Once Again: At The Top

Those of you who have ever won a championship in a sport know that titles aren't won in one night. They are months, a year, or even multiple seasons in the making. Well, the 2013 Clovis High Boy's Volleyball team is no different. Just this last Friday, May 17, 2013, they brought yet another Central Section Title (or for those of you who live in the area, a Valley Championship), back to Clovis High. Just like every other championship team before them at Clovis, the fight to win this title started long before they entered the gym on Friday night. From the 6am morning workouts starting in January to the grinding practices throughout the season, this team has been nothing but focused from the start. This season hasn't been perfect by any means. A heart-breaking second-place finish in the Las Vegas Easter Invitational tournament, only led to the hunger of wanting to finish out this season as champions. If 2nd place in Las Vegas wasn't enough to fuel the fire, two short weeks later, the Cougars suffered another gut-wrenching defeat in the finals of the Brian Nolan Memorial Invitational tournament in Roseville, CA. After the Roseville tournament, Clovis started their run at the TRAC (Tri-River Athletic Conference) championship. After round 1, the Cougars were a perfect 5-0 in conference, and looking to keep the run going. However, on April 30, the Cougars were handed only their sixth loss of the season at the hands of the Buchanan Bears, the reigning back-to-back section champions. Two nights later, the Cougars defeated their long time crosstown rivals, Clovis West, to secure their co-championship with Buchanan. After the playoff seeds came out, Clovis got earned the #1 seed and Buchanan was given the #2 seed. There was no doubt in the section that there would be a rubber match in the Valley finals to determine who was going to have the bragging rights for the next year. You couldn't have written the script any better than it already was. In anticipation for a capacity crowd, the Cougars decided to move the championship game into their bigger, South Gym after playing their whole season in the smaller, and more intimate, North Gym. That was a great decision. There were about 2,500+ people in the South Gym. Most were there to support either Clovis or Buchanan, but some were there to just catch a good match. Fortunately, the match wasn't just good, it was epic! It was a back and forth battle all night long; both teams trading sets and trying to gain momentum. Clovis won the first set 25-22. Buchanan bounced back with a 25-23 win. Clovis took the third set, 25-19, and was looking to close out the match in the fourth, but Buchanan has other plans, winning 25-21. It was all down to the fifth and final set. One set to 15 points, winner take all. It was a back and forth battle the whole way. The entire crowd remained standing from the first whistle to the last point in set five. It was the loudest crowd I have ever experienced. Though the fifth set is scheduled to 15 points, championships don't always follow schedules. At 14-13, Clovis had their first Championship Point. We all had no idea, that it would be the first of seven Championship Points in a row that Buchanan would fight off. It wasn't until an ace serve by Buchanan when the score was 20-20 that the Bears got their first Championship Point. They would have two chances to win the match before Clovis took the lead once again for their eighth Championship Point. Well, it turns out that eight times is a charm. Because, on dig by Connor Myers, a set by Lucas Occhino, and kill by Ridge Riley, the Cougars won their fourth Valley Championship. For the previous three championships, I was a coach on staff with the team, trained players, and put in a lot of hard work and hours. This year, I was more of a volunteer. I helped out when I was able to, including driving a van to the Las Vegas tournament and helping with practices. But, that does not mean that this championship was any less special, important, or meaningful to me. I had the privilege to coach some of these guys when they were freshman in high school, and it makes me so proud that they have worked this hard to get to this point and bring another championship home. I may not have been there every step of the way this season, but the steps I was there for have meant the world to me, and I will always look back on fond memories of this season. I want to thank Coach Lake for his allowing me to help out with the team. You have always been a great coach, mentor, and friend. I want to especially thank the 2013 Clovis High Boys Volleyball team. Without you guys, absolutely none of this would be possible. It was your hard work, dedication, and "never say die" attitude that won this championship. You absolutely deserve this! Congratulations! Love you guys! Until next time... Dean

Been Too Long

Not that there are a ton of readers and followers, but nevertheless, I feel like I've been neglecting you all. To be completely honest, there really hasn't been a ton of stuff that has gone on in the last 10 months. There have been some important things, but not a whole lot. Back in January, my grandfather of nearly 102 years old passed away. He was 10 days away from his 102nd birthday. As sad as we all were to lose Grandpa, we couldn't help but be envious of how full a life he lived. Spending nearly 100 years of his life here in the Clovis area, he left an impression on all of his family. I can't help but feel that my love for the city of Clovis comes from the fact that my grandfather loved this town so much. He had pride in this city, and I know that his love rubbed off on me. I miss his stories and laugh, but I'm comforted by knowing that he was finally reunited with Grandma up in Heaven. They both live on in all of the grandkids everyday. Last month, on the 18th of April, Jennifer and I celebrated our two-year anniversary. Never thought that I would have been in a relationship this long, but I'm grateful that I have a woman who is as patient with me as she is. Lord knows I test her patience constantly. Thank you for being there Jennifer. I know that this is a short update, but I figured that something is better than nothing. Until next time... Trevor