The student news site of Los Altos High School in Los Altos, California

The Talon

The student news site of Los Altos High School in Los Altos, California

The Talon

The student news site of Los Altos High School in Los Altos, California

The Talon

Sports Briefs

Gymnastics members succeed with team spirit

The gymnastics team started off its season with a bang, obtaining first place at its first meet as well as securing top positions in following meets. With many upperclassmen on the roster, the team is putting these experienced players to its utmost advantage. However, the team has its strongest point in a less technical aspect: team spirit.

“We are definitely working towards achieving as much as we did last year,” junior Emma Orner said. “[But just as importantly], we are all super close and really just enjoy competing together, so it’s not really all about placing for us.”

With this strong bond, the team hopes to continue its success with effective synergy.

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Swimming adjusts to upper De Anza League

The boys and girls swimming teams are  1-3 in the league. They are having a hard time competing for a high record after moving up to the De Anza League, mainly because of numerous powerhouse schools such as Gunn and Palo Alto dominating the division. With the presence of such competitive schools, the team had trouble adjusting to the high expectations of the De Anza League.

Even with such skilled competitors in the league, the team has a number of talented underclassmen, with which the team was able to overcome Homestead.

“Winning the meet against Homestead a few weeks ago seemed to let everyone relax a bit,” head coach Richard Llewellyn said. “We have a ways to go before we can challenge powers like Paly but I would like to think that in the future this is possible.”

Badminton to move down divisions after season ends

Like the swim team, badminton has also moved up a division this season and has a 0-7 record. Amid tough competition, the team has been putting in hard work to improve. Head coach Stefaan Lodge conducts specific drills according to what the team  struggled with on the previous match. By polishing the weaker techniques, the team is able to effectively readjust after every match.

The team is also anticipating that it will move back down a league, allowing them to play less challenging schools and hopefully increase its win rate.

“Next year we’ll probably move down [a division],” said junior Ethan Sagan. “However, in the lower division, we’re pretty confident to win all our games because this year’s JV coach is really training [the JV team] harder, and preparing them for varsity next year.”

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