murayama (#2), Academy League Lineman of the Year, All CIF Offensive Lineman and 4-year Varsity player Jeff Askin (#63). Juniors on the team include: All League and All CIF Wide Receiver James Murayama (#6), Academy League Defensive Player of the Year and the CIF Defensive Player of the Year Michael Schmall (#7), Top Rated Quaterback in the East Valley Section, First team All-League and All CIF Quarterback Brennan Smith (#11), Joey Sego (#12), All Academy League Receiver Davis Edwards (#32), All League Defensive Tackle Bryan Flores (#55), All League Player Brett Nicholas (#64), and Max Carpenter (#77) Sophomores on the Varsity team include: Jon Gencarella (#19), Chris Bauer (#28), Mark Olivier (#34), Chase Steuber (#61), Jake Dappen (#62), Matt Kloss (#72), A.J. Rovsek (#79), All-League and All CIF Corner Back Matthew Duenes (#4) and Freshmen Houston Agan (#5) and Chase McClure (#29).

Tags: Athletics, Community